Najib Razak, former PM, found guilty - more information and reactions

More updates on Former premier Najib Abdul Razak found guilty of all seven charges - SRC trial..

- Najib is first ex-PM to be convicted - The Star

It took two and a half hours for Justice Nazlan to read his decision.

Justice Nazlan sentenced Najib to 12 years’ jail and RM210mil fine for one court of power abuse.

For three counts of criminal breach of trust, Najib was sentenced to 10 years’ jail for each of the charges.

For three counts of money laundering, another 10 years’ jail each.

The court ordered for the jail time to run concurrently.

Shafee applied for a stay of execution on both jail time and fine, which was allowed by the court.

Najib’s bail, originally set at RM1mil, was increased by another RM1mil in two sureties to be paid today.

Najib was also ordered to report to the nearest police station twice a month.

Pakatan leaders say ‘justice served’ after Najib convicted of all counts in SRC trial - Malay Mail

Pakatan Harapan leaders described former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conviction in his SRC International trial today as justice for the country and vindication for themselves.

Among them were former energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister Yeo Bee Yin who said the decision demonstrated the power Malaysians possessed via the ballot box.

“To all who went all out, worked and voted for change in 2018, it is not in vain, remember, it is not in vain,” she said on Facebook.

PKR vice president Rafizi Ramli also broke his recent silence on politics to comment that today’s unprecedented conviction of a former prime minister in Malaysia was momentous for the country.

Rafizi had been among those who led the criticism of the Najib administratio over the 1MDB scandal.

“I very rarely commented on anything political nowadays. But I did spend many years on the front-line dealing with 1MDB and SRC scandals as an MP.

“I never expected much from those years, but I did feel that all the heartbreaks were well worth it today.

“Well done Malaysia” he said.

'Najib conviction a victory for justice' - New Straits Times

Najib was today sentenced to 12 years' jail and fined RM210 million after he was found guilty of all seven charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) subsidiary's funds.

"The prosecution's case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt, and all witnesses who testified have been found credible.

"We are pleased that justice has been served in this case and that the judge has accepted the truth of the prosecution's case. The outcome is actually a victory for justice," he said at a press conference after judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali passed sentence on the former prime minister.

He added that he had estimated that the case would be finally disposed of in a year.

Judge: Najib's lack of action to recover SRC funds 'very puzzling' - New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak's lack of action to recover funds linked to SRC International which were frozen by the Swiss authorities in 2015 was deemed as something very puzzling by the High Court Judge who convicted him of power abuse charges yesterday.

Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali said this in his judgment in the SRC International case which saw the former prime minister convicted of all seven charges of power abuse, criminal breach of trust and money laundering before jailing 12 years and fining him RM210 million.

In his judgment, Nazlan said Najib's action was much more consistent with the conduct of one who did not want the problem to be resolved given his own complicity in the unlawful transfer of the funds in the first place.

The judge found evidence of this in the shareholder minutes of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc).

He said it was clear by the end of 2015 that SRC was facing financial difficulties.

Istana: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM

The Star: Istana: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be sworn in as the eighth prime minister at 10.30am on March 1, Istana Negara has announced.

After receiving representations from both sides, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has determined that the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president is “most likely to command a majority, ” the Istana said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 29).


You may be interested to read:
PH: We have 114 MPs now in support of Dr M
Mukhriz questions how Muhyiddin can be PM when six MPs from Bersatu supports Dr M


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

New twist to power vacuum saga as Dr M set to return as PM with PH support

In a twist of events..

FMT reports:

PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he is prepared to lead a Pakatan Harapan coalition government again, following a meeting with its top leaders this morning.

“I am now confident that I have the numbers needed to garner majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I am therefore prepared to stand as prospective candidate for prime minister. This decision will be conveyed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said in a statement.

This comes just as PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin looked set to become the next prime minister after support poured in for him yesterday.

Pakatan Harapan also confirmed this in a brief statement, saying it condemns efforts to form a “backdoor government” involving “traitors and kleptocrats”.

“As such, for the sake of defending the struggle, Pakatan Harapan expresses its full support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister,” it said.

A source told FMT that ex-PKR leaders who quit the party together with Mohamed Azmin Ali earlier this week are not part of this revived bloc.

Continue reading New twist to power vacuum saga as Dr M set to return as PM with PH support


You may be interested to read:
King determined to end political tug of war
Actually, What Are The Agong’s Powers?


