Tok Pa becomes the ultimate salesman in Parliament

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed became the ultimate salesman for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) when he tabled the motion at a special Parliament sitting on Tuesday.

Mustapa, fondly known as Tok Pa, physically showed the lawmakers some of the items which would benefit either from the lower, or zero taxes once the trade agreement comes into force.

He took the Dewan Rakyat by surprise as he held up spring coil, cable, long pants and gloves.

"This pair of pants currently has 20% tax imposed on it. Once the TPPA comes into force, there will not be any taxes imposed," said Mustapa.

He said three main industries, namely electrical and electronic, textile and automotive, will benefit from the TPPA.

He said the reason why Malaysia decided to join the TPPA was because the nation did not have any Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the United States, Canada, Mexico and Peru.

Mustapa added the US is one of the biggest economy powerhouses and the TPPA would give an opportunity to local companies to penetrate its market.

"The import duty for electrical and electronic items from Malaysia to penetrate the US market is 5% on average.

"With the TPPA, the duty for 99.8% of electrical and electronic products will be lifted.

"This will benefit the local companies to increase investment. Through this investment, we expect job opportunities and export to also increase," he added.

For the textile industry, Mustapa said the import tax on products would reduce by 70% in the first year.

He added that local textile and garment companies predict that the TPPA will help increase export by 30%.

The Government also felt that Malaysia, despite not being a main player in the automotive industry, has potential under the TPPA.

"By abolishing the duty and rules of origin which require automotive makers to receive input from TPP countries, these (automotive) components can be exported to countries such as Canada, US, and Mexico, as well as increase job opportunities," he added.

Mustapa also dismissed allegations by some critics on the TPPA including those who said that some states will not be able to declare Friday as a weekly off day.

"There are some who say that the TPPA will force shops to be open from noon to 3pm on Fridays and businesses may be fined if they are closed during these times.

"Clearly these are allegations from individuals who do not understand TPPA at all," said Mustapa.

He explained that the TPPA involves 12 countries including Islamic countries such as Brunei.

Malaysia, said Mustapa, has also been given the green light to continue using the halal certification system that is acknowledged by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Mustapa also took to task a writer from a local university who published a book on the TPPA using the picture of a pig on the front cover.

This, he said, was an irresponsible act by a learned person.

Motion on TPPA tabled in Parliament

The Government has tabled a motion to acknowledge Malaysia's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

The motion was tabled by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed  in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.

It is aimed at supporting the Government's decision to be a party to the TPPA by signing and ratifying the agreement.

The motion also seeks to acknowledge Malaysia's position as a country which practices open economy involving international trade, foreign investment, technology and tourism.

"In determining the participation of Malaysia in the TPPA, this House calls upon all parties to work together in achieving its goal," the motion noted.

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Mukhriz ouster likely

It looks like the end of the road for Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

His detractors are confident that if their move to oust the mentri besar goes according to plan, Kedah may get a new head today.

The group that initiated the revolt against Mukhriz, which is headed by Kedah Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, has managed to secure the support from the majority of the Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the state.

“As of late this evening, 19 have each signed a statutory declaration (SD) stating their support for the removal of the mentri besar.

“All of them have endorsed the SD saying that they have lost confidence in Mukhriz,” said a source yesterday.

Of the 19, 17 were from Umno while the other two were from MCA.

Among the last to ink the SD were Datuk Suraya Yaacob (Sungai Tiang), Datin Nor Sabrina Mohd Noor (Bandar Baharu) and Kota Siputeh assemblyman Datuk Hasan Sarif.

It is learnt that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had met several assemblymen in Langkawi yesterday.

Another source said the final hurdle for the group was to get the nod from the Kedah palace.

He said the swearing-in ceremony would take place the moment the palace gave its consent.

He said Ahmad Bashah was the leading candidate to replace Mukhriz but the palace had requested that more names be included in the proposal.

Other names that have cropped up as possible replacement for Mukhriz included Tanjung Dawai assemblyman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain and Bukit Kayu Hitam assemblyman Datuk Zaini Japar.

It is learnt that the swearing-in ceremony is being rushed to resolve the mentri besar crisis immediately.

One of the Umno division heads who was present at Wednesday’s press conference urging Najib to replace Mukhriz said the group met late last night to discuss their next move.

The Member of Parliament, who declined to be quoted, said the meeting was held late as Ahmad Bashah was busy hosting his daughter’s engagement party in Alor Setar.

Hundreds of people, including many Barisan Nasional politicians, were present at the function.

There are 36 state seats in Kedah and Barisan holds 21 of them.

The only two Barisan assemblymen who did not sign the SD were Mukhriz (Jerlun) and Jitra assemblyman Datuk Aminuddin Omar.

DAP outshone by Adenan

The Sarawak DAP which often portrays itself as fierce is becoming increasingly frightened by the growing influence of Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, said veteran Barisan Nasional leader Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Tiong, who is Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president, said that DAP state leaders were worried that Adenan was taking over the spotlight from them.

“Adenan has managed to secure 13 important points of mutual agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for greater autonomy for Sarawak.

“This latest success by Adenan is making the Sarawak DAP leaders worried. That is why its chairman Chong Chien Jen has been launching all sorts of attacks to belittle Adenan,” he said.

He also claimed that Sarawak DAP leaders were no longer getting the public attention they craved for.

“They are being outshone by Adenan. So they are getting desperate and that is why they are resorting to claiming credit to what the CM is doing,” he said.

All these tactics, he said, reflected the insecurity within Sarawak DAP due to the chief minister’s growing influence.

Tiong, who is Bintulu MP and the Prime Minister’s special envoy to South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, said that DAP leaders would be stepping up their attacks against Adenan at every given opportunity as the state election draws near.

He urged Sarawakians to give a bigger mandate to Adenan so that the Sarawak state government would have added strength to fight for greater recognition of its rights within Malaysia.

Kedah Umno leaders to meet Najib today

Kedah Umno leaders who called for Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir's ouster as Kedah Mentri Besar are expected to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday.

The state party leaders will meet Najib, who is also Umno president, at 4pm at the party headquarters at Menara Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur, to discuss their loss of confidence in Mukhriz’s leadership.

Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim confirmed this to The Star Online when contacted.

"Yes, I'll definitely attend the meeting," he said.

Kedah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Bashah on Wednesday claimed that 14 out of 15 Umno divisions in the state had lost their trust and confidence in Mukhriz as mentri besar and Kedah Umno chief.

The other Umno division that did not take part was Jerlun, a division which Mukhriz leads.

Bashah had urged Najib to replace Mukhriz for failing to unite the party and machinery at all levels in the state and failing to bring development.

Mukhriz, in response, said his work is best judged by the people whom he has served, and that his position was determined with the consent of the Kedah Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

He had also said that he was not concerned about the 14 division chiefs who no longer supported him as he still had the majority support from the people of Kedah, and that he was only willing to step aside if there was a better and a more capable leader.

Dr Wee: Do not make assumptions on scholarships

Do not assume that the Public Service Department (PSD) has stopped disbursing funds to scholarship holders, said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“When news of PSD stopping scholarships was spread, it caused a panic,” he said after chairing the Malaysia Chinese Education Consultative Council at Wisma MCA yesterday.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department reiterated that right now, only those who received the national bursary in 2014 were affected.

Dr Wee added the PSD had yet to make announcements on the matter.

“Don’t pull other schemes into the picture,” he warned. “First, you have no proof. Next, I have not received any such complaint. I can only attend to those I have received.”

