Sunday, April 30, 2023

Sunday Bullshit

 

Sunday, April 30, 2023


https://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/2023/04/sunday-bullshit.html



Sunday Bullshit


Open houses using public money fully in line with ta_i k_cing  concept
open houses featuring zero all over the country
there is no need to spend public money on this
open houses sponsored by m---tries using allocations from gomen
money for these open houses  could be used for better purpose
such as helping those in need 
do not want such open houses put up in future
However, he added open houses already up will remain 
does not blame officers involved 
they were only continuing existing policy




Mat Sabu denies Amanah against Najib’s pardon bid





Mat Sabu denies Amanah against Najib’s pardon bid




Mohamad Sabu


KUALA LUMPUR, April 30, 2023: Amanah president Mohamad Sabu has dismissed a statement by the party’s communications director Khalid Abdul Samad, which objects against Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for a royal pardon.

He categorised Khalid’s statement as a personal opinion.

Stressing that Khalid’s statement does not represent the party’s stance, Mohamad, who is popularly known as Mat Sabu said everyone had a right to offer his or her opinion as enshrined under the Federal Constitution.

“However, in an organisational context, the views of individuals do not represent the organisation or party unless an official decision was reached in a meeting,” he said in a statement.

Mohamad also said that all component parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH) are subject to the coalition’s decision which will prevail in the event of any conflict.

He urged all quarters to leave it up to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide on the former prime minister’s application for a royal pardon.

Najib is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence for corruption.

Several Umno leaders have demanded for Khalid to retract his statement failing which the party would retaliate by ending cooperation with Amanah.


Guan Eng knows where to find the most yummy Penang ‘char koay teow’




Guan Eng knows where to find the most yummy Penang ‘char koay teow’





POLITICS took a backseat momentarily for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng as he turned food reviewer by recommending where to find a plate of mouth-watering char koay teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles).


A good gesture indeed by Bagan MP to promote micro businesses in his parliamentary constituency although foodies are little impressed as they claimed that the hawker has been bias in dishing out a supreme spread by virtue of Guan Eng’s VIP status.

“YB Lim, that was special for you. I don’t think in reality there is any such serving,” quipped netizen Ronn Juliet in response to Guan Eng’s Facebook (FB) posting on one of Malaysia’s top hawker food.


“Ronn Juliet, yah! Correct, not more than three prawns if for lay person,” seconded Chun Ying Hew although Jv Tglee suggested the generous serving for Guan Eng can be found only if one is willing to fork out more money.



For context, the former Penang chief minister has revealed on his FB page that “there is a hidden char keow teow stall in 1238, Jln Bagan Lallang, Kampung Sama Gagah Dalam, 13400 Butterworth in my Bagan Parliamentary constituency that serves really good keow teow”.

“Mixed with garlic, prawns, cockles (siham) and most importantly, skilled cooking! The wok hei (literally ‘wok breath’ or simply aroma) is amazing and I highly recommend everyone to try it!! Enjoy …”

L

im Guan Eng observing how his king-sized plate of ‘char koay teow’ is prepared


However, Nooi Siew Yong Ooi begged to differ, claiming that “you (Guan Eng) get this because you are LGE”.

“If ordinary person goes makan (eat), only dapat cucu-cicit siham (only get small cockles and prawn,” teased the netizen with Ooi Lu Yee stating that it is the same price for everyone at RM26.



“Is the amount of ingredients used the same with all customers or just special for YB?” wondered Hooi Keng Mun with Kl Chang opining that “I think only special for you (Guan Eng). Every plate only got two prawns”.



“I’m gonna go there and order (the) ‘LGE char koay teow. Let’s see if the owner will fry it for me or not and if it would burn a hole in my underwear,” added Richard Yap in a jest. – April 30, 2023





Shahidan not on list of Selangor PAS candidates


FMT:

Shahidan not on list of Selangor PAS candidates


The party’s state chapter says the candidates shortlisted comprise those who hail from Selangor.



Selangor PAS said the state chapter would lend its support if the central leadership decides to field Shahidan Kassim in a state seat.


PETALING JAYA: Shahidan Kassim’s name is not among PAS’ shortlisted candidates for the upcoming Selangor state election.

This comes in the wake of Shahidan having reportedly hinted at contesting in one of the upcoming six state elections. While he did not reveal which seat he was eyeing, there was speculation that he was eyeing the Semenyih seat in Selangor.

Selangor PAS secretary Roslan Shahir said the party’s state chapter had identified its candidates but Shahidan’s name was not discussed.

“So far, the shortlisted list comprises those who were originally from Selangor. There’s been no discussion to field Shahidan,” Roslan told Utusan Malaysia.

However, he said that it is not known whether the central leadership had considered fielding Shahidan in any of the state seats for the upcoming polls.

Nonetheless, Roslan said the state chapter would lend its support if the central leadership decided to field Shahidan in a state seat.

Shahidan had served as federal territories minister from August 2021 to November 2022 and as a minister in the prime minister’s department from 2013 to 2018

The Selangor state assembly has 56 seats. A simple majority of 29 seats is enough to form the state government.

Puad Zarkashi says no guarantee ‘unity govt’ can stay intact because Amanah rejects Umno’s pardon bid for Najib


MM:

Puad Zarkashi says no guarantee ‘unity govt’ can stay intact because Amanah rejects Umno’s pardon bid for Najib





The Johor state lawmaker claimed that the ties were being tested by the PH component party’s rejection of Umno’s calls for a royal pardon for convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Sunday, 30 Apr 2023 12:51 PM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The tenuous alliance between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) propping up the Anwar administration may not last for long because of Parti Amanah Negara, Umno supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi said today.

