Can sustainable aviation fuel make flying green? Here’s why it may not be that simple

Can sustainable aviation fuel make flying green? Here’s why it may not be that simple

Malaysia Aviation Group in collaboration with Petronas Dagangan Berhad introduced Malaysia’s first commercial flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport June 5, 2022. — Bernama pic

Wednesday, 31 May 2023 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) appears to be the latest trendy buzzword among politicians.

Last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke touted SAF as the key to decarbonising an industry that is fast becoming one of the biggest global carbon emitters, thanks to the world’s insatiable thirst for flying cheaply.


Before him, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg also expressed his intention to make the state’s newly launched “boutique” airline the world’s poster boy of so-called green jet fuel.

This sudden interest in SAF has been linked to the government’s effort to turn the country into a low-carbon economy. Like many others, Malaysia — a car-centric nation, fossil fuel exporter, and the second largest palm oil producer, which activists have blamed for deforestation in the region — was quick to jump on the “sustainability” bandwagon.


But buzzwords can sometimes be deceiving. In the case of “sustainability,” environmentalists said it has become a convenient way for some of the heaviest polluting industries to greenwash their dirty businesses.


So, is SAF really green? We look at what news reports and studies have said:

What are SAFs?

SAFs has been touted as the best alternative to traditional jet fuel because it supposedly reduces up to 80 per cent of carbon emissions that come out of kerosene, the main component of fuels powering planes.

The reason for this is because SAS is made mostly of industrial waste products like used cooking oil and feedstocks, also called biomass. There are also talks about using hydrogen or synthetic kerosene.

Why the interest in SAFs?

According to the Centre for Climate and Energy, the aviation industry accounted for more than two per cent of global carbon dioxide released in the air from 1990 to 2010, which grew by nearly half of that from 2013 to 2018, coinciding with the boom in budget airlines.

The BBC reported that just a single aircraft uses an “incredible” amount of fuel. A Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet, for example, uses up to 240,000L of jet fuel, equal to about a 10th of an Olympic sized swimming pool, and burns through it at a rate of 4L per second.

In 2021, the International Air Transport Association released a plan for airlines to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. Some of the airlines that have made similar commitments include American Airlines, Qantas and Air New Zealand.

A Malaysia Airlines planes are seen on the tarmac at KLIA in Sepang March 21, 2023. — Picture by Raymond Manuel


Can airlines achieve it with SAFs?

Highly debatable, according to this study, which looked at the dozens of roadmaps the industry set out to cut their carbon footprints; its researchers concluded that SAFs caused more planet-harming problems than solutions.

First, producing biomass fuel requires an intensive amount of clean energy. On average across the roadmaps, producing SAFs was said to require close to a tenth of global renewable electricity and 30 per cent of available biomass in 2050.

Even if that shift were possible, production would still be inadequate. The researchers estimated that up 30 per cent of fuel used by airlines in 2050 would still need to be from fossil fuel.

Second, SAFs production also releases huge amounts of greenhouse gasses, the study found. Growing bio-crops, for instance, requires the use of emissions-intensive fertilisers, harvest machinery and transport.

This could lead to more deforestation to clear the way for biofuel crop growing. If sustainable aviation fuels were produced in this way, they would be considerably worse for the climate than fossil fuels, researchers concluded.

Carbon dioxide is also not the only aviation emission that contributes to climate change. Others include nitrogen oxides, water vapour, and soot; no studies to date have shown how SAFs can address this.

These are just some of the problems the study found about the aviation industry’s plan to bank on SAFs as a key solution. There are more.

How can commercial aviation be greener, then?

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), a carbon offsetting “scheme” under the International Civil Aviation Organisation, remains upbeat about SAFs amid concerns raised about them.

In a letter meant to counter “misinformation” about these so-called sustainable fuels published in 2019, Michael Gill, the group’s aviation environment director at the time, said the industry can meet its low carbon target if production of biofuel reaches seven billion litres, or around 2 per cent of all jet fuel use.

Corsia suggested the target is achievable by 2025 if all governments “create enough economies of scale to ensure SAF is financially competitive with kerosene.”

To counter the allegation that SAF demand could lead to deforestation, Gill said the IATA had unanimously passed a resolution in 2017 committing to use only biofuel sources that conserve an “ecological balance” by avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

Where are we today with SAFs?

Most analysts agree it would take a seismic shift to widen SAFs usage in commercial aviation and the Covid-19 pandemic had set the drive for biomass production back, with the IATA conceding that the 2 per cent target by 2025 now seems more unlikely.

SAFs are also still very expensive compared to conventional kerosene-based jet fuel simply because production remains miniscule, which has raised doubts if airlines that are still reeling from the pandemic would want to make that jump.

In Malaysia, SAF production is still only at the discussion stage, with Loke saying it would need the entire “aviation ecosystem” to be mobilised to scale up low carbon jet fuel manufacturing.

Petronas Dagangan Berhad’s Commercial Business is currently a supplier of SAF, Bernama reported. Its head, Hardeep Singh, was quoted as saying that the company would start a pilot project to become a producer of the fuel by year’ end.

However, there remain no guarantees on avoiding the negative effects of SAF production.

DBKL never had issue with temple built in 1996: defendants in eviction suit

theVibes.com:

DBKL never had issue with temple built in 1996: defendants in eviction suit

In defence against MAIWP’s legal action, they note it was visited, officiated by deputy minister in 2003

The Federal Territories Islamic Council is seeking to evict the Na Tok Kong Temple, claiming that the land that the temple sits on belongs to the council. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, May 31, 2023


KUALA LUMPUR – The Na Tok Kong Temple in Taman Sri Kuching here claimed that its house of worship was established since 1996, when the plot of land it is sitting on was owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), in its defence against a Federal Territories Islamic Council (MAIWP) eviction suit.