It was earlier reported that Dr Wee brought the matter to Cabinet on Wednesday after bursary recipients who are set to start university soon complained that they had yet to receive financial affidavits from PSD.

Responding to calls by the Opposition to cut the Prime Minister’s Department budget to foot the affected scholars’ university fees, Dr Wee replied saying those who made such demands “were not wearing their brains”.

“Cutting PMO’s spending is equivalent to cutting PSD’s budget, because PSD falls under the PMO,” he said.

The education council was formed to promote the sharing of resources and to address issues in Chinese education.

It was formally formed yesterday by 10 organisations, including two Sarawak parties – SUPP and SPBT. It will be chaired by Dr Wee, who is also the MCA deputy president.

“To have other political parties (in the council) is unprecedented. We hope to coordinate the work of all NGOs and streamline the industry, making sure there is no overlapping of responsibilities and to maximise our resources,” he said.

Dr Wee welcomed Gerakan as well as Sara­wak’s Liberal Democratic Party in the council. Among the issues to be discussed in its meeting were the lack of teachers in schools and the setting up of an online portal for schools to apply for funds from the Education Ministry.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon said the Government should continue to give scholarships to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia top scorers who were scheduled to study abroad this year.

If the Government were to stop giving the scholarships, it should be done after this year, he said, after launching the WeChat’s WeFans Day yesterday.

At another function, Dr Wee said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would not be severely affected by the “recalibration” of the national budget.

He added that the Government was aware that SMEs are a catalyst of economic growth and “must be encouraged to expand”.

He was speaking at the SAME Business Proposal Seminar 2016 in Putrajaya yesterday.

PM wants GLCs to invest in strategic sectors

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to take more prudent steps to invest in Malaysia’s strategic sectors.

The Prime Minister said on his blog on Thursday that he had instructed the GLCs to step up their invesments in these sectors to generate economic growth.

He said he was confident Malaysia could meet the economic challenges and the government would ensure the country's economic growth remained solid and people-centric.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, said the fall in crude oil prices, which are now below US$30 a barrel, and the decline in commodity prices, reflected the challenges ahead for the global economy.

These factors, he said, had forced many countries to revise their growth forecasts.

He said Malaysia was not excluded from these economic challenges which had impacted the country’s revenue, saying "I will announce the revised Budget 2016 on Jan 28”.

Earlier on Thursday, he and the Finance Ministry held discussions with representatives of consumer associations and GLCs.

He added that he and the ministry would consider the proposals put forward at the meeting.

All eyes on Mukhriz as he goes about his day

Eyes will be trained on Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir Thursday as he faces pressure from his fellow Kedah Umno leaders calling for his ouster.

The Kedah Mentri Besar was conspicuously missing at a Northern Corridor Economic Region (Koridor Utara) meeting and document exchange ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office.

All the other heads of the northern states, including Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, were present at the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He was represented by Kedah executive chairman of industry and investment Datuk Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail.

His schedule for the rest of Thursday also appears to have been disrupted.

His made an appearance in the morning in conjunction with an award ceremony on the occasion of the Kedah Sultan's birthday at Istana Bukit at 9.25am, accompanied by his wife Datin Nurzietah Zakaria.

However, his subsequent meetings on the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) studies and his programme with Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai were cancelled.

Although no reasons were given for the cancellation, it is believed that Mukhriz would be making time for his supporters from Jerlun division, which he leads.

He is said to be making an appearance at 3pm at Wisma Umno Jerlun.

Messages have also been spread social media platforms, calling for Mukhriz supporters to gather at Dataran Pekan Rabu in Pekan Kuah, Langkawi at 6pm.

However, it is not known if Mukhriz will show up.

On Wednesday, 14 Umno division leaders, except for Jerlun which Mukhriz heads, have cited lost of confidence in Mukhriz as the state party chief and Mentri Besar.

The reasons, among others, include that Mukhriz had failed to unite the state leadership and party machinery at all levels and there is no strategic plan for the party ahead of the next general election.

The rebellion came just about a month after Mukhriz hit out at the national party leadership by defending Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who were removed from the cabinet for questioning the handling of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MBD) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Mukhriz, in response to the latest attack, said his work is best judged by the people whom he has served, and that his position was determined with the consent of the Kedah Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

"My position as Menteri Besar is based on the mandate and trust given by the rakyat and also on the consent of his highness, the Sultan of Kedah, on the proposal of the Prime Minister," he reportedly said.

Kedah MB faces uphill battle as Umno leaders make joint call for his ouster

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir is facing the battle of his life as all but one of the state’s 15 Umno division leaders have turned against him.

With grim and resolute faces, the 14 division leaders gathered yesterday to deliver a joint statement saying that they had lost confidence in Mukhriz as the state party chief and Mentri Besar.

Deputy state chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is likely to take over if Mukhriz is ousted, read out the one-page statement. The state Wanita and youth leadership were also in the room.

Only the Jerlun division, where Mukhriz is chief, was not represented at the Grand Alora Hotel where over 150 Umno leaders and their supporters gathered at 3pm yesterday for a closed-door meeting.

Urging Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to change the state leadership, Ahmad Bashah listed four reasons.

“He (Mukhriz) failed to unite the state leadership and party machinery at all levels; there is no strategic plan for the party ahead of the next general election; he has failed to take the lead and activate the party leadership after taking over; and as Mentri Besar, he has not managed the state well,” he said.

Among the bigwigs present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (Jerai MP), Najib’s political secretary Datuk Paduka Ghazali Ibrahim (Terap MP), Kubang Pasu MP Datuk Mohd Johari Bahrom and Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

The Mentri Besar’s political secretary Datuk Azimi Daim was there but only to observe the situation.

Ahmad Bashah, who is Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer­ism deputy minister, and all the others would not answer questions from the press. Mukhriz, when met at another function in the afternoon, was equally tight-lipped.

However, he issued a statement last night, saying that the public should be the one to judge his accomplishments.

“My post as Mentri Besar is based on the mandate and trust given by the rakyat and also on the consent of His Highness on the proposal of the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mukhriz added that he held the mandate to serve the people as best he could.

At about 9pm, a large crowd turned up at the Bangunan Tunku building, which houses the Umno headquarters in Kedah, to show their support for him.

Mukhriz himself arrived at the rally at around 9.30pm.

The rebellion yesterday came just about a month after Mukhriz hit out at the national party leadership.

At a dinner on Dec 11, Mukhriz said that denying the party deputy president and vice-president the right to speak at the Umno general assembly was against the party’s inclusive policy.

It was seen as the first time Mukhriz had publicly broken his silence and defended deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

His father, former prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, has been on the warpath against Najib.

Signs of dissatisfaction became evident last April when Bukit Lada assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Lebai Sudin openly challenged Mukhriz to resign as MB if he could not declare his loyalty to Najib.

Two days later, the Kedah Wanita Umno, Youth and Puteri wings called a press conference to declare their support for Mukhriz as Mentri Besar and Najib as Prime Minister.

A few Barisan Nasional state leaders expressed surprise over the open revolt.

“I did not expect this. But since all the division leaders have made a request to Najib, we will wait for him to make a decision.

“We see this as an Umno matter,” said deputy state MCA chairman Datuk Dr Leong Yong Kong, who is also Gurun assemblyman.

Gerakan state chairman Datuk Dr Cheah Soon Hai hoped the row would not affect development in the state.

“We hope this internal problem will be settled soon,” he said.

