Tuesday, September 10, 2024

‘I’ve never seen the depth of moral corruption’: controversial Netanyahu doc screens at Toronto

 

Guardian:


‘I’ve never seen the depth of moral corruption’: controversial Netanyahu doc screens at Toronto

Despite a legal attempt to stop it, documentary The Bibi Files, which shows leaked interrogation footage of the Israeli prime minister, made its debut at the festival




A still from The Bibi Files. Photograph: Ziv Koren

Audiences got a look at Benjamin Netanyahu’s leaked police interrogation videos for the first time at last night’s world premiere of The Bibi Files. The urgent and incendiary documentary played at the Toronto film festival despite the Israeli prime minister’s attempts to block its screening.

Israeli courts rejected Netanyahu’s request before the film – in which he is seen furiously denying allegations of bribery and corruption – was unveiled to a tense and vocal audience, many of whom were carrying signs reading “Bring Them Home” and “Deal Now”, referring to hostages held in Gaza.

The film, directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Alex Gibney, builds a rigorous and damning case, posing an argument close observers may already be familiar with: Netanyahu is prolonging the devastating war in Gaza – which has amassed more than 40,000 casualties – to avoid possible prison time stemming from corruption charges. A humanitarian crisis flouting international law is all about his self-preservation.

According to the documentary – which Bloom began working on before 7 October, when a source provided Gibney with the leaked videos – Netanyahu’s lawyer filed a motion to delay the trial currently scheduled for December. The lawyer cites the ongoing war as the reason.

“I’ve never seen the depth of moral corruption as I’ve seen in this man,” Gibney, the director of Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, told the audience following the screening. A member of what appeared to be a largely pro-Israel audience policed Gibney’s language, interrupting the producer to clarify that Netanyahu had not yet been found guilty. The attempts at seizing control of the narrative, both on screen and off, didn’t end there.

The interrogation videos shown in the film were recorded by police between 2016 and 2018 before they formally brought charges of corruption against Netanyahu. The footage includes the prime minister addressing allegations that he and his wife accepted expensive champagne, Cuban cigars and jewelry from the Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Netanyahu is heard minimizing the champagne and cigars as simply gifts from a friend, while denying knowledge of the jewelry.

Several witnesses who worked for Milchan and Netanyahu are also shown speaking to police. They paint a picture of regular gifts expected by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, in exchange for favours. One such favour includes a marginal tax break extension that benefited Milchan. Netanyahu argues his unusual interference regarding the tax break was for the good of the state, not Milchan. Meanwhile, the LA Confidential producer corroborated much of the witness testimony, though, in one excerpt, he gently asks police not to use the word “bribery” because it would make him look bad.

Netanyahu is also seen vehemently denying allegations that he signed off on regulations favouring the Israeli media mogul Shaul Elovitch. The prime minister repeatedly and dramatically calls one of his top aides, Nir Hefetz, a liar for saying so. Other witnesses argue Elovitch paid back the alleged generosity by allowing Netanyahu to directly influence coverage of his family on the popular website Walla.

The incriminating evidence in the interrogation videos have already been leaked and reported on by Israeli media. But the videos will never be shown to the public (at least legally) in that country. According to Gibney, Israeli law grants privacy to subjects who have been photographed in official proceedings, which would make publication of the footage illegal. “It’s a peculiar law to Israel [that] doesn’t affect the rest of the world,” Gibney said.

 Photograph: מוסף שבועי/Toronto film festival


He explained that they brought The Bibi Files to Toronto, as a work-in-progress, because it urgently needed to be seen while the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. But also because they are seeking distribution partners at the festival’s market, hoping to get the film released as quickly as possible for the world to see.

Though the documentary doesn’t reveal new information, Gibney explains that for an audience familiar with Netanyahu’s carefully stage-managed speeches, watching his agitation under interrogation, where his performance begins to crack, is illuminating. At various points when police officers confront him with incriminating testimony from his peers, Netanyahu raises fists and repeatedly slams his hand against his desk as if the banging will silence the accusations.

“Even in the interrogation videos, you see performances,” says Gibney. “But you see performances that are not as finely tuned; that are performed for an audience of three people; that he doesn’t think is going to get out of the room.”

The Bibi Files contextualizes the interrogation videos with a portrait of Netanyahu, whose career is built on stoking fear and promising security, and whose personal life is largely in service of his wife Sara’s turbulent moods and expensive lifestyle. Sara Netanyahu’s erratic testimonies and outbursts during testimony are also included in the footage.

Insiders like the Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker, former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon, a childhood friend and more are on hand as talking heads. They connect the dots and reveal the long-running pattern of Netanyahu serving his own interests while clinging to power – from deliberate ploys to sabotage an alliance between the West Bank and Gaza by enabling Hamas, to his alliance with the violent far right and attempted overhaul of the supreme court to save himself from prosecution.

Bloom expressed disappointment after the screening that more people didn’t speak up on the record. She said she interviewed former chiefs of staff, heads of Shin Bet and others in senior positions under Netanyahu who would speak to her for hours about his lies and corruption. One of them compared his regime to the Netflix series House of Cards. “One said to me, ‘Well, you know, I might go into politics myself one day,’” Bloom recalled. “‘So I have to be careful.’”

The atmosphere at the premiere, which was announced just days before the festival began, was more anxious than usual. Added security, including a police canine unit, were at the scene. While the screening itself went off without a hitch, many in the audience appeared agitated during the post-screening conversation between Bloom, Gibney and Tiff’s documentary programmer, Thom Powers. Some yelled out for their turn to have a say, prompting Powers to call for some order and avoid overt statements.

Following the conversation, a visibly nervous Bloom was surrounded by a crowd and accosted by an audience member who claimed that she included “a bunch of lies” in the film. He was referring to the report that more than 40,000 people have been killed by Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

“You don’t know that,” he said before asking, accusingly, “Are you trusting Hamas?”

“I think they’re corroborated,” Bloom gently responded.

“You are putting a false narrative out there,” he warned.

  • The Bibi Files is screening at the Toronto film festival and is seeking distribution

Raub durian farmers claim Pahang state gov’t burnt their homes






Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) said the fires were lit in an unlicensed durian farm in Sg Klau, Raub, where planters are currently in a court dispute with the state which wants to evict them from land they have long cultivated. The farmers have also applied for land titles and leases but have not obtained them. — Pic courtesy of Samka, September 10, 2024


Raub durian farmers claim Pahang state gov’t burnt their homes


Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) representing planters suspects the alleged arson is aimed at forcing them to sign ‘unfair contracts’ with a state-linked durian company


Scoop Reporters
10 September, 2024
4:37 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – A group of unlicensed Raub durian planters have demanded the Pahang government explain the alleged burning of farmers’ houses yesterday by a state enforcement unit.


The Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) urged the state administration, led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, to clarify if it was responsible for committing the “inhuman act of power abuse intended to intimidate farmers”.

In a statement today, Samka president Wilson Chang said that farmers and workers had witnessed several four-wheel drive vehicles entering an unlicensed durian farm in Sg Klau, Raub, following which thick smoke started billowing from houses there.

The houses, used to accommodate workers and store tools, were razed to the ground, Chang said.

“Why is the state government being so cruel? Are the farmers terrorists? These are farmers who have been cultivating the land for generations, the very people responsible for Musang King’s international success.

“Instead of celebrating them, the state government chooses to persecute them, which is outrageous,” he said.

He said these “extreme measures” will not convince farmers into signing “unfair contracts” with Royal Pahang Durian Group, a joint venture formed between a private company and the Pahang state government in 2020 aimed at regulating durian farming in the area.

“Farmers will only become more determined to refuse any collaboration with these consortiums,” Chang added.

On September 7, SAMKA held a rally in Raub, Pahang, to highlight the challenges faced by durian farmers there, calling on authorities to lease land to the local farmers who have played a role in tending the renowned Musang King durian for decades now.

The group had reportedly sought a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address claims of oppression by the Pahang administration, which is said to have impacted over a thousand farmers.

Present at the event was Raub MP Chow Yu Hui, who pointed out that the farmers’ long-standing efforts to secure land titles and equitable leases from the state government have yet to achieve success.

On April 24, the Kuantan High Court had dismissed a judicial review application brought by SAMKA aiming to challenge the eviction notices issued by Pahang authorities against them.

Justice Mohd Radzi Harun ruled that the state government’s decisions were not tainted by illegality, irrationality or made in bad faith, adding that there was no impropriety or unreasonableness during the decision-making process when the notices were issued.

The 186 planters had initiated the legal proceeding against the state government for issuing eviction notices for framers occupying lands in the Sg Chalit, Sg Klau, Sg Ruan, Tranum, Tras and the Gunung Benom Forest Reserve areas.

The applicants also challenged the state government’s decision to award a lease and rights to use 2,167.9ha of land in Raub to the Royal Pahang Durian Group for 30 years and an additional 30 years, as well as making it mandatory for the planters to sell durians to the company.

However, the farmers hold that the contract offered by the company is unfair to them and does not treat farmers as equal partners

The high court had ordered the farmers to pay costs amounting to RM600,000. The farmers are appealing the judgement. — September 10, 2024


***


kt comments:

Of course the Pahang govt has the legal right to impose its will upon the land especially so when the farmers have no title nor TOL, given the latter's futile efforts to obtain any, despite being encouraged to cultivate the land by the Government in its Green Book during Emergency Times.

But the Pahang govt has been extremely cruel in razing down the farmers' abode in the field, lacking grace, compassion and appreciation of the farmers' contribution and effort towards cultivating the land (with Government encouragement) with productive MSK durians.

Now that the farmers' 'blood, toil, tears & sweat' are about to pay off, the state Big Shots & officers with 'rental' mentality have moved in to 'no doubt legally' but immorally (and feudalistically) exploit the 'blood, toil, tears & sweat' of the peasant-farmers. Disgusting!


Kok mulls legal action against Akmal for ‘old Nyonya’, ‘non-halal sticker on forehead’ remarks






Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh (centre) in a TikTok video said the government should “print a non-halal logo and stick it on this old nyonya’s forehead”, in reference to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after she urged for a review of a proposal for mandatory halal certification for food business including those that do not serve pork or alcohol. — Riduan Rizal Ahmad/Scoop file pic, September 10, 2024


Kok mulls legal action against Akmal for ‘old Nyonya’, ‘non-halal sticker on forehead’ remarks


Seputeh MP has sought legal advice on attack by Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh who told her not to comment on Islamic matters as a non-Muslim.



Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
10 September, 2024
2:29 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok will consider legal action against Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh for making disparaging remarks in relation to her request for a review on a halal certification proposal.


Kok, who is also Seputeh MP, said she has obtained legal advice from her lawyers and will decide on the matter at a later date.

She told reporters this after giving her statement at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here to facilitate a probe into her remarks objecting to the Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) proposal for mandatory halal certification for restaurants and food businesses, including those which do not serve pork or alcohol.

Akmal, who is Merlimau assemblyman, had criticised Kok for voicing out on the issue and called her an “old nyonya” whom he claimed embarrassed the country by threatening national harmony.

He also said that Kok, a five-time elected lawmaker, should stay quiet instead of speaking on Islamic matters as she is a non-Muslim.

“I would like to ask the government to print a ‘non-halal’ logo (and) stick it on this old nyonya’s forehead,” Akmal said in a TikTok video last week.

Kok reiterated to the media today that she is not opposing the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the government’s efforts to promote halal certification, highlighting how she has often upheld the department’s standards for the certification as being “one of the highest in the world”.

“I am not questioning our halal certification, Jakim or disrespecting Islamic rights…I have a responsibility to voice the concerns of our multiracial people,” she said.

The police investigation into Kok’s remarks are being conducted under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.

Section 298 pertains to wounding the religious feelings of others, while Section 505 pertains to statements conducing to mischief. Section 233 of the CMA is on improper use of network facilities.

At a press conference on September 5, religious affairs minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had raised the proposal for mandatory halal certification for restaurants and food business, including those that do not serve pork and alcohol.

Currently, obtaining halal certification is a business choice as there are no laws requiring food operators to do so.

In her initial response to Na’im, Kok had said making halal certification compulsory could be a potential added burden to businesses, besides impeding consumers’ freedom of choice, besides being “contrary to the spirit of cultural diversity in the country”.

She also said smaller businesses, including “thousands of Malay small restaurant entrepreneurs” would find it burdensome as the requirement would increase their administrative costs.

Others who had slammed her remarks include Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who urged Kok to retract her statements and accused the five-time MP of touching on 3R sensitivities. – September 10, 2024


***






Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh menyatakan beliau tidak gentar untuk bertemu Teresa Kok di mahkamah. - Gambar fail Scoop, 10 September, 2024


‘Silakan…kita jumpa di mahkamah’ Akmal jawab Teresa


Dr Akmal mengalu-alukan sebarang tindakan oleh Teresa yang juga Naib Pengerusi DAP dan bersedia bertemu di mahkamah


Irwan Shafrizan Ismail
10 September, 2024
8:06 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – Ketua Pemuda Umno, Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh tidak gentar seandainya Ahli Parlimen Seputeh, Teresa Kok mahu mengambil tindakan undang-undang terhadapnya berikutan panggilan ‘nyonya tua’ susulan isu pensijilan halal.


Malah beliau mengalu-alukan sebarang tindakan oleh Teresa yang juga Naib Pengerusi DAP dan bersedia bertemu di mahkamah.

“Silakan..kita jumpa di mahkamah,” katanya ringkas kepada Scoop hari ini.

Akmal turut memuat video dalam facebooknya berhubung isu itu dan menyatakan beliau tidak takut dan bersedia ke mahkamah.

[...]


From halal toilet set to more Muslims opposing JAKIM’s proposed halal accreditation on F&B operators


Focus Malaysia:

From halal toilet set to more Muslims opposing JAKIM’s proposed halal accreditation on F&B operators




WITH Malaysians capable of pulling stunts like halal/Muslims-only laundromat, it might not be a prank after all that there could be such thing as halal toilet set in the marketplace.

Sadly, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) which is embroiled in the mulling of making halal certification mandatory for pork/alcohol-free eateries has been made protagonist behind the halal-certified toilet set idea if there is any truth in a chat which has been widely forwarded among WhatsApp groups.

“Got this from WAG (WhatsApp group). If this is real … I dunno what to say larrr… …” remarked a stunned human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim who shared the WhatsApp text in her Facebook page to the exhilaration of her followers who are torn in between believing and dismissing the text as “fake news”.

Got this from WAG. If this is real... I donno what to say larrr... ðŸ™„🙃



Editor’s Note: A screenshot of the WhatsApp text which has been widely shared just in case Facebook deleted Siti Kasim’s post



While it is lauded that government agencies proactively seek ways to commercialise their roles/functions, going to the extent of sanctioning toilet apparatuses with halal-certification, if indeed true as alleged, is surely a step too far which could undoubtedly smear JAKIM’s credibility/reputation more than anything else.

Whatever the case is, more Muslims have come forward to oppose the proposal by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Na’im Mokhtar to make halal certification mandatory for all food & beverage (F&B) outlets that do not deal with pork or alcohol.


Teresa Kok gets vindicated?

Leading the pack is ex-restaurateur-turned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aide (political secretary) Datuk Azman Abidin who contended that the process of obtaining such certification is far from simple.

“It is expensive and there are stringent requirements,” Malaysiakini quoted him as saying. “This is why many restaurant operators and companies, including those owned by Malays, are not interested in getting the certificate despite selling halal food.”



Azman also pointed out that there is a difference between halal certification and serving halal food. “As a former restaurateur, I’ve a better understanding of this. So, I am asking the opposition and all politicians to stop making this into a political issue,” justified the PKR Federal Territory chairman.

“… some are attempting to politicise the issue by linking it to race and religion. In actual fact, the minister made a proposal and the Seputeh MP (Teresa Kok) provided her views.”

For the record, Kok who is also the DAP vice-chairman Kok has been under fire by both the opposition and UMNO Youth leader Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh leading to her being subject to 3R (race, religion, royalty) investigation by the police following police reports lodged by PAS Youth.

Aside from Azman, former PKR Kangar MP Noor Amin Ahmad also stressed that both halal-ness and halal certificate requirement are two different matters.

“If we consider the halal certificate to be a religious matter and non-Muslims should not interfere, then all Muslim traders should be required to have a halal certificate instead of non-Muslim food operators,” he penned on the X platform.


Kita tak perlu menangguk di air yang keruh. Halal dan sijil halal adalah dua perkara berbeza. Jika kita anggap sijil halal adalah perkara agama dan orang bukan muslim tidak patut masuk campur, maka yang patut diwajibkan ada sijil halal ialah semua peniaga muslim. Bukan… Show more
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“Try to make it mandatory. Don’t be surprised if hundreds of thousands of Malay-Muslim small traders rise up against you.”

Political analyst and social media influencer Liyana Marzuki subtly backed six-term DAP lawmaker Kok with the following analogy:

Imagine that your son does business in Singapore. Then suddenly the authorities make it compulsory for all restaurants to obtain certification to sell food-based om the Buddhist/Christian principles. Would you quietly abide or would you oppose such move? – Sept 10, 2024


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Main image credit: Halal Media Japan