Remember Khairy Chronicle? Will Omar Ong Dare To Publicly Disavow Khairy?

If my posting entitled If Pak Lah is Leaving, Why is a ‘Level Four Boys’ Still in Command? on October 3rd reached the occupants of Ethos Consulting, there must be commotion there.

The boss is being considered as Principal Private Secretary for DPM's office and given time, sooner or later, may mean Principal Private Secretary for the PM. Ethos will effectively be the new Tingkat Empat boys and girls. The gang remain to rule.

You can bet last month's paycheck that the whole office is scrambling to deny, justify and spin message of my post. Don't be surprise if Omar Ong and his Ethos staff are the commentators in these blogs; here, here, maybe here and other UMNO bloggers in this aggregator here.

In the meanwhile, with the Raya open houses, they would probably be busy miggling and interjecting conversations to explain to friends and sedara that Abdullah did not heed or son and son-in-law changed one's proposal, advise and recomendation. And, they are not part or linked to Tingkat 4. Fine, but how do they expect people to believe such claims?

It takes more than that. The image and impression was built over so many years. And here is one tricky bit. The Khairy Chronicle, believed by many meant to make Khairy bigger than life, is filled with intricate details of the links between Omar Ong and Khairy.

Remember Khairy Chronicle? The book, which the claimed author is in trial in a PJ court for sedition charges and the real author is believed dead, based on a column in Malaysia Today. The column hit MT in mid 2005 and was made into a book. It have been in circulation for quite a few years.

Throughout the period, Omar Ong never denied his involvement in Khairy's schemes. Much of the details tally with events and talk along the Corridors of Power.

The ship of Abdullah, Kamaluddin and Khairy hit an iceberg and is waiting time to sink. How about publicly disavowing Khairy and reveal some sexy details now, Omar Ong? You will do a great favour to the nation to help Mukhriz, deny Khairy the coveted Youth Chief post and send him packing to Perth.

Snippets of Omar Ong's alleged exploits with Khairy in the Khairy Chronicle to follow. The whole book is DOWNLOADABLE from Savefile here.

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THE KHAIRY CHRONICLES

Part 2: Out of the wormhole

... As a student at Oxford, expressing his doubts about Mahathir to fellow Malaysians overseas, he came to the attention of a certain Omar Ong.

Omar Ong, as can be seen from his rather peculiar name, is an ethnic Chinese. He is the son of Mustapha Ong, former Private Secretary to longtime Minister of Information Mohamad Rahmat and for some time in the diplomatic service in New York and Brazil. Currently living in New Zealand, Mustapha Ong became infamous during the Anwar Ibrahim trials when it was revealed he had tried to bribe a New York ethnic-Arab taxi driver called Jamal Amro to “confess” that he had procured boys and women for Anwar. Jamal Amro refused and instead made police reports accusing Mustapha Ong of trying to bribe him. Of course Mustapha Ong was shielded by Mahathir, even though his over-enthusiasm in trying to “fix” Anwar caused some embarrassment to the government, especially amongst the diplomatic community overseas.

Anyway, Omar Ong was a bit of a social climber and very ambitious. He tried to hitch his star to rising politicians as a means of fast-tracking his own ascent to power. He knocked on the door of Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim through the good graces of some of his political secretaries.

This was partially successful, as Anwar was persuaded to receive Omar Ong and his group in a private audience. Several more meetings followed and Omar Ong was hopeful that Anwar would be his ticket to heaven. In spite of that, there was still some opposition from Anwaristas such as Suhaimi Ibrahim, Fuad Hassan and Zahid Hamidi, who really wanted to keep Anwar all to themselves.

But a chance meeting with Daim Zainuddin made Omar Ong soon realise that something was brewing in the very highest circles and Anwar was going to be hit by a runaway bus, so to speak. Quickly, while thanking his lucky stars, Omar Ong dropped “the Anwar project” like a hot potato and tried to go for Najib Tun Razak instead. This was around three months before Anwar was sacked by Mahathir.

Najib, however, was a hard nut to crack. Omar Ong realised that Najib was surrounded by long time loyalists from his earlier days in government who screen newcomers to his circle with a parent’s protective eye. So it was decided that the next best thing would be Hishamuddin Hussein.

Hishamuddin Hussein was then just a junior UMNO politician. But he had a very big name behind him. There was no doubt that, after Hussein Onn died, Dr Mahathir felt that he owed a debt of gratitude to the former third Prime Minister and his family. Dr Mahathir began to put Hishamuddin on the fast track of politics, even over and above Hishamuddin’s superiors in the UMNO Youth movement such as Nazri Aziz and Zahid Hamidi. Hishamuddin got promoted several times within a year.

These fast promotions took its toll on Hisham. He was never a bright student or a sharp intellectual. Neither was he a good speaker nor a great orator. He had an unfriendly face and almost permanent crooked smile which reminded a fellow Minister of “the dead pope – after he had died”. Omar Ong set about helping Hishamuddin and his fellow student from Oxford, Khairy, came along as well. Soon, Hishamuddin began to rely more on Khairy than on Omar Ong.

To pay his debt, Hishamuddin introduced Omar Ong and his group to people close to Dr Mahathir such as his Political Secretary, Datuk Johari Baharom, and ISIS Director-General, Dr Noordin Sopiee.

A coincidence at the time was that Abdullah Badawi’s daughter had joined ISIS as a research assistant. And it was Noordin who introduced the two. Abdullah Badawi was then a Vice-President of UMNO and next inline should, for example, Anwar Ibrahim’s helicopter fall suddenly from the air.

Anwar’s helicopter did fall (though he was not on it at that time) but Anwar himself was booted out in September 1998. Like most other Malaysians, Khairy did not believe some of the more bizarre accusations hurled against Anwar by Mahathir. But it was the best of times, and the worst of times. There was opportunity and both Khairy and Omar took it.

A myth developed after Anwar’s fall from grace that Khairy had always been sympathetic to Anwar’s “Reformasi” struggle. Rumours grew that a student who had publicly asked Mahathir to resign in a gathering in London was really Khairy. Another story was that Khairy was the then boyfriend of Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, but they broke up when Anwar’s wife, Dr Wan Azizah, refused to make Khairy her political secretary but instead appointed another young man by the name of Nik Affendi Jaafar (now Senior Public Relations Manager of the EPF)...

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THE KHAIRY CHRONICLES

Part 5: The heir and the pretender

... At that point, when Najib was most apprehensive about his political future, Khairy took advantage of Najib’s weakness by putting several of his people in Najib’s office. Khairy knew that many of Najib’s officers were 110% loyal to Najib and served him selflessly. Amongst them was Najib’s key point-man and trusted advisor, Datuk Alies Anor. But Khairy was very wary of Alies Anor. Alies was close to ABIM (his wife is a famous ABIM activist) and therefore close to Anwar Ibrahim. Indeed, many of Najib’s junior officers were drawn from the pro-Anwar camp as Najib had served Anwar as his Vice Youth Chief in the 1990s. As Anwar’s star rose, Najib wanted to please him so he sheltered several Anwar supporters in his office.

Other than Alies Anor, Najib had other advisors who were more cosmopolitan and therefore opposed to Alies’ worldview. Chief amongst them was Abdul Razak Baginda and a shadowy business figure called Rohana who controls Najib’s and his family’s estates overseas -- such as their flats in London and houses in Australia’s Melbourne and Gold Coast. Khairy approached these two figures and convinced them that the best person to advice Najib was a certain Omar Ong (see part 2 of the Khairy Chronicles).

