I had in August last year mentioned in an article regarding Tourism Malaysia's Director General Dato Mirza Muhammad Taiyab who is being charged for accepting a payment for settlement for his dental treatment amounting to RM 13,000 or thereabout. It is reported that he is presently being suspended from official duties, and his case will again be heard in May this year.
I had written about Dato Mirza's case then, based on what had been reported in the mainstream media, and my strong intuition that Dato Mirza could not have been easily enticed into accepting the settlement for his dental treatment.
Of late, I have been meeting several people from the tourism industry, and from the conversation that I had with them, there appears to be a lot of sympathy for Dato Mirza whom they say is a victim of a treacherous conspiracy to fixed him for corruption. They say that some of the person(s) involved in the conspiracy are known, and could well be officers from within the ministry and department itself.
Dato Mirza who had served under several ministers in his various official capacities, is known for being forthright, dedicated, honest, friendly and does not easily succumb to corrupt practices. Most who have known him, were surprised at the charges made against him, and finds it hard to believe that he did commit the offence.
Words are abound that the conspiracy to bring down Dato Mirza is because he did not relent to the persistent request, to award business contracts to selected individuals with links to officials of the ministry.. Many says that a certain politician is known to have had a hand in the conspiracy, and there is every likelihood that the politician is himself or herself corrupt.
Having being told of this case, and the sufferings that Dato Mirza and his family has to endure since August last year, I plea that he be given a fair and just hearing. And to those who have been a party to this treacherous conspiracy, may I say that you may escape judgment on earth for your misdeeds, but you will not escape the wrath of Allah SWT in the hereafter.
And to Dato Mirza and his family, have faith in Allah SWT, and may you be guided to seek the truth, and be redeemed your honour and pride as a trustworthy and honest public servant.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.20 pm on March 30, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A PUBLIC HEARING INTO BALKIS AFFAIRS
The Selangor state government is still not finished with Khir Toyo, and the extravagance of Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Isteri-Isteri Selangor (Balkis). If one were to follow the on-going proceedings of the public hearing on the affairs of Balkis since it was formed, one tend to be confused as to whether Balkis is indeed a charitable and welfare organisation to serve the wives of the people of Selangor, or whether it is purely to serve its restricted members pecuniary interest. Balkis was said to be headed by the wife of Khir Toyo, and is now de-registered following the fall of the BN government to PR during the March 8, 2008 general elections
From reports on the on-going public hearing, one is amazed at the amount of money paid to Balkis by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB), a subsidiary of the Selangor state government, totalling RM 5 million over a period of five years beginning 2002 until 2007. If indeed the money was spend for charitable and welfare purposes, the details of spending revealed otherwise.
How could Balkis justify an all expense paid holiday and recreational trip to Disney land, and a trip to Australia to visit the son of so-and-so, as being for charitable and welfare purposes? What about the lavish gifts purchased overseas and the sumptuous dinner parties thrown to entertain VVIP's? Are these categorised as charitable and welfare activities?
As a Selangorean, I am thoroughly displeased with the extravagance of Balkis in conducting its affairs. Blame should also be shouldered by Khir Toyo, who seemed to have ignored that PNSB does not belong to him or Balkis, and the profits could have been better utilised, rather than giving it to Balkis to be spend for wasteful purposes that benefited a few. Had Khir Toyo remained the Menteri Besar, Balkis would still be enjoying themselves with more oversea trips, lavish parties and gifts, unknown to many in Selangor.
It was reported that Balkis had illegally transferred RM 10 million (or thereabout) from its account, fearing that the money will fall into the hands of the PR government. This is indeed an irresponsible act that only reflects the bad intent that Balkis harbours of the new PR government. I would further add that such an act smacks of stupidity and selfishness.
Whatever be the outcome of the public hearing, one thing is for certain i.e. Balkis should be made totally responsible for their misdeeds, and that they be asked to pay back all that they had spend under the guise of charity and welfare. Should they fail to pay up, the only recourse is raise the matter to MACC and to be investigated upon.
