Hogwash ?

The following is a reader's letter which appeared in Malaysiakini which has been reproduced here. (You can read the full letter at :

https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/570786).  

My own comments follow at the end.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has maintained that there was nothing wrong even if the viral "leaked" phone recording between two individuals was actually him and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a way, he's right in that there's no treachery, corruption and criminal offence. It was a banter between two old friends, although Zahid has denied it was him.

At this juncture, whether the four-minute clip was authentic or manufactured is no longer important because Anwar sees nothing wrong if the conversation did indeed take place between him and Zahid.

But how wrong Anwar is. For the people, it matters. It matters because it exposes his hypocrisy. 

On the one hand, he denigrates Umno and blames the party for all that is wrong with the country, but on the other hand, sees nothing wrong in striking secret deals not just behind the backs of the people, but even key leaders in his own party.

Anwar has lost his moral compass because he is willing to sacrifice the ideals he supposedly cherished like transparency, fight against corruption, justice and fairness by working with a party that has a knack for trampling those. 

Anwar has truly lost it. His obsession with the prime ministership which has eluded him for decades has robbed him of the political sanity that is a prerequisite to fill the coveted post.

How are we supposed to trust Anwar if he can say one thing but willing to do the complete opposite, if he has not already done so (if the audio is proven to be authentic)?

Even among th...es, there's honour, but Anwar chooses to squander whatever little trust Malaysians place on him to bring the country forward. 

The main contender for the post of the ninth PM has only himself to blame and no one else by compromising on his principles, just to satiate his lust for power.

But come to think of it, Anwar has been steadfast with his principles over the years he's been in politics: it's not about cherished ideals like democracy and justice - those are just hogwash. 

For Anwar, it's all about getting what he wants, whatever the price. And for that, Anwar will have to pay a heavy price.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

My comments :

I checked the Cambridge Online Dictionary. It says :

The writer of the letter is one Loh Wee Thim.  Well Loh, I dont know how old or young you are but this is 2021. The charade has been going on since before 1983. That is at least 38 years ago.

Ok if you want a handicap, lets date it back to 1998. That takes it to 23 years ago. It is still a long time. 

It has taken you quite some time to write your letter. Your views may not represent Malaysiakini but they have deemed it fit to publish your letter.  It may not be complicit but it certainly is an 'Ok why not'.

Time is a premium. So much time wasted, so many chances wasted, so many other candidates not recognised, so many real heroes not appreciated.

So whose fault is it? 

You cannot blame Anwar Ibrahim. He has the choice and the freedom to be what he wants to be. This is a free country. He can say whatever he wants. He can sing any song. He can dance to any Tamil tune. That is his right.

Assuming that it was you who became disappointed or disillusioned then your complaint is actually against yourself. Because the choice was yours. You made your choices. If you are not happy then you have only yourself to blame. This applies to anyone - not just you. I am not picking on you.

Remember this is a free country. Say what you want. Believe whoever you want.

But be prepared to live with your choices.

If you want better choices then you have to make better choices. Thats how it works.

Apabila Menteri Agama Kurang Peka 'All Expenses Paid Trip' Serta Maksud Persepsi Umum

I would like to state here that every programme and important meetings concerning haji, umrah and Islamic affairs during my trip in Saudi Arabia was arranged and fully sponsored by the Muslim World League.

Religious Minister explained trip to Saudi fully sponsored by Muslim World League

refuted private jet, he took commercial flight by Saudi Airlines

flight from Riyadh - Madinah in the video fully managed by Muslim World League

fully sponsored trip sign of respect by Saudi Royalty, govt, Muslim World League

I would like to state here that every programme and important meetings concerning haji, umrah and Islamic affairs during my trip in Saudi Arabia was arranged and fully sponsored by the Muslim World League.

I see this as a sign of respect by the Royalty, Saudi govt and Muslim World League 

accusations I misused public funds to board luxurious plane there, isn't true 

My comments: 

Kepada Dato Menteri Agama. Tuan kurang faham bahawa lawatan tuan ke Arab Saudi sebenarnya adalah urusan bisnes atau business trip di mana isu kuota haji, bayaran "yuran" pakej haji kepada kerajaan Arab Saudi dsbnya telah dibincang. 

"Jemputan" oleh Arab Saudi adalah untuk putuskan isu duit. It is all about money. 

