Will Dr M vs PM Anwar legal battle fizzle out?

 No News Is Bad News

(Updates at bottom of text)

Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Mahthir Mohamad during cordial times after GE14’s victory, toppling the then Barisan Nasional (BN)-led Government.

Will Dr M vs PM Anwar legal battle fizzle out?

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5, 2023: Malaysians wait with bated breath the legal suit filed by Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M) against Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Much have been written why Dr M is filing such a suit against Anwar when it is clear that Dr M’s siblings are all clearly multit-millionaires, if not billionaires.

It is obvious that Dr M is now facing a prime minister who dares to criticise the performance of previous Governments and act against leaders deemed to have done wrong.

None of the previous prime ministers have criticised past leaders as Anwar has done thus far. He has also voiced out strongly against racial and religious bigots like no other leaders.

And Anwar is taking the suit by its horns by challenging it in court. Is Anwar calling Dr M’s gambit?

Dr M has been challenging and criticising all previous prime ministers and Malaysians - bringing down prime ministers and Government. But will Anwar face the same fate or will he go all out to tame Dr M and stop his racial and religious national-unity splitting ways?

No News Is Bad News reproduces two detailed opinion pieces published by newmediahit,com:

Home Opinion ‘Pre-Emptive Strike’ by PM Anwar Leaves Mahathir In ‘Great Panic’

Dictatorial former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Family, all confirmed multibillionaires, may ‘rush for exit’ as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveals true colours!

There’s a system in place in any country, Malaysia being no exception. Also, even “bad government”, it’s said, is better than “no government” at all. Eventually, it’s the system that catches up with alleged wrongdoers, when they come face to face with it. We can recall the fates of Marcos, Suharto, Mubarak, Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Joseph Tito and Omar al-Bashir and more from recent history.

The PTI (pendatang tanpa izin or illegal immigrants) in Sabah can share their experience with the oft-cited Bapa Projek IC Mahathir (Father of Project IC Mahathir) phenomenon. The 2012 Sabah RCI Report on Illegal Immigrants refers. Coincidentally, the Lahad Datu intrusion was in early 2013. Nine Sulu militants were hanged for “waging war against the Agong”. Then, came the Sulu heirs, who are being dealt with by the system and the Sabah Report on the air crash in 6 June 1976 where there has been no closure.

 

Mahathir silent when nine Sulu militants hanged for ‘waging war against Agong’. Sulu heirs being dealt by the system. – pic from Wikipedia

 

The long arm of the law will catch up with alleged wrongdoers including people like dictatorial former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 98, who has probably been literally asking for it on a daily basis, and hold them accountable. No one can escape Karma, the law of cause and effect. It’s the guilty conscience that kills. In Karma, those who block the “clear energy” will be moved out of the way. Miracles happen when the conscience is clear. It’s not superstition for those who have experienced it. Malaysia has stored up a lot of Karma since Merdeka (Independence) on 31 August 1957 and Malaysia Day on 16 September 1963.

Anwar And Mahathir

Mahathir and family, all confirmed multibillionaires who went from rags to riches in a decade, still don’t know what hit them. The past has caught up in the present and haunts the future, jail or exile, as they risk being back in rags again. In many countries, there are laws on “unexplained wealth”, separate from “secret profits”, money laundering and tax evasion.

Mahathir was “threatening” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim one minute with defamation suit for speaking the truth on “impossible wealth” held by him and the family. The Prime Minister has a duty to find closure on the “impossible wealth” held by so many people in the country. It’s a matter of public concern and public interest, the criteria used by the Attorney General (AG) under Article 145, in framing charges in court.

All hell broke loose the next minute after the Mahathir threat. We can recall, in keeping things in perspective, that Anwar has won many counter-claims and defamation suits. He won Sodomy 1 on Appeal, lost the corruption case in Sodomy 1, and Sodomy 2, and was given Pardon for both criminal cases.

Open Secret

It’s open secret, along the political grapevine, that Anwar has prepared massive counter-claim in facing Mahathir’s defamation suit, expected any day in the High Court if any lawyer takes the brief.

Unlike Mahathir’s “petty-minded” defamation suit against Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for being called “kutty (small/little) from Kerala”, Anwar may be in no mood for out of court settlement. If Mahathir has reputation for being recalcitrant, Anwar may be double recalcitrant. If two can play the game, time isn’t on Mahathir’s side.

The Prime Minister feels the people expect full Trial on the “case of the century”, even though it’s not the done thing, kicking a man when he’s down, even if he’s asking for it. The people however, in making an exception, patently want Mahathir and Family buried once and for all and their “evil influence” exorcised from the body politic. The “burial” may take the form of stiff jail sentences, besides hefty fines, or exile in a land as far away as possible from Malaysia, “and allowing no return even in coffin”.

