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Showing posts with label Dr. Mahathier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Mahathier. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

PM: No salary for me at all, Cabinet ministers to take 20% pay cut


– BernamaAll eyes and ears: Anwar chairing the first special Cabinet meeting of the Unity Government at Perdana Putra.

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PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will not receive any salary, both as Prime Minister and as Finance Minister, he has clarified.

Cabinet ministers have also agreed to a 20% pay cut until Malaysia reaches economic recovery, he said.

ALSO READ: Zahid and Fadillah have role in bridging economic gap

Rubbishing talk that he would be paid as Finance Minister although he had declined the salary for the top job, Anwar announced he would not be taking any form of government salary.

This was in line with his promise made during the election campaign, he said.

During the campaign, Anwar had said he would not take a salary if he was appointed as prime minister because the people themselves were struggling to cope with rising costs.

“Some people say I’m not taking the Prime Minister’s salary because I am the Finance Minister. That’s not true. There is only one salary,” he said, laughing off such claims during a press conference here yesterday.

ALSO READ:Budget to be enhanced with MOF, Cabinet views

The Members of Parliament Act (Act 347) only allows one salary for ministers, deputy ministers or political secretaries.

On the Cabinet ministers’ pay cut, he said this was their way of acknowledging the tough times faced by the people.

“The pay cut will be implemented as long as Malaysia continues to recover economically.

“It shows the ministers are also concerned about the livelihood of the public,” he said.

Asked if the pay cut would be carried out throughout the government’s five-year tenure, he simply said that it could range from three to five years, depending on the situation. 

Cabinet to take 20% pay cut

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanks his ministers “for their willingness to make some sacrifices” and said this was to show the government’s concern for Malaysians.

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 Don’t challenge me, PM tells Muhyiddin | Free Malaysia Today

 

 

 


 



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Sunday, March 1, 2020

The games Malay politicians play in Malaysia

Calmer days: In this May 9,2018, photo, Dr Mahathir with Muhyiddin speaking to reporters after the results of GE14 was announced. Yesterday, the King declared Muhyiddin as the Prime Minister. – AP

“WATCH for the game within the game, ” a tycoon who bankrolls political parties told me over coffee in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

On that afternoon, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad shockingly announced that he quit as the Prime Minister.

The tycoon and I were discussing the botched Sunday game plan to install a Perikatan Nasional (or is it Pakatan Nasional?) government.

Something awry had happened which went against the playbook of the Perikatan Nasional plotters.

Was it because the rule of the game was changed?

Was it that the politicians had played each other out?

Was there a game within a game?

In this fast-paced political game, the entire truth has not surfaced, but soon we’ll know.

Tuesday and Wednesday’s process of the King meeting 220 MPs (except for Dr Mahathir and Padang Regas MP Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz who was overseas) individually looked like a done deal. Pakatan Harapan, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (which quit PH on Monday), sacked PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and his 10 MPs, and other minor parties had endorsed Dr Mahathir.

Then came the game within the game.

On Tuesday, after their MPs met the King individually, PKR, DAP and Amanah (which are in Pakatan Harapan) announced that it had backed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

From a quick MPs calculation, PH with 92 MPs minus Barisan Nasional/PAS/PBRS with about 60 MPs (who not all are voting according to party line) which voted for bubar (Parliament dissolved), it was clear that Dr Mahathir had lost the vote count.

Many thought that the master of the game, Dr Mahathir, kena game (had been played).

On Thursday, Dr Mahathir – without waiting for the King to reveal the outcome of his majesty’s face to face meeting with individual MPs – declared there was no prime minister candidate with a clear majority. The interim Prime Minister announced there would be a special Parliament sitting on March 2 to determine who will be the next prime minister.

However, on Friday, the Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Mohd Ariff Yusof announced that there would not be a special Parliament sitting to determine who will be prime minister.

On that day, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah decided to give party leaders who have MPs in the Dewan Rakyat the opportunity to nominate a prime minister.

The frontrunners to be our next PM were Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PKR president Anwar. Seemingly, Dr Mahathir was out of the game.

The fight was shaping up to be Perikatan Nasional (a Muslim and Bumiputera majority government) versus Pakatan Harapan (a non-Muslim majority government).

From the WhatsApp messages I could barely have time to monitor, the rakyat choice depended on who they hated the most.

Some who hated DAP supported the Perikatan Nasional government and those who hated Umno and PAS preferred the Pakatan Harapan government.

Grassroots politicians were getting emotional. Some were hysterical that they have to swallow the hate words they uttered against their political enemies as they might be in the same government.

Last night, a retired veteran journalist WhatsApp-ed me: “Instead of the tik-tok of the horse race and the numbers, why isn’t anyone reporting what this is all about: a battle for Malaysia’s future and what kind of country we want to be?

“A Malaysia focused on race and religion, or a Malaysia focused on building a better tomorrow in the Digital Age?”

I agree with him.

But the game is played fast and furious that we’re trying our best to keep pace with it.

Based on a quick calculation of MPs from political parties, in the numbers game, Muhyiddin had more than Anwar.

Bersatu 36 MPs (from 26 overnight it increased by 10 MPs with Azmin and gang), Umno 39 MPs, PAS 18 MPs, Gabungan Parti Sarawak 18 MPs and minor parties, Muhyiddin won.

Whereas Anwar only had his Pakatan Harapan ally (PKR 39 MPs, DAP 42 MPs and Amanah 11 MPs).

Game over for Anwar?

No. On Friday night, it became clear that the party leaders had no control of their MPs who had different allegiance. Karma had struck Bersatu – it was civil war between Team Mahathir and Team Muhyiddin.

Some sleeper MPs were awakened to go against their party leader.

Some MPs are honourable.

Some are for sale.

Not surprising as this is the games politicians play.

The shocker was yesterday. Dr Mahathir was back in the game.

The interim Prime Minister had thrown his name in the Game of Thrones. He was now the game-changer.

Some of those who backstabbed him when they met the King on Tuesday and Wednesday were now backing him.

Yesterday, the situation was very fluid. Too many games played and play outs.

I would have preferred a bubar endgame.

Let the rakyat be the kingmakers instead of MPs.

The endgame turn out to be the king declaring Muhyiddin as Prime Minister.

To the winners of the Game of Thrones, I wish them: GGWP (Good Game, Well Played).

 Philip  Golingai

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

ECRL and pipeline projects cancelled !

https://youtu.be/NyNXOirQ2F0
https://youtu.be/nyQIyNLQ4-o
https://youtu.be/7zyP1xE9glo

It added to the country's debts and we cannot afford it, explains Dr. Mahathier

Headline News

THE cancellation of two multi-billion dollar projects in Malaysia awarded to companies from China ends months of uncertainty, besides marking new parameters for investment by companies from the world’s second largest economy.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the cancellation of the RM55bil East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and two gas pipeline projects worth RM9.41bil at the end of his five-day visit to China.

The Prime Minister said the projects only added to Malaysia’s debts and had to be cancelled until the country could afford it.

He said China’s leaders understood Malaysia’s plight and their response was positive.

He said he explained to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and chairman of the National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu why Malaysia could not go on with the projects.

“It is all about borrowing too much money, we cannot afford it, we cannot repay and also because we do not need them.

“The Chinese see our point of view and none of the three leaders said ‘no’.

“They understand why we have to reduce our debts,” Dr Mahathir told Malaysian journalists here yesterday before wrapping up his official visit.

Asked about compensation, he said details including the amount would have to be negotiated and worked out by officials later.

“If we have to pay compensation, we have to pay. We cannot afford it, so we must find a way to exit it at the lowest cost possible,” he added, blaming the previous government for entering into such unfair agreements with huge exit costs.

Both projects were awarded under the previous government in November 2016 during an official visit to China by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Since Pakatan Harapan took over, China’s investments in Malaysia and large-scale infrastructure projects have come under intense scrutiny.

Both the railway and gas pipeline projects were mired in controversy with huge advance payments made not corresponding with ground work.

Dr Mahathir also laid out the types of investments that Malaysia wanted to attract, citing foreign direct investments (FDIs) which brought in capital and technology, and hiring of locals to produce goods for local consumption or export.

“This is the meaning of FDI, not buying land and setting up new cities. We want our people to be employed and they (China) agreed,” he added.

Criticism on previous construction projects undertaken by companies from China was that it had little multiplier effects on domestic economy because almost everything was brought in from there.

As per the ECRL project, most of the railway track work was slated to be handled by companies from China despite Malaysia having many companies with such expertise. And as for the two pipeline projects, an average of only 13% of the work was done but the amount drawn down was a staggering 88% of the total cost of RM9.4bil.

No local company was known to be undertaking the gas pipeline jobs.

Dr Mahathir in the past also criticised land and reclamation rights being sold to property developers from China to build large-scale property projects, especially in Johor.

Asked what happened to the money that had been drawn down, he said it should be recovered from Najib.

“He was the one who entered (into the agreement), I have never heard of a contract in which you pay on time without any condition that the work must be done,” he added.

Economists said investors had been waiting for some kind of direction on China’s investments here with Pakatan in power.

Socio Economic Research Centre executive director Lee Heng Guie said the impact of the cancellation of the projects to the Malaysian economy would be manageable, although there would be some negative effect on consumption and investment.

“There could be some impact on the job market with the expected layoffs.

“But I don’t think the cancellation will pull down investment and consumption significantly.

“Whatever contraction of the economy that we will likely see because of the ECRL cancellation should be cushioned by ongoing projects,” Lee added.

Credit: Beh Yuen Hui in Beijing

Cancellation of ECRL comes as a shock to workers


All quiet: Workers at the ECRL site in Bentong, Pahang, are waiting for an announcement from their management after Dr Mahathir cancelled the project .

BENTONG: While some workers involved in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) are in shock over the scrapping of the project as announced by the Prime Minister, some areas have yet to see any work despite the launch of the 688km line about a year ago.

Several construction workers said they were left in the dark over the matter.

“Right now, we don’t know what the actual status of the project is.

“We are still waiting for an announcement from the top management,” a senior construction worker told The Star on condition of anonymity.

Another construction worker also expressed a similar sentiment, saying that the ECRL project consisted mainly of Malaysian workers.

“Workers from China comprised 18% to 20% of the staff,” he said.

A security guard at the Bentong ECRL project site said the workers’ quarters were already deserted a month ago.

In July, Singapore’s Channel NewsAsia reported that the fallout had already seen half of the workforce, mostly Malaysians, being retrenched.

A source from the Malaysian Rail Link (MRL), the project owner of ECRL, confirmed that the retrenchment did indeed take place.

“The China Communications and Constructions Company (CCCC) started layoffs a month ago when the project was suspended.

“Half of them are already retrenched and the Chinese workers were told to leave,” said the highly placed source.

Top officials in the MRL are said to be shocked by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement as it was understood that they were in discussion with the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) and the Transport and Finance Ministries to come up with several options to scale down construction costs.

“The MRL has paid more than RM10bil to the main contractor, the China Communications and Con­struc­tions Company and there is a claim of RM9bil for work done.

“So it will be quite a waste because the figure to compensate them is quite high,” he said.

The project was launched on Aug 9, 2017, and scheduled for completion in 2024.

In Kuantan, at the site in KotaSAS where the project was launched with much fanfare, all that remains is an empty swathe of land.

Besides the ongoing construction to build the new Pahang administrative centre nearby, it was all quiet at the site where former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak performed the ground-breaking ceremony.

A security guard at the site said no actual rail construction had been carried out since the launch.

The guard, who declined to be named, said there were no workers from China or an ECRL office located at the site.

He was surprised when told of Dr Mahathir’s announcement.

“But then again, there was never any railway construction here. So, there’s nothing to stop,” he said.

A large signboard near the site stated that the KotaSAS Central station would open in 2021.

Credit: Tarrence Tan, Ong Han Sean, Mahadhir Monihiuldin The Star



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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Malaysians hail the King for his consent on Tommy Thomas as AG

  https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/07/new-ag-vows-transparency-in-work-thomas-begins-first-day-promising-to-be-objective-in-solving-1mdb-s/


PETALING JAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, has consented to the appointment of Tommy Thomas (pic) as the new Attorney-General (AG).

In a statement, the Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has given the approval to the appointment of Thomas as the AG according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.

The Agong, said Wan Ahmad, has also called on Malaysians to accept the appointment of the AG, adding it should not create conflict as every Malaysian should be treated fairly regardless of their race or religion.

“The appointment would still continue to uphold the special privileges of the Malays and bumiputra as well as Islam as the religion of the Federation,” said Wan Ahmad.

He said the Agong has also approved the termination of Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali as AG after taking into consideration the views of the Malay Rulers on three issues.

These issues are the appointment of the AG, the rights of the bumiputras, and the rule of the Council of Rulers as stated under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

“The King has also expressed his disappointment (dukacita) and worries on media reports of late that were inaccurate and negative in nature, which could threaten the peace and harmony in the nation.

“The King has the obligation to uphold the Federal Constitution and preserve the rights of the Malays and bumiputras, as well as to protect Islam,” he added.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on May 14, announced that Apandi was told to go on leave and would be temporarily replaced by Solicitor-General Datuk Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.

The proposal to appoint Thomas as AG had sparked a disagreement with the King, but Dr Mahathir was adamant and submitted only Thomas' name to the King.

However the Agong insisted on more than one name, according to sources close to the royalty.

Malaysians expressed their joy and gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, for giving his consent for Tommy Thomas to be appointed the new Attorney-General (AG).

On The Star Online Facebook page, Thomas’ announcement received 291 shares, and 2,100 likes within an hour of the news breaking early Tuesday morning.

John Doraisamy said Malaysia and Malaysians were moving in the right direction.

“Happy to be 1Malaysia without racism,” he posted.


“Thank you to His Majesty YDP Agong for your royal consent. Congratulations to the new AG!” he said.

Justin Tan said Malaysia had reached a new milestone with Thomas' appointment.

“Everyone should be treated equally and fairly regardless of their race or religion.

“Hope this signifies a true Malaysian society based on merit that will push the country forward to becoming the next powerhouse in the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Facebook user Rajasegaran Subramaniam called for the Federal Constitution to be made a compulsory subject in schools and universities due to the controversy surrounding Thomas’ appointment.

“It is pain in the eyes witnessing so called new Malaysia citizens commenting on sensitive issues without any ideas on what they are even commenting.

“(The) past two days was one hell of a rollercoaster ride because of ignorant comments from ‘new Malaysia’ citizens,” he said.

In a letter dated June 4, but released early Tuesday (June 5), the Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has given the approval to the appointment of Thomas as the AG according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.

The King, said Wan Ahmad, has also called on Malaysians to accept the appointment of the AG, adding it should not create conflict as every Malaysian should be treated fairly regardless of their race or religion.

“The appointment would still continue to uphold the special privileges of the Malays and bumiputera as well as Islam as the religion of the Federation,” said Wan Ahmad.  The Star


 Related: 


Experts: Nothing to bar Dr M from making Thomas the AG - Nation ...

 

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Najib's US top lawyers, hiccup to choice of new AG as 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) probe widens

1MDB  EMBATTLED Najib Razak

Najib hires top American lawyers, including former US A-G - Nation ...

John Ashcroft was the United States attorney-general during the George W. Bush presidency and oversaw the Department of Justice in the turbulent days after the September 11 terror attacks. – AFP pic, June 2, 2018.
面对人生最严峻的贪腐案指控,以及新政府倾全力的调查,纳吉不惜重金礼聘来自美国的“最强法律团队”,助他及家人洗脱“一马案”罪名。(图:透视大马)

Najib hires top US lawyers, including ex-AG, as 1MDB probe widens 


EMBATTLED Najib Razak has engaged the services of a team of top US lawyers, including former attorney-general John Ashcroft and star litigator David Boies, in a clear sign of concern that the widening global probe into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) could snare him and his family members.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has been investigating the alleged siphoning of funds from the state-owned entity for several years and even tagged Najib as Malaysian Official 1, but he had enjoyed immunity from criminal charges as the prime minister of Malaysia.

So, even though the DOJ probe stirred occasionally and captured the headlines, he was largely nonchalant about the US probe and even made a widely-publicised trip to the White House last September.

Things have changed drastically since May 9.

Najib is no longer the head of a foreign government, and, therefore, no longer enjoys full immunity from legal action.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration's vigour in nailing Najib for the 1MDB scandal and cooperating with US investigators, makes the former prime minister and even his wife, Rosmah Mansor, principal targets in the US.

In the past, the focus of the DOJ investigation was mainly on Najib's son, Riza Aziz and businessman Low Taek Jho.

But without the immunity of a prime minister and with the focus of the investigation in Malaysia on him and his wife, Najib has moved to hire top lawyers in the US.

Ashcroft was the AG during the George W. Bush presidency and oversaw the DOJ during the difficult days after the September 11 terror attacks.

After the Bush presidency, he set up a powerful lobby group called The Ashcroft Group and The Ashcroft Law Firm.

Checks by The Malaysian Insight show that the law firm registered Najib Razak as client on the Foreign Agents Registration Act register last September. He was listed as the prime minister of Malaysia and under the category of financed by a foreign government/foreign political party and other foreign principal.

It is unclear whether that engagement was for lobby or legal work because the FARA usually covers lobbying work in the US.

The Malaysian Insight understands that in recent days, Najib has engaged Ashcroft as his lawyer. The former PM has also hired David Boies, one of America's top courtroom lawyers.

He has acted for the US government in its anti-trust case against IT giant Microsoft and aided fallen financiers including AIG's Hank Greenberg and Enron's Andy Fastow.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that also part of the high-powered legal team is Matthew Schwartz. He spent a decade as a prosecutor in New York and handled several high-profile cases including the investigation of ponzi king Bernie Madoff.

In 2013, he was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. Schwartz is now in private practice.

These lawyers are expected in Kuala Lumpur soon. – June 2, 2018. The Malaysian Insight The Malaysian Insight

纳吉聘美法律界“最强团队”辩护 背水一战誓洗一马案罪名


即将面临人生中最严峻贪腐案指控的前首相纳吉,已经做好背水一战的完全准备,重金礼聘来自美国法律界多位传奇人物,包括美国前总检察长约翰阿什克罗夫与明星律师大卫博依斯等人,势必洒尽千金也要洗脱“一马发展公司”(1MDB)案所有指控!

据了解,自早前两名大马律师哈柏星及阿迪慕都从律师团队请辞后,纳吉似乎不太信任本地律师,转而向外国律师求援,这次他筹组的法律团队中,据悉皆为美国籍律师。

纳吉之所以大费周章筹备外国律师团,正是因为新上台的希盟政府,此刻也正倾全力搜集他在一马案中的罪证,不但成立两个特别调查委员会,还积极与美国联邦调查局和美国司法部合作。为应付这铺天盖地的检控网,纳吉务必打起全副精神迎战。

更重要的是,如今已失去免控权的纳吉,无法再张开保护伞,庇护同样受调查的家人,包括妻子罗斯玛及继子里扎等人。他唯有大手笔请来美国最具实力的律师团队,保护他及家人免于牢狱之灾。消息指,这支美国律师团将于近期抵马。

据悉,这个“地表最强”律师团队将由美国前总检长约翰阿什克罗夫带领。约翰是小布什总统任内的总检长,曾在2001年美国经历911恐袭事件后,领导美国司法部度过艰难时刻。

在卸任后,他成立属于自己的游说公司“阿什克罗夫集团”以及“阿什克罗夫法律事务所”,继续在美国政界及司法界发挥影响力。

《透视大马》查悉,“阿什克罗夫法律事务所”已于去年9月,根据美国“外国代理人登记法”(Foreign Agents Registration Act),在外国顾客一栏填上纳吉的大名。其上还注明纳吉的身份是“大马首相”,并由“外国政府/政党”出资。

不过,目前尚未清楚,双方的交易项目是游说事务或法律事务,因为“外国代理人登记法”的注册,常见于美国机构为外国领导人所进行的游说工作。

“外国代理人登记法”,是美国为保障国防,内部安全及对外关系而制定的联邦立法。要求凡为外国政府,外国政党或外国领导人进行宣传或其它活动的人,必须公开其身份,以便美国政府和人民知晓这些人的身份,并对其活动和言行作出考察。

除了约翰,据了解纳吉还聘请了数位知名美籍律师,他们每一位都擅长处理经济、财务及金融界的刑事案件。

纳吉的美国法律团队中,包括明星律师大卫博依斯,大卫曾代表美国政府在反失信案里与世界科技巨头微软对簿公堂。

他还曾担任不少臭名昭著的财经界丑闻人物法律顾问,包括美国国际集团(AIG)前首席执行长汉克格林伯格,以及安然集团(Enron)前首席财务执行长安德鲁法斯托。

消息指出,另一位律师马修史瓦哲也非省油的灯,他曾在纽约担任检控官长达10年,经受过不少知名大案,例如轰动国际的“庞氏骗局”案件。

至2013年,马修获得美国联邦执法基金会颁发“年度检察官”的荣誉,他目前已卸下检察官身份转任律师。- 透视大马

Hiccup to choice of Malaysia's new AG

King prefers a Federal Court or Court of Appeal judge for top job

Senior lawyer Tommy Thomas as the country’s new Attorney General.

PETALING JAYA: A proposal by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to appoint senior lawyer Tommy Thomas as the Attorney General has sparked a major dis­agreement with the King.

Essentially, Dr Mahathir is adamant about replacing Tan Sri Apan­di Ali, submitting only Thomas’ name to Sultan Muhammad V.

However, the King insisted on more than one name, according to sources close to the royalty.

“The King has suggested four names to Dr Mahathir, including an existing Federal Court judge and a Court of Appeal judge,” said one of the sources.

“The King’s argument is that he wants somebody who has been a judge or even a retired judge. He does not care whether the AG is an Indian, Chinese or Malay,’’ said the source, adding that the King demonstrated this when he accepted DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as the Finance Minister.

The sources also pointed out that the King had once even recommended Thomas to the Kelantan government to act in a case against Petronas.

“The King wants an AG who is able to advise him on Syariah matters too, but Dr Mahathir rebutted that the Solicitor General can handle that job.

“However, the King felt that the AG as the top officer should be the one advising him,’’ said the source.

The Palace felt that it was not right for the blogs to construe the issue as “a constitutional crisis”.

“This is just a difference in opi­nions. The King informed Dr Ma­­ha­thir that if he really wants some­one to prosecute the 1MDB case, he need not make Thomas the AG.

“Thomas could be appointed as a DPP (deputy public prosecutor) just like how it was done with lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee before this,’’ added the source.

Just two days ago, prominent pro-Dr Mahathir blogger Syed Akbar Ali wrote on Malaysia Today, saying that there seemed to be serious issues developing between the Government and “another party” over the AG’s appointment.

“There is a very strong rumour (which I heard from very strong people) that our Dr Mahathir has already shortlisted one candidate as the new Attorney General,” he wrote, adding that “the candidate is said to be a non-Muslim, male Indian” and “an expert on Federal Constitution”.

Syed Akbar ruled out eminent retired judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram as the candidate.

He further said that the appointment was being objected to on the grounds that the candidate was neither a Malay nor a Muslim.

He said the new AG was tipped to be on a strict two-year contract with a job focused on institutional re­forms.

Yesterday, news portal Malaysian Insight also reported that the new Government was headed for a clash with the Malay rulers over the appointment.

Thomas could not be contacted to confirm the matter. Neither the press nor his close friends could reach him yet.

A retired senior judge said the matter was far more complicated than it appeared to be.

“A candidate for the AG’s position would have to be as qualified as a Federal Court judge with no less than 15 years’ experience in legal practice.”

Senior lawyer Haniff Khatri Ab­­dulla said the three characteristics that an AG should have to be effective were that he should be able to give general advice on each and every legal policy of the country, assist the Government on every provision of the Federal Constitution and hold two roles as the AG as well as the Public Prosecutor.

“As a Public Prosecutor, the candidate must have experience in criminal practice in order to be effective and not end up being a lame duck.”

Malaysians have come out in support of Thomas as the new AG.

Social media users, in particular, said the Prime Minister’s choice of AG should be respected by the King, saying the Ruler must be above politics.

They also vouched for Thomas’ credibility for the top job, saying he is the most suitable candidate

Facebook user Hirzan Afifi said: “If Tommy Thomas is our new attorney general, I got nothing to oppose. He is the king.”

Another user, Ranendra Bhatta­chary­ya, said: “Haven’t we, Malay­sians, having put in place the Government of our choice, demand the best should be appointed into office for vital national interests. Tom­my Thomas for Attorney Gene­ral of Malaysia.”

Another user Lim Hwah Beng said “Tommy Thomas is the one preferred by PH to be AG. It’s good if they can succeed in appointing Tommy Thomas as AG but I doubt they can ... Anyway, we will take it one step at a time.”

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia su­­preme council member A Kadir Jasin said in his blog that the King should respect the Constitution and act on the Government’s advice. - By Wong Chun Wai - Star


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Friday, May 11, 2018

The world’s oldest PM, Dr. Mahathir must now walk the talk

Najib and Mahathir face off in fierce Malaysian election:
 https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414f33517a4d77457a6333566d54/share.html

https://youtu.be/dbCkQ9347-A

Dr M must now walk the talk


WHEN I attended an election rally of Pakatan Harapan in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, two weeks ago, I was delighted to see the Malays, Indians and Chinese clapping hands in unison when PKR’s vice-president Tian Chua promised that the coalition would look after the interests of all, regardless of race, once it came into power.

I was touched by the reactions on the ground. It was a good feeling to be among people who share similar aspirations for racial harmony and welfare for all in this multiracial country.

My son also had the same experience at a Pakatan ceramah in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, last week.

It was drizzling and he was soaked. Then a Malay man gave him a shirt to change. He came home telling me he hoped that Pakatan would win to bring back the long-lost spirit of muhibbah and unity.

The spirit of muhibbah had for a long time turned into a rare commodity because the authorities allowed political opportunists to disrupt peace with their disparaging remarks against other communities and religious groups.

Now that Pakatan has toppled the Barisan Nasional government led by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the May 9 general election, it is natural for Malaysians like me and my son to expect a better tomorrow where divisive racist politics is curbed, if not eliminated.

I look forward to the return of the good old days when the spirit of muhibbah among races prevailed.

This expectation is not unrealistic, given the emphasis to multiracialism and unity in the speeches of leaders under Pakatan led by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former premier, once disliked by some Chinese for his past racist rule but who appears to have repented, is now the Prime Minister.

But as Dr Mahathir, who has galvanised almost all Opposition forces against Najib for the latter’s association with the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) controversy, is likely to play a key part in governing and “saving” the country, his policy speeches made during campaign are in focus now.

While Dr Mahathir has promised to get rid of corruption in government and Felda, he has also pledged to remove the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and reintroduce fuel subsidies – two issues that have impacted the lower-income group negatively.

But if GST is removed and fuel subsidies are reinstated, Dr Mahathir’s government will have to implement measures to ensure that Malaysia’s fiscal position will not be undermined by populist moves.

With the prices of oil and gas returning to a four-year high, the impact on government finance may be cushioned slightly this year. But for the longer term, sustainability is in doubt.

Indeed, international rating agency Moody’s cautioned yesterday that these campaign promises, if implemented without any other adjustments, would be “credit negative for Malaysia’s sovereign”.

A downgrade in sovereign rating will have a negative impact on the ringgit, interest rates and ranking of our bonds.

It may also affect foreign portfolio investments.

But as Dr Mahathir is a deft hand at crisis management, having led the country out of the 1986 recession and 1998 Asian financial and local political crisis, he should have the wits to forestall any fiscal shortfall.

With many businessmen and economists silently supporting Pakatan, there should be no shortage of talent to help him manage the economy.

These skilled people may emerge in the open soon.

What worries businessmen and economists most is the doctor’s pledge that China investments in Malaysia would be reviewed, and terminated if there were unfair terms in current contracts.

But as Selangor and Penang have attracted substantial direct investments from China, PKR’s Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and DAP’s Lim Guan Eng could present an objective and clearer picture of Chinese investments to Dr Mahathir.

While it is difficult to revoke the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) due to the vast economic benefits it can bring to the country and the favourable terms in loan repayment, it is easier for Malaysia to delay the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project or stop China from getting the contract.

But before doing anything drastic to cut down national debt, government lawyers have a duty to advise the chief commander on paying vast compensation for breach of contract. As China views Malaysia as a strategic location in its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing has been following the political developments closely.

But to be sure, Dr Mahathir was a business-friendly leader when he was the Prime Minister, the first time around.

He was responsible for allowing direct trade between Malaysia and China in the late 1980s, which led to China becoming our largest trading partner. Hence, he is not expected to make policies detrimental to the economy.

One question many people are asking now is: will Malaysia become more democratic under Pakatan rule?

From the campaign speeches made by the coalition’s strategists and Dr Mahathir, this appears to be so – at least for the foreseeable future.

Two PKR vice-presidents, Rafizi Ramli and Tian Chua, have told voters that if one day Pakatan becomes corrupt, the people should vote the coalition out – just like how they brought Najib down.

What Pakatan wants to see is a two- or three-party political system where people have a choice to pick the best among the contenders.

Since Malaysians have boldly voted out Barisan that ruled for over six decades, there is no reason why Pakatan cannot be toppled if it is corrupted by power and greed.

In the campaign speeches, Dr Mahathir promised that he would pass the baton to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will be released from jail next month.

Will he keep this promise after assuming the powerful post?

The logical answer is he will. At 93, his health may not permit him to carry on with this high-pressured job.

It will also be politically unwise for him to stay beyond his welcome, as Anwar had ori­ginally been the choice of the coalition before Dr Mahathir came into the picture.

Many have high expectations of Anwar, who has the experience of an acting premier, deputy premier and finance minister before he was sacked from the Cabinet in 1998 by Dr Mahathir.

Having survived bitter political battles and endured imprisonments under Dr Mahathir and Najib from 1998 until now, Anwar should understand the people’s needs better and rule with a multiracial outlook.- by Ho Wah Foon The Star

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