The Johor state lawmaker claimed that the ties were being tested by the PH component party’s rejection of Umno’s calls for a royal pardon for convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.


“That’s why it’s hard to be good friends with PAN,” the Rengit assemblyman wrote on his Facebook account, referring to Amanah by its Malay acronym.

He claimed that Amanah is a “friend that cannot guarantee the Unity Government can last”, adding that it is an ally that “eats” its partners.


Puad was responding to recent news reports citing Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub’s entreaty to respect the law and communication director Khalid Samad’s call to reject pardon bids for Najib.


The Umno man who is also Johor State Assembly Speaker asserted that his party abides by the laws.

He said his party had followed the due process when it applied for a pardon, and did not make a fuss when the Pardons Board did not discuss Najib’s case when it met two days ago.

Instead, he claimed it was Amanah that did not follow the order of things.

“The problem is PAN for pressuring the Agong to reject Najib’s pardon. Umno only expressed its support.

“PAN has insulted the Agong’s discretion. PAN, which is pressuring, clearly questions the Agong’s wisdom,” Puad said.

Khalid was previously reported saying that Najib should not be pardoned to protect Malaysia’s international reputation and its commitment to fight corruption and power abuse under the Anwar administration.

Najib has served just eight months of his 12-year jail sentence after being found guilty of misappropriating RM42 million in funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.

He is still on trial for a slew of other charges in relation to the scandal-tainted sovereign investment fund.


RPK, you have become treacherous, corrupt, hypocritical, and often a liar


SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2023




RPK, you have become treacherous, corrupt, hypocritical, and often a liar.





An Open Letter to Raja Petra Kamarudin: In Defence of V Murugasu.

I too was a VI boy from 1963 to 1969. We were in the same year, though you were in the Art class and I was in Science. I remember the ‘orang putih’ student but we were never acquainted. In fact, I kept my distance having heard rumors you belonged to the notorious Long Foo Tong gang that operated in the Petaling Street area.

I too was a rebel in my own way, mixing with the mischievous boys, but not gangsters. I too kept long hair, as long as I could get away with it. I remember Murugasu engaging a barber to come to school. Those guilty students were lined up, a half coconut shell was placed on each head. Their hair were cut well above their ears, and it resulted in Friar Tuck hairstyles. I was into Rock music, admired the Hippies, and read counter culture magazines and books. I experimented with ganja bought from Brickfields and enjoyed wild parties. Like you I was quite anti-establishment.

I too had my backside whipped more times than I can remember, even in front of the female classmates in Sixth form, for indiscipline and falling grades. I too suffered a lot.

When I went to University in London, I did not have a haircut for 3 years. It was Freedom, Carnaby Street, and Flower Power. But then I grew up! I realized that Murugasu and VI had laid the solid foundation for me to advance in life, to take responsibilities , and later to become a rather successful surgeon. I no longer harbor any grudge to the former. In fact, I have much gratitude.

I admired you when you were at the forefront of the Reformasi movement. I looked forward to reading your articles. I even bought a large oil painting of you standing behind bars when you were briefly detained under ISA.

But since Cash became King, your Malaysia Today spurts out trash fit for the dustbin. My opinion. I have long ago not bothered to read it. I would not have known of this article had my VI chat group not forwarded it to me. We felt angered and offended.

You too could have become an engineer, lawyer, accountant, or whatever. But you chose to be an blogger, anarchist, and destroyer of governments!. Many people have commented that you have turned to become treacherous, corrupt, hypocritical, and often a liar. As you frequently remark, I am calling a spade a spade. I have to refrain from using the same disgusting curses and profanities that come out of your writings.

You have become by choice to be what you are. It’s not too late to grow up!

Don’t blame the Headmaster or School.

Incidentally, V Murugasu passed away last year. Bless his soul.

Selamat Hari Raya to you and family.


Your ex schoolmate,
Dr S Wong

***

kt comments:

Wakakaka

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Are your chillies too ‘pedas’? Here’s how to pick them according to heat for perfect dishes


MM:

Are your chillies too ‘pedas’? Here’s how to pick them according to heat for perfect dishes





A variety of dried chillies are seen at a shop at the Jalan Othman Market in Petaling Jaya. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Saturday, 29 Apr 2023 7:00 AM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Maybe it’s just the current heat wave we are experiencing but it feels and tastes like chillies are more pedas — or hot — these days, especially during the recent Aidilfitri season.

Everything from Raya’s sambal kacang, cut chillies in soy sauce served with your morning bowl of noodles at the neighbourhood kopitiam, to the curries you are cooking at home... the heat level seems higher.


The thing is capsaicin, that pungent chemical that gives chillies their heat, varies greatly from plant to plant and even fruit to fruit, which is why you get different levels of heat and pungency depending on the variety.




People are seen buying groceries, including fresh chillies, ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in Kuala Lumpur April 20, 2023. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon


Malay Mail spoke to several wholesalers and traders to find out how to select chillies, both dried and fresh, from the many different types available for their pedas levels.


It's looking spicy

So what is the difference between fresh and dried chillies? Just water.

However, this can make a difference in the flavour profile of the two commonly used chilli variants.

Did you know that Malaysia imports most of its dried chillies from India and China?

Apart from being added into stir-fries and pounded/blended to make curry pastes, dried chillies are also used to make cili boh — a paste that can be used as an ingredient in cooking or as a base for many sambals.