The High Court will first hear the counter-claim. If accepted, Mahathir’s claim will be struck out. Mahathir risks being cited for contempt if he doesn’t settle the counter-claim within a reasonable period of time. The counter-claim cannot be set aside.

The publicly known details on the counter-claim remain sketchy as Anwar, in playing the cards close to the chest, allows no peeking.

Main Belakang

Still, it’s reckoned that the damage caused by the allegedly “trumped up” Sodomy 1 and Sodomy II criminal cases, and several stints in jail, bashing, and Trial by Media allegedly masterminded by Mahathir amidst repeated defamatory statements — the “main belakang” (sodomy) soap opera episodes — which probably influenced the court, and alleged manipulation of the court, will all probably feature prominently in the counter claim.

Civil action, and if challenged criminal suits, remain fallback options for Anwar Ibrahim.

In law, the “impossible wealth” of Mahathir and Family will cease existence the moment civil action is filed in the High Court. The money laundering assets will be frozen, seized and forfeited as state revenue. The court will leave Mahathir and Family with a house, car, and some money.

International law — national law being read as compliant — defines money laundering as having assets far in excess of what can be legitimately accumulated over a lifetime. The proof, in law, lies in the assets themselves. In the Mahathir and Family case, there are also elements of “wealth hoarding”, monopolistic practices, probably economic sabotage and subverting Article 153, the New Economic Policy (NEP) and the quota system. More on this later.

Also, in law separate from money laundering assets, “secret profits” are owned by the principal, i.e. the government in this case.

Criminal Charges

The Anwar government can only bring criminal charges if civil action on money laundering assets is challenged. Mahathir, noted for being recalcitrant, wouldn’t take civil action lying down. He will mount stiff challenge against freezing, seizing and forfeiting money laundering assets. Unlike civil action which takes just minutes in the High Court, the criminal case/s will last for months, even years. The Marcos case in the Philippines for example, is still in court, more than 33 years later. His son, Bong Bong, 65, became Philippines President on June 30 last year.

Mahathir’s defamation suit may explain “impossible wealth” by the special position for Malay, Orang Asal and Orang Asli, by way of a reasonable proportion under Article 153, 30 per cent corporate wealth and reasonable proportion under the quota system. The ratio decidendi for the court, and jugular vein for Prosecution, remains the fact that all these were allegedly observed in the breach i.e. in violating the intention of the framers of the Constitution and intention of Parliament.

There were AP (Applied Permits), monopolies, concessions, quotas, licences and permits from the Licence Raj in socialist India. The Licence Raj has been dismantled in India but continues in Malaysia through SEDC, GLC, GLIC and government owned firms. The government sector makes up half the market capitalisation in Bursa Saham Malaysia. It not only accounts for the lack lustre performance but the market not being attractive enough for overseas institutional investors.

Hansard

We know from disclosures in Parliament that government contracts eventually were given out at double, triple, and even for ten times what it should cost the tax payer, there were no checks and balances, no due diligence and no forensic accounting on the money trail. The Hansard, record of parliamentary proceedings, has the proof among others on the 1km rail link between KLIA and KLIA2 costing RM100m, nasi lemak being served aboard Malaysian Airlines at RM150 per person, Malaysian Airlines having 20K suppliers while other airlines had 2K suppliers, and the Army buying Maggi mee at RM4.50 a packet when it was being sold at the corner store at 0.45 sen a packet.

Then, we have the Petronas contracts being allegedly dished out to a very small group.

Pink share forms refer to 30 per cent block in publicly listed companies under the NEP. On paper, these were meant for ordinary Malay, Orang Asal and Orang Asli, Amanah Saham Bumiputera, and institutional investors. The shareholdings of Mahathir’s children, in the billions, are in publicly-listed companies. It’s a matter of public record.

The numerous bank mergers, presided over by Daim Zainuddin, saw millions in loans allegedly taken by the ruling elite written off.

Mahathir, according to the media, was involved in the RM30b forex scandal at Bank Negara. No one knows what happened to the money.

There were various other financial scandals during the Mahathir Administration from 1981 to 2003. These include the London Tin Market, Maminco and BMF.

Najib on Guru

In reality, it can be proven in court that Article 153, NEP and quota system were all observed in the breach under the dictatorial Mahathir premiership from 1981 to 2003 and 2018 to 2020. Former Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said after GE14, on Wednesday 9 May 2018, that “Mahathir was the Guru. We all learnt from him”.

