FMT -- Lawyers warn of Public Outcry if High-profile Corruption Cases Dropped

You could have read bits and pieces here and there. The article below from FMT would probably let you have the whole picture..

Lawyers warn of public outcry if high-profile corruption cases dropped

PETALING JAYA: There will be public outcry against the government if the attorney-general (AG) decides to withdraw serious criminal charges against six Umno MPs, a lawyer warned.

Mohamed Rafique Rashid Ali said some of the cases were in the midst of trials and the public have been following them and learning about some damning evidence from various prosecution witnesses.

“There will also be a trust deficit in the leadership should charges be withdrawn in exchange for political support,” he said.

Rafique said this in response to an interview with Malaysiakini by PKR founding member Syed Husin Ali who believes Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim would abide by a Pakatan Harapan decision not to cooperate with the Umno MPs to form a new government.

There is concern that the PKR president has to cut deals with Pekan MP Najib Razak, who was facing three corruption and money laundering related trials, to muster sufficient numbers in the Dewan Rakyat to become prime minister.

The belief was intensified by reports that Najib and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also facing graft charges, had allegedly written to the King to throw their support for Anwar.

However, Anwar on Tuesday maintains that no deals have been made with any MP facing charges in exchange for their support.

“What I assured them is that there is no political vendetta, but you must accept the due process, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary,” he said at a press conference today.

Apart from Najib and Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, others facing charges are Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan, Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Baling MP Abdul Azeez Rahim and Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin.

Lawyer Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar al-Mahdzar said under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution, the AG, who is also the public prosecutor, had the discretion to institute and withdraw charges.

He said the integrity of the AG’s office would also be called into question and discredited if high profile prosecutions were discontinued following a change in the country’s leadership.

Lawyer A Srimurugan said a public backlash was imminent if two recent decisions made by the public prosecutor were used as indicators.

“The public and civil society were up in arms when the prosecution withdrew 46 corruption and money laundering charges against former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman in June.

“The month before that, a Sessions Court granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal to Hollywood producer Riza Aziz, who was facing five counts of money laundering amounting to US$248 million,” Srimurugan said, referring to Najib’s stepson, who had allegedly used funds linked to 1MDB.

He added that even the dropping of a corruption case against former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng when PH was in power in 2018 gave the impression that all prosecutorial decisions were dictated by the powers that be.

In the 1MDB audit report trial, Najib is charged with abuse of power in order to obtain immunity from legal action and causing amendments to the finalised 1MDB audit report prior to it being tabled before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Najib is also facing 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering over alleged 1MDB funds amounting to RM2.28 billion deposited in his persona bank accounts.

Najib and former Treasury secretary-general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah are also facing six charges of CBT involving RM6.6 billion of government funds but the trial will begin next year.

Zahid is currently facing 12 charges of criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering, totalling RM117 million in the High Court.

Meanwhile, he is facing another 40 graft charges in relation to the foreign visa system (VLN) though the trial for that case has yet to begin.

Tengku Adnan, who is Umno treasurer, will know on Nov 17 whether he will be acquitted or convicted over a RM2 million corruption case.

On Nov 23, Tengku Adnan’s second corruption case involving RM1 million will begin.

The trial of former Tabung Haji chairman Azeez and his brother, Latif, started in August and three witnesses have been called.

Azeez was charged with three counts of bribery involving RM5.2 million linked to road projects in Perak and Kedah, and nine counts of money laundering involving nearly RM140 million.

Ahmad Maslan was charged with money laundering by not stating his real income on the RM2 million he received from Najib in his 2013 income tax return form.

The Umno secretary-general is also charged with giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Bung Moktar, a former non-executive chairman of Felcra was charged with three counts of taking a bribe amounting to RM3 million from public mutual investment agents through his wife Zizie Ezette.

Spitting at the rakyat’s face

Here's an article written by Manjit Bhatia in relation to the recent event of the new government.

He starts with, "Malaysia’s people have been kicked in the groin."

Read on:

Installing Muhyiddin Yassin’s so-called Perikatan Nasional (PN) through the backdoor as the “new government” is majorly troubling in anybody’s book. Not in Muhyiddin’s, it seems, or his backers’.

To back Muhyiddin’s government is to back an illegitimacy.

PN hasn’t won the popular mandate through open and fair elections. It doesn’t enjoy voter legitimacy. Therefore, it has neither the business nor the right to rule.