This is part of an affidavit filed by Law Teck Wah on April 26, representing the Datuk Asai Worshippers Association and the Taman Sri Kuching Welfare Association.

It was only in 2014, Law said, that the temple saw renovations to make structures on the land larger.

“The temple was built and upgraded until today using monies provided by the local community which worships Datuk Gong,” he said in the affidavit.

Court documents went on to explain that the temple has become a refuge for senior citizens and the poor.

“When the temple was built in 1996, the land was believed to be owned by DBKL. The previous owner, which we believe to be DBKL, never raised any issues with the building of the temple.

“In fact, on August 9, 2003, (then) deputy land and cooperatives development minister Tan Kee Kwong visited and officiated the temple,” said Law.

The affidavit filed by Law Teck Wah says the Federal Territories Islamic Council failed to mention which parts of the temple encroached onto its land. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, May 31, 2023


Given the visit by the deputy minister, he said the temple management committee was of the view that the government gave permission or approval for it.

The affidavit said MAIWP failed to mention which parts of the temple encroached onto its land.

Responding to Law’s claims, MAIWP said it had made a request for the land on May 6, 1998, with the director of Lands and Mines (Federal Territories), which was approved on February 3, 2000.

It was only on July 13, 2000, that temporary ownership of the land was given to MAIWP, and this was converted to full ownership four years later.

“For all material times, the plaintiff (MAIWP) was the owner of the land.

“Which is why the plaintiff has rights to demand that all structures be vacated from the land which was built without our knowledge or approval,” MAIWP’s legal unit manager Wan Mohd Sanusi Noor said in his affidavit filed on May 9 this year.

On January 9, MAIWP filed for an eviction order under Order 89 of the Rules of Court 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur High Court naming the temple, Datuk Asai Worshippers Association, and Taman Sri Kuching Welfare Association as defendants.

In the originating summons, MAIWP was seeking to evict the Na Tok Kong Temple, claiming that the land that the temple sits on belongs to the council.

The council also claimed that conditions pertaining to the land require that it be used only for surau or other activities related to the Islamic faith.

Based on the land ownership documents submitted to court so far, MAIWP is named owner of the premises. – The Vibes, May 31, 2023

Penang's sovereignty as a state indisputable - Ramkarpal

Penang's sovereignty as a state indisputable - Ramkarpal


Penang is a sovereign state in Malaysia and its legal position cannot be disputed.

Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said since British rule, Penang has been acknowledged as a straits state under the grouping known as the Straits Settlements.

“Subsequently, several agreements signed between Kedah and the British had also clearly acknowledged Penang and Province Wellesley (mainland Penang) as a sovereign state.

“The agreements include the Agreement between His Britannic Majesty’s Government and the State of Kedah, 1923; the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, and the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957,” he said in a statement, adding that Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s claim that Penang belonged to Kedah was baseless.

Sanusi was reported to have claimed on Monday that Kedah and Penang had no borders as Penang belonged to Kedah and that Kedah had borders with only Perak and Perlis.

Ramkarpal (above) said the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957 also clearly stated that Penang was a part of the Federated States of Malaya as a separate state from Kedah.

Detailing the matter, he said the formation of the Federated States of Malaya was based on the Federal Constitution of 1957 and it was undeniable that Penang was acknowledged as a state under the Federated States of Malaya in Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.

Furthermore, Article 71(1) of the Federal Constitution, which is read together with Schedule Eight of the Constitution also guarantees every state has their own state constitution that provides ways to manage the state government, including Penang.

“In addition, there are other provisions in the Federal Constitution that states that Penang is a sovereign state since the formation of the Federated States of Malaya and the Federation of Malaysia.

“No objection was ever raised by any party, including the Kedah state government, that Penang was owned by Kedah,” he said.

As such, the Federal Constitution, which is the highest law of the country, must be respected by all Malaysians, Ramkarpal added.

- Bernama

Much ado about govt’s offer to PAS

Much ado about govt’s offer to PAS


YOURSAY | What is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim worried about?

Anwar denies govt invited PAS to collaborate

PAS info chief claims Kit Siang made govt offer, Tuan Ibrahim says otherwise


Citizen_Zero: I have a strong feeling that PAS purposely created the story of the government offering PAS to join the coalition government.

This is so that they can continue to have the excuse to keep praising themselves on the Malay Muslim premise. They want to disparage and cast aspersions at the parties in the unity government at the same time.

They are so obsessed and feel entitled about getting those extra Malay Muslim votes in the 15th general election (GE15), a circumstantial fluke, if you ask me.

They do not even realise, that alone does not make a Malaysian government. But they do believe that they should straight away become the prime minister. DAP got more votes before but they ‘relax only’. Still need to work with others.

If it is true that someone did meet and offered him, it is someone’s stupid, insular, and wishful thinking, or brilliant move to bait PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang with his own desperate ego to get him and PAS in trouble.

If Hadi wants to do the immature ‘I know, you don’t know’ play, then I guess I’ll just wait for the inevitable to happen.

Maya: This is not surprising. Somebody suggested a similar matter after GE15 because Pakatan Harapan was not sure if Umno will be joining it to make the numbers. Remember some in Umno who was shouting, ‘no Harapan and no DAP’?

Ultimately, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi knew he can call the shots within the current coalition, which he is now comfortable with, rather than with Perikatan Nasional.

Anyway, what is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim worried about? After all, there is no compulsion and the palace was aware of the formation of the government, plus anyone can request to but be ultimately ditched.

Now Hadi will use this to up PAS' election wins.

Anonymous_47029368: Why is Anwar talking about the unity government inviting PAS? People are not talking about the unity government as a whole, as we all know DAP is very sensitive to PAS. Anwar should confirm whether PKR itself is talking to PAS.

Hadi is again deceiving the public that the unity government will not survive without PAS support. He really misses Putrajaya.