I believe Balkis though defunct, will not find it too difficult to settle the dues, rather than having to appear before MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8 pm, March 28, 2009
From reports on the on-going public hearing, one is amazed at the amount of money paid to Balkis by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB), a subsidiary of the Selangor state government, totalling RM 5 million over a period of five years beginning 2002 until 2007. If indeed the money was spend for charitable and welfare purposes, the details of spending revealed otherwise.
How could Balkis justify an all expense paid holiday and recreational trip to Disney land, and a trip to Australia to visit the son of so-and-so, as being for charitable and welfare purposes? What about the lavish gifts purchased overseas and the sumptuous dinner parties thrown to entertain VVIP's? Are these categorised as charitable and welfare activities?
As a Selangorean, I am thoroughly displeased with the extravagance of Balkis in conducting its affairs. Blame should also be shouldered by Khir Toyo, who seemed to have ignored that PNSB does not belong to him or Balkis, and the profits could have been better utilised, rather than giving it to Balkis to be spend for wasteful purposes that benefited a few. Had Khir Toyo remained the Menteri Besar, Balkis would still be enjoying themselves with more oversea trips, lavish parties and gifts, unknown to many in Selangor.
It was reported that Balkis had illegally transferred RM 10 million (or thereabout) from its account, fearing that the money will fall into the hands of the PR government. This is indeed an irresponsible act that only reflects the bad intent that Balkis harbours of the new PR government. I would further add that such an act smacks of stupidity and selfishness.
Whatever be the outcome of the public hearing, one thing is for certain i.e. Balkis should be made totally responsible for their misdeeds, and that they be asked to pay back all that they had spend under the guise of charity and welfare. Should they fail to pay up, the only recourse is raise the matter to MACC and to be investigated upon.
I believe Balkis though defunct, will not find it too difficult to settle the dues, rather than having to appear before MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 8 pm, March 28, 2009
SHAHRIR – A PRINCIPLED POLITICIAN
A reader of my blog wrote a comment that commends and salute Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister Shahir Samad for being forthright and sincere in resigning his ministerial post after not being elected to UMNO's Supreme Council. I believe every highly principled and like minded Malaysians will without any hesitation support Shahrir's decision, and he will leave his post with pride, honour and be well regarded by Malaysians at all times.
Shahrir has shown his true self; a dedicated, trustworthy and a dignified politicians who speaks his mind, and shows no personal interest, but is respectful and honour the voices of his party members more. His resignation has set an example for others who had lost their bid to follow. But the big question remains whether the rest would be willing to follow the steps that Shahrir has taken. Or will it be Naijb who will show them the exit door. If this is what they choose, rest assured, their exit will one of shame and humiliating.
Shahrir's reasoning for quiting is simple and forthright. He says that if he as a minister no longer has the support and confidence of the party, why then has he to cling to the appointment. A no vote simply means that one has lost credibility and is no longer entrusted for the job. What other alternatives does one has, except to resign, and that is what Shahrir rightfully has decided to do. Certainly, Shahrir is one of an exceptional person that will be the pride of the Malay race, emulating the historical example shown by the founder of UMNO Dato Onn Jaafar.
For all those ministers and menteri besar's that had lost their bidding, Shahrir has shown them the way. But are they willing to take up the challenge to quit, or are they to remain mute and indifferent to voices of the party members, by entrenching themselves deeper to their post?
To quit is be honourable, but to stay is to be scorned and humiliated. The final choice is theirs to make.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.30 am on March 28, 2009
Shahrir has shown his true self; a dedicated, trustworthy and a dignified politicians who speaks his mind, and shows no personal interest, but is respectful and honour the voices of his party members more. His resignation has set an example for others who had lost their bid to follow. But the big question remains whether the rest would be willing to follow the steps that Shahrir has taken. Or will it be Naijb who will show them the exit door. If this is what they choose, rest assured, their exit will one of shame and humiliating.
Shahrir's reasoning for quiting is simple and forthright. He says that if he as a minister no longer has the support and confidence of the party, why then has he to cling to the appointment. A no vote simply means that one has lost credibility and is no longer entrusted for the job. What other alternatives does one has, except to resign, and that is what Shahrir rightfully has decided to do. Certainly, Shahrir is one of an exceptional person that will be the pride of the Malay race, emulating the historical example shown by the founder of UMNO Dato Onn Jaafar.