Kedah Umno wants Mukhriz out

Kedah Umno leaders say they have lost confidence in Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir .
 
State Umno chairman Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said all 15 party division leaders, as well as wing heads, were appealing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to make an immediate change to the state leadership.

Mukhriz has been Kedah Mentri Besar since 2013.

MAHB beefs up security at airports

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd has announced it has stepped up security at airports in the country in the wake of the recent militant attacks in several cities abroad.

MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said the company had adopted both 'visible' and 'invisible' measures.

"We have close rapport with the police," he told Bernama Wednesday.

Badlisham said MAHB had appointed a general manager for aviation security who started work with the company four months ago.

He named the individual as SAC Rosli Mohd Isa who had been seconded from the police.

"Security at airports is a priority for MAHB. Security personnel will be more visible for passengers, especially at the international gateways.

"It is needless for passengers to be unduly concerned about this. We have established collaboration among the airports, police and intelligence authorities.

"Insyallah (God willing), we will handle it (security)," said Badlisham when asked to comment on the additional security measures implemented following the recent militant attacks in several cities in other countries.

The latest and closest incident to Malaysia was an attack on a mall in the heart of Jakarta on Jan 14.

So easy to gear up as a cop

It doesn’t cost too much to pass off as a police outrider. Nor is it too difficult to dress up and pose as a cop.

If you have a white Honda CBX 750 or a Honda VFR 800 or Honda ST 1300 – what the men in blue use – then you’re just about RM2,000 away from looking like one.

The sum can cover everything from police outrider jackets, helmets, riding boots, sirens and blue beacon to strobe lights for the motorcycle.

Other accessories such as vests and batons are surprisingly easy to source from uniform and tailor shops.

Two bogus traffic policemen presumably outfitted themselves in this way when they posed as outriders escorting a “VIP convoy” of vehicles two weeks ago.

The duo were blaring sirens and flashing their strobe lights to cut their way through the rush hour traffic in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, when real policemen stopped and arrested them.

Several shops visited by The Star here and in Kuala Lumpur revealed that walk-in customers did not even need to produce police ID to buy apparel and paraphernalia thought to be exclusive to the police force.

The checks also revealed that there were dealers happy to take orders for strobe lights.

The ease of buying police uniforms and equipment has raised concerns over the possibilities for abuse.

If in doubt over a policeman, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa advises the public to ask for his authority card.

“Everyone has the right to ask a policeman to show his authority card. Call us immediately if you don’t get it,” he said.

He said if a policeman refuses to produce his authority card, the public should note his badge number, name or vehicle licence plate number and contact a police station.

Bukit Aman is also calling for new legislation to ban the sale of strobe lights to civilians.

Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm Mahamad Akhir Darus said he had held a discussion with traffic chiefs of all states who all felt this was necessary.

“Currently there is no law to bar civilians from buying strobe lights although there are rules against the use of these devices.” 

He said that the agencies allowed to use strobe lights on their vehicles were police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Civil Defence Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Prisons Department and ambulances.

“We hope new laws will be in place to only allow shops to sell these devices to personnel who have authorisation, such as a police authority card,” he said.

Najib chairs National Security Council meeting

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak chaired the National Security Council meeting on Tuesday at Perdana Putra here.

The two-hour meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Md Zin, former IGP Tun Hanif Omar and former MAF chief General (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali, among others.

On Monday, Najib said in a statement that the meeting was being held to discuss security measures that had been taken as well as latest developments, including the terror attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last week.

He had also urged Malaysians not to speculate or spread false information, which could cause public fear on the security level in the country.

He said the country's security agencies had been instructed to step up efforts to counter possible terrorist threats in following the terror attacks that occurred in some of the world's big cities.

IGP: Police to use full force of law to counter terrorism

The police will use all laws available in the country to counter terrorism, says Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The Inspector General of Police these include the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) as well as the yet to be gazetted National Security Council (NSC) Bill 2015.

"Yes, of course, we use all laws available in the country to foil these activities.

"We have enough laws at the moment – we have Sosma, Poca and Pota.

"The NSC has not been gazetted nor used yet, but it will help, I believe," he said at a press conference in Bukit Aman on Monday.

Khalid said that Bukit Aman would continue being on the highest-level security alert following several terrorist-related incidents in the last few months, with the latest attack occurring in Jakarta.

"We will be on highest security alert. This gives the public confidence that the situation is under control.

"The public can play a role by taking necessary measures and reporting suspicious and terror-linked activities to us," he advised.

Commenting on Indonesia's decision to shut down at least 11 radical websites and several social media accounts on Saturday, Khalid said police would work closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to action as deemed necessary.

Najib: No GST rate increase on the cards

An increase in the Goods and Services Tax rate is not "on board" as the Government looks for measures to sustain the economy following the drop in oil prices, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said this was not being considered as the Government felt that the people would not be able to absorb further increases and did want to burden the people further.

‎"We are not envisaging an increase in GST. I don't think the people have the capacity to absorb any increase in GST.

"It is not on the table," he told a media conference on Friday.

‎Najib, who is also Finance Minister was asked if the Government would consider increasing the GST rate to sustain revenue should oil prices drop further.

He had earlier met with captains of industry, economists and analysts to seek their views and feedback on the plan to recalibrate the 2016 Budget.

Najib will present adjustments to the Budget on Jan 28.

IGP: We are on highest security alert

Bukit Aman is in a state of highest security alert following several terrorist related incidents in the last few months, with the latest occurring in Jakarta, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The IGP said police have been stepping up preventive measures to pre-empt such atrocities from happening in Malaysia.

“We also increased security measures at public places, including shopping malls and tourist spots.

“Extra precautionary actions will also be implemented in border areas to prevent possible infiltration by terrorist elements,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Those suspected of being involved in terrorist activities will be closely monitored, added the country’s top cop.

“Police personnel nationwide are on constant vigilance.

“We are closely monitoring the latest developments to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he said.

Proton likely to increase car prices after Chinese New Year

National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd says it may have to increase its car prices after Chinese New Year (CNY) in February with the rising costs of imported parts due to the depreciating ringgit.

"The ringgit level now is lower compared with a year ago, which has affected prices for imported parts," chief executive officer Datuk Harith Abdullah said after a ceremony marking the appointment of new dealers.

At 9am Thursday, the local unit was traded at 4.3930/4000 against the greenback, a far cry from the 3.57 level it was trading the same time last year.

Harith said Proton was trying its best to hold back the increase until CNY to enable its customers to enjoy a brand new car at current prices.

According to Proton, 20-30% of the parts in its vehicles are imported.

Honda Malaysia has increased its car prices by 2-3% this year, while UMW Toyota Motor says it too will hike the prices of its products by 4-16% from this month.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has also hinted at a similar move.

Najib pays emotional tribute to late father

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak shed tears as he expressed how proud he was to be the son of one of Malaysia’s most celebrated leaders, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
 
Najib was about to end his speech at a Special Commemorative Seminar on Tun Razak here and was talking about his father’s legacy as the country’s Father of Development, when he became emotional.
Struggling to hold back his tears and in a voice choking with emotion, Najib said:

“He gave his life for this country. Today, 40 years after his passing, I stand before you and say that I am proud to be his son, and that everyday I work to live up to that lineage.

“He is an example for me, and an inspiration for all Malaysians.”

After he regained his composure, Najib ended his speech by saying that Tun Razak was an example not just for him personally, but for all Malaysians, drawing applause from the audience.

