PM Anwar Ibrahim, by choosing not to de-classify 'official secret' documents - prevents swift prosecution of NAJIB - now DNAAed? Blame not on court or public prosecutor? Blame falls on Anwar who must explain...TRANSPARENCY?

Blame falls on Prime Minister Anwar because he and the government could have very easily declassified documents, now probably under the Official Secrets Act - and that would have enabled the Prosecution to provide documents needed by the accussed to ensure a fair trial. Some of these OSA documents may also be needed by prosecution to use as evidence to be able to effectively prove the guilt of the accused, in this case Najib and Irwan Serigar.

The practice of marking documents, correspondence, etc as "Official Secret" must end - There is a NEED for TRANSPARENCY - worse, when this practice IMPEDES THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE or Justice in Malaysia. 

The evidence required to PROVE guilt of Ministers, Public Officers and Others EXIST - but the problem is that these documents/transactions are marked "SECRET" - 'Official Secret'. It causes problems to LAW ENFORCEMENT and prosecution in their quest to bring 'CRIMINALS' to Justice - this is so wrong. 

THE RIGHT OF ACCUSED -  In my opinion, any accused in criminal cases especially must be provided in advance before the commencement of trial ALL DOCUMENTS and INFORMATION in the hands of Prosecution that is related to the case. This is NEEDED to ensure that the accused is given every opportunity to prepare his/her Defense and get a FAIR TRIAL. This includes information or material that are favorable to the accused.

PROBLEM because prosecution now cannot give documents/materials marked 'Official Secret' - and the power to declassify and make it available lies with Prime Minister Anwar and his government.

The marking of documents as OFFICIAL SECRETS protects Ministers and public officers - as the EVIDENCE needed to prove the GUILT or WRONGDOINGS cannot be used as it is marked 'SECRET" - this is ABSURD.

What is ANWAR's position - Protect possible criminals by not making the 'official secret' material available to be used by prosecution and/or the accused?  OR will be AGAINST CRIME, especially by Ministers and public officers, and forthwith DE-CLASSIFY all these documents/Materials needed for the CRIMINAL TRIAL? 

Now we know that the Official Secrets Act can be used to protect PM, Ministers and Public Officers who committed crimes against the people of Malaysia >>> cannot use to PROVE Guilt because it is 'OFFICIAL SECRET"??? 

Anwar and new government also may LOVE it because that means there will be no way to prove some of the crimes and abuse of power they themselves whilst in office...????

According to the defence, the hundreds of documents involved correspondence between ministries, Cabinet and government agencies.

Najib and Irwan Serigar granted DNAA in RM6.6b IPIC CBT case after trial stalled since 2018

In October 2018, Najib and Irwan Serigar pled not guilty to six charges of CBT amounting to RM6.6 billion in government funds, involving payments to International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) that were also said to be linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

By Kenneth Tee

Wednesday, 27 Nov 2024 12:04 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah were today granted discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) from all six charges in a trial involving RM6.6 billion of government funds.

High Court judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin granted the order by way of the inherent powers of the court after lawyers representing both the accused wrote in their formal applications seeking a DNAA for their client.

“These are my brief grounds. First, the prosecution failed to abide by Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

”Second, the DNAA does not prejudice the prosecution as they can recharge the accused.

”Third, this case was registered in 2018 but the trial cannot proceed even when trial dates have been set many times. This is an inordinate delay,” he ruled.

Section 51A of the CPC requires the prosecution to provide the accused with certain documents before the commencement of a trial.

A DNAA would allow the prosecution to charge the accused with the same charges in the future, as opposed to an acquittal where the prosecution cannot bring the accused back to the court to be charged with the same charges.

In other words, both men do not walk scot-free as the DNAA simply means that they can be charged again on similar grounds at a later date.

Earlier, the court heard submissions from counsels on whether he could use his inherent powers to give the DNAA as the application was made by the defence, not the prosecution.

Under Section 254 of the CPC, the prosecution can apply for a DNAA but the final decision rests with the court.

Deputy prosecution head II Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi conceded that the judge could invoke his inherent powers to grant the DNAA order and that it was up to the court’s discretion.

In July, both Najib and Mohd Irwan Serigar made separate requests to the court seeking for a DNAA due to the prosecution’s delay in handing over hundreds of documents to the defence to mount its case against the charges.

Earlier this week, defence lawyers had also argued that the criminal’s charges have been hanging over their client’s head for the last six years, with proceedings having been postponed three times this year to afford time for the prosecution to get the documents in order, some of which are classified.

