Anwar Ibrahim's public comment asking Guan Eng to 'stop' exposing wrongdoings of the past UMNO-BN government makes me wonder even more about Anwar Ibrahim and what exactly is he doing? I certainly do not agree with his position.
Most Malaysians are very happy to finally KNOW about the 'wrong' actions of the(or during the) past government which have been revealed by PM Mahathir and the Cabinet, including Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng... By the way, other Ministers have also exposed issues in their own Ministry like Mat Sabu, Anthony Loke, Dr Maslee Malik...and Guan Eng is also exposing matters that come within his Ministry's Ambit...
Things most different when Anwar was Finance Minister 2 decades ago...
When Anwar was Finance Minister of the then UMNO-BN government, it was just a continuation of responsibility. He would have not had the option of cleaning up the 'mess' of his predecessors, or even had the ability to expose wrongdoings and 'bad' past decisions and practices...that resulted in the loss of money of the Malaysian people.
NOW, Anwar must realise that this is a TOTALLY NEW government taking over from the past UMNO-led coalition government that governed since MERDEKA. It is now time for change - REAL CHANGE ...not the time to just 'carry on'...hiding(or simply ignoring or forgiving) past wrong practices...or perpetuating past norms.
Pakatan Harapan is also responsible to the people - to transparently expose past bad-practices(like the placement of 'political appointees' and 'friends' in way too highly paid positions, the culture of 'hiding' the true financial obligations of government through 'creative' accounting, the culture of 'rewarding' 'friends' through the awarding of 'over-priced' contracts, the culture of 'letters of support', etc..). Remember also the many, who highlighted alleged wrongdoings were persecuted under laws that promoted 'secrecy' and a lack of transparency.
Pakatan Harapan is also responsible to the people - to transparently expose past bad-practices(like the placement of 'political appointees' and 'friends' in way too highly paid positions, the culture of 'hiding' the true financial obligations of government through 'creative' accounting, the culture of 'rewarding' 'friends' through the awarding of 'over-priced' contracts, the culture of 'letters of support', etc..). Remember also the many, who highlighted alleged wrongdoings were persecuted under laws that promoted 'secrecy' and a lack of transparency.
It is a MESS that needs to be exposed, and the 'guilty' made responsible. Monies lost need to be recovered and 'bad' agreements need to remedied.
Finally, all the facts and the evidence are available to the new government, and the CHOICE made by Pakatan Harapan's new PM and his Cabinet to act quickly and expose the truth must be praised ...and encouraged. It is wrong for anyone, including Anwar, to suggest this on-going speedy disclosure of the wrongs of the past government...be 'slowed down'...or 'stopped'...? ...or be carried out by MACC and other Ministers. As it is, most of the new Ministers(but not all) are hard at work exposing 'wrongdoings' and changing things - but alas, some Ministers seems not up to the task at hand...and disappointingly, in my opinion, many come from Anwar's PKR.{Maybe, in a future posting, I would look at the different Ministers and what they have done to date...)
What Mahathir and his Cabinet, including the Finance Minister, is doing is about things that happened at the Federal level...One wonders why the new Pakatan Harapan(and PAS) governments the former UMNO-BN government is not doing the same at the State levels - Or, are we to believe that all these 'mess' and 'wrongdoings' happened ONLY at the Federal Government, and UMNO-BN did no wrong in the States they governed?
What Mahathir and his Cabinet, including the Finance Minister, is doing is about things that happened at the Federal level...One wonders why the new Pakatan Harapan(and PAS) governments the former UMNO-BN government is not doing the same at the State levels - Or, are we to believe that all these 'mess' and 'wrongdoings' happened ONLY at the Federal Government, and UMNO-BN did no wrong in the States they governed?
Before we can move on, we need to understand the current state of affairs - the actual financial obligations Malaysia faces, the ways used to take away our money and wealth, and reward 'friends'...Once, the TRUTH is revealed, and it must be done fast, changes must happen quickly - including removal of 'political appointees' and 'friends' of the old regime, including cancelling or amending bad contracts, deals and policies....before we can move on.
Anwar's worry may be about foreign investors - but alas, I believe, that most good investors would want exactly what is happening ...transparency and accountability. After all, Malaysia's fundamentals remain strong...and the buying and selling(trading) at the stocks/commodity exchange really do not reflect the strength and stability of the Malaysian economy. A good GDP because Malaysia spends a lot is UNREAL, if at the same time Malaysia borrowed a lot to spend...
BN government rewarding 'friends and supporters' with OUR Money? Unjustly overpaid CEOs, Directors,...?
Anwar's worry may be about foreign investors - but alas, I believe, that most good investors would want exactly what is happening ...transparency and accountability. After all, Malaysia's fundamentals remain strong...and the buying and selling(trading) at the stocks/commodity exchange really do not reflect the strength and stability of the Malaysian economy. A good GDP because Malaysia spends a lot is UNREAL, if at the same time Malaysia borrowed a lot to spend...
