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.

Government won't take easy way out to solve national challenges

The Government will not hesitate to make tough and unpopular decisions to ensure that the country's security, unity, and bright future remains protected, says Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In his new year's message to Malaysians, the Prime Minister said the country's goal for 2016 was to be a safer, more prosperous, and more equal society.

"In pursuit of that, the Government will not hesitate to take the tough, necessary and right decisions – even if they are not popular – in order to protect the people from the scourges of terrorism; to protect our precious unity that safeguards our unique diversity; and to protect that bright future that is the birthright of every Malaysian, and for which I can assure you the government will always strive with every sinew," he said in a blog posting.

Najib said 2015 had been a year of "unprecedented challenges" for Malaysia, noting the impact of dropping oil prices on the country's economy, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and the threat of the Islamic State.

In the face of these challenges, he said, the government had not looked for the easy and popular route, but instead chose to take a position of leadership.

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was one example of doing what was truly right for the people, the Prime Minister pointed out.

"A new tax is rarely welcomed. But amidst falling oil prices, if we had not had the revenue from GST, our fiscal deficit would rise from 3.1% to 4.8% for 2016.

"This would cause the credit rating agencies to downgrade Malaysia, which would result in higher interest rates, investment – including from overseas – to go down, and a serious reduction in employment opportunities along with other hardships for the people," he said.

Najib said the well-being and advancement of the people was the cornerstone of every Government policy, adding that he was fully aware that many Malaysians were hit hard by rising prices and worried about good jobs for themselves and their children.

He said this was why he announced measures in Budget 2016 to bring down taxes for middle-income families, raise the minimum wage, and increase allocation for the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) cash handouts.

Other measures included building 175,000 new affordable housing units, strengthening the quality of education and enhancing infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and offer fresh employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister said that the Government's priorities for 2016 were to strengthen the resilience of the economy, manage the impact of external vulnerabilities and safeguard the interests of the people.

He reiterated that no Malaysian would be left behind in the country's progress, and urged all Malaysians regardless of their political affiliations to support the Government's reforms.

"If we can put past divisions behind us, and embrace anew what joins us together as citizens of the country we are so proud of, I am sure that 2016 can be a year in which we move confidently together, as one, towards that future.

"I would like to wish all Malaysians a happy, prosperous and safe New Year," Najib wrote.

IGP: A right to self-defence does not mean you can kill someone

The public has been advised to study the legal provisions under Section 99 of the Penal Code to understand the right to self-defence before making assumptions, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Khalid was responding to the probe over the decision to charge a man who allegedly killed a robber in self-defence for murder in Terengganu.

The charge sparked outrage among netizens.

Khalid also questioned the Bar Council and human rights lawyers for not educating the public.

"If someone robs us, that doesn't mean that we can kill him.

"Section 99 of the Penal Code clearly outlines the limits of self-defence, not just for the public, but for us (the police) too.

"When it comes to other matters, Bar Council is quick to comment. Why keep quiet on this?

"This is where the Bar Council plays a role in educating the public," he said in Bukit Aman on Thursday.

Khalid added that the right to self-defence does not extend to inflicting more harm than is necessary.

Recently, netizens were outraged when a story on social media of a man named Zulkifli, who is allegedly facing the gallows after stabbing to death a robber who broke into his home, in Kerteh, Terengganu, went viral.

The story reported that he was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and Section 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

Ahmad Maslan: I am being unfairly maligned by press and public

Deputy International Trade and Industry minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan (pic) says he is being unfairly maligned by the press and public.

Ahmad said his intentions were good when he proposed that Malaysians take up a second job, including an online business to cope with the rising cost of living.

He said his original statement on Saturday and subsequent tweets on the issue were "spun negatively."

He pointed out that Malaysians spent a lot of time on social media, online and on their smartphones and that these factors could help them be successful in an online business.

Ahmad was undeterred by the criticism and said Malaysians would eventually recognise the truth of what he said.

The Umno information chief acknowledged being a magnet for criticism and said he also faced brickbats while defending the Goods and Services Tax (GST) earlier this year.

Ahmad said he had seen the benefits of what GST could do for a country while a student in New Zealand in 1996.

He said he had no problem facing the criticism which came with supporting GST while he was deputy Finance Minister.
Ahmad said he had been proven right and pointed out the revenue from GST had offset the losses from low crude oil prices.

Ahmad Maslan: #2kerja I mean a day job and an online business

 In defending his suggestion that Malaysians take on two jobs to cope with the rising cost of living, Datuk Ahmad Maslan says he meant it in the context of having an online business on top of a day job.

He said he himself has three jobs - member of parliament, deputy minister in the International Trade and Industry and Umno information chief.

“I have three jobs: member of parliament, deputy minister, and Umno information chief. There are already many people in Malaysia who do #2kerja. (They are) working hard to find halal income,” he said on Tuesday, using the hashtag #2kerja, which translates as “two jobs.”

“If your existing job is during the day, you can manage an online business at night or during weekends as long as your performance isn’t affected; it can increase income,” he posted.

Earlier, Ahmad sparked a backlash with his remarks at a function with Johor entrepreneurs on Saturday, that it was normal for those living in rural areas to have multiple jobs.

Ahmad, the Pontian MP, pointed out that "some tap rubber in the morning and farm in the evening, while others cut grass in the morning and build homes in the evening."

Ahmad, however, clarified a report in Astro Awani with a headline suggesting that the government was encouraging people to work two jobs.

"I mentioned that the Ministry encourages online business as a means to increase income and is the current trend in commerce. The Astro Awani headline is inaccurate," he added.

“#2kerja There are rules which need to be followed for those who have fixed jobs, so follow them. But for those who work for themselves, there’s no issue,” he tweeted.

Ahmad also took a swipe at his critics, pointing out that even Oppositions leaders had more than one job.

“#2kerja Lim Guan Eng - state assemblyman, MP, and Chief Minister. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail - state assemblyman, MP, Opposition leader. Three jobs. I suggested existing job + online business. Angry?” he said.

Zahid: DAP's statement on Israel not in line with Malaysia's stand

DAP's criticism of an official move to deny visas for two Israeli athletes was not in line with Malaysia's policy, the Deputy Prime Minister said.  

"We have a clear stand from the angle of diplomatic relations with Israel and the remark by DAP is something against our policy," Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters here Monday.

He added that the party's view was not in line with national sensitivities. 

Two Israeli windsurfers were to compete at the International Sailing Federation world youth championships in Langkawi, which began Sunday.  

Online reports said that the two were originally subject to demands by Malaysia to restrict the use of Israeli flags and symbols.  

Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, and also regularly condemns it over its attacks on Palestinians there.  

Reports of the athletes being denied entry visas followed with Perak DAP leader Chong Zhemin criticising the move.  

Chong later retracted his statement and expressed support for the Palestinian struggle.

MACC chief Abu Kassim meets PM over RM2.6bil donation

Officials from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), including its chief Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed,  are believed to have met Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak over the RM2.6bil donation in the latter's bank account.

Abu Kassim was seen leaving Parliament at around noon, while the Prime Minister’s vehicle was also seen parked in the compound of Menara Parlimen.

The meeting is said to have taken place at the Prime Minister’s office located in the tower. Several Finance Ministry officials were also seen entering the building in a separate vehicle.

Sources from MACC had earlier revealed that the anti-graft body would record a statement from Najib, though it remained unclear where and when this would take place.

It is believed that today's meeting was arranged to set a suitable date and time for the commission to question Najib.

The Prime Minister had said recently that he would give a statement to MACC to assist in the ongoing probe into allegations of graft in 1Malaysia Development Berhad and its subsidiary, SRC International Bhd.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Apandi Ali has said he would ask Najib to meet MACC to hasten the investigations.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was present in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday morning to offer an explanation on the RM2.6bil on Najib's behalf.

Nurul referred to Parliament's rights committee over Kiram photo

 Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar has been referred to Parliament's Rights and Privileges Committee for going against her oath as a parliamentarian.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said a motion to cite Nurul Izzah over her meeting with self-styled Sulu princess Jacel Kiram was approved via bloc voting with 105 votes for and 77 against.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said it was the best platform for Nurul Izzah to explain herself in front of the committee.

"That will be fair as the committee is represented not only by members of the government but by the Opposition bench," she said.

Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) said it was wrong for any party to ask for help from a foreign government to secure the release of a prisoner.

"If they really want help, they should meet the head of state, not the enemy," he said.

Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) described the motion as "an abuse of parliamentary process."

"We have repeatedly denied that there was no hidden motives during the meeting, but the other side do not want to listen to our explanation," he said.

Parliament: Najib moves to increase Sarawak state seats to 82

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tabled a motion in Parliament to adopt the the Election Commission's recommendations on the Sarawak delineation exercise.

The motion is to increase the state legislative assembly seats from 71 to 82.

The new electoral boundaries will take effect before the 11th Sarawak state elections due next year.

The exercise will not affect the 31 parliamentary constituencies in the state, which will remain the same. There will, however, be changes in the boundaries of some constituencies due to the new state seats.

According to Bernama, the new state seats are Batu Kitang, Stakan, Serembu, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Kabong, Tellian, Bukit Goram, Murum, Samalaju and Mulu.

Najib said the exercise was necessary as there had been an 18% increase in the number of voters in Sarawak since the last exercise in 2005.

He said EC's recommendations were intended to reduce the burden on elected representatives, especially where communication and transportation facilities were very limited.

"It is hoped that the recommendations will assist the wakil rakyat in serving more effectively and increase the economic status and development in rural areas," he said when tabling the motion at the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.

The EC report on the Sarawak delimitation and delineation exercises was gazetted on Aug 21 and presented to Najib.

Chaos at KLIA2 as Air Asia pilots down with flu

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at KL International Airport 2 in Sepang after AirAsia pilots reported sick on Tuesday.

Some flights were cancelled, others delayed forcing the passengers to spend the night at the airport.
While most affected flights were local, an international flight reported to have been cancelled was to Bangkok's Don Meuang Airport.

AirAsia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said at least 12 pilots came down with flu.

The flights schedule became chaotic after flights were re-timed. Some passengers were told that their flights were moved to other flights but were later cancelled.

Lawyer Americk Sidhu denies having information on pen drive of murdered DPP Kevin Morais

 Lawyer Americk Sidhu has denied having any information regarding the contents of a pen-drive allegedly given to his client Charles Morais by his brother and deputy public prosecutor Datuk Anthony Kevin Morais before he was murdered.

“I’m not aware. I don’t know anything about it,” he told the Star Online on Tuesday.

According to Americk, Charles had only informed him of the existence of the pen drive but nothing else.

In a statutory declaration released on Monday, Charles claimed that Kevin had told him that he was working on a case involving a top politician and his wife.

He had also claimed that his Kevin had sent him a pen drive a month before his death for safekeeping.

On Sunday, the police announced that they would be calling Americk in to provide a statement over the statutory declaration signed by Charles.

However, the meeting has been rescheduled to two days later.

“They cancelled their appointment with me today. The inspector who is doing it is busy. It’s being rescheduled for this Thursday,” he said.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had also urged Charles to share his findings with the police, saying that failure to do so would be tantamount to withholding evidence, which is an offence.

Kevin went missing on Sept 4 after leaving his home in Menara Duta for work in Putrajaya.

He was abducted by several men following a minor accident along Jalan Dutamas.

A DNA test on a body found in a cemented oil drum dumped in a swamp in Subang Jaya on Sept 16 identified the remains as that of Kevin’s.
Army pathologist Kol Dr R. Kunaseegaran and seven others have been charged with the abduction and murder of Kevin.

Malaysia to host CHOGM in 2020

Malaysia has been chosen as the host of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the appointment was in recognition of Malaysia's significant role as a member of the Commonwealth for the past 50 years.

"Malaysia has been appointed to host CHOGM in 2020, 31 years after last hosting the meeting," he told Malaysian reporters here after attending the CHOGM 2015 closing ceremony in Malta Monday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who led the Malaysian delegation for CHOGM 2015, said the United Kingdom would host the meeting in 2018.

During the meeting here, Commonwealth leaders addressed global issues such as climate change, building resilience in small states, trade and sustainable development, the empowerment of youth, and fight against corruption and terrorism.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said climate change, which has affected the 31 Commonwealth member states, was among the major focus points of the summit.

"Small island Commonwealth states are anticipated to be submerged in the near future due to global warming that has raised the sea level," he said.

He said a paper had been presented to the Cabinet to affirm Malaysia's commitment towards reducing climate change, which outlined efforts in environmental conservation, minimisation of deforestation, and renewable energy advocacy and other approaches.

"We will play an important role in helping to reduce global climate change," he said.

At the same press conference, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Malaysia had also urged developed Commonwealth states to provide financial resources to developing state members.

On the Commonwealth Youth Council secretariat's relocation to Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Zahid said he had discussed the matter with Anifah and would forward it to the Cabinet for approval as well as to seek an allocation for it.

He would also hold a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the issue.

Sale will not lead to increase in IPP tariffs, says 1MDB

1Malaysia Deve­lopment Bhd has assured the public that independent power producer tariffs will not be increased over the next 10 years although its power assets were sold to a China-owned company.
It said that although there was a change in ownership of the power assets under Edra Global Energy Bhd to China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), IPP ta­­riffs were fixed for the duration of the purchase agreement.

“On average across all the Edra power plants, this is for the next 10 years. So, there is no question of the IPP tariffs being increased for the life of the PPA (power purchase agreement) despite the change of ownership,” it said in a statement.

1MDB said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not mislead the people by not mentioning in his blog that the tariff for the Edra assets were fixed for the duration of the agreement.
1MDB said CGN Group would pay RM9.83bil in cash and absorb Edra’s RM7.43bil debt in operating cost, thus effectively reducing 1MDB’s debt by up to RM17bil.

The company said this was well within its anticipated debt reduction of between RM16bil and RM18bil as announced earlier in its rationalisation plan.

1MDB insisted that the RM17bil debt reduction was over and above the RM2bil cash dividends received from the power assets during the duration of its ownership.

It said president and chief executive officer Arul Kanda had explained the matter clearly last week.
The firm said it had “broke even” on its investments through an international tender process, despite having to sell its assets.

Stop blaming Barisan, Penang MCA tells Guan Eng

The DAP-led Penang should stop blaming the previous Barisan Nasional government over the pawning off state assets and the construction of the Penang Undersea Tunnel, according to MCA.

Its Penang liaison committee deputy chairman Tan Teik Cheng (pix) said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng must not accuse Barisan over such issues in an attempt to deceive voters.

He said when the state government unveiled its Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), the move was deemed as a huge achievement to improve the traffic conditions in the state.

“In Aug 2013, the state government announced that it had entered into a joint-venture with three consortiums as its programme delivery partner (PDP) for the PTMP worth RM27bil. 

“However, Guan Eng later gave the excuse that the plan needs to be approved by the Federal Government, thus proving that Guan Eng's claim that the previous Barisan state government had approved the plan is fake,” Tan said in a statement on Friday. 

Tan also said the actions of the five PKR state representatives who had abstained on Umno’s motion to stop land reclamation projects revealed that Guan Eng was lying when he said that Penang would go bankrupt if the projects were stopped because of the need to pay a huge compensation.

“By now, I believe that Guan Eng is running out of place to turn to. He must state clearly, if the land reclamation projects were to be stopped, is it Penang which will become bankrupt, or is it himself? 

“He must also explain why the approval was given without public consultation” said Tan.

Lim had previously said that the state might go bankrupt if the Tanjung Pinang land reclamation project was postponed.

He made the comments in the wake of a controversy resulting from a motion on reclamation tabled by Muhamad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) at the state assembly sitting last week.

The motion attracted attention when DAP assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu voted for it together with all the nine Barisan assemblymen present in the House while five PKR backbenchers abstained.

Twenty-three others (18 from DAP, four from PKR and one from PAS) voted against the motion which had called for public hearings to be held for all projects and concessions involving land reclamation for development as an exchange to fund the cost of infrastructure or public transport projects or any other development.

The motion had also called for the suspension of all new land reclamation plans in the state until a detailed study on their environmental and social impacts were carried out, and to cancel such plans if they had negative effects.

Probe on Umno seven completed, says Ku Nan

The probe against seven errant Umno members has been completed and the investigation papers will be submitted to the party's disciplinary committee soon, said Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

The Umno secretary-general said that after the disciplinary committee had studied the papers, the matter would be then left to the supreme council to decide on the action to be taken,” he said at a press conference called here Thursday.

Tengku Adnan, when asked for the identity of the seven members, declined to name any but hinted that several members of the supreme council were on the list.

Recently sacked Gopeng Wanita Umno chief Datuk Hamidah Osman was not on the list, he said. 

Parliament: Paul Stadlen was not government staff, says PMO

Public Relations consultant Paul Stadlen was not a government staff and, as such, was not paid a salary and allowance by the government, said the Prime Minister's Department.

It said this in a written reply on Thursday to a question from Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) in the Dewan Rakyat.

News portal 'Sarawak Report' had reported claiming that Stadlen had headed the communication team at the Prime Minister's Office.

Stadlen, a permanent resident, had headed the Kuala Lumpur branch of Apco Worldwide, a Washington-based public relations firm with 29 branches around the world.

The Prime Minister's Department, in the written reply, also said that Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing was also not paid a salary and allowance when he was the special programmes coordinator for the Prime Minister.

It said the scope of duties of national unity affairs advisor Datuk Heng Seai Kie included cooperating in the implementation of the vision and mission of the Department of National Unity and National Integration besides programmes to strengthen unity and social harmony.

Dr Ling given more time to file statement of defence in PM’s suit

Former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik has been allowed some time to file his statement of defence over a libel suit filed by the Prime Minister against him.

On Thursday, the parties agreed for an extension of time to be given to Dr Ling to file his statement of defence.

This was disclosed to reporters here by Dr Ling's lawyer Gregory Ling and the Prime Minister's counsel Nor Emelia Iszeham after they met the judge in chambers.

High Court judge Justice John Louis O'Hara allowed Dr Ling to file his statement of defence on Dec 15.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was suing Dr Ling over his remarks which allegedly implied that he had misused public funds for his personal interests.

Nor Emelia said her client would reply to the defence statement by Dec 29.

"The pleadings (documents filed for the suit) will be closed at the end of next month," added Gregory.

In his suit, Najib said that an online news portal had on Oct 3 published an article saying Dr Ling had made slanderous statements against him while attending a ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

He said Dr Ling, who is a former MCA president, had uttered defamatory words in his speech which implied that he had misappropriated funds belonging to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) into his personal account.

Najib said the words had implied that he was not competent to be a leader of the Government or the Prime Minister.

In his statement of claim, Najib is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages to be assessed by the court.

Among others, Najib is applying for an injunction to restrain Dr Ling from further speaking or publishing or causing to be published any similar defamatory words against him.

He is asking for an order that Dr Ling publish a written apology in newspaper or magazines to be identified by him.

The Prime Minister had on Oct 27 filed the suit at the High Court civil registry through Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak.

Abdul Rahman dismisses Charles’ allegations over Kevin’s murder

 Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan has dismissed allegations by a brother of murdered Anthony Kevin Morais that “certain personalities” were involved in the DPP’s death.

The Barisan Nasional strategic communications director said the allegations were outlandish, adding that the timing was “too convenient”.

He said Charles Suresh, who had signed a statutory declaration claiming that he had information implicating certain personalities in his brother’s death, should refer to the statement of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“If Charles would just follow-up with what’s happening, the MACC already made a police report stating that the charge sheet (against the Prime Minister) was false.

“I can’t help but looking at the entire episode surrounding the PM as every time there’s an event as big as the Umno general assembly, some issue will surface.

“The timing is too convenient,” he told reporters when met outside the Dewan Rakyat Thursday.

In a series of tweets earlier, Abdul Rahman said Charles had raised these allegations long after the murder but just before the Umno general assembly.

“MACC said the charge sheet was unfounded. Everyone except Charles knows SRC investigation is still ongoing. How can there be a charge sheet?

“Another wayang (show) with bad script and equally bad actor,” he added.

In a statutory declaration on Wednesday, Charles had claimed that his brother sent him a thumbdrive a month before his disappearance for safekeeping.

He said Kevin had told him that the thumbdrive contained information which “implicates certain personalities” in the country.
SRC International is a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Kevin was never involved in 1MDB case, A-G Mohamed Apandi reiterates

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has maintained that the late deputy public prosecutor Anthony Kevin Morais was never involved in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case.

"Kevin was never involved in the 1MDB investigations. In fact, when he was transferred back to Attorney-General's Chambers in early July 2014, there was no report in respect of 1MDB yet!" he said in a text message from Nanning, China Thursday.

On Sept 7, Mohamed Apandi issued a statement that Kevin was not involved in investigations pertaining to 1MDB.

His remarks were in response to a statutory declaration made by Kevin's younger brother Charles Suresh Morais on Wednesday.

Charles, 51, had claimed that his brother had sent him a pendrive a month before his disappearance for safekeeping.

He said Kevin had told him that the pendrive contained information which “implicates certain personalities” in the country.

Apandi said the claims by Charles were preposterous.

"I need to state that when the brother starts insinuating that the current accused persons are not linked to Kevin's murder, he is seen as interfering with the pending trial.

"So are his unfounded allegations on the post-mortem of his late brother Kevin," added Apandi.

The feud over the remains of murdered DPP Anthony Kevin Morais has taken a new twist with two of his brothers claiming that the body has been secretly cremated.

Charles and David Ramesh, 51, who wanted a second autopsy conducted on the body, hit out at their youngest brother Datuk Richard for claiming the remains at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital mortuary on Monday.

Saying they did not know for sure what had happened to Kevin’s remains, they said they had a strong feeling it had been cremated.

Richard, 49, a piano seller, had claimed the body on the same day that Charles filed a court application for a second autopsy.

Among other matters, Charles accused Richard of conspiring with unknown persons to cremate Kevin’s remains before a second autopsy could be conducted, adding that he believed this was done to destroy new evidence from emerging.

Kevin, who was described by his friends as kind, humble, dedicated and committed to his job, went missing on Sept 4 after leaving his residence in Menara Duta for work in Putrajaya in a grey Proton Perdana.

The DPP was abducted by several men following a fender bender along Jalan Dutamas during morning rush hour traffic.

A DNA test performed on the body found in a cemented oil drum on Sept 16 matched that of Kevin. The oil drum was dumped at a swamp in Subang Jaya.

One of the suspects arrested led police to the location of the oil drum.

Eight men including an army doctor had on Sept 28 been charged at two courts over the murder of Kevin.

Lodge a police report to back your claims, Nur Jazlan tells Charles

Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed has told a brother of murdered Anthony Kevin Morais to lodge a police report to back his allegations that influential people were involved in the DPP’s death.

"He should lodge a police report so that we can investigate his allegations," the Deputy Home Minister told reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat Thursday.

Charles Suresh, 51, had claimed in a statutory declaration on Wednesday that his brother had sent him a pendrive a month before his disappearance for safekeeping.

He said Kevin had told him that the pendrive contained information which “implicates certain personalities” of high standing in the country.

Nur Jazlan said Charles had not furnished the police with evidence to back his claims.

"Charles has made accusations but we have not received any police report for us to start investigations.

"He shouldn't make accusations like this without presenting the evidence to police. Police won't investigate wild rumours," he added.

The Deputy Minister's remarks echoes that of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who urged Charles to share his findings with the police.

Khalid had said that Charles' failure to do so would be tantamount to him committing the offence of withholding evidence.

Charles claimed he did not believe that Kevin was killed because of his involvement in the prosecution of an army pathologist who has been charged with the murder.

Malaysia makes top 10 list of most generous nations

Malaysians are known for their charitable efforts - the country has been listed as one of the most generous nations in the world.

In the Charity Aid Foundation’s (CAF) World Giving Index for 2015 released this month, Malaysia was ranked in the 10th spot and received a score of 52.

The index by Britain-based CAF looks at three measures of giving - donating money, volunteering time, and helping a stranger.

Malaysia scored 62% when it comes to helping strangers, 58% in donating money and 37% in volunteer services. 

The countries, which comprise the top 10, remain largely the same as those reported in 2014.

Malaysia, among the most improved countries in 2014, has maintained these increases in giving to remain in the top 20 for this year.

Myanmar is ranked first in the World Giving Index for 2015, having previously shared this position with the US last year. 

Their score of 66% achieved is the highest on record. Myanmar once again records the highest incidence of donating money (92%), and this year, it also leads the world in terms of volunteering (50%).

The US comes in second while New Zealand completes the podium. Other countries in the top 10 are Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

This year’s edition of the World Giving Index presents data from across the globe over a five-year period (2010-2014). 

The index includes data from 145 countries that was collected throughout 2014.

CAF is an international charity registered in the United Kingdom, with nine offices covering six continents. 

Their mission is to motivate society to give even more effectively and help transform lives and communities around the world.

Gopeng Umno: Take action against Muhyiddin and Dr M as well

The Gopeng Umno division is calling for disciplinary action to be taken against both Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, following the expulsion of its former Wanita wing chief Datuk Hamidah Osman from the party.

Division chief Datuk Hamzah Mohd Kassim said a proposal to remove the party deputy president and the former prime minister's party membership was actually handed in to the Umno Supreme Council four months ago by its division members.

"We accepted the decision of Hamidah's removal unanimously after our meeting.

"But we feel the same should also be done to Muhyiddin and Dr Mahathir as they have both gone against the party's rules and regulations as well," he told journalists after chairing the Gopeng Umno division committee meeting here on Wednesday.

Hamzah stressed that while having differing opinions was not out of the ordinary, they should have stood by party rules and gone through proper channels when voicing their dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's administration.

"What right do they have to openly call for our current leader to step down when he was rightfully elected by Umno members and the rakyat to lead our country?

Hamzah pointed out that Hamidah's removal would not have any negative effect among division members.

"We stand here united as one and will continue to work hard to win back our parliamentary seats in GE14," he added.

Regarding to the Wanita wing chief post vacated by Hamidah, Hamzah said it was up to the Umno supreme council to decide who would take over.

"But we believe that according to party tradition, our vice Gopeng Umno Wanita chief Feridah Zakaria holds the post in an acting capacity," he said.