Tun Razak, who succeeded Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra as Prime Minister, died in office at the age of 54 on Jan 14, 1976.

During his tenure as the country’s leader, Tun Razak left behind many lasting policies and set up numerous institutions that lay the foundations for modern day Malaysia.

Najib inherits 'workaholic pace’ from his father

Since becoming Prime Minister in 2009, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's work pace can only be described as punishing because there's so much on his plate as he goes about tackling the nation's woes especially during this period of weakening world economy.

Observers can't help but liken his "workaholic" disposition to that of his father, second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein who died exactly 40 years ago at age 53.

Just on Saturday, Najib underwent a minor surgery for a benign growth on his right hand at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

The hospital in a statement said Najib went through the operation as an outpatient and had gone home.

While ordinary Malaysian workers might very well have taken a medical leave or popularly known as MC, Najib did not.

Malaysians and other well-wishers who were anxious to know of his health got this tweet from him: "I'm recovering well, thank you for the kind thoughts".

His tweet was also directed at his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong for wishing him a speedy recovery.

Singaporeans at large showed concern and they, too, wished him a speedy recovery on Facebook, while describing him as the "friendliest person in Malaysia to Singapore".

Lee broke the news to his 934,996 Facebook likers of Najib's operation by saying he was glad that it went well, adding that : "Look forward to seeing him soon".

Both prime ministers enjoy a relationship unique among current world leaders and the outcome of this has been that bilateral as well as people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations are on their strongest footing ever.

It's unique because both their fathers, Tun Abdul Razak and Lee Kuan Yew were also contemporary prime ministers in the past, something no other current leaders of two countries had gone through.

Singaporeans, in wishing Najib a speedy recovery, also advised him not to worry too much and to concentrate on getting Malaysia onto the right footing while expressing their hopes for relations between the two countries to be strengthened and going forward.

A glowing tribute to Najib came from another Singaporean, Joseph Tan, who wrote: "In my assessment, he is by far the best PM for Malaysia to build on a win-win relationship with her closest neighbour, Singapore.

"May he will be able to manage and overcome the intense challenges of his office in the years ahead".

These expressions from our neighbours actually are genuine for they have seen how former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's unfriendly posture towards Singapore caused relations to be on a patchy path while the Malaysian leader was not one to give Singapore the credit that it deserved which most other world leaders acknowledged.

Najib's nose for hard work again showed when on Monday itself, he turned up to address the monthly outdoor morning gathering of ministers, deputy ministers and senior officials of the PM's Department under a scorching sun.

The message was clear - he wants ministers and civil servants to work harder and be more accountable, as the nation faces some of the most challenging times both economically and well as the security threat posed by the self-styled Daesh militant group.

Najib is also the prime minister who has visited Sabah and Sarawak the most, not only to the state capitals but to the remote longhouses as well.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem described Najib as the most caring prime minister to his state, and by the same token to Sabah.

To get a glimpse of the workaholic pace set by Tun Razak that Najib inherits as the nation observes the 40th anniversary of his passing, Bernama spoke to former senior civil servant Tan Sri Arshad Ayub.

Arshad, now 87, who worked for 10 years under Tun Razak both as the pioneer Director of Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM and now renamed Universiti Teknologi Mara or UiTM), and later as Deputy Governor of Bank Negara, began the interview by saying: "To me and fellow senior civil servants then, Tun Razak worked virtually 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year".

Relevant with Malaysia's fledgling years, Tun Razak's priority then was rural development and poverty eradication, punctuated by his brainchild, the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), which has since become the most successful such agency in the Third World and highly credited for breaking the backbone of rural poverty.

Felda has since become the world's biggest plantation owner with oil palm cultivation and palm oil production as the mainstay providing steady income to tens of thousands of rural folks who would otherwise have to fend for themselves in meagre subsistence.

Against this backdrop, Felda is something closest to Najib's heart and the welfare of Felda settlers in newly created towns and growth centres across the country has always been given his personal attention and priority.

Lots of incentives and goodies have come Felda's way since he took over as PM and many more are in the pipeline in the coming years once the current low price of palm oil recovers.

Arshad, who among a string of degrees also graduated from the then Agriculture College in Serdang said: "Tell me which pond or lake in the country that Tun Razak did not release fish fry into?

"Which oil palm tree that he had not seen, which road that he had never visited or which university that he had not built (during his time)?" he said.

Another of Tun Razak's forte was to urbanise the rural areas and Arshad mentioned townships carved out of jungles such as Bandar Penawar in Terengganu, Tenggara in Johor, Jengka in Pahang and Bandar Ketengah in Kelantan.

And Tun Razak was a firm believer in giving the Bumiputeras a firm base in education as one sure way to overcome poverty and getting higher income and for this, created ITM which is the only higher learning institution having campuses throughout the country.

"For 10 years that I headed ITM and he was PM, not once did he pass negative remarks about ITM or the way I ran it," said Arshad, who is credited as the architect of the success story of this institution now known as UiTM.

Arshad said Tun Razak placed a high premium on professional education, which saw the focus on accountancy, insurance, marketing among others which other universities did not offer and this enabled the graduates to be highly employable.

But it's his knack for choosing the right people to execute the tasks he had for them that impressed Arshad the most.

"He picked the right leader to run the various agencies because in this way they would work and go all out to make a success of his programmes, not for Tun Razak but for nation and the rakyat," said Arshad.

Among the names he mentioned were Raja Tan Sri Alias Muhammad Alias Raja Muhammad Ali, who for 35 years headed Felda and towering personalities like Raja Tun Mohar Badiozaman, Tan Sri Ishak Tadin, Tan Sri Taib Andak and Tan Sri Aziz Yassin.

Non-Malays like Tan Sri Thong Yaw Hong, Tan Sri Chong Hon Nyan, Tan Sri Michael Chen and Tan Sri Rama Iyer also featured prominently in Tun Razak's team.

"Civil servants entrusted by him were imbued with the absolute sense of responsibility to see through his plans. Our motto then was let's work for him and let's make his programmes a success. Perhaps we were prepared to die for it".

Arshad hoped such spirit would be revived under Najib his son.

"I have very fond memories of Tun Razak. As the Malay proverb says, 'A tiger dies leaving his stripes, a man dies leaving his name'. This is absolutely true of Tun Razak.

"He made such a great impact on all us and the nation for he which he worked till his last breath".

Tun Razak left strong foundation for nation's future

Forty years ago, on Jan 14, 1976, Malaysia lost a statesman who played a key role in shaping the country's economic development and national unity.

He was Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's second prime minister who served from 1970 to 1976.

Known as 'Bapa Pembangunan' (Father of Development), Razak was the one who introduced the New Economic Policy, which charted the country's economic direction and had a profound impact on the people, even until today.

Looking back at history, Razak's contributions can be seen even before Malaya's independence was declared when he was among the key individuals, along with Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who fought for the country's independence from the British.

In 1955, Razak was appointed as Education Minister under the country's first cabinet, which was helmed by Tunku Abdul Rahman, who then became the first Malaysian prime minister.

As the first Education Minister, Razak was instrumental in forming the basic fundamental of the country's education system, that was seen to be essential, to replace the colonial education system.

Through his persistent efforts, the Razak Report was established in 1956. It was aimed at building a united country through education system, using Bahasa Melayu as the national language and the language of instruction.

The Razak Report was later enshrined as the Education Ordinance 1957.

During the May 13, 1969, racial riots, Razak, then the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, was one of the important individuals who managed to curb the incident from getting worse.