I am not trying to be biased towards PAS but past records speak volumes of the Islamic party as it was part of the short-lived ‘failed government’ together with PN under Muhyiddin Yassin. In reality, PAS is indeed a liability to any government.

Quigonbond: I think after so many years in politics, these guys have reduced their intellect to a handful of talking points of depreciating value. If a coalition can only attract Malay votes, that's not enough to form a majority.

Harapan-BN should just continue to do what's right for most people, as fairly and as equitably as possible. Malay votes are not fixed. Eventually, more will come around to recognise a better government than the last few.

I Am A Malaysian: If DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang did tell PAS information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin that the government offered PAS to join it, which I doubt so, he must be naive enough to believe it since Lim is neither part of the government nor even an MP as he has retired from active politics.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man claimed somebody else told him about a similar government’s offer to PAS but he will not identify who.

Let us not be surprised that it might be an insignificant person, maybe an office boy who told Tuan Ibrahim that and he must have thought it was a genuine offer that inflated his ego for a while, as that would make PAS seem to be in demand.

Until that ego is deflated by the categorical denials of the government's top leaders. That's the PAS we know all along.

Coward: The PAS information chief is naive enough to believe that Lim is the emissary of the unity government. Give me a break. Assuming Lim did speak, at most, his job is to sound out possibilities, he is not there with a real offer.

A real offer is very far off. The chief was not born yesterday. He knows it if he indeed spoke to Lim. Of course, the choice of Lim is extremely questionable, there are better candidates for the job. At least Tuan Ibrahim is smarter, he said the emissary is not Lim.

Mazilamani: This was expected, they must point to some names or references to cover their lies. Is it just PAS seeking to join the unity government or will Bersatu and its president Muhyiddin also follow?

Or is there a rift between PAS and Bersatu? Or is funding an issue for the coming state elections?

We are suddenly hearing a lot of noise from PAS but very little from Bersatu. I believe the government knows what is ailing the opposition and will definitely not fall for the trap.

With ‘Tiger Stripes’, Amanda Nell Eu roars at Cannes

FMT:

With ‘Tiger Stripes’, Amanda Nell Eu roars at Cannes

The acclaimed director shares her experience and hopes following her recent Critics’ Week win, a milestone for Malaysian film.

Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu (far left) with the cast of ‘Tiger Stripes’ at the Cannes Film Festival. (Commas PR pic)


PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian film that made history by being the first to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival has gone on to achieve another feat that truly exemplifies the spirit of Malaysia Boleh!

“Tiger Stripes”, the debut feature by local filmmaker Amanda Nell Eu, won the Grand Prix at the 62nd Cannes Critics’ Week on Friday.

In addition to being the first Malaysian film to win the top prize at Cannes Critics Week, “Tiger Stripes” was the first Southeast Asian film to do so.

The Malay-language horror flick tells of a girl who hits puberty and discovers her body is changing in terrifying ways. It’s a work critics have compared with Julia Ducournau’s “Raw”, which won the French director the award in 2016.

Speaking with FMT from Nice in France, she said it was “surreal” to have won the Grand Prix.

“We never expected this!” she said. “I already felt like we won simply by being in competition, but this is just incredible.”

The film won great praise at Cannes, with jury president Audrey Diwan calling it ‘irreverent and uncompromising’. (IMDb pic)


At the festival, Eu had not expected “Tiger Stripes” to wow the judges; instead, she had been ready to cheer on the other contenders.

“But when Sundance programmer Kim Yutani mentioned the words ‘transformation’ and ‘animal energy’, my heart leapt and I wanted to burst out crying,” she recalled.

Eu said her phone has not stopped ringing since her big win, with family and friends eager to congratulate her.

This achievement is bigger than herself, though: she believes it bodes well for the future of Malaysian cinema – proving that local films have what it takes to succeed on the world stage – and for Asian cinema as a whole.

She’s also optimistic about what it means for collaborations between local studios and their foreign counterparts. “Tiger Stripes”, for example, involved Malaysian actors and crew members from up to eight countries.

She hopes her win contributes towards the fostering of international ties and shows the merit of such collaborations.

That said, while awards are one way for the door of opportunity to open, Eu pointed out that “it’s not as simple as being approached with offers”.

“Projects take time,” she stressed. Case in point: “Tiger Stripes” took up five years of her life and, now that the clock is reset, all she can do is wait and see what the future will bring.

“With a first feature, you have a lot to prove, to convince people you can execute such an ambitious project as ‘Tiger Stripes’,” she mused.

“But then my next film will have to be more ambitious, I think. I don’t know why I like to torture myself like this!”

Whatever she embarks on next, Eu said it would have to be a “new beast” – although whether the pun was intentional or not isn’t clear.

Source: Ex-aide who gave away Jho Low’s Macau whereabouts dead

Source: Ex-aide who gave away Jho Low’s Macau whereabouts dead

Low is believed to be in China. — Picture via Facebook

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 9:55 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Kee Kok Thiam, a suspect in the 1MDB case who informed local investigators about fugitive Low Taek Jho or Jho Low’s whereabouts, has died, a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source confirmed.

The source did so when asked to verify an obituary for Kee, a former associate of Low’s who had been deported from Macau less than a month ago.


“I can just say yes, it’s him. But I can’t confirm anything else,” the MACC source told Malay Mail.

A senior official from the commission also confirmed receiving news of Kee’s death, adding that the latter had been released after being questioned by the commission.


Separately, another source with the Attorney General’s Chambers also provided indirect confirmation, saying that an investigator with the MACC also identified Kee as the same person in the obituary.


Earlier, Malay Mail obtained a tip in the form of an obituary that showed a scheduled prayer service for Kee today, followed by a funeral service tomorrow at the Kepong Crematorium.

It is believed that Kee died of sudden illness.

Kee had been a pivotal witness in the local investigations of the global corruption scandal, whom Malaysian authorities questioned upon his return following his deportation from Macau for allegedly overstaying his visa.