Omar Ong became Khairy’s point-man in Najib’s office. He installed himself in an office a few doors away from Najib’s own and was given a chauffeur-driven car as well as ranking in the civil service just one step below the Deputy Secretary-General of the ministry.

But even that was insufficient. Khairy was worried that Najib might stray from the narrow road set before him by Omar Ong. After all, Omar Ong was hardly the most charismatic of individuals and as a Chinese convert to Islam he could be deemed an ‘outsider’ by Najib supporters.

Khairy then used another close friend called Dr Liew, his partner in his proxy company, Ethos Sdn Bhd, set up to dabble in government contracts. Khairy introduced Ethos to Najib and quickly hired personnel on large monthly retainers to advice Najib on several key Ministry of Defence jobs. Through their joint participation, Najib’s advisors and civil servants found their roles reduced and instead Liew and his officers began to take charge of sensitive decisions made in the Ministry of Defence. Closed tender contracts began to be awarded to companies associated to Omar Ong and Dr Liew.

Najib’s old advisors, in particular Alies Anor, found this situation extremely stifling. They realised they no longer had the undivided attention of Najib. Instead, Najib began to listen more to Khairy’s people who would also furnish Khairy reports on Najib’s daily movements. Further to that, they used their position to block several key Najib allies from seeing the Minister -- to such an extent that these people began to angrily distant themselves from Najib.

They disrupted daily briefings made by Alies Anor and the old officers, causing severe rifts in Najib’s office. But Najib himself felt that this was a price worth paying. He knew Alies was absolute loyal to him, even if he was removed from office. Najib wanted the post of Deputy Prime Minister and he was willing to pay any price, even kowtowing to Khairy’s boys if necessary.

Eventually, Abdullah could not hold back the decision any longer and Najib found himself Deputy Prime Minister as Dr Mahathir had planned. Khairy tried to take full credit with Najib, even arranging huge media coverage through Kalimullah Hassan Masheerul Hassan (Group Chief Editor of NST and a Khairy stooge). However, once safely in office, Najib began to wise up. He no longer felt he needed to pay as much attention to Khairy or his boys as he did before. In short, Najib began to fight back and loosen the chains that Khairy and Omar Ong had placed around him.

Najib began to develop parallel young talents in his office, in direct competition to Khairy’s boys. He chose Khairil Annas Yusof, an IIUM and Oxford law graduate with an ABIM background (and therefore diametrically opposed to Khairy’s worldview) as an additional Special Officer. Najib also began to reduce Omar Ong’s role in writing his speeches and relied more and more on Khairil Annas. Khairil Annas also began to train Najib and help him improve his Malay speaking talents, including the use of rhetoric and gestures, something out of sync with Najib’s previous character.

Although Omar Ong is the son-in-law of Fatwa Council chairman Ismail Ibrahim, his talents in the religious department were severely lacking. Khairil Annas made up for these deficiencies and quickly became Najib’s most trusted blue-eyed boy. Khairy’s boys in Ethos also began to find that, since he became Deputy Prime Minister, Najib was listening less and less to them. Dr Liew, who was previously tasked with finding a solution to the Felda problem, found himself muscled out by a new appointee in charge of Felda affairs, a certain Ahmad Maslan, a Johor UMNO stalwart of Anwar Ibrahim and former political secretary to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Mustapa Mohamad.

Khairy instructed Dr Liew to propose that Felda dispose of its shares in several First Board publicly-listed companies, such as Maybank, to parties close to ECM Libra, a boutique investment bank owned by Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan that employed Khairy as its director of Corporate Advisory. Dr Liew thought he could easily push this matter through as it was more or less an ‘instruction’ from Khairy. Instead, Najib used Ahmad Maslan to block the deal while ordering a reassessment of the proposal based on its merits ...

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THE KHAIRY CHRONICLES

Part 16: The walls that talk

... But not all the leaks come from Anwar’s side. There are also people close to Khairy who have been doing the same. These are mostly his closest confidantes in the Ethos Consulting circle who move within the more Western-educated liberal young professional network. To them, Anwar’s sacking and humiliation by Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a travesty of justice and, in spite of their lack of open opposition to that cruel episode, they continue to pronounce that it was a black period in Malaysian politics. Khairy’s friends defend his record by openly espousing that, in his personal capacity, Khairy is sympathetic to Anwar’s plight. In fact, time and time again, these groups are reminded of Khairy’s magnanimous visit to Anwar’s house the night of the latter’s release from incarceration.

Khairy’s circle of friends comprise some young lawyers, bankers and political aspirants who believe that Anwar’s rehabilitation is a giant step in the effort to rid UMNO of the dregs of the Mahathir years. They tell themselves that Anwar would bring back UMNO’s lost popularity amongst the Malay heartland and revive Abdullah’s credentials as a liberal reformer. Therefore, in their discussions, they often leak Khairy’s efforts to reinstate Anwar within UMNO in order to portray Khairy as the voice of the future. In other words, to the more liberal groups who comprise the backbone of Khairy’s support, the discussions with Anwar is no bad thing. On the other hand, it is the undisputed proof that Khairy is serious about reforms and is not a politician shaped by UMNO’s older mould.

Leaks from Khairy’s circle usually comprise of two groups. The first group, those who are in immediate contact with Khairy such as Omar Ong, Ahmad Zaki Zahid, Norza Zakaria, Lim Kian Teck, Rozabil Abdul Rahman and others of that calibre, do not usually discuss these issues in public. However, some are forced to do so. For example, Omar Ong is nominally responsible to Najib Tun Razak as his Special Officer. He is often provoked by Najib’s other officers into giving them bits of information about Khairy’s movements and political planning. In other words, information is often squeezed out of Omar Ong as if he was a tube of toothpaste. Of course, in the end, the news gets back to Najib and in separate meetings with his more trusted advisors this information is sifted, analysed and examined more thoroughly.

The second group of Khairy leaks comprises those who were brought in by the first group as their support technocrats. These include the younger members of Ethos Consulting, YPCS and other such groups associated with Khairy. While they are known to Khairy, they are definitely not his bosom buddies. Nevertheless, whatever information they heard about Khairy’s movements is quickly disseminated for the simple fact that each and every one of these young and eager aspirants want to be seen by others as Khairy’s trusted lieutenants. Often, their unguarded and exaggerated claims are passed on to other friends who in turn make their own conclusions to the detriment of Khairy ...

Omar Ong to advance Tingkat 4 agenda with Petronas appointment

The tentacles of the Tingkat 4 seem to be more far reaching then previously imagined.

Despite Pak Lah no longer in power, the reminiscence of the ‘mastermind’ that almost ruined the country, foreign policy, self-destruction of UMNO and BN and to the extreme, a serious intra-racial skepticism and distrust still linger on.

Right: Omar Ong during attachment at The Eisenhower Foundation

One of them is trying to take advantage of Dato Najib's willingness to listen and bring in expertise and ideas from outside. The said person, who ambitiously attempted to be inside Prime Minister’s inner circle and worse still, private office, is now strategising himself up the echelon.

Rumours are buzzing that Ethos Consulting co-founder Omar Ong will be appointed as Director of Petronas, the cash-cow on the nation the last 25 years. This was after his attempt to be up in the top circle of Khazanah Holdings Bhd., being busted by bloggers like yours truly.

There is no such announcement yet. But indeed, it is a very dangerous situation for Malaysia, if such appointment slip through. Petronas is the single largest firm in the country and a major source of tax and dividends to the Malaysian Government.

The invisible ‘partner’ Ethos Consulting is Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, the conniving former Head of Policy in Pak Lah’s private office and key player of Tingkat 4.

Zaki was instrumental in the dilution of strategic GLC shares to Singapore’s Temasek like Telekom Malaysia, the disposal of MV Agusta, and the creation of economic corridors where Singapore was invited into the planning and execution of policies and plans within Iskandar Malaysia.

His hands are deep in corporate deals such as ECM Libra-Avenue Capital scandal, and the merger of Sime Darby-Guthrie-Golden Hope into Synergy Drive.

On foreign policy matters which are supposed to be restricted within the realm of Wisma Putra, Zaki attempted to discipline Myanmar for ‘democratization’ during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur November 2005, which clearly is following Singapore's stance as demanded by Western powers.

It was Ethos Consulting that drafted the blueprint for the National Automotive Policy for Government, which saw the certain but slow death of Proton in favour of imported cars. They were roped in for NCER and Sabah Economic Corridor.

Omar Ong’s persistent persuasion is believed to have contributed to convinced Najib to exclude MECD from his Cabinet list, announced on 9 April 2009. Incidently, this was the same position expressed by Khairy during the Legasi Tun Abdul Razak seminar. (Look up Utusan Malaysia reports circa June 16-17th , 2007)

The presence of dedicated institution for Malay empowerment and affirmative action does not fit-in with their Western style free market and liberalisation agenda. One wonders why they did not work within parties with similar ideological leaning like DAP or PKR instead.

Najib's reason to disband MECD into several Ministries is likely to make way for his yet to be announced plan for the Bumiputera economic empowerment. However, the Tingkat 4 motive is more inclined to "destroy' such legacies. Thus far, Najib has not closed any agencies initiated by his late father.

Omar Ong's invisible association with Zaki Zahid and similarity in position on MECD with Khairy are indications that serve to disprove Omar Ong’s claim that he has split ways with Khairy. Omar Ong also claimed his original proposals to the Government were often detoured from its noble intention.

Nevertheless, he has been working his way for a position in Najib’s office for a while. His first success step was to handle Najib’s 1Malaysia website, which was verified to be linked to Ethos Consulting. The slogan 1Malaysia first appeared on this website many months before Najib assume premiership. The content still need approval from PM's office.


Omar Ong and Rohanna Mahmood of Ethos Consulting gained public prominence when The Star featured both of them in a Saturday Business Section article dated December 6th, 2008 entitled Who’s the new who’s who? One wonders who got their faces in.

This certainly has worked wonders for Omar Ong in making many Corporate CEOs into believing he is representing Najib. Rumours within the corporate circle are that Omar Ong managed to convince quite a few PLC CEOs that he is doing recruitment for Najib to fill the membership for the revived National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC). Many see it as Omar Ong attempt to fill the NEAC with "his people" to perpetuate his ideological agenda.

Though specific names is not mentioned, but observers believed one position in Najib's office is filled by a person that could later suit Omar Ong's purpose.

Omar Omar’s frequent presence at Putrajaya and Sri Satria has been raising eye brows. He managed to squeeze past protocols since he was seen by few UMNO sources present loitering at Najib’s swearing in ceremony at the Istana and the night’s thanksgiving function at his home.

With all positions filled, many wonder which position he is possibly lobbying for. Could it be he found it in a Directorship in Petronas? Certainly Petronas should not be saddled with such unsavory slick character whose greediness and intellectual ego have done more harm than good for the country.

Just like Khairy Jamaluddin who explicitly expressed his ambition to be the Malaysian Prime Minister by forty, amongst close friends, Omar Ong was rumoured to have boasted that he will be the Petronas CEO by the time he reached the same age,

Omar Ong dream appointment would need the then PM agreement. As it is, the PM aspirant is fortifying all positions in Pemuda UMNO to only his men, suspiciously taken from his 304 voters.

Unlike PAS which gives no guarantee for former Pemuda Chief a place as Vice President, UMNO seemed to guarantee such position for their former Pemuda Chief. Two out of the current three Vice Presidents are former Pemuda Chiefs.

In the meanwhile, Zaki, who is one of the four elected Pemuda UMNO exco from Putrajaya Division, is heard to be slotted for a position as Deputy CEO of MRCB. What is Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop thinking off?

Najib should be able to handle Omar Ong but he should be advised accordingly. Ops “Todak Dilanggar Temasek” is not aborted yet. The only difference is Kalimullah and Brendan Pereira is on standby at Malaysia Insider, and not within the New Straits Times.

As Shakespeare wrote, "To be(lieve) or not to be(lieve)." Be mindful that there are information and sources in this posting not divulged.

Omar Ong conspire to drive a wedge between Najib and Tun

This blog exposed Khairy as the main culprit in pitting BN against Perkasa.

Another theory believed it is Dato Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It is his association with Khairy that fuel him as a suspect. The Malaysian Insider reported him as being in concurrent with Khairy on the Perkasa issue.

There is one conspirator behind this gruesome "massacre of Red Indians" in the hands of cavalry. It is a bigger mystery than the murder of Sosilawati with alleged links to Hindraf, MIC, and Pakatan.

It also involves the systematic marginalisation and impoverishment that will lead to the "mass genocide" of the majority and original inhabitant of this country.

Khairy's despise for Perkasa is too visible to deny. Effectively he has sabotaged UMNO's election prospect by distancing UMNO from Perkasa members.

Khairy persuaded UMNO Secretary General Tengku Dato Adnan Mansor to say the words. Then came Dato Nazri Aziz, Dato Khaled Nordin and perhaps Dato Zahid Hamidi. It is followed by MCA, Gerakan and MIC leaders. The Malaysian Insider, and NST (& BH) louden it.

"The cavalry has arrived," as Khairy twittered.

It is not difficult to understand why they act in such manner. Khairy need something drastic to keep his political career alive.

Debt-laden and uneducated Ku Nan is beholden to his Chinese taukeh and he is a man with a past. Nazri is loyal dog that defends and argue for his master. He may not agree with his master but he valiantly defend the master of the day.

Let's not bother analysing Dato Khaled Nordin. His mentor, Dato Shahrir Samad is a similar attack dog. He will attack anything that is Dr Mahathir.

Zahid had expressed support for Khairy to be appointed as Minister, not once but twice. But his position on Perkasa is puzzling. Extract from The Malaysian Insiders report reads below:

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi further distanced Umno from Perkasa, pointing out that the group’s struggles were very “ethnocentric” in nature.

“We should reject ethnocentricity in this country. It should not be encouraged.

“I am worried that other groups will start fighting for their own ethnic needs,” he said.

He pointed out that Umno may belong to the Malays and the Bumiputeras but it still fought for the rights of the non-Malays.

But on Astro Awani, he said UMNO should support any group with common interest and agenda. He meants it as Perkasa.

One can argue that Zahid is talking differently to the Malay audience on Astro Awani and multiracial Internet savvy crowd on MI.

It is possible that MI had spinned him in the same manner they spinned Noh Omar and Ahmad Maslan. Both Noh and Ahmad are not against Perkasa amd expressed their support to Perkasa's Ketua Wira.

Zahid is a convenient spin victim since he could be made as though he is for Khairy. Many believed he is with Khairy by virtue of his open support for Khairy's Ministership.

The irony is Zahid does not represent someone that is in line with the Malay liberal ideas. Why would he keep a Perkasa Committee member within his fold?