After the government declared a state of emergency following the incident, a caretaker government, the National Operations Council (NOC), was formed and chaired by Razak.

The NOC managed to restore peace, thus forming the National Principles, a philosophy and national ideology established to foster unity among the people.

Taking over as prime minister in 1970, Razak did not take a long time to introduce the New Economic Policy, which had a two-pronged strategy, namely to eradicate poverty and restructure society in order to create harmony and unity in the country.

However, Razak was unable to draw up more plans for the country's development when he died of leukemia on Jan 14, 1976, at the age of 53.

Although Razak served as prime minister in a relatively short period, his contributions and sacrifice to the country could not be measured or replaced, and will be remembered forever.

The Father of Development title was given to him for his contributions in laying the basis for the national development system, especially for rural economy, which has enabled Malaysia to be where it is today.

He has left a strong foundation to ensure the future of this country through various measures and policies as well as emphasising the Bumiputras' involvement in the economic sector.

Agencies such as the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra), the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), the National Corporation, Bumiputra Bank, Tabung Haji, Petronas and the Agricultural Bank have been established as a result of his efforts, along with former leaders who had devoted their time for the sake of the country.

Described as a wise leader who has much foresight, he had left us forever, leaving behind a successor who continues his struggle to defend the religion, race and nation's sovereignty.

Now his legacy has been inherited by his son, the sixth and current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib visits Hadi, former information officer at IJN

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visited PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang at the National Heart Institute on Tuesday.

Najib earlier went to Kuala Lumpur Hospital where he received follow-up treatment after a minor surgery to remove a growth on his right hand on Saturday.

After the treatment, Najib went straight to IJN  nearby to visit his former information officer, Datuk Nasir Safar, and later dropped by to see Hadi and another ward.

An image shared on the Prime Minister's Office Twitter account showed Najib at the bedside of Nasir and Hadi, engaging in cordial conversation.

"I was informed that Datuk Seri Hadi Awang was also in IJN and dropped by to visit him. I pray that Allah grants him the best of health,"  Najib tweeted.

In 2004, Najib paid Hadi a visit when the latter received treatment at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

IGP: Police to increase social media monitoring

Efforts are being intensified to monitor "immature Malaysians" who make "overzealous" comments on social media.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the current situation had pushed the police to crack down on the matter.

"There are about 40 million Facebook users in Malaysia and we are considered the worst when it comes to making comments.

"The way a person handles social media shows a lot with regard to the level of his or her maturity.

"This is the reason why we are focusing on beefing up our efforts since social media threats are going overboard," he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman on Tuesday.

Khalid said there was a need for police to intervene as comments and threats made on social media could cause public unrest.

"We will monitor messaging applications like WhatsApp, which is widely used by Malaysians to spread incorrect and false information," he said.

Khalid added that the police would also be working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

"We will drag these perpetrators to justice," he said.

Ali Hamsa: No termination of government contract staff

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa denied reports claiming that government contract workers would have their services terminated by December this year.

He said the government did not intend to terminate the contracts of its staff this year.

"It's a false news and a lie spread by irresponsible individuals with no authority," he said in a statement Tuesday.

A news portal reported today that government contract workers would not have their contract renewed, but instead would find it to be terminated from December this year.

The portal, citing sources, said the information was obtained from a meeting on Monday morning.

Universities have mechanism to help needy students

Students faced with financial woes can seek the assistance of the student affairs department and the alumni of their respective universities.

Secretariat of deputy vice-chancellors (student affairs and alumni) of public universities chairman Prof Datuk Dr Adnan Hussein  said the universities have a mechanism to help needy students.

“The aid can be given through zakat, welfare fund, free food programme run by students’ representative council or donations from university staff,” he said in a statement here.

He regretted media reports that “sensationalised” the issue of hungry students without getting the full picture.

“We are worried some quarters will play up the issue for other purposes. The reports have given rise to negative perceptions that university administrations are unable to handle student welfare matters.

“They also tarnish the dignity of students," he said questioning the accuracy of the survey done by a non-governmental organisation on
the financial crunch faced by students.

On Saturday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said universities were encouraged to have food aid programmes to help needy students.

Idris was responding to a report in The Star that the rise in the cost of living had affected more students and it was a serious problem now.

It had reached a point where more student bodies had to help them get regular meals. And the number of such needy students was growing.

Many student bodies report cases where students could only afford RM1.50 a day for food. In some instances, there were students who fainted from skipping meals.

A recent survey by the Muslim Volunteer Malaysia Association on some 26,000 students in six public universities also revealed shocking facts.

More than half of the respondents said they could set aside only RM5 a day for meals while many were living on instant noodles or ate only plain rice with one fried egg and soy sauce.

Najib pledges to continue to be responsible for national security, prosperity

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Monday pledged that matters of national security and prosperity would continue to be his responsibility as the Prime Minister.

He was grateful and thankful to the country's security forces for their efforts in ensuring that the nation was free from any act of terrorism last year.

"Don't think that it happened by itself but instead it was achieved through the determination and firmness of the government.

"This is what I want to say that matters of public security and prosperity is my responsibility as the Prime Minister. It is also a collective responsibility.

"We will not shirk from our responsibility but we give priority to the people of Malaysia," he said at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department.

Nonetheless, Najib expressed his sadness at the killing of a Malaysian national in southern Philippines.

On May 14, last year, electrical engineer, Bernard Then Ted Fen was among two victims abducted by four armed men from southern Philippines who were believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group at the Ocean King Restaurant, Sandakan, Sabah.

Last November, Then was confirmed to be cruelly murdered by the militant group.

Meanwhile, Najib said Malaysia achieved numerous successes last year including hosting the Asean Summit, which lifted the country's profile at the international level.

He said Malaysia was also chosen as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council again and sat on the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

"Malaysia also achieved an economic growth rate of 5.1 per cent in the first nine months of last year with an inflation rate that was still low. We had the courage to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to replace the Sales and Services Tax (SST) in an effort to strengthen the country's financial position so that it would be more stable and firm.

"We also received a better rating in the World Economic Forum among 144 countries in the world and occupying the 18th spot which was an improvement from the 20th spot," he said.

In addition, Najib said the Fitch Ratings changed its prospects for Malaysia to stable.

"All these are successes which we can be proud of," he added.

Najib: Public funds not used in settling 1MDB’s woes

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday stressed that public funds were not being used to resolve 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)'s financial woes.

"An end to the issues faced by 1MDB is forthcoming, as I had promised six months ago.

"What we are glad about is that we are resolving it not by way of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) but through an 'agreement', without touching any of the people's money," he said at the monthly assembly for the Prime Minister's Department here.

Last Nov 23, Edra Global Energy Bhd, a subsidiary of 1MDB sold off its assets to China General Nuclear Power Corp and its subsidiaries (CGN Group) for RM9.83bil.

In a sale and purchase deal with CGN Group, 1MDB, Edra and its subsidiaries let go of their 100% ownership in Edra Solar Sdn Bhd, Edra Energy Sdn Bhd, Powertek Energy Sdn Bhd, Jimah Teknik Sdn Bhd, Jimah O and M Sdn Bhd, Mastika Lagenda Sdn Bhd and Tiara Tanah Sdn Bhd.

The transaction is expected to be completed in February this year.

On Dec 31 last year, 1MDB inked a sale and purchase agreement with the IWH CREC Sdn Bhd consortium involving 60% of its equity in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd for RM7.41bil.