During questioning by the MACC, he confirmed meeting Low and fellow 1MDB fugitives and suspects — Eric Tan Kim Loong, Casey Tang Keng Chee, Geh Choh Heng and Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil — in Macau.

Kee had been described was a close associate of Low, who had reportedly warned him about returning to Malaysia and helping with the investigation.

According to a report from news outlet Al Jazeera, MACC was not informed by the Macau government about Kee’s repatriation and claimed that it had known about the informant’s deportation “based on intelligence networking”.

On May 5, Malay Mail reported that an unnamed suspect was brought back with the cooperation of enforcement agencies from abroad, and arrived at KLIA’s Terminal 2 on May 3 at 3.30am. This is now believed to be Kee.

Upon arrival, he was given notice of an order to be present at the MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am on May 3, with MACC then recording his statement and searching his house on the same day.

According to sources, the man was suspected of receiving money originating from funds misappropriated from 1MDB and SRC through the bank account of a company known as Wright Shaw Limited.

The MACC, with the cooperation of the Singapore police’s Commercial Affairs Department, previously succeeded in seizing Wright Shaw Limited’s bank account containing funds of around US$5.2 million (RM23 million).

Investigations show that the man had received money originating from 1MDB’s misappropriated funds through Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M).

MACC also told Al Jazeera that Kee said he was imprisoned for a month in 2021 by Macau’s immigration body but was released “conditionally” as its borders were closed due to Covid-19 regulations.

The MACC is said to have helped recover 70 per cent of 1MDB’s assets involving the sum of around RM28.3 billion.

Malaysian authorities had also sought information in the past on Low’s parents, his associates, and former 1MDB officials such as Jasmine Loo.

A source confirmed that Kee Kok Thiam, a suspect in the 1MDB case who informed local investigators about fugitive Jho Low’s whereabouts, has died.

Penang’s LRT to go up to Tanjung Bungah now

FMT:

Penang’s LRT to go up to Tanjung Bungah now

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook says the project’s lead agency, MRT Corp, felt the extension is necessary.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook speaking to reporters at the Sia Boey site in George Town, Penang.


GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) system is set to extend to the suburb of Tanjung Bungah, 6km beyond the initially planned endpoint of Komtar.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook told a press conference here that a public feedback exercise regarding the extension would be conducted before construction began.

Loke said the government aimed to kickstart the 27-station project this year, with MRT Corp serving as the lead agency.

The project is targeted to be completed in five years.

He said the LRT line would commence from the Penang International Airport in the south of the island and extend 29km northwards to Tanjung Bungah.

“MRT Corp believes that extending the line to Tanjung Bungah is necessary,” said Loke.

“The Komtar station will continue to be one of the most important stations and will be located near Sia Boey.”

He said the line would be elevated and built on road reserves to minimise land acquisition.

“The cost of the project will be determined and presented to the finance minister and tenders will be called.

“The federal government will oversee the project, with MRT Corp serving as the lead agency.

“As for financing, there are various options such as allocations from development expenditure or issuing MRT Corp bonds. The finance ministry will make the final decision,” he said.

Loke also revealed that future phases might see LRT lines connecting Butterworth and Kepala Batas.

The extension from Komtar to Tanjung Bungah became possible by omitting the 10 stations planned for the earlier proposed three reclaimed islands, which had been reduced to a single island, a state official said.

In the earlier proposed plan, the state government envisioned a 26.8km LRT line with 23 stations, costing nearly RM10 billion.

It was intended to be funded through the sale of the three reclaimed islands.

However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would provide “additional funds” for the project in exchange for scaling down the reclaimed islands project.

Penang subsequently agreed to reclaim only one island.

PAS claims it was DAP’s Kit Siang who invited party to join unity coalition

PAS claims it was DAP’s Kit Siang who invited party to join unity coalition

PAS information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin revealed that it was DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang who had made the overture towards PAS to join the unity government. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 6:17 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — PAS hit back today at Umno’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi by claiming that it was DAP who first approached the Islamist party to join the unity government with the goal of strengthening its support among the Malay community.

PAS information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin revealed that it was in fact DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang who had made the overture.


He said it was because the newly formed unity government at the time was in a precarious situation and Umno no longer had the support of the Malay community.

“Ahmad Zahid needs to stop his lies as well as his continued deception to cheat Umno members and the people.


“The biggest deception is his propaganda of not associating with DAP and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but had ended up being with the parties that Umno members have loathed for a long time,” said Khairil Nizam in a statement today.


He was responding to Ahmad Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, who earlier refuted rumours that the unity government had approached PAS to join the ruling coalition.

Khairil Nizam said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, that PAS is a part of, will continue to take steps to prepare itself as a government that is more professional and attentive to people’s needs compared to the current administration.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid told reporters in Putrajaya that the invitation for PAS to join the ruling coalition had never been discussed among the 19 leaders in the unity government.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said that he is personally tired of being affiliated with PAS and none of the parties in the ruling coalition trust the Islamist party, saying they had been an untrustworthy political partner.

Yesterday, it was reported that PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had claimed that representatives from the Anwar-led government approached the party to join the ruling coalition.

The statement came after PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang had previously claimed that the party was invited to join the government and leave its partner Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in PN.

Economy Minister and PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who was among the three involved in PKR negotiations with coalition partners alongside Anwar and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, had also denied the rumour.

Previously, it was reported on May 14 that Lim had proposed that the unity government cooperate with PAS ahead of the upcoming state elections.

However, the former Iskandar Puteri MP stressed that the government should only do so when Abdul Hadi ceases hostilities towards Anwar and shows honesty.

State polls: On what basis is MIC accorded state seats in Penang?

State polls: On what basis is MIC accorded state seats in Penang?

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy





MIC, the grand old party of the Indians, might expect to be rewarded by way of state seats in Penang in the coming state elections.

