Sunday, 28 January 2007

Marina Mahathir Says: Bloggers, Fight Back !

From RantingsbyMM -Marina Mahathir: Read here

Quote:
"Bloggers, and anyone else who believes in freedom of speech, unite."
-Marina Mahathir

UPDATE: 28th January:

Yesterday, we alerted you on why The NST and Berita Harian, both subsidiaries of The NSTP, should be cited for contempt of court.

Today, The NST is not only in active denial mode, it’s courting the Prime Minister, who is president of Umno which effectively owns The NSTP, to commit prejudice against the bloggers on trial, yet again!

The new spin, we believed was aimed at the Judges, was published in January 28 edition of New Sunday Times, entitled Exclusive Sunday interview with the Prime Minister: ‘I’ve to do what I need to do‘, bylined Hishamuddin Aun, the plaintiff in the defamation suits against the bloggers, Berita Harian Group Editor Manja Ismail and Kadir Dikoh.

In the article, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi resorted to the same tactic used by NSTP’s counsel, Shearne Delamore & Co., which made “global claims” of a generic manner where all bloggers were called names and accused of penal crimes but void of specifics. It has been a tactic described by the defence as “fatally deficient“.

Abdullah had called bloggers liars without saying specifically what lies bloggers told. Read here for more

From Marina Mahathir:

Ok, let's put this conversation up front and centre, shall we?

Our blogbros Jeff and Rocky are being sued, as you all know.

We may not all agree with everything they say but that is not the point.

The point is, this sort of heavyhanded intimidation is an impediment to democracy because it impedes freedom of speech and limits our people's access to alternative views about current events.

It insults all of us because it assumes that we cannot come up with the 'right' opinion if we are allowed to see all the different perspectives on a particular subject. It is a blatant form of censorship.

So, this is what we need to do:

  1. Stay united on this issue, which is the right of bloggers to express their opinions in cyberspace. Responsible bloggers do not write mere gossip or lies, so must be free to write what they want.

  2. Support all efforts to support Rocky and Jeff.

    The first is the proposal to set up a fund to defend them, as well as other bloggers which may face the same problems in the future.

    This is in the works, and I have been asked to be a Trustee. Am just waiting for proper terms of reference to be drafted because if we are handling people's money, we need to have safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability.

  3. I think we should start a guerrilla campaign on this.

    I think we should turn Kickdefella's great logo into a whole series of merchandise - t-shirts, stickers, posters, whatever - to be sold to raise funds for the defence fund.

    If we have the logo EVERYWHERE, what are they going to do? They can't rip off the stickers from cars, or t-shirts off people's backs. The guys who do those great stencil graffitis should be asked to also help.

  4. Boycott the NST and related publications. Yes, stop subs. Nothing will create greater fear among those guys than if their income drops.

    Any other creative suggestions to show support will be greatly welcomed.

Thursday, 18 January 2007

Jeff Ooi of Screenshots Also Served With Defamation Proceedings: WALK WITH JEFF OOI

Read here from Jeff Ooi on Screenshots:


"...The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad, Kalimullah bin Masheerul Hassan, Hishamuddin bin Aun and Brendan John a/l John Pereira have jointly taken an order, via an ex-parte injunction obtained in the High Court of Malaya Kuala Lumpur (Civil Suit No. S6-23-3-2007) on January 11, 2007, against this blogger (Jeff Ooi).

The abovementioned parties' application for an injunction has been fixed for a hearing at the same court on January 30, 2007 at 9.00am.

My lawyers are now taking care of it.

If you have sensitive information to share with me, please STOP sending it to my Gmail account.

You should, instead, send it to my paid, secure email service at:
jeffooi@hushmail.com
-Jeff Ooi


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

See Kickdefella
****

From Lim Kit Siang's Blog


MP Lim Kit Siang says: (Read here)


"..... The defamation proceedings launched by the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) against two bloggers, Jeff Ooi of Screenshots fame and Ahirudin Atan who runs Rocky’s Bru is a grave development in the defence of the legal rights of bloggers and citizen journalists in Malaysia to break the stifling monopoly of the mainstream media.

No responsible blogger will claim absolute freedom of speech and expression on the blogosphere, including the liberty to defame with impunity the character of others....

There must be space on the blogosphere however for free and fair comment, which is anathema in the mainstream media where important national issues and prominent personalities are concerned.

The NSTP defamation suits will have a chilling effect on freedom of bloggers and citizen journalists as litigation is so expensive that its costs will cripple and paralyse the ordinary individual blogger, making no contribution whatsoever to a healthy process to delineate and define the legal rights of bloggers and citizen journalists.

As these are the first two cases of Malaysian bloggers being sued for defamation, it will have far-reaching consequences for the healthy, mature and democratic growth for free speech and expression, not only on the Internet but in the country as a whole.

....., bloggers and all concerned about human rights should rally behind the two bloggers to ensure :

- firstly, that there is a level playing field in the defamation proceedings particularly in terms of financial resources and capabilities, and

-secondly, that the legal rights of bloggers and citizen journalists are properly developed and entrenched in keeping with the imperatives of an information society and knowledge economy which Malaysia aspires to become."
-Lim Kit Siang

Read earlier Postings HERE and HERE


What Malaysian readers are saying:(Read here and here for more

"... if someone could mobilise a ‘JeffOoi Defence Fund’, I’d like to get a few friends to chip in. And to JeffOoi, it would be trite to say to you : “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going’. I think you already have the constitution of a champion horse. Keep running, man. If the sands burn under your feet and it gets scaldingly hot, we’d all understand if you decide to go Down Under or scoot to the States. You’d do much better there though this Bolehland needs you more."

"....while I share concerns about the implications of the defamation proceedings, I do not think this will in any way affect freedom of speech in Malaysia. In fact, I think this will spur more Malaysians to speak freely and responsibly against any trangressions or infractions or malfeasance by anyone seen to commit such offences. This is a civil suit. Let the courts decide. And I am sure lawyers in Malaysia will ensure that all parties get the best counsel in this case."

"....This is a test case to frighten all bloggers. The government are already facing a lot of critisms inside and outside the country and they do not want to be the bad guy to crack down on bloggers directly.They are using the fall guy tactics where they have nothing to lose but everything to gain.Choosing jeffooi and rockybru blogs are much easier than malaysiatoday knowing RPK is a much tougher guy.I had stated in my earlier post in other topics that bn is thinking very hard how to get the bloggers and this case is just a start to frighten everyone.If this fail, I am very sure a more tougher and direct method will be used."

".....I’m sure our legal experts like Jeffrey can tell you that suing for defamation is not necessarily the same as clamping down on blogging, and that being sued by the NSTP is not the same as being sued by the AG’s Chambers. In addition, they can also tell you that the burden of proof is on the party initiating the suits for defamation, not on the defendants."

"...Listen up guys!! I think the best way we can help Jeff and Rocky (at the same time send a clear message) is to start a legal defense fund raiser for them. Perhaps Malaysiakini can assist by utilizing its existing payment gateway and getting a proper trustee and auditor."

WHAT OTHER BLOGGERS ARE SAYING (to date)

"....The civil suits against Jeff Ooi and Rocky have really spooked me, so from now until the two of them become discharged bankrupts, I’m gonna lay off the serious stuff and just blog on gardening, tai chi, music and, occasionally, on more serious stuff like why prolonged virginity is a cause of depression which induces a bipolar personality.

Here’s a supposed IM chat with a supposedly unreal character in our supposedly open society:

me: how are things at work?

dua_kali_mullah: busy man, very busy.

me: u fuckers really need to work meh? i thought, i was told anyway, work means straining the nerves in the eyes checking out young female interns’ bodily assets.

dua_kali_mullah: you talking about Ambassador’s time la! Now we just spend time compiling evidence against J.O.

me: Juice Orange?

dua_kali_mullah: Ooi! don’t play dumb la. He talks so much shit, so much that it affects the morale of the staff.

me: i think it’s blocking the access to his blog that’s more demoralising cos they now gotta Starbuck during lunch to catch up on real news. hehe

dua_kali_mullah: it’s not funny

me: wht’s this we hear about malay mail being sold?

dua_kali_mullah: the truth is out there

me: and i supposed the grand scheme in keeping the Weekend Mail suspended is to actually save money, right? cos it’s cheaper to keep it unprinted than republishing again

dua_kali_mullah: hang on. got to go pee. brb.

me: no comment say no comment la, don’t say got to go pee. cya around. time for lunch.

Some people have suggested boycotting the NSTP stable of publications to protest against the shameful civil suits against bloggers Jeff Ooi and Rocky.Well guys, let’s open a new beachhead, let’s shun Monsterblog too.Remove your links to the mind control monster. "
- READ HERE


".....Someone said to me: I just smell rats.... it's more to do with vengeance and settling a score...it's personal by observation." I couldn't agree nor to disagree. The battle of waterloo had to take place, someday and one day. As a fellow blogger, and in the name of freedom of speech and expression, in accordance with the basic human rights, we Malaysians need to voice our deep concern of the observed situation and predicaments we are now facing. We could not have voted in a government to curb our human rights and to force us to succumb to arbitrary law or neither allow the system to rule by discretions which curtail the basic freedom as entrenched in the rule of law and natural justice. had for the past weeks reluctant to include this tag logo, as it had been taken to connote defiance or anti-establishment.

But, with the current events happening, I could not sit and stay on the fence, watching the society been torn into pieces by the "powerful forces" within the oligarchy.."
- READ HERE

Injunction Taken Against Rocky's Bru: Walk With Rocky- We're With You

Reported by NURAINA A SAMAD on "3540 Jalan Sudin" Blog -Read HERE

Excerpts:

".........close to 10pm on Tuesday January 16, at the National Press Club (Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur) that Ahirudin Attan (aka Rocky's Bru) was served "his papers" -- notice by the lawyers representing NST, its deputy chairman Kalimullah Hassan, CEO Syed Faisal, GEIC Hishamudin Aun and former GE Brenden Pereira -- that an injunction would be taken against him and that he was going to be sued for libel.

If you "follow" his blog., then, my friends, you can also walk with him, with Jeff Ooi and with Sheih. .."

One reader wrote (HERE) :

" If you guys wants to set-up fund in helping him with the lawyer fee, please let the readers know."


An excellent idea, if Ahirudin needs help when the time comes!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


See Kickdefella for more

Wednesday, 17 January 2007

The USD 50 Billion for RMK9 'Report': Ganesh Sahathevan Replies to Scepticism

Read HERE Ganesh Sahathevan's Letter in Malaysiakini

Excerpts:

"....... I refer to the letter US$50 bil loan: M’sian gov’t not that stupid by Jeffrey.

In response to stories about .....a US$50 billion loan that have appeared on a number of Malaysian blogs, a story which I first published on the counter-terrorist finance website, Jeffrey states amongst other things:
‘Who has verified the authenticity and signatures of the letters mentioned in the report?

The story first originated from one Ganesh Sahathevan, was blown up by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin of Malaysia Today and picked up by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang. But who is Ganesh Sahathevan?’
I note that Jeffrey has discovered reports concerning my work and I, which can found on many parts of the Net, including here.

.... I wish to point out the questions concerning this US$50 billion loan and Bank Negara's role in it were put to the bank’s assistant governor Zamani Abdul Ghani but which Zamani refused to answer.

This refusal formed part of the basis of what I reported at the website mentioned above.

Despite this publication, Zamani and Bank Negara have continued to maintain their silence - I doubt if one could describe it as an ‘elegant silence’ given Zamani's initial response: ‘Rubbish’.

..... The matter of Commercial IBT is a matter that I have questioned Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz about since 2003 - and for which I have NOT received a response.

Yet, in November 2003, Bank Negara despatched then Labuan International Financial Centre (Lofsa) director-general Rosnah Omar and Ratings Association Malaysia’s Suresh Menon to Australia to look into the matter of Commercial IBT, because ‘Lofsa was being criticised in the Malaysian Parliament [...] following agitation [...] by two Australians who were expatriate Malaysians’.

If this is not stupid, what is?

.... Or perhaps, this is a case where one of my pet phrases applies - ‘One has either been very stupid, or very devious’.

Therefore, perhaps now is a good time to ask, ‘But who is Jeffrey?’

I, meanwhile, continues to await some sensible response from Bank Negara on all matters raised over that past five years, but I’m not holding my breath. "
- Ganesh Sahathevan

Read HERE the article that first reported the USD 50 billion issue by Ganesh Sahathevan on the Terror-Finance Website

Convert Renouncing Islam: High Court Postpones Hearing

Vijaya Letchumy a/p Rajamanickam, 36, converted to be a Muslim, and changed her name to Siti Fatimah Rajamanickam. She has since decided to renounce Islam.

She had applied to the High Court on October 1, 2004, to have her Muslim name replaced to Vijaya Letchumy a/p Rajamanickam after having abandon Islam.

But the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council applied to have her application struck out because the Council held the view the civil court did NOT have jurisdiction in her case.

In her affidavit-in-reply, she said the Council's action was defective and should be rejected with cost as it did not state the subsection under Order 18 Rule 19 of the High Court Rules 1980 that was used.

She sought a declaration that she had constitutional right guaranteed under the provisions of Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution to renounce Islam.

Federal Constitution :

Article 11:
1. Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it. (Click here for more)

She also sought a declaration that she did NOT have obligation to apply to the Syariah Court or other authority bodies to renounce Islam based on the same Article.

She sought another declaration that the need to apply to the Federal Territories Syariah Court before renouncing Islam was inconsistent with Articles 5(1), 8(1) and 74 of the Federal Constitution.

Federal Constitution:

Article 5 (1) :No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law.

Article 8 (1) :All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

Article 74:
(1) Without prejudice to any power to make laws conferred on it by any other Article, Parliament may make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the Federal List of the Concurrent List (that is to say, the First or Third List set out in the Ninth Schedule).


(2) Without prejudice to any power to make laws conferred on it by any other Article, the Legislature of a State may make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List (that is to say, the Second List set out in the Ninth Schedule) or the Concurrent List.


(3) The power to make laws conferred by this Article is exercisable subject to any conditions or restrictions imposed with respect to any particular matter by this Constitution.


(4) Where general as well as specific expressions are used in describing any of the matters enumerated in the Lists set out in the Ninth Schedule the generality of the former shall not be taken to be limited by the latter.

The High Court's Justice Datuk Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim deferred the hearing to enable the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council to reply to her affidavit-in-reply.

The hearing was postponed to March 8.

Read here

******

Bernama reports: (Read here for more)


".... Non-Muslims will not be forced to attend Syariah courts to testify in cases involving differences between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Chief Syarie Judge of the Syariah Judiciary Department, Datuk Sheikh Ghazali Abdul Rahman, said in a plural society a person's willingness to testify and a compromising attitude should be nurtured and protected.

"I feel it is important for everyone in this multiracial country to cooperate with one another. We do not need force but voluntary effort which can satisfy all sides," he said after opening a conference on family law and its challenges here, Tuesday.

Meanwhile, former family court judge Datuk Faiza Thamby Chik said there was no force for a converted Muslim to remain in Islam, but there was a procedure for a converted Muslim to follow in order to return to his or her original religion.

Faiza said a person converted to Islam would be issued a 'mualaf' (convert) certificate and the person should go back to the Syariah court or the Islamic Religious Department if he or she wanted to return to the original religion......"

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Anwar Says Deal in 2003 for Russian Military Aircraft Sukhoi Riddled with Corruption

At Anwar's News Conference - Read Here in International Herald Tribune

The Purchase of the Sukhoi (Read HERE and Here and Here)

"...On August 5, 2003, Malaysia signed a contract to procure 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM jet fighters from Russia under a package deal worth about US$900 million.

The aircraft will be delivered in stages between June 2006 and end of 2007. The payment for the aircraft will be stretched until 2009.

In return, Russia will purchase Malaysia's palm oil, provide transfer of space technology, and train a Malaysian cosmonaut. The Su-30 MKM will be fitted with Western avionics.

The government plans to expand Gong Kedak Airbase (an old World-War 2 airbase) into a modern major airbase to house this new acquisition. The base will be complete with new extended runways and advanced air control systems. The Su-30MKM combat aircraft will form a squadron of dedicated multi role combat aircraft to complement the RMAF's present war-birds -- the MIG-29/NUB, F/A-18D and Hawk MK 108/208.

Pilot training in Russia started in early 2004. Two Su-30MKI pre-production aircraft (number 04 and 05) have been converted to Su-30MKM prototypes and are being tested now. The first batch of Su-30MKMs are being produced by the Irkustk plant now for delivery in 2007.

The Su-30MKM will be another variant based on the Su-30MKI tailored to the customer's requirements with regards to its avionics suite. For example, Israeli-produced ECM systems as seen fitted on the Su-30MKI will be replaced by Russian and South African systems. Two of Sukhoi's Su-30MKI pre-production aircraft (bort numbers 04 and 05) serve as Su-30MKM prototypes. The first batch of Su-30MKMs is being manufactured at the Irkustk Plant and is scheduled for delivery in 2007, with all aircraft being delivered in 2008. The Su-30MKM proposal was pitted against the Boeing
F/A-18 Super Hornet, but Malaysia seemed to have settled for a mixed fleet. Malaysia already operates both the MiG-29 Fulcrum and F/A-18C/D Hornet.

May 19,2003 Press report: The purchase of the Sukhoi jets will be through counter trade, most likely with Malaysian palm oil. ''Malaysia may partly pay for the planes with the sale of commodities but this will be decided at a later date,'' Najib said.

Excerpts:

".... Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday called for a thorough investigation into a 2003 deal to buy military aircraft from Russia.

He alleged that a former Cabinet minister received a massive commission at taxpayers' expense.

..... US$108 million in commissions were paid to IMT Defence Sdn. Bhd. to act as a facilitator in the US$900 million deal by Malaysia's defense ministry to purchase 18 Sukhoi Su-30MK fighter aircraft.

Anwar claimed he has evidence to prove commissions were paid, but said he could not disclose it now to protect his sources.

.... the commissions came to light when a director of IMT Defence, Mohammed Zainuri Mohammed Idrus, filed a suit in March 2005 against Adib and other directors of the company, to prevent the company from sacking him.

He said IMT's chairman, Mohammed Adib Adam, was appointed as the middleman in February 2004. But the deal to buy the aircraft from a Russian state company, Rosoboronexport, had ALREADY been reached on May 19, 2003.

Mohammed Zainuri lodged a police report on Sept. 30, 2006 alleging that Adib Adam had stolen US$108 million in commissions by setting up a NEW company with a name similar to IMT Defence, to which the money was channeled.

In his suit, Zainuri claimed that he was being sacked to prevent him from exposing the Sukhoi deal.

Anwar said:

"WHY do you need a facilitator when you have generals going back and forth (between Malaysia and Russia) to negotiate the deal?

It is clearly, blatantly corruption. It is certainly not transparent and very unusual. Malaysians have the right to know.

What really transpired in the antics alleged by Zainuri in IMT Defence Sdn. Bhd?

WHY haven't the police or the Anti-Corruption Agency begun investigations?"

.... Defense Minister Najib Razak was answerable to the Malaysian public about the alleged commission payments because they were made using taxpayers' money.

Najib's aides could not be reached for comment.

Najib and Adib have not commented publicly about the lawsuit. Norashikin said the company was aware of Zainuri's allegations but declined to comment further.

Police officials and those at the Anti-Corruption Agency could not be immediately reached for comment.

Contact address of IMT Defence Sdn Bhd provided by Malaysian Defence Industry Council Website :
IMT Defence Sdn Bhd
Supplier of Russian aviation and defence equipment

Address:
51A, Jalan Mamanda 9,
Ampang Point 68000
Ampang Selangor Darul Ehsan
Telephone:03-42524996/7
Fax : 03-42516953

CEO'S NAME / CONTACT PERSON
YBhg. Dato’ Seri Mohd Adib Adam
E-mail :lmtnaber@yahoo.com

The SUKHOI aircraft:

The Su-30 MKM Flanker a highly specialized aircraft developed for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

It is a long-range, multi-role, air superiority fighter and strike fighter. This version is similar to the MKI but will principally be equipped with French and Russian avionics. It will feature head-up and multifunction displays from Thales Group and Sagem of France as well as the Russian BARS NIIP N011M radar for which India is supplying the radar computers.

The USD 50 Billion for RMK9 'Report': Bank Negara Cannot be THAT Stupid !

From a Reader's Letter to Malaysiakini

There were reports ( read here, here, here and here) on the internet that Malaysian Govt needed USD50 billion funding to finance the RM200 billion Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK9) or Ninth Malaysian Plan.The USD50 billion is being procured from 25 prime banks but will be channelled through a private limited company, with the help of a company called Union Financial Services Corporation of Sydney, Australia.

From "Jeffrey" ( Read here for more)

".... The report is highly unlikely to be true for the following reasons:

  1. The Malaysian government may not be of the top rating in international financial markets but with the last resort of EPF’s huge coffers and Petronas (whose consolidated accounts, for 2005 and 2006 alone, has an Ebitda amounting to some US$39.38 billion not to mention the profits of earlier years and investments offshore), it cannot be so cash-strapped as to want to borrow money (for a legitimate purpose of funding the 9th Malaysia Plan) through financial intermediaries such as Roland Bleyer’s Union Financial Services Corporation.

    This is specially so when financial capital markets of the world require dealings by governments to be transparent.

    Malaysian government CANNOT be that stupid to risk its credibility within financial capital markets for such a deal.

  2. Banks - especially foreign banks - have internal and external auditors and have to account to their shareholders. There is NO way they will lend to Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd which is in the process of winding-up.

    For to do so - even if Asasatu were a front for the Malaysian government - will violate every tenet of prudent credit.

    ...Our company laws will NOT permit an insolvent company to borrow monies, and lenders do so at their own peril of not being able to recover a cent because the transaction may become void.

    It is entirely inconceivable that Bank Negara, regulator of banks, will direct any bank to lend under such circumstances.

  3. Who (other than regulated banks, which have just been discounted) would ever lend such a sum of US$50 billion based on 2.88% to 3.5% interest rate as stated in the letter dated Feb 22, 2006, purportedly from Project Equity Services Group to the PM and Bank Negara’s governor?

    Even organised crime and money launderers know how to count in that they can get a better yield of approximately 4.8% for lending to the US government via subscription of its treasury bills.

    It is shocking to suggest that the Malaysian government has better credibility than the US government in being able to get a finer and reduced rate of 2.88% to 3.5%!

  4. All speculations that Singapore is using intermediaries or proxies to finance - for the sake of quid pro quo - political and strategic interest in air space, sand, water supply or facilities in the Southern Corridor have NO basis or credibility.

    Singapore finances through Temasek, a listed GLC.

    There’s NO way it lends money directly, much less lend US$50 billion that exceeds by twice its shareholders funds, constituting one quarter of Singapore’s total reserves.

    Its risk appetite is at an all time low. Recently t Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said that Temasek (even though led by his wife Madam Ho Ching) should be accountable for the loss of US$2 billion from the ill- conceived US$3.8 billion acquisition of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s stake in Thai telco, Shin Corp.
Khazanah, our Ministry of Finance and our central bank just CANNOT be so dumb as to fall for what appears to resemble a typical Nigerian scam.

In Bolehland, it is easy to bribe a clerk to steal letterheads from any office or government department or even affix a seal or a rubber stamp (that can be made for RM5). The rest is just a case of forging the signatures and distributing copies of it via the Internet.

Who has verified the authenticity and signatures of the letters mentioned in the report?

The story first originated from one Ganesh Sahathevan, (click here on Terror Finance Blog) was blown up by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin of Malaysia Today and picked up by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang.

But who is Ganesh Sahathevan?

NOTE: Described here as :"Ganesh Sahathevan, Freelance Journalist and Researcher living and working in Australia.

Journalist who investigated financial mismanagement in Malaysia prior to the financial crisis in the 1990s. Now researching and reporting from Sydney, he continues to focus on South East Asian business, economic and politics.

Member of Working Group 9- (click here
Terrorist Finance . )

He was born in Malaysia and worked as a financial journalist between 1994 and 1997, investigation financial mismanagement in Malaysia and the region that led, in part, to the Asian Economics crisis of 1997. He continues to research and report on south east asian business, economics and politics while based in Sydney."

Listed his address as :
Ganesh Sahathevan
19 William Edward ST,
Longueville, NSW 2066

Even if the story carried were not true (as I suspect it is), such a report will impact on the credibility and integrity of our government leaders and state institutions like the central bank.

It will also lead to the irresistible inference that our online blogs and media are irresponsible to publish that which they have NOT first verified by scrupulous due diligence proportionate to the gravity of the allegations.

In the interest of the nation and as a counterweight against the pro-government stance of licenced mainstream media, the Internet’s blogs and online media like malaysiakini are indeed the last bastions to ferret out falsehood and defend the truth.

We CANNOT ....follow a herd instinct and rush to publish material that we have NOT done scrupulous due diligence and verification, committing the very sin of disseminating misinformation that we accuse the government’s media of and squandering in the same process, our moral and credibility capital in respect of publication of the truth.

In turn, opening the way for a government clamp down based on this very same justification.

Monday, 15 January 2007

Internet Abuzzed At Least 3 Malaysian Bloggers Threatened with Law Suits and Legal Action to Silence Them

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Cuit Sikit posted:

Beberapa blogger dilaporkan akan mendapat surat saman atau menghadapi indakan undang-undang yang sedang dirangka oleh konco-konco Khairy Jamaluddin.

Tahniah kepada Sheih dan rakan-rakan bloggers. Atas nama sokongan, blog ini akan turut meletak ikon ini. Blog Cuitsikit menyokong usaha ini sungguhpun tidak dapat menyertai mereka. Blog ini ingin kekal sebagai anonymous bagi memastikan maklumat mengalir macam selalu.


Nuraina Samad posted on her "3540 Jalan Sudin Blog" :

"....... Two very well-known bloggers are being sued for libel by a newspaper, its deputy chairman, CEO, GEIC and its former GE.

Kickdefella is also been threatened with a lawsuit. The two -- Rocky (Rocky's Bru) and Jeff Ooi (Screenshots) -- face court action that will be set in motion this month, I am made to understand.

All I can say is that they all must have spooked some people or made some people very very very angry.And these angry people are hitting back....

...Some people say that the authorities are coming down (hard) on bloggers, seeing that some blogs have grown in popularity and are already influential.

These popular blogs happen to be pretty critical of certain political leaders, corporate figures and high profile individuals.

These three guys are immensely popular. We open their blogs to read and see their postings. We tell them they are doing a good job...."

We thank Rocky for posting scoops that the mainstream media follow up on but don't care to admit. Jeff for his critical analyses and Sheih for his creative talents.

We tell them "keep on blogging", "don't stop".And they keep on blogging, in their names.

But do we fear for them?

Today, these three are being threatened with lawsuits that, in the short term, are aimed at silencing them and in the long term, possibly, bankrupting them."

Rocky Bru sensed it :

"..... Something's brewing. Sheih the "Poster Boy", the one who created Kickdefella, has made a statement: Bloggers United. No Fear.".

Kamaluddin Blog posted (11 Jan 2007):

"... Blogers Malaysia Terus DiUgut !

.... , Saya mendapat informasi bahawa seorang bloggers yang terkenal tanah air telah diugut buat kali kedua, blog beliau KickDeFella setelah beliau menarik balik segala poster poster yang di edit dengan gambar gambar Perdana Menteri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badwi di blog lama beliau setelah menerima ugutan dan amaran dari sekutu sekutu yang mengikut arus AAB.

Setelah senyap untuk beberapa ketika beliau telah mengembalikan paparan Poster poster tersebut di blog baru beliau KickDeFella Return Of The Prodigal Son

Hari ini beliau telah menarik kembali semua poster dari papar susulan dari berita yang kedengaran bahawa dua blogers telah mendapat writ saman dari sebuah firma guaman.

Dua blogers tersebut ialah Rocky's Bru dan ScreenShots sehubungan dengan itu beliau telah menerima email daripada satu persatuan memberi amaran kepada beliau.

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Wallwahualam.Kalabu MaLami

USD 50 billion,Malaysia, its PM Abdullah Badawi, and a small Sydney company

From The Terror Finance Blog (posted on October 22, 2006) -Read Here

(UPDATE: Read HERE A Malaysian Reader's Scepticism of this Report)

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Of Malaysia, Zamani Abdul Ghani (deputy chief of the Malaysian equivalent of the Fed) has refused to disavow knowledge of the following:
A) That in a letter to him from Reezal Merican Naina Merican, political secretary to the Malaysian Prime Minister , Abdullah Badawi , who is also Malaysia’s Minister for Finance, dated 15 June 2006, he was instructed to give ”careful consideration” to the issuance of Malaysian Government bonds and guarantees to secure a financial facility for the value of USD 50 billion, via a private company Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd.

B) that the above letter included another letter dated 30 May 2006 on Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd letterhead which contained instructions to him from Prime Minister and Finance Minister Abdullah Badawi, in regards to the above matter , minuted on its face.

C) that a meeting was held at Level 7C of the Malaysian Central Bank on 25 October 2005, to discuss the above facility, and that the meeting was attended by:
i) Ms Lee Guat Keow, senior manager of the Foreign Exchange Administration Department , Central Bank Malaysia

ii) Zubir Ahmad CEO , Asasatu Technology

iii) Robert Power, executive director of Project Equity Services
Deputy Governor Zamani had earlier refuted as "rubbish" queries concerning the USD 50 billion facility,and the Central Bank's role in securing the facility.

He has remained silent since the details above were put to him.

Robert Power of Project Equity Services has provided the following response when questioned about the facility:

We are part of a group of legal entities which currently has project financing matters pending from Russia to Switzerland to China, Canada, Australia, USA and elsewhere in Asia. We are privately owned and do not confirm or deny any independent enquiry. Please also be advised that there exists under Australian Law a Privacy Act.

We fund and/or invest mainly in USD, with funds being clean, clear funds of non-criminal origin.
Project Equity Services might be, charitably, described as low key ; in truth, the company operates out of a small office in Sydney and is not known as a financier of any sort.

The "group of legal entities" appear to be shelf companies.

That the company should be able to obtain entree to the highest level of government in Malaysia raises further questions as to the intent of Malaysian Government officials who have lent their support to Project Equity Services and the facility it offers.

These officers include those named above as well as the Deputy Minister for Finance, Nor Mohamad Yackop.

Power has also NOT denied that he has corresponded with the Central Bank via the office of the Second Minister for Finance , Nor Mohamad Yackop (the second minister has full ministerial status).

Nor Mohamad was an adviser to SDGT Yassin Al-Kadi and his Abrar Group in the mid-nineties.

He was also a business associate of Kadi and Abrar, this being evident in a series of transactions in which Kadi and his other associates took some of their interests in Malaysia and the US public by backing those interests into a company listed on Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange that Yackop had taken control of.

Both Yackop and Prime Minister Badawi have ultimate control over the decision making processes of the Malaysian Ministry for Finance that oversees all (and this is said without exaggeration) financial businesses and transactions within the country.

Hence, both men have final say in the continued operation of the USD 8 billion Commercial IBT in Malaysia, a company that has been linked to Al-Kadi and his associates, as well as Al-Kadi’s other businesses in Malaysia. see www.terrorfinance.org/the_terror_finance_blog/2006/08/yassin_alkadist.html)

In 2004 Prime Minister Badawi was named in the Volker Report as a beneficiary of oil allocations granted by Sadam Hussein under the UN-Iraq Oil-for Food scheme. The allocations were made to a company named Mastek Sdn Bhd , controlled by his late wife’s sister and her then husband, Faek Ahmad Shareef , an Iraqi who had settled in Malaysia.

(http://www.iic-offp.org/documents/Final%20Report%2027Oct05/IIC%20Final%20Report%20-%20Chapter%20Two.pdf)
Mastek was one of the largest recipients of those allocations.

*****
From Lim Kit Siang's Blog
(Read here)

MP Lit Kit Siang asked the Govt:

"....In the name of accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance, Abdullah must clarify three things:

1. Whether and why the government has adopted the unusual and even extraordinary arrangement to raise US$50 billion funding for the Ninth Malaysia Plan infrastructure development projects from 25 world top prime bank or local prime bank through dubious private companies.

2. Whether and why Asasatu Technology Sdn. Bhd, whose status in the latest record in Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is “winding up”, has been chosen to arrange the USD50 billion for the Malaysian government.

From today’s check with the SSM, the particulars of Asasatu Technology Sdn. Bhd are:


(i) Address: No, Jalan Arowana 4,Kawasan Perniagaan Arowana, 13500, Permatang Pauh, Penang

(ii) Shareholder/director – Zubir bin Ahmad 1,980,000 shares-Rosni binti Rahmat 20,000 shares

(iii) Last filed accounts – 31st Dec. 2000.

(a)Fixed assets RM542,248; current assets RM1,976,421.

(b) Current liabilities RM1,071,641; long-term liabilities RM321,756.

(c)Profit for the year RM39,512; accumulated profits RM125,272.

(d) Four “unsatisfied” charges to four banks exceeding RM7 million.

3. Whether and why the partner and agent of Asasatu Technology Sdn. Bhd. to arrange for the USD50 billion financing for the government’s Ninth Malaysia Plan is the Sydney-based Project Equity Services Group (PESG).

An Internet search raises many questions about the PESG, whether it is a front-company for Roland Bleyer, who is also President of Union Financial Services Corporation and dogged by a long history of allegations of scams by their victims world-wide.

.....If Abdullah (Badawi) is really in the dark about such Internet material, I am prepared to ."forward to him all relevant information. "

****


FROM MALAYSIA-TODAY
Read here "How Malaysia is borrowing USD50 billion without borrowing"


Excerpts

".... On 15 June 2006, Reezal Merican Naina Merican wrote a letter to Datuk Zamani Abdul Ghani, the Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia.

The letter is about an amount of USD50 billion required by Malaysia to fund its national development. .... Malaysia recently launched its Ninth Malaysia Plan or Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK9). The RMK9, which runs from 2006 to 2010, is going to cost the nation RM200 billion.

Who is Reezal Merican ? What authority does he have in instructing the Deputy Governor of Bank Negara?

[Note: Read here on Reezal Merican:

Reezal Merican Naina Merican is an Indian Muslim from Penang who had managed to bring himself to the attention of Abdullah Badawi three years before Khairy .Reezal Merican (often called ‘Ustaz Reezal’) is an IIUM graduate.When Abdullah ascended that high office, Reezal Merican thought that his time had come. He promptly got himself elected head of the IIUM alumni and therefore a nominal head of quite a substantial group of the local student support base. Perhaps it was in view of this that Abdullah finally made Reezal, in November 2003, a Political Secretary to the First Finance Minister.]

Reezal Merican is one of the ‘Tingkat Empat’ boys. He is Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, who happens to be Malaysia’s Prime Minister. Reezal Merican is not there because of his abilities but because Khairy Jamaluddin, the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, wants to keep an eye on things . Reezal Merican plays the role of Khairy’s eyes and ears.

Reezal Merican’s job is not only to report everything to Khairy
and to be the minder for the Finance Minister II and keep him under control, but also to ensure that Khairy gets to read all reports and letters before it falls onto the desk of the Finance Minister II.

By the time any documents reach the table of the Finance Minister II, it would already have instructions etched on them about which project and which contract is to be awarded to which company.

In short, the jobs are apportioned out even before the Finance Minister II gets to see the papers.

Prior to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tabling the RMK9 in Parliament for debate and approval, a copy had earlier been sent to the Finance Minister II. On this particular early-bird copy, against every project listed in the RMK9, Khairy had etched in his own handwriting which company was going to be awarded which project.

Abdullah Badawi tabled the RMK9 for Parliament’s approval only as a formality. Some projects such as in East Malaysia had in fact already started work. The contractors were already working even before Parliament had approved the projects.

It was reported that the Finance Minister II was flabbergasted.

Nevertheless, with people like Reezal Merican hovering over him, there was nothing he could do to resist. Doing so would mean he would have to retire once his term expires. .... he was smart enough not to resist Khairy but instead complied with whatever Khairy wants.

The letter of 15 June 2006.

Reezal Merican said in that letter of 15 June 2006 that he is under instructions of the Malaysian Prime Minister cum Finance Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

And the letter refers to the USD50 billion funding requirement to finance the RM200 billion Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK9) or Ninth Malaysian Plan.

The USD50 billion is being procured from 25 prime banks but will be channelled through a private limited company, Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd. The name Ir. Hj Zubir bin Hj Ahmad is mentioned in that letter as the Managing Director of the company.

It appears that the USD50 billion will be channelled through a private limited company and not directly to the Malaysian government.

This would mean, officially, Malaysia is NOT borrowing any money. The money is being borrowed by a private limited company.

( (Read page one and page two of the letter here).).

According to the Registrar of Companies, Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd, a company based in Permatang Pauh in Penang, is in the process of being wound up. .... the company that is arranging the USD50 billion for the Malaysian government is a company that is being wound up.

How can a company that is being wound up be the front for the Malaysian government in negotiating a very important matter like funding the country’s RMK9?

The last filed accounts for Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd is 31 December 2000.

There are NO accounts filed since then.

In 2000, the company’s fixed assets were shown as RM542,248.00 with current assets of RM1,976,421.00. But it had current liabilities of RM1,071,641.00 and long-term liabilities of RM321,756.00.

The profit for the year was RM39,512.00 with accumulated profits of RM125,272.00.

This is certainly NOT the kind of company Malaysia should be using to raise USD50 billion for the purpose of funding such an important matter like the RMK9.

We do not know what the latest financial figures are. Since the company is being wound up we can only assume that since 2001 it cannot have been doing very well.

Ir. Hj Zubir bin Hj Ahmad mentioned in the 15 June 2006 letter is a Director of the company and holds 1,980,000 shares while Rosni binti Rahmat, the other Director, holds 20,000 shares.

The agent who will arrange the financing is named in that letter as Union Financial Services Corporation of Sydney, Australia, and the address is listed as PO Box A2286.

So there is no way of confirming whether this company is just a ‘PO Box’ company or a legitimate fund manager. Considering that we are talking about Malaysia’s funding requirement for the five years until 2010, this makes it very dicey indeed.

This USD50 billion is going to be Malaysia’s lifeline and the whole matter is being handled through:

  • a PO Box in Australia and

  • a private limited company in Malaysia in the process of being wound up.

Two weeks earlier, on 30 May 2006, Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd had written Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a letter offering the USD50 billion and mentioning in that letter that their partner is Union Financial Services Corporation.

The letter was signed by Ir. Hj Zubir bin Hj Ahmad. A person by the name of Roland Bleyer is also mentioned as the President of Union Financial Services Corporation.

Reezal Merican’s 15 June 2006 letter is in response to this letter of 30 May 2006.

(Read page one and page two of the letter here).

Even earlier to that, on 22 February 2006, a company called Project Equity Services Group from Singapore had written to the Prime Minister and the Bank Negara Governor referring to a meeting in Bank Negara on 25 October 2005. The letter mentions all those present in the meeting.

(Read page one and page two of the letter here).

The 22 February 2006 letter mentions that the whole arrangement must be done through Ir. Hj Zubir bin Hj Ahmad, the Managing Director of Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd. It also mentions that this is according to the request by Bank Negara.

Therefore, Bank Negara was the one that stipulated Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd would be fronting for the Malaysian government.

The USD50 billion will have to be paid back within ten years and carries an interest rate of between 2.88% to 3.5%. And it would of course have to be paid back in US Dollars and subject to whatever the exchange rate at that time would be. This means the USD50 billion is exposed to currency fluctuations and exchange risk.

Reading the THREE letters together, it is clear that

  1. Bank Negara has agreed that a private limited company currently in the process of being wound up is to be used as a front to borrow USD50 billion. This company will act as a front for the Malaysian government so that it will NOT be seen that Malaysia is borrowing USD50 billion from overseas.

  2. The whole package was brokered by a Singapore outfit. (This is ) so as NOT to reveal that Singapore is involved, lest fingers start pointing to the prime Minister’s son-in-law, they shall put the whole thing through an Australian PO Box that will front as the ‘partner’ for the Malaysian outfit.

  3. The Malaysian government will NOT officially borrow the money and the borrower will instead be a small mama-papa private limited company called Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd. This will keep the Malaysian government ‘clean’ of any foreign borrowings.

  4. When the Malaysian government announced the RM200 billion RMK9 in Parliament, they did NOT have the money to finance it. However, not wanting it to appear like the country is borrowing interest-bearing US Dollars, plus is subject to currency fluctuations, to finance its development plans, they used a small private limited company as a front, which again used an Australian PO Box company, which in turn is backed by Singapore.
In short, through many layers or levels of front companies and PO Box companies, Singapore is funding Malaysia’s development proudly touted as the Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan or RMK9.

Further information on Asasatu Technology Sdn Bhd is as follows:

Address: No.1, Jalan Arowana 4, Kawasan Perniagaan Arowana, Permatang Pauh, P. Pinang
Poscode: 13500
Tel: 604-3973211, 604-3974211
Fax: 604-3975211

Australian Securities and Investments Commission report on Union Financial Services Corporation (see below)

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Mongolian Woman's Murder: Attempted Cover-up, Miscarriage of Justice, Submarine Scandal and Linkage to DPM Najib

Read here for more and HERE

Excerpts:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"....(The) call for transparency and for widening police investigations into the murder of a Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu, is a stark reminder that all is NOT well with the Malaysian government’s handling of this murder case.

In fact, the standard of transparency and accountability falls so short of that practiced by a democratic country.... perhaps it is to provide shelter to one guilty of murder.

....Altantuya Shaariibuu was a multi-lingual interpreter and translator - Chinese, Russian, English and French - for which she travelled frequently.

Altantuya Shaariibuu was alleged to have been a lover of Abdul Razak Baginda (who is divorced) . ..... whose baby he allegedly fathered.

According to Mongolia's UB Post, DNA-test of Altantua's son was taken in November 2006 by Malaysian police to check on her claim that the child’s father was a Malaysian. Altantuya had claimed she and Baginda had had a relationship and that he was the father of their child. She came to Malaysia to track down Razak to ask him for financial support for the baby’s medical treatment. Read here for more and HERE

The Backdrop to the Murder

Shaaribuu arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Mongolia on Oct. 6, reportedly intent on getting Razak to acknowledge his role as the father of her baby, according to press accounts, and asking for money. Accompanied by her sister and a cousin, Shaaribuu claimed that the baby was the product of a relationship she had with Razak when he visited Mongolia two years ago, telling others in Malaysia that the political analyst was her husband.

According to news reports, Shaaribuu found out where Razak lived, but she never got to see him. Police say she received a phone call to meet him but according to news reports she was pushed into a car and driven away, never to be seen again.

When she did not return to her hotel(Hotel Malaya), the sister and cousin lodged reports with the police, and eventually with the Mongolian honorary consul. Mongolian authorities expressed their concern directly to the government.

Abdul Razak Baginda

Photobucket - Video and Image HostingRazak is a political analyst and a confidante of the Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Defence Najib Tun Razak.Razak travelled extensively and often accompanied Najib in his trips overseas. Razak is NOT a politician but his think tank, the Malaysian Strategic Research Institute, functioned as an international propaganda vehicle for both UMNO and the Malaysian armed forces.

Razak, 46, who became head of the institute when it was set up in 1993, is endowed with charm, a command of language and easy access to power due to his connections with Najib. A prolific writer, he penned a book in praise of the Malaysian Armed Forces, published by them, and numerous other works including “Malaysia and the Islamic World,” a collection of essays he edited with a forward by Najib.

The gravity of Altantuya’s bizarre murder - shot and blown to pieces - looms from its indirect link to Najib.

  1. Two of Najib's bodyguards were charged for killing and Razak Baginda for abetting; and the explosives used were no ordinary explosives, but high power C-4 which was in the exclusive custody of the ministry of defence. Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 30, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, are the Special Operations Officers charged in connection with the case. It leaves the question of how two elite police officers became involved with a Political Analyst with no apparent government authority. Altantuya's body was found in a patch of jungle near the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Shah Alam after she had reportedly been shot twice and torn apart with hand grenades available only to Malaysia’s security forces.

  2. Compounding this gravity was another scandal also indirectly linked to Najib via Razak Baginda, whose company was the dubious recipient of an exorbitant commission paid out in connection with the multi-billion purchase of submarines by the Ministry of Defence (and Najib is the Minister of Defence)

So Najib, who in many ways acts like the de facto leader of the country, has become the ultimate focal point of two explosive scandals, albeit linked to him indirectly.


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The spot where Altantuya was blown up in Puncak Alam, Selangor.

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:

(A) By the police:

  • WHY was Najib NOT queried? (Reuters on Jan 10 quoted a government source saying that no one else had been questioned other than the three accused). The police had NO possible justification NOT to question Najib, as the alleged murderers and the explosives were in his domain.

  • Keep in mind that these bodyguards are from the Special Action Force... and that they had NO apparent motive of their own to annihilate the girl. Razak Baginda was NOT charged for ordering but abetting the murder (he couldn’t have ordered any way since he had no authority over them). So WHO had ordered the bodyguards to abduct the girl while she was attempting to enter Razak’s house and later killed her?

  • Shouldn’t the police find out some answers from Najib (the bodyguards’ immediate boss) as to why and how they( Najib's bodyguards) had embarked on such a violent venture?

  • What inference can we draw when the police failed to act as it should have in regards to Najib?

  • Or WHAT do the police know what the public DON'T ?

  • And WHY have the police been extremely tight-lipped over details of the case, with the Head of CID (Christopher Wan) remaining steadfastly mum?

  • Why has the Inspector General of Police (Musa Hassan) taken the most unprecedented measure of taking personal charge of this investigation?

  • Is it proper for the police to hide crucial facts of the case when the news has been hogging international headlines, casting aspersion on the integrity of the government?

    (B) By the Porsecutor and Judiciary

    Murder is a NON-bailable offence. But Razak was granted bail (without security) on Nov. 23 and again extended on bail on Dec. 14 on the questionable ground of having had bronchitis. The deputy public prosecutor (Salehuddin Saidin) failed to oppose bail.
  • According to Section 388(1) of Malaysia's penal code: "When any person accused of any non-bailable offence is accused or detained without warrant by a police officer or appears or is brought before the court he may be released by the officer in charge of the police district or by the court, but he shall not be so released if there appear reasonable grounds for believing that he has been guilty of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for..."

    His conduct was improper when he ruled out the possible involvement of parties other than the three accused when the investigation is manifestly incomplete and the self-motivation of the killers ostentatiously lacking.

    His overzealous push for such a premature conclusion has thus fanned further speculation on the existence of a real master mind behind the three accused.

    Perhaps what disappoints the public most is the distant date fixed for the hearing - March 10, 2008. The judge’s (K.N.Segara) explanation of first-come-first-serve cuts no ice. For an important case like this, where the integrity of the highest strata of the government is brought into question at home and abroad, the court has every justification to allocate priority, since it serves public interests to have justice served and law and order restored to regain public confidence at the earliest.

    WHAT IS THE LIKELY MURDER MOTIVE?

    The key to any murder case is the motive. This is where we have to bring in the submarines deal scandal.

    ... Altantuya’s apparent part in the scandal may provide an important lead to the motivation of this murder.

    Based on an interview with Altantuya’s father Professor Shaariibuu.... Altantuya had been rendering translation and secretarial services to Razak, interpreting for him in high level meetings and negotiation. She had assisted Razak in the submarines deal.

    The Professor further stated that the main purpose of Altantuya’s recent trip to Malaysia was to demand settlement of the fees due to her.

    Such demand for fees would have been treated as an ordinary affair. (But) there is a dark side to this submarine deal.

  • The Malaysian ministry of defence pays one billion euros (RM 4.5 billion) to the vendor Amaris (French/Spanish JV) for three submarines (including a used one)...... the sales was NOT conducted through competitive tenders.

  • From the transaction, Razak’s company Perimekar receives a commission of 114 million euros (RM 510 million) from Amaris. The commission is a whopping 11% of the sales value.
  • Being the interpreter, Altantuya could have played an important role in sealing the deal.

    And it would not be far fetched to imagine that Altantuya could have been promised a more than generous fee, in addition to privy to information that could not be leaked out without causing grievous damage to others.

    Under such circumstances, Altantuya could be looked upon as an unwelcome and dangerous visitor if there were irreconcilable differences between her and her Malaysian clients, whether these arose from pecuniary conflicts or sexual entanglement as widely rumoured.

    It is obvious that investigations into the murder case cannot be meaningfully pursued without at the same time probing into the submarine deal scandal.

    In this connection, the participation of our docile Anti-Corruption Agency is long overdue.

    The Prime Minister must ensure that the Police and ACA work hand in hand to expeditiously secure a full and fair investigation into the murder case as well as to bring the corrupt to book in the submarine corruption scandal.

    He should further ensure that the judiciary and the attorney general’s chamber be allowed to deliver justice without interference from the Executive.

    Anwar Ibrahim made this statement at a press conference:

    “In my personal experience, the UTK are there to protect the Deputy Prime Minister and they work under our instructions.

    He (Najib) should at least be asked how is it a person assigned to you, to protect you and work under your instructions, can (allegedly) commit such a heinous crime.

    It is vital that whilst those who pulled the trigger are brought to justice, all those who are responsible for directing the killing must be made known. In fact, such persons bear greater responsibility for the crime ."

    SECOND WAVE OF JOHORE FLOOD : MORE THAN 100,000 EVACUATED

    Read here article by Kimberley Lau

    Read here "Why MP Sembrong, Johore Visited Raub, Pahang instead of flooded Johore?"

    Johor has been hit by a second wave of floods in less than a month, continued to worsen on Sunday, driving more people from their homes to relief centres.

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    Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

    As at late evening, a total of 101,680 flood victims from 22,753 families had been evacuated to 338 relief centres in the state -- up from 74,000 the night before.

    To make matters worse, the Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain in Johor, as well as in southern and eastern Pahang, until Monday. Moderate rain is expected in Johor from tomorrow until Wednesday.

    A state of emergency had NOT YET been declared in Johor.

    Health ministry secretary-general Ismail Merican said flood victims now faced the risk of disease, particularly leptospirosis, which is spread via rat, dog and cattle urine. Abdul Ghani Othman, Johor's chief minister, said that two flood evacuees had already died of leptospirosis.


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    In flood situations things get out of control, especially when it comes to water cleanliness," Ismail said.

    Batu Pahat was the worst-affected with 34,462 victims from 7,685 families evacuated to 118 relief centres.

    There is also little sign of the flood situation easing for a while as the water levels continued to rise in eight of the nine affected districts -- north Johor Baru, Muar, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Segamat, Kota Tinggi, Pontian and Mersing.


  • Kluang, the number of evacuees was 16,131,

  • southern Johor Baru (11,183),

  • northern Johor Baru (6,085),

  • Kota Tinggi (12,589),

  • Segamat (4,689),

  • Mersing (6,914),

  • Muar (5,604) and

  • Pontian (4,023).

    Kota Tinggi town was still under 1m of water in certain areas after Sungai Johor overflowed its banks on Friday, cutting off road links between the town to Johor Baru and Mersing. Kota Tinggi was only accessible by boats and helicopters.

    In Kluang, a landslide had occurred at Bandar Tenggara, near Felda Pengelih Timur. The roads impassable to traffic in the district are Jalan Mersing-Kota Tinggi, Mersing-Kluang, Segamat-Labis, Labis-Yong Peng, Labis-Muar, Kluang-Mersing and Kluang-Bandar Tenggara at Sungai Sembrong bridge.

    In Muar, Km29.6 of Jalan Parit Sulong-Bakri and Km70 of Jalan Muar-Labis are not passable to light vehicles.

    However, KTM intercity services in the south have returned to normal since Saturday afternoon.

    In a statement, KTM Bhd said a landslide situation affecting the Kluang-Paloh, Bekok-Paloh, Bukit Timah-Woodlands and Labis-Bekok links has been rectified.

    The resumption of normal service to the south is subject to flood levels and weather conditions in the affected areas, it said.


  • Johor MP Hishamuddin Visits Raub Pahang Instead of His Flooded Johore Constituency

    Read HERE on Gelanggang Minda, Medan Bicara Blog

    by

    Ahmad Zaki Yaman

    Excerpts:

    "..... Berita melaporkan bahawa Hishamuddin Hussein (Member of Parliament for Sembrong, Johore- cum -Education Minister) melawat Raub semalam (Sabtu, 13 Januari 2007).

    Ternyata bagi Hishamuddin, kempen politik di Batu Talam adalah lebih penting daripada memberi perhatian kepada penduduk negeri asalnya -- Johor yang dilanda bencana.

    Mungkin juga Hishamuddin fikir dia adalah orang Pahang kerana pertalian isterinya.

    .... Banjir di Johor baru-baru ini pula bukan kejadian rutin. Belum kita dengar Johor banjir dengan sebegini dahsyat. Penduduk memang tidak bersedia, kecuali di beberapa kawasan rendah berdekatan sungai.

    Namun bukan pula kejadian skala besar ini tidak diramal sama sekali.

    ....Sedari awal perkhidmatan kaji cuaca (Jabatan Meteorologi) telah memberi amaran. Tetapi kerajaan tidak bersedia.

    ... Bilik Gerakan Kebangsaan TIDAK dibuka, pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bencana Alam TIDAK dilantik.

    Malah jentera kerajaan sama sekali tidak digerakkan untuk bersedia menghadapi bencana. (Read here posting Pengurusan bencana yang compang camping dan kabinet tempang).

    .... Mungkin pemimpin BN tidur, pergi melihat bot mewah yang bakal dilayari, memikirkan polis pengiring yang dituduh membunuh, atau seperti Hishamuddin Hussien sibuk melawat Raub tatkala negerinya ditenggelami air.

    Oh ya! Mungkin Abdullah fikir dia masih Menteri Luar, kerana itu dia perlu selalu berada di luar negara, meski ketika negara menghadapi bencana.

    Mungkin juga seluruh kerajaan ini sudah nyanyuk dan tidak tahu apa nak dibuat. ...."

    - Ahmad Zaki Yaman


    Sunday, 14 January 2007

    UPDATE: PETITION AGAINST UNFAIR TOLL HIKE

    SIGNATURES against UNFAIR TOLL HIKE have EXCEEDED 10,500... and still climbing
    CLICK HERE to view on-line signatures...

    Saturday, 13 January 2007

    500,000 or more DEAD Voters on Malaysia's Electoral Rolls

    Says Election Commission Chairman, Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman

    UPDATE: 15th January

    ". .... Wong Chin Huat, who is reading for a PhD at Essex University on the electoral system and its impact on the party system in West Malaysia from 1982 to 2004, said both the electoral system that involved constituency delineation, and the electoral process of nomination, campaigning, media coverage, campaign financing, the electoral roll and polling secrecy, were flawed. 'Such irregularities are well documented by the opposition parties, election watchdogs and academics, but the EC does almost next to nothing,' he said......"
    Read here for more

    Click below:

    ( SALE OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL :The electoral roll is open for sale to the public as provided for under Regulation 28. The roll can be bought from the Operations Division of the Headquarters of the Election Commission as well as from the State Election Offices. )

    Read here article in Sydney Morning Herald

    About half a million of Malaysia's 10 million registered voters are DEAD, according to Election Commission Chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, the country's top election official.

    According to Rashid:


    "When you talk about the dead on the rolls, I admit there are a lot.

    I believe that five per cent of those on the voters' list are dead.

    That's why we are going from village to village to verify the dead."


    He blamed the problem on poor data collection, archaic election laws and bureaucratic red-tape.

    Malaysia, with 26 million people, has some 10.3 million registered voters.

    In one case, a woman voter who died in 1975 at the age of 77 was still listed on the 2006 rolls, local media have reported.

    Rashid also said some 4.5 million Malaysians YET to sign up as voters.

    Two major opposition parties (PAS and Keadilan) said they would boycott an upcoming by-election to be held on Jan 28, because of doubtful voter lists and a lack of transparency in the poll process.

    "The boycott is meant for us to send a clear signal to the government that we are serious about election reforms," said Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) deputy chief Nasharuddin Mat Isa. He said the party found discrepancies in the voters' list for the Batu Talam constituency in Pahang.

    ***
    From Elizabeth Wong's Blog (Read here for more)

    Excerpts:

    "......... No one likes to give BN a walkover. But with the stunning revelation by the Election Commission (EC) Chief on Monday, 8th January, anyone who isn’t in the ruling coalition would hesitate playing in a field filled with landmines.

    .... In the 1999 elections, though I had registered at Bangsar Shopping Centre two years ago, my name was missing in the final electoral rolls. Whereas in 2004, in my constituency of PJ Selatan, there were three (3!) different electoral rolls going around.

    Some people I know found their deceased parents names still on the list. Azmin Ali not only chanced upon his father’s name, but apparently the
    late En. Ali had already voted before his son arrived.

    I once met two ladies, who had retired then from the Ministry of Defence. Over tea and scones, I asked them about the postal votes.


    Apparently, they were in charge of those who were stationed away on voting day, and their section’s task was (to) vote on behalf of them.

    “100% BN?” I asked. “No lah (giggles), we have to make sure there’s some balance. Only 70%.”

    Perhaps the quota’s changed since then.

    And how can we forget the night during the 1999 elections, when the count was completed in the constituency of Pantai and Zainur Zakaria led by more than a thousand votes.

    *Poof*! The lights went out and when it was back on, “oh-look-there’s MORE ballot boxes at the corner”.

    Time and time again, the NGOs have called on the EC to overhaul the entire electoral system.


    There have been more than enough reports and data to support this (see Suaram’s Human Rights Report 1999 and 2004, for starters), but the EC responds by merely throwing its hands in the air.

    ......... some weeks ago, I read Zainah Anwar’s NST column, where she said her friends weren’t planning to vote in the coming General Elections, and by default, was asking others to boycott it.

    Because in reality, we NEVER had a real choice.

    There was NEVER a level-playing field.

    The key word here is credible. Next to credibility, is legitimacy.


    Here, there have been several boycotts in past elections and by-elections, but this time, it appears that the Opposition is intent on forcing the EC to reform.

    If the EC fails to deliver, then our electoral system will be an international embarrassment, not unlike many of the despotic states.

    ...... on Wednesday night, I applauded along with more than a thousand people under the pelting rain, when a voice boomed through the speakers of Kampung Sega,
    We will boycott this by-election - for the future of democracy.”

    -Elizabeth Wong



    ***
    From CUIT SIKIT Blog (Read HERE for more)

    Excerpts:

    "...Saya ingin berbeza pendapat dengan Datuk A Kadir Jasin yang menganggap tindakan Pas dan Keadilan menarik diri sebagai bacul. Bagi saya percaturan Pas kali ini amat tepat dari segi taktikalnya. Read here for more..."

    "Kepada ahli UMNO dan pengundi BN di DUN Batu Talam:

    ......saya adalah ahli UMNO yang percaya bahawa hanya UMNO merupakan tunggak perjuangan orang Melayu, agama Islam dan parti yang berkemampuan memacu kejayaan negara ini. Hanya UMNO yang mempunyai kemampuan untuk memimpin Barisan Nasional yang terdiri daripada parti pelbagai kaum, agama, bangsa dan kepercayaan.

    .... pilihan raya kecil DUN Batu Talam ini boleh menjadi satu amaran jelas kepada para pemimpin UMNO terutamanya Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang semakin bongkak dan rakus.

    Sekiranya kita ahli dan penyokong UMNO serta pengundi Barisan Nasional percaya bahawa UMNO dan kerajaan hari ini sudah menyimpang dari mandat-mandat 2004, maka kita perlu memberi pengajaran kepada pucuk pimpinan dalam pilihan raya kecil ini.

    Sekiranya kita percaya perlakuan-perlakuan Presiden UMNO dan ahli keluarganya tidak bertanggungjawab dan bakal merosakkan UMNO, BN dan Negara,
    maka menjadi kewajipan kita untuk mengalah BN dalam pilihan raya kali kecil ini.

    Jika kita berpendapat tindakan-tindakan kerajaan hari ini bukan sahaja merosakan Proton, Utusan Malaysia tetapi juga tunduk kepada syarikat-syarikat besar Singapura,
    maka inilah pentas terbaik untuk memberi isyarat kepada pucuk pimpinan.

    Perlakuan-perlakuan para menteri dan Datuk Seri Abdullah terhadap Tun Dr. Mahathir bukan sahaja tidak wajar malah sukar diterima akal. Maka sudah tiba masanya kita ahli UMNO, penyokong UMNO dan pengundi BN
    menyatakan protes secara jelas kepada Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

    Ini bukan isu UMNO. Ini bukan isu Timbalan Presiden UMNO. Ini bukan isu Menteri Besar Pahang, mahu pun isu parti pemerintah lawan pembangkang.


    Isu di sini ialah tindak-tanduk dan tingkah laku YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dan menantu beliau sudah sukar diterima oleh rakyat termasuk bekas Perdana Menteri YBhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

    Apakah kita mahukan UMNO dan BN yang memimpin atau anak menantu Abdullah yang menguasai kerajaan?


    Hari ini Abdullah sudah menjadi bongkak dan takbur.

    Bukan sahaja beliau mengarahkan diperang habis-habisan Tun Dr. mahathir, malah setiap teguran atau pandangan orang ramai dijawab dengan ungkapan bahawa beliau mendapat mandat terbesar pada 2004.

    Keputusan pilihan raya ini tidak mengubah kekuatan BN Pahang.


    Inilah sahaja cara kita memastikan maruah UMNO tidak tercela dan Pak Lah mendapat mesej yang jelas! ...."