ANWAR should be helping more in the reforms happening....Remember, that it is only an agreement between the 4 Pakatan Harapan parties that Anwar will be the next Prime Minister - the Malaysian people were really not part of this agreement. When we voted Pakatan Harapan, remember many did so because we really wanted Najib and the UMNO-BN out ...so that we can get a new government in place...finally after more than 6 decades(since Merdeka)...We certainly do not just want a change in 'people' governing Malaysia, but we demand real changes...We demand to know the TRUTH (the whole truth...not simply a 'censored version' of the truth)...and we want to know fast...
Pakatan Harapan has 5 years now - and, until all is revealed(without censorship), the new government will be able to effectively move forward...with new cleaner and efficient ways...
Pakatan Harapan more committed to CHANGE than Pakatan Rakyat?
When the former Pakatan Rakyat won States, what disappointed me was a lack of exposure of the wrongs done by the previous UMNO-BN government, the lack of disclosure of monies lost(on debts to people), the lack of disclosure about the bad practices - high wages and allowances, 'inflated' contracts awarded to 'friends', ...With regard to Selangor, some people commented that nothing had really changed - just the people in power and the 'cronies'...This is what a lack of disclosure and transparency will cause - People need to know the TRUTH...
Of late, Azmin's delay in resigning as Menteri Besar and focusing on his new Ministerial obligations, has led to some speculations...What was Azmin doing ...was he trying to set up 'his' man, who will not expose the wrongdoings during Azmin's reign as Menteri Besar...someone who will continue and not reform? Was Azmin delaying so that he had time to put 'his people' into Local Councils, JKKKK and other political appointments? Simply, to say it was the Selangor Sultan's wishes...really is not a good excuse? After GE14, a Menteri Besar and Prime Minister could so quickly be chosen and appointed - why really did Azmin not immediately resign as MB when he was appointed Federal Minister? Well, this is something that I would really like to know....wouldn't you?
LIM GUAN ENG - you are doing what Malaysians want - not simply as directed by Prime Minister...People voted Pakatan Harapan for real cleaning up....and a more transparent, accountable government - NO MORE SECRETS - A new Malaysia. That is what you are now doing ...
Dr Mahathir and his Cabinet are setting new standards...in terms of transparency...and this sets the standard for Malaysia under a NEW government made up of 4 once Opposition political parties, the Pakatan Harapan...
Anwar Ibrahim is a key leader of PH - and as such should be supportive, rather than being an 'hurdle' to change... He has also yet to answer...or rather it should be Wan Azizah who should really explain the usage of the government jet for what seems more like 'personal use' and whether she is going to foot the Bill herself...or just let the Malaysian people foot the Bill. I expected a speedy answer from Wan Azizah, but to date I have not seen a response...have you? Anwar also really never answered this question - choosing instead to divert attention with jokes about how he and Wan Azizah have reversed roles...now, he is the spouse of the DPM....
This lack of explanation from Wan Azizah...and even Anwar about the use of government jet still troubles me...especially in this 'new' Malaysia we are experiencing?
What has Anwar really been doing to date?
PETALING JAYA: PKR de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said Finance
Minister Lim Guan Eng has to strike a balance between exposing scandals
and inspiring confidence among investors.
Anwar, who helmed the ministry from 1991 to 1998, said Lim must be cautious when issuing statements as they would be used as reference points by investors.
“So, he should focus on pacifying the investors and inspire confidence among them,” he told Astro Awani.
Anwar noted that in the current scenario, ministers were responsible for exposing deals and lies by the previous government.
But the former deputy prime minister said that Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, should leave the exposes to others, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
A few days ago, Lim said that another major scandal “related to the finance ministry” will be revealed soon, adding that his officers were expecting to uncover more scandals – all within the new government’s first 100 days in office.
Anwar’s comments also came in the wake of Lim’s criticisms of Moody’s Investors Service over its recent report which Lim said did not uncover the true extent of the Malaysian government’s debt.
The report by the rating agency contained an analysis of the implications of the new Malaysian government’s policies on the sovereign’s credit profile. A report by Bernama quoted Lim as saying that the government had never denied that the direct national debt stood at RM687 billion.
“This itself shows that they (Moody’s) are aware of government guarantees which have become direct double-debts. This should also be taken into account, when you reveal the true extent of the government debt,” he was quoted as saying.
Anwar’s comment also comes almost a month after Bloomberg columnist Andy Mukherjee had said Lim should be more tactful in handling the 1MDB probe.- FMT, 19/6/2018
Pakatan Harapan has 5 years now - and, until all is revealed(without censorship), the new government will be able to effectively move forward...with new cleaner and efficient ways...
Pakatan Harapan more committed to CHANGE than Pakatan Rakyat?
When the former Pakatan Rakyat won States, what disappointed me was a lack of exposure of the wrongs done by the previous UMNO-BN government, the lack of disclosure of monies lost(on debts to people), the lack of disclosure about the bad practices - high wages and allowances, 'inflated' contracts awarded to 'friends', ...With regard to Selangor, some people commented that nothing had really changed - just the people in power and the 'cronies'...This is what a lack of disclosure and transparency will cause - People need to know the TRUTH...