Chilli trader Palani Velu, 55, says dried chillies are usually sold in three categories: non-spicy, less spicy and spicy. — Picture by Hari Anggara


Palani Velu, 55, a chilli seller at the Petaling Jaya old town market in Jalan Othman, said there are mainly three different types of dried chillies — non-spicy, less spicy and spicy.

“These three different types of dried chillies can easily be differentiated just by looking at them.

“If the dried chilli is smooth and shiny then it’s spicy, and the ones that are long and wrinkly are not spicy,” he explained.

Palani advises buyers to always trust their senses when buying dried chillies to determine the heat level and freshness.

“Look for dried chillies that are soft, pliable, and deeply coloured. If you find chillies that are dry, rusty or brittle, they are probably old and will have mould inside them,” he said.




Examples of wrinkly dried chillies that are less hot sold in the SS2 Wet Market in Petaling Jaya. April 25, 2023. — Picture by Hari Anggara


Another trader, 43-year-old Wah Zhong, said where the dried chillies come from can also tell a lot about their level of spiciness.

“We usually order dried chillies from India and China from our suppliers.

“The ones from India are usually on the spicier side but we also sell Kashmiri chillies which are moderately spicy compared to the normal chillies.

“However, the chillies that are from China are less spicy or not spicy at all,” he said.

When asked about the types of chillies used for cooking, he recommends Kashmiri red chilli for daily use and the spicier dried chillies for making sambal or spicy dishes.




Really spicy ‘pedas gila meletup’ dry chillies are usually straight and shiny like the ones seen sold at the Jalan Othman Market in Petaling Jaya, April 25, 2023. — Picture by Hari Anggara


Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association president Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Abdul Rashid said the fresh chillies from the cold highlands there are spicy.

“Farmers here plant hybrid chillies. The seeds come from South Korea and Taiwan which is a spicier type.

"They can harvest about six to seven kilogrammes per plant so it's much more profitable for the farmers,” he said.

Syed Abdul Rasyid suggested that shoppers ask their sellers about the origin of the red chillies if they want to gauge the heat levels.

“Just ask them where they get their supply. If it’s from Cameron Highlands or somewhere from the highlands, it should be spicy,” he said.

Just remember, a general guideline to follow is that the smaller they are, the more pedas they are; or the broader their circumference, the milder they will be.


PM Anwar says unity government aims to eradicate hardcore poor nationwide


MM:

PM Anwar says unity government aims to eradicate hardcore poor nationwide





Kedah Ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah (centre), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (sixth from left) and fellow federal ministers pose for a group photo at the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house in Alor Setar April 29, 2023. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 29 Apr 2023 2:21 PM MYT



ALOR SETAR, April 29 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the unity government wants to completely eradicate hardcore poor in the country which he described as disgraceful for a country which is rich in resources such as oil and gas.

The prime minister said among the states that still recorded high levels of hardcore poverty are Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.


“Without exception, we will make sure that this problem of hardcore poverty will be dealt with properly and in Kedah through the Madani unity government’s programmes to reduce the number of hardcore poor in the entire state of Kedah.

“I have asked the entire machinery of the federal government, the machinery of the state government and the machinery of the municipal councils to help in this direction because it is humiliating for a country that has enormous resources such as oil and gas, palm oil and various industries (but) cannot solve the basic problem of hardcore poverty in our country,” he said.


He said this when speaking to thank the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah for gracing the Malaysia Madani Open House here today.


Meanwhile, Anwar said Kedah is a state that is given focus by the federal government with more expenditure allocation amounting to RM1.6 billion for this year compared to the previous year.

He said the amount does not include several other measures such as aid for poor schools and clinics as well as several water supply projects in several districts in Kedah.

“Recently when I went to China there was a proposal to expand investment in Kulim Hi-Tech Park and for the information of the people, I assured our full cooperation to speed up the process.

“God willing, with the cooperation of the state government and local authorities, this will be able to drive more meaningful growth in the state of Kedah Darul Aman,” he said.

Besides, the Prime Minister said that there are several other applications for Kedah which will be considered and stressed that the government will continue to protect the fate of the people including in the states that are not together in the unity government.

Anwar said the government through the recently presented Madani Budget, has also increased assistance for rice farmers which is the highest recorded compared to the allocation in the previous year.

He said the allocations announced in the budget showed that the country has the ability to ensure that all parties agree to manage the country’s economy and bring investments and expenditures focused on the interests of the people.

“That is why the issue in focus in the country is the issue of government management and governance. Malaysia and I believe that Kedah can be raised as a prosperous country, a successful country, an excellent country, a Madani nation, if only we can manage the country well, rejecting the practice and scourge of corruption as well as abuse of power and using all the power of the machinery to protect the welfare of the people and the harmony of all races,” he said.

Commenting on today’s open house celebration, Anwar said it was the first time a large-scale event was held with the people, attended not only by ministers but also by many ambassadors and high commissioners, most of whom were outside of Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

“This event is for the people to be together with the leadership and to express the appreciation of the unity government to the people and to strengthen ties between us regardless of race, party (politics) or religion.

“This is the strength of the Malaysian society, for us to continue to grow as a Madani country which can be catalysed through several programmes and to also drive meaningful growth with the solidarity of the people,” he said.

The presence of Sultan Sallehuddin at the occasion also enlivens the celebration.