For all those ministers and menteri besar's that had lost their bidding, Shahrir has shown them the way. But are they willing to take up the challenge to quit, or are they to remain mute and indifferent to voices of the party members, by entrenching themselves deeper to their post?
To quit is be honourable, but to stay is to be scorned and humiliated. The final choice is theirs to make.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.30 am on March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
UMNO YOUTH HAILS A NEW LEADER IN KHAIRY
Tun Mahathir has been forthright in declaring that the reason for not attending the UMNO General Assembly is directly related to Khairy winning the UMNO Youth post. He believes that Khairy does not deserve to win, or for that matter be allowed to contest in the party election at all, because he was found guilty of money politics.
In the case of Ali Rustam who was found quilty of a similar offence, was barred from contesting, and even his appeal was rejected. If this isn't selective punishment, what else can one say of Khairy's judgment by the disciplinary committee. Many believe that some mysterious hands were at work to ensure that Khairy gets a lesser punishment, and it was not surprising that some in UMNO had even called for the dissolution of the disciplinary committee.
To the people that I talked to, they seemed amazed and bewildered at how Mukriz Mahathir could have lost badly in the contest. He led the nominations, with Khairy at third placing. But the reverse happened at polling day. Even the time taken for the counting and recounting of ballot papers was exceptionally long. Was it money politics that gave Khairy the winning edge, or was it the mysterious hands at work again? Doubts has been raised, and UMNO members ought to be forgiven if they have a negative perception of Khairy.
The jeering heard following the announcement that Khairy had won the contest, clearly indicates the animosity and dissatisfaction of certain UMNO groups against Khairy. This is not a healthy sign, and Khairy has to be weary that the opposition from within UMNO can be even more damaging and serious, than the opposition from outside the party. The path for Khairy will therefore not be smooth and easy, but one that is full of turbulence and pit falls. And with his father-in-law no longer at the helm of government, Khairy will certainly not be able to get the political patronage that he enjoys in the past.
The major test for Khairy's leadership is yet to come. But with his uncertain popularity among the grassroots, will he be allowed to appear at the up-coming by-election rally scheduled this April? Or will he be told to skip the rally and to concentrate on strengthening UMNO Youth, and also to remodeled his character and image first. Certainly, shouting, showing his fist and fiery stunts will no longer be acceptable by UMNO anymore.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.05 pm on March 27, 2009
In the case of Ali Rustam who was found quilty of a similar offence, was barred from contesting, and even his appeal was rejected. If this isn't selective punishment, what else can one say of Khairy's judgment by the disciplinary committee. Many believe that some mysterious hands were at work to ensure that Khairy gets a lesser punishment, and it was not surprising that some in UMNO had even called for the dissolution of the disciplinary committee.
To the people that I talked to, they seemed amazed and bewildered at how Mukriz Mahathir could have lost badly in the contest. He led the nominations, with Khairy at third placing. But the reverse happened at polling day. Even the time taken for the counting and recounting of ballot papers was exceptionally long. Was it money politics that gave Khairy the winning edge, or was it the mysterious hands at work again? Doubts has been raised, and UMNO members ought to be forgiven if they have a negative perception of Khairy.
The jeering heard following the announcement that Khairy had won the contest, clearly indicates the animosity and dissatisfaction of certain UMNO groups against Khairy. This is not a healthy sign, and Khairy has to be weary that the opposition from within UMNO can be even more damaging and serious, than the opposition from outside the party. The path for Khairy will therefore not be smooth and easy, but one that is full of turbulence and pit falls. And with his father-in-law no longer at the helm of government, Khairy will certainly not be able to get the political patronage that he enjoys in the past.
The major test for Khairy's leadership is yet to come. But with his uncertain popularity among the grassroots, will he be allowed to appear at the up-coming by-election rally scheduled this April? Or will he be told to skip the rally and to concentrate on strengthening UMNO Youth, and also to remodeled his character and image first. Certainly, shouting, showing his fist and fiery stunts will no longer be acceptable by UMNO anymore.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.05 pm on March 27, 2009
WILL NAJIB HONOUR HIS PLEDGES?