To carry on would be a gross travesty of justice perpetrated on the people of Malaysia.

Effectively, PN and its backers have spat in the faces of, to use an ancient Roman political term, the publics.

Yet again the people of Malaysia have been taken for granted.

Continue reading Spitting at the rakyat’s face


You may be interested to read:

It hurts when friends backstab you, says Dr M
What would Muhyiddin do?
Ambiga hails Idrus Harun’s appointment, says he has the experience
Perikatan Nasional just an illusion, says PPBM man
Khalid tells of his texts to Muhyiddin and DAP’s readiness to sacrifice
Vote of no-confidence is democratic, not showing distrust of Agong, Patriot tells PAS chief
No confidence motion against PM not an act of disloyalty to king, say lawyers


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

Latheefa resigns as MACC chief and other updates

If you are still keeping up with the Malaysian saga of the new government taking over, the following are some updates..

Malay Mail reported that "The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya has resigned from her position, a source privy to the agency's developments said tonight."

Selangor MB: Bersatu booted out of state administration

All 13 BN Melaka assemblymen pull out of coalition with two Bersatu reps

Muhyiddin in charge of all federal govt departments until appointment of Cabinet ministers

Source: Malay Mail

Syed Saddiq urges Umno, PAS leaders to declare wealth after Ku Nan's RM900m asset revelation

After change of government, whistleblower Justo returns to Switzerland

And lastly for now see if you agree with the last bit, the last two sentences of this article..
The Guardian view on a royal coup: a king overturns a historic election

What's happening in Malaysia - with updates

It's hard not to be keeping up on what's happening to the country with the swearing in of the new PM and his team.

If you too are still interested, here's the latest..

Ahmad Zahid's trial vacated as he needs to discuss new govt formation with Muhyiddin

From the New Straits Times..
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has allowed Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's corruption trial involving millions of ringgit in Yayasan Akalbudi funds and passport chip supply contracts with several companies to be vacated.

This was after the Umno president's lawyer said that his client needs to meet with newly-appointed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to discuss the formation of a new government.

Ahmad Zahid, 67, is facing 47 charges, with 12 of them involving criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit of funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

The trial before judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.

I want to clear my name in court, says Zahid
Prosecution applies to cite Zahid for contempt over ‘meeting’ with Muhyiddin

Who will be the next AG?
Let ongoing court cases continue, says Kadir Jasin

Now we know who the traitors are
The whole world knows it was a coup, says Anwar
Don’t derail PH reform efforts, LFL tells cops on social media probe

No, wait, these are related too..
UDA chairman tests positive for Covid-19
PKR's Wong Chen goes into isolation over Covid-19
UDA director confirmed for Covid-19 was in close contact with ex-minister, officials
EXCLUSIVE - Health Rules Demand PM8 And All Co-Conspirators Must Immediately Self-Isolate For 14 Days?

UPDATES:
Anwar says new coalition won’t be able to manage economy
Ambiga: Vital for new PM to convene Parliament meet and end doubt about support
Muhyiddin clocks in at Perdana Putra
'To my driver, you will be greatly missed,' says ex-Transport minister

© Provided by New Straits Times Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke has penned a tribute to his driver named Hazril (without disclosing his full name). -Pic source Anthony Loke Siew Fook FB

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

It’s official, Muhyiddin sworn in as PM8

FMT reports that It’s official, Muhyiddin sworn in as PM8.

KUALA LUMPUR: Muhyiddin Yassin has taken his oath in front of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, becoming the 8th Malaysian prime minister following what has been described as the longest week in Malaysian politics.

After meeting 222 MPs and dozens of political leaders, Sultan Abdullah named Muhyiddin, 73, as the person who is “likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the (lower) House”, as spelt out under Article 40 of the constitution.

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decided not to see him any more, and PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin will be sworn-in as the prime minister as scheduled.

He said Pakatan Harapan will now ask for an urgent sitting of the Dewan Rakyat.

Speaking to reporters at the Yayasan Al-Bukahry building in Kuala Lumpur, where MPs had gathered to show their support for him, Mahathir said he felt “mostly betrayed” by Muhyiddin, and expected to be expelled from PPBM.

Asked if he had any regrets resigning as the prime minister, he said: “I had no choice”.


You may be interested to read:
Dr M says feel betrayed by Muhyiddin and his extensive scheming for power
Dr M expects to be booted out of PPBM
PH seeks emergency Dewan Rakyat sitting
'New SDs made after Agong's decree do not hold water'


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

Happy Leap Day!

This fits to a tee..

UPDATES:
Malay Mail reports that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tonight announced that he has the support of 114 MPs — which exceeds the simple majority of 112 MPs — to be prime minister, and said he will notify the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of this.

Mukhriz questions how Muhyiddin can be PM when six MPs from Bersatu supports Dr M
PH disputes Muhyiddin’s support, leaders meet tonight
Malaysians don’t support Muhyiddin, says PKR info chief


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

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas resigns

The Edge reports:

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas resigns

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas has resigned as Malaysia gets set for a new Prime Minister.

Thomas submitted his resignation letter to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who appointed him to the post for a two-year term which was due to end only in June.

A source said Thomas wanted to resign while Mahathir was still the Prime Minister, albeit interim, as he was the person who appointed him.

Thomas had relentlessly pursued prosecutions related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

It is not clear what will happen with these cases, which are still ongoing, with his departure and that of Mahathir, which is expected soon.


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

Khalid Samad (Shah Alam MP) pleads with Dr M - with updates

Khalid Samad pleads with Dr M to ‘let PH finish what you started’ - Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Parti Amanah Negara’s Khalid Abdul Samad today pleaded with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to not betray Pakatan Harapan (PH), and allow the coalition to finish what he started.

In a series of Tweets this morning, the Shah Alam MP said: “Tun, let us finish what you started. Let us carry on with the mandate of 2018 for PH to govern and cleanse the administration of all forms of corruption to make Malaysia great again. Think of your grandchildren.”

He then urged the interim prime minister not to betray the coalition and the nation.

“Please Tun, do not betray us and the nation as a whole. You think what you are doing is the best for the nation but it is not.

“Your final legacy should not be that of a Prime Minister who betrayed his people after having won their hearts.

“Please Tun, respect the rule of law,” he tweeted.

Khalid added that PH lawmakers proposed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the next prime minister not to spite Dr Mahathir, but because they were left with no other choice.

“Please Tun, concede to the will of the rakyat. It’s time to let go.

“We chose DSAI (Anwar) as our candidate for PM, not to spite you or bring you shame but as you gave us no choice. You left PH and wanted to create a new mandate for yourself based purely on yourself. “How could we agree? We stand with PH and the mandate of 2018,” he said.

Khalid also said he had learnt to respect Dr Mahathir over the past few months working with him.

Yesterday, Khalid openly called for Dr Mahathir not to continue as prime minister.

He insisted Anwar be appointed as the eighth prime minister.

“Tun must resign. Be the interim prime minister. Give chance to DSAI (Anwar) to become the 8th PM.

“This is not a hereditary position or one that can be passed on. There must be majority support from MPs. “I hope PPBM fulfills the promise. Tun is 7th PM, Anwar is 8th PM,” Khalid wrote on Twitter yesterday.

Last night, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian Parliament will have the chance to resolve the country’s political impasse during a special sitting on Monday.

In remarks after announcing the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package, Dr Mahathir said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong believed that Parliament was the correct venue to determine the crisis caused by the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

He said after two days of interviewing federal lawmakers, the Agong could not determine any among them who commanded a distinct majority to become the next prime minister.


You may be interested to read..
PKR MP suggests special Parliament sitting not by the book
PH accuses Mahathir of pre-empting Agong on future PM
2 ex-top cops at Istana as rulers meet to solve political stalemate
Umno sec-gen urges MPs to say no to special Parliamentary sitting on Monday
Dewan Rakyat can’t elect PM, will lead to constitutional crisis, warn lawyers

UPDATES:
Agong summons Speaker to palace again over special sitting of Parliament
Speaker rejects Mahathir’s bid to call for special Dewan sitting
Johor Umno chief is new MB
Analyst tells why a PH government, minus PPBM, may not last
Istana Negara: No one has majority to be new PM, party leaders to nominate PM candidate


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

Malaysia still in limbo - with updates

Yes, Malaysia is still in limbo as Agong (the King) continues to search for a new PM.

MSN reported that..

Provided by Malay Mail Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah speaks to members of the media at Istana Negara February 25, 2020. ― Picture by Miera Zulyana

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong will meet more federal lawmakers today to identify a suitable candidate to be prime minister, after unprecedented developments yesterday left Malaysia no closer to a new government.

Since yesterday afternoon, MPs have gone to the Istana Negara to inform Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of whom they supported to be the head of the government.

At the time, virtually all factions including Pakatan Harapan, Bersatu, Umno, PAS, and Gabungan Parti Sarawak were united in their support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to continue as prime minister.

Today, the Agong will continue meeting the country’s remaining lawmakers after already polling those from PAS, Umno and GPS. On the schedule to see him are those from PH and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s rogue faction that quit PKR to become independent.

Dr Mahathir resigned unexpectedly on Monday after a Sunday full of political intrigue stemming from a suspected plot to form a coalition government without the main PKR, DAP, and Amanah.

Stay tuned for updates..

UPDATES:
DAP’s Yeo says Pakatan went with Anwar as ‘Mahathir government’ would give Dr M carte blanche
PH picks Anwar after Mahathir snubs meeting
In first public remarks as interim PM, Dr M apologises to country for political mess
Dr M: I can't accept Umno's inclusion in new government
Dr M says he wants a merit-based government, not party-based
3 ways Malaysia’s Agong is winning hearts amid the political saga


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

Non-Muslims can’t use ‘Allah’

This article in The Star today caught my attention, Non-Muslims can’t use ‘Allah’. If you haven't read it, the article in its entirety is as follows:

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor has decreed that non-Muslims in the state have been barred from using “Allah”, saying it is a sacred word exclusive to Muslims.

A statement yesterday from Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais) secretary Datuk Mohd Misri Idris said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had expressed shock and regret over DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's recent statement urging the Government to allow the word “Allah” to be used in the Malay version of the Bible.

Lim, who is the Penang Chief Minister, had stated this in his New Year message.

The Ruler had called for an emergency meeting with officials of Mais, the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) and the Selangor mufti on Sunday.

“The Sultan made a decision and decreed that the word Allah' is a sacred word specific to Muslims and it is prohibited to be used by any non-Muslim in Selangor, as stated in a fatwa and gazetted on Feb 18, 2010,” Mohd Misri said.

“Tuanku is disappointed that the decree had been taken lightly by some parties until the issue was brought up again,” he said, adding that the Sultan also stated that Mais and Jais could take stern action against anyone who questions the fatwa that was issued according to state laws.

To know in detail these state laws and fatwa over the word “Allah”, visit www.mais.gov.my.

The Ruler's decree came ahead of a Pakatan Rakyat meeting at which the word “Allah” had been allowed to be used by even non-Muslims.

PAS ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib expressed shock that Pakatan leaders, including party chief Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, had reached that consensus.

He said the matter was never discussed, not even in the Syura council - the party's supreme body.

“As far as I can remember, we never reached a decision on the matter,'' he said, adding that it was wrong to misuse the kalimah “Allah” for any politically-motivated agenda.

In SEREMBAN, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that Sultan Sharafuddin had every right, as head of the state's Islamic affairs, to issue the decree.


The State of Selangor is circled in red. Selangor is where Kuala Lumpur is located. Kuala Lumpur, being the capital city of Malaysia, is administered separately as a Federal Territory.

Source

Update:
Related articles:
- PAS and allies: Anyone can use ‘Allah’, just don’t misuse word
- Council of Churches to continue using 'Allah'



N.B.: "Reader comments" has been deactivated for this post.

The AES of Malaysia

AES. Most of us would go What's AES?

AES stands for Automated Enforcement System. Still no idea what it is? It's the camera system that has been installed along our highways.

Recently, our government privatised part of law enforcement by having two private companies install the AES to nab speeding motorists. The system went into force on Sept 23. It has been reported that proceeds from summonses are shared between the AES contractors and the Road Transport Department/government. It gets more interesting. The two companies are not camera manufacturers but obtained the cameras from another source.

The video below is an interview with Selayang Member of Parliament, YB William Leong, on the AES. Watch till the end. You will appreciate the information shared here.



Indeed, it will be costly for Usain Bolt running on Malaysian highways. Btw, there are a number of free apps available on the AES camera locations around the country.

And, in The Star today, it was reported that:

The police mobile speed trap cameras will be maintained alongside the Automated Enforcement System (AES) in a bid to reduce high accident rates, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop.

“Despite the introduction of the AES, the Government has no intention to abolish the old system.

“The police would operate (mobile speed trap) cameras, while the new system would be operated by the Road Transport Department (JPJ),” More..Police speed trap cameras to operate alongside AES


Related articles:
- JPJ lists spots for 831 AES cameras
- JPJ reveals locations of AES cameras nationwide
- Lim: No AES in Penang yet
- Umno Youth: Postpone AES
- Selangor blocks AES implementation

Is GST the way forward?

Are Malaysians ready for the Goods and Services Tax - the GST? Many are apprehensive about it's implementation but is there reason to be so? If so, it just shows how little we know of it and its benefits. If the GST has been successful1y implemented in 146 countries (a source quotes 150), Malaysians should have nothing to worry about its implementation in the country.

France is the first country to implement GST from between 1948-1959), then came Brazil, Ivory Coast, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and Uruguay between 1960-1969. On this side of the world, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan have GST in place and farther afield Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, and China. Source.. - where you can also find percentage of GST per country.

Currently, we are paying a sales tax of 5% to 10% and service tax of 6% on goods and services on top of the total bill. Malaysia is looking at a GST rate of 4% which actually means we will be paying less than what we are currently paying with the GST system.

Additionally, with the sales tax removed for essential items, food prices can even come down. The thing to remember is that GST will not apply to essentials like our daily staples of rice, cooking oil, meat (beef, mutton, pork, chicken for instance) and so forth. For seafood lovers, lobsters, crabs, oysters and scallops are also exempted.

Malaysia, which has a population of 28 million, approximately 12 million people are in the workforce but only 1.7 million pay taxes. GST could be a major source of indirect tax revenue for the country. As for the consumer, as GST is basically a consumption tax, the more you spend, the more you pay. Likewise, if you spend less, you pay less GST.

GST exemption also extends to critical services such as public transport, toll, taxis, hospital and healthcare, schools, residential property, land for agriculture use, and financial services. In other words, the lower income group will not be burdened by the GST.

Many of us are unaware that we are already paying taxes on items like clothes, shoes, non-essential food items and furniture and sometimes as high as 10%. These taxes have been included in the price of goods. Under the GST system, the sales and service taxes we have been paying all this while, will be replaced with a one-time consumption tax, the GST.

So what's in it for the manufacturer, supplier and wholesaler? They get a refund from the Government on the GST as they have already paid a tax to buy raw materials, parts and utilities used, to produce their goods. Thus, it is the end user or customer who pays the 4% GST.

With 146/150 countries already implementing the GST, it is perhaps only a matter of time before Malaysia follows suit. To allay fears and address concerns, the government would need to go down to the people on why GST is the way to go.

More information on GST from the Royal Malaysian Customs website.

Sources:
- Is GST the way to go?
- Consumers assured of a fairer tax system

More on GST:
Breaking the tax taboo

Poor purchasing power in Malaysia

It is common knowledge that a hundred Ringgit doesn't buy us much these days. Our poor purchasing power sees to that.

The Malaysian Insider did a check on salaries and prices in selected developed country cities and results show that despite being touted as one of the world’s least expensive cities, KL residents pay as much or even more for chicken, broadband, cars and mobile phones as a percentage of their income.

Communications, for example, is one area where Malaysians are paying notably more than residents in developed countries even after currency conversion.

For instance, a 5Mbps broadband package costs RM149 in KL while in London, a 10Mbps package would cost GBP13.50, in Melbourne a 5-8Mbps package costs AUD40 and in New York, a 7Mbps service costs USD41.95.

Those who want to buy an iPhone 4 in KL, meanwhile, would have to pay RM1990 with a basic 24-month contract while in London, residents can get an iPhone 4 for just GBP199 with a basic 24-month contract and in Singapore, it costs just SGD210 with a basic contract.

The 2010 Prices and Wages report by Swiss bank UBS AG shows that residents in KL have only 33.8 per cent the purchasing power of their counterparts in New York, 42 per cent that of London, 33.7 per cent that of Sydney, 32.6 per cent that of Los Angeles and 31.6 per cent that of Zurich.

The same study shows that on average, KL residents have to work 22 minutes to afford a loaf of bread as compared with 18 minutes in Los Angeles, 16 minutes in Sydney, 15 minutes in Tokyo and 12 minutes in Zurich.

Wait, there is more..

A Honda Civic in KL costs about RM115,000, or 20 times the average monthly salary of an auditor.

In Melbourne and London by comparison, a Honda Civic costs AUD25,000 and GBP19,000 respectively, or only about three times the average salary of an auditor in those cities.