The function was also attended by two Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil as well as other ministers. — Bernama


Unity govt to resolve Kedah water woes if given mandate in state polls: Zahid


TheVibes.com:

Unity govt to resolve Kedah water woes if given mandate in state polls: Zahid


Will also assist state in redevelopment efforts, says DPM



Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) says the unity government is committed to helping the people of Kedah, and has reiterated Umno’s and Barisan Nasional’s stance to continue supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes file pic, April 29, 2023


ALOR STAR – The unity government will resolve the water supply woes in Kedah if it is given a mandate in the state election to be held later this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“We know the water problem is not solved. How many (areas) in Kedah did not have sufficient water supply during Aidilfitri? Am I right?

“God willing, if this (state) government is under the unity government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will solve the water problem because the prime minister is also the finance minister. If he forgets, I will remind him to help the people of Kedah,” he said when delivering a speech at the Kedah Madani gathering held at Dataran Stargate here last night.

Besides the prime minister, other cabinet ministers present at the event were Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said his ministry would also assist the Kedah Regional Development Authority in its efforts to redevelop Kedah.

“The same goes for housing and land problems in Kedah, I know of these problems. God willing, Datuk Seri Anwar will give me the responsibility to look after the villages… look after the rural areas. I will never fail to carry out this trust.

“God willing, this ministry (rural and regional development ministry) will help the villagers whether they are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Siamese, or Orang Asli for the benefit of the state of Kedah and for the benefit of Malaysians,” he said.

Zahid meanwhile said the good collaboration between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan must be maintained for the sake of political stability.

As BN chairman and Umno president, he also reiterated the stance of his party and coalition to continue to support the prime minister. – Bernama, April 29, 2023


PM Anwar rubbishes allegations that unity govt victimising federal Opposition states


MM:

PM Anwar rubbishes allegations that unity govt victimising federal Opposition states





Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the Madani Kedah 2023 gathering in Alor Setar April 28, 2023. — Bernama pic

Saturday, 29 Apr 2023 7:48 AM MYT



ALOR SETAR, April 29 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed allegations by certain quarters that his unity government was victimising states ruled by the Opposition.

The prime minister said instead the federal government had increased allocations for Opposition-controlled states, including Kedah which is led by Perikatan Nasional (PN).


“For Johor the allocations were increased; Kedah also got higher allocations. Alhamdulillah. But some people wearing ‘serban’ (turban-like head covering normally worn by Muslim men) claim that Anwar victimised them (opposition states). This is a lie. I hope you all understand.

“I know the meaning of slander. I know the pain of being beaten. I know what it is like to suffer in a lock-up. Now that I am the prime minister why would I be cruel to people?” he said when addressing the Madani Kedah 2023 gathering here last night.


Anwar stressed that as the prime minister he was not out to make enemies of anyone and instead wanted to rebuild the country together with people who defend integrity.


He called on the people including Kedahans to support the unity government because of its policy of upholding the dignity of the people and the country.

“Holding a raya gathering is not about winning or losing elections. We are providing food not to fish for votes. I don’t want people to support me because of that,” he said.

The prime minister is also determined to prove to the country and the world that there are Malays who can lead this country well and are capable of bringing change in the name of Islam.

“I want to show that under the leadership of Islam, we can govern well and uphold justice for all, and I hope that the young people in this country will also bring this change, not with hatred but with love,” he said.

The Madani gathering was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub. — Bernama


Friday, April 28, 2023

PAS will always win when ‘mufti’ and professors of Islam are silent




PAS will always win when ‘mufti’ and professors of Islam are silent

By Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi





IN ALL the socio-political issues framed in religion brought up by PAS – the Bon Odori festival, the Oktoberfest celebration, the alcohol-mall issue, the stewardess tudung issue and now the Sarawak casino issue – my reading is that PAS has won the “moral ground” in each and every one of them.


Even though Malaysians may heave a sigh of relief when good Muslims like the Sarawak tourism minister or the Sultan of Selangor put the matters at rest with their wise statements of nation-building and multi-racial and multi-faith inclusiveness that defines Malaysia, I know the PAS leadership is smiling broadly.

The main reason why I say PAS has won the “moral ground” with its Malay ground base supporters is that their issues were laced with Quranic verses and religious justification presented eloquently by ustaz (religious teacher) or clerics of Islam who are also politicians.


On the contrary, those who are countering them are non-Muslim politicians, Muslim politicians who are not ustaz, NGO (non-governmental organisation) like Sisters in Islam (SIS) who do not wear the tudung and are not ustazah and even Sultans who are themselves not ustaz.

So, five points for PAS and zero score for Malaysians on the Islamic moral scale. I have always written strongly to say that firstly, PAS is now a major contender and not a kampung or pondok (hut) political party.

Unless we create a policy where no religious ideology should be made the basis for a political party, then we Malaysians must deal with PAS in a respectable way.

Secondly, PAS carries the moral high ground with its politicians being “scholars” in Islam even though of the lowest kind. To the Malay public, nevertheless, a Malay with a serban (head gear), a jubah (robe), has janggut (beard), can recite Quran flawlessly and knows Arabic, he is a “scholar in Islam”.


Passive Muslim scholars

My issue in this article is to highlight the need for our salaried muftis and “scholars in Islam” in the Department of Religious Affairs as well as highly-paid Islamic scholars in 20 public universities to play a role in countering the narrative of a conservative Islam interested only in the betterment and safety of Muslims alone and not the nation of Malaysia with people of many faiths and cultures.



Why, first of all, are the mufti silent when PAS raises issues which it claims are Islamic issues that are important for the Muslim society? For instance, when PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang accused non-Muslims as prone to corruption because of their natural immorality and evil tendency, he used the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet to justify his statements.