It would be poetic justice if Mahathir lands in court, for civil action and criminal court, after he allegedly manipulated Trial by Media even before GE14 and smeared Najib’s name. Mahathir came up with three Mantra which he recited daily . . . “Najib curi duit”, “Najib curi duit kerajaan”, “Najib curi duit rakyat” (Najib stole money, Najib stole government money, Najib stole the people’s money). The Mahathir-appointed judges jailed Najib, unrepresented, on Tuesday 23 August last year. The Bench did not want to risk labelling Mahathir “Great Liar”. Therein lies miscarriage of justice, among others.

We can recall that Anwar raised concerns on “Mahathir’s Way” before he was sacked in 1998 as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Umno Deputy President.

He swore before the media assembled, international and local, that he would see Mahathir and Daim Zainuddin in court on their “impossible wealth”. It was self-fulfilling prophecy. — newmediahit

About the writer: Longtime Borneo watcher Joe Fernandez has been writing for many years on both sides of the South China Sea. He should not be mistaken for a namesake formerly with the Daily Express in Kota Kinabalu. JF keeps a Blog under FernzTheGreat on the nature of human relationships.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article are that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management of newmediahit.com.

Home Opinion Mahathir And His ‘No Sense Of Shame’ Exposed By Anwar Ibrahim

‘Visitation from Hell’, ‘holier than thou’, Mahathir and family of multibillionaires based on public records — no fig leaf — first in world history, should be in Guinness Book of Records

Three Mantra explain the 24 years — 1981 to 2003 and 2018 to 2020 — during which Mahathir Mohamad from Kerala in southwest India was dictatorial prime minister — “Mahathir curi duit”, “Mahathir curi duit kerajaan” and “Mahathir curi duit rakyat” (Mahathir stole money, Mahathir stole government money, Mahathir stole the people’s money).

Mahathir evaded the two great principles which underwrite the Cabinet System viz. consensus (no voice against) and collective responsibility (all or one, one for all).

Deja vu!

Mahathir would no doubt seek refuge under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, as applied, that government contracts were not corruption since “both sides sign contracts”.

That doesn’t excuse dictatorial premiership doing away with checks and balances in government, avoiding due diligence, and forensic accounting — on the money trail — on being party to illegalities viz. money laundering activities.

Mahathir, falling back on “loyar burokism” or coffee shop law from the School of Kangkungology in Law, would probably claim disingenously — like Taib Mahmud ‘the Sultan of Sarawak’ — that all his children are “smart” and that he wasn’t behind their multibillions.

Even if that was true, the definition of money laundering in international law can be used against Mahathir by the Anwar government.

Money laundering stands defined, and applicable in national law being read as compliant, on having assets far in excess of what can be accumulated legitimately over a lifetime.

Attorney General

Such assets can be frozen by civil action, seized and forfeited by the state as revenue. Attorney General (AG) Idrus Harun would probably allow Mahathir to keep a modest house, a car and some money.

If rejected, Mahathir can try singing for supper as a stand-up comedian back in Kerala or the kampung in Kedah.

Also, in law, “secret profits” belong to the principal i.e. the state in this case. Secret profits may, or may not, be about money laundering assets.

Criminal suits would only be filed if the civil action was challenged.

It’s a matter of strategy, under the catchall phrase “national security”, that the Anwar government takes away Mahathir’s money especially since he’s glutton for punishment. If Mahathir wants to play “hardcore”, based on nothing but being “sour grapes”, two can play the game.

It was Mahathir, staying in glass house, that came up with the three Mantras on former Prime Minister Najib Razak — “Najib curi duit”, “Najib curi duit kerajaan” and “Najib curi duit rakyat”.

Najib publicly declared, after GE14 on 9 May 2018, that “Mahathir was the Guru (on accumulating capital by hook or by crook including by plundering the public treasury through inflated government contracts), we all learnt from him”.

If Mahathir sues Anwar Ibrahim for defamation, the prime minister can counter-claim based on publicly known facts alone. The High Court will first look at Anwar’s counter-claim.

If accepted, Mahathir’s defamation suit will be dismissed by the very judges appointed by him in contravention of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JEC) in cahoots with Tommy Thomas as AG.

Social Media

Mahathir, given the advent of social media, can no longer manipulate the mainstream media and determine and dictate the agenda.

If Mahathir stories — even sheer nonsense based on a mixture of fiction, fantasy and outright falsehoods — still get carried, it’s because he allegedly “buys space” with the multibillions at his disposal.

Mahathir stories, being “half-truths”, are not “newsworthy”. He has convenient bouts of amnesia, driven by taqiyya (deliberately lying) and kitman (lying by omission), in advancing “the greater cause of Mahathirism”.

Mahathir claims that Malays are “finished” because the majority of Anwar’s lawmakers are non-Malays.