According to the defence, the hundreds of documents involved correspondence between ministries, Cabinet and government agencies.

Today’s hearing was their third attempt. The first DNAA application was made in March 2022.

Lawyers Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and Datuk K. Kumaraendran appeared for Najib and Mohd Irwan Serigar respectively.

In October 2018, Najib and Irwan Serigar pled not guilty to six charges of CBT amounting to RM6.6 billion in government funds, involving payments to International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) that were also said to be linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

They were charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same code which provides for a maximum of 20 years in jail and whipping as well as fine upon conviction. - Malay Mail, 27/11/2024

DNAA: Minister can remove OSA status for documents, says Pejuang

Published:  Nov 27, 2024 6:45 PM

⋅

Updated: 11:45 AM

 

Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali has pointed out that under the law, the minister is empowered to remove the “official secret” status for classified documents.

He raised this in response to the Kuala Lumpur High Court granting former premier Najib Abdul Razak and former treasury secretary-general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) over six criminal breach of trust (CBT) charges involving RM6.6 billion.

This was after the prosecution failed to hand over several classified documents crucial for the two accused to prepare their defence.

In a statement this evening, Rafique said fingers should not be pointed at the court for the decision.

“Most of these documents are stamped as ‘classified’. They cannot be used unless their ‘official secret’ status is removed.

“The government holds the authority to impose or remove the ‘official secret’ stamp. Who forms the government now?” he asked.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) and former treasury secretary-general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah

Rafique noted that among the documents stamped as “official secret” with regard to this case were minutes of cabinet meetings and those of the Finance Ministry.

“Who is the current minister?” he asked in reference to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also holds the finance portfolio.

Rafique pointed out that Section 2C of the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88) is clear that the power to remove the “official secret” status of documents lies with the minister.

“Why has the government not acted?” he asked.

“What is so secretive? The courts can only decide on what is presented before them,” he added.

Rafique has demanded that the attorney-general answer to Parliament regarding this matter.

“Do not use the excuse that DNAA allows for re-prosecution. Six years wasted. Who will be next, and how much longer will be wasted?

“How much longer will the people be deceived?” he asked.

The criminal case has been longstanding since Najib and Irwan were first charged before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Oct 25, 2018. The case was later transferred to the High Court.

The CBT criminal case against Najib and Irwan is linked to alleged payments of RM6,636,065,000 in government funds to the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), a sovereign wealth fund in Abu Dhabi. - Malaysiakini, 27/11/2024

 

Anti-graft group slams AGC over Najib-Irwan DNAA in IPIC case

FMT Reporters

-28 Nov 2024, 10:05 AM

C4 questions the AGC’s failure to declassify and deliver 200 sets of documents to the defence when the prosecution had six years to do so.

The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism said the prosecution’s failure to deliver 200 sets of documents to the defence raises serious questions about the AGC’s ability to perform its duties.

PETALING JAYA:

An anti-graft group has criticised the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) over the discharge given to former prime minister Najib Razak and ex-Treasury secretary-general Irwan Serigar Abdullah in their International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) case.

The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said the prosecution’s failure to deliver 200 sets of documents to the defence raised serious questions about the AGC’s ability to perform its duties.

“Does the AGC not have sufficient stature to ensure inter-agency cooperation for prosecutions? If not, is this indicative of a major flaw in the effectiveness of the Malaysian criminal justice system?” it said in a statement.

C4 urged the AGC to explain the failure to declassify and deliver the documents, which are still under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), when the prosecution had six years to do so.

It also urged the government to amend the OSA to remove the arbitrary power to classify documents as official secrets, which is currently granted to any minister, chief minister, or public officer.

“If the government is serious about an impactful anti-corruption effort, it must immediately address how the OSA can shut down prosecution for public sector corruption,” it said.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court granted Najib and Irwan’s application for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in their IPIC case yesterday following the prosecution’s failure to supply key documents to the defence.

Najib and Irwan were charged in 2018 with six counts of misappropriating public funds intended for payment to IPIC, an Abu Dhabi-owned corporation.

Justice Jamil Hussin said the documents were not delivered to the defence despite the trial dates being fixed, describing this as “an inordinate delay”.

The prosecution previously said some documents had been handed to the defence but that others from several ministries could not be given as they were under the OSA.

Separately, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng urged the AGC to review the IPIC case to confirm if it had evidence to back the initial charges against Najib and Irwan.

“The AGC needs to review this case immediately and, if there is solid evidence, Najib and Irