Hadi’s remarks “dangerous” but “immature” to ban PAS, says Muslim activist

Hadi’s remarks “dangerous” but “immature” to ban PAS, says Muslim activist





A MUSLIM’S rights group has panned PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over his controversial branding of non-Bumiputeras and non-Malays as “roots of corruption”, raising concerns about the consequences of such remarks on race relations and national harmony.

Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) fellow Ahmad Muziru Idham said the impact of the Marang MP’s “roots of corruption” linkage was “dangerous” given the implications of the influential figure, besides not including data to back his claim.

Ahmad noted that the overall content of Hadi’s reported remarks last month – that the corruption “disease” needs to be eradicated in a holistic manner and no “true Muslims” would tolerate any kind of corruption – may be good.

“But with the passage that is mixed with hatred in the text, his actions must be held accountable,” he told FocusM.

Ahmad Muziru Idham


“His linkage of non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras to corruption is inappropriate and should be subject to strict action to curb the spread of racism in society.”

Even so, Ahmad said Hadi should not be probed under the draconian Sedition Act 1948, which civil society has been fighting to repeal for years now.

“Why do we want it to be enforced on others when we detest it among our fellow activists?” Ahmad asked.

After much public anger and police reports lodged against Hadi over his inflammatory and unsubstantiated remarks, Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Department (CCID) is now probing him on the matter.

Hadi was at Bukit Aman on Tuesday (Aug 30) for questioning under Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code for issuing statements likely to incite the public and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or services.

Among those calling for Hadi to be investigated for sedition include Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) president S. Shashi Kumar, who also called for PAS to be disbanded on grounds of their “extremist ideology” the same way the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) was disbanded over their radical struggle.

“Immature call”

Ahmad, however, said calling for PAS to be banned was an “immature” call as “excluding them into a dark corner” was counter-productive, adding that PAS existed long before the country’s independence and has contributed to democracy-building.

“The only way forward is to have more dialogues with them,” he said. “That’s the only way to build an understanding between the different faiths and races in this country.”

Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (Photo credit: Malay Mail)


PAS members, on the other hand, must be more “assertive” towards any attitude or statement issued by its leaders and be brave enough to take decisive actions – even to the point of going up against their president.

“Otherwise, PAS will no longer be relevant in this multi-racial Malaysia,” Ahmad cautioned.

Meanwhile, speaking about the impact of Hadi’s remarks on society, Ahmad said the answer lies in how Hadi is perceived – as a Muslim scholar or “just another politician”.

“We have to understand that he comes from a state that is predominantly Muslim (Terengganu). Perhaps he has very limited interactions with non-Muslims.

“So, there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of race relations and understanding the different communities.”

However, given his position as PAS president – a party that has a large number of followers among Malay-Muslim communities on the east coast especially – Ahmad fears that racism will spread in society as a result of Hadi’s “roots of corruption” remarks.

Hadi is also the country’s special envoy to the Middle East (with ministerial status) and vice-president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.

Ahmad added that the people must fight against any racist speech because it threatens the harmony of the country and goes against human rights principles. – Sept 2, 2022

Lawyer says they had new evidence by MACC, Maybank on judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, yet ...

theVibes.com:

Bad faith to accuse Najib’s defence team of delay tactics: Zaid Ibrahim

Lawyer says they had new evidence by MACC, Maybank on judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali

Although discharged by his client just days before the final appeal verdict was delivered, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pic) has been lambasting the judiciary and government for their alleged ‘double standards’ against Datuk Seri Najib Razak, whom the lawyer said had been denied due process. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, September 2, 2022


KUALA LUMPUR – The defence team in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s final appeal on the first SRC International Bhd graft case was not seeking to delay the verdict, lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said, reiterating his disappointment with the appeal’s outcome that sent the former prime minister straight to jail.

Zaid, who briefly acted as one of Najib’s solicitors in the final appeal at the Federal Court, said the defence had more evidence to present concerning the status of judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, who presided over Najib’s SRC trial at the high court and meted out a 12-year sentence and a RM210 million fine.

That was the “main problem” with the case, he said during The Vibes’ “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” podcast session on Thursday.

Denying views that Najib’s lawyers were using delay tactics, Zaid said there was no evidence to support such a motive.

“You cannot assume bad faith, this is justice we are talking about. You cannot say lawyers are all like that, how do you know?

“What evidence do you have that lawyers always do that? Is it empirical evidence you have that lawyers ask for a postponement because they are acting in bad faith?

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pic) describes Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali’s past stint as the Maybank Group’s general counsel as ‘conflicted’ and ‘untenable’ as he did not recuse himself from the trial. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, September 2, 2022


“When you are dealing with justice you have to be fair, and fairness means you have to tell us why, in this particular case, it is not permissible (to grant adjournment).”

Zaid described Nazlan’s past stint as the Maybank Group’s general counsel as “conflicted” and “untenable” as he did not recuse himself from the trial.

Zaid said this was among the reasons why the former prime minister’s legal team sought the adjournment of the final appeal.

“In my book, never in the history of this country and I think elsewhere, would a judge so involved in the material aspects of the case consider himself fit to be the judge,” Zaid said.

“We wanted to bring that aspect first, we wanted to bring new evidence, supported by MACC’s (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) investigations, and supported by officials of Maybank who gave statements to that effect to support our case.”

Although discharged by his client just days before the final appeal verdict was delivered, Zaid has been lambasting the judiciary and government for their alleged “double standards” against Najib, whom the lawyer said had been denied due process.

Zaid said he was puzzled at how the Federal Court, at every turn, rejected the Pekan MP’s bid to adduce new evidence and postpone the trial, as defence lawyers require adequate time to prepare and argue the case.

Prior to the start of the final appeal hearing, Najib had changed lawyers, replacing Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah and his law firm Shafee & Co, with Hisyam Teh Poh Teik as lead defence lawyer and with Zaid and lawyers from Zaid Ibrahim Suflan TH Liew & Partners, effective July 25.

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim says he believes justice is not just about the outcome, and that sole concern with the outcome harkens back to the days of lynching. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, September 2, 2022


However, on August 19, Hisyam informed the Federal Court that Zaid’s law firm was discharged as solicitors in the case.

Najib’s conviction and sentence was upheld by the apex court on August 23. He was sent to Kajang Prison immediately. He also has to face other 1Malaysia Development Bhd-related trials.

Recounting what transpired during the final hearing, Zaid said the defence team was not asking for Najib to be acquitted but was seeking to refer the case before another high court judge to see whether the new “evidence” was relevant.