I understand that the MIC is keen on contesting two seats in Penang, namely Seri Delima and Perai, which are currently held by Syerleena Abdul Rashid and me.


However, whether MIC will be given the seats on the basis of its support for the unity government, that still remains to be seen.

While UMNO might garner some Malay support for the unity government, MCA and MIC are not in a position to mobilise support from the Chinese and Indians respectively.


Both parties have been considerably weakened over the years as a result of dwindling non-Malay support. Today, non-Malays have thrown their weight behind DAP and PKR under Pakatan Harapan (PH).

In this respect, MCA and MIC have no bargaining power predicated on the support of the two ethnic communities.

Barisan Nasional (BN) being part of the unity government might not be the right reason why MCA and MIC must be accorded state seats in Penang.

Even if these pliant parties are given the seats that they are asking for, there is the question of delivery of political support.

MIC wants the Perai seat with the Indian voter strength of 35%, one of the highest concentrations of Indian voters in the country.

It might have been traditionally contested by MIC, but MIC lost to me in the last three elections. In fact, my majority had increased from 5,000 votes in 2008, to 7,000 votes in 2013 and 9,000 votes in 2018.

I wonder how MIC can claim that Perai is their traditional seat when they have consecutively lost to DAP in the last state elections.

Being a member of the unity government might not be the right reason why the MIC should be accorded seats.

If only they can demonstrate that they can deliver the Indian votes.

But unfortunately, Indian votes in Perai and other constituencies are already intact for PH. Furthermore, Seri Delima on the island part of Penang is not even MIC’s traditional seat.

MIC has no traditional or otherwise claim on the state seat just because a DAP Indian candidate had contested there before.

Even if state seats are not given to the MIC, the party must take stock of the past and present to ascertain why it failed to champion the rights of the Indian community.

It had state and parliamentary seats in the past, but where did the party go wrong in providing an effective representation for the poor and marginalised Indian community?

Anyway, I certainly have no animosity towards MIC or the MCA and it must be made known that they are free to ask for any seats in the coming state elections. – May 30, 2023



Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the DAP state assemblyman for Perai. He is also Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang.

Palestinian Authority officer killed by Israeli forces in Jenin

al Jazeera:

Palestinian Authority officer killed by Israeli forces in Jenin

Ashraf Mohammad Ameen Ibrahim, 37, dies from gunshot wounds after a raid by Israeli forces on the Jenin refugee camp.

Mother of Ashraf Mohammad Ameen Ibrahim, a Palestinian who was killed during an Israeli raid, attends his funeral in Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on May 29, 2023 [Raneen Sawafta/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 29 May 202329 May 2023



“But of the cities of these peoples which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive, but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the LORD your God has commanded you, lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God.

- Deuteronomy 20:16-18

Ramallah, occupied West Bank – Israeli forces have killed a Palestinian man and injured others during an overnight raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Monday that 37-year-old Ashraf Mohammad Ameen Ibrahim had died from gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach.


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Ibrahim was an officer in the Palestinian Authority’s intelligence services, according to the authority’s news agency, Wafa.

Hundreds of residents attended a funeral procession held for him hours after he was pronounced dead, and local officials in Jenin announced a daylong general strike.

The Israeli army raid began at 1:30am on Monday (22:30 GMT on Sunday) and lasted until 6am (03:00 GMT), during which fighting between soldiers and Palestinian armed resistance fighters broke out. It is unclear whether or how Ibrahim was involved in the fighting.

At least eight other Palestinian men were injured with live ammunition and six were arrested during the raid, during which Israeli snipers were stationed on rooftops, Wafa reported. The homes of those arrested were ransacked, local media images and videos showed.

Israeli forces carry out near-nightly raids on Palestinians in the occupied territories, often arresting multiple people.

They conducted military operations across the occupied West Bank overnight, arresting at least nine others in Nablus, Ramallah, Qalqilya and Hebron.

Ibrahim was a former prisoner who spent 11 years in Israeli prisons. He was arrested in 2006 and released in 2012 before being arrested again in 2014 and released in 2019, according to Palestinian prisoner groups.

Israel stepped up its raids in the West Bank starting in June 2021 to crack down on Palestinian resistance to its occupation, which was centred in the cities of Jenin and Nablus.

In 2022, Israeli forces killed more than 170 Palestinians, including at least 30 children, in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in what was described as the deadliest year for Palestinians living in those areas since 2006.

Since the start of 2023, Israeli forces have already killed at least 158 Palestinians, including 26 children, according to Wafa. The death toll also includes 36 Palestinians killed by the Israeli army during a four-day assault on the besieged Gaza Strip from May 9 to 13.

On January 26, Israeli troops killed 11 Palestinians in an attack on the Jenin refugee camp.





You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. You shall not worship the LORD your God with such things.

- Deuteronomy 12:2-4

Putin Gets The Last Laugh – Germany Enters Recession After Europe Powerhouse Screwed Its Own Economic Engine

Putin Gets The Last Laugh – Germany Enters Recession After Europe Powerhouse Screwed Its Own Economic Engine


Germany officially plunged into recession during the first three months of the year. The Europe’s largest economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2023 after it suffered a decline of 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction, therefore, the German economy has entered a recession.



The country’s statistics agency has blamed a 1.2% fall in household consumption for the contraction, as consumer spending power eroded by skyrocketing food prices. In March alone, German households were paying 21.2% more for their food purchases than a year earlier. In short, persistent inflation brought the consumer spending to its knees, dragging the entire economy.



The inflation rate of Germany stood at 7.2% in April, above the eurozone’s 7.0%. The recession is a slap in the face of the German government. Back in January, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was convinced his country would not fall into a recession despite soaring energy and food prices. Heck, even after the country slipped into recession, defiant Olaf said Germany’s economic outlook was “very good”.