The Bandar Malaysia project is a 60:40 joint venture between Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd.

Najib in his New Year 2016 message said 1MDB had lessened its debts by  RM40.4bil after signing a number of agreements.

1MDB was earlier reported to have amassed a debt of RM42bil, as of March 31, 2014.

Najib: Time to move on from issues

The Prime Minister has called for work to progress to realise the country’s agenda for the people, saying that it is time to "move on" from issues and controversies.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak added that issues that were raised, including those pertaining to his administration, had been answered.

"The Government of the day gets support from the Parliament. The 2016 Budget was passed and received convincing majority support.

"As we enter 2016, let us not dwell on these issues. Let us move on because we have big agendas to meet; agendas for the country, for the people and for the well-being of all of us," he said on Monday in an address staff of the Prime Minister's Department on Monday.

Prior to the tabling of Budget 2016 last October, there was talk of attempts for it not to be passed.

This would have been seen as a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister, who was facing criticism over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The Prime Minister said that sensitive issues must be resolved quickly and not be allowed to become a "thorn in the flesh" that could result in tension, particularly in terms of race relations.

On 1MDB, Najib said that issues had been resolved with the signings of various agreements.

"What is important is that it is settled without using public funds. I have asked for six months and today, we can see issues involving 1MDB resolved," he said.

Najib: Budget 2016 to be recalibrated

The 2016 Budget will be "recalibrated" to reflect the current eco‎nomic climate, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said that adjustments would have to be made to this year's budget as much had changed since it was tabled last October.

"This is to ensure that it is accurate, realistic and according to the economic situation we are currently facing," he said when addressing Finance Ministry staff on Friday.

Najib, however, did not give a specific date when the adjusted Budget would be presented, but indicated that this would be done soon.

The changes would include additional measures to be taken to optimise expenditure and the role of Government-linked companies.

The Prime Minister assured that despite the adjustments to the 2016 Budget, the people's well-being would continue to be the Government's priority.

Cops arrest Malaccan 'queen mother'

Malacca police arrested a woman claiming to be a 'queen mother' Thursday to facilitate investigations into the organising of an unrecognised ceremony at Sungai Rambai supposed to take place here on Saturday.

Jasin district police chief DSP Sampornak Ismail said the woman was arrested along with her husband, both in their 40s, at their home in Sungai Rambai here at about 2pm.

He said police began investigating the case after receiving reports from the public who were invited to the event scheduled for 2pm.

"We suspected something was amiss with this ceremony and we formed a task force to investigate.

"We have conducted raids (at the suspect's house) and some equipment was seized for investigation," he said.

Sampornak said police were still investigating the details of the event and advised people not to attend the ceremony.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 419 of the Penal Code for cheating by way of impersonation, and urged anyone with information about the case to contact the police.

Fatwa prohibits Malaysian Muslim women from freezing their eggs before marriage

Muslim women in Malaysia are forbidden by a fatwa to freeze their eggs before marriage.

Syariah law only allows a womans eggs to be fertilised by her husbands sperm. Thus, freezing her eggs for social purposes is not allowed, said fertility expert Dr Natasha Ain Mohd Nor.

"A fatwa has been established for Muslim women, where freezing their eggs before marriage is not permissible," she told Bernama.

"However, after marriage, they can freeze their eggs provided they be fertilised by the sperm of the husband."

Dr Natasha said egg freezing in Islam was only encouraged if the woman is unable to conceive naturally due to a medical condition, and not for social reasons where young single women freeze their eggs to become pregnant later on in life.

Asked what the current thinking was among Muslim women in Malaysia on egg freezing, she said: "They havent caught up with the idea as it is very expensive. Egg freezing could cost a woman between RM15,000 and RM17,000."

Dr Natasha, who works at the KL Fertility Centre, said Muslim women who opted to freeze their eggs were usually those with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.

"Muslim women wishing to freeze their eggs do it for medical purposes. But this is still a very small minority," she said.

"These women are usually undergoing chemotherapy. They are referred by their doctor to a fertility expert to assist them freeze their eggs as an option should they later decide to have children."

Asked whether there were other reasons for Muslim women seeking to freeze their eggs, Dr Natasha said she had helped freeze the eggs of Muslim women whose husbands could not produce enough sperm.

"What happens is that we freeze the womans eggs, and then give the husband a day or two to produce the sperm to fertilise them."

Dr Natasha encouraged women in general not to delay pregnancy, saying egg freezing was not a 100 percent guarantee that they would conceive.

"Egg freezing is an option, but the likelihood of the woman becoming pregnant is not 100 percent guaranteed," she said.

"If a woman wants to freeze her eggs, she is encouraged to do so in her early 30s while she still has enough eggs. In her 40s, it would be difficult."

Dr Natasha said a womans eggs could last five to 10 years after they were frozen.

"Therefore, it would be advisable for a woman who wants to delay pregnancy to see a gynaecologist and have a full health assessment to know about the fertility of her eggs."

China fuels red boom in global bauxite trade

Malaysia is a small player in the global bauxite industry but strong demand from China has fuelled a red boom in the country.

Bauxite is processed into aluminium oxide or alumina before being smelted to extract aluminium, which is used in all kinds of products ranging from packaging to aeroplanes.

In 2013, Malaysia reportedly produced 208,770 tonnes of bauxite, a tiny figure compared to world leader Australia which produced 81 million tonnes.

The following year saw a three-fold jump in Malaysia’s production to 962,799 tonnes, according to figures from the Minerals and Geoscience Department.

Last year, Malaysia produced an estimated 20 million tonnes to overtake Australia as the biggest bauxite exporter to China.

The staggering jump in production is partly to fill a void left by Indonesia which restricted exports in 2014 to compel local companies to develop smelters, add value and create more jobs.

Strong demand from China over the past few years has made bauxite mining a lucrative business in Malaysia.

Mining operations have, however, left many areas covered in red dust and created worries about river and sea water contamination.

Despite the big profits, questions have been raised on how long the current bauxite boom can last.

Reuters reported that the price of aluminium fell last November to its lowest in six years as China’s economic growth slowed, creating an oversupply.

It has also been noted that Malaysia has a relatively small reserve of bauxite.

Bloomberg quoted mining company Rio Tinto Group’s chief executive officer for aluminium Alf Barrios as saying that “Malaysia can only maintain its current level of production for another three or four years before its reserves run out”.

The Minerals and Geoscience Department in its 2014 Compendium states that Malaysia’s aluminium/bauxite reserves currently stand at 18 million metric tonnes valued at RM1bil.

1MDB further clarifies Bandar Malaysia equity sale

1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has provided further clarification on the sale of an equity stake in the Bandar Malaysia project to the consortium of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC).

1MDB said on Wednesday the detailed explanation would conclusively dispel the half-truths and misleading statements made by various irresponsible parties over the sale of the 60% stake.

Below is the full statement issued on Wednesday:

1MDB notes that certain questions, queries and concerns have been raised by various parties over the recently announced sale of 60% equity in the Bandar Malaysia project, to the consortium comprising Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH) and China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) ("Consortium").

 We provide below a detailed explanation, which we trust will conclusively dispel the half-truths and misleading statements made by various irresponsible parties.

 1. Bandar Malaysia Sale - Current Proposed Deal Structure

The Sg Besi land is currently owned by TRX City Sdn Bhd (formerly 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd) and Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd. TRX City Sdn Bhd owns 4 (four) plots and Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd owns 12 (twelve) plots which collectively make up the acreage of the project.  Both companies are ultimately owned 100% by 1MDB.