Tuan harus faham bahawa kerajaan Arab Saudi mempunyai kuasa mutlak naikkan 'yuran' naik haji ke tanah mereka. Sebab itu juga kos pakej haji makin bertambah dan naik harganya. 

Ikut website Tabung Haji (https://www.tabunghaji.gov.my/ms/haji/kos-haji-dan-bayaran)

"Kos langsung Jemaah Muassasah terdiri daripada kos penerbangan, kos pengangkutan, kos penginapan di Mekah dan Madinah, kos makan minum dan bayaran kepada pihak berwajib di Arab Saudi.."

Tuan harus jelaskan apa maksudnya :    "dan bayaran kepada pihak berwajib di Arab Saudi" ??

Ikut website Tabung Haji kos pakej haji sekarang hampir RM23,000 seorang. Hampiri harga beli kereta Perodua Axia baru. Kalau sepasang laki-bini saja kosnya adalah RM46,000.  

Kenyataan "Tanggungan Kos TH" itu adalah sangat kurang tepat. TH adalah simpanan 'tabung' dana oleh bakal jemaah haji. Maksudnya segala duit dalam TH adalah kepunyaan jemaah yang simpan duit dalam Tabung Haji. (Dan mungkin ditambah duit peruntukan Bajet Kerajaan - maksudnya duit rakyat juga. Duit bapak kita.)

Jadi TH tidak boleh 'tanggung kos' apa pun. Kesemua 100% duit dalam Tabung Haji itu adalah duit bapak kita. Bukan duit Tabung Haji pun. Maksudnya kita yang tanggung semua kos RM22,900 untuk naik haji itu. 

Apa yang TH perlu jelaskan ialah daripada kos pakej haji RM22,900 itu berapa banyak kah bayaran kepada pihak berwajib di Arab Saudi" ??   

Setiap tahun kos untuk "naik haji" pun naik juga. 

Pada tahun ini sepatutnya Arab Saudi mesti beri diskaun bayaran oleh jemaah haji seluruh dunia kerana masalah Covid yang telah haramkan atau kurangkan penerbangan antarabangsa dan pergerakan manusia termasuk untuk berhaji dan umrah. Hotel seluruh dunia semua kosong dan pesawat penerbangan semua tidak bergerak pun. 

Jadi Tuan Menteri Agama, jangan pula dalam keadaan Covid ini Arab Saudi naikkan lagi bayaran kepada pihak berwajib di Arab Saudi" ! !

Sebab itulah Arab Saudi begitu rela, sudi, seronok dan merasa berbaloi dan menguntungkan untuk belanja fully sponsored lawatan Menteri Agama kita yang kurang peka.  Mereka telah memberi 'suapan' atau gratification kepada Tuan Menteri Agama. Arab Saudi hanya mencari untung. Tentu sekali pihak Arab Saudi rela "melayan" Menteri kita dengan segala keselesaan dan kemewahan sebab mereka mencari keuntungan daripada lawatan Menteri itu.

Percayalah bahawa Arab Saudi tidak akan fully sponsor lawatan Menteri Agama sekiranya fully sponsor mereka itu tidak membawa untung bagi mereka.  Segalanya adalah untuk membuat duit. Tambah lagi ekonomi Arab Saudi sedang menghadapi banyak masalah dan kemelesetan. 

Dalam dunia bisnes dan perniagaan 'cuti dan lawatan fully sponsored  dibenarkan bagi sesebuah syarikat  untuk menghargai pencapaian pekerja, staff dan agen mereka.  Contohnya jika seorang salesman atau agen jualan berjaya mencapai kuota dan sales targets menjual sesuatu produk maka syarikat itu mungkin memberi ganjaran 'free holiday' ke luar negara kepada salesman dan agen jualan yang successful itu. Tetapi ini adalah sistem yang transparent sebab sasaran kuota jualan dimaklumkan kepada semua pekerja dan salesman daripada awal lagi. Tidak ada rahsia atau subahat jahat. Maksudnya syarikat itu telah pun mendapat keuntungan besar daripada prestasi salesman dan agen jualan mereka. Jadi mereka berkongsi-lah sedikit keuntungan itu dengan salesman dan agen jualan.