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Malay Rulers arrive at Istana Negara for special meeting

From the Malay Mail..

Malay Rulers arrive at Istana Negara for special meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — The Malay Rulers have started arriving at Istana Negara here this morning to attend a special meeting after the political turmoil that has plagued the country since Sunday.

The Malay Rulers are set to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who has interviewed almost all MPs over the past two days to determine who commands the confidence of the majority in Parliament.

The Johor palace motorcade was seen entering the main entrance gate of the Istana Negara at 9.32am, signaling the arrival of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

There’s a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the palace currently.

The Conference of Rulers meeting today is in light of the current political quagmire, triggered by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir’s resignation on Monday.

The Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will look into the possibility of a new government or the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat.

Others expected to arrive include Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, Sultan Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Sultan Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Almarhum Sultan Badlishah as well as Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, Pahang Acting regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Dr Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Sultan Ismail Petra.

More to come..

Here is a timeline of Malaysia's political crisis.

Source: Malay Mail


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Who is the new Prime Minister of Malaysia? - With updates

Yes, who will be the new Prime Minister of Malaysia? Your guess is as good as mine but let's take a look at what's going on here in Kuala Lumpur from live account from Istana Negara (the King's Palace) courtesy of FMT..

Courtesy of FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: FMT brings live accounts as events unfold at Istana Negara amid a political vacuum in Putrajaya.

11.15am: There have been conflicting claims on who has the majority, with Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters saying the PKR leader is set to be sworn-in as PM. Pakatan Harapan top leaders are meeting at 1pm today.

11.10am: Dr Mahathir may not be sworn in as he is not wearing the Baju Melayu, which is a required palace protocol during a swearing-in ceremony.

11.00am: Dr Mahathir Mohamad, wearing a suit and a songkok, enters the palace grounds, ahead of his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It is not certain if he would be sworn-in, with conflicting claims on who has the majority support to head a new government.


At the same time, Mahathir off to Istana as unity govt looks set to trump partisan blocs



According to Malay Mail..
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — State broadcast channel RTM reported this morning that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been summoned to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Istana Negara at 11am.

RTM also reported that Chief Justice Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat had also been similarly summoned.

Malay Mail is seeking verification with palace officials and Dr Mahathir’s office regarding the matter.


UPDATES:
Dr M back as PPBM chairman, says party sec-gen

PETALING JAYA: Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has retained his post in the state after receiving support from assemblymen belonging to various parties.

The menteri besar said the Kedah government now consists of Pakatan Harapan and PPBM.

“Everything remains the same, except that we are now known as the Pakatan Harapan-Bersatu government in Kedah,” Mukhriz said.
Mukhriz remains MB after support from Kedah reps


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Malaysia will have a surprise tomorrow?

From MSN:

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan coalition partners have reached a consensus on their position following the political crisis sparked by Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as prime minister, but will only announce it tomorrow.

Most of the top PH leaders, including PKR’s Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng and Amanah’s Mujahid Yusof Rawa avoided the press and left hurriedly after a meeting at the PKR headquarters here tonight.

Asked if PH was confident of a majority, Khalid said “God willing” though he ruled out a two-thirds majority. He said they had a “sufficient” majority.
Read: PH leaders reach consensus, will reveal it tomorrow


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Prime Minister of Malaysia has resigned

MSN reports:

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has submitted his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 1pm today, said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.

This confirms reports that Dr Mahathir had quit as Prime Minister, although the brief two-paragraph statement did not disclose the reason for his resignation.

This latest development comes just a day after talks of a new political coalition being formed to replace the current Pakatan Harapan administration.

News about Dr Mahathir’s alleged resignation circulated in online news portals and social media at around noon. Prior to that, there were meetings held between Dr Mahathir and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the former’s home earlier today.

Yesterday was fraught with uncertainty over the state of the government following a series of high-level meeting last night between both sides of the political divide said to be in support of Dr Mahathir remaining as prime minister until the next general election.

They include PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, as well as some leaders from both parties who met with Barisan Nasional leaders and those from PAS at Sheraton Hotel.

On Friday after the PH presidential council meeting, Dr Mahathir said he will decide later about his tenure as PM, as opposed to giving a firm date for his resignation as requested by certain quarters in the coalition.