CONGRATULATIONS to Muhyiddin Yassin for winning the UMNO Deputy President’s post, which by convention will most likely make him the No. 2 in government, when Naijb is appointed the Prime Minister later. I do believe that most outside UMNO are satisfied with the outcome, and even if Ali Rustam were allowed to contest, the best bet would still be Muhyiddin.
As for Muhammad Muhammad Taib, he will have to be contented with losing the bid for the Deputy President, and at the age of 63, he may decide to call it quits in the next general assembly scheduled three years from now. His ministerial post may also be in a quandary, and if it is true that Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahril Samad will be vacating his post after losing his bid for the Supreme Council seat, Muhammad Muhammad Taib should similarly quit his ministerial post.
Other ministers and menteri besar’s (MB) that lost their bids includes Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, Home Mnister Syed Hamid, Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman, Negeri Sembilan MB Mohamad Hassan, Pahang MB Adnan Yackob, Perlis MB Md. Isa Sabu and Johor MB Abd Ghani Othman. Will they decide to quit on their own accord, or will they decide to leave their fate in government to Najib? My bet is that non will willingly quit, and quitting now at a time when UMNO is at its lowest ebb, may not be a wise proposition either.
One is quite surprise that Tourism Minister Azalina Othman is allowed to contest despite her being under investigation by MACC. It would have been honourable for her to withdraw rather then to contest. And the silence about her in the mainstream media days before the assembly, is clear indication that her popularity is at the lowest. Neither has the media made any attempt to interview her, or write about her during and after the assembly.
Now that UMNO has decided on its new leadership, it is now left to Najib to set the pace and to determine the future direction of the party. Much has been said by him during the opening speech to delegates of the assembly. What is left now is for his newly appointed team to translate all that he has said into action. This will the biggest challenge to the new leadership, and with the 13th General Elections in 3 years from now, time is certainly at a premium for UMNO.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 4.00 pm on March 27, 2009
As for Muhammad Muhammad Taib, he will have to be contented with losing the bid for the Deputy President, and at the age of 63, he may decide to call it quits in the next general assembly scheduled three years from now. His ministerial post may also be in a quandary, and if it is true that Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahril Samad will be vacating his post after losing his bid for the Supreme Council seat, Muhammad Muhammad Taib should similarly quit his ministerial post.
Other ministers and menteri besar’s (MB) that lost their bids includes Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, Home Mnister Syed Hamid, Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman, Negeri Sembilan MB Mohamad Hassan, Pahang MB Adnan Yackob, Perlis MB Md. Isa Sabu and Johor MB Abd Ghani Othman. Will they decide to quit on their own accord, or will they decide to leave their fate in government to Najib? My bet is that non will willingly quit, and quitting now at a time when UMNO is at its lowest ebb, may not be a wise proposition either.
One is quite surprise that Tourism Minister Azalina Othman is allowed to contest despite her being under investigation by MACC. It would have been honourable for her to withdraw rather then to contest. And the silence about her in the mainstream media days before the assembly, is clear indication that her popularity is at the lowest. Neither has the media made any attempt to interview her, or write about her during and after the assembly.
Now that UMNO has decided on its new leadership, it is now left to Najib to set the pace and to determine the future direction of the party. Much has been said by him during the opening speech to delegates of the assembly. What is left now is for his newly appointed team to translate all that he has said into action. This will the biggest challenge to the new leadership, and with the 13th General Elections in 3 years from now, time is certainly at a premium for UMNO.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 4.00 pm on March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
THE MILITARY PROFESSION IS NOT FOR ACQUIRING PERSONAL WEALTH
There has been rumours floating outside the corridors of the Defence Ministry claiming that some senior military officers have been awarding contracts to companies where their family members are employees of the company.
My first impression upon being told about this was to say, “how blatant these senior military officers are today”, and I wonder where have they acquired this unethical habits from. To have been told earlier that some senior military officers have also acquired the shameless act of accepting monetary favours from defence agents and contractors; the award of contracts to family members is therefore not at all surprising.