The current proposed deal structure, is for a New SPV 1 to be formed, that will directly purchase the land (or indirectly purchase, for example through a New SPV 2 or through purchase of equity in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd). New SPV 1 will ultimately own all 16 plots of the Sg Besi land and develop the Bandar Malaysia project.

New SPV 1 will be owned 40% by 1MDB or Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc) and 60% by the IWH-CREC Consortium.

The Consortium shareholding is 40% CREC and and 60% IWH.

IWH shareholding is 40% Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ – Johor State Govt) and 60% Credence Resources (Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kang Hoo).

So, given the above shareholdings of the various parties the ultimate New SPV1 ownership can be described in the following ways:

A.      40% 1MDB or MOF Inc (should the shares be transferred), 36% IWH and 24% CREC. The ultimate project ownership therefore is 76% Malaysian and 24% Chinese.

OR, in the alternative:

B.      40% 1MDB or MOF Inc (should the shares be transferred), 22% Credence Resources, 14% KPRJ and 24% CREC. The ultimate project ownership is therefore 54% Government and 46% private sector (Government: Federal 40% via 1MDB/MOF Inc and State 14% via KPRJ. Private sector: 22% Credence Resources and 24% CREC).

2. Difference in announced values RM7.41 billion (1MDB) vs RM5.3 billion (CREC)

In essence, 1MDB are selling land, which is what we own. However, there are two liabilities indirectly linked to the land i.e.:

A. Remainder costs to complete relocation of Pangkalan Udara KL (PUKL Relocation)

    *    The main relocation contract and development agreement was executed between 1MDB and the Government of Malaysia for a contract value of approximately RM2.7 billion. This cost includes, amongst others, new land acquisition costs, construction costs, fit out/equipment costs and relocation costs.

*         1MDB in turn, contracted to what was then named 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (now renamed TRX City Sdn Bhd) for certain construction aspects of the PUKL Relocation. TRX City Sdn Bhd in turn, then contracted Perbadanan Perwira Hartanah Malaysia (PPHM, which is a 100% subsidiary of Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera) as a Turn Key contractor to deliver the construction aspects of the PUKL Relocation.

*         PPHM has, in turn, appointed over 50 qualified Bumiputra contractors as sub-contractors to deliver various aspects of the construction. The remaining construction costs plus variation orders plus other costs of the PUKL Relocation are currently estimated at up to RM1.9 billion.

*         It is important to highlight that PPHM as the Turn Key contractor and the over 50 Bumiputra subcontractors will continue to remain as the designated contractors and will continue to perform their roles exclusively, regardless of the final deal structure.

*        These contractors have been approved by the relevant authorities and construction is supervised by relevant officials from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs. As the construction will continue to be carried out by the current approved contractors, there is therefore no question of any impact on national security through the sale by 1MDB of its 60% interest in the Bandar Malaysia project.

 B. The Bandar Malaysia Sukuk (Sukuk) – this debt is at Bandar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Nominal Value RM2.4 billion at maturity, accrued value approximately RM1.63 billion at 31 December 2015)

 3. Final Purchase Consideration Determination

To determine the final purchase consideration to be received by 1MDB, the starting point, as agreed in the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSA) executed between 1MDB and the Consortium, is 100% of the land value = RM12.35 billion.

* For its 60% share, the Consortium has agreed to pay RM7.41 billion (Purchase Consideration), of which a 10% deposit of RM741 million is payable upon execution of the SSA.

*  Whilst it is the intention of 1MDB and the Consortium to transfer the remainder PUKL Relocation construction costs and the Sukuk debt to the New SPV 1 (which will be owned 40% by 1MDB/MOF Inc and 60% by Consortium), the transfer will require:
a)      determination and agreement between the parties of the final costs for the PUKL Relocation and the Sukuk and;

b)      all relevant consents, including but not limited to, from the Government of Malaysia, the contractor (PPHM) and sukuk investors.

*   Should 1MDB and the Consortium agree on the costs and manage to procure the consents, then the Consortium will pay its 60% share of the costs and the Purchase Consideration will be adjusted accordingly, i.e. RM12.35 billion Land Value less RM1.9 billion PUKL Relocation Costs less RM1.63 billion Sukuk Costs = RM8.8 billion of which 60% Consortium share is RM5.3 billion.

* However, if the costs cannot be agreed or the consents cannot be procured, then the Purchase Consideration of RM7.41 billion will be paid in full to 1MDB, who will still be responsible for the costs.

* In either scenario above, the Purchase Consideration of RM7.41 billion to 1MDB does not change, the only difference is whether 1MDB receives the amount in full, then pays for the costs OR whether the Consortium pays for its share of the costs and remits the balance of RM5.3 billion to 1MDB.

4. High Speed Rail Project

Whilst the Government of Malaysia has designated Bandar Malaysia as the terminus for the KL – Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project, the sale of equity in the Bandar Malaysia project is not in any way linked to the eventual award of the HSR project, nor has 1MDB or the Government of Malaysia made any representations or agreements to that effect. 1MDB and the Consortium both confirm that HSR is an entirely separate project, whose award will  ultimately be determined jointly by the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore, per a separate process, that is and will not be linked or be contingent on, in any way, to the sale of 1MDB equity in the Bandar Malaysia project.

Bung Moktar defends Ahmad Maslan over two-job proposal

Datuk Bung Moktar Radin has come to the defence of under-fire colleague Datuk Ahmad Maslan over his two-job suggestion.

The Kinabatangan MP said that the suggestion to have two jobs was to increase one’s income and not to burden the people.

“This is called adding value and not burdening the people,” he said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Ahmad who is Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister was criticised when he suggested that Malaysians take on two jobs to cope with the rising cost of living.

He later clarified that he meant it in the context of having an online business on top of a day job.

Ahmad, however, faced more brickbats when he claimed that he has three jobs – Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister in the International Trade and Industry Ministry and Umno information chief.

Amanah given eight local council seats in Selangor

Eight local council seats have been allocated to Parti Amanah Negara Selangor (Amanah) under the new Selangor state councillor’s list.

Local Government, New Village Development and Legalising of Factories committee chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah said PAS, DAP and PKR had agreed on the quota during the executive state councillors meeting chaired by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali earlier on Wednesday.

He however declined to reveal which party had given up their seats.

“I do not think it is important who gave up their seats because the seats are allocated by the state government,” he added.

The eight seats have been allocated for a two-year term that begins on January 15, 2016 and ends on Dec 31, 2017.

Their seats have been allocated for the Sepang, Kuala Langat, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor municipal and district councils.

Amanah had initially requested for a minimum of two seats per council and had submitted 34 names.

The councillors’ term ended on Dec 31, 2015 and speculation was rife that the list would be delayed following internal tussle between parties for Amanah seat allocations.

Miti: Withdrawing from TPPA will not bankrupt nation

Withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) would not bankrupt the Government, said the International Trade and Industry Ministry.

The ministry, in a statement released on Monday night, said foreign investors could bring the Government to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) for breach of any obligation under the Investment Chapter of TPPA.

However, if Malaysia signs the TPPA, but then decides to withdraw, the protection under the Investment Chapter would be inapplicable to foreign investors.

“Malaysia’s withdrawal in effect would release it of its obligation to accord protection to investments under TPPA.

“For example, if Malaysia withdraws from TPPA, no company which is already established in Malaysia can take the Government to dispute under ISDS unless if there was an actual breach during the times when we were still a party (again, withdrawal in itself is not a breach) and cannot bring an ISDS action (which is no longer available anyway with the withdrawal) solely because it suffers loss of profit,”  the ministry said in a response to an article by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

On Dec 31, Dr Mahathir said that Malaysia could technically get out of the TPPA anytime it wanted but such a move would bankrupt the country due to litigation costs.

Dr Mahathir, in his blog chedet blog, cautioned that it would not be so easy for the country to extricate itself from the treaty as was said by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He explained that all parties who would lose profit, even future profit, from such a decision would be able to sue the Government as part of the treaty’s agreements.

The ministry added that the Government could be sued for breach of the Investment Chapter of the TPPA, and if the breach is proven, compensation may have to be paid.

However, withdrawal from TPPA does not constitute a breach of TPPA.

The Ministry said participation in the TPPA would not constrain them from participating in other regional trade arrangements.

“We will continue to promote free trade policies and economic growth with a balanced approach which will provide us the flexibility to safeguard sensitive areas, such as our Bumiputera policies," it said.

“Indeed, Malaysia was once the 17th largest trading nation but we should also bear in mind that the external environment at that time was less challenging – there was not much competition for our commodities and we were accorded with preferential treatment under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) by the United States.

“The United States’ GSP provides preferential duty-free treatment for over 3,500 products from a wide range of designated beneficiary countries, including many least-developed beneficiary developing countries,” it said.

The TPPA is a multi-lateral free trade agreement that encompasses 12 countries – Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, Vietnam and Japan.

Under the TPPA, Malaysian businesses will have access to other TPPA countries’ markets while companies from those places can also apply here.

Concerns have been raised that such a treaty would limit Malaysia’s sovereignty and its ability to protect its local businesses and the rights of its workers.

Malay kid enters Tamil school

With 2,000-odd students entering Year One in 70 Tamil schools statewide, SJK (T) Masai stands out as it is the only school here with a Malay student.

Muhammad Alif Talhah Lizam was among 142 seven-year-olds who started school on Sunday.

The songkok-donning Muhammad was the first Malay student since the school opened in 1946.

The school’s parent-teacher association chairman R. Karthigasen said it was an exciting time for the school to have its first Malay student in its 70-year history.

“I am confident that this will be a good learning experience for him to pick up Tamil and also help fellow classmates with Malay.

“His parents should be commended for allowing their son to pick up another language other than Malay and English,” he said, adding that this was also good for unity.

Karthigasen expressed confidence that Muhammad would be able to pick up the language like any other student, as not all Indians necessarily know how to read and write Tamil before they started schooling.

He added that enrolment in the school, which has 984 students and 59 teachers, hadincreased this year compared to 139 last year.

He added that the school had won many competitions.

“Last year one of our students went to the semi-finals to represent the country in a debate competition in India.

“We are also one of the top Tamil schools nationwide when it comes to producing 7A students in UPSR,” he added.

In Klang, Selangor, on the first day of the new school year, SJK (T) Simpang Lima was bustling with pupils, teachers and parents.

Seven-year-old Abhinayasri Jayachandran, who was starting Year One, seemed unfazed by all the excitement and people in her new environment.

Her mother Chandralega Govindaras, 37, said Abhinayasri was excited to be in school because she liked to study and learn new things.

“We enrolled her in SJK (T) Simpang Lima because it is a well-known Tamil school and we want her to learn her mother tongue,” Chandralega said.

1MDB: Liang urges Pua not to draw conclusions from public information

Simpang Renggam MP Liang Teck Meng has responded to a statement by Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, saying that the  Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was set up to investigate allegations raised in the media.

"If we can draw conclusions based on public information, then what is the purpose of holding a PAC inquiry? Then there would be no need for a PAC inquiry and there is no need for Pua to waste his precious time in the many sessions of the PAC inquiry," said Liang.

Liang said in a press release on Monday that as a member of the PAC, he had invested much of his time in PAC proceedings and did not want his fellow members to bring the entire commission and Parliament into disrepute.

He said that the rest of the PAC were intent on reaching a final conclusion based on actual facts, evidence and witness interviews - and not on "public information".

"We might as well disband the PAC and sit at home to read anonymous blogs such as Sarawak Report if it has become acceptable practice to come to a conclusion based on public information," said Liang.

Liang added that there is really no point making hundreds of statements if the majority of them were politically-motivated and not based on actual facts.

"It adds to the noise and confusion, and not the truth," said Liang.

He had a plea for Pua.

"Again, I plead with you: Please stop continuing to try to get yourself sacked from the PAC to manipulate public perceptions and bring the PAC and Parliament into disrepute. Please stop playing games. It is unfair to the rest of us on the PAC and to the public," said Liang.

Earlier Monday, Pua responded to the Gerakan secretary-general over his call for an MP to stop playing “disgusting dirty politics” and focus on evidence-based investigations on 1MDB.

"What is wrong with wanting to ‘expose the crooks' behind the multi-billion ringgit scam behind 1MDB which has resulted in tens of billions of ringgit of taxpayers losses," said Pua in a press statement on Monday.

The Petaling Jaya Utara MP said that this was not the first time that Liang had told him off for speaking out on 1MDB.

"Liang, who is also the Member of Parliament for Simpang Renggam, who is never heard raising issues which matter to the man-on-the-street, has been impressively first-off-the-mark to criticise me whenever I comment on 1MDB recently," said Pua.

On Sunday, Liang said he had read a statement by one of his fellow committee members on New Year’s Day and was stunned.

Although he did not expressly identify the “Yang Berhormat”, it is believed that Liang was referring to fellow PAC member and Opposition MP Tony Pua.

Liang went on to say that no sane person would try to prejudice and dishonour himself and the PAC in such a manner unless he had a hidden political agenda that was not based on the truth or on factual evidence.

Most parents unaware that their kids are having sex

MALACCA: Most parents are in disbelief that their children were ha­­ving sex with their classmates or friends, said Malacca’s Parents in Education Action Committee chairman Mak Chee Kin.

These youngsters, he said, were well-behaved at home due to their strict parents “but they behave differently outside”.
He said parents should be in­­volved in educating their children about statutory rape.

Last week, The Star reported that at least 51% of the rape cases in the past three years involved sex with minors.

Section 375(G) of the Penal Code states that sex with someone below 16 is considered statutory rape (with or without her consent).

“It boils down to parents who must allocate time to monitor their children and friends,” he said.
Malacca police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Chuah Ghee Lye said many young offenders did not realise the consequences.

“The stakeholders should work out a mechanism to educate them on statutory rape,” he said at the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foun­dation’s meet the media session yesterday.

Meanwhile, Sisters In Islam (SIS) criticised PAS Islamic cleric Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali for suggesting that marriage was the best solution to the high number of statutory rape cases.
“As a Member of Parliament, it is shocking that he would undermine the severity and emotional trauma experienced by victims of underage rape cases,” SIS said in a statement.
“Rape can never be consensual even if an underage girl does not explicitly say no, thus the term ‘sta­tutory rape’,” it said.

SIS added that marriage in Islam was about love, compassion, mu­­tual respect and responsibility between husband and wife.

Furthermore, SIS said that Malay­sia, as a signatory to the Convention of Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and Child Rights Con­vention, had an obligation to ensure that underage girls get access to higher education and achieve their potential instead of focusing on marriage as a solution to statutory rape cases, especially if it is a marriage to the very criminal who has destroyed her life.