Tuesday, December 24, 2024

What will happen to the 'sick man' of Asia?










Mariam Mokhtar
Published: Dec 20, 2024 3:41 PM


COMMENT | Malaysia, a once much-respected nation in Asia, is a shadow of its former self. He is the “sick man” of Asia. He is terminally ill. The nation has been brought to its knees, and the rakyat is powerless to act against the daily onslaught of corruption, injustice, power-grabbing, lies and abuse of power.

Within the last three months, many broken promises have come to define Anwar Ibrahim's two years in office, but there is only one word that best describes his leadership - "betrayal".

The country is desperate to move forward, to implement the much-needed reforms, but we are held back by the prime minister's intransigence. A few may claim it's Anwar's clever political tai chi; we recognise it as his selfish, self-serving agenda.

Some Malaysians are petrified of the “Green Wave”. They will close one, or even both eyes, to accommodate the cack-handed way Anwar handles the Madani administration. Anwar is doing PAS a favour.

Anwar is aware of his unpopularity. So does the DAP, the party which once championed the causes of the oppressed and the marginalised. It feels trapped. Meanwhile, the high-ups in Umno-Baru are rubbing their hands with glee, knowing they are a stepping stone away from reclaiming absolute power.

In November, there was a hint of nepotism with questions being raised about Anwar's daughter's travel arrangements to South America, at the same time Anwar attended the 31st Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Peru.

Earlier that month, the FT Mufti Bill was drafted. This unnecessary bill was seen as another means of control, of the Malay population. It is unconstitutional. It gives muftis and civil servants the power to manipulate our lives. If the bill is passed, our moderate Muslim nation will transition from a democratic to an authoritarian regime.

In late October, Anwar quietly sneaked into the National Budget speech, a mention about giving people "second chances" in life and that his government would draft a new law to allow for home detention as an alternative (punishment) for selected offences. Did he think we were that stupid? He was probably laying the foundation work for Najib Abdul Razak's house arrest.

The appointment of Musa Aman as Sabah governor was a new low. Corrupt politicians escape scot-free because “political donations” are a euphemism for corruption.

Anwar Ibrahim (left) and Musa Aman


Musa's return to power was followed a few days later, by the acquittal of the former self-styled first lady of Malaysia, Rosmah Mansor. Soon, it will probably be the convicted felon, Najib’s turn. Over two decades of highlighting Scorpene, Altantuya Shaarriibuu and 1MDB will have come to nought.

Who knows, perhaps she might have a go at the premiership. That would be interesting. Moreover, she has had years of experience of “handling” Najib. She is more capable, she gets results and she is ruthless.

Not blameless

Anwar may claim that he had nothing to do with these high-profile happenings but isn't he the man who advises the king, and who appoints the attorney-general? He is not as blameless as he would like us to think.

Anwar claims to be a leader of a multicultural nation, but his leadership is both clumsy and awkward. He will woo a Malay crowd by telling them one thing and to a mixed Malaysian audience, will present a more sanitised version of what the Malay crowd was told.

When he is overseas, it is highly embarrassing to watch him thickly lay on the charm, to his international audience.

The smattering of Arabic phrases has a hypnotic effect on the Malay/Muslim masses, that he may as well be their second messiah.

The few lines of philosophy, Noah Chomsky and William Shakespeare thrown in for good measure in his speeches mesmerise an audience who is not familiar with his talks. After two, or three deliveries, they realise that there is nothing special about his crafted speeches.



Anwar has an incredible obsession with jet-setting around the world and has accumulated more air miles than the former tourism minister Ng Yen Yen.

Since becoming prime minister, many of us have lost count of the number of countries he has visited. Some once, others twice, and a few, probably three times. What is the percentage of time he spent abroad, during his two-year tenure?

Don't be fooled by his “I'm not working for money, I'm not paid any wages” lark. If he were just plain Tuan Anwar forking out his own money for his travel, then we can excuse his personal indulgence. As prime minister, this passion for travel is troubling.

How many hundreds of millions of ringgits of taxpayer's money has he spent on the government jet and his extensive entourage? Malaysian prime ministers never travel with just one aide.

The tripe about not being paid a salary is to distract you. Whilst in power, he will see as much of the world as possible and receive the red-carpet treatment at the same time. After all, we subsidise his travel.

Anwar needs to return home, to tackle many issues that are piling up in his backyard. Instead, he tries to be a champion of the Middle East and poke his nose in places where it is not wanted.

Promised reforms

Perhaps his most treacherous act is reneging on the promised reforms.

Everyone wants a piece of this besieged country. Despite their denials, the Islamists, including Anwar, want to turn it into an Islamic nation. Nepotism and cronyism play havoc in the corridors of power in Putrajaya. Corrupt leaders are reinstated with increased powers.



Some manufacturers/exporters are pleased with the economy because increasing export orders made them millionaires overnight. Not so the working class, who struggle and whose livelihoods are threatened by the import of cheap migrant labour. It is a manufacturer's paradise.

Freedom of speech is curtailed and is worse now, than during Najib's era.

Trolls help to prop up the Madani administration by constantly attacking Anwar's critics. Some of Anwar's admirers blame his critics for his increasing unpopularity. Actually, Anwar does not need any help, as he is doing a great job by himself.

Anwar's days are numbered, but we hardly hear about a succession plan. He appears to have more in common with his adversary, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Both refuse to relinquish power to the younger set.

Young politicians like Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman pose a threat to Anwar's leadership and so little effort is spared to help free him. Syed Saddiq was naive and was “punished” because he refused to kowtow to one former PM.

You may not realise it, but in the shadows lie a few good men and women, who are younger and not stuck in a rut like the old guard. They are more than capable of leading the nation along secular lines.

They will emerge. So, give democracy and good governance a chance because we are not receiving either under this Unity government.



MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.


Did Yemen’s Ansurullah Shoot Down a U.S. Navy F-18F Fighter? Assessing Conflicting Claims


Military Watch: 


Did Yemen’s Ansurullah Shoot Down a U.S. Navy F-18F Fighter? Assessing Conflicting Claims

Middle East , Aircraft and Anti-Aircraft


During an intensified series of clashes between the Yemeni Ansurullah Coalition and U.S., British and Israeli forces, a U.S. Navy F-18F Super Hornet fighter was reported to have been shot down. Ansurullah Coalition forces claimed responsibility for shooting down the fighter, with military spokesman Yahya Saree stating: “Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and several of its accompanying destroyers were targeted as the aggressive attack on Yemen began last night.” This operation “was carried out using eight cruise missiles and 17 drones, resulting in the downing of an F-18 fighter jet while the destroyers attempted to intercept the Yemeni drones and missiles." The U.S. Central Command, by contrast, asserted that the cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down the F-18 while it was taking off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. The Ansurullah Coalition has been engaged in ongoing hostilities with the United States Armed Forces and several of its Western allies for over a year, with U.S. officials having expressed considerable amazement at its military capabilities in the past. 

Yemeni Ansurullah Coalition Forces on Parade
Yemeni Ansurullah Coalition Forces on Parade

Conflicting claims between the two opposing sides have fuelled considerable speculation as to the circumstances of the shootdown of the F-18. Historically it has been far from uncommon for the United States and other countries with significant combat aviation industries to attribute combat losses of their aircraft to friendly fire or malfunctions for reputational reasons. Should Yemeni claims regarding a shootdown be correct, therefore, it would be far from unexpected that the U.S. Navy would seek to downplay its adversary’s success, and limit the resulting public relations fallout, by claiming it was a result of friendly fire. The fact that the Ansurullah Coalition has a negligible fighter fleet, and would be highly unlikely to deploy its fighters so close to an American carrier, raises questions regarding the possibility of the F-18F having been mistaken for an enemy aircraft. The fact that the Ansurullah Coalition has demonstrated advanced anti-aircraft capabilities in the past, including, with the downing of over ten MQ-9 Reaper drones during hostilities with U.S. forces, indicates that their claim to have shot down an F-18 may be credible. The coalition has achieved confirmed shootdowns of similarly advanced fighters in the past, including Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA aircraft. 

The U.S., Israel and other Western Bloc states are expected to further intensify military operations in Yemen, as following the defeat of the Syrian government on December 8 it remains the only state in the Arab Middle East outside the Western sphere of influence.


U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornet in Muwaffaq SaltiAirbase, Jordan

U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornet in Muwaffaq SaltiAirbase, Jordan


Transport Minister Anthony Loke vows action after seven die in North-South Expressway tragedy near Ayer Keroh toll plaza





Transport Minister Anthony Loke vows action after seven die in North-South Expressway tragedy near Ayer Keroh toll plaza



The scene of the collision, which occurred at Kilometre 204 of the northbound North-South Expressway, near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area (R&R) December 23, 2024. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 24 Dec 2024 2:44 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — In the wake of a devastating road accident that claimed seven lives on the North-South Expressway near the Ayer Keroh toll plaza last night, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

In a statement, Loke extended his heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, stating, “I express my condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic accident yesterday.”


He also said that an initial investigation revealed that the deadly crash was triggered by a detached tyre from a trailer truck, which caused a tourist bus to swerve. The bus then collided with three oncoming vehicles, resulting in the fatalities and numerous injuries.

“I have instructed the Director of the JPJ Enforcement Division to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and take appropriate follow-up actions against the trailer truck company and the bus involved,” Loke added.


The minister also reassured the public that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would continue to enforce strict and coordinated measures against heavy commercial vehicles to ensure safety standards are upheld.


“We are committed to guaranteeing the safety of all road users,” he said.

Seven people were killed and 33 others injured in the collision, which occurred at Kilometre 204 of the northbound North-South Expressway, near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area (R&R) last night.

The crash involved a tour bus carrying 27 passengers, a trailer, and a Toyota Estima MPV.

The fatalities included three men, three women, and a baby girl.

The victims’ bodies were sent to Melaka Hospital, and the injured were taken to various hospitals.

The incident caused traffic congestion of over 10 kilometres in both directions.


Case of Cat Serial-Killer revisited

FMT:

 

Cops open fresh probe into

dead cats on UM campus

-

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa says statements from those involved will be taken on Thursday.

2
Shares
Total Views: 14
Free Malaysia Today
Independent animal rescuer Shima Aris yesterday said the veterinary services department, police and Universiti Malaya should investigate further the discovery of the dead cats on campus grounds.

PETALING JAYA
Police have launched a new investigation into the death of several cats at the Universiti Malaya (UM) campus here following an independent rescuer’s call for a fresh probe into the case.

In a statement, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said the investigation paper opened is in connection with the dead cats and remarks made by Shima Aris.

“Statements from the parties involved will be recorded on Thursday,” he said, without elaborating who will be summoned.

Yesterday, Shima disputed the police’s findings on the dead cats found on the university’s grounds and stressed the importance of the veterinary services department (DVS), police and UM to probe the matter further and inform the public of their findings.

Police had previously said the dead cats were likely attacked by a pack of stray dogs.

Rusdi said police reached the conclusion after reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the surrounding areas, while DVS had also confirmed that the injuries found on the cats were caused by wild animals.

Shima, however, said that a post-mortem carried out by a private clinic on one of the carcasses found lesions that were “highly likely” caused by sharp objects.

The legs of the cat, which she named Lily, also appeared to have been severed.

Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan also questioned whether DVS had conducted post-mortems on the dead cats and criticised the police for classifying the cases as “no further action”.

Rajesh said the cats could have been dismembered by a “psychopath” and called for the maximum punishment under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to be imposed on the offender, if arrested and convicted.

Two dead cats were found at UM’s Faculty of Business and Economics on Dec 12 and 16, leading to the lodging of a report by the UM Student Union on Dec 17.

Another report, filed on Dec 20, involved the deaths of four cats in different locations on the campus.