There’s no race, religion and political parties in Parliament, only lawmakers elected by all. Lawmakers stand pledged, serving all constituents including those who didn’t vote for them. The people have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Anwar’s Cabinet was majority Malay, and the civil service and gov’t sector 90 per cent Malays.

Mahathir belabours in the delusion, driven by demons i.e. signs of mental illness caused by imbalances in brain chemistry as a result of unmitigated stress, that the grim reaper won’t come for him as long as he remains relevant as “fighting cock”.

Here, we can recall that Mahathir pontificated sanctimoniously several times on Malays not committing hara-kiri since they have “no sense of shame”, unlike in Japan where a daughter stays.

Mahathir’s Heritage Denied

Mahathir, unlike British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, shamelessly claims — Google the issue — that he has “only spoonfuls of blood (Indian), “otherwise I am Malay”.

In science, there’s no Malay blood. DNA, the warehouse for genes, can’t tell race. It can’t tell how a person would look. It can only tell where a person’s genes came from. The genes may not be reflected in a person’s looks.

Mahathir was Malay by “form of identity” under the Definition in Article 160(2), but Malayalam-speaking Indian Muslim by “ethnicity” and history, culture, customs and traditions. He did concede the fact — being Indian — on government forms for the Medical Faculty at Singapore University.

No doubt, it was acceptable in those poverty-stricken days in the kampung, that Indian Muslims would deny being Malay. Only Muslims before Merdeka, 31 Aug 1957, and their descendants are Malay under Article 160(2).

There’s case law on Malay not being blood, race, ethnicity, genes, DNA — Petmal Oil (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd v. Che Mariah Mohd Tahir (Trading As Delta Mec Enterprise) [1994] 3 CLJ 638.

Mahathir has also filed defamation suit against Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for calling him “kutty” (Malayalam for little or small — boy or girl). Kutty remains a common name in Kerala.

My sisters, for example, have kutty in their house names viz. Kochu (small) Kutty and Baby Kutty. These were glamorised by siblings as Cutis and Batis. Kochu, another sibling, has been renamed Koch. Kungnu (also small) has become Kungh. He calls the daughter Kutty. I was Baby Chen (adorable) in the early years until the name was dropped.

Cases Dropped

Zahid has also hit back with defamation suit for Mahathir claiming that he (Zahid) wanted criminal case/s against him dropped.

Mahathir, at 98 years old, was too old to be in jail. In fact, he may even be too old for anything, except sitting in a rocking chair.

 

Mahathir and his multibillionaire children can be locked up unless they surrender money laundering assets. – MH graphics

 

However, Mahathir’s multibillionaire children, beneficiaries of dictatorial premiership, can be locked up unless they surrender money laundering assets. Alternatively, they can be sent into exile with the Father, never returning even in a coffin, having allegedly committed heinous crimes against the nation.

If Mahathir heads for Kobe, Japan, where a daughter stays, he has one option. He can commit hara-kiri and end up on the other side. — mediahit

About the writer: Longtime Borneo watcher Joe Fernandez has been writing for many years on both sides of the South China Sea. He should not be mistaken for a namesake formerly with the Daily Express in Kota Kinabalu. JF keeps a Blog under FernzTheGreat on the nature of human relationships.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article are that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management of newmediahit.com.

Dr M files RM150mil defamation suit against Anwar over wealth claim

By NURBAITI HAMDAN

NATION

Friday, 05 May 2023

12:22 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has filed a RM150mil defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the latter's speech at an event in March.

The lawsuit was filed through Messrs Law Practice of Rafique at the Shah Alam High Court registry on Wednesday (May 3).

According to the statement of claim, Anwar allegedly made a slanderous speech at a programme called "Kongres Nasional Khas Malaysia Madani: Pelaksanaan Sebuah Idealisme" at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam on March 18.

It said the event was broadcast on Facebook live via the account "Anwar Ibrahim" and PKR's YouTube channel.

Dr Mahathir claimed that Anwar had alluded to him in the speech when referring to "a person in power for 22 years and 22 months".

The plaintiff sought for the court to take judicial notice that he had been the fourth prime minister between 1981 and 2003 (22 years) and the seventh prime minister between May 2018 and February 2020 (22 months).

He claimed that the defendant's defamatory statements had caused negative perception against him, marred his image as a statesman and a two-time prime minister, as well as his reputation as a politician and a respected leader in Malaysia and internationally. - The Star

Dr M's defamation suit: Anwar leaves it to lawyers to handle

 NATION

· Friday, 05 May 2023

· 3:55 PM MYT

 

BANTING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is leaving it to his lawyers to handle the RM150mil defamation suit filed against him by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Let the lawyers handle it,” he said briefly in response to the news report on the defamation suit.

It was reported that Dr Mahathir had filed the defamation suit against Anwar over the speech the latter made at an event dubbed "Kongres Nasional Khas Malaysia Madani: ‘Pelaksanaan Sebuah Idealisme” in Shah Alam in March.

Dr Mahathir filed the suit through Messrs Law Practice of Rafique at the Shah Alam High Court on May 3 and named Anwar as the sole defendant.

Anwar was met after having lunch with the locals at the Selera Tujuh food court here on Friday (May 5).

Also present were Selangor Rural Development, Traditional Village, Malay Customs, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah.

The Prime Minister then proceeded to join the congregants at the Masjid Jamek As-solihin in Kampung Kanchong Darat for Friday prayers. - Bernama

Dr M - from statesman to a pariah

No News Is Bad News

Anwar Ibrahim, the internationally-recognised Muslim leader

https://iais.org.my/images/stories/IAIS/events/2023/25JAN2023/updated_Forum_25JAN2023.jpg 

 

Dr M - from statesman to a pariah

KUALA LUMPUR (May 5, 2023): Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M) , who “ruled” Malaysia for more than two decades, is today an extremely pathethic politician.

He was aptly described by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli as “ a stubborn old man who does not know how to retire honorably and gracefully befitting a statesman”.

As if he did not feel the disgraceful public slap on his face when he and his party members all lost their deposits in General Election 15 (GE15), he continues to play the “ divide and rule” politics.

Today, for his political agenda and convenience, he continues to play the religious and facial cards --- this time working dangerously with the Taliban-like PAS to topple the Anwar Ibrahim-led Unity Government (UG).

Free Malaysia Today (FMT)reported yesterday (May 4, 2023) that Dr M’s “Malay Proclamation” was signed by various Opposition party leaders, hardly surprising, as they are going all out to drum up anti-Government sentiments to topple Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister.

Even the Johor Sultan has called on Malaysians to stop using race and religion in their bid to topple Anwar’s UG.

“Enough is enough. Use constructive criticisms and Paliamentary debates to help in nation-building and to achieve your (political) agenda legitimately and peacefully,” the Sultan was quoted by the media.

But, are they listening?

The Opposition today is jest bent on creating political instability, using dangerous racial and religious utterances to create national disunity for their selfish agenda.

Are they working for Malaysians and the country? Do they have their hearts for the well-bring of Malaysians and Malaysia?

Malaysians are well aware of the political antics of PAS, so there is no necessity to clarify the party’s agenda. But what about the likes of Muhyiddin Yassin and his former Umno comrades who had lost their Government positions through their own political folly?

Now, they are all crying “We need to save the poor Malays”, “The Malays are losing their ruling status”, etc

Really? Why then is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) and the Sultan still revered by Malaysians, why is the prime minister, the Defence Force chief, Inspector-General of Police, and 90% of the civil service are Malays?

What Malaysians should be asking is what has Dr M and previous Governments achieved for the Malays if they are still behind others in more ways than one? Certainly the others did steal or rob to progress socio-economically.

Lest we forget, Anwar was named one of the top four finance ministers of 1993 by Euromoney magazine. He delivered seven years of budget surpluses for Malaysia - no other finance minister has been able to do that evence once.

On that record alone, Anwar should given the right and reasonble time to lead Malaysians and Malaysia higher socio-economic heights.

So, why are Opposition politicians trying to topple Anwar and his UG?

They want to grab power, return to the days of “business as usual” and enjoy the “largesse era” that has saddled Malaysians with more than RM1.5 trillion in national debt.

No New Is Bad News reproduces below the FMT report on the issues and other relevant visuals for your reading pleasure:

Dr M rallying anti-Anwar groups with ‘Malay Proclamation’, say analysts

However, the signing of the document by various opposition leaders can also lead to an attempt to overthrow the unity government.

Lynelle Tham - 04 May 2023, 7:30am

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and several leaders from the party signed the ‘Malay Proclamation’ after a meeting with Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The signing of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s “Malay Proclamation” by various opposition party leaders is more likely an attempt to rally those who are against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ahead of the state elections, say analysts.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said bringing together all the “anti-Anwar” groups would strengthen the opposition’s influence among the Malay voters.

“With this Malay Proclamation, the opposition can cultivate the Malay sentiments, especially among their staunch supporters in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah,” he told FMT.

Similarly, James Chin of University of Tasmania said Mahathir is simply gathering all the “anti-Anwar” groups to show how powerful they could be when they band together.

“They all share the same aim, which is to bring down Anwar. They can test this during the upcoming six state elections,” he said.

Yesterday, it was reported that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and several leaders from the party signed the proclamation after a meeting with Mahathir.

