Don’t act so smart, Anwar chides lobster-loving Speaker

theVibes.com:

Don’t act so smart, Anwar chides Art Harun after Istana reiterates stance on Parliament

Opposition leader warns govt and its backers that king has called for House to resume soonest

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the government appears to be stalling parliamentary sittings despite repeated calls by the royal institution to convene as soon as possible. – The Vibes file pic, June 29, 2021

KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded the Dewan Rakyat speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun that he was not the only one well-versed in the rules and procedures of the house.

Anwar, in a video statement, said parliamentary rules have been used to delay sittings.

He added that the government appears to be stalling parliamentary sittings despite repeated calls by the royal institution to convene as soon as possible.

Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said the latest statement issued by the palace today after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong granted an audience with the speaker and deputy speakers of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, had called for Parliament to convene soon to debate the proclamation of emergency and its ordinances.

“The speaker should not act so smart as though he knows the rules and others don’t. He is still new to the parliament,” said Anwar.

Speaker's favourite lunch

“The rules allow him to determine under certain circumstances to expedite the parliamentary sittings with the approval of the prime minister.”

He said this in a video posted on his official Facebook page this afternoon. The video was posted to discuss the contents of the statement issued by the palace after the meetings today.

After concluding a meeting with the speakers and their deputies, the Agong reiterated his stand for the government to convene Parliament as soon as possible.

In a statement by Istana Negara today, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the sitting needs to reconvene according to the guidelines and Covid-19 standard operating procedures set by the government and Parliament.

“This is so that the proclamation of emergency and emergency ordinances can be debated in Parliament, as stated in Article 150(3) of the federal constitution.

“Besides that, His Majesty has expressed his views that all the select committees of the 14th Parliament should continue to resume meetings for the implementation to act as a check and balance mechanism,” said Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin.

Anwar said the government should take heed of the Agong’s advice, which had repeatedly been made in recent weeks.

“The ministers should not go overboard and be arrogant, conceited, and insolent by carrying the theory that August, September, and others (months for Parliament to be held),” he said.

“Because (to hold Parliament) ‘secepat mungkin’ (as soon as possible), for those who understand Bahasa Melayu, means it should be held at once in accordance to guidelines and procedures.” – The Vibes, June 29, 2021

Didn't an Indon sweetie say we were worse than them?

MM Online:

Red Cross: Indonesia’s Covid-19 situation nears ‘catastrophe’

Gravediggers wearing personal protective equipment burry a coffin of a coronavirus disease victim, at the burial area provided by the government for Covid-19 victims, in Jakarta June 28, 2021. — Reuters pic

JAKARTA, June 29 — Indonesia’s Covid-19 surge is on the edge of a “catastrophe” as the more infectious Delta variant dominates transmission and chokes hospitals in Southeast Asia’s worst epidemic, the Red Cross said today.

Indonesia has reported record daily Covid-19 infections of more than 20,000 in recent days, in a new wave of infections fuelled by the emergence of highly transmissible virus variants and increased mobility after the Muslim fasting month.

“Every day we are seeing this Delta variant driving Indonesia closer to the edge of a Covid-19 catastrophe,” said Jan Gelfand, head of the Indonesian delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), urging better vaccine access globally.

Hospitals in several designated “red zone” areas have reported overcapacity, including the capital Jakarta, with its isolation beds 93 per cent occupied as of Sunday.

“Hospitals are full because of the case surge caused by mobility and loosening health protocol adherence, worsened also by the Delta variant,” said senior health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi, when asked about the IFRC’s assessment.

The Delta variant was first identified in India and has been blamed for big spikes in infections in many countries.

Indonesia is banking on mass vaccinations as a means of tackling the virus, but only 13.3 million of the 181.5 million targeted for inoculation have received the required two doses since January.

Indonesia’s health minister is leading a push for stricter controls as infections surge to unprecedented levels, sources familiar with government discussions have told Reuters.

Citing unnamed sources, The Straits Times newspaper today reported the government will tighten restrictions starting tomorrow, prohibiting restaurant dining and requiring negative polymerase chain reaction tests for domestic air travel.

Asked for confirmation of that, Nadia of the health ministry said: “Wait for the official announcement.” — Reuters

Reconvene Parliament or face a ‘red card’, says Najib

Reconvene Parliament or face a ‘red card’, says Najib

Former Umno president Najib Razak, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and DAP’s Fong Kui Lim all feel that there is no need for any more delay in reconvening Parliament.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Najib Razak has warned the government that it will be looking at a red card unless it reconvenes Parliament promptly, as MPs from both sides piled on the pressure to have a Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Commenting on a reminder by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah earlier today, who reiterated his stand that Parliament needs to reconvene as soon as possible, Najib said a sitting would allow the emergency ordinances gazetted by the government over the past few months to be debated, voted and approved.

“How many yellow cards have there been?” he asked in a post on his Facebook page.

“Don’t let the red card come out,” he said, using a football analogy.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim pointed out that this was the third time the King has put forward his stance regarding the sitting of Parliament.

“I hope there will be no more excuses and other interpretations from the minister. Stop fooling the rakyat,” said the PKR president on Facebook.

Although Anwar did not mention who he was referring to, he likely meant law minister Takiyuddin Hassan who has said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong did not set a firm date when he decreed on June 16 that Parliament should reconvene as soon as possible. The PAS secretary-general is being investigated by police for that statement.

“Those who are smart don’t twist words and directives and know the meaning of ‘as soon as possible’. Don’t be haughty, proud or rude,” Anwar said.

“The speaker shouldn’t act so smart as if he is the only one who knows all the rules. He just started in Parliament anyway. If the government doesn’t want to reconvene Parliament for whatever reason, the Prime Minister should just resign now,” he said.

The June 16 statement by Istana Negara said the King wanted Parliament to be reconvened as soon as possible to allow for the emergency ordinances and national recovery plan to be debated by MPs.

Istana Negara also issued a statement on Feb 24 stating that the King declared that Parliament can convene during the emergency on a date that the Ruler deems suitable, on the advice of the prime minister.

Today’s statement from Istana Negara came after Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun, his deputies Azalina Othman Said and Rashid Hasnon, as well as Senate president Rais Yatim and his deputy Mohamad Ali Mohamad, were summoned to the Palace for an audience with the King this morning.

Apart from stating that Parliament needs to reconvene as soon as possible, the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said today the King was also of the view that all parliamentary select committees should resume their meetings to ensure transparency, integrity and accountability in government.

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said it was now up to the people to evaluate the current government.

“They are still playing deaf and dumb,” he told FMT in a text.

Meanwhile, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said the government should respect the King’s decrees and “not keep ignoring them”.

“Although he previously said as soon as possible, July would be better as opposed to waiting until August,” said the DAP lawmaker.

Last week, Azhar and Rais proposed that a special sitting of Parliament be held in early August to discuss how a hybrid parliamentary session (partly online and partly in person) could take place.

They said the special sitting could discuss amendments to Standing Orders enabling such a hybrid meeting, after which proceedings could be held by the end of August or early September.

Cursed clergyman! #BenderaPutih is for people to seek help, not giving up

#BenderaPutih is a mark of your failure, netizens tell insensitive politicians



NETIZENS hurled brickbats on Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin and a PAS leader for trying to “hijack” the #BenderaPutih initiative started by the public.

“#BenderaPutih happened because of your failure and then hijacks it. Time uni mesti kerja lenggang je kalau groupwork lepas tu konon konon contribute time presentation (Reminds me of university days where some group members do nothing but claim credit during presentation),” said user AlyaSRFN.



The #BenderaPutih movement is aimed at getting people in need to put up a white flag outside their homes, if they require food supply or other assistance.

While it was unclear who started the campaign, the movement is getting traction since yesterday, with people appealing to those facing difficulty not to take “drastic steps” in the face of hardship.

Two hours ago, Zuraida tweeted in support of the campaign saying that she was in support of the movement.



However, social media users were aghast that the minister was unable to understand the fact that the campaign started due to Government’s failure to assist ordinary folks.



“It’s disgusting really when the ministers use #benderaputih for political interest when they are the source problem,” said user pakailahmasktuelok2.



PAS leader not spared

User AMR added: “What a shame. The Rakyat starting this #BenderaPutih is because our ministers are not doing enough for the Rakyat. If you do your job, and put the Rakyat first none of this will happen. And now suddenly you want to “saya bersama dalam kempen ini”? Shame.”

Another user called Ems lashed out Bachok MP Nik Abduh Nik Aziz for saying people should pray to God for strength instead of waving a white flag during trying times, claiming it was a sign of giving up.

“#BenderaPutih is not about giving up, it’s about surviving. It’s not wrong to get/request help when in need. Shame to all those politicians who are trying to get free ride on this movement and also those who shame and blame the people for this!”

However, user Kak Bam was more vocal against Nik Abduh saying: “Sial seorang lebai. Habis ko ingat selama ni orang tak berdoa ke babi? #benderaputih ni usaha untuk rakyat mohon bantuan, bkn menyerah kalah.

Kau ingat doa semata, bantuan tu dtg merangkak masuk ke dalam umah ke babi?

(Cursed clergyman! You think people have not been praying all this while? #BenderaPutih is for people to seek help, not giving up. You think by praying alone, help will come crawling to your home?).- June 29, 2021.

Viva Mafulat-ish MaKa-Laut Mahia

MM Online:

Malaysia’s new Covid-19 cases climb over 23pc to go past 6,000 again

The new infections also brought the total number of Covid-19 cases in the county to 745,703 cases. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Malaysia’s new Covid-19 infections surged by more than a fifth since yesterday to reach 6,437 cases, the first time the country has surpassed the 6,000-case level since June 18.

The new infections also brought the total number of Covid-19 cases in the county to 745,703 cases.

Selangor topped the list with 2,299 cases followed by Kuala Lumpur (1,361 cases), Negri Sembilan (700 cases) Kedah (284 cases) and Johor (271 cases).

Perlis is the only state that had zero cases today.

Nik Abduh: Pray when faced with challenges, not wave white flag

Nik Abduh: Pray when faced with challenges, not wave white flag

The people should not surrender by waving a white flag when faced with challenges from God, said PAS leader Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.

The Bachok MP said they should instead pray to God.

"Raise your hands and supplicate to God. That is the flag of strength and optimism in facing life’s challenges.

"Don't surrender to these challenges by teaching the people to raise a white flag," he said in a Facebook post today.

The comments were made as a white flag aid campaign began picking up steam.

The campaign urges people who need immediate help to put up a white flag at their homes to alert others for assistance, be it food or necessities.

The campaign has caught the attention of Local Government and Housing Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, who said people should not be ashamed to put up white flags.

Meanwhile, Amanah plans to put up white flags nationwide in an effort to pressure the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to resign.

Both have been criticised for hijacking the movement.

***

kt notes:

Once I met a Christian singer, a Malaysian Chinese. He sang Christian songs while he strummed his guitar. I asked him how much he could make on his job. He replied confidently, "God provides for me" while he ate heartily for several days from my friend's provided breakfasts, lunches and dinners. 

OUCH AMAMA

MM Online:

Woman in India kills husband by slicing off his private parts after he voiced intention to get a third wife

A woman in India has been arrested for murdering her cleric husband by slicing his penis after he voiced his intention to get a third wife. ― Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 ― A woman in India's Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for murdering her cleric husband by slicing off his penis.

India Today reported that the suspect removed her husband Maulvi Vakil Ahmad's manhood after the 57-year-old victim voiced his intention to take a third wife despite the suspect's pleas not to do so.

The suspect, who is the second wife, was said to have committed the crime with a kitchen knife at Shikarpur village in Muzaffarnagar while Maulvi was asleep.

He later bled to death.

According to the portal, the suspect attempted to cover up her crime by performing his last rites with the help of her relatives but an alert neighbour informed police of the man's sudden death.

The woman later confessed to the crime when questioned by police.

Police said Maulvi's body had been sent for postmortem.

Online, Malaysians start #benderaputih movement to signal distress without humiliation

MM Online:

Online, Malaysians start #benderaputih movement to signal distress without humiliation

Food baskets are seen at the Welfare Department in Labuan October 23, 2020. Malaysians on social media urge those in need of food and essentials to a white flag or cloth outside their homes. — Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Malaysians on social media have come up with the #benderaputih (white flag) movement for those in dire need of food and essentials to indicate this to neighbours without needing to beg for help.

The movement suggested that those who desperately needed assistance fly a white flag or cloth outside their homes, which would let those able to help know which households could be facing extreme difficulties.

The initiative arose amid growing reports of Malaysians being pushed to their breaking points by the near-total and indefinite closure of the economy due to the pandemic.

“Raise a white flag at your home if you need help with food and essentials. Do not take action that will hurt you and your loved ones.

“Avoid stress. No need to beg or humiliate (yourselves). Just fly a white flag. Please let there be those who will help,” said one poster promoting the #benderaputih movement.

Malaysians online have slowly begun adopting the movement and spreading it, with some describing the initiative as “heartwarming” and timely.

Others emphasised that waving a white flag should not be interpreted in its traditional sense of indicating defeat or surrender, but to view it purely as a means to signal their need for support.

Across the world, flags have traditionally been used to signal distress, such as by tying them in a knot or by flying them inverted.

The initiative appeared to be the latest incarnation of the #kitajagakita (we’ll take care of each other) movement that took root briefly at the start of the pandemic last year, but which was later abandoned when it was co-opted by the government.

Over recent weeks, tragic reports have emerged of Malaysians being forced to and past the brink of despair due to their loss of livelihoods as a result of the strict measures implemented to suppress Covid-19 in the country.

Since June 1, Malaysia has been in Phase One of the National Recovery Plan in which only approved essential services may operate. This was initially meant to last two weeks but was now set to go on for at least six weeks or until daily Covid-19 cases dip below 4,000.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the latest government aid package dubbed “Pemulih” to assist Malaysians and businesses hurt by the measures to contain Covid-19 in the country.

The Pemulih package was presented as being worth RM150 billion, including the value of deferred loan repayments under a new six-month moratorium as well as Malaysians’ retirement savings they were allowed to withdraw until the end of the year.

Snubbed by Interpol, police to re-apply for red notice on Malaysian in Germany

Snubbed by Interpol, police to re-apply for red notice on Malaysian in Germany

Malaysian police will reapply to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) for a red notice against a Malaysian in Germany who is wanted to assist in the investigation into allegedly seditious, racist and insulting statements against the royal institutions and government on social media recently.

According to Bernama, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department (CID) director Abd Jalil Hassan said the application to Interpol on Dec 22 was rejected on the grounds of Article 3 of the Interpol’s Constitution.

This states that the organisation is strictly forbidden to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character in issuing a red notice to individuals wanted by a country's authorities.

Jalil said this when speaking to reporters after conducting a working visit to the CID’s D3 Division of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) and the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) at Menara KPJ yesterday.

Three days ago, Jalil said the police are looking for an individual known as N Ganesparan, 39, who is believed to be in Germany, after he made a statement that could threaten public order and national security.

“Investigations revealed the suspect uploaded a video entitled ‘Racist in Vacine (sic) Malaysia’ on a Facebook account owned by Ganesparan Nadaraja.

“In the video, the suspect claimed that the purportedly low-quality and ineffective Sinovac vaccine was administered to non-Muslims while Muslims were given the high-quality Pfizer vaccine,” he added.

Jalil said the eight-minute-and-54-second video received 550 responses, 247 comments and 395 shares, along with around 10,000 views, besides going viral on WhatsApp.

“The suspect is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 506(b) of the Penal Code for a statement that might threaten public order and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said.

He said since 2018, police had opened 18 investigation papers against the suspect under the Sedition Act 1948, and offences under the Penal Code, including Sections 298A, 500, 504 and 505(b).

“Checks with the Immigration Department found that the suspect’s last exit was on Nov 2, 2017, through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and his passport was cancelled on Nov 25 last year."

Jalil added that the investigation would be conducted by the Bukit Aman Classified Crimes Investigation Unit of the CID’s Prosecution/Legal Division (D5).

Covid-19 and politicians who make you sicker

Covid-19 and politicians who make you sicker

by Joe Samad



There’s no better description of Malaysia today than to say we are the “sick man of Asia”. Sick, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, sicker because our politicians make us sick.

Everybody knows that the science to keep the pandemic under control lies in vaccination, social tracing, social distancing and what not. We are bombarded with these messages on TV, radio and any convincing media available. But the reality is different.

Billions have already been allocated to the vaccination programme but we still hear a lot of complaints that those who registered as far back as February have still yet to get their appointment.

At the rate we are going, we will never reach the 4,000 case target to enter the second phase of the lockdown, and Muhyiddin Yassin will become the longest prime minister in office, beating Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s record.

Someone joked that the fastest way to bring down the numbers is to take Selangor out of Malaysia.

Even though we know how to keep the numbers down and know the drill by heart, some ministers have reportedly continued to violate SOPs.

The rule for breaking the law, when applied to ministers and VIPS, seems to be different from that for ordinary folks. VIPs are referred to the Attorney-General’s Office while ordinary folks earning RM1,500 per month are fined RM1,000 on the spot.

The latest news is of economics minister Mustapa Mohamed being investigated for eating at a coffee shop while on a constituency visit to Kelantan. Mustapa said he wanted to see how a cafe owner managed to maintain his business despite the most recent movement control order. But you know the rule, you are not allowed to eat in a restaurant premises.

In a previous case it was reported that five diners and the owner of an eatery were fined for violating the SOPs during the total lockdown. The authorities said without compromise, the compounds were issued against all of them amounting to RM20,000.

The authorities said such inspections will continue nationwide at all times and action will be taken against anyone who violates the SOPs to ensure that we can successfully break the Covid-19 chain.

There were also the cases of deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali and Perak state executive councillor Razman Zakaria being fined RM1,000 each, for having a meal together with a group, while former Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a Facebook post that he had paid the RM3,000 compound for violating the SOP in March for eating at a chicken rice shop.

These examples show that even ministers and VIPs find it hard to keep social interaction in check. The same for ordinary folks. For the ministers and VIPs, it’s not a problem to pay a hefty fine, but for ordinary folks earning a few thousand a month, it has a devastating effect on family life and welfare.

Keeping people locked up and throwing the keys away is not the solution. You can’t overcome a pandemic by just citing a magic number of 4,000 to keep the Parliament shut down and the government in power while ministers violate the SOPs and are allowed to go abroad.

The most important task for the economics minister is to keep the economy going despite the difficult challenges and not just by eating in coffeeshops and trying out the dishes.

Does it make sense that shops selling handphones and spectacles in shopping areas are allowed to open, but not shops selling furniture to ease one’s comfort and back pain? The furniture shop is probably safer as they operate in bigger and more airy premises.

The minister should understand that our lives now revolve around the TV and computer screens and chairs are as important as our eyes.

Everybody is exposed when going out and when you interact with another person. Opticians have to get close up to check your eyes and the danger of exposure is higher than other trades.

Selective targeting, allowing one outlet to open and closing another, doesn’t make sense, as these simple examples show.

The government must also pay attention to mental health which is causing depression and higher suicide rates. These matters are being overlooked and not much attention is being paid to them.

If the government wants to keep the numbers down, the formula is still vaccination to build herd immunity, with strict enforcement of SOPs for everybody, including ministers and VIPs.

The government can’t keep itself in power forever by setting the magic number of 4,000 which we know will not be achieved, when everything is not in place. People are well read on the pandemic situation and are wondering as to why Malaysia is doing worse than other countries despite having better medical care facilities.

Is our Parliament going to get automatically dissolved, Najib asks

Is our Parliament going to get automatically dissolved, Najib asks



FORMER Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opined that the Parliament may get automatically dissolved if it is not reconvened tomorrow.

“Politicians and constitutional experts have stated that under Article 55 of the Federal Constitution, the Parliament must meet within six months of the last sitting.

“If the condition is not met, then the Parliament will get dissolved automatically. The last sitting was on Dec 29 last year, which means the Parliament must be convened by tomorrow, based on the timeline,” he said in a Facebook post.



Recently, the Conference of Rulers met and decreed that the Parliament and state assemblies must reconvene as soon as possible to discuss COVID-19 and efforts to mitigate its effects.

The monarchs also said that there was no need to extend the Emergency beyond the Aug 1 deadline.

Legal issues must be addressed

While Selangor and Pahang have decided to reconvene their state assemblies as the per Rulers’ decree, Prime Minister Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin has yet to approach the Istana Negara to set a date for the Parliament to meet.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun and Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim were granted an audience by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow to discuss the matter.

On that note, Najib said that Government supporters often argue that Article 55 cannot be invoked for now as the Parliament cannot convene during an Emergency.

However, he stated that Istana Negara had made it clear on Feb 24 that the Parliament can meet during the Emergency period, which indicated that the six-months clause was still in effect.

“Remember that the Agong issued the decree after meeting the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Dewan Negara president, together with the chief legal adviser to the Agong, who is the Attorney General (AG).

“So, if someone is saying that the Agong has erred when His Majesty decreed that the Parliament can meet during an Emergency, it means both leaders of the Parliament and AG had ill advised the monarch,” the Pekan MP remarked. – June 28, 2021

PN government DERHAKA?

Agong Summons Two Speakers To Palace – The King Is Angry Mahiaddin Regime Insults And Ignores The Royal Decree

Sultan Abdullah has retaliated against Prime Minister Mahiaddin alias Muhyiddin, who defiantly refuses to reconvene the Parliament despite the Agong’s decree. By hook or by crook, the premier wanted to keep the Parliament locked until September or October, whenever he likes. He wanted to send a message that he’s the most powerful man, not the Agong.

Yesterday (June 25), the Agong (King) suddenly summoned the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Representative) – Azhar Azizan Harun – and the Speaker of Dewan Negara (Upper House of Representative) – Rais Yatim to the Palace next Tuesday (June 29). The monarch apparently wants to discuss the reopening of the Parliament with the two Speakers.

Obviously, the King was upset that his decree has not only been belittled and disrespected – for the second time – but also is being rubbished and ignored as insignificant by the arrogant Perikatan Nasional government. It’s not hard to understand why Speakers Azhar and Rais are being summoned to the Palace. The Speakers have rudely disregarded the royal decree.



On Friday (June 25), in a joint statement, both Speaker Azhar and Speaker Rais announced that a proposed hybrid Parliament session can only happen in late August or the first week of September this year. The two errand boys of Mahiaddin also said the decision had been made known to the prime minister, who applauded it as “very good cooperation and support”.

The joint statement by the two Speakers was deliberately organized to send some rude message or warning to the Agong and all the 9 Malay Rulers, whom, after the June 16 special emergency meeting, had decreed that not only the current State of Emergency will not be extended after its expiry on August 1, but also that the Parliament should reconvene “as soon as possible”.

The first message is – both Speakers fully support the prime minister in determining the date to reconvene the Parliament. The second message is – Mahiaddin does not care about the Agong’s decree because both Speakers only take orders from the prime minister. The third message is – both Speakers will do everything in their power to keep the illegitimate prime minister in power.



The fourth message is – PM Mahiaddin is still the most powerful man in Malaysia, not the King, and certainly not all the 9 Sultans combined. The fifth message is – Agong can issue whatever decree he likes, but the King is powerless because he is just a constitutional monarchy even under the current emergency rule. In short, all the Malay Rulers can go fly kites.

And there’s nothing much Sultan Abdullah can do after he foolishly consented to the power-crazy prime minister’s request for the Proclamation of Emergency on January 12, which granted Mr Mahiaddin with absolute power. That’s roughly what both Speakers were trying to tell the King when they made the joint statement on Friday.

To allow the King to save face, Mr Azhar and Mr Rais have proposed a special parliamentary sitting to be held in early August to discuss matters relating to the hybrid sitting. Of course, such discussion is both a gimmick and a waste of time. Can you imagine teachers telling students to have a Zoom session to talk about virtual or online learning using Zoom?



Muhyiddin government probably thought that since the Monarchy had wanted the Parliament to reconvene as soon as possible, why not hold a useless session in early August just to satisfy the royal decree. However, people are watching closely whether the prime minister will respect the Malay Monarchy Institution or push the Sultans around like some pariahs.

If the King keeps his silence and pretends that his decree has been complied with the half-baked promise to reconvene the Parliament, the people will not only lose respect for the monarch, but may conclude that all the Malay Rulers cannot protect their subjects. It will paint a picture that the nine monarchs are so weak that they can’t even fight the already fragile and illegitimate regime.

That’s why King Sultan Abdullah was so furious and mad that he decided to summon Azhar Azizan Harun and Rais Yatim on the same day the two Speakers made their joint statement, which is seen as a public defiance against the royal decree. The Palace simply can’t find any reasons why the Parliament cannot reconvene – for real – as early as July since all the MPs have been fully vaccinated.



Not only the Palace wanted to grill and lecture the two Speakers, but also to tell the two errand boys to send a message to their political master who’s the real boss during the emergency rule. The decree issued on June 16 specifically said the Parliament should convene as soon as possible to enable proper discussion of the Emergency Ordinance and Malaysia’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

Exactly what’s the purpose of having a Parliament sitting in late August or the first week of September to discuss the Emergency Ordinance when the State of Emergency would have ended by then? Similarly, it would be too late to discuss the Covid-19 Recovery Plan because the country would probably have entered the Phase-2 or Phase-3 in September.

To rub salt into injury, in what appears to be a coordinated attack against Sultan Abdullah, Attorney General Idrus Harun, the brother of disgraced Speaker Azhar Harun, said the Agong cannot summon for Parliament to meet – unless under the Cabinet’s advice. The A.G. argued that the King’s position under the law remains unchanged, although the Proclamation of Emergency had been declared.



The despicable A.G. said while the Federal Constitution’s Article 55(1) provides for the Agong’s powers to summon Parliament to meet, such provision has been suspended throughout the Emergency via the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021’s Section 14(1)(a). So, had the King been scammed to give away his power to call Parliament to meet?

In the same breath, why the hell the Article 55(1) was there in the first place if the Agong cannot exercise it or can magically be taken away? Besides, the King is vested by the Constitution to summon for the Parliament to meet within six (6) months between the last proceeding in the last session and the date appointed for its first proceeding in the next session.

Malaysia’s Parliament last sat on Dec 17, 2020. Hence, if the State of Emergency ends on August 1, as already decreed by the Agong on June 16 during the Malay Rulers extraordinary meeting, Article 14(1)(a) no longer applies as the emergency is no longer enforced. On that day, Article 55(1) of the Federal Constitution will effectively return.



Like it or not, Parliament must reconvene no later than August 2, unless the power-crazy Mahiaddin deliberately wanted to trigger a Constitutional Crisis to further cling to power. But Speakers Azhar and Rais’ plan to reconvene only in late August or the first week of September will precisely trigger such crisis. Did A.G. Idrus Harun try to trick the King to start the crisis himself?

Yes, while Idrus Harun talked about how the powerless Agong must obediently follow the powerful PM Mahiaddin’s orders, the attorney general did not, or deliberately refused to, talk about the King’s power to summon for the Parliament to meet within 6 months. Clearly, the three stooges – Speakers Azhar Harun and Rais Yatim and A.G. Idrus Harun – are being selective or cherry picking.

Whenever the government wants the Agong to help Mahiaddin stays in power, they will say the King has the power. But whenever the regime doesn’t want the Agong to take away the tool that helps Mahiaddin stays in power, they will say the King is powerless. You can’t say the Federal Constitution is more supreme, only to say the next minute that the Emergency Ordinance is more powerful, whichever suits you.



The backdoor government probably thought that all the Sultans were too dumb to seek legal advice before they met on June 16. Someone should ask the genius Attorney General whether the King had committed an offence for rejecting Muhyiddin’s request in October 2020 for a Proclamation of Emergency. Again, ignore and insult the Malay Rulers at your own peril.

Malaysia not looking good in pandemic

FMT:

5,218 Covid-19 cases, deaths breach the 5,000 mark

PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has reported 5,218 Covid-19 cases as the number of deaths breached the 5,000 mark after 57 casualties were recorded in the past 24 hours.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there were 4,744 recoveries, bringing the total number of those discharged to 672,453.

In a statement, Noor Hisham said the total number of infections now stands at 739,266.

There are 61,812 active cases with 899 patients being treated in intensive care and 451 requiring respiratory assistance.

Meanwhile, the 57 deaths take the number of fatalities to 5,001.

Selangor recorded the highest number of cases with 1,989.

This was followed by Negeri Sembilan (629), Kuala Lumpur (469), Sarawak (409), Perak (400), Sabah (258), Johor (243), Kedah (194), Melaka (183), Pahang (111), Labuan (108), Kelantan (101), Penang (88), Terengganu (23), Putrajaya (8) and Perlis (5).

Don’t let Hippocratic oath turn into hypocritical oath, rights group tells MOH

Don’t let Hippocratic oath turn into hypocritical oath, rights group tells MOH

Human rights group Pusat Komas has called for transparency on the appointments of permanent medical officers after the Health Ministry (MOH) issued a statement clarifying there are no discriminatory practices involved in the process.

“It is now time for MOH to make transparent the details of the evaluation criteria to ensure that there is no more suspicion of such discriminatory practices,” the group said in a statement today in which it reminded the ministry of the nobility of the Hippocratic oath and the upholding of ethical standards.

This comes after MOH secretary-general Mohd Shafiq Abdullah yesterday clarified Health Minister Dr Adham Baba’s earlier statement and said all past appointments of medical officers to permanent positions have been based on their merit and performance during their housemanship.

Last week, Adham released a controversial statement saying his ministry took note of suggestions by the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association (PPPKAM) and Malaysian Muslim Doctors’ Organisation (Perdim) to allow more medical graduates “especially among the Bumiputera” to serve in permanent positions to lower unemployment rate in the country’s professional field.

Echoing criticism of this suggestion by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Pusat Komas said the appointment of contract officers to permanent service should not involve racial and religious prejudices, and it was appalled by Adham’s initial statement.

“Race, religion, ethnicity and gender should not be a criterion to influence any forms of employment opportunities.

“Instead, the talents and capabilities of the person should be the determinant of such appointments,” Pusat Komas said in a statement today.

The group said the government has promised to adopt a merit-based approach in its employment process for a long time, but they have yet to see proof of such claims.

“As the health minister, Adham should lead the way to unite all Malaysians by denouncing the call to hire new medical officers along racial lines and not support them,” the group said.

Pusat Komas also reminded Adham and others that medical professions are bound by World Medical Association’s (WMA) Declaration of Geneva as well as the principles of the Hippocratic Oath.

“Any forms of ‘considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene’ between the physician’s duty and their patient are not permitted.

“Don’t turn your Hippocratic oath into a hypocritical oath.

“Stop all forms of racial and religious discrimination in Malaysia. The country needs better leadership to serve all Malaysians,” the group added.