However, he said the apex court insisted on proceeding with arguing the merits of the final appeal.

Zaid also noted that due to a potential conflict of interest, Nazlan had replaced judge Datuk Mohd Sofian Abd Razak as the latter was the brother of Umno Pahang state executive member Datuk Seri Mohd Sofi Razak.

“So obviously the issue of conflict and bias was on everybody’s mind (at the time), but everybody forgot (this) when Nazlan came in.

“Justice is not just the outcome. If the outcome is something you are concerned with, we can go back to the days when we lynched people.

“The community thinks that if the person is wrong, we lynch and hang them. What makes a community civilised is that we believe in due process, every step we bring along the way, we must bring that component of justice.”

Tune into the full episode of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Ep 14 with Zaid tomorrow. – The Vibes, September 2, 2022

Rosmah’s counsel condemns ‘unprecedented’ RM970m fine

Rosmah’s counsel condemns ‘unprecedented’ RM970m fine


The defence counsel of Rosmah Mansor had criticised the RM970 million fine that was slapped onto her in her conviction over three graft charges linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon sentenced Rosmah Mansor to 10 years in jail and the RM970 million fine, with an additional 30 years’ imprisonment if she fails to pay the fine.

In a press conference after today’s hearing, lawyer Jagjit Singh (above) pointed out that the imposed fine was unprecedented in the history of Malaysia’s legal system.

“The fine is RM970 million, that is almost one billion ringgit. You tell me, can anybody afford that amount? I can’t afford that.

“Now our client has to come up with nearly RM1 billion, and she doesn’t have a source of income,” he told reporters in the lobby of the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex.

He said that a notice of appeal had been given to the court, adding that the process will likely take around six months.

Rosmah to appeal

Jagjit also lamented the court’s decision to dismiss their bid to recuse trial judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from the case.

“Our client is able to go back home and be with her family tonight.

“We will be filing the appeal in the earliest prescribed time on the entire judgement of all the three cases.

“There will also be a notice of appeal on application (to recuse trial judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan) which was refused, which we should have been allowed to appeal but it doesn’t matter as we all make mistakes in life,” he said.

Rosmah Mansor

Two days ago, Rosmah filed an eleventh-hour application on grounds linked to the alleged leak of a court judgment that found her guilty of the three corruption charges.

One charge accused Rosmah of soliciting RM187.5 million and two other counts accused her of receiving bribes of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd’s former managing director Saidi Abang Samsuddin, through her former special officer Rizal Mansor.

It was allegedly done as an inducement to help the company to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel for 369 Sarawak rural schools.

Later in the day, Zaini convicted Rosmah on all three graft charges and sentenced her to 10 years in jail and an RM970 million fine in lieu of an additional 30 years of imprisonment, with the prison sentence to run from the date of sentencing today.

However, Zaini allowed the defendant’s application for a stay of execution of the sentences pending the disposal of her appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Hefty fines a ‘death sentence’ for Najib’s family, says Puad

Hefty fines a ‘death sentence’ for Najib’s family, says Puad

Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor in happier times. (AP pic)


PETALING JAYA: An Umno Supreme Council member has described the RM1 billion-plus in fines imposed on former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, as a “death sentence” for their family.

Puad Zarkashi said the fines were “inhumane” and would mean a life of poverty for their family and would “suffocate” them.


“This does not include the Inland Revenue Board’s RM1.7 billion tax bill for Najib and his son,” he said.

Yesterday, Rosmah’s lawyer, Jagjit Singh, criticised the RM970 million fine imposed on his client, describing it as “unprecedented”.


Puad Zarkashi.

Rosmah was found guilty of corruption in connection with the RM1.25 billion Sarawak rural schools’ solar energy project. She was also handed a 10-year jail sentence.

Last week, Najib had his conviction and 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine affirmed by the Federal Court in his SRC International case.

He was charged with seven counts of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to the misappropriation of RM42 million in funds belonging to SRC International.

Puad said he was nevertheless confident that Najib, Rosmah and their children would continue to “fight for justice”.


“Najib, Rosmah and the family know that the people stand with them,” he said.

“Najib will not incite the people to take to the streets as others have done.

“While they will not be able to pay the fines, the voters will help them through the ballot box.”

Rosmah meddled in govt affairs when Najib was PM, says judge

Rosmah meddled in govt affairs when Najib was PM, says judge

Judge Zaini Mazlan said it was clear from an audio recording, purportedly of a conversation between Rosmah Mansor and Najib Razak over 1MDB matters, that she gave instructions to the former prime minister on government affairs. (Bernama pic)


KUALA LUMPUR: Rosmah Mansor interfered in government affairs when her husband Najib Razak was prime minister (between 2009 and 2018), the High Court said.

Judge Zaini Mazlan said this was based on an audio recording, purportedly of a conversation between her and Najib over 1MDB matters, and testimonies of prosecution witnesses.


“It is clear from the recording that the accused (Rosmah) gave instructions to Najib on government affairs,” he said in his 116-page judgment that found her guilty of three corruption charges linked to the RM1.25 billion Sarawak rural schools’ solar energy project.

He said Rosmah’s tone was commanding, and was contrary to her contention that she heeded Najib’s prohibition on not meddling in government affairs.


“I say with the greatest respect that it is apparent that the accused dominates Najib. She has control over him. She has no business interfering in Najib’s duties or government affairs, but she did,” Zaini said.

He, however, said Rosmah had attempted to downplay the conversation by relating it to a typical conversation between a husband and wife.

The judge said her ex-aide Rizal Mansor was telling the truth when the latter testified that she had an overbearing nature and an ability to influence decisions in the civil service.

The judge noted that Rizal had worked for Rosmah for many years and would have been able to witness this personally.


Zaini said he had no reason to doubt former education minister Mahdzir Khalid and former education ministry secretary-general Madinah Mohamad who positively identified the voices as that of Najib and Rosmah.

During cross-examination by ad hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram, Rosmah dismissed the contents of the recording as “utterly rubbish”.

The prosecution had tendered the recording to substantiate its claim that Rosmah, though she did not occupy any official position, wielded considerable influence by reason of her overbearing nature.

The recording was also to show that she pushed senior education ministry officials for the project to be given to Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The court found that she had solicited RM187.5 million from Jepak Holdings managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin through Rizal as an inducement to help the company secure the RM1.25 billion project.

She received a RM5 million bribe from Saidi, through Rizal, at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya on Dec 20, 2016, and another RM1.5 million from Saidi at Jalan Langgak Duta on Sept 7, 2017.