Three Bersatu leaders – its deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu, information chief Razali Idris and Supreme Council member Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid – have also signed the document in their personal capacity.

Last week, Mahathir, who was once critical of PAS, said the people should not fear the “green wave” of support for Perikatan Nasional, pointing out that Malaysia saw rapid development when it was governed by a Malay-majority government for 60 years.

Meanwhile, Tunku Mohar Mokhtar of the International Islamic University Malaysia said one should be wary of the proclamation signings as they could lead to an attempt to overthrow the unity government.

However, he said the unity government should not “lose sleep” over the matter as it would not be easy to repeat the Sheraton Move.

“The situation today is different because there is now the anti-hopping law and a memorandum of understanding signed by component parties in the unity government,” he said.

MALAYSIA

Johor sultan chides MPs threatening to destabilise nation

State ruler voices concern over alleged plot to topple unity govt

Updated 13 hours ago · Published on 03 May 2023 11:03PM

Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar stresses that the nation’s economy must be allowed to recover, and thus the pursuit of prosperity must be prioritised. – HRH Crown Prince of Johor Facebook pic, May 3, 2023

PETALING JAYA – Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has panned lawmakers who have threatened to destabilise the nation, following alleged plans by some to topple the unity government.

Taking his concerns to Instagram, the ruler expressed his concern over “incessant” reports regarding the stability of the current unity government although six months have passed since the 15th general election (GE15).

“The rakyat had high hopes during the recent GE15 and voted for 222 representatives to bring back political stability to the country,” the sultan said in the posting this evening.

“But until today, the 222 MPs cannot get on the same page with efforts made to derail the stability that is being carefully built.”

“This is not healthy for the entire nation, whether socially, economically, or even for our standing internationally.” 

Sultan Ibrahim also said Malaysians should not have to endure such uncertainties for long, adding that “enough is enough”.

The ruler also stressed that the economy must be allowed to recover, therefore the nation’s pursuit of prosperity must be prioritised.

Previously, The Vibes reported that there were rumours of a fresh plot by Perikatan Nasional to unseat Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.

Subsequently, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said with the anti-hopping law and the two-third majority, any attempt to topple the unity government would not be an easy feat. – The Vibes, May 3, 2023

Dr M is a liability now, says Zahid

The Umno president wishes Dr Mahathir Mohamad ‘all the best’ with his ‘Malay Proclamation’.

FMT Reporters - 04 May 2023, 6:27pm

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the unity government had greater ‘meaning’ than Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ‘Malay Proclamation’.

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the “latest liability” in the political landscape, in dismissing the former prime minister’s “Malay Proclamation”.

Zahid said the unity government had greater “meaning” than Mahathir’s proclamation, though the latter had managed to obtain the support of PAS and Bersatu leaders as well as individuals such as Annuar Musa and Zuraida Kamaruddin.

“I wish PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Mahathir all the best following their recent meeting. I say this because we all know that Mahathir is the latest liability in Malaysian politics,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

“This is proven by his loss in Langkawi (during the 15th general election) where he lost his deposit. In fact, none of the candidates from his party won a seat.

“If this meeting (over the ‘Malay Proclamation’) is truly to unite the Malays, they must know that Umno is the biggest Malay-Bumiputera party and that the unity government has greater meaning to the country.”

He was commenting on Hadi and other PAS leaders signing Mahathir’s “Malay Proclamation” in the presence of the former Langkawi MP to signify their support for his call for Malays to unite and “save” the community.

Three Bersatu leaders – deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu, information chief Razali Idris and Supreme Council member Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid – have also signed the proclamation in their personal capacities.

Zahid called for an end to political instability, saying this had greatly affected the country over the past four years with Malaysia seeing three prime ministers in a period of five years.

The deputy prime minister added that all political parties should heed the Johor ruler’s call for political stability to ensure the nation could progress and grow its economy.

“The government is stable now with 148 MPs supporting it, and that needs to increase further.”

 

Cover image via Vincent Thian/AP & Parliamen Malaysia (YouTube)

https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TRS18_20.pdf THE MAKING OF ANWAR IBRAHIM’S “HUMANE ECONOMY”

Asia’s Best Finance Minister 1996 Top 4 World’s Best Finance Minister 1996. Table below is the historical dividend rate since the fund was launched in 1990. Anwar Ibrahim the Best!

  

You want a PAS-led Taliban Government?

No News Is Bad News

Which image do you want for Malaysia?

 

You want a PAS-led Taliban Government?

 KUALA LUMPUR (May 1, 2023): After the 15^th General Election (GE15), Malaysians found themselves without a Government as they had elected a split 222-seat Parliament.

What shocked Malaysians was the prospect of a PAS-led Taliban-like coalition Government being formed to govern the people (not Malaysians).