Of late, Azmin's delay in resigning as Menteri Besar and focusing on his new Ministerial obligations, has led to some speculations...What was Azmin doing ...was he trying to set up 'his' man, who will not expose the wrongdoings during Azmin's reign as Menteri Besar...someone who will continue and not reform? Was Azmin delaying so that he had time to put 'his people' into Local Councils, JKKKK and other political appointments? Simply, to say it was the Selangor Sultan's wishes...really is not a good excuse? After GE14, a Menteri Besar and Prime Minister could so quickly be chosen and appointed - why really did Azmin not immediately resign as MB when he was appointed Federal Minister? Well, this is something that I would really like to know....wouldn't you?
LIM GUAN ENG - you are doing what Malaysians want - not simply as directed by Prime Minister...People voted Pakatan Harapan for real cleaning up....and a more transparent, accountable government - NO MORE SECRETS - A new Malaysia. That is what you are now doing ...
Dr Mahathir and his Cabinet are setting new standards...in terms of transparency...and this sets the standard for Malaysia under a NEW government made up of 4 once Opposition political parties, the Pakatan Harapan...
Anwar Ibrahim is a key leader of PH - and as such should be supportive, rather than being an 'hurdle' to change... He has also yet to answer...or rather it should be Wan Azizah who should really explain the usage of the government jet for what seems more like 'personal use' and whether she is going to foot the Bill herself...or just let the Malaysian people foot the Bill. I expected a speedy answer from Wan Azizah, but to date I have not seen a response...have you? Anwar also really never answered this question - choosing instead to divert attention with jokes about how he and Wan Azizah have reversed roles...now, he is the spouse of the DPM....
Wan Azizah must apologize and pay full cost of using government jet?
Wan Azizah's using government jet scandal? A 'Najib-like' Silence in the face of allegations?
This lack of explanation from Wan Azizah...and even Anwar about the use of government jet still troubles me...especially in this 'new' Malaysia we are experiencing?
What has Anwar really been doing to date?
Guan Eng should focus on building investors’ confidence, says Anwar
The PKR de facto leader says the finance minister should let others handle exposes.
PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has advised Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to be more careful when issuing statements.
Anwar, who helmed the ministry from 1991 to 1998, said Lim must be cautious when issuing statements as they would be used as reference points by investors.
“So, he should focus on pacifying the investors and inspire confidence among them,” he told Astro Awani.
Anwar noted that in the current scenario, ministers were responsible for exposing deals and lies by the previous government.
But the former deputy prime minister said that Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, should leave the exposes to others, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
A few days ago, Lim said that another major scandal “related to the finance ministry” will be revealed soon, adding that his officers were expecting to uncover more scandals – all within the new government’s first 100 days in office.
Anwar’s comments also came in the wake of Lim’s criticisms of Moody’s Investors Service over its recent report which Lim said did not uncover the true extent of the Malaysian government’s debt.
The report by the rating agency contained an analysis of the implications of the new Malaysian government’s policies on the sovereign’s credit profile. A report by Bernama quoted Lim as saying that the government had never denied that the direct national debt stood at RM687 billion.
“This itself shows that they (Moody’s) are aware of government guarantees which have become direct double-debts. This should also be taken into account, when you reveal the true extent of the government debt,” he was quoted as saying.
Anwar’s comment also comes almost a month after Bloomberg columnist Andy Mukherjee had said Lim should be more tactful in handling the 1MDB probe.- FMT, 19/6/2018
I will keep exposing scandals as ordered by PM, says Guan Eng
The finance minister says Anwar Ibrahim, who urged him to leave the exposes to others, has already been briefed on the matter.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng says it will not be right for other ministers to expose scandals involving his ministry.
He said he appreciated PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s advice on striking a balance between exposing scandals and inspiring confidence among investors.
He said he had taken the initiative to meet Anwar, who is expected to succeed Mahathir under an agreement among PH parties, to inform him of the economic situation and the scandals that had put a financial strain on the country.
“Anwar was also shocked at the massive impact linked to the financial misappropriation by the former government,” he said.
Lim claimed that among others, financial statements had been falsified and hidden and even the auditor-general had no access to the “red files”.
“It has been explained to Anwar that all the financial scandal disclosures related to 1MDB and others in the media are made on the orders of the prime minister,” Lim said in a statement today.
Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, claimed that Anwar had understood the matter.
Earlier today, Anwar had said Lim must be cautious when issuing statements as they would be used as reference points by investors.
He said Lim should leave the exposes to others, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Lim said he did not have the powers of the prime minister to order other ministers to expose scandals that had taken place under the finance ministry.
He said it would be inappropriate for him to get another minister to divulge what had happened in his ministry.
“The people have the right to know the real status of the economy and the country’s finances,” he said.
“The people do not want a government that conceals or hides (misdeeds) anymore. When I met Anwar, he agreed.
“My ministry will continue to expose all financial scandals within the (first) 100 days as has been directed by the prime minister. We should be brave because we are right,” he said. - FMT, 19/6/2018
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