The same thing was done in accusing Pakatan Harapan (PH) of working with the evil DAP or making friends with enemies of Islam in the form of Jews and Christians. Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim has launched the Madani Islam which is the answer to Islam as a force of nation-building and global co-existence using the Quran and the Hadith as the basis for its approach and philosophy.

But I noticed that even JAKIM has not answered his call when I read the text from the Friday sermons. I have also noticed that not many academics except those aligned with Anwar from ABIM who are mostly not ustaz have answered his Madani call.


Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi


Public university leadership and the professors of Islam are mostly silent on the Madani idea. This is where PAS will score many points every time it raises any and every issue it says concerns the Muslim community.


Easy win for PAS

The silence from the mufti office, the ustaz from the religious departments and the professors of Islamic studies is simply deafening! Where are their vo? Where are their answers?

If Malay politicians who are not ustaz answer the issues raised by PAS, if non-Muslim politicians answer the questions raised by PAS, if NGOs like ABIM and IKRAM whose members are non-ustaz answer the concerns of PAS, if SIS or non-tudung Muslim women answer PAS – instead of mufti or professors of Islamic scholarship who are ustaz – we should just declare PAS the winner and give them the winning trophy.

PAS will win hands down every time.

If all institutions of Islam are silent when PAS brings up any issue – and if all the professors stay silent inside their lush offices and seminar rooms – we might as well change the name Malaysia to Dar-al-Malazi or the Abode of Malaysians in Islamic Arabic.

I said that Sabah and Sarawak will have the same Islamic extremism problem in 10 years. I was wrong. With the Mazu statue and the casino issues, the peninsular problems of Islamic extremism have made it to the shores of the two nations across South China Sea.

To the people of Sabah and Sarawak, welcome back to Dar-al-Malazi! So, my final question is why are we paying the salaries of mufti, ustaz officials and professors in Islam for?



Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi is Professor of Architecture at a local university and his writing reflects his own personal opinion entirely. This opinion editorial first appeared in Sin Chew Daily (English version) under the same headline.


Sanusi to attend Madani Aidilfitri open house after state ruler’s consent




Sanusi to attend Madani Aidilfitri open house after state ruler’s consent





KEDAH Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has announced that he will be attending the Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Alor Star tomorrow after the state ruler consented to going.


“The Kedah MB is scheduled to attend the Madani open house tomorrow to escort state ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah tomorrow,” Sanusi’s press secretary Muhamad Mat Yakim was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

The open house in Kedah will be held at Alor Star’s Raia Hotel from 10am to 2pm.


Sanusi’s announcement comes after Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed in an announcement that Kedah Sultan will join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the state capital’s national-level open house ceremony tomorrow (April 29).

He stated that this will liven up the event and allow Kedahans to celebrate Raya with Sultan Sallehuddin.

On Thursday (April 27), Sanusi stated that he would attend the open house if Sultan Sallehuddin agreed.

Recall that the PAS leader had previously kicked up a fuss on Sunday (April 23) when he had criticised Putrajaya’s decision to host open house programmes in opposition-ruled states.

Describing the open houses as merely election campaign events which should not proceed, Sanusi said Putrajaya was going against its own stance of doing away with massive events to cut costs.

He also said federal leaders should stick to the long-standing tradition of a single open house event at the prime minister’s residence, Seri Perdana, or around Putrajaya. – April 28, 2023

Can PH make ‘low-lying’ Tian Chua an asset for Selangor state polls?




Can PH make ‘low-lying’ Tian Chua an asset for Selangor state polls?





FORMER PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang a.k.a. Tian Chua, is lying low for the time being.

Having recently been dropped from the party after taking on its chosen candidate for the Batu parliamentary constituency, Prabakaran Parameswaran, as an independent in the 15th General Election (GE15), Chua will not be involved with the state election for now.

A once popular and well-liked Batu MP, Chua was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code and found guilty of outraging the modesty of a police officer by using foul language in March 2018, resulting in him being disqualified from contesting in the general election two months later.


For brief a stint between March 2019 and February 2020, he was the special advisor to the then Works Minister Baru Bian.

“I am trying to do some consultancy work to get myself some income,” he told FocusM. “Currently, I am also helping the Timor Leste government to develop some of their policies.”


Tian Chua (right) manages to catch up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while paying his last respect to the latter’s best buddy Abdullah Abdul Samad recently


Being pragmatic, Chua had earlier proposed the inclusion of UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi even before the formation of the unity government. His support for Zahid, however, was only by virtue of his capacity as the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman.

“The concept of unity government should, therefore, be inclusive to overcome ethnic and ideological sectarianism,” justified the former PKR president.

“I based my support of Zahid’s appointment as a cabinet minister solely on Zahid’s strengths, especially in his ability to mediate between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the civil service as well as the conservative segments of the government.”

While he supported Anwar’s concept of Malaysia Madani as “a good initiative,” Chua reckoned that the Madani concept has to be a bottom-up initiative.

“It has to be a movement by the people to realise values incorporated in the Madani administration, for example, compassion, sustainability and good governance, among others. Without internalising these values in the society, Madani will become purely a greeting slogan of news broadcasts.”

Chua had also pointed out that despite the strong opposition from within BN towards working with PH, it was Zahid who remained firm in his stand. When asked if he agreed that Zahid should be given immunity from prosecution, Chua said that one has to be pragmatic.

“By excluding the `court cluster’, it does not necessarily mean a cleaner government,” he opined. “Zahid cannot escape from the court proceedings since the judiciary is an independent body and he has every opportunity to prove his innocence in court.”