If that had happened, Malaysians only had themselves to blame for they made their choice through the ballots without serious consideration of the consequences for themselves and the country.

Post GE15 saw no single party winning a majority to form the Government. The main political blocks or coalitions are Pakatan Harapan (PH - comprising PKR, DAP, etc), Perikatan Nasional (PN - comprising Bersatu (The Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Malay: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia), abbreviated BERSATU or PPBM, PAS, Gerakan, etc), Barisan Nasional (BN - comprising Umno, MCA, MIC, etc) and the Sabah-Sarawak block.

Malaysians were lucky to escape from the jaws of the Taliban-like PAS as it was unable to garner majority support from the 222 MPs. Former PM Muhyiddin Yassin had rejected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King)'s invitation to form a coalition Government with PH or BN.

Muhyiddin was adamant in becoming the 10^th Prime Minister.

Why all these historical background? Because Malaysians are relatively fickle-minded .

So, it was really a close shave for Malaysians to fall into the clutches of the Taliban-like PAS because PH, BN and the Sabah-Sarawak block rejected PAS to be in the Government.

Now, let us be clear. None of the political parties or coalitions are angels, so to speak.

But it is always the case of choosing between " the devil and the deep blue sea"  or choosing "the devil that you know than the devil that you don't" when it comes to general elections. If you don’t make a right choice (not necessary to your liking), your future and rights are doomed for sure. And that is the reality of politics and life.

No News Is Bad News is making a comeback after going into hibernation on Dec 3, 2018. We are back because Malaysians need to unite and speak with one mind for their future and fundamental rights as guaranteed under the Constitution - not under Taliban-like governments.

We, are therefore, focusing on the coming state elections. These are the states that did not dissolve their assembly to pave the way for GE15.

What is crucial in the coming state elections, likely in June or July, is that Malaysians must unite to elect a governments that protect Malaysians and their rights.

In so doing, they have no choice or alternative but to reject PAS outright.

To send PAS to oblivion, Malaysians are reminded that they too have to reject PAS allies - PN, Gerakan and Umno-MCA-MIC political frogs).

Of course, in electing your governments, there are two general considerations:

> ARE you electing MPs who protect and defend the rights of Malaysians? And

> ARE you electing MPs with potential and integrity to ensure good governance or at least provide reasonable level of check and balance to ensure the people’s money and wealth are used wisely and with 100% accountability.

We will not tell you what you we think on the above. We leave that to you to form your own conclusion and opinions.

You must ask yourself whether you think the assemblyman or MP you are electing truly has Malaysians at6 heart?

And, ask, whether spending RM92 billion (not million) during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic was justifiable, reasonable or realistic without any accountability thus far.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below three news reports to help jolt your political senses:

 

OMG! MUHYIDDIN & HADI’S SHADOW CABINET HAS ZERO CHINESE & INDIANS – ONLY ONE SABAHAN & ONE SARAWAKIAN – HOW MALAYSIAN IS THIS?

Business, Politics | February 3, 2023 9:14 pm by | 0 Comments

 

Ex-DAP MP: PN’s shadow cabinet dominated by one race, lacks inclusivity

 

Former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai has expressed dismay over the composition of the new Perikatan Nasional (PN) shadow cabinet, pointing out that it is dominated by Malay-Muslims and lacks full representation.

“There is not even a single representative of the Chinese. There is not a single representative of Indians. Sabah has one person. Sarawak has one person.

 

“This doesn’t represent the racial composition and geography of Malaysia,” said Wong in a social media post today.

Wong served two terms as Air Itam state assemblyperson from 2008 to 2018 before taking over as Bukit Bendera MP for a single term.

PN is dominated by MPs from PAS and Bersatu and its shadow cabinet showed that.

Aside from opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin was named as “chief of PN MPs”, with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang as his deputy.

Putrajaya MP Mohd Radzi Jidin, a former education minister, was tasked to shadow both the Finance and Economy Ministries.

Bersatu’s Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah, a former foreign minister, was assigned to the Higher Education Ministry – a portfolio he helmed as a deputy minister from BN.

First-term Bersatu lawmakers named included Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, tasked to shadow the Communications and Digital Ministry, as well as Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal to oversee the Foreign Ministry.

From PAS, Bagan Serai MP Idris Ahmad was assigned the religious affairs portfolio, while Kubang Kerian MP Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man oversees the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry.

Sarakei MP Ali Biju and Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee stood out as the sole reps of their respective states.

MKINI

 

MACC probes RM92.5bil spent on Covid-19 management by PN govt

The anti-graft agency says it is waiting for a detailed breakdown on the monies spent from the finance ministry.

FMT Reporters - 09 Dec 2022, 1:39pm

 

MACC says a total of RM530 billion was allocated by the previous PN government but not all of it is being investigated.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission says its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds by the previous Perikatan Nasional-led (PN) government is focused on the RM92.5 billion the government actually spent on Covid-19 management measures.

In a statement, MACC said the finance ministry has provided it with details on the breakdown of the funds under the economic stimulus packages in 2020 and 2021 related to Covid-19 management.

“Initial investigations found that an estimated RM530 billion was allocated. Based on that amount, RM92.5 billion involved government funds while RM437.5 billion was not government funds.

“The focus of MACC’s investigation is on the RM92.5 billion. The finance ministry is detailing the breakdown and will submit it to MACC next week,” it said.

On Tuesday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the agency had opened an investigation paper into the alleged misappropriation of RM600 billion in funds by the Muhyiddin Yassin-led administration.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously said the finance ministry had acknowledged several breaches involving the funds.

On Monday, Muhyiddin ridiculed the RM600 billion figure being thrown around by those in the government, saying he believed they were referring to the eight stimulus packages worth RM530 billion unveiled by him when he was prime minister.

He insisted that he had not misappropriated any of the funds and dismissed claims that there were leakages in the former PN government’s expenditure.

He said that the majority of the RM530 billion did not involve government expenditure, which included various Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal facilities, the reduction in EPF employee share statutory contribution rate, and loan moratoriums.

The PN chairman said his administration had only spent RM83 billion in fiscal injections up to June 2021, which he maintained was not misused. Muhyiddin resigned as prime minister in August 2021 after losing majority support.

In focus: Women in Afghanistan one year after the Taliban takeover

15 AUGUST 2022

 

One year ago, on 15 August 2021, the Taliban entered Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul and took control of the country.Over the past 12 months, human rights violations against women and girls have mounted steadily. Despite initial promises that women would be allowed to exercise their rights within Sharia law—including the right to work and to study—the Taliban has systematically excluded women and girls from public life.

In focus: Women in Afghanistan one year after the Taliban takeover

Women hold no cabinet positions in the de facto administration, which has also abolished the Ministry of Women’s Affairs—effectively eliminating women’s right to political participation. The Taliban has also banned girls from attending school past the sixth grade and barred women from working most jobs outside the home.

Restrictions on women’s movement and bodies continue to escalate. In May, the Taliban decreed that women must cover their faces in public and instructed them to remain in their homes except in cases of necessity. Women are banned from travelling long distances without a male chaperone, and unchaperoned women are increasingly being denied access to essential services.

 

Decades of progress on gender equality and women’s rights have been wiped out in mere months. We must continue to act together, united in our insistence on guarantees of respect for the full spectrum of women’s rights.”

— UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous

Stripped of their rights, under constant threat of violence, Afghan women and girls are relentlessly carrying on with their lives. For some, that means forming new civil society groups to address community needs; for others, it means re-opening their businesses and going back to work. For all, it is an act of unseen, unheard bravery.

One year after the takeover, we’re sharing stories of women in Afghanistan today, written in their own words. These mostly anonymous first-hand accounts capture the fear, anger, and profound sense of loss that pervade the daily lives of Afghan women—as well as the resilience with which they continue to live them.

For more details, go to https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2022/08/in-focus-women-in-afghanistan-one-year-after-the-taliban-takeover 

Hello fellow Malaysians!

No News Is Bad News

 

Hello fellow Malaysians!

KUALA LUMPUR (May 2, 2023): Hello fellow Malaysians! We are back after going into hibernation on Dec 3, 2018.

We feel the need to make a return to keep Malaysians wary of the political developments unfolding in Malaysia the past decade.

There is a serious need to get all Malaysians alert of the developments that influence their future and Constitutional rights.

We have reached a political state in which no Malaysian can afford to ignore their rights to help shape their and the country’s future.

It is no more tenable to say, “I am apolitical, and I do not care about politics because it is not my cup of tea. I do not care to vote because the candidates are all useless or not to my liking.”

Whether you like it or not, the results of General Election 15 (GE15) showed how drastically it affected all Malaysians and their children and generations to come - irrespective of whether you did or did not cast your ballots.

And the future of Malaysians and Malaysia are in the hands of all Malaysians and there is no one else to blame on the outcome and consequences of general elections (GEs).

In making a choice in any election, it is crucial to consider:

> DEFENDING the Constitution and your rights; and

> GOOD governance (level depends on those elected).

Yes, it is always a choice of choosing the devil or the deep blue sea when it comes to elections. But that is reality that we cannot afford to ignore anymore.

No News Is Bad News remains committed to highlighting important political developments and socio-economic issues that affects all Malaysians.

Long Live Malaysians!