The one person that is a co-conspirator in this attack against Perkasa that is unknown to all is Omar Ong.

He bragged to everyone around town that he has "the ears of the PM". Now he is driving a wedge between Najib and Tun. The mathematics could be politically fatal for Najib.

Omar Ong is undeniably working on the same agenda as Khairy and his Tingkat boys. He is quite capable of manouvering, conniving, and doing double face but he left it to Khairy.

Contrary to what Najib believe or was made out to believe, Omar remain loyal to the friends he had worked together to publish the magazine Ethos. The Tingkat 4 fame, Dato Zaki Zahid is an invisible partner at Ethos Consulting (Ethos). Why then would the association with Zaki's former employer, Booze Allen Hamilton with Ethos?

From inside the Pemandu office with Koh Tsu Koon and Idris Jala, Omar works his way to get his policies implemented.

With PM believing his loyalty and ability as technician, he failed to realise that those bloggers critical of Omar Ong are either related or grew together with Omar Ong in the Malaysian student scene in London. Omar Ong have been under their watch longer than PM claimed to known of him.

They could not buy the story of Omar Ong was listening in and reporting back on Khairy and the gang.

Typical of insulated bangsawan, PM may not know of Omar Ong as well he thought he knows. PM seemed too overawed and convinced with this so-called wunderboy that he does not see any truth to the allegations against Omar Ong.

The fact is Omar Ong can be a conniving and arrogant wannabee capable of brushing off those within a stroke. This is his side of the personality Najib and Rosmah will never get to see. For that, anyone that matter will never get to see this side of Omar Ong.

If he is not impress with anyone, his arrogance and insult can bring out disgust in record time for a human. He is beaten only by skunks secreting that foul smelling odor.
Omar Omar operates from Pemandu office, now dubbed as the new Tingkat 4. Pemandu is worse than the former Tingkat 4. They come from well-heeled family, and no Melayu or bumiputera. They so far detached from common Malaysian life. It seems they have never left Bangsar.

Neo-liberal philosophy for open, liberal and free market policies is the only way they believe in. They could not appreciate why a RM14 a day wage Iban living in a longhouse can't compete and be as prosperous as the late Lim Goh Tong or Kuok family.

They are out to slash subsidy to zero subsidy and no Government role in the economy. Ultimately, no affirmative action or any form of assistance under Article 153 of the Constitution.

In Petronas, Omar Ong is turning the already well runned national oil company into the Royal Dutch Company. Many major appointments are filled with Shell people. This was the same formula that Idris Jala did to oust and replace MAS personnel with inexperianced Ernst & Young and Airasia personnel, thus for the Airasia copycat strategy.

Speaking of Airasia, Omar Ong was with Tony Fernandez and Kalimullah in London the week before Raya. There must be some mischievous plot and MAS looks to be gobbled up. There is more. Just watch this space.

Omar Ong has an old score with Dr Mahathir. He feels the old man is in the way of his reform plan. Again, it is his reform plan and not that of Government or Najib's.

Dr Mahathir stood in the way of his appointment to the Board of Director of Petronas before. Tun's association with Perkasa is something Omar and Khairy stood against. Thus for the recent planned commotion on Perkasa.

Najib's response to all this is in this extract of an interview with CNBC:

CNBC: Why is former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and now Perkasa, why are they so upset though?

NAJIB: They are not against us. They are talking more about bumiputra rights. But actually we are not taking anything away from the bumiputra, but we are saying that let us do it differently. Let us get better results. Let us achieve a more equitable society. But at the same time, being fair to the non-bumiputras as well. Because we want to build a One Malaysia.

It is diplomatic answer but the question arise is did he send those dogs out? Only Muhyiddin sent some consoling and encouraging words to Perkasa.

Tipped off by insider/(s) in MI, Omar Ong have been in communicado with the online portal of Kalimullah and Brendan Pereira. He has been leaking information and of late, had contributed article/(s).

Let see September 13th editorial here, for instance. It does not have that typical MI sarcasm and twisted rationale.

On top of that, it is not typical of MI to give constructive criticism in it's analysis. It is as though someone inside had some unfulfilled agenda and had fed MI's editorial with information to push the reform agenda faster.

The reform agenda is pro-big business and pro-foreign MNCs, but not pro-rakyat as 1Malaysia slogan claim to be. It is the mantra promoted by McKenzie & Co. or Bain & Co. or Boston Consulting Group and lobbied by Ethos Consulting to con-sultan their way around.

Surfing the MI leads to many such style of articles. It began about the time of the Chinese Economic Congress organised by MCA and Nazir infuriated the Malays when he described NEP as "bastardised".

In response to Tun's Merdeka greetings blog here, MI reported here Lim Kit Siang's blog response here. That puts into play the perception game that Tun is against 1Malaysia and the New Economic Model. Omar Ong's plan is to drive a wedge between Tun and Najib.

Don't ask for proof because we are not going to court. How do you proof that father Mustapha Ong is going around town and sitting like a Chinese Emperor boosting he can deliver anything through his son?

This September 13 analysis entiled on Malay rights drowning out Najib’s reforms is obviously not written by the seasoned journalist or spin master at MI. It doesn't have the flair and convincing touch of a writer.

They would not have argued by claiming Malay rights as red herring meaning to brush it aside as rhetorical tactic to divert attention away from the real issue of reform. It is a fundamental issue. Najib acknowledged it but his policy makers, NEAC members, and political operators refused to acknowledged.

Furthermore, the discussion of parliamentary snap election is a dead giveaway that this article is written by an insider. This could be the article Omar Ong wrote himself. [He has left comment in this blog before here.]


Perkasa has clearly stated before that it is not against reform. The problem with ideas emanating from con-sultans is that it has no offering on the plate but concepts and acronyms.

The third Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera organised by Majlis Perundingan Melayu had highlighted significant weakness of the New Economic Model. Their resolutions was far practical but so was the one from NEAC, EPU, Pemandu, etc.

For instance, the issue of wealth distribution was not touched. There is no specifics on the affirmative action except new criteria of being fair, competitive and market driven. What does market driven affirmative means?

It is like asking the fundamental question whether 1Malaysia is assimilation or integration. There is no clear and unambigous answer. To add to their trouble from poor communication, the Chinese papers all interpret it as 'sama rata.'

For the same reason as Perkasa and MPM, Dr Mahathir had written to Najib and Pemandu with some comments and suggestions. Probably Omar Ong came to know of it or got a copy by deceiving some staff and his blood boils. He can no more keep his hair straight. [Can't resist this Chinese ethnic joke.]

Sayang isteri, tinggal-tinggalkan. Sayang anak, pukul-pukulkan. Lastly, sayang Perdana Menteri, tegur-tegurkan. That is to be clear ABITW is not anti-Najib.

Now that we have clarified out stance, Najib should be clear in his stance and be resolute in his leadership.

The grassroot perception is that Najib is emulating Tun Dol. He is losing control on the destiny of the party and country. Rakyat is beginning to lose confidence with the indecisiveness of the existing bangsawan class of leadership.

With his running dogs and advisers recklessly running amuck, Najib may go down in the history book as the ending N of the RAHMAN series of Prime Ministers from Perikatan-Barisan Nasional. By then, Abdullah will be forgotten but Najib will forever be remembered as the last BN PM by future school children.

The next acronym could likely be LIM KIT SIANG!

* Edited at 10:50 AM

Omar Ong slipped into Petronas?

This news just came in on Rocky Bru's today here and his Malay Mail is publishing the story here.

Words leaked today that the controversial and member of the Oxford mafia, Omar Ong will be appointed as Petronas Director. The announcement will be soon.

It seemed that the decision was already made in early August. Despite the strong resistance expressed by Independent Directors of Petronas, Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak vehemently insisted on the appointment beleived to be at the behest of Omar Ong.

Words are his appointment would pave the way for his eventual appointment as President/CEO of Petronas. Hasan Merican is due for retirement.

The general concern of those in the know of Omar Ong's background and affiliation is that he is being assigned a position beyond his own capacity and capability. His past tendency to tinker and introduce his yet to be proven successful consultancy templates.

Omar Ong is untested and should be tried to run a smaller organisation elsewhere. The succession plan in Petronas should be respected.

Why are we ready to gamble Petronas in his hand?

Petronas is a major asset of the nation and manges the nation's oil reserve and foreign exploration. It has a wealth of human resources and experiance within its fold. It has its own succssion plan and there should not be any queue jumping from outside the organisation.

The problem with the worldview of people like Omar Ong is their tendency to be fascinated with what's fashionable of the day and not ready to defy convention and norms.

When Petronas was established by Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah, Malaysia defied the norms set by the Seven Sisters Oil Companies of the world. The country resisted the pressure to follow the rules and terms laid down by the major oil companies and its backing superpower. That brevity and strong sense of patriotism had enabled Malaysia to have "real ownership" of its oil wealth and the money plowed back to develop the nation. Otherwise, Petronas would be in the boondogs like Indonesia's Pertamina today.

Placing personalities like Omar Ong, with linked and association with Khairy, Tingkat 4 and their network of corporate freeloaders pervading every Government linked Companies in the country, is that they are devoid of any sense of patiotism and over awed with the western corporate thinking without pondering a glimpse of the bigger national agenda.

The presence of Omar Ong was attributed to the high dependence of the Government and GLCs with wasteful brand named Corporate Consultant. Lost are the building of creativity and capacity to think and plan put our own solutions to problems and our own thinking in development.

The irony is that the presence of graduates from such branded prestigous Universities does not translate into independent thinking but becoming more dependent nore on foreigh brains. Petronas will eventually be run by outside consultants rather by from capacity and capability from within.

The most scary part is Omar will have access to confidential and important numbers that is not reported. This blogger see Omar as a security risk just like Khairy and his Tingkat 4.

Omar is dangerous because he has his own personal cause and agenda that will not be congruent with the historical social, political and economic fabric of the party and nation.

Beyond the sight of the Prime Minister, Omar Ong is not as personable to others to enable him to command the respect and loyalty from his underlings to be an effective leader is such an important organisation.

His appointment will have a discouraging effect on the sizable number of Petronas employee who has been loyal to the organisation. Omar was a Petronas scholar who did not honour his commitment to serve with Petronas and on many occasion have repeatedly rescinded in his agreement with his scholarship provider.

All due respect to the prerogative of the Prime Minister to choose and in the spirit of 1Malaysia and his call to listen to the rakyat, this rakyat plead the PM to reconsider. Also this rakyat wish to remind the PM that he had gave a commitment not emulate Pak Lah's practise of having a wunder boy and a West Wing style Tingkat 4.

This is one appointment this blogger strongly feel the PM made a mistake and this honest view is expressed without any malice but out of concern for his own Premiership. In fact, the appointment will become a political liability to Najib. This is one burden he does not need.

The PM may have confidence in Omar Ong but not those who knows Omar Ong beyond the confine of the PM's office and a natural kow tow to the number 1 of the country.

Can 1Malaysia please listen to what the fear and concern of the people?

Omar Ong a scholarship defaulter? Catch 22 for Petronas BoD

A commentator calling him or herself Petronas Scholar left a message here.

It was revealed that Omar Ong is a repeated scholarship defaulter. His constant job changing has resulted in him defaulting on his loan agreement. He did not serve the required compulsory service time expected of scholars.

The comment revealed that legal proceeding has been undertaken and judgement was obtained in February 2003. A settlement was reached in May 2005 during his tenure at the DPM's office.

He rejoined Ethos in February 2006 resulting in him defaulting the deed of sttlement and is supposed to pay about RM120,000 to Petronas.

If there is any truth in the revelation, it certainly put the Petronas Board of Director in a difficult situation whether to approve or reject Omar's appointment.

Read further the comment reproduced below:

Mohd Omar Ong bin Mustapha Ong was a scholar of Petronas. He was offered scholarship in May 1989 to do A-level in the UK and to study in Oxford University. He has repeatedly defaulted from his obligation in the scholarship agreement with Petronas.

The revelation of Omar Ong’s appointment as a member of the Board of Director of Petronas will mean that the Board of Direcor have honoured a scholarship defaulter with this appointment.

Omar completed his study and graduated from Oxford with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. On February 16th, 1995 he joined Petronas as Executive. He later resigned and join Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) on February 1st, 1997.

Omar was employed for nearly 2 years and at the time of resignation, had not fulfill his compulsory service. Petronas agreed to transfer the compulsory service to MDC being another Government Company..

His stinct with MDC lasted few months more than 3 years for he resigned on March 31, 2000. This is in breach of the scholarship agreement and he was informed by the Education Services Unit on June 2000.

Consequently, he was issued a Letter of Demand in January 2001 from the Legal Service Unit of Petronas. By September 2001, Lee, Hishamuddin & Co. was appointed to start proceeding against Omar. Judgement was obtained against Omar in February 2003.

After MDC, Omar joined McKinsey & Co, London, and operated in Kuala Lumpur. He later co-founded Ethos & Co. in February 2002.

In February 2004, he was appointed Special Officer 1 to the Deputy Prime Minister. A deed of settlement was signed in May 2005 and he was to serve the Government of Malaysia for an assigned period of 4 years 10 months. In the event of another breach of contract, he will be required to pay a settlement of RM120,000.

Omar resigned and rejoined Ethos & Co. in February 2006.

Appreciate you could publish this comment in your blog in order to get reactions from Omar Ong or Petronas to this revealed details.

This should serve to alert Najib that the man he agreed to be appointed as Director for Petronas is a Petronas Scholar who defaulted on his loan.

Najib's insistance on the Board of Director of Petronas to appoint Omar Ong will put them in a difficult position to breach their own internally long practised policies and will be expected to be given exception.

As another Petronas Scholar, I ask why should defaulter Omar be an exception?

Certainly, Omar's appointment will place the Board of Director in a Catch 22 situation.

If they reject his appointment, they will be deemed as opposing the PM's instruction. But if the approve his appointment, it will not be consistent with their policy not to retake former staff. They will confirm the appointment of a Petronas scholarship defaulter to the top management of Petronas i.e. Board of Director.

This will be a blemish on the reputation of Petronas Board of Director and the Company's policies. Will this be an example for other Petronas Scholars to emulate? All this for Omar. Is it worthy?

Najib's Bumiputera challenge [Up-dated]

For the past few years and on many occasions, Najib had given assurance that he will not foresake the Malays and Bumiputera. This time assurances and promises are not sufficient and they want more than that.

Bumiputera will not hear of excuses to do things quietly.

Not even an article from Beruang Biru to ask "Apa lagi rakyat mahu? can help relieve the demand for remedial action. Definitely not with a spin by listing all that PM has umum, lancar, perkenal, ilham and rasmi. To debunk, ask: has it delivered?

There is an SMS circulating:

Dijemput datang beramai-ramai ke Majlis Pemerkasaan Ekonomi Bumiputera pada Sabtu, 14 Sept 2013 di DATC UITM Shah Alam. 830 pagi - Forum: Tan Sri Dr Wan Zahid & Prof Dato' Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali. 1030 pagi - Pengumuman khas Agenda Ekonomi Bumiputera oleh YAB Perdana Menteri. Terbuka kpd orang ramai. Menteri kabinet & pemimpin Bumiputera akan hadir. Mari bersatu & tunjukkan sokongan kpd Agenda Bumiputera. Sila forward SMS ini kpd kawan-kawan.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of EPU, Dato Abdul Wahid Omar gave a broad outline of the area to be covered. [Read Utusan Malaysia here.]

But this morning at 10 AM, it is the deadline for all related agencies to submit their immediate plan of action to EPU.

Since it looks like a rush job, we'll pass up on the event. At 8:00 AM, it is too early for bloggers. Secondly, there is more fun and satisfaction to hear great jazz performances at the KL International Jazz Festival 2013 by Lee Ritenour, Ezra Brown, Rudresh Mahanthappa, etc.

Discrimination in Putrajaya leads to Omar Ong

Some years back, there was an article on Malaysia Today about discriminatory practices in Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PJH), the developer of Putrajaya.

Good thing that the 2010 article can still be found. It ia about PJH staff being sacked enbloc upon the entry of new shareholders KLCC. The strange thing is PJH and KLCC Holdings are subsidiaries of Petronas and it is merely a corporate re-organisation. [Read it here.]

PJH also has some strange ways of doing things, as a blogger The Flying Kick [read here] ranted about the design of a new Masjid of Putrajaya in 2011 that is devoid of Islamic symbolism and looks more like a new age church or highly stylised hangar for Airbus A380.

It seems such strange and discriminatory attitude is also practiced in dishing out contracts for the commercial development of Parcel F which is located next to the Gemilang bridge at Putrajaya.

If Pak Lah is Leaving, Why is a ‘Level Four Boys’ Still in Command?

Omar Ong (in picture) during his Fellowship stinct

at the Eisenhower Foundation last year, 2007

It seems now at the juncture of Pak Lah's political demise, the ‘Level Four Boys’ already got their hands into his successor.

Recently, when Pak Lah announced the mini Cabinet reshuffle, DPM Dato’ Seri Najib was given the highly strategic and sensitive but powerful Finance portfolio. However, it seems the job was given with the ‘Level Four Boys’ tentacles attached to it and with great power to help DPM Najib decide.

Omar Ong, the Managing Director of Ethos and Company, came back instantly when DPM Najib was announced.

He was seen in several meetings involving Ministry of Finance and his capacity as Managing Director of Ethos Consulting is but a mere disguise. Words are he will be appointed as Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance.

Omar Ong was DPM Najib’s Special Function Officer when the latter was appointed Deputy Prime Minister four and half years ago, leaving his highly lucrative job as a partner to Dr Liew Boon-Horng. Omar was the strategist in DPM Najib’s office.

Then, the most horrid tragedy struck. Dr. Liew died in a freak accident when his BMW was crushed by a fallen concrete slab in Plaza Damas which instanteously brought Omar back into the Ethos and Co chair. Many close to DPM Najib expressed relief when Omar left.

For DPM Najib, it was god-sent. He has since been baraged with negative complains and feedbacks on Omar from his supporters and sympathisers within the corporate world and political grassroot. Omar's manouveour in-cohoot with Khairy documented in Raja Petra's Khairy Chronicle was verifiable by many. Why the change of heart?

History of Destruction

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduate from St. Hugh’s College in Oxford started his career as Special Assistant to Multimedia Development Corporation. Then, he opted for the highly paid job in McKinsey Consulting. He teamed up with Dr. Liew and Ethos and Company was born.

The first high profile job they did was to study and revamp the Civil Service, where the cream of the crops amongst Malaysians were brought in. It was modelled after the Singaporean Civil Service and this exercise was commissioned when Pak Lah was still the Deputy Prime Minister.

After the untimely demise of Dr. Liew, Omar came back to Ethos and Company, but not without the pot of of gold. Ethos was instrumental in the National Automotive Policy, which saw the slow but structured death of Proton, in favour of the 'openess and liberalisation' of the Malaysian car industry.

Then Ethos and Company was the main blueprint architect of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). Of course the Sabah Development Corridor and Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy plans were crafted by them as well.

'Level Four Boys' Link

Main players of 'Level Four Boys' - Khairy

and Zaki Zahid, Youth Chief for UMNO Putrajaya Division

Omar Ong is very much someone who fits into the 'Level Four Boys' criterion. He was in the same JPA British Top University program with Pak Lah's Chief Policy Officer Dato' Zaki Zahid, Media Co-ordinator Dato' Kamal Khalid and Iskandar Malaysia Chief Strategist Nasser Ismail.

Munir Aziz, the high profile partner of Wong and Partner, an associate legal firm of Baker Mackenzie International is the best of buddy.

Omar Ong, together with Kamal Khalid received training from the Eisenhower Foundation. He was sent for his 'fellowship' late last year.

Like any American Political Foundations, it usually potrays itself as seeking for an ideal and playing the role to initiate discussion, seeking solution to problems, preparing policy papers, and lobbying for it's noble cause. But it is essentially a front for political group with an agenda, national and global agenda.

The Eisenhower Foundation is no different. It potrays itself as pursuing the ideals of late President Eisenhower, championing The Truly Disadvatage and at one time, promoting American patriotism, but yet it is involved in formulating policies in Economics, Middle East, Foreign and National Policy, and Communication.

Co-incidently, it is the same year Omar was selected the Young Global Leader at the Davos World Economic Forum in Davos 2007.

Why Took Him?

What is worrisome is why DPM Najib agreed for Omar to be brought back into the main driving seat behind the ultimate corridor of power? And, at the point of Pak Lah's empire is systematically crumbling to pieces?

The recent developments within UMNO where the Supreme Council is pushing for the 'Power Transition Plan' be brought prematurely ahead is an opportunity many saw as the 'Level Four Boys' destruction. And now this.

Isn't DPM Najib aware the consequences and danger of getting strategic advice from someone with questionable loyalty like Omar Ong?

Omar Ong could prove suspicion wrong at Iskandar

Omar Ong is now a member of the Board of Director of Petronas. He was proposed by the Prime Minister and the Board of Directors finally endorsed his appointment as an Independent Director and de facto representative of the PM.

This is done within the jurisdiction of the PM as pointed out by Tengku Razaleigh. Ku Li also said that Directors who protest should have rightly resigned.

This blogger have expressed his suspicion and doubt of Omar Ong on many occasions and even in the not too distance past. Of late, there are those who feel it was wrong and unfounded. Omar Ong is not what many had perceived him to be.

Since the PM has decided, some level of trust on the PM's decision is due. It is expected that this blogger give the PM the benefit of doubt. However, on Omar Ong's part, he must make effort (not just deny and talk) to convince that he is different from those Tingkat 4 rascals.

As Petronas Director, Omar Ong is in the position to address a grave concern on the sectoral plan for the oil and gas industry in Iskandar, Malaysia. This presents an opportunity to change the perception towards him.

Blogger bigdogdotcom had written an impressive analysis of Iskandar and the annexation threat on Johor by Singapore. His analysis was based on the latest The Edge’s Special Report featuring the third series of CLSA report on the Singaporean perspective on the way forward for cross-causeway relationship. Comments in his blog posting highlighted potentially hostile millitary buildup by Singapore. Read his analysis here.


His concern have been the concern of Johoreans since the launch of what was then called South Johor Economic Region (SJER). The annexation was anticipated in a Malay political book put together by former journalist Johari Ismail and published last year.

In the CLSA report, the Singaporean attitude for our oil & gas industry in Iskandar is only aimed at getting a piece of the pie from Petronas and not to bring in mutually beneficial investment. Sembcorp Marine was mentioned as skirting with the idea to invest but has not given any commitment.

Another aspect they are looking is the consolidation of companies which will be explained later in this posting.

The first para of the report on the oil and gas opportunity as they see is below:


The Singaporean are eyeing Petronas contracts for future plans to do deepwater exploration. They estimate the annual Petronas exploration spending at US$1 billion. This exclude the opportunity from multinational companies which currently are required to be given out to local or locally associated companies. Read below:



The oppurtunities from consolidation mentioned above can be described plainly as opportunities for Singaporean companies to gobble up local companies. They have already identified several prospective local companies. Read below:


The "larger" small local companies are targetted too. Read below:


The Singaporean companies have the advantage of financial support from the Singaporean financial market. They will end up controlling the merged entity and at the end, the merged companies will be listed on the Singapore stock exchange. Read below:


This blogger had sufficient years of experiance in the capital and financial market to say that news and special reports emanating from such financial magazines do not appear out of the sky. Usually it is arranged by parties promoting such ideas or 'warming' up the investing community to anticipate a certain plan to be executed.

It is more obvious with The Edge, which have office in Singapore and publish their Singapore version of The Edge. It could be a marketing effort by parties attempting the Singaporeans to invest. The party/ies would definately have past close relationship with The Edge and can be traced.

From this analysis, Omar Ong must ensure the exuberance to bring in Singaporean investment must not overlook the fact that it is Singapore that stands to benefit more than Malaysia. Singapore will get the meat, Malaysia, who owns the oil, will be nourishing bone soup.

Singapore is not bringing in much added value to the Iskandar and Malaysian oil and gas industry, other than competing with local companies for contracts, acquiring local suppliers, contractors, transport companies, and service providers and eventually listing on their stock exchange.

This is unlike the plan put forward by Tengku Razaleigh in a speech he presented in Parliament on September 13, 2006. According to his proposal, Malaysia should be able to harness the capital market of the world in its pursuit to be the leader in all areas in the oil and gas industry in ASEAN. Read here.

If these plan camouflaged as a CLSA Special Report on The Edge is put forward, Malaysia is not going to be that envisioned leader but will be playing second fiddle or even become dependent on Singapore.

For recollection, the Iskandar idea was crystallised and championed by Dato' Dr Vincent Tan and Dato Zaki Zahid of the infamous ‘Tingkat 4’. They were noted for being too open and embraced Singapore in their economic policies to the extent of giving away our advantages.

It shows how shallow, lacking in ambition, and regressive those deemed by some as our so-called bright young men.

Omar Ong can prove he is not in co-hort with the Tingkat 4 destroyer of the nation by redressing this aftermath from their path. As a Petronas Board of Direrctor, he can play the role to stop the Malaysian oil and gas industry from giving away our advantages to Singapore's sel serving interest described in the CLSA Report.

If he is unable to dismantle and at worst, was found to be part of this plan, the suspicion and opinion of himself will remain. And Ethos Consulting and Capital used to be given special coverage by The Edge.

* Updated: 12/11 1:45 am

After Omar Ong, Syed Hamid rumoured for Petronas Chairman?

If last week saw Omar Ong being appointed on the Board of Director (BoD) of Petronas, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, where Petronas headquarter is located, is a buzzed with rumours that former Minister, Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar will be appointed as Chairman of Petronas.

These two appointments are not expected to go down well with the public and corporate circle. If the two appointments are publicly announced, it could come at an expensive political cost to Najib. His first 100 days as Prime Minister has not brought the profound boost hoped by UMNO members and these appointments would invite more negative perception of his premiership.

Since its establishment by Tun Abdul Razak in 1974, Government has maintained an unwritten rule that the management of Petronas is free from any direct or indirect political interference and be run professionally. This has proven to be a successful formula vis-a-vis other state run organisation.

The practise has also been that members of the BoD of Petronas is limited to Government representative from the civil servants and top executives in Petronas for their professional input on the oil and gas. (See the current line-up here.)

The only exception being Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan, who was invited to help established Petronas at its inception. He was then an established player in the regional oil and gas trade and brought in by the then Chairman of Petronas, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

The presence of former Minister, Syed Hamid as Chairman and Omar Ong as member of the Board of Directors will not auger well for Najib's public image.

Words are that the justification used to appoint Syed Hamid is his experience as Foreign Minister. This is felt by many observers as odd since the international relation role will be better served by the current Petronas Adviser, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir commands a strong respect in the Middle East and Third World countries. Petronas overseas ventures came about during his premiership. He was known as the number 1 salesman of the country.

Syed Hamid's stinct as Foreign Minister was marred by his failure to defend Batu Putih from Singapore’s claim. He was alleged to be involved in a company selling sand to Singapore. This became a factor in the cancellation of the scenic Johor Bridge that caused much uproar amongst Johorean.

Petronas is doing much in road into the Middle East. As told by a former Senior Minister, Syed Hamid is not known for his good personal relations with Arab leaders.

The perception of the few Petronas executives spoken on Omar Ong’s presence were generally negative.

He will be perceived as “the voice of the Prime Minister” and this will exert undue influence on other members of the BoD, particularly the representatives from the various Ministries.

This could invariably lead to Omar Ong directly interfering in operational matters of Petronas. He has tendency to be persistent and this will be the manner he insert his liberalisation "agenda" into Petronas.

Petronas has been successful because it was able to carryout it’s policy and implement it’s plan without interference from external parties. It’s system and procedures of check and balance is in place and working well. There is no need for interference, real or perceived, from other power at be.

The last Petronas need is interference from it’s former scholarship holder with limited working experience and textbook knowledge of the oil and gas industry.

Other than Petronas, another organisation that has proved successful with a “no political interference policy” is Permodalan Nasional Berhad. The BoD of PNB is similarly limited to distinguished former high Government officials. and at one time, corporate men.

The economic and social contribution of both Petronas and PNB is too invaluable to the nation. Thus, it is important that such institutions be protected and run by capable and experienced professionals with governmental playing the policy monitoring role. The "taboo" for politicians or politicians' representative involvement in the management of both organisations should remain.

Furthermore, Petronas is increasingly dependent on international business. It can’t afford to tarnish its unblemished record with ‘amateurish’ mistake and god forbid, a financial scandal. The risk is too high to give the top positions in Petronas to inexperienced young wannabees and popularity motivated politicians.

Politically, this could be an expensive political cost to the Prime Minister and UMNO. He could be accused by opposition of introducing cronyism into Petronas and the generally sceptic public is likely to believe such allegations. The role to be played by Omar Ong and Syed Hamid could be played without being appointed on the BoD.

As it is, Najib should remain focus to turnaround the economy in order to regain public confidence to the party. He does not need to take unconventional decisions that will detour him from regaining the trust and confidence of the public.

Omar Ong Rasputin congratulates Anwar

The Benchmark here revealed Twitter messages allegedly belonging to Omar Mustapha or more familiarly known as Omar Ong.

The blog asked: Are we looking at another 'passport delivery-boy' in action, only this time under a different administration with a different Prime Minister?

ABIITW see another similarity.

Both are neo-liberals selling the country's asset away, dismantling the foundation of this country as inscribed in our constitution and bringing in unbridled neo-iberalism ideology that ignores the historical heritage and colonial baggage of this country.

The book by Raja Petra, Khairy Chronicles documented that Omar Ong as the person who introduced Khairy to Anwar Ibrahim.

During Tun Abdullah era, Khairy played a prominent role in the kitchen cabinet of Run Abdullah.

Omar's Ethos Consulting benefited during Tun Abdullah's administration. And, Ethos still benefited during Najib's administration and more.

Omar is on the board of foreign majority Air Asia-X. Together with Air Asia, both organisation are benefitting from the cannibalisation of MAS planned and executed by the corporate boys of Tun Abdulllah's MoF II Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop at Khazanah from Binafikir.

Khairy-Pak Lah faction have been in communication with Anwar Ibrahim. Some blog are claiming both both of them are in communication with Tengku Razaleigh. This blogger met witness who say all of them together with some PAS leaders met at Ku Li's residence.

Najib is regularly meeting and seen together in function with Tun Dr Mahathir with the last one at the Proton factory.

Whose side is Najib's wunder boy adviser, Omar Ong with?

Dato Seri Prime Minister, you just have to drop Omar Ong

Today the Malaysian public is talking about the rejection by the Board of Director of Petronas for the Board appointment of Omar Ong. It came out in Singapore's Straits Times yesterday.

Remember you heard about it first on Another Brick in the Wall here on May 18th, 2009. The reason quoted in ST first came out here on May 26th, 2009.

Subsequently, it is here that you heard of an impending appointment of former Minister, Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar for Chairmanship post.

This reminds me of the rejection of Khairy's request to be appointed Chief Operating Officer of Khazanah many years ago. Lucky thing it didn't happen. Pak Lah's legacy is already bad. One can't imagine how much worse thinsg could be if it had happened.

Before dwidling further, lets' read the Straits Times report in full below:

Najib’s bid to put aide on Petronas board hits snag

Directors say PM's nominee had defaulted on scholarship; Petronas Adviser says "not good idea."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid to appoint his key aide as a director of Petronas is being resisted by the board and could put the Premier at odds with the national oil corporation's influential adviser, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

According to senior government officials, the board of directors of Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) raised reservations over the proposal to appoint Omar Mustapha at its monthly meeting last month.

Omar is one of the premier's closest political confidants.

The reservations were made on the grounds that he had defaulted on his scholarship loan agreement with Petronas two decades ago.

Picture: Mr Omar worked briefly at Petronas, a tenure the oil firm

says was not enough to meet his scholarship obliogation

Najib, however, is determined to have Omar appointed as a director. He ordered the Petronas board to review its position over the appointment at a meeting this week, the government officials said.

Petronas officials have declined comment, and Omar could not be reached.

Dr Mahathir, who government officials said has been briefed about the situation, told The Straits Times yesterday that it was Najib's prerogative as Premier to “appoint a man who failed to honour his obligation to Petronas when he was given a scholarship by it”.

“Generally, I would say that it is not a good thing to appoint such a person,” he said in a written response.

Najib's office did not respond to requests for comments.

Petronas, Malaysia's only company on the Fortune 500 listing of the world's most profitable companies, is considered to be the country's most efficiently managed state-owned corporation.

Incorporated in August 1974, the corporation has firmly established itself as a global energy player over the last two decades. It currently operates in over 30 countries, and its overseas operations, including exports, account for more than 75 per cent of its revenue.

Many oil industry experts and bankers credit the oil company's phenomenal growth to the government's hands-off approach to the running of the oil corporation.

Omar, 38, has emerged as one of the closest political confidants of Najib and is often tapped for advice on economic and financial matters.

“A politician in Petronas may have other agenda which may or may not be in keeping with the national interest,” Dr Mahathir said in his comments to The Straits Times.

He added: “I think it is far better if no politician is allowed to interfere with commercial decisions which may not be good for the corporation.”

Positions on the board of Petronas and its subsidiary companies have traditionally been reserved for very senior civil servants and prominent private sector personalities.

Omar graduated from Oxford on a scholarship from Petronas in the mid-1990s and worked briefly with the national oil corporation and another government-linked corporation.

He then joined McKinsey & Co, where he worked for the international consulting company in London and Malaysia.

He left McKinsey in early 2002 to set up his own consultancy firm called Ethos with several close friends. Two years later, he was tapped by Najib, who was then the deputy prime minister, to become his special officer.

Government officials familiar with Omar's proposed appointment to the board of Petronas said that the national oil corporation takes a firm view against scholarship defaulters.

Omar did not complete the required number of years of service with the oil corporation or a related government agency as stipulated in his scholarship agreement

Dato Seri Najib should take not take this rejection personally but with pride, it auger well to revive confidence in the administration. It shows those assigneed as guardian of the nation's wealth are people of integrity, impecable character, and conviction. It bodes well for public confidence on the Government.

Omar may look to have an impressive resume but on further inspection, it is limited in depth and time. The problem with the Tingkat 4 boys was the same and without wisdom, the messed they have created is irreparable within Najib's first term. He and us have to certainly work hard to gain his second term.

Placing someone before due time is a disastrous decision. Paul Mason shall sell no wine before it's time. So does placing young untested wannabees at high places. If Omar is someone truly of great potential, he has to undergo the time honoured process to prove his mantle.

We can't afford to keep pushing untested young ones without experiacne and wisdom to the forefront. Allow me to quote few.

If we care to remember, what happened to Dato Rosman, a former CEO of Malaysia Airport berhad which was brought to the forefront by Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop and the late Tan Sri Basir Ismail?

After MAC, he joined Pernas Construction as CEO. What happen to Pernas Construction today? Without sufficient knowledge and experiance to guide his underlings, he was a CEO that merely assign and scold. Percon does not exist anymore and had went under. My childhood friend with 30 years in construction had the displeasure of worling under him.

Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop had the pleasure of plucking two young ones to the top of MRCB. Have they turned into wise and humble leaders with the compassion and respect of their army? I am not quite sure. Dato Abdul Rahman and Dato Shahril that used to together lead MRCB is described as a heartless and questioned of honesty.

Rahman is rumoured to takeover Tenaga Nasional Berhad CEO position from Cik Khalib. The disturbing words is he won't accept anything less than RM2 million a year with the pluses.

With Cik Khalib leaving TNB, words are he will be moving to Sime Darby to replace Zubir Mursyid. I am not too sure of the faith of Zubir. With practically "one-product company" TNB making a RM900 million loss, could CK manage a multi-business conglomorate Sime Darby, which is three diversified plantation giant all-in-one?

Is CK being groomed for Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar's Khazanah' top post? And, Azman for Petronas? At least, there is no more talk of Senator and MOF II Azman.

Picking on someone for the top post must not be based on merely personal preferences. He or she must be checked out thorougly and opinions of his peers, competitots and subordinates checked? How many peers and subordinates has Omar Ong accumulated in his career filled with many froggings of one place to another? What is his real core competency? Webmastering?

Thus, I beg of you, Dato Seri Prime Minister. You have to drop Omar Ong and he has to take the time honoured process. You have a wealth of other choices, if you care to ask the right network of people, sir.