The Melaka-born Chua, 60, reminded his former comrades that if there is enough political will to weed out corruption, genuine reforms have “to systematically overhaul our governing institutions”.

In recent days, Chua has been invited by MUDA to share his experiences during the Reformasi period. He was one of the pioneers of the Reformasi movement in 1998. – April 28, 2023


Pardons Board didn’t discuss application by Najib, says source


FMT:

Pardons Board didn’t discuss application by Najib, says source


Reports had said the panel, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would meet today to discuss the former prime minister’s request.



Former prime minister Najib Razak was jailed last year after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International case.


PETALING JAYA: The Pardons Board has not discussed former prime minister Najib Razak’s application for a royal pardon, according to a source in the know.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source denied reports claiming that the board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would discuss Najib’s application today.

Najib was jailed last year after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International case.

The former Pekan MP was convicted in July 2020 on charges of abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust over SRC funds amounting to RM42 million. He was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and fined RM210 million.


After the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal in December 2021, he began serving his prison term on Aug 23, 2022 following the Federal Court’s decision to uphold the original conviction and sentence.

On March 31, a separate five-member Federal Court bench dismissed Najib’s bid to review his conviction and sentence in a majority decision.


Thursday, April 27, 2023

‘Little Napoleons’ in PMO strained my relationship with Anwar and federal govt, claims Sanusi




‘Little Napoleons’ in PMO strained my relationship with Anwar and federal govt, claims Sanusi





DESPITE reports of bad blood between both leaders, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has insisted that he has no personal beef with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.


In fact, Sanusi attributed his strained relationship with Anwar and the federal government on “Little Napoleons” in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“I wish to advise the friends in PMO, don’t be ‘Little Napoleons’. I do understand how busy the leaders are, so most of the small matters are being handled by officers and these officers are acting like ‘Little Napoleons’,” he was reported as saying by NST.


Sanusi said this to reporters at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Seri Mentaloon today (April 27).

He was speaking about not being invited to the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri Open House with the Prime Minister this Saturday (April 29) at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

“I am sorry if I am wrong, but that’s how I see things,” he added.

Sanusi went on to say that the “Little Napoleons” were out to severe ties between the state and federal government administrations.

“They have the intention to make their boss look good, but the way they do it may invite repercussions.

“For example, the fiasco over the LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023) invitation, the National Finance Council and the Aidilfitri open house.

“I am just being honest here. I hope the Prime Minister will listen to what I have to say. If the officers are not fit to be there, he should replace them,” he said, claiming that these individuals were the one handling invitations to the prime minister’s events.

“There is nothing personal between us. The legal suit filed by the Prime Minister against me (over a ceramah during 15th General Election campaign) is just a political matter.

“After he was appointed as the Prime Minister, and I the Menteri Besar, we have to have government-to-government dealings.” – April 27, 2023


Anwar's aide: PN using govt open houses to 'provoke hatred'






Anwar's aide: PN using govt open houses to 'provoke hatred'


Perikatan Nasional (PN) is trying to turn the government’s Hari Raya open houses with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim across six states into a hostile issue, to score political brownie points.

So said Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, Anwar’s political secretary.

“The state-level Aidilfitri celebrations should not be labelled as excessive, especially when the menteris besar of the three PN-led states, including Kedah, has agreed to join in the celebrations.

“Efforts to get close to the rakyat across state borders should be a shared responsibility between the federal and state governments,” he said in a statement today.

“Claims that the open house events are politically motivated are malicious in nature and meant to provoke the people’s hatred against the PM’s leadership.”

Kamil was responding to PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan, who said the open houses were excessive, indefensible and a waste of money.

The PAS leader also accused the coalition government of “riding on religion” (menunggang agama) by “hijacking” the Hari Raya celebrations, which is an important annual Islamic event, to achieve its political objectives.

Anwar previously denied the open house tour is motivated by upcoming elections in the six states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan - which must be held in a few months from now.


Ineffective opposition

DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali echoed Kamil, saying PN has run out of ammunition by blowing up the open house matter.


Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim


“The coalition’s three top honchos (Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainudin and Abdul Hadi Awang) are constantly not present in Parliament to engage and debate with the prime minister.

“It looks like even outside the Dewan Rakyat, they (PN) have no policy-related questions they can take on the PM with until they want to blow up this feast-related issue.

“This shows that PN has failed to play the role of an effective opposition, as promised,” he said in a statement.


‘Ask Media Prima’

Meanwhile, Kamil, who is also the PKR deputy youth leader, slammed accusations that the government had a part in the eleventh-hour cancellation of PN’s “takbir raya” which was to be broadcast on TV3, on the eve of Hari Raya.

“Attempts to portray that the government had a role in the cancellation of PN’s takbir raya is a clear provocation meant to ruin Putrajaya’s reputation.

“The government did not in any way influence Media Prima’s decision to cancel the programme.

“If PN wants to get a reply on the ‘technical problems’ cited by TV3, they should refer to the TV station for clarification, instead of blaming the government for the cancellation.”

This was in response to Takiyuddin’s remark, urging the government to “come clean” on the reasons for the programme’s cancellation.

Dubbing the “technical problems” excuse as “odd and unacceptable”, Takyuddin urged TV3 and the government, particularly the Communications and Digital Ministry, to explain how there was no political interference to prevent the video from being aired.

“The integrity of TV3 and the ministry depends on their readiness to be transparent and professional, especially in honouring contracts and promises that have been agreed upon formally,” he had said.