The high cost of cars is part of the reason that Malaysians have leveraged themselves to a record 76 per cent of the country’s GDP.

Bank Negara statistics show that at the end of last year, 20 per cent of Malaysian household debt was due to cars, an asset which depreciates over time.

All this from TheMalaysianInsider..

Altantuya Shaaribuu - the saga continues

Remember the Mongolian interpreter, Altantuya Shaaribuu, who was blown up in 2008 in the jungle? Seems like the saga is being revived today.

The Star today reported that in a TV3 interview last night, Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the influential blogger in exile, said I don’t believe PM’s wife was at Altantuya's murder scene. This is in relation to his Statutory Declaration made on June 18, 2008.

and PM Najib is quick to respond - PM thankful truth revealed over Altantuya murder allegations

while Anwar Ibrahim reminded the people in his tweet: Sarawak Election!!

This certainly won't be the end, folks. Stay tuned..

Popular Vodafone's Icelandic frog advert makes Malaysian woman a Facebook cult hit

In an earlier post, What's in a name?! Lots!, I remember we talked about the different unusual names that people have and the attention they bring to their owners.

Know this face? The 19 year-old, from Port Klang, Malaysia, has been bombarded with hundreds of “friend requests” from Icelandic nationals on the social networking site because her name sounds similar to the phrase on the popular Vodafone advertisement.

The commercial, starring popular actor Pétur Jóhann Sigfússon, features a frog who lisps the slang word “Essassu”, which roughly translates to “is it you?”.


It was later discovered that the phrase was similar to the Malaysian woman’s name on Facebook.

She is now an internet sensation and has become the centre of a Facebook group “We want to get Essasa Sue to Iceland!”.

Organisers said it started as a “joke” but now it has almost 1,000 members.

Hundreds of people have since “friended” her on her site over the past few weeks and at last count Miss Sue, whose real name is Essasa Sie Sue Wei, has almost 2700 friends with the number getting higher by the day.

Miss Wei was even interviewed by The Daily Telegraph.

Source: Icelandic frog advert makes Malaysian woman a Facebook cult hit..telegraph.co.uk

Mongolian Murder Case continues - Altantuya Shaaribuu

Remember the case of the Mongolian lady, Altantuya Shaaribuu, who was murdered by being blown to bits? If you are still interested, her case resurfaced a week ago when Raja Petra, the editor of online news portal Malaysia Today, who was charged with sedition last month for implying the Deputy Prime Minister was involved in Altantuya’s murder, made the statutory declaration on June 18 claiming to have knowledge that three other persons were present when the body of Altantuya was blown up on Oct 19, 2006.

The frontpage of today's The Star paper has this headline: "Total Lies" with this story: Najib: Pathetic attempt to taint my political image.

Also read two other related stories: Cops record statement from Rosmah
and Khairy denies having military report on Altantuya murder

Footnote:
Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the Deputy Prime Minister;
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is his wife;
Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin is the Prime Minister's son-in-law


Related posts:
Altantuya Murder Trial
Altantuya murder case - More updates
Altantuya's Family performs soul prayers
Altantuya murder case - Razak Baginda OUT on bond
Talk on Altantuya case sub judice

Dr M starts his own blog

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad joined the swelling ranks of politicians going online with his own blog simply named “Dr Mahathir Mohamad,”

He says: “This site is dedicated to publishing my writings as and when I am able to pen my thoughts and opinion.”

Will we be reading a Pak Lah blog soon?

Malaysians, Are You Ready?

Saturday, March 8 is THE DAY! Are you ready?

The banner-and-buntings war is heating up with these 'decorations' found at every turn and corner, even trees are sprouting flags.

This time around, there are flags of only three prominent parties. The ruling party's is a weighing scale against a blue background - as circled in red in the picture.

Circled in green are flags of the two opposition parties. One is something like a green version of the Japanese flag, the other is a turquoise/white with red edgings. The latter is a combination of two opposition parties thus the combination of colours.

If you are a first-timer or coming back from overseas (Italy, for instance) to cast your vote, and are wondering as to your centre location, here's where you can check for Electoral info. Below is the kind of information you'll find to confirm your participation.



Happy casting your vote! May the best party win!

Do Malaysian women need a chastity belt?

Are Malaysians going backwards instead of forward? Are we going back to the era of the chastity belt? There's an interesting debate going on up there after a suggestion was made by one who thinks he doesn't need one. Read the ridiculous idea. Your thoughts, please.