Tetapi 'suapan' seperti ini tidak dibenarkan antara syarikat yang berlainan. Contohnya jika manager syarikat pembangunan diberi 'fully sponsored free holiday' oleh syarikat pembekal simen atau besi dan keluli. Itu adalah suapan atau rasuah. 

Dan begitu juga pegawai Kerajaan (dan Menteri) tidak dibenarkan menerima satu sen pun hadiah (gift) atau sebarang jenis "gratification" (suapan) daripada sesiapa pun  untuk menjalankan tugas mereka. Sebarang perbuatan seperti itu adalah rasuah.

Jika Menteri Agama kita masih kurang faham, cuba bayangkan keadaan jika Menteri Pertahanan kita diberi "fully sponsored trip" oleh agensi Amerika Syarikat (contohnya) untuk melawat ke Amerika Syarikat untuk rundingan pembelian senjata atau pesawat kapalterbang atau kapal dan sebagainya. Tidak ada sedikitpun keraguan bahawa perbuatan seperti itu melibatkan suapan dan rasuah. Tujuan mereka (sebagai contoh sahaja) adalah untuk 'memberi makan rasuah' kepada Menteri Pertahanan untuk membeli produk mereka.  Tentu sekali pihak Amerika akan rela "melayan" Menteri Pertahanan kita dengan segala keselesaan dan kemewahan sebab mereka mencari keuntungan daripada lawatan itu.

Satu lagi contoh - katakanlah Menteri Perdagangan menerima tawaran lawatan 'fully sponsored' oleh agensi kerajaan negeri China untuk ke Beijing untuk membincangkan isu perdagangan dua hala China dan Malaysia. Tentu sekali pihak China akan rela "melayan" Menteri kita dengan segala keselesaan dan kemewahan sebab mereka mencari keuntungan daripada lawatan itu.

Segalanya melibatkan duit. It is all about money. Tambah lagi 'no money no religion'. 

Saya diberi faham bahawa mengikut SOP Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, semua pegawai kerajaan dan Penjawat Am (civil servants) tidak dibenarkan menerima atau mengambil sebarang jenis hadiah atau habuan daripada sesiapa pun.  Sebab perbuatan seperti itu boleh membawa kepada suapan dan rasuah.

Akhir kalam, persepsi umum (public perception) terhadap Menteri dan pegawainya akan menjadi kurang baik jika kos haji dan umrah tetap naik juga terutama sekali setelah Menteri mendapat 'fully sponsored trip' yang telah dibayar oleh pihak Arab Saudi.

Apakah sebabnya Menteri Agama tidak dapat diskaun harga pakej haji dan umrah daripada pihak Arab saudi memandangkan hotel dan pesawat penerbangan diseluruh dunia (termasuk Mekah dan Madinah) semua kosong akibat Covid19? 

Rifts Inside The Police?

• JIPS director  awaiting names of cops who worked with Nicky Liow 
• said Bkt Aman needed list from Johor police before take further action
• Johor CPO Ayob Khan wont hand over Geng Nicky names to Bkt Aman
• I will not reveal (the list of names)
• Once investigations complete, we will arrest (those involved)
• Wait and see, Ayob told reporters 

I will not leave this matter to Integrity, Standards Compliance Department (JIPS)
I want to take action for offence of organised crime which is best way
better to focus on completing investigation and arresting those involved
state police hq will take action under organised crime

• Ayob said 24 officers from enforcement agencies arrested, charged 
• This is the format we’ll use for Datuk Nicky case he said
• Once investigations done we will arrest

My comments :

The Bukit Aman fellow wants the names of the crooked cops in Johor.  But the Johor CPO is openly saying he will not divulge the names to Bukit Aman. Dato Ayob Khan says Johor Police will complete the investigations and take action by themselves. 

Anyway you look at this, it is a slap in the face for Bukit Aman.

Just a couple of weeks back the IGP made serious allegations about 'cartels' and crooked cops in Bukit Aman.  The IGP then transferred some cops but his transfer orders were cancelled by the Minister of Home Affairs.

Folks obviously there are some rifts and shifts in the Police Force. 

Maybe also at the Ministry of Home Affairs.  

The IGP Tan Sri Hamid Bador and the Johor CPO Dato Ayob Khan need the full support of us all. This is as clear as daylight.  

Tell your friends and associates to voice their thoughts. Speak up now. NGOs and Civil Society groups speak up now.   