Bernama also reported Zaini as saying that corruption had reached almost every level of society and as such, it must be curtailed before it becomes a pandemic.

The judge said if corruption was left unchecked, society would come to accept it as a way of life or doing business.

Zaini sentenced Rosmah to 10 years in prison for each of the three graft charges, and ordered her sentences to run concurrently.

Six questions about Najib’s Pekan seat (and GE15 dreams) now that he’s in prison

Six questions about Najib’s Pekan seat (and GE15 dreams) now that he’s in prison

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seated in the rear of a vehicle headed for Kajang Prison from the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, August 23, 2022. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Friday, 02 Sep 2022 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak is now Malaysia’s first former prime minister to be imprisoned, but remains the member of parliament for the Pahang constituency of Pekan.

He is serving a 12-year prison sentence and has also been fined RM210 million over the embezzlement of RM42 million from government-owned firm SRC International Sdn Bhd. This is after he failed in his final appeal at the Federal Court on August 23.


1. So what happens now that he’s in prison?

Here’s what you need to know about six questions on prisoner Najib and his Pekan seat, based on the Federal Constitution and what constitutional lawyers told Malay Mail.


Is he still Pekan MP now that he is behind bars? Andrew Khoo, co-chair of the Bar Council constitutional law committee, said the Federal Constitution’s Article 48 meant that an MP would be disqualified within 14 days of receiving a prison term of not less than a year, unless certain steps are taken, such as filing for pardon.


“Article 48(1)(e) read with Article 48(4)(a) and (c) means that it will take effect after 14 days from the date of the appeal is dismissed.

“Disqualification as MP will not take effect if petition for pardon is filed within 14-day period,” he told Malay Mail when contacted, referring specifically to Article 48(4)(c).

Article 48(4)(a) provides that an MP will be disqualified from continuing to be an MP 14 days “from the date” which he was convicted and sentenced as per Article 48(1)(e), or in other words 14 days from the day he was convicted and imprisoned for not less than one year or a fine of not less than RM2,000 and if has not received a free pardon.

Article 48(4)(b) provides, however, that if an “appeal or any other court proceeding” regarding the conviction or sentence is filed within this 14-day period, the disqualification of the MP will be delayed and only happen 14 days after the court decides on the appeal or court proceeding.

Article 48(4)(c) provides that if a petition for pardon was filed within 14 days of the conviction or sentencing or within 14 days after the court decides on the appeal or court proceeding, the MP will be disqualified immediately when the pardon petition is decided.

While filing for review was not specifically mentioned in this constitutional provision, Khoo said it could “conceivably fall within the understanding of “any other court proceeding’”.

Khoo also explained that a pardon is usually sought when all legal remedies have been exhausted.

Based on Article 48(4)(b) and Article 48(4)(c), he said a pardon could be filed 14 days from the dismissal of the application for review or from the dismissal of the review itself.

Constitutional lawyer K. Shanmuga cited Article 48(4)(a) when saying Najib’s disqualification only takes effect 14 days after his conviction, but also noted that this disqualification need not take place immediately if he pursues a review or pardon.

“If within those 14 days he files either a review application or files a petition for a pardon, then he is not disqualified until the court application/petition for pardon is disposed of: Article 48(4)(b) and Article 48(4)(c),” he told Malay Mail when contacted.

In short: For now, yes, before the 14 days end. But Najib can only hold on to the Pekan seat if he takes the necessary steps within these 14 days. He needs to challenge his conviction or sentence or seek royal pardon, in order to avoid immediate disqualification as MP.

2. When does the 14-day clock start and end for Najib to keep Pekan?

On when the 14-day period would lapse for Najib, Shanmuga said “he has until end of Tuesday, September 6.”

Shanmuga based this calculation on provisions in the Federal Constitution, particularly Section 36 of its Eleventh Schedule.

While the Eleventh Schedule defines “month” and “year” as being calendar month and calendar years, it did not directly define whether the word “day” would refer to calendar days or working days.

Section 36(a) provides that the days calculated “from the happening of an event” should exclude the day the event happened, while Section 36(b) states that weekly holidays and public holidays are “excluded days”.

Citing Section 36 regarding how time is calculated, Shanmuga noted Section 36(d) would mean weekends and public holidays are excluded when calculating a time period for six days or less, while weekends and public holidays would be included when the time period stated in a constitutional provision is more than six days.

Based on Section 36(a) that will exclude August 23 (the date of the Federal Court’s decision in Najib’s SRC appeal) from the calculation of the 14-day period, and based on Section 36(d) which would effectively mean the 14-day period covers calendar days (instead of just working days), the 14-day period from the date Najib’s conviction was upheld will be September 6.

In short: Najib has to file for either review or pardon by September 6, if he wants to remain as an MP despite his 12-year jail and RM210 million fine sentence.

3. Will there be a by-election if Najib is disqualified after 14 days?

Khoo said there would not be a by-election for Najib’s Pekan seat if he were to be disqualified now and under the current circumstances.

“No. Since the unexpired term of Parliament is less than two years,” he said, referring to the second proviso of the Federal Constitution’s Article 54.

“However, it is interesting to note that if the disqualification affects the majority of the government in Parliament, a by-election should proceed,” he said.

Also citing Article 54(1), Shanmuga said there would only be a by-election if Najib does lose his Pekan seat through disqualification, and if the vacancy then causes the ruling government to lose the parliamentary majority needed to form government.

“Since there are less than two years from the date Parliament has to be dissolved, then there is no need for an election unless the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat notifies the EC that the numerical strength of the party that forms the majority in the Dewan Rakyat is affected by the vacancy.

“This is only after the disqualification takes effect, which is when the review application and petition for pardon is disposed of,” he said.

“If as a result of the vacancy, the current government loses its majority, then the Speaker will inform the EC and they must hold a by-election. Otherwise, it’s not required if less than two years to the next election.”

Under Article 55, Parliament will automatically be dissolved after five years from its first meeting (unless it is dissolved earlier), and a general election is required to be held within 60 days from its dissolution.

As the 14th Parliament of Malaysia first met on July 16, 2018, its five-year term should end on July 16, 2023, and the 15th general election (GE15) would then have to be held before or by September 2023.

In short: It is now only about one year to the next general election, which means even if the Pekan seat no longer has an MP if Najib does become disqualified, there would be no need for a by-election.

4. No more GE15 dreams for Najib?

Even if Najib pursues a review or pardon over his conviction, Khoo said Najib may not contest in the next general election, due to the constitutional provision of Article 48(5).

“For purposes of nomination or election, the disqualification takes immediate effect,” Khoo said.