Additionally, the Malaysian Pharmacist Society (MPS) called for a thorough review and revamp of MOH’s contract system to provide more transparency on the evaluation and selection system for contract healthcare professionals in the country.

“MPS would like to highlight that 1,966 contract pharmacists, while given the opportunity to continue serving the country for another year based on the extension announced by the Adham on Feb 25, 2021, were still dismayed over the uncertainties of their future,” the group said in a statement.

MPS said its survey on 563 contract pharmacists found many continued to seek clarity in terms of job security as well as transparency on the selection criteria for permanent positions.

Some contract pharmacists who were extended from the original three-year contract cap due to the Covid-19 pandemic are yet to be given equal remuneration as other permanent pharmacists according to MPS, despite having the same years of service and workload.

“The lack of transparency and fairness in how promotions are done needs to be immediately addressed,” the group added.

Another minister eff-s MCO

FMT:

Cops take cafe owner’s statement over probe into minister’s SOP violation

The cafe owner says he only showed the menu to Mustapa Mohamad (left) and that the latter spent only about 10 minutes before leaving.(Twitter pic)

KOTA BHARU: Police have recorded the statement of a cafe owner in Kalai, Jeli, about 108km from here, in connection with investigations into the alleged breach of Covid-19 prevention SOPs by economic affairs minister Mustapa Mohamed.

Jeli district police chief Ahmad Arifin said the cafe owner gave his statement at the Jeli district police headquarters yesterday afternoon.

“After seeing a viral photo (of the incident), we called up the cafe owner to give a statement. Apart from him, police will call three other individuals (including Mustapa) soon to help in the investigation.

“The case is being investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code and Regulation 17(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations (Measures within an Infection Area) 2021,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Yesterday, Mustapa, who is Jeli MP, apologised for violating the SOP, saying he would leave it to police to take the appropriate action.

Meanwhile, AlFath Cafe owner Abdul Syafizi Sallah, 26, when contacted, said Mustapa had visited his shop to find out about his success in using social media in his business.

As an entrepreneur under the MyDigital initiative in Jeli, Syafizi has been receiving guidance since the end of last year on the best ways to conduct his business online amid the CK9 pandemic.

“The minister visited my cafe on Saturday to see for himself the success of this programme which has helped my business. He was very impressed as my sales are better than others.

“Regarding the serving of food, I had merely presented him the menu to show what the cafe offers. He spent only about 10 minutes at the cafe before leaving,” he added.

Related:

For attention of Malaysian ministers

AG disavows royal institution to protect ‘power-hungry’ govt, say PH leaders

theVibes.com:

AG disavows royal institution to protect ‘power-hungry’ govt, say PH leaders

They claim Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s statement belittles Malay rulers, a breach of lawyer-client confidentiality

KUALA LUMPUR – Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun has disavowed the royal institution to protect a government that wants absolute power, said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council.

The opposition coalition’s top leaders in a statement today said they have studied Idrus’ statement and found that he has stepped over the line by belittling the views of the Malay rulers.

“It (the statement) has forgone the spirit of the constitution and gives the impression that the AG has abandoned the royal institution to protect a government that wants absolute authority without being controlled or (having) a time limit.

“It has violated the norm because Article 145(2) of the federal constitution states that ‘it is the duty of the AG to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or cabinet or any minister on any matter pertaining to law…’

“It is clear that the AG should have given his views directly to the Agong and kept it secret, not announce it to the public.”

The statement is co-signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

They added that the AG’s statement is also a form of “breach of confidentiality” between the lawyer and client.

“With this violation, he is not qualified to be a lawyer, let alone hold the post of AG. Therefore, his statement is a betrayal to the Agong, and he must be fired immediately.”

On Friday, Idris in a statement said the Agong must act in accordance with the advice of the cabinet in calling for the convening of Parliament as the matter is enshrined in the federal law.

He cited Articles 40(1) and (1A) of the federal constitution, saying they clearly state that the Agong is to act in accordance with the advice of the cabinet or of a minister acting under the general authority of the cabinet, except as otherwise provided by the constitution. – The Vibes, June 27, 2021

Parliament can only convene after Emergency ends, says Takiyuddin

FMT:

Parliament can only convene after Emergency ends, says Takiyuddin

De facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the relevant laws allowing Parliament to convene will come into force again once the Emergency ends.

PETALING JAYA: Parliament can only convene after the state of emergency comes to an end on Aug 1, de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan has said.

As the emergency is still in force, he said no notice had been issued by the Dewan Rakyat speaker on convening the lower house.

“The emergency ends on Aug 1. Then, the relevant laws allowing Parliament to convene will come into force again,” he told Bernama after visiting a vaccination centre at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Kota Bharu.

“Parliament can convene only after the emergency ends. The notice (from the speaker) can be issued only after the emergency ends.”

Takiyuddin said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will have to seek the views of Attorney-General Idrus Harun before deciding upon a date for Parliament to sit, after which he will inform the speaker then a 28-day notice can be issued to parliamentarians.

On the topic of a hybrid Parliament sitting, Takiyuddin said this was only an option if a fully physical iteration is not possible.

“A hybrid sitting means some MPs will convene in person, with others present virtually. Even now, many gatherings, including Cabinet meetings, are held online.

“So, Parliament has proposed to the government for a hybrid sitting to be held if this cannot be done physically.”