If this rumour is found to be true, and if the senior military officer(s) involved has the slightest tint of dignity and honour left in them, I would suggest that they take the honourable act of discharging themselves from the military service. The military service is not an occupation to acquire personal wealth through dubious means, but it is an occupation that is most honourable and dignified.
I will be following this rumour closely and if it found to be true, I will not hesitate to name the officer(s) involved, regardless of their status and position in this blog, and to report it matter to MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 22.30 pm on March 25, 2009
My first impression upon being told about this was to say, “how blatant these senior military officers are today”, and I wonder where have they acquired this unethical habits from. To have been told earlier that some senior military officers have also acquired the shameless act of accepting monetary favours from defence agents and contractors; the award of contracts to family members is therefore not at all surprising.
If this rumour is found to be true, and if the senior military officer(s) involved has the slightest tint of dignity and honour left in them, I would suggest that they take the honourable act of discharging themselves from the military service. The military service is not an occupation to acquire personal wealth through dubious means, but it is an occupation that is most honourable and dignified.
I will be following this rumour closely and if it found to be true, I will not hesitate to name the officer(s) involved, regardless of their status and position in this blog, and to report it matter to MACC.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 22.30 pm on March 25, 2009
SG. UDANG CAMP NEEDS IMMEDIATE BUILDING MAINTENENCE
There is an apparent lack of responsibility on the part of the commander of Malaysia’s elite forces based at Sg. Udang Camp, Malacca. Reports are abound that a number of buildings in the camp are in such dilapidated state due to lack of maintenance, and this has affected the moral of the soldiers and families residing within the camp area.
Sg. Udang Camp which was built to accommodate the Commonwealth Forces during the colonial period, is presently the home of the Special Forces Training Centre and including two special forces regiments.
The buildings in the camp that are so badly affected due to lack of maintenance are the married quarters for both the other ranks and officers, officers mess, warrant officer and sergeant’s messes, living accommodation for other ranks and the swimming pool.
One is surprised to note that senior officers from the Department of Army that visits the camp occasionally are not unaware of the poor state of buildings in the camp, and the sufferings that the occupants has to endure, living in dilapidated buildings all this while. I am informed that there is no effort to show visiting senior officers the affected buildings, and the visiting officers would normally end up with a sumptuous meal at the officers mess.
It is obvious that the commander who is a one star general, has shown little concern to ensure that proper preventive building maintenance is carried out on scheduled. The attitude shown by the senior officer reflects poorly of the army, and certainly he does not deserve to be where he is today. He should not seek excuses, but to accept the fact that he has failed in his responsibility to ensure that the men (including families) under his command are being well looked after, and not to be treated like trash.
I would like to appeal to the Department of Army to take a serious view into this matter, in order to restore the moral of the men and their families that are badly affected by the lack of proper building maintenance at Sg. Udang Camp, Malacca.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.30 on March 25, 2009
Sg. Udang Camp which was built to accommodate the Commonwealth Forces during the colonial period, is presently the home of the Special Forces Training Centre and including two special forces regiments.
The buildings in the camp that are so badly affected due to lack of maintenance are the married quarters for both the other ranks and officers, officers mess, warrant officer and sergeant’s messes, living accommodation for other ranks and the swimming pool.
One is surprised to note that senior officers from the Department of Army that visits the camp occasionally are not unaware of the poor state of buildings in the camp, and the sufferings that the occupants has to endure, living in dilapidated buildings all this while. I am informed that there is no effort to show visiting senior officers the affected buildings, and the visiting officers would normally end up with a sumptuous meal at the officers mess.
It is obvious that the commander who is a one star general, has shown little concern to ensure that proper preventive building maintenance is carried out on scheduled. The attitude shown by the senior officer reflects poorly of the army, and certainly he does not deserve to be where he is today. He should not seek excuses, but to accept the fact that he has failed in his responsibility to ensure that the men (including families) under his command are being well looked after, and not to be treated like trash.
I would like to appeal to the Department of Army to take a serious view into this matter, in order to restore the moral of the men and their families that are badly affected by the lack of proper building maintenance at Sg. Udang Camp, Malacca.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.30 on March 25, 2009
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