Khoo explained that a petition for pardon will only delay disqualification as a sitting MP, but that it has no effect on disqualification for nomination or election.

Shanmuga also cited Article 48(5) when saying that Najib is immediately disallowed from becoming an election candidate after his conviction.

“He cannot contest in a by-election or any GE, since the delay in disqualification only applies to a sitting member, and not for purposes of nomination, appointment or election of an MP,” he said.

In other words, even if Najib files for a review or for pardon within the 14 days, he has already immediately lost the eligibility to contest in any elections, Shanmuga confirmed.

Under the Federal Constitution’s Article 48(5), a person is “immediately” disqualified from being nominated, elected or appointed to be a federal lawmaker in either the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara, upon the person’s conviction and sentencing to a minimum one-year jail term or a minimum fine of RM2,000 and when no free pardon has been received.

In short: Najib could possibly keep his Pekan seat now. But once GE15 is called, he cannot be an election candidate for the Pekan seat, and will just be known as a former MP for Pekan.

Najib’s son Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib is the Pekan Umno Youth chief. Could this be a chance for him to contest in the seat which his father Najib has held for over four decades and which his grandfather Tun Abdul Razak Hussein had previously held?

5. When can Najib get back in the game?

Asked how long it would take for Najib to be eligible to stand for election again if he succeeds in either getting a review or a pardon, Shanmuga said: “If he gets a full/free pardon, then he is eligible to contest immediately as his conviction and sentence are wiped out.

“If his review application is allowed, typically that means he gets a re-hearing. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal granted him (very, very unusually) a stay of his conviction. Whether he can contest depends on whether the Federal Court, in allowing a review application, extends this stay of conviction,” he said.

Under Article 48(3), a person remains disqualified from being an MP for five years from the day he or she is released from imprisonment, unless this disqualification is removed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s case, the Federal Court had in February 2015 upheld a five-year jail sentence against him due to alleged sodomy and he was midway into his jail term when he received a full royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on May 16, 2018.

Anwar was freed from jail and was then able to immediately contest in the by-election for the Port Dickson parliamentary seat on October 13, 2018 — without waiting for the five-year period to end as he had been pardoned. He won the seat.

In short: Even after Najib serves his jail term, he will not be able to immediately contest in general elections and has to wait for five years. But if he gets a pardon, he will be able to immediately run in elections.

6. Will Najib’s pensions still be paid?

Asked about what would happen to Najib’s pensions as an MP and former prime minister, Khoo said the issue might wait until any bid for pardon is decided upon.

The late DAP leader Karpal Singh was initially fined RM4,000 by the High Court in 2014 in a sedition case, but the Court of Appeal in 2016 reduced the fine to RM1,800 and the Federal Court in 2019 posthumously acquitted him of the sedition case.

The court proceedings were important in determining whether Karpal had been disqualified from his Bukit Gelugor MP post, since a fine of above RM2,000 would be enough to trigger disqualification as MP which would then mean the loss of pension.

PAS to discuss plan to use own logo during GE15 at Perikatan supreme council meet, says Muhammad Sanusi

PAS to discuss plan to use own logo during GE15 at Perikatan supreme council meet, says Muhammad Sanusi

PAS members attend the party's 68th annual congress at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre in Alor Setar September 2, 2022. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 02 Sep 2022 10:28 AM MYT


ALOR SETAR, Sept 2 — PAS’ proposal to use its own logo in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah in the 15th General Election (GE15) will be brought to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) supreme council meeting, said the Central PAS election director, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Muhammad Sanusi who is also the Kedah mentri besar said PAS will bring the matter to the next meeting.


“The use of the logo has not been finalised as there are states that have requested to use the PAS logo, so we will bring it up in future discussions.

“Our aim is not to confuse voters with the blue colour,” he told reporters after attending the 63rd PAS Youth Council Meeting (DPPM) in conjunction with the 68th PAS Annual Meeting here.


Previously at the PN convention, representatives from Terengganu and Kedah proposed that the PAS symbol could be used in the respective states in GE15.


The representative said the matter needs to be considered considering the political scenario in the east coast is different compared with the federal level.

However, Muhammad Sanusi said it depends on the decision of the meeting that will be held later. — AFP

LGE attempts to bulldoze Chow Kon Yeow into amending state constitution concerning party-hopping but not-so-lembeh Chow correctly says NO

Guan Eng concerned with Penang's refusal to amend its anti-hopping law


Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed concern over the state government’s decision not to call for a special state legislative assembly sitting to amend Article 14A of the state constitution concerning party-hopping.

This came after his successor, Chow Kon Yeow, said Lim’s call for the state constitution to be amended in line with the amended Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution, was somehow untenable.

“The need to amend the state constitution to remove any doubt that it contradicts the Federal Constitution is the legal opinion of DAP lawyers as well as the considered view of DAP Legal Bureau chief and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh,” said Lim.

“In my capacity as the then chief minister, I had moved in the state assembly in 2012 to amend the state constitution to ban party-hopping by state assemblypersons who either resigned or were expelled from their party.

“Much as I support these 2012 amendments, my concern is that they should not be inconsistent with the new Federal Constitution amendments passed by Parliament which regarded the resignation but not the expulsion of a member as party-hopping,” he said.

“However, if the state government feels that there is no need to amend the state constitution to align it with the Federal Constitution, then I have at least done my duty as a state assemblyperson to voice out such concerns,” he said.

Lim, who is Bagan MP and Air Putih state assemblyperson, had repeatedly urged Penang to amend the state’s anti-hopping enactment to be aligned with federal legislation, which was passed by Dewan Rakyat in July and subsequently in Dewan Negara last month.

‘Disservice to Penang voters’

Earlier today, Chow said Lim’s proposal constitutes a disservice to Penang voters.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow


“With the greatest respect, the proposal is untenable and if acted upon, would surely constitute a great disservice to the Penang voters,” Chow said in a statement.

“In fact, Article 14A provides for, among others, expulsion from one’s political party as a ground to vacate the Penang state assembly seat(s) in question.

“While expulsion is not provided for under the amended Federal Constitution, we must remind ourselves that Article 14A was enacted and passed in its current form (expulsion included) with more than two-thirds majority in the state assembly way back in 2012.”

Chow said the 2012 amendment was done both by himself and Lim while they were fully aware that the Federal Court had in 1992 ruled that the freedom of association is guaranteed under Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution.

Chow also pointed out that the Federal Court had most recently on Aug 3 unanimously ruled that Penang’s “Article 14A of the state constitution is not void as it is not inconsistent with Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution”.