The timing for Parliament to reopen has been the topic of much debate of late, spurred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s request for it to happen “as soon as possible” following a meeting with fellow Malay Rulers this month.

Several state assemblies, such as those in Selangor and Johor, have already begun the process of reconvening.

Perak Harapan announces new leadership line-up, minus Nizar Jamaluddin

Perak Harapan announces new leadership line-up

Perak Pakatan Harapan has elected its state leadership council line-up on June 24 after Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa took over the leadership.

Mujahid was appointed as Perak Harapan chairperson by the presidential council last month, replacing former Perak menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, whose party Bersatu quit Harapan in February 2020.

Perak Harapan's allies - DAP's Nga Kor Ming, Amanah's Asmuni Awi and PKR's Farhash Wafa Salvador - remained as state deputy chairpersons while Batu Gajah MP V Sivakumar was reappointed as secretary.

Meanwhile, Perak PKR Youth chief Mohamad Hairul Amir Sabri is appointed as Perak Harapan Youth chief. He will replace Amanah's Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim, the Titi Serong state assemblyperson who joined Bersatu in July 2020.

DAP's Wong Mei Ing will continue to helm the Perak Harapan Wanita. Perak PKR vice-chairperson Tan Kar Hing will remain as state treasurer.

The committee members are DAP's Ngeh Koo Ham and Wong May Ing; Amanah's Fakhruldin Mohd Mohd Hashim and Ahmad Termizi Ramli; and PKR's Baldip Singh and MA Tinagaran.

Former Perak Amanah deputy chief Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was dropped out from the state leadership council and is replaced by Ahmad Termizi, who was once named by the coalition to stand in the 2016 Kuala Kangsar by-election.

"Perak Harapan has reached an agreement on the new structure of Harapan, which was finalised at the state leadership council meeting recently," its communication and publicity director Muhaimin Sulam said in a statement.

"The meeting (on June 24) also instructed that all Harapan secretariats at parliamentary level be mobilised. This is in preparation for any possible latest political situation and to look after the welfare of the local community.

"Perak Harapan will focus on handling the Covid-19 pandemic," he said, pledging that the state coalition will remain committed to preserving Islam as the religion of the federation.

Zahid questions Putrajaya's decison to allow moneylenders to operate

Zahid questions Putrajaya's decison to allow moneylenders to operate

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has questioned the decision of Putrajaya in allowing licensed moneylenders to operate during the full lockdown.

In a statement today, he asked if moneylenders and credit firms licensed under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are essential services.

"We don't understand how moneylenders can be seen as (providing) essential service at this time. They are allowed to operate after the National Security Council (NSC) agreed at its meeting. It is now the 13th service sector (to be approved) under the Covid-19 intelligent management system (CIMS 3.0)," he said.

"But many other business segments that are important, including those related to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR), are still banned," he said.

"Secondly, this will exacerbate the bad perception of the way the government is managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is as though (it is) encouraging people who are in trouble (due to the total lockdown) ... to borrow from the moneylenders," he said.

"... there is no noble justification why these moneylenders, which are re-branded as community credit (firms), can be perceived as 'essential'," he said.

"The people will start to question if this is the level of ability of the Perikatan Nasional government to help those who are suffering. It appears as though (the government) is handing over part of its obligation to the moneylenders, who must be providing timely assistance," he said sarcastically.

"Isn't there a better and safer method for the people to secure loans from government agencies, such as the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun), among others? Maybe using MyKad alone is enough to get an instant loan," he said.

On June 18, the NSC chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin agreed that community credit companies and moneylenders registered under the Housing and Local Government Ministry be allowed to operate during the full lockdown under Phase 1 of the national recovery plan.

Najib: Use Windfall Tax to subsidise rising cooking oil price

Rising cooking oil price: Ditch committees, use common sense!



FORMER Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mocked the Government for its inability to stabilise cooking oil prices despite vowing to resolve the matter in January itself.

“In Jan 20, the Government said it will study the soaring cooking oil prices. On June 8, the Government again announced it will deliberate on the matter after prices went up by three times since January.

“But from movement control order (MCO 2.0) until MCO 3.0, with the lockdown almost ending, the Government is still studying the matter.

“Now, they are forming yet another committee to study the issue,” he said, in a Facebook post.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Facebook post

On June 12, Bernama reported the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) as saying that it would conduct a study to set a ceiling price for 5 kg bottled cooking oil, based on the current market price.

Its deputy minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said his team would also discuss the recommended ceiling price with both the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry and Finance Ministry.

Use Windfall Tax to subside cooking oil

He said cooking oil had experienced a price hike due to soaring price of crude palm oil.

Unimpressed by the Government’s inaction, Najib said he had offered solution the matter several times but was unheeded by the authorities until today.

“The solution is quite simple. Impose Windfall Tax on the palm oil sector as they are enjoying extraordinary profits right now.

“And use the proceeds to subsidise 5 kg bottled cooking oil for the next six months to stabilise the prices,” he stated.

The Pekan MP added that such measure is needed right now as inflation was rising, putting additional burden on the people who had suffered job losses and reduced income.

“Don’t worry about unscrupulous people smuggling the subsidised cooking oil out as the chances of that happening is slim, due to border closures triggered by COVID-19,” he remarked. – June 27, 2021.