With Tun Dr Mahathir's resignation.. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling government has collapsed, following the resignation of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and after the pact lost its Parliamentary majority.

Following the resignation of Dr Mahathir who is the Chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), the former PH component member with 26 federal lawmakers pulled out from the pact, this afternoon.
Continue reading..

Caretaker government to be formed, AGC to release details soon

Updates:
Agong accepts Dr M’s resignation, reappoints him as interim PM
All 26 ministerial appointments revoked
Anwar: Dr M says wasn’t part of power grab

25 February:
Interim premier Dr M back at work in Perdana Putra

Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya (MSN/The Star Online)

Kit Siang: Will Opposition behind backdoor govt now declare support for Pakatan’s GE14 manifesto?
‘Dr M quit because he refuses to work with Umno’
Three states at risk of falling
The numbers game that just needs a simple majority to win
Make the one with the majority the PM, says lawyer activists group
And on a refreshing note, the King treats media to KFC.


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Malaysia National Day, August 31

Today, Malaysia celebrates her 61st National Day.

This is the very first National Day celebration for the new government, Pakatan Harapan after a resounding victory on May 9 of the former Barisan National government who had been the single party running the country the past 60 years.

'Merdeka' is truly fitting this year. Merdeka is the local Malay word for independence.

Let's all have A Happy National Day!


Image source: MSN.com

Former PM Najib to be charged in Court today

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was arrested yesterday and was detained at the MACC in Kuala Lumpur. He is to be charged in court today.

According to The Star, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to face several charges for committing offences under two Acts, sources said.

Chronology of events this morning:

Highly placed sources at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission (MACC) said Attorney General Tommy Thomas is expected to lead the prosecution team and Najib will be brought to court about 8.30am.

8.25am: Najib arrives at Jalan Duta Courts complex

8.05am: More than a dozen police personnel are stationed outside the Sessions Court where Najib is expected to be charged. They instruct reporters to register a representative per publisher, due to limited seats in the courtroom.

6.55pm: Court gates open to allow a convoy of police vehicles to enter. Police officers from the canine unit are also seen inspecting the car park and courts complex, while officers use metal detectors on nearby plant pots and garbage bins.

You can follow updates on The Star.

The former prime minister would be represented by senior lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.


Source: The Star

Further updates:
Najib's arrest makes headlines around the world
Najib charged with criminal breach of trust
Najib charged with getting RM42mil bribe to approve RM4bil loan from pension fund to SRC (updated)
It's 7 vs 11 in Najib's trial
Najib pleads not guilty (Live Updates)
12.43pm: The court has fixed 19 days for trial between February and March next year (Feb 18 - 28; March 4 - 8, March 11 - 15, 2019) to hear Najib's case.

12.32pm: Aug 8 fixed for case management.

12.24pm: Court granted Shafee's request for an interim gag order against both digital and print media from discussing merits of the case.

11.53am: Bail for Najib fixed at RM1mil in cash and two sureties. He will also surrender both his normal and diplomatic passports. Najib's lawyer says bail payment of RM500,000 will be made today and the balance of RM500,000 be made before 3pm on Monday.

1Malaysia Development Bhd Saga continues..

A pretty picture..

Recognise the gentleman in the picture? Never mind the lady though she's the newly-crowned Model of the Year. This post is about him.

If 1MDB comes to mind, I'm not surpried. I read just now that The U.S. Is Preparing to Charge a Leading Figure in Malaysian Scandal.

The article says..

U.S. authorities intend to file criminal charges against a financier in connection with an international scandal rooted in Malaysia that they believe could be one of the largest financial frauds ever, according to people familiar with the matter.

The scandal involves a state fund called 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, and the focus of the criminal investigation is Jho Low, a flamboyant financier the U.S. Justice Department portrayed in civil asset-seizure lawsuits last July as central to an alleged plot to siphon billions of dollars from the fund.

Click the link above to continue reading..

Corruption Perception Index - Malaysia ranks 54th

I don't know, is this something to be proud of.

The Star article titled Malaysia now ranked 54th, up six places from 2011 in graft index says:

Malaysia has improved in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2012, moving up six places to 54, says Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M).

Malaysia is ranked third among Asean nations behind Singapore (3) and Brunei (46).

This year's assessment for 176 countries was based on an upgraded methodology. Instead of scores ranging from 1 to 10, the new CPI scores range from 0 to 100. (0 being most corrupt and 100 corruption-free).