“The apex court ruling illuminated this important position that an elected representative’s ability to change or have changed his membership of a political party does not take on the character of the personal right of a citizen to form associations as envisioned in Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution.

“Lest we forget, we decided to press ahead with Article 14A, guided by our belief that the voters deserve a stable and credible state government that respects the given mandate.

“To now sing a different tune that compromises Article 14A more so when our position is vindicated by the Federal Court’s unanimous decision, is short-changing everyone who believed in us,” he said.

“Therefore, Article 14A shall remain as it is and there shall not be any special sitting to amend the Penang State Constitution in respect of Article 14A,” stressed Chow.

Azalina resigns as PM’s special adviser

Azalina resigns as PM’s special adviser

Azalina Othman Said, a former deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker, was appointed as Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s special adviser for law and human rights in October 2021. (Facebook pic)


PETALING JAYA: Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said has resigned as Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s special adviser for law and human rights.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said Ismail has accepted her resignation which was sent on Aug 29.


Azalina, a former deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker, was appointed as Ismail’s special adviser in October 2021.

“However, in this period, Azalina will no longer be serving at the PMO because she has been given leave from Sept 1 until the end of her notice at the end of the month,” the statement said.

Her resignation comes less than a week after she took a thinly veiled jab at Ismail during a gathering of Umno leaders over the retaining of Idrus Harun as attorney-general (AG).

Idrus was appointed AG after Muhyiddin Yassin took office as the eighth prime minister.

Azalina had said whoever became prime minister would usually appoint “one of their own” to become the AG, a post which came with wide-ranging powers.

Her comments drew criticisms from Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Rosmah’s lawyer criticises ‘unprecedented’ RM970mil fine

Rosmah’s lawyer criticises ‘unprecedented’ RM970mil fine

Rosmah Mansor’s lawyer Jagjit Singh said a notice of appeal has been given to the court.


PETALING JAYA: Rosmah Mansor’s lawyer Jagjit Singh has criticised the fine imposed on his client after she was found guilty of corruption in connection with the RM1.25 billion Sarawak rural schools’ solar energy project.

“The (RM970 million) fine imposed is unprecedented, the largest in Malaysian legal history,” Jagjit said in a press conference outside the court.


He added that a notice of appeal has been given to the court, pointing out that the entire appeal process would take at least six months.

Rosmah, 70, was sentenced to 10 years in jail and a RM970 million fine by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after being found guilty of all three counts of corruption in connection with the project.

The RM970 million fine is the minimum amount provided for under Section 24(1)(b) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

Ad hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram speaking at a press conference with the rest of the prosecution team.


The court also granted Rosmah’s request to suspend the jail sentence and fine pending her appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The charges were framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine no less than five times the amount of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

Defence lawyer Akberdin Abdul Kader claimed his client was a victim of selective prosecution, saying that “whatever happened to her husband (Najib Razak) also happened to her”.


Jagjit also claimed there was irony in his client’s case, describing it as a “classic example of name dropping being used for personal gain”.

“This is a classic example where (her former aide) Rizal Mansor had used her name, abused his position and enriched himself, and yet he is a free man walking out there,” he said.

Meanwhile, ad hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told reporters that the prosecution does not propose to file an appeal to enhance Rosmah’s sentence.

He said neither he nor his team of deputy public prosecutors (DPPs) and investigating officers (IOs) had any personal interest in Rosmah’s case.

“We are tasked to do our job and we did it,” Sri Ram added.

To a question on claims by the defence that there was “selective prosecution” in bringing charges against Rosmah but dropping those against Rizal, Sri Ram said that this was prosecutorial discretion.

“Sometimes it is necessary for the public prosecutor to weigh a balance on who has committed a crime and whose evidence is necessary to bring a charge forward,” he said.

Previously, Rosmah was jointly charged with Rizal for corruption.

However, charges against Rizal were withdrawn before the trial commenced in February 2020.

Rizal subsequently testified as a prosecution witness.

After Rosmah found guilty in RM1.2b solar power case, defence lawyer insists justice denied

After Rosmah found guilty in RM1.2b solar power case, defence lawyer insists justice denied

Datuk Jagjit Singh speaks to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur High Court in Kuala Lumpur, September 1, 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Thursday, 01 Sep 2022 5:51 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — The lawyers of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor claimed injustice today after she was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and fined RM970 million in her corruption trial, alluding to a leaked judgment purportedly prepared beforehand.

During a press conference after her conviction at the High Court here, Datuk Jagjit Singh continued to make reference to the document and High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan’s refusal to recuse himself because of it.

“His Lordship said it was not written for him; we believe him we have no reason to doubt him. But the fact still remains a lot of questions still exist. And I’m still troubled as I leave the courtroom. Who asked for this document to be prepared?

“Do you get the research unit to prepare opinions?” Jagjit asked reporters. “If you look at the opinions it looks like a full judgment.”


Jagjit said the leaked document mentioned that Rosmah was guilty and made recommendations to that effect, and that it was the work of a collective.


“So who is the ‘we’? I keep asking myself and I don’t have answers. This is where I’m ‘sakit hati’ (heartbroken). Where is justice?” he lamented.

Earlier today, Zaini said he did not refer to the leaked document or read it beforehand, saying he preferred to prepare his own judgments.

Separately, deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram credited Rosmah’s conviction today to his prosecution team.

“The bulk of the credit must go to my team, and also the tireless and good work the anti-corruption agency and the investigating officers did,” Sri Ram said.

“They gave us more than 100 per cent, the sentencing was proper, the judge was fair and, in the end, I must say the purpose of this trial is to make sure we send a clear message to would be offenders.

“Corruption is a disease in our country and we want to stop it in its tracks. Let society and the Malaysian people know that we’ve done our duty and they can have faith in the judicial system, it works,” he added.

Earlier today, Rosmah was found guilty of soliciting and receiving bribes in turn for offering a government project to supply energy to 369 rural schools in Sarawak worth RM1.25 billion.

Zaini granted her a stay of execution pending an appeal and extended the RM2 million bail she put up when she was charged.

* A previous version of this story contained an error which has since been corrected.

Might as well kill me, says Rosmah after DPP asks for maximum sentence

Might as well kill me, says Rosmah after DPP asks for maximum sentence




(NST) – Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in making a statement from the dock in her corruption trial at the High Court, here, tearfully said she was saddened with what happened in court today.

Earlier, High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan ruled that the prosecution had proven its case against the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Rosmah was found guilty of all three corruption charges involving the RM1.25 billion project to supply solar hybrid energy to rural schools in Sarawak.