You don’t need a rocket scientist to predict Germany’s inflation and subsequent recession. The Europe powerhouse depended on cheap energy to power its economic engine. All hell broke loose when Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine due to provocation from the U.S. and NATO – expansion into Eastern Europe that could see Ukraine joining NATO.



The conflict has caused not only disruptions to the world’s economy and food supply chain, but more importantly energy crisis. The Germans high dependency on Russia for energy supply was further crippled after the U.S. blew up the Nord Stream pipelines that had been supplying Russian energy to Germany. Even then, puppet Olaf did not dare condemn the U.S. for the sabotage.



The persistence of high price increases continued to be a burden on the German economy since the Ukraine War started in Feb 2022. A drop in purchasing power, aggressive monetary policy tightening and the slowdown of American economy all contributed to Germany’s weak economic activity. Even the warm winter weather and reopening of China economy failed to prevent it from slipping into recession.



The clueless Scholz argues that it could install roughly 625 million solar panels and 19,000 wind turbines by 2030. Yet, it prematurely shut down its last nuclear reactors and aggressively phasing out coal even after the country has lost access to cheap oil and gas from Russia. Germany simply does not have the resources to generate the amount of clean energy it desires.



Now, the country says it is looking to build a huge infrastructure to import hydrogen from countries like Australia, Canada and Saudi Arabia – betting on technology that hasn’t even been tested. In truth, in the months immediately following the Ukraine invasion, economists had already warned that Germany would face a high risk of plunging into recession.




Putin has consistently and repeatedly warned Germany, and Europe for that matter, that Russia will turn off its energy supply if NATO continued to send weapons to escalate the conflict. According to the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the Ukraine War costs the German economy more than €100 billion (US$107 billion), or about 2.5% of its GDP.



And according to the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the impact on the economy as a whole translates to a loss of wealth of around €2,000 for every individual in Germany. We have not even talked about the cost associated with the rising number of refugees over the coming months as the fighting in Ukraine intensifies. Around 17.5 million Ukrainians have left their country since the war begin.



Hilariously, even after Germany has so-called decoupled from Russian oil, the country continues to pay top dollar for energy. German industry is set to pay about 40% more for energy in 2023 than in 2021, before the energy crisis began. The best part is Europe actually still imports energy from Russia via backdoor – China and India through re-routing and repackaging of energy products.



As much as Olaf Scholz, who’s been the German chancellor since December 2021, tries to put a brave face, only half of Germans believe the ruling government coalition will hold until the end of its legislative period in the fall of 2025. The incompetent Olaf might be forced to resign if inflation remains high and sagging economy continues to take its toll on the country.



Energy intensive companies like Siemens Energy and BASF warned as early as April 2022 about severe damages if the country lost its supply of cheap energy. BASF head Martin Brudermüller has even warned of an unprecedented economic downturn that could plunge the German economy into its worst crisis since the end of the Second World War.



But the worst might not be over yet. The European Central Bank is expected to raise rates again at its next meeting on June 15 to tame inflation. Higher interest rates will continue to weigh on both consumption and investment and exports may also suffer amid economic weakness in other developed markets such as the U.S. and Japan.



Germany is the first major nation to officially enter a recession since the pandemic. However, it might not be the last. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been warned the UK economy could be in recession next year. Britain narrowly avoided entering a recession in 2022. Even though the IMF no longer expects the United Kingdom to slip into a recession this year, 2023 still feel like a recession for many.

Anyone fancy KJ signing up with Gerakan and becoming Penang’s potential Chief Minister?

Anyone fancy KJ signing up with Gerakan and becoming Penang’s potential Chief Minister?

By Murray Hunter




KHAIRY Jamaluddin or KJ as he is known has been talking to suitors over his political future. PKR and DAP are not suitable due to the personalities involved.

Bersatu wants KJ to contest in Negri Sembilan in the upcoming state elections while KJ would prefer Selangor. There is even talk he will form a new political party with his old colleague, former prime minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

However, according to sources inside Gerakan, KJ is being discussed by some of the party’s leadership to take on the role of a Chief Minister candidate in the coming Penang state election. Furthermore, the Gerakan leadership also talked about fast-tracking Khairy to party presidency with the party’s national congress coming up on June 18.


Current president Datuk Dominic Lau Hoe Chai has expressed some willingness to step aside for him. Lau himself has just announced that Gerakan would contest around 30 seats in Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Negeri Selangor.

Judging from Gerakan’s electoral performance in the last general election, many believe most of its candidates will lose their deposits. Lau has said that Gerakan’s main objective is to help Perikatan Nasional (PN) secure victory in the state polls.


Asset to Gerakan

Henceforth, the Gerakan leadership has been warming to the idea that KJ would be a potential asset to revive the party’s ailing fortunes. Without him, Gerakan’s prognosis for any electoral success would be next to nothing.

Khairy Jamaluddin


Gerakan has long lost its reputation for being a grassroots action party and has been electorally shunned by what was once their traditional supporter bases in Penang and Perak.

Many are displeased in the “unholy alliance” Gerakan has entered into with PN. If Gerakan is to survive and become relevant once again in politics, the party must merge its reform image, develop a more multi-racial image and project itself as the moderator within the PN coalition.

That’s not a dissimilar position the MCA played in the days Barisan Nasional (BN) was at its height. Alternatively, Gerakan could break free from PN and rebuild itself from the bottom once again.

Many in Gerakan believe this is a reason to introduce new blood into the party. There are not too many people who could perform that role. KJ is one who could excel in this.

KJ could change the face of Gerakan by shifting the perception of Gerakan being a Chinese-based party to one which is multi-racial. This in itself would broaden the appeal base for Gerakan which could potentially be competitive in mixed race electorates.

If KJ took up the offer, there would be a number of challenges ahead for him. The first would be the coming Penang state election which is “do or die” for Gerakan. There is little doubt the DAP-led “unity alliance” in Penang will emerge the overall winner.