Singapore scored 87 and Brunei 55, while Malaysia received a score of 49. Denmark, Finland and New Zealand tied for first place with scores of 90 while Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia were at the bottom of the list scoring eight out of 100.


Source: The Star..Malaysia now ranked 54th, up six places from 2011 in graft index

Authorities unhappy with gay confession

One daring chap..

A 32-year-old man caused a stir with a daring confession on YouTube that he is gay, Metro Ahad reported.

His admission has drawn more than 38,000 viewers and over 600 comments since Wednesday, but it did not go down well with Islamic authorities, which felt that the man had tarnished his own image and Islamic precepts.

Full article in The Star..

The 2010 Budget

Are you happy with the Budget?


From The Star:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has tabled Budget 2010 with the theme "1Malaysia, Together We Prosper". Totalling RM191.5 bil, he said it would be the foundation of a new economic model and precursor to the 10th Malaysia Plan.

These are the main highlights of the speech as per delivery.

* Time for country to move to an economy of innovations to face the challenges of the future

* GDP for 2009 expected to be -3%, better than previous projections of -4% to -5%

* Focus of Budget 2010 will be on well-being of the people

* Three strategies:

- driving the country towards a high-income economy,

- ensuring holistic and sustainable development,

- focusing on the well-being of the rakyat.

* Government to make it easier for skilled/qualified people to get permanent residence status. Visa to be granted for family within 14 days.

* CSR Fund of RM100mil to be set up to carry out social programmes.

* Tax breaks for registration of patents and copyrights.

* Big scale factory outlets to be set up to boost tourism besides having major events like KL Grand Prix Fest, National Water Festival, Malaysia International Golf Exhibition and Rain Forest Eco-Challenges

* Taxpayers will get tax relief on broadband subscription fee of up to RM500 from 2010 to 2012. Civil servants can apply for computer loans up to a maximum of RM5,000 from the govt once in every 5 years.

* RM6bil for agriculture sector for irrigation of paddy fields, fish production, fruit farming, livestock farming infrastructure, training

* RM2bil subsidy for farmers and fishermen including subsidies for fertilisers, incentives for padi yields and allowances for fishermen

* RM9bil to finance infrastructure projects including road and bridges projects and rail, sea ports and airports facilities

* RM1.5bil fund to promote green technology by providing soft loans to companies that supply and use green technology

* RM200mil Creative Industry Fund to finance film, drama, music productions, animation, advertisements through Bank Simpanan Nasional

* RM30bil to be allocated to enhance primary and secondary school education nationwide

* Rewards for students who excel in studies:

- 30 National Scholarships for the creme de la creme of students, stictly based on merit

- Conversion of PTPTN loans to scholarships for students who graduate with 1st class honours degree, beginning from 2010,

- Offer of netbook package, including free broadband service, to university students for RM50 per month for 2 years.

* The Permata programme, which emphasises on early childcare and education, including the gifted child programme, to get RM100mil

* Insurance industry to be improved to meet market demand.

* Govt to clamp down on the abuses committed by Ah Longs by enforcing Anti-Money Laundering and Anti Terrorism Financing Act 2001. Moneylenders Act 1951 to be also reviewed.

* Allow 100% foreign equity participation in corporate finance and financial planning companies compared with the present requirement of at least 30% local shareholding.

* To ensure rapid development of financial services, the existing tax incentives to be extended to 2015.

* Among steps to combat corruption is to set up 14 Special Corruption Sessions Courts and 4 Special Corruption Appeal High Courts.

* Tax of 5% to be imposed on gains from the disposal of real property from Jan 1, 2010. Existing tax exemption will be retained for gifts between parent-child, husband-wife, grandparent-grandchild.

* To promote prudent spending, a service charge of RM50 a year to be imposed on each principal credit card and charge card; and RM25 a year on each supplementary card, effective from Jan 1, 2010.

* To ensure that fuel subsidies only benefit targeted groups, Govt will implement a fuel subsidy management system in early 2010, which will utilise the MyKad.

* All ministries and govt departments are required to provide day care and education centres for children of civil servants.

* The maximum income tax rate for individuals to be reduced to 26% from assessment year 2010. Personal relief increased to RM9,000.

* Police force to get RM1bil to improve its services in govt's efforts to reduce crime. Major measures include to increase police presence, including mobile police stations in 50 crime hotspots.