“To me the courtroom is where you get justice,” Rosmah said.

“I have always told my lawyers to always speak to the truth… that is the way I was brought up.


“I don’t want to say anything more. I respect your decision. I want to leave this court in a good way. I was once the first lady of this country.”

Rosmah added that while she did not want to blow her own trumpet, she had initiated many programmes for children in the country.

She said she also felt proud to have contributed in many ways to the improvement of children in the country.

“Never ever did I think I want to squander any money.

“I was in charge of Bakti and we had RM45 million in it… never ever did I touch a single sen.”

Rosmah said she also never knew anyone in Jepak Holdings, the company which was awarded the contract.


“Nobody saw me taking any money… but if that is the conclusion, I leave it to Allah.

“I did not even know the total cost of the project was that much… I am just telling the truth and nothing but the truth.”

Rosmah said she never thought of cheating any of the association she had led.

“So when I ended up in court, it took me by surprise.

“I have also never influenced my husband… whenever I opened my mouth, he would say you are my wife don’t interfere.”

Rosmah then went on to urge the judge to be compassionate.


“It can happen to me now, it can happen to your children and grandchildren.

“I am a victim… you want us to suffer, we have suffered. I am telling you this.

“Look at me as a woman and be compassionate,” she said.

Meanwhile, her lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh earlier submitted on Rosmah’s plea for a lesser sentence.

He called on the judge to sentence Rosmah to just a day’s jail and a minimum fine.

He said Rosmah had an unblemished character and had done service to the nation as the wife of a prime minister, especially in helping young children who were not given education.

He added that Rosmah’s branchild, the Permata programme to help underprivileged children, was something no other wife of any prime minister in the country had ever done.

Jagjit said Rosmah also had health issues which the court should consider.

He added that others implicated in the project had all gotten off scot-free while Rosmah was the only one charged.

“Nevertheless, she still rendered her full cooperation to the authorities.”

Meanwhile, lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram urged the court to take into consideration the gravity of the offence.

He said Rosmah faced a maximum of 20-years in jail and also a fine of five times the amount of gratification received.

He said any decision should make those intending on taking corruption money stop dead in their tracks.

“If just a day’s jail is imposed, it will send the wrong message to the people.

“The maximum or a near maximum sentence should be imposed… corruption is a very serious offence,” he said.

Upon hearing this, Rosmah remarked: “Might as well kill me.”

Rosmah was charged with soliciting RM187.5 million from former Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin, through her then aide Datuk Rizal Mansor, as an inducement to help the company secure the project.

She was also accused of two counts of receiving bribes amounting to RM6.5 million from Saidi between 2016 and 2017.

Her trial started in 2020 and was held over 42 days of hearing, with 23 prosecution and two defence witnesses – including Rosmah, called to testify.

Rosmah’s case started on Feb 5, 2020, and Zaini ordered her to enter her defence on Feb 18 last year.

The defence closed its case on Feb 23.

The prosecution was led by Sri Ram, assisted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Ahmad Akram Gharib, Mustafa P Kunyalam and Poh Yin Tinn while Rosmah was represented by jagjit and Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader.

Solar corruption case: Rosmah gets 10 years jail, RM970m fine

Solar corruption case: Rosmah gets 10 years jail, RM970m fine


The wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was convicted over three graft charges linked to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon sentenced Rosmah Mansor to 10 years in jail and a RM970 million fine in lieu of another 30 years in prison.

However, the sentence can stay pending an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Trial judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan ruled the accused failed to raise reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case and that prosecutors succeeded in establishing a case beyond reasonable doubt against her.

One charge accused Rosmah of soliciting RM187.5 million and two other counts accused her of receiving bribes of RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd’s former managing director Saidi Abang Samsuddin, through her former special officer Rizal Mansor.

It was allegedly done as an inducement to help the company to secure the Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar System Integrated Project and Maintenance and Operation of Genset/Diesel for 369 rural Sarawak schools.

[More to come]

27 ‘risky seats’ must not fall to PH, says PAS deputy president

27 ‘risky seats’ must not fall to PH, says PAS deputy president

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man says Muafakat Nasional is very much ‘alive’ despite colder ties with Umno of late.


ALOR SETAR: PAS has urged Umno to discuss through Muafakat Nasional (MN) how the two parties would go about contesting 27 parliamentary seats in the upcoming general election (GE15) which could be lost to Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Without naming these seats, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said these “risky seats” have been described as such as they could be lost if both Umno and PAS did not ensure straight fights there.


In the last elections, 20 of these seats went to PH while the other seven were won by either Umno or PAS.

“The 27 seats are critical. Perikatan Nasional, PAS and Barisan Nasional must sit down together to discuss this,” he said.


Tuan Ibrahim also said that MN had not been dissolved as some had perceived, and remained very much “alive” despite “colder ties” with Umno of late.

“MN had not been dissolved. We need this platform for the interests of Malays and Islam. The ummah must unite politically,” he said on the sidelines of the PAS Youth conference here today.

However, he admitted that PAS had yet to begin talks with Umno.

“MN is one of the options, but failing which, we are ready to fight,” he said.

High Court finds Rosmah guilty of all three bribery charges

High Court finds Rosmah guilty of all three bribery charges

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrives for the verdict in her corruption trial at the high court in Kuala Lumpur September 1, 2022. — AFP pic

Thursday, 01 Sep 2022 3:16 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has been found guilty of all three charges of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to RM194 million in return for assisting in a RM1.25 billion government contract to supply energy to rural schools in Sarawak.

High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan delivered his verdict this afternoon after dismissing the defence’s last-minute application for his recusal this morning.


“I find the accused failed to rebut the assumption that she did not receive the sums of money. I found the receipt of RM187.5 million was corruptly received, the second charge of receiving RM1.5 million and the third charge for receiving RM5 million was corruptly received in return for getting Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd a government contract through direct negotiations,” he said.

“The defence was devoid of credible evidence and unsubstantiated evidence which created reasonable doubt. The prosecution has delivered their case and therefore I find the accused guilty of all three charges and I now invite counsel to submit their litigation pending stay of execution,” he added.


Rosmah, the wife of convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is charged with soliciting RM187.5 million in bribes from contractor Saidi Abang Samsudin in 2016 and 2017 so that his company Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd can secure a RM1.25 billion government project to supply electricity to the schools in Sarawak.


She is also accused of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Saidi. Her trial formally started in February 2020.

Hearing concluded in February this year, with 23 prosecution witnesses and two defence witnesses, including Rosmah, testifying during this two-year period.