It was reported that PN secured a five-minute slot on TV3 for its takbir raya - the reciting of the takbir to mark Aidilfitri - to be aired on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri last Friday (April 21).

A source at TV3 told Malaysiakini PN paid for the slot, which was scheduled for 10.20pm that day.

PN promoted the programme on social media but when the appointed time came, a TV3 livestream instead aired a drama along with a series of commercial advertisements, including a Hari Raya Aidilfitri greeting from Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.


The Evil and sheer Wickedness of Keralite King Kob Klep d' Karn Neen Neh




Is Daim in secret plot masterminded by Tun M to topple Anwar’s unity gov’t?





CONTROVERSIAL UMNO supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam has made a damning revelation recently that former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin had held a secret meeting with three opposition political party operators over the past few days.


Among the political figures that the multi-billionaire Daim met were Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali who is the former PKR deputy president who defected to Bersatu following his sacking.

“The meeting took place separately between Daim and the political leaders for two days in a row at Daim’s office in Menara Ilham which is located in Kuala Lumpur’s central business district (CBD),” Lokman claimed on his recent Facebook Live broadcast.


Datuk Lokman Noor Adam


“This secret meeting is to plan unrest to topple the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the wake of the upcoming state polls.”

According to Lokman who labelled himself as the UMNO communication director on his FB Live clip, among the plans made is to hold by-elections for 15 MPs.

“I understand that 15 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs are ready to resign and run again in the by-elections for their respective constituencies to show that the unity government does not have the support of the people,” he revealed. “They are confident they can win with the support of Daim.”


Avoid prosecution

This latest development has promoted PRO-Pakatan Harapan (PH) news portal Harapan Daily to link Daim’s clandestine meeting to an alleged ploy by his old friend and ally Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to disrupt the stability of the unity government helmed by Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The secret meeting is said to be part of a plan to avoid potential prosecution stemming from wrongdoing involving millions of ringgit of state money that certain quarters are currently facing, according to the news portal.

“Previously, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was reported to be investigating the overseas wealth belonging to Daim and his family as revealed by the Pandora Papers,” noted Pakatan Daily. “Daim along with another former PM’s son were called by the MACC last February.”

On Feb 14, Utusan Malaysia reported that a former minister (without naming him) was reportedly called in by the MACC to provide a statement in relation to the Pandora Papers which linked several prominent Malaysians to offshore tax havens.

Citing a source, the Malay daily reported that the 84-year-old former minister had his statement taken after he was called in for questioning at the graft buster’s headquarters in Putrajaya the previous day.



The source said the former minister’s statement was believed to revolve around explaining the financial flow of 12 offshore companies linked to him and his family who are suspected of possessing “extraordinary wealth”.

In a related development, Pakatan Daily also cited an unnamed source who reportedly told local media that the Pandora Paper probe is still in its early stages and that more people may soon be questioned in connection with leaked documents first published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) beginning Oct 3, 2021

“The flow of money to foreign investments and then the findings of the Pandora Paper report are being carefully studied and an investigation is underway to see if there is any criminal element as stated in the international report,” noted the source.

Individuals called in for questioning will not be named as is common practice with people who have not yet been charged in court.

To re-cap, ICIJ’s media partner in Malaysia had in February also revealed that Daim’s two sons are shareholders of a shell company that holds multi-million-dollar properties in London.

However, Daim denied any wrongdoing. Having an offshore entity is not illegal but in some cases, the practice is linked to tax evasion. In other cases, it is an attempt to maintain confidentiality for various reasons. – April 27, 2023




Why was Sabah Air allowed to operate illegally, asks ex-MP


FMT:

Why was Sabah Air allowed to operate illegally, asks ex-MP


Former Penampang MP Darell Leiking was commenting on the declassified report by the Australian manufacturer on the Double Six crash in 1976.



Sabah’s then chief minister Fuad Stephens and 10 others were killed after the GAF Nomad aircraft they were in crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu. (File pic)


PETALING JAYA: A former MP has called on the federal and Sabah governments to explain their role in allowing Sabah Air, the airline involved in the Double Six crash, to operate illegally.

“The revelation (that Sabah Air was operating illegally) in the Australian report is shocking. It raises even more questions,” Darell Leiking told FMT.

The former Penampang MP was commenting on the declassified report by Government Aircraft Factories (GAF), the Australian manufacturer of the ill-fated aircraft.

The report, released today, found that Sabah Air was essentially operating illegally during the crash on June 6, 1976.

The report said Sabah Air had submitted the draft of its operations manual towards the end of 1975, but this was never approved by the then civil aviation department, a federal authority.

“This crucial detail was not mentioned in the Malaysian report on the crash. Why? The federal government must explain.

“The Sabah government must also clarify Sabah Air’s status at the time of the crash because Sabah Air is an agency under the state government.

“Both the federal and state governments have a legal responsibility to the families of those who perished in the crash,” Leiking said.

He also said the families should consider legal avenues to seek redress against the state government if the report by GAF is substantiated.

According to the Malaysian report declassified earlier this month, the plane’s pilot had a history of poor performance in flying and the aircraft was overloaded.

The incident claimed the lives of then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens, state ministers Salleh Sulong, Chong Thien Vun and Peter Mojuntin as well as seven others after the GAF Nomad aircraft they were in crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.

Investigations were launched by the Malaysian authorities, GAF and the Australian department of transport, but their findings were never made public until earlier this month.


Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Sabah’s 1976 ‘Double Six’ crash: Australian plane manufacturer’s investigation rules out sabotage, pins blame on pilot, overloading


MM:

Sabah’s 1976 ‘Double Six’ crash: Australian plane manufacturer’s investigation rules out sabotage, pins blame on pilot, overloading





The Australian investigators’ 1976 report said it was possible to discount or rule out the theory of sabotage. — Bernama pic

Wednesday, 26 Apr 2023 8:05 PM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Australia’s investigators had decades ago highlighted Sabah’s “Double Six” Tragedy — where then Sabah chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens and all 10 others onboard died in a June 6, 1976 plane crash — was an “accident bound to happen sooner or later”, a newly-revealed report said.

The Australian investigators’ 1976 report said it was possible to discount or rule out the theory of sabotage in the first few days of a Malaysia-led investigation in 1976 on the crash, and pointed to an earlier preliminary investigation which found overloading at the back of the aircraft to be the cause.


The Australian investigators’ report numbers 11 pages and was part of the 52-page record declassified by the Australian government today.

In the report, Australia’s investigators highlighted multiple points seen as relevant to the crash, including the airline Sabah Air’s alleged “illegal” and “poor” operations, as well as shortcomings and poor flying abilities by the pilot of the Nomad N22B aircraft which crashed.


The Australian-owned company Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) manufactured the Nomad aircraft which crashed in 1976, and had sent its acting chief designer David Hooper and chief test pilot Stuart Pearce to Malaysia to assist in Malaysia’s own investigation on the crash.


In the report signed by Hooper and Pearce on the findings of GAF’s separate investigation on the crash, they said the relevant information included Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) failing to completely fulfil its obligations as the local certifying authority.

The report said the CAD had never approved Sabah Air’s draft Operations Manual and that means the airline was operating illegally, and said the draft document contained inaccuracies on aircraft operation and with deviations from the flight manual to the extent optimum performance would not be achieved during flight operations.

In the same report by the GAF investigation team on the 1976 crash, it claimed the pilot Captain Ghandi Nathan to have “sub-standard ability” and several shortcomings in his personal file with Sabah Air, despite his experience being some 3,000 flying hours.

According to the GAF report, the pilot Ghandi was reported to have poor ability to deal with simulated emergencies, and that Sabah Air’s previous chief pilot M. Nadan had after flight checks on Ghandi repeatedly reported the pilot as having “substandard ability with emergencies, instrument flying” and operating single-engine aircrafts and recommended further training.

The GAF report also cited interviews with one of the two remaining Sabah Air pilots, where this pilot named Captain Cameron said that the airline’s pilots never bothered to physically calculate the loading of baggage onto an aircraft before take-off, and that they would simply eyeball the baggage’s location and take off if it looked satisfactory.

This pilot had also said they did not use the loading charts in the flight manual as they were too difficult to understand.


Sabotage ruled out

Earlier, in the GAF report, the Australian company’s investigators said sabotage was high on the list of theories considered by investigators as a cause of the 1976 accident.

“It was possible by various means during the first few days to discount this theory,” the GAF report said, noting that the CAD’s R. Williams’ “thorough and painstaking examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any pre-crash malfunction or failure of any complement or structure which would cause the aircraft to crash”.

The GAF report added that it was concluded that there was overloading in the rear baggage locker of the aircraft.


What happened before the crash?

In outlining the chronology of events before the “Double Six” crash, the GAF report said the Nomad aircraft had been on two earlier flights between Labuan and Kota Kinabalu on that day, and that there were no reported aircraft issues which required attention by maintenance engineers and that the flight appeared normal.

On the third flight which was the one which the plane crashed, Captain Ghandi supervised the loading of baggage in the front compartment, while a co-pilot — who was later bumped off the flight — supervised the loading of baggage into the rear locker.

“None of the baggage and freight was weighed prior to placement in the aircraft and the driver of the vehicle which brought the baggage to the aircraft reported that the rear locker was about three quarters full,” the GAF report said.

Captain Ghandi was also said to have told his acquaintances on that day that he was tired and unwell, due to what he believed to be tainted food he had ate the previous night.

He was also said to have sat in the pilot’s seat when the 10 passengers were boarding and that he did not supervise the loading of the passengers onto the plane.

In giving the likely crash sequence where the plane went into a spin and nose-dived into the sea after being given clearance for landing at Kota Kinabalu, the GAF report gave technical details on what investigators believed happened, including how the pilot may have lost control of the aircraft when landing due to overloading at the rear.

“In view of Ghandi’s reported difficulties with aircraft emergencies, his sub-standard flying ability and his self-confessed illness, it is doubtful if he realised what the problems were and in losing control of the aircraft was unable to appreciate the situation sufficiently in order to regain control,” the GAF report said.

The GAF report also said that its investigators had sighted the contents of a preliminary investigation report in 1976, where it was stated that “the cause of the accident was that the pilot had allowed the aircraft to be loaded well beyond its aft CG limit and as a result of this, he lost control and crashed during the final approach to land”.

The aft CG limit is a reference to the rear of the aircraft loaded beyond its limit, which affected its centre of gravity or its stability and balance.

The preliminary report was said to be presented at a Malaysian Cabinet meeting on June 16, 1976, with the Malaysian government then declining to issue a press release but agreeing that the GAF “could advise its customers and operators that as a result of the investigation, the structural integrity of the aircraft was assured”.

The GAF report said Australian personnel were not authorised to make public any of the findings of Malaysia’s investigation and that the Malaysian government had called for a complete report by June 30, 1976 where it would presumably make the findings known. But the GAF report said it was not confident that the full Malaysian report would be published in this timescale.

MORE TO COME