However, if PN can win between six and 14 seats with Gerakan leading the way, the party could be saved.

The likeliest seat for KJ would be Seberang Jaya, a Malay-majority seat on the mainland which is currently held by PKR. If Khairy could win the seat under the Gerakan banner, it could change the fortunes of the party.

Frankly, without Khairy, Gerakan’s prognosis for any electoral success would be next to nothing. Khairy would be able to draw attention towards Gerakan – one that the party couldn’t get anywhere else.

Murray Hunter


This would put Khairy and Gerakan in a good position for the 16rh General Election (GE16) where PN will be competitive and has a probability of winning the government.

If PN did win government, Khairy would no doubt become a senior minister. This is a tough scenario, very difficult to achieve.

However, such a challenge would suit KJ well. He would inherit and carry the Gerakan brand and lead the party to a new chapter. The Gerakan leadership would invest in personality politics by putting a “celebrity” in the front.

They hope KJ would go beyond being just a personality and deliver the substance for the party. This would create a hybrid-Gerakan relevant to the political scenario today.

However, all involved must learn the lesson from MUDA. A high-profile personality without any substance and policy is a recipe for electoral disaster.

Gerakan must take that risk or perish. For KJ, it would be crash through or crash. He can handle that type of politics as well as the best of them.

The Gerakan offer may be much more appealing than any Bersatu offer or setting up a new party himself. The Gerakan scenario requires the determination Khairy has shown he has got.

If he can do it, then Gerakan could become a third multi-racial force with parliamentary representation. KJ knows both the Bersatu and PAS leadership. He has worked before with them.

Many may consider voting for Gerakan in future elections just because they are a potential force of moderation. It will be interesting to see if KJ takes up the challenge. – May 30, 2023



Murray Hunter has been involved in Asia-Pacific business for the last 40 years as an entrepreneur, consultant, academic and researcher. He was an associate professor at Universiti Malaysia Perlis. This opinion editorial first appeared in Sin Chew Daily (English version) under the headline “Should KJ sign up with Gerakan?”

Anwar denies govt invited PAS to collaborate

Anwar denies govt invited PAS to collaborate


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied making an offer to PAS to join the coalition government.

"I don't know who (approached PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang). Maybe it was some division leaders who extended the invitation (to collaborate), I don't know.

"What I know, the proposal to collaborate was neither raised nor discussed by the top leadership level in the Pakatan Harapan-BN government," Utusan Malaysia quoted the premier telling reporters after attending an event in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

Anwar was responding to a claim by Hadi last Saturday that "certain individuals" had reached out to him to collaborate with the government.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang


The Marang MP, who did not divulge details, alleged that the offer would only strengthen the government's position by adding more seats to it, but would not benefit PAS in any way.

Hadi's deputy Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has made similar claims, alleging that he too had been contacted by certain quarters for the same purpose.

"Representatives of the (coalition) government met me to make the offer.

"However, I stressed that I would remain steadfast with Perikatan Nasional (PN) as promised during campaigning, and said that we will not lie to the voters," he reportedly told Berita Harian.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man


The Kubang Kerian MP also ridiculed the alleged proposal, claiming that data has shown that PN commanded more Malay support than Harapan.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli previously denied offering PAS to join the government after the 15th general election.

According to the Pandan MP, he was one of the three individuals in PKR who negotiated the formation of the government (the other two being Anwar and PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail), and yet, he knew nothing about such an offer.

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister cum Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also asked Hadi to “stop daydreaming" by making such claims.

Man goes to MACC with ‘evidence’ of PN’s links to gaming funds

FMT:

Man goes to MACC with ‘evidence’ of PN’s links to gaming funds

A businessman says he has a ‘certain document’ that proves Perikatan Nasional’s connection with gaming companies.

Businessman Rashdan Yusof claimed that he was not associated with any political party or NGO.


PUTRAJAYA: An individual has lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over claims that Perikatan Nasional had received funds from gaming companies.

Businessman Rashdan Yusof, 52, claimed he had evidence to prove the coalition’s connection with the gaming companies and wanted MACC to investigate further.

“The information I have is supported by a certain document. I will leave it to MACC to further investigate the matter,” he told reporters.

Rashdan, who arrived at MACC’s headquarters at 9.30am, claimed he was not associated with any political party or NGO. He spent around three hours giving his statement to the graft busters.

An MACC source confirmed that his statement was recorded.

In December 2022, Malaysiakini quoted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as implying that PN’s funds for its election campaign partly came from gaming companies, particularly those that took part in “special draws” for 4D numbers.

Anwar’s deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, reportedly echoed the prime minister’s statement and claimed he was confident the “other side” had gained funds from the gaming companies.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said told the Dewan Rakyat last week that MACC had conducted a detailed study regarding the information provided on the allegation, but found it to be “too general”.

Subsequently, no investigation papers were opened into the matter, she said.

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin then said the coalition will consider taking legal action against Anwar and Zahid over their remarks, claiming they were defamatory.

Anwar later said investigations were ongoing and reiterated that he would not make such claims without any basis, welcoming any legal action by the opposition coalition.

Next TARGET for Swatch watch snatchers

Luxury watch brand Omega injects a burst of colour into its latest collection

(From left) Andre Amir, Jojo Goh, Kendra Sow, Juwei Teoh, Martin Issing, Jovane Phang, Jas Chin and Uriah at Omega boutique in The Gardens Mall. — Picture courtesy of Omega

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 10:54 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega recently brought a burst of colour to Kuala Lumpur by hosting a celebration of its vivid Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades collection.

Held at the Omega boutique in The Gardens Mall, guests explored the 10 unique colours of the collection — from Atlantic Blue to Bay Green and Terracotta via a product presentation.


Guests were surprised to discover the latest addition of Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades in solid gold, which added extra radiance to the collection.