Rosmah has so far filed three applications challenging the appointment of lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram.

On February 18 last year, Rosmah, 70, was ordered to enter her defence on the three charges after the prosecution succeeded in proving a prima facie case against her.

MORE TO COME

‘Why didn’t he report it to us?’ says home minister after ‘Billion Dollar Whale’ author claims new lead on Jho Low’s whereabouts

‘Why didn’t he report it to us?’ says home minister after ‘Billion Dollar Whale’ author claims new lead on Jho Low’s whereabouts

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin delivers a speech in Putrajaya July 13, 2022. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Thursday, 01 Sep 2022 1:49 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said any information regarding fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, otherwise known as Jho Low, should be reported to the authorities for further action to be taken.

This came after Billion Dollar Whale authors Tom Wright and Bradley Hope claimed to have new evidence as to Jho Low’s whereabouts yesterday.


“If he knows his whereabouts, why didn’t he report it to us?” he said after an event at the Home Ministry today, in response to reporters who asked whether the government is making any effort to find and extradite Low.

An Interpol Red Notice was issued on Low in 2016. He is wanted in several countries including Malaysia, Singapore and the United States in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.


Penang-born Low made headlines again yesterday after Wright and Hope, who are credited with uncovering the 1MDB scandal, shared a photo on Twitter that they claimed showed Low in Shanghai Disneyland on Christmas Eve 2019.


They claimed to have received information from “a Malaysian government source” that Low has been hiding in China for the past few years.

Before his retirement, former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had disclosed in July 2020 that Low was seen in Macau, but officials from the China Embassy here said they had investigated the allegations and found them to be groundless.

High Court to decide after lunch whether to allow Rosmah’s bid to recuse judge

High Court to decide after lunch whether to allow Rosmah’s bid to recuse judge

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court September 1, 2022. ― Picture by Firdaus Latif

Thursday, 01 Sep 2022 1:40 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan will decide after lunch if Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s defence application to recuse him from trial proceedings will be accepted or not.

Rosmah’s defence counsel Datuk Jagjit Singh had been arguing since 9.30am this morning that Zaini would be influenced by documents leaked several days ago that mentioned Rosmah would be prosecuted and found guilty of accepting bribes in return for government contracts.


Jagjit told the court that the leaked documents were said to have been prepared by the judiciary’s research division on behalf of Zaini, and as a result, the public perception towards Zaini would be tarnished.

“The part that mentions done for, prepared for are dangerous. It seems like it was prepared by someone with knowledge of court proceedings and even one part here looks like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) style of preparing documents. So I ask are these fake or real?” he told the court.


Zaini appeared to be unimpressed with Jagjit’s remarks and reprimanded him for bringing the documents up if he didn’t want to pursue the matter in detail.


He then asked Jagjit to explain his reason for bringing up the leaked documents and related articles in court, which Jagjit refused, but later conceded that he felt these documents and articles would influence Zaini when he made his judgment.

Zaini: You are saying these documents are trial judgments prepared for me? Do you see these two documents as trial judgments?

Jagjit: They seem like outright judgments.

Zaini: Are you insinuating I’ll use this for my judgment?

Jagjit: That’s the danger... the perception.

When it was his turn to address the court, deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram explained very briefly that the research unit in courts are used worldwide and is nothing new.

He then asked Jagjit what he would do if the judgment later found his client not guilty.

“The accused in her affidavit says she has no confidence in this judge. I want to ask my learned friend what he would do if they found her not guilty? She directly attacked this court and my Lordship’s independence and Jagjit said he won’t delay this trial and its outcome pending the police investigations.

“We feel there is insufficient evidence to warrant conclusively that there are thresholds for bias. All three articles are hearsay,” Sri Ram said.

The court then adjourned for lunch with proceedings set to resume at 2.30pm.

Dark clouds descend on judiciary like back in 1988 - lawyer

Extracts of a Malaysiakini news about bid to recuse Judge in Rosmah's case:

Dark clouds descend on judiciary like back in 1988 - lawyer

10.50am: Defence counsel Jagjit Singh orally submits that dark clouds have descended on the judiciary since Aug 23.

He says this was similar to what happened in 1988, referring to the removal of the then chief justice Salleh Abbas, historically known as the judicial crisis.

Jagjit claims that dark clouds descended again on Aug 23 this year, possibly referring to the apex court’s dismissal of an appeal by Rosmah's husband, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in his RM42 million SRC appeal.

There was an alleged leak of Najib's court judgment, prior to the apex court on Aug 23 upholding the conviction and sentencing of the former premier over seven criminal charges linked to RM42 million of funds from SRC.

Lawyer: Defence only needs to prove danger of bias

10.43am: Rosmah Mansor's lawyer Jagjit Singh orally submits that the law does not require an applicant to produce cogent evidence to prove bias on the part of the judge.

Rosmah’s defence lawyer Jagjit Singh


The lawyer says they only produce what they can and leave it to court to determine whether there is a danger of bias.

He submits that the test is whether there is one.

Lawyer: Rosmah's recusal bid not hearsay

10.40am: Defence counsel Jagjit Singh denies the prosecution's assertion that the recusal bid against trial judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan is based on hearsay evidence.

The lawyer says this is because the court had previously lodged a police report over the alleged leak judgment incident, and that the Sentul district police chief was reported confirming the authorities are investigating the matter under the Official Secrets Act and the Penal Code.

Proceedings resume

Take action on Ismail Sabri, Lokman urges Umno

Take action on Ismail Sabri, Lokman urges Umno


Former Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam has urged his party to take disciplinary action against the prime minister and party vice-president, Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Speaking to reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex today, he made several allegations over the purported leaked agreement between Ismail Sabri and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Lokman (above) accused Ismail Sabri of agreeing to not replace the Attorney-General and maintain the cabinet team, in addition to retaining Bersatu and PAS leaders sitting at government-linked companies.

He also claimed that the prime minister agreed in writing to expedite the criminal court cases involving former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"This is all in the agreement and it is clear proof that he (Ismail Sabri) interfered in court proceedings and in the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC)," Lokman said.

Copies of the purported agreement made rounds back in July. However, it only leaked points one to six and straight jumped to point 10, leaving out those in between.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his predecessor, Muhyiddin Yassin (right)


In the unverified document, PN pledged its support for Ismail Sabri as prime minister, and, in return, Bersatu was to be given the post of deputy prime minister, with Muhyiddin made minister mentor.

The allegations Lokman levelled above were claimed to be part of the agreement signed between Ismail Sabri and PN.

Lokman is due to be charged at the Sessions Court today for allegedly uploading offensive videos against Ismail Sabri on his Facebook page.

He arrived at the court at 9.05am.

The police released a statement yesterday stating Lokman will be charged under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 for misuse of network facilities over two separate videos posted on his Facebook.

If found guilty, Lokman will be slapped with a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of not more than one year, or both.

On that note, Lokman alleged that Ismail Sabri’s interference in the judiciary was the reason no action was taken against Court of Appeal judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali and former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, claiming they were "protected" by the prime minister.

He further alleged that previous administrations had reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice to remove fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho’s (Jho Low) name from Interpol’s Red Notice.

"We are lucky that the MACC chief commissioner opposed it and is committed to taking action on Low.

"With the present state of our country, rule of law has become the rule of the jungle," he added.

Low is the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal and has been charged in absentia in the US and local courts. His current whereabouts are unknown.

In 2018, the US Department of Justice charged Low with conspiracy to launder billions of dollars from 1MDB and conspiracy to violate the American Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

In Malaysia, he and his associates are facing five money-laundering charges amounting to US$1.03 billion (RM4.5 billion).

Najib is now serving his 12-year sentence at Kajang Prison after the apex court upheld his abuse of power, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust convictions involving RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a company linked to 1MDB.

Why Bersatu holds out for opposition unity

Why Bersatu holds out for opposition unity



From Terence Netto


You can measure the desperation of Bersatu by its president’s and other key party officials’ clamour for opposition unity to face Barisan Nasional (BN) at the fast-approaching GE15.

Opposition unity as envisaged by Bersatu chief Muhyiddin Yassin means the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional having some kind of electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan.


This has been an impossibility because PH’s biggest component, DAP, had already made it clear some time ago that they are opposed to working with “traitors” in facing GE15.

“Traitors” is the epithet for engineers of the Sheraton Move that ended the PH government in late February 2020 after 22 months in federal power.

The principal architects of the Sheraton Move were the movers and shakers of Bersatu, mainly Muhyiddin and company, and a coterie of PKR quislings, led by Azmin Ali.

The entire bunch is viewed with loathing by DAP and, in the case of PKR, with something amounting to hatred by its deputy president, Rafizi Ramli, and his supporters within the
party.

PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim is equivocal while beaten candidate for deputy president Saifuddin Nasution is in favour of some sort of arrangement which is somewhat the
position of some key players within PH’s smallest component, Amanah.

This equivocation is what gives Bersatu hope that an electoral arrangement can be worked out though PN component PAS had made known their aversion to any collaboration with DAP and Amanah.

With such ambiguities clouding the horizon, Bersatu’s holding out for opposition unity reflects desperation to see that some such arrangement be worked out.

Media reports that six of the 15 Umno MPs who defected from the mother party to Bersatu are disinclined to defend their seats only serve to underscore the picture of a Bersatu
gloomy about its prospects going into GE15.

The stance of the newly formed Gerakan Tanah Air coalition, cobbled together by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, that they are not interested to work with PN has made the latter’s isolation even worse.

Mahathir has fingered Muhyiddin’s desire to be prime minister and PN’s goal of staying on in government after GE15 as the reasons for the group’s overtures towards opposition unity.

In other words, Muhyiddin and PN are plumping for power and its perquisites.

This is a true reading of their motivation. It would be self-deluding for elements in PH favouring some electoral arrangement with PN to ignore what’s prompting the overtures from Bersatu.

It’s not a question of once bitten twice shy for PH. It’s more an interpretation of what Muhyiddin and company have done since taking over the federal government from March
1, 2020.

Bersatu’s governance has been a series of unabashed pay-offs for political operatives whose support could be purchased with positions, perquisites and cover-ups.

PH, in 22 months in the saddle at Putrajaya, did not really implement their wide-ranging agenda of reform.

But to say they failed would be to slight such extenuating factors like they being headed by a prime minister who was not only ambivalent about the reform agenda but sometimes
even duplicitous about the idea of his former adversaries being in the saddle with him.

In hindsight, it was a situation that was doomed to fail.

If there is one lesson to be learned from the upheavals of our recent political history – Mahathir’s ambivalence-cum-duplicity, the Sheraton Move, Anwar Ibrahim’s confidence he had the numbers – it is failure to recognise that rank opportunism would not get you anywhere.

PH must not regress to its recent past, disguised as its non-existent future.



Terence Netto is a senior journalist and an FMT reader.

Rosmah’s lawyers ask for time to prepare recusal submission, judge says they should have been ready

Rosmah’s lawyers ask for time to prepare recusal submission, judge says they should have been ready

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court September 1, 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Thursday, 01 Sep 2022 10:25 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — Lawyers for Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor this morning sought more time to present their arguments to recuse High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan from delivering his verdict in her RM194 million bribery-for-government contract trial.

However, Zaini was displeased that the lawyers Datuk Jagjit Singh and his co-counsel Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kadir appeared unprepared and demanded an explanation after they sent a letter of urgency to the court on Tuesday together with their recusal application.


“Datuk Jagjit, you came from a time where written submissions were the norm and your colleague had sent a letter of urgency with 15 grounds why this trial shouldn't go on.

“When you send something like this, the court will fix the same day or next to hear these applications.


“Having said that, why are you not ready? You should be ready. I have read your affidavit and I don't need to rebut any facts. Don't you think the facts alleged in your affidavit may be something within my knowledge especially since it pertains to judgments I wrote?” Zaini asked Jagjit.


In reply, Jagjit said he was not asking for an adjournment but just a few minutes to look into the prosecution's reply to their affidavit, which the defence lawyer said he only received this morning.

Jagjit: I did prepare my Lord, and I've read this affidavit many times and I do come from an era of written submissions...

Judge: Impress me with your knowledge then Datuk, and please let me know when you're ready.

Prosecution lead Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram stood up and told the court that he was ready to discuss the recusal application immediately but would not mind if the defence needed some time.

Rosmah’s lawyer had submitted an application to remove Zaini from proceeding further with the trial following a leak of court documents purporting to be a prepared judgment in the bribery case.

In her application, Rosmah claimed that the leak had diminished her confidence in Zaini’s ability and integrity as the trial judge to decide with impartiality.

There was no court proceedings yesterday on account of it being Merdeka Day and a national public holiday.

Charged in November 2018, Rosmah — the wife of convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak — faces one count of soliciting RM187.5 million and another two of receiving bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Jepak Holdings’ former managing director, Saidi Abang Samsudin.

Zaini is supposed to deliver her verdict today.