Rejoining UMNO means Zahid outsmarted Mahathir

It means Tun Dr Mahathir only won the GE14 battle, but lost the war against UMNO again.

His lost to Dato Seri Najib in UMNO was not a mere battle, but was war, which ended him quiting UMNO and avenge by working with the enemy.

If GE14 was the endgame war, there is no more attempt to manouver out of the agreed power transition. He will secede the PMship to Dato Seri Anwar in May 2020 and him and his family seek asylum abroad.

Talk of a new coalition government - backdoor or otherwise - to takeover as PH collapse means Dato Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has outsmarted him.

Mahathir lost another political battle and still lost his political war against UMNO. He is slipping in his late age.

Najib collaborate with Anwar? Nah... unlikely!

The moment the Azilah's legally ridiculous Statutory Declaration surfaced recently, after being kept a secret upon being signed in October, Raja Petra made a suggestion that Dato Najib could collaborate with Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to topple Tun Dr Mahathir.

Whether RPK is making a forecast or genuinely suggesting or it is a bait, it is not the subject of this posting. He and moi are writers thus free to write.

This posting is merely an attempt to make sense of the latest episode involving Dato Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dato Seri Hishamuddin Hussein Onn, and Dato Lokman Noor Adam with regard to UMNO's Disciplinary Council show cause letter to Hisham. Relevant or not, it could be linked to Mahathir's current trip to Japan, Jawi-Dong Zong commotion in Kajang, and possibly the Chin Peng ashes-CPM-no Republic protests.

RPK's "suggestion" for Najib to collaborate with Anwar may have came about from speculation that Mahathir foresee his plan to block Anwar will fail should them both collaborate.

It is unlikely to happen for many reasons as it will be touched one by one as one reads along. Sorry no easy and quick soundbytes. One has to read to know.

Hamid implied Gani Patail to be investigated?

The game behind the latest review in the murder case of Mongolian call girl, Altantuya Shaaribu in 2006 is quite obvious. Hype the SD by the murderer, Azilah Hadri to be shocking enough that the public perception justify for a re-investigation of the murder.

The loud segment of the public will insist on a re-investigation and even the prejudiced lots will judge Dato Najib and Datin Rosmah as already guilty of murder.

This is despite most of them not knowing what went on 13 years ago, never having read the Federal judgement that sentence the two UTK personnel, not aware of Ram Karpal's civil lawsuit for vicarous liability tanking in court, and the case has reached its finality. 

The public, being deceived with misinformation, may not realised that C4 was never mentioned in the three courts ever.

By taking the SD overly serious, it will open up a Pandora box for all cases that have reached its finality to be reviewed by merely having any desperate prison inmate make an SD.

Syabas PH!

Azilah's SD admit he committed murder

Former Prime Minister Dato Najib Tun Abdul Razak made a mubahalah (sumpah laknat), solemn oath in the name of God to seek divine justice on the latest allegation made against him for giving a murder order that took place 13 years ago.

The former Inspector, Azilah Hadri made a 17-page Statutory Declaration in prison and certified by a prison secretary acting as Commissioner of Oath to lay blame on Dato Najib for giving the order to kill.

* Razak Baginda who was accused for giving the murder instruction at the initial part of the murder trial, but the SD claimed him as accomplice.

The first impression to those close to Najib is that it is impossible. He could not even fire the many freeloaders and non-performers working for him. Let alone gave an order to take a human life!

If he is that mean, it does not make sense to give such an order himself. He would have another layer between him and the assassin. Smarter still, carry the order abroad.

Talk is the contract on the mistaken murder of Hussein Najadi was RM15,000. It is ridiculous for Azilah to do so for mere RM300.

The SD by Azilah actually hasten his trip to the gallow. He confessed to the murder and concurrently, committed perjury.

Imran's absence a snub in the face for Mahathir

Contrary to the earlier posting, Did Iran pullout of Mahathir-led Islamic coalition, ex-Saudi?, they did not pullout of the Kuala Lumpur Summit.

Despite being mentioned by Co-Secretary General, Tan Sri Shamsuddin Osman, the Iran leader was not invited as a keynote speaker in the schedule behind the invitation card.

Sources claimed President Hassan Rouhani was not specifically invited. He came and arrived yesterday as part of general invitation to Iran.

It was Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who is supposed to be the first of the Islamic leader to speak at 10:40 AM, that did not turned up. It is certainly an embarassment for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir.

The idea of the KL Summit may have came about from the meeting between Mahathir and Imran on the sideline at United Nation and in several other encounters, including the opening of Proton's plant in Pakistan.

Najib's testimony at SRC trial (Part 3: Q216 to Q317)

Part 2 ended with questions regarding money remitted into Account 694 amounting to approximately USD100 million from Prince Faisal bin Turki and Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia in 2011, and USD270 million from Prince Faisal bin Turki and Blackstone Real Estate Partner Asia Ltd. .

In both the trasnfer, Jho Low had confirmed the transfer to Joanna Yu of AMMB and late Dato Adlin Alias informed Dato Najib of the transfer. Najib told the court the alleged donation is generally meant for CSR.

Part 3 continues with transfer into Account 694 from Tanore Finance Corp ammounting to approximately USD681 million in 2013. Najib claim to be aware of the money when MACC recorded his statement and his lawyers secured the documents. However, requested the money be returned back as it is too much.

Najib had entrusted the management and monitoring of the accounts to late Dato Adlin Alias. He claimed not in the know on most aspect of the accounts. He was only told of the closure of accounts 694 and thought balance money transfered to the three new accounts. The accounts had incidents of overdrawn and by 2014, Blackrock and Vista transfered equivalent of RM49 million into the account.

BNM was informed of these transfers and Tan Sri Zeti should be in the know. The rest of the testimony delved in the spending of the money and collusion between Jho Low, Yoanna Yu and Ung Su Ling. He believed Adlin was also cheated by Jho Low and company.

Continued from Part 1, and Part 2, more in the final Part 3 as below:

Najib's testimony at SRC trial (Part 2: Q102 to Q215)

In Part 1, Dato Najib started by providing background information on his personal background and his responsibilities as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

During cross-examination, Attorney General, Tan Sri Tommy Thomas tried to dispute his credibility but felt short as it would have put the PH government on stand for poor management of the economy. Najib went on to provide background information on the establishment of TIA-1MDB, Jho Low and his roles, and establishment, role and fund raising exercise of SRC.

Then it went into the issues of financing from KWAP, RM1.5 billion AABAR-SRC JV, and questionable transfer of RM300 million to a investment fund in Hong Kong. Finally, he touched on the takeover of SRC from 1MDB by MOF Inc.

Still in Malay to the chagrin of Tommy, the testimony continues with Part 2 on the explanation regarding SRC second guarantee from MOF, extra RM2 billion loan from KWAP, and Advisor Emaritus status. Najib revealed documents bearing his faked signatures, Nik Faisal, Jho Low, Dato Husni Hanadzlah, Joanna Yu, and AMMB account 694.

Najib's testimony at SRC trial (Part 1: Q1 to Q101)

Dato Najib began his defense reading a 243 page written testimony with 317 questions from December 3rd till Monday last week, December 9th.

Attorney General, Tan Sri Tommy Thomas began cross examining Najib on Tuesday December 10th till Wednesday December 11th last week where he subsequently seek postphonement to enable him to study the testimony. Actually, he was unable to understand Najib's testimony in Malay. That resulted in him fumbling aimlessly with his questions and it looked inconsistent and comedic.

He will resume cross examination on Wednesday December 18th. In the meanwhile, this blogger manage to get a transcript of the written testimony and sharing it in three parts.

While Tommy concoct his questions from the same materials, readers can analyse the answers already given and not rely on abridged versions from media propaganda and pro-government social media spinning.

Sorry to any Tommy clones out there. It is in Bahasa Melayu. Part 1 below:

AG manouvered for LTTE suspect out on bail

Family of 12 LTTE suspects with DAP MPs plea for bail in Parliament

The opposition media had a field day making questions of Attorney General, Tan Sri Tommy Thomas during the cross-examination of Dato Najib at the SRC trial the butt of their jokes.

Najib insisted to deliver his testimony in the National language, Malay and Tommy, known to be inadequate in his Malay, struggled to form questions from Najib's 233 pages testimony.

Tommy asked why Najib did not intervene to resolve problems within the MOF company, SRC and was snapped back for not knowing the law that it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Tommy admitted not yet establish the solvency status of SRC, but insisted on Najib to admit it is bankrupt.

The biggest laugh was his question on which side Najib took in the fight for UMNO Presidency between Tun Dr Mahathir vs Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah in 1986.

Tommy had to throw the towel to ask judge Dato Nazlan Ghazali for 6 days postphonement to study the testimony. The stand-up comedy session will resume Wednesday.

But, his decision yesterday to not appeal against the same Nazlan's decision to allow bail to Gadek assemblyman Saminathan for terrorism-related SOSMA offenses is a serious matter.

Scam exposé silenced Pak Wan "kereta terbang"

The flying car project received criticism at the AMANAH AGM over the weekend.

There was no response from Entrepreneur and Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof or Pak Wan as he is called in PPBM.

Pak Wan has been rather quiet lately on the flying car project. He is usually vocal and unafraid to express himself.

In Cabinet, he is dubbed by an Amanah aide as the Menteri Hal Ehwal Menteri (Minister in charge of other Minister) for spending at least half an hour to criticise other Ministers.

His decisiveness as a businessman may have made him unafraid to state the government position on controversial and delicate matters such as the Lynas plant in Pahang.

Did Iran pullout of Mahathir-led Islamic coalition, ex-Saudi?

Last year, Tun Dr Mahathir was included in a compilation effort of 500 influential Islamic leaders.

On December 18th, Kuala Lumpur will play host to a summit meeting of Islamic countries.

The teaser to the event came out on December 6th issue of NST, obviously the now Tun Dr Mahathir and his PPBM party official media.

It is dubbed as the new marker for Islamic cooperation. Interesting...

DAP as a party is finished - Matthias Chang

Certain segments of Malay activists held the view that DAP and MCA play opposite roles, but are in cahoot to take care of Chinese interest.

Well, why not? Why are the Malay political parties not doing so? Why should their political rivalry compromised on Malay and Islam's interest? How could they allow themselves to get influenced by non-Malays and non-Muslims agenda?

Stupid...

Be that as it may. The episode between DAP and MCA on Tunku Abdul Rahman University College may not necessarily point to that cooperation.

Tunku Abdul Rahman University College is MCA's contribution to Chinese education irrespective of political leaning. However, DAP has become more "Malay" to politicise funding to TAR UC in their quest to seize control.

Withdrawal of Rafizi's case: Malfeasance against AG?

The incorrigible retired army brig general, Dato Arshad Raji spoke in support of Tan Sri Tommy Thomas's decision to withdrew the appeal against Rafizi Ramli's BAFIA case.

When it takes the joke of opposition social media to speak for Tommy, it means he is in the wrong. His excuse that he of not being told is not good enough.

More so, it is revealed that he was to withdraw the appeal and reprimand the officer upon being told by EC Chairman.

Art Harun has since denied. Yeah,  sure...

Tommy is being openly questioned. Given time, he could be facing the brunt of the law.

More than just a by-election in Kimanis

Who would have guess that Dato Seri Anifah Aman, the younger of the influential and powerful Aman brothers controlling Sabah politics, would lose his Kimanis seat?

Dubbed as the best Foreign Minister post-Tun Ghazali Shafie, had he not come from Sabah, Anifah would have been a potential PM.

With more than 5,000 majority for GE13, his majority was reduced to a mere 500 majority at the last GE14 and the seat taken away on mere legal technicality.

Prior to GE14, something strange was already happening.

Will on high gear spinning MSM report fake cheque in Zahid's case?

Doubtful NST would. If they do, it will be in the 4th or 5th page with font size 5.

Remember last Monday posting about mainstream media on desperate high gear spinning on the court proceeding involving Dato Najib and Dato Ahmad Zahid Hamidi?

Well, they are at it again on Zahid's case.

When it was revealed in court that his family went on RM1.3 million shopping on overseas over 2 years, all the mainstream and online media giving it a headline, NST particularly.

A PPBM yoko and claiming to be its Cybertrooper Chief even gave a list of the places.

However, in court yesterday's, it was revealed that the credit card payment for the shopping was made using cheque not signed by Zahid, but stamped signatory.

Will MSM give coverage, no less than an equal frontpage coverage?

Will Anwar dare to expel Azmin?

Beyond lovers' quarrel ...

Over tea yesterday, news broke of PKR youth leader seek no confidence vote against Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The basis was abuse of power by disciplinary board to take the extreme action of sacking senior MPP leader Zakaria Abdul Hamid, aligned to Dato Seri Azmin Ali on only suspicion of graft. MACC did the unusual to formally inform PKR leadership of graft investigation on the MPP leaders.

Subsequently, the central commitee made a decision to reinstate Zakaria and another youth leader with two third members voted in support of Azmin.

Following the decision, Azmin demanded apology from Anwar which he refused. Azmin has upped his move to plan for a parallel congress on the same day as PKR is holding its annual congress from 5th to 8th December, almost same time as UMNO Annual General Assembly from 4th to 7th.

Its a slight change to the original plan to boycot the congress.

DAP was the biggest loser at Tg Piai, not Mahathir

An extract of this blog's November 1st article entitled "Tanjong Piai by-election is a test for DAP" was republished by Ktemoc Konsider.

It was mentioned that "DAP members intend to vote against PH and teach Lim Guan Eng a lesson."

That formed the basis for this blogger's view for the candidate should be from MCA as to test the hypothesis and hopefully a possible turning point in Chinese voters' attitude towards BN. There have been a trend developing since DAP members' one-year displeasure of Tony Pua and overture to Guan Eng.

Ktemoc commentators did not agree. Monterball, an incorrigible blog commentator from Pak Lah's day felt MCA will win due to constant bombardment by social media critics against DAP Ministers. Another claimed DAP voters will vote against Tun Dr Mahathir. The last was upset against Muafakat Nasional.

It is a problem of being too early in expressing one's view. Dato Wee Ka Siong claimed earlier but who would take the words of a politician before an election.

Invoking Trojan horse in PKR, but in UMNO, it failed again

Tension in PKR between Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Dato Seri Azmin Ali has escalated.

As Mahathir's Trojan horse to split PKR and keep him as PM, Azmin is playing the role well. Despite the overwhelming condition, he is still holding up.

Anwar's people claimed he has at best only 5 PKR seats in Parliament for support. But, Azmin claimed he has 20. His collaborator claimed it could be 15 or 16.

On the other hand, Mahathir's trojan horse in UMNO is not doing so well.

High gear MSM spinning of Zahid and Arul Kanda-Najib trials

The propaganda mode of mainstream media towards Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak to spinning of fact, bias and unbalanced reporting, and non-disclosure of facts revealed in cross examination will deem them obselete.

Before GE14, public distrusted MSM report for bring pro-BN. PH win of GE14 is not improving the integrity of MSM. The same complain is heard within the government side against opposition on social media as heard before GE14.

It means PH is not serious about press freedom and when under political pressure, resort to the same antic as BN did before. If the demise of Utusan is a result of PR and PH boycott, the now pro-PH Media Prima and other MSM will follow suit.

Public will distrust MSM and stop buying it to prefer to seek for direct information online and read the various opinion and analysis found on social media. It explains why Gobind will repeat the same mistake to pay dedak to cybertrooper.

The attitude of MSM is no more obvious than the current trial against Najib and Arul Kanda on alleged tampering of audited report for PAC.

NAFAS Scandal: Lessons in the intricacies of governing

Minister of Agriculture, Dato Salahuddin Ayub and indirectly, the Prime Minister are being accused by MCA President and opposition MP for Air Hitam, Dato Wee Ka Siong in Parliament for giving out contract directly to NAFAS worth RM1.4 billon.

Apparently, it is done through a "jalan belakang" (back channel) upon consultation with the Prime Minister after NAFAS lost out in an open tender.

Opposition demanded an answer from the MInister by 4:00 PM but it was not forthcoming.

The video of the Parliamentary session below:

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: ...Boop bop, Boop Bop ...

Boop bop, Boop Bop
Boop bop, Boop Bop
Boop bop, Boop Bop
Boop bop, Boop Bop

Way down South, in Birmingham
I mean South, in Alabam'
There's a place
Where people go to dance the night away

It's a junction
Where the town folk meet
At each function in their best they'll greet you

Not in Mahathir's life will Najib be acquited [Updated]

In a matter of few hours, High Court judge, Dato Mohd Nazlan Ghazali will deliver his decision on whether there is prima facie and Dato Najib will be required to put a defense.

We are now at the parking lot of the Jalan Duta to hear the decision.

Many months ago, a chance meeting in Bangsar with one of the defense council claimed Najib should be absolved but Tun Dr Mahathir will not allow for it.

SRC is a low lying case to prove Pakatan Harapan allegations on 1MDB and SRC against Najib since 2015.

Mahathir's Pakistan arm deal could further strain relation with India

The boycott of Malaysian oil palm by India may not be strong enough a message from India to Malaysia.

Tun Dr Mahathir had to test it further by getting into a military deal with Pakistan. The deal involving 400 anti-tank missile was reported by India's Times Now and uploaded on You Tube on November 5th recently.

Under Mahathir, Malaysia is taking a rather unconventional position on foreign policy to antagonise the superpowers, regional powers like India and even its neighbours.

Few days ago, India expressed reservation from being part of a regional trade pact, RCEP.

Tanjong Piai by-election is a test for DAP

Tanjong Piai sits at the southernmost tip of mainland Asia. In the 90s, there were ideas and proposals to take advantage of the attraction to turn it into a major tourist destination.

However, it never got off the ground. There were no serious commitment from both state and federal government.

Fishery, and local tourism are the main economic activities. Kukup is a popular seafood spot to Johor Baru folks and Singaporean.

The by-election arising from the death of Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister, Dr Farid could be considered as god-sent to give Tg Piai the national attention.

Currently, the political crowd are moving south for nomination tomorrow.

As they exit Simpang Renggam, the constituency of Dr Maszlee Malek and before driving towards Tg Piai, they would be reminded of his promise to offer no toll to vehicle exiting Simpang Renggam.

Politics of broken promises will be the main conversation for the next two weeks till polling date.

A 2010 article on Mahathir making its round on social media

An ole article on Tun Dr Mahathir from Bangkok Post is making its around on social media.

The link to the article on the May 30 2010 posting of a blog, that is dedicated to an unbiased discussion on Mahathir, is being passed around through Whass App messages within the professionals, middle class and elite crowd.

The title, "The corruption of Mahathir" is nothing unusual, but why now? Of all, what is being revealed that have never been revealed before by any other writers?

Since becoming #PM7, nothing he did has come to fruitation. All his moves ended up disastrously. Will the article serve any purpose to assist or exploit Mahathir's shaky situation now?

Do figure it out. It is being reproduced below:

Countering Kua's “I didn’t know we had an Orang Asli prime minister!”

Tun Dr Mahathir claimed himself to be Malay. His Indian bloodline came from his Malayali grandfather, recently great great grandfather, from Kerala.

He maybe lying as it is believed it is his father, but he could be accepted as Malay. His mother is Malay with a Wan title, and constitutionally fulfilled other criteria of professing Islam, and following Malay customs.

In his blog posting to defend his presence at the Malay Dignity Congress, he was lambasted by Dr Kua Kia Soong for the use of the term indigenous.

Kua have been critical of PH government and Mahathir lately for not fulfilling his desired reform. But his remark has racist intent to manipulate and dispute the Malay indigeous status.

It is as though it is only relevent for Orang Asli.

Despite Zaiton's paranoia, insider dare confirmed Najib's TH revelation as true

Zakhir Mohamed in a selfie with Hizamuddin Jamalluddin of TH

The day Lembaga Tabung Haji had to admit a revelation Dato Najib made of the institution still on a sell down mode instead of making fresh new investment, Hizamuddin Jamalluddin, a blue eye boy of Dato Zaiton Hassan was seen doing a selfie with blogger Zakhir Mohamed on his FB.

Hizamuddin became a blue eye willing to "fix" his colleagues with false report, in which it actually save him instead, and was tipped as a possible CEO candidate from inside.

He questioned why a character by the name of Mao "bantai" him. It is quite a typical denial or in-denial reaction of guilt.

If not, why would he expect the Mao character has ulterior motivation? Does it occur to him, ethics, morality and comradeship remain as relevant as ever?

Halim Saad questioned why PLUS debt not paid?

If three is a crowd, four is a party.

It came to the attention of this blogger that the pioneer of PLUS, Tan Sri Halim Saad with a Dato Wong Gian Kui entered a bid for PLUS.

The offer is for Khazanah's 51% stake for RM5.3 billion and came with 25% discount on toll rates. The discount is not the interesting part of the offer. For comparison, Guan Eng announced an 18% discount during Budget 2020 and MAJU offered a higher 36% discount.

The issues raised against Khazanah in the letter of offer relate to PLUS debt status.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Blackbird

"You were only waiting for this moment ....

... to arise ...
... to be free ....

The Beatles (1968)          

From HPU to Kongres Maruah Melayu, Budget 2020, corporate revelations, Lim Guan Eng and DAP, lots of issues to write. Unfortunately, need a cerebral, spinal and pectoral break to observe and wait for events to unfold..

The moments are happening. Events unfolding.

Another political Malay group launched

Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (PUTRA) held a launching ceremony at the Kelab Sultan Sulaiman fields yesterday.

There were 5,000 white chairs laid out on the field and by the look, it may have been filled up with yellow colours looking well with the city skyline.

The timing of their launch is exactly two weeks after the Himpunan Perpaduan Ummah (#HPU914), which culminated into signing of the Piagam Muafakat National between UMNO and PAS to end decades of political animosity.

Naturally, there were critics coming from UMNO and maybe PAS members, and supporters, that the launch of yet another Malay, Muslim based political party will further divide the already politically divided Malay votes.

The general belief is it will further weaken the Malay majority presence and bargaining power in government.

Appeal Court judge insulted Islam and Sultan

There was a decision made by the Court of Appeal yesterday against Selangor religious authorities in relation to the publication of Irshad Manji's book published by a company owned by Dato Zaid Ibrahim's son.

The Court of Appeal judge Umi Kalthum Abdul Majid, who chaired a three member bench with other members, Hasnah Mohamed Hashim and Suraya Othman uttered an insulting words against Islam and indirectly, state sovereign, the Sultan of Selangor.

The report by FMT mentioned:

"The appeal is allowed in part,” Umi said, adding that the conduct of the state religious authorities would lead to the “law of jungle and rule by ulama”.

According to lawyers contacted, Judges have the discretion to make any comments in court. However, are they not bound by any form of ethical code for judges, or the least, decent common courtesy in their conduct in court?

Local media "lembab" coverage of US Mail pullout plan

Though our posting "US withdrawal from global mail could cripple local logistics" two days ago did not got much hits, it may have drew out an official statement from Pos Malaysia.

That is what this blogger wish to believe since the url was messaged to a key corporate personality behind Pos. 

It took a statement by Pos to alert mainstream media and got them to report on the USPS intention to pullout yesterday. That is how hopeless local media's new hound are.

Foreign media have been reporting for months on the possibility of USPS pulling out from Universal Postal Union (UPU).

It is good that they finally responded after a blogger made a posting.

However, by the time local media covered this news with critical implication on local logistics, UPU agreed to a compromise to prevent US from pulling out.

For readers, forget the kaki bodek mainstream media.

Zeti took 26 days to deny, how many days to response on Ecotive?

The PNB announcement on the appointment of Jalil Rashid as PNB CEO was made on August 29th, 2019. Subsequently, Tun Dr Mahathir said he was not informed of the appointment. Then, it was  complete silence from PNB Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

One can hear the pin drop at the Chairman office at PNB headquarter.

Finally after 26 days, Zeti issued a denial, After so long, it hardly said anything but the usual corporate communication bullshit of claiming they followed procedure. There was hardly any meat.

If they did follow procedure, why was Mahathir not in the know (video HERE) as it is not customary of him to not know of important appointments? Of all person, Zeti would be the last person not to know Mahathir expect to be kept abreast? Even any appointments to be made by Dato Paduka Mukhriz or Dato Seri Faizal Azumu within their respective state still need his prior approval!

Is Zeti confirming the rumour Mahathir is beginning to show early signs of senility or dementia to forget and as one PPBM MP said, he is on remote memory? 

So come out with it.

US withdrawal from global mail could cripple local logistics

And, yet Minister Gobind Singh is still pussyfooting. Incapable of making a decision or the government officers have not advised him on what to do?

US Postal Service (USPS) will be opting out of the global mail system amidst plummetting volume of international document delivery, rising e-commerce delivery from China, and terminal rates lower than domestic delivery rates.

Barring an eleventh-hour agreement, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will leave the Universal Postal Union (UPU) on October 17, ending 144 years of U.S. involvement in the international body that governs the exchange of mail and postal parcels between countries, and perhaps fundamentally changing the landscape of global air shipping.

Members of the 192-member United Nations body will gather on September 25 and 26 in Geneva, Switzerland in only the third “extraordinary Congress” in UPU history. The key agenda item will be to vote on what UPU is calling the “possible revision of small packet remuneration rates,” which is the core issue to determine the future of U.S. involvement.

Milo Ais Jho Low: Bukti anda rapat dengan Najib

Minuman Milo panas, Milo ais, dan Milo ais bertopping serbuk Milo popular di Malaysia.

Tidak lama lagi, satu lagi minuman Milo baru akan memasuki pasaran iaitu Milo Ais Jho Low.

Hari ini di mahkamah, DPP Dato Gopal Sri Ram bertanya saksi Dato Shahrol, CEO pertama 1MDB bukti Jho Loh rapat dengan Dato Najib.

Shahril memberitahu mahkamah bahawa dia selalu jumpa Jho Low di rumah Dato Najib. Sebagai bukti saya selalu minta minuman Milo Ais.

Begitulah kuatnya minuman Milo Ais sebagai bahan bukti.

Lim Guan Eng quiting?

There is talk Lim Guan Eng may not be presenting the budget come October.

A message received this morning is alarming. Reproduced below with the source witheld, it claimed Guan will be quiting his MOF post:

XXX has information that a Senior Minister is unhappy with the way the country and finances are being handled.

Apparently there are divergent views with the Ruling Govt.

As a consequence he may leave the Team and resign.

Rumor has it that it is Lim Guan Eng our Finance Minister!

Is it possible for DAP to vacate a strategic position?

If Amhari has home in Perth, Shahrol may have a Swiss account?

Yesterday, Tan Sri Shafee presented documents in court to reveal CEO of Terengganu Investment Agency (TIA, then changed to 1MDB), Dato Shahrol suggested Federal government tookover TIA.

It was revealed TIA is the idea of His Highness Sultan of Terengganu and indirectly, it was Pak Lah's cabinet that approved establishment of 1MDB, never Najib.

Again, star witness of the prosecution and could be the most worrying witness to defence, Datok Amhari Effendi Nazaruddin bombed out to not only, unable to collaborate his view, but was uttering hearsay in court.

Amhari admitted to know Low Taek Jho since his BNM days. He acknowledged borrowing US$200,000  on a payable-when-able basis from Jho Low and surprised more than US$800.000 wired into his BSI Switzerland account. It was written somewhere he planned to buy a second bungalow.

It is safe to assume Amhari was bought over by Jho Low. His testimony is as good as rubbish destined for the garbage bin, without Shafee need to probe into the possibility he owns a home in Perth.

Shahrol is on deck as the next witness after Amhari for the 1MDB-Tanore case.

Moving sermon at PWTC ...

Only two media reported on the sermon by PAS Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim at PWTC yesterday. Astro Awani merely mentioned the sermon as part of the Islamic Unity Gathering, #HPU schedule.

Malaysiakini reported on the story of Jews inciting the Muslims from among the people of Aus and Khazraj in Medina by reminding past rivalry. They see the political angle of the story as response to Tun Dr Mahathir and other PH leaders attempt to discredit #HPU.

The owners may not find it neccessary to report more on the content of the sermon. The sermon can be heard in full on Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Pusat Facebook HERE from 36:00 onward.

Yours truly was there yesterday.

Noticeably nearing the end of the sermon, the congregation was moved to tears by the call from Tuan Ibrahim on Muslims to unite on the basis of common faith (aqeedah).

While #HPU is the gathering of two political parties with the aspiration to rebuild the nation, it was made on the platform of faith. There are challenges that need to be overcome and overcoming challenges need strength.

Country Heights, MyKad scam, and invading wild boar

A friend in Melaka called to share on the depressing property market, particularly Country Height's Cheng Ho City project at Klebang.

At the same time, the laughably academically challenged, but cocky Melaka exco member from DAP and Melaka Agriculture, Agro-Based, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Committee chairman, Norhizam Hassan Baktee told The Star recently of the invasion of wild boars from Sumatra into Pulau Besar.

Believe it or not, he claimed it was a sea-borne invasion meanings the pigs and even piglets swam across from Sumatra to the mystical island.

OK OK kamu YB, we have to believe you. However, is the DAP Malay YB subtly trying to tell us something?

Samosa seller lesson in business turnaround for GLC executives

The global economy has not turned south when BN lost the general elecction.

Thanks to PH and the deceived voters for putting up and chosing a rebels into government. Immediately, investors pulling out in hordes, financial markets crashed, and foreign and trade relation strained.

Despite being ahead of the downturn before the rest of the world, it could have be a typical down cycle of economy and cycle of history.

However, the failed leadership of Mahathir-led PH government and the incompetence and over-politics its Ministers made it bad to worse, and subsequently bottomless worst. There is no sign of a turnaround unless there is political stability and consistency in government policy.

And, when face with an economic crunch, the typical MBA-holders, lettered-membership accountants, and ex-government servants in the management and Board of Directors of Banks, GLCs and even private and public enterprise resort to their textbook for generic strategies.

Malaysia's "democrasy plane" crashed?

For pondering ....

Off late, been hearing views on the practise of musyawarah among the wise and learned.

It was promoted as a better system of government than western parliamentary democrasy and Council of Elders (aka CEP).

Memanggil, memprorog dan membubarkan Parlimen

KOLUMNIS

Kuasa Agong menurut Perkara 55

08 Sep 2019
Sinar Harian

ZAINUL RIJAL ABU BAKAR

BARU-BARU ini Perdana Menteri Britain, Borris Johnson telah mendapat pekenan daripada Ratu Elizabeth untuk menggantung Parlimen Britain bagi membolehkan beliau melakukan sesuatu perkara berkaitan dengan Brexit di mana rakyat Britain telah menyuarakan hasrat mereka melalui referendum untuk Britain keluar dari Kesatuan Eropah.

Dari sudut perundangannya menggantung Parlimen seperti ini disebut sebagai prorog. Prorog adalah suatu situasi di mana Ketua Negara menggantung Parlimen tanpa membubarkan Parlimen itu sendiri. Saya cuba mencari satu kalimah jelas mentafsirkan prorog ini tetapi tidak ada yang tepat, yang paling hampir adalah mengantung Parlimen. Mungkin disebabkan itulah Perlembagaan Persekutuan mengekalkan istilah prorog ini dan tidak menggunakan mana-mana kalimah lain.

Mukhriz sold when Opcom shares suspiciously rigged

The last para on the posting, "Did PH government issued fake news on NFCP to rig Opcom shares?", reads:

By the time required disclosure is made to Bursa Malaysia, the seller will be known and one can confirm if there was any rigging.

Gathered from Bursa Malaysia filings, Dato Mukhriz sold shares in Opcom on three seperate occasions.

No more Axiata-Telenor poison pen letter ...

.... for the time being.

The two poison pen letters on the Axiata-Telenor merger published in this blog in July [HERE and HERE] should be the last.

Till other issues within Axiata arise, quite sure it is cause the merger is off.

The Star reported today:

Did PH government issued fake news on NFCP to rig Opcom shares?

The National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) is not something new. It has long been discussed in the industry. Read USP report here for more information.

In mid-August itself, Lim Guan Eng was the person to have thrown the figure of RM21.6 billion requirement out in public.

Nothing significant happened to Opcom shares until it spiked by 43% on August 28th and caught the attention of social media.

There was a correction but it went up again yesterday by 16% or as high as 8.5 sen. to bring the trading range to 55 and 67.5 sen.

It is certainly something to be excited for the stock market. A concept play or theme to excite interest back to the humdrum market throughout PH administration.

However, it led to a cynical comment by a FBer that Dato Mukhriz was helping a friend.

Cronyism: Prequel to a repeat of the past

On Aug 29, the shares of Opcom Holdings Bhd, a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of fibre optic cables and cable-related products, rose 41.11 percent in a day. The reason?

The Pakatan Harapan government had approved the RM21.6 billion National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan.

There is no doubt that the fiberisation of Malaysia is sorely needed – and the large amount of money that has been committed thus far is a clear sign that at least in Pakatan Harapan’s government, at least one minister is doing his best to fulfil his portfolio.

This is not the first time that Opcom has had such good fortune, especially under a Mahathir-led government.

Negative PR agency for Guan Eng blame game, TH "isi bakul sendiri"

Lim Guan Eng's response to the so-called boycott of non-Bumiputera product campaign came off as  different messages being disseminated to different language media.

Hard on the English media but softer on the Malay media. Did he hired a PR agency for this conflicting messages?

PR agency is in the strange "persuasion business". According to Forbes.com:

PR can be used to protect, enhance or build reputations through the media, social media, or self-produced communications. A good PR practitioner will analyze the organization, find the positive messages and translate those messages into positive stories.

Of late, PR agency seemed to be wrongly used from the usual practise to create positive image and brand for the client and cause

Last week, Datin Wan Norhiyati Wan Ibrahim (Yati) organised an interview for Dato Zukri for his last day at Tabung Haji. Rocky Bru's response on Tweeter was amusing: Tell me if it it's not a case of "angkat bakul sendiri"!

The Malay idiom is "isi bakul angkat sendiri" (filling up one's basket and lifting it oneself). Is there no third party to say it on their behalf or to confirm his denial?

Chinese FBer call on non-Malay Bumiputera to assimilate

Until all races can drop their defence for their own race and start assimilating, the Malay bumiputera agenda can only and should be intensified.

This is unhealthy for the country. Yet, everyone is pointing fingers to each other's races.

As long as non-bumis and non-Malays are unwilling to let go of their defence, Malays and bumiputeras should never give more space for the advancement of the nons.

Think about it.

Sime Prop CEO: Is Hisham Hamdan the choice of Zeti's or Mahathir's?

The rumour Dato Voon Tin Yow of Ecoworld to be Sime Properties CEO with RM260,000 monthly paycheck has subsided.

Under pressure from blogs, online media and socmed, including Dato Kadir Jasin, Tun Dr Mahathir had apparently gave the N.O. few days ago.

Kadir may not necessarily be Mahathir's voice since he is more Tun Daim than Mahathir. A mainstream media reporter confirmed to yours truly their cold treatment towards each other evolves around Economic Adviser, Dr Muhammad Khalid

A new rumour going around is that the new Sime Properties CEO will be Hisham Hamdan. The current acting CEO, Datok Wan Hashimi will remain COO.

Is it the choice of Sime Prop Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz or Mahathir aka Mat Khalid?

Why Zeti goes to London often?

The mystery of the frozen Singapore account of the spouse to a former BNM Governor have not been known.

Yet...

However, a set of annual return of a London-based company, Ecotive Limited turned up at our doorstep.

It has one of its shareholder in the name of Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, the daughter of the emminent economist, academic, and social commentor, Royal Professor Ungku Aziz.

The full return is as follows:

Prosecution's last hope today for SRC case

At the start of the SRC trial against Dato Najib, this blog repeatedly wrote the SRC allegation does not hold up under Penal Code 403 for misappropriation of property.

It was the original charge planned and leaked by Sarawak Report.

Last week, the last witness for prosecution from MACC, Senior Assistant Commissioner (Special Operations Division), Rosli Husain, said their lead to investigate came from SR but did not seek Clare Rewcastle for statement. He did not even bothered to find out of leakages in MACC investigation.

Duh! His lead was not even from the more credible Wall Street Journal, but the spinning and highly manipulative SR.

It smells conspiracy to high heaven.

Did Perak MB, state sssemblymen interfere rape investigation?

On August 2nd, Fatihah Jamhari, a lawyer and women activist wrote in NST to raise concern on the late progress of rape investigation involving a DAP state assemblyman and Perak exco member, Paul Yong.

Fatihah was not happy with the police attitude. MCA Woman Chief, Dato Heng Seai Kie was called in for investigation for making allegation forensic report was missing.

She is not totally wrong as no forensic report was attached in the first IP to AGC. It was only available one month after the incident.

Hannah Yeoh was vocal too albeit only on August 19th, but left untouched by police. Nga Kor Meng retaliated by revealing her grandfather was a communist.

Fatihah raised a long list of concerns and one worthy of highlighting is: Is he given special privileges because of his status as an assemblyman and a state exco member?

If not for public pressure, this case may have been buried and no prosecution.

TH Zukri only had angioplasty, Better spin Yati

Last week's posting on Dato Zukri Samat's resignation got noticed by Tabung Haji.

That story have been spreading for quite a while but there was neither denial nor confirmation from TH. His last day is on Merdeka Day next week but no official statement coming from TH.

TH's PR hitwoman, Datin Norhiyati's response is only to leak it for last Saturday's Weekly Edge to report as rumour.

Message likely from Yati claimed as follow:

FYI. Zukri stepped down due to health reasons. Tun M tak nnak accept until he showed all his med records. Daim takde kena mengena in TH and tak kacau. Eton position as board pun intact..

She used the health reason as story line. The Edge story looked lengthy, but said nothing new.

Mahathir cabinet reshuffling could break-up PH

Yesterday evening, a former opposition MP, whose party now is the ruling party, sent the following message:

Breaking news! 

Dr Mahathir told ministers at cabinet meeting today that portfolios will be reorganised. Tonight, he's meeting PH party leaders

Subsequently, he send a link from a Chinese newspaper, Oriental Daily reporting Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not attend the meeting and Dato Mustapha Mohamed to join cabinet.

Daim freezing relation

Earlier rumour heard was Tok Pa is to be made Economic Adviser to PM, and current adviser and possibly others linked to Tun Daim in PM office removed.

It was indicative of a cold front developing between Tun Daim and Mahathir. Those on Daim payroll but working with Mahathir will surely be in a dilemma.

S'pore frozen account of ex-BNM Governor's spouse?

Why? Why? Why?

Why must people share information of public concern and interest, more so matters that have grave implication for country with us?

When they share, we are obligated to God and country to expose, if not pose the necessary questions for the respective party to respond intelligently in public view.

Why must such responsibility keep falling on our lap?

While our contemporaries are comfortably retiring, we are still burdened with such conscience.

Fallacy of the Muslims argument in defending Zakir Naik

Those were the words of Zakir Naik that is in the centre of the current controversy. Tun Dr Mahathir have met him and defended the decision to allow him to stay.

His politics for politics sake nature saw the political need to make Zakir a controversy.

Before Zakir said those words deemed sensitive to Chinese, Indian and Malaysians of immigrant roots in Kota Baru, Mahathir dropped a hint that the government has no choice but to keep him. If sent back to India, he is a dead man. And no other country wants him.

It is either him giving new excuse to retain Zakir in Malaysia or giving fodders for the like of his fellow party man like Tan Sri Rais Yatim, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Syed Saddiq to call for his extradition back to India. Typical Mahathir testing the water.

Mahathir was also throwing a spanner into the work. It seemed intended to anger the Hindu and Malay Muslims, in which subsequent solution will amaze the public with his brilliance and regain the support from both segment of voters for the waning PH.

Anwar to be PM by mid-September?

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

Don't get fooled again - The Who

Seeing the current big hot issues of Lynas, Dong Zong, Zakir Naik, Koon Yew Yin and Jawi/khat issue unfolding, it just makes no sense.

The PH government has been in power for 15 months, but still blaming previous BN government.

However, these issues were systematically made to crowd the media are not disagreements between BN vs PH, but PH vs PH.

Do they not have Whass App groups to communicate among themselves?

While all these is happening, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim seemed quite relaxed.