Local celebrities spotted at the event were actresses Jovane Phang, Jojo Goh and Kendra Sow, singer Uriah, entrepreneur Jas Chin and influencers Juwei Teoh and Andre Amir.

For Juwei Teoh, the watches' colour dial represents unique characteristics of the wearer. — Picture courtesy of Omega


“When I first discovered this collection, I was attracted to its vibrant coloured dials. To me, each colour dial represents unique characteristics of the wearer,” said Teoh.

“The Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades Shell Pink is definitely me. It is a versatile colour which can be cool and yet mature,” Teoh added.

“The watches' captivating shades make them essential to anyone's wardrobe, while speaking to individuality and embracing diversity,” said Andre, who prefers the Sandstone.

For Chin, her choice is the Terracotta. “I know red is not for everyone but for me, this colour stands out among the others,” she explained.

The celebrities and other guests were warmly welcomed at the store by Omega Malaysia vice president Martin Issing.

For more details, visit https://www.omegawatches.com/.

Understand Constitution before claiming Kedah 'owns Penang', PM Anwar tells MB Sanusi

Understand Constitution before claiming Kedah 'owns Penang', PM Anwar tells MB Sanusi

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the launch of Seminar Fikrah Siddiq Fadzil in Kuala Lumpur May 30, 2023. ― Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 12:19 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor should understand and follow the Federal Constitution before making claims on ownership of Penang.

He said the Federal Constitution had been signed by the conference of rulers including the Sultan of Kedah then.


“When a leader in this country speaks, he has to always understand the Federal Constitution. He has to understand that, even when the agreement was signed hundreds or thousands of years ago. As a menteri besar, he is bound by the legislation.

“I'm speaking this based on the attorney-general's principles which is to respect the constitutional agreement approved and signed by all Malay rulers including the Sultan of Kedah,” he told reporters after launching Seminar Fikrah Siddiq Fadzil at the Dewan Bahasa Pustaka building here.


Yesterday, Muhammad Sanusi claimed that Penang is under the ownership of Kedah while Perak and Perlis are the only states that have a border with Kedah.


Muhammad Sanusi said he is waiting for confirmation from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia if there is a determined basis for the confirmation of Kedah’s border with other states.

He made his claim after signing the land and maritime boundary agreement between Kedah and Perlis at Wisma Darul Aman.

The agreement involves 44.3 kilometres for land while 5.6 kilometres for maritime (sea) or equivalent to three nautical miles.

Zahid denies Anwar govt invited PAS into unity government

Zahid denies Anwar govt invited PAS into unity government

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks to reporters after chairing the Committee Meeting of Sports Development Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya May 30, 2023. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 1:01 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, May 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has today refuted rumours that the federal administration had approached PAS to join the ruling coalition.

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad Zahid said that none of the leaders from the 19 political parties in the unity government has called the move to include the Islamist party during one of its meetings.


“This matter has never been discussed among the 19 leaders in the unity government.

“Even if there’s a meeting between their leaders, we never consider it was an official meeting nor a move towards that direction,” he said after chairing the Committee Meeting of Sports Development Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Department here.


MORE TO COME

SEA Games: Stop blaming Hannah, National Sports Council must take responsibility, says Hamidin

SEA Games: Stop blaming Hannah, National Sports Council must take responsibility, says Hamidin

Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin urged all parties to stop blaming Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for the failure of the Malaysian contingent at the recently concluded 2023 Cambodia SEA Games. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Monday, 29 May 2023 7:46 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — The Malaysian contingent’s Chef-De-Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin urged all parties to stop blaming Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for the failure of the Malaysian contingent at the recently concluded 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.


Hamidin, who is also the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) deputy president, said Hannah had been working very hard since her appointment as the Youth and Sports Minister but there wasn’t enough time on her side.

Based on the failure of the Malaysian contingent to achieve the 40-gold medal target in Cambodia, Hamidin said the focus must be on the National Sports Council (NSC) to improve the performances of National athletes after managing only 34 gold medals.


“She (Hannah) has been working tirelessly until today. We cannot simply blame her because it has only been six months since she was appointed as the Minister. Almost every day she met presidents of National Sports Associations,” he told reporters when met after a sponsorship agreement signing between Milo and OCM, here today.


“Here, the NSC must take responsibility because they are the ones who are collaborating with the associations for the preparation of athletes. We will look at the weaknesses that need to be rectified before the 2025 SEA Games and the 2027 SEA Games because NSC is responsible for handling the funding,” he said.

The Malaysian contingent returned home from Cambodia with 34 gold, 45 silver and 97 bronze after finishing in seventh position overall, lagging behind Cambodia, the Philippines and even Singapore.

The achievement was regarded as the worst in the history of the Malaysian contingent’s participation in the SEA Games after the 31-gold medal achievement during the 1995 Chiangmai SEA Games hosted by Thailand.

Last year, the Malaysian contingent collected 39 gold medals to finish in sixth position during the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games which was eventually held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the debacle, a number of parties had been calling out for Hannah to apologise for the failure in Cambodia while some questioned the Segambut Member of Parliament’s statement that the poor performance may have been due to the unstable political condition.

Meanwhile, Hamidin expressed satisfaction with the commitment of Milo to continue offering its support for the development of sports in the country consistently through the sponsorship agreement which runs till 2028 while assistance would be channeled for the preparation of athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

The sponsorship agreement was signed by OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib and Milo’s Marketing Executive Officer Ng Su Yen and witnessed by Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad chief executive officer Juan Aranols and Hamdin.

The event was also attended by former sports legends, elite sportsman and sportswomen like Tan Sri M Jegathesan (athletics), Annie Choong (athletics), Datuk Soh Chin Aun (football), Nurul Huda Abdullah (swimming), Datuk Rashid Sidek (badminton), Ng Shu Wai (gymnastics) and Datuk Pandelela Rinong (diving). — Bernama