Sithambaram Tears Up Defense

Sithambaram explained Judge's phenomenal judgement on Najib's guilt
Court enlightened on overwhelming evidence for Najib's conviction
findings of fact convicted Najib of all seven counts involving RM42m SRC funds
all evidence pointed to Najib using SRC as personal ATM by dictating everything
done through blatant abuse of his position as PM, FM, shadow director of SRC
Najib ensured SRC given RM4b loan G'teed by Govt (GG)
SRC had nothing to show for it until today

• evidence showed Najib's overwhelming, direct control of SRC
• The day money released it disappears...nothing done for 6-7 years
• After that nothing happened, not even one pillar to be marked as a tombstone
• He got loan quickly approved, quickly released, quickly taken out of country
• Najib used his positions to exert authority over RM4b loan without proper process

• loan never repaid, default notices issued to SRC
• (then) MOF provided 3 more loans RM650m to SRC to repay arrears
• all these were approved with consent of Najib 
• He did it to prevent default, could have caused govt to repay entire RM4b

Najib used position for gratification through clear evidence 
evidence that Najib took part in Cabinet meetings, approved GGs for SRC

• SRC gone to Najib directly when it failed to secure loan from EPU 
• SRC did not go through proper process of RM4b loan from KWAP
• Instead (SRC) wrote directly to Najib for intervention
• without intervention, KWAP would never loan to RM2 company, no track record
• banks would have rejected SRC loan outright as it had no means to repay

MOF officials pressured to quickly prepare Cabinet paper for SRC loan 
SRC described as Syarikat PM (prime minister's company).

no specific mention how RM4b would be invested by SRC
decided by Finance Minister - none other than Najib himself

• peculiar manner RM4b loan, approval, Govt Guarantees done
• Najib sought Govt Guarantee for 2nd RM2b
• 1 month before company submitted application 
• as if he had crystal ball to see another loan application coming

Minister of Finance II testified Najib expressly instructed him not to interfere 

My comments :   

Here is some free legal advice (ha ha ha).  If you have already lost your case and you have been found guilty and then you want to appeal - then better change your legal team plus your defense strategy. You cannot stick with the same defense strategy which already lost the case for you.

Because they will have nothing new to say. Why cant they have anything new to say? Because if they change their strategies now it means they are acknowledging their earlier defense strategy did not work. So they will keep pursuing the same strategy but using different words.  

Dont say I did not warn you. 

One defense lawyer actually said Najib has already paid the price for his crime when he lost the 14th General Elections !!

'one of the lawyers in Najib's team, said his client had already paid the price in the 14th General Election (GE14) where the latter lost the elections and grip on power as the ruling government'

I cannot believe that a lawyer can even use such an argument as a defense in a Court of Law.  This is NOT A POINT OF LAW AT ALL. And this is a Court of Appeal - where you can only argue on Points of Law. 

Hello Mr Lawyer, putting it another way, what you are saying is that if Najib HAD NOT lost the 14th General Election then he would NOT have paid the price for his crime.

Meaning you are acknowledging your client is guilty.  Only that his punishment should be mitigated according to whether he lost or did not lose the elections.   

You study lawyer how ah?  

This is the defense. Aiyyo mama. 

Maybe tomorrow?

Meanwhile Over In Pakistan . . . .

This story is from The Daily Mail, UK (click here).

• 2 Christian nurses in Faisalabad face death penalty 
• pair accused of blasphemy
• the 2 nurses asked to tidy locker of head nurse 
• they scratched off sticker containing holy text  

mob gathered at Hospital demanding nurses be hanged 
Riots broke out outside Hospital 
1 nurse stabbed by fellow worker 
police rescued the nurses as mob tried to kill them 
police remanded pair for 15 days 

Tehrik-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) far-right jihadi party fuelled protests
campaign by TLP to serve their politics
Minorities more insecure in Pakistan than ever

• In Feb, Christian head nurse in Karachi tortured after accused of blasphemy 
• The Christian head nurse worked at the hospital for 9 years
• Christian head nurse stopped staff receiving money from people 
• she challenged Muslim coworker for accepting money from patient
• coworker subsequently accused her of blasphemy
• Footage from hospital shows people hitting Christian nurse

My comments : It does not matter if this is the 21st century, 22nd century (only 79 years away) or 23rd century.

At any point in the future, these people can turn the clock back to the Stoning Age.