* To promote house ownership, Govt will launch a scheme that enables EPF contributors to utilise current and future savings in Account 2.

* Employees' EPF contribution to be increased to 11% again, on a voluntary basis, effective immediately. However, from Jan 1, 2011 employees' EPF contribution will revert to 11%.

* Personal relief for EPF and life insurance schemes to be increased to RM7,000.

Teoh Beng Hock's Death - 80% Homicide

So, the truth is out that it is an 80% probability Teoh Beng Hock's death was a homicide, and

Thai forensic pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand is willing to conduct a post mortem on Teoh Beng Hock if his remains were to be exhumed.

Model to be Caned for Drinking Beer

This has become international news on BBC, CNN and others.

The Syariah High Court here sentenced a model to a RM5,000 fine and six whippings after she pleaded guilty to consuming an alcoholic drink in public last year. Kartika was accused of consuming a beer at Cherating Bay Lounge, the Legend Hotel in Cherating at about 11.40pm on July 11 last year.

Kartika, a Malaysian married to a Singaporean, will be the first Malaysian woman to be caned under Syariah laws applicable to Muslims.

She will be fully clothed and kneeling, and struck on the backside with a small thin cane using moderate force.

Kartika will now be caned after the fasting month.

I hope they will waive the whipping. Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib said that model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno can still appeal against the Pahang Syariah Court decision to cane her for consuming alcohol. What are your thoughts on this punishment? Are you for or against it?

Latest on the H1N1 situation in Malaysia - July 29

Latest Oct 11 - A(H1N1) still active despite reduction in cases
Latest Sep 27 - No new H1N1 deaths as at Sep 27
Latest Aug 10 Update on Statistics on infections and death toll
Latest Aug 9 update on Health Ministry's strategies

H1N1 flu virus may be just another flu strain, nevertheless it should not be taken lightly. What is the latest situation in Malaysia then?

A third death has been reported three days ago signalling a worsening of the situation in the country. It is the first influenza A (H1N1)-related death from a local transmission.

The 42-year-old man, who died on Monday, is the third victim to have died from the flu. The two earlier deaths were linked to imported cases. The two were a 46-year-old Malaysian man, who had worked in Belgium and died last Sunday and a 30-year-old Islamic finance student from Indonesia who died on July 21.

All private clinics and hospitals have been directed by the Health Ministry to be vigilant and be on high alert as well as to have Tamiflu, the anti-viral drug, to handle the H1N1 cases. Anyone having flu and cough to take it seriously, said the Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai . He advised the public to wear a mask, take care of personal hygiene and try to practice social distancing if you are having sore throat and cough.

Image source: NY Times

US President, Barack Obama, advocates the following guidelines at last Wednesday's news conference when discussing the H1N1 flu.

“Wash your hands when you shake hands; cover your mouth when you cough. “I know it sounds trivial, but it makes a huge difference. If you are sick, stay home. If your child is sick, keep them out of school. If you are feeling certain flu symptoms, don’t get on an airplane, don’t get on a — any system of public transportation where you’re confined and you could potentially spread the virus. You can read article here.

Meanwhile on the local front, more closures have been ordered - Schools, colleges and NS camp have been closed. In Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Putra Ma-laysia will start their mid-term break today, two weeks earlier than scheduled. This is to control the spread of the virus among its students as four students have tested positive for the virus so far.


Worldwide, the H1N1 flu situation is not getting better..

- Hong Kong reported its second swine flu-related death after a Filipino housekeeper with the disease died. Hong Kong now has 2,855 swine flu cases.

- New Zealand has been hard hit by swine flu, with 2,662 confirmed cases reported, including 14 deaths.

- El Salvador meanwhile decided to close schools nationwide for two weeks to combat the spread of swine flu. El Salvador has confirmed 545 cases of swine flu, including seven deaths.

- Israel has suffered its first death in the global swine flu epidemic.

- It has hit the United States harder than anywhere else, having likely infected more than 1 million Americans.

There have been 302 deaths and nearly 44,000 laboratory-identified cases in the United States, according to numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, most of those who have died from it in the United States have had other health problems, such as asthma.

Health experts believe that because the swine flu virus is new, most people haven't developed an immunity to it. The virus has caused an unusual number of serious illnesses in teens and young adults, unlike the seasonal flu, which is usually most dangerous to the elderly and very young children.

- Saudi Arabia also reported its first swine flu death Monday.

Here's an insight into what's it like catching the flu in Beijing.


Hope you are still moving ahead with your plan to vacation in Malaysia. This is the time where Malaysia plays host to holiday makers and this year is no different. The streets are bustling and hotels are fully-booked. This is the time of the Mega Sale Carnival afterall. Welcome to Malaysia!

Most Citizens Concerned over High Crime Rate

There is never a day that goes by without the newspapers reporting a crime on the local scene. Is the crime rate in Malaysia on the rise? What do you think?

Our Home Ministry set up a poll on its website recently and the results are discouraging. The Star has the results as follows:

* The majority of Malaysians who responded to a poll say that they feel unsafe in the country at the moment. According to the Home Ministry’s website, as at 6pm yesterday, 97% of 6,678 respondents to its poll said they did not feel safe due to the high crime rate.

* More than half of the respondents formed this opinion because they or their family members were victims of crime while 36% of the respondents were influenced by news about crime.

* Only 1% said they felt safe while the remaining percentage were uncertain.

The poll started on Saturday is to gauge the public’s views on the level of safety in the country and the Government’s performance in safe-guarding the people’s safety and security.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein called on Malaysians to participate in the poll saying that he appreciated their views, comments and complaints.

Join in the poll and submit your feedback to ikdn@moha.gov.my for further action.

* On the level of safety in the country, 95% of 5,209 respondents felt that it was not guaranteed as compared to 3% who felt that it was still guaranteed.

* To a question whether the Government has done its best to ensure that the safety of the people was at the best level, 95% of 6,155 respondents replied in the negative.

* Only 2% felt that the Government has taken the necessary measures to ensure public safety.

* A total of 79% of 6,244 respondents also disagreed to a statement posted on the website that crime was a global issue and that Malaysia was not the only country faced with the increasing crime rate, while 17% others agreed to it.


Source: The Star

Malaysia has a New Prime Minister

Malaysia is at the close of yet another chapter in the history of the nation as the country's fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, makes way for the sixth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, son of the country's second Prime Minister.

Can we be hopeful of 1Malaysia?






Related articles:

Abdullah accorded grand farewell at PM’s Office





















Abdullah to take it easy

Thankful to a patient and gentle boss

MAS wins World’s Best Cabin Staff Award again

I find it hard to believe that a national carrier of a small nation could pull off such a feat. But, yay!

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has done it again. For the sixth year this year, MAS has won the renowned Skytrax World’s Best Cabin Staff Award, bagging the award from 2001 to 2004 and again in 2007.

MAS was pitched against other airlines worldwide and the winning airline is determined through a global online survey.

The 2009 World Airline Awards is based on the annual World Airline Survey by airline auditor Skytrax; and is recognised across the globe as the leading independent monitor of passenger opinions.

While we are on airlines, let's learn something about flying. Have you ever mulled over whether to go for a window or aisle seat on a flight? Experts advise to pick the aisle seat to help avoid dangerous blood clots or DVT (Deep-vein thrombosis), and it makes no difference whether you are sitting in economy or business class according to a U.S. study.

The study found that 75 percent of cases of deep-vein thrombosis were due to people not moving enough and most sufferers were in non-aisle seats where passengers tended to move less.

Wearing compression stockings has been proven to reduce the risk. Other common sense recommendations include drinking lots of water and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine.

As for catching an infection off someone on a plane, there is little concern unless you are within two rows of that person.

And for jet lag, try a dose of melatonin at the bedtime of the desired destination.

Source: The Star..Window or aisle seat? Go aisle on planes, says study

Transition of Power - Prime Minister of Malaysia

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (left) arrived at Istana Negara at 9.59am this morning for an audience with the King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and left at 10.57am.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak then arrived at the palace at 11.20am to meet the King and left at 12.15pm.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to be sworn in as prime minister on Friday in a planned power transition that has been one year in the making.

Abdullah, who became the Malaysia’s fifth premier in October 2003, was pressured to step down after the ruling National Front (Barisan Nasional) coalition suffered its worst results in the March 8 general elections last year when it lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament.

My hope is for a better Malaysia.

Source: The Star..Power handover begins


Related article:

Pak Lah is ready to move on
Najib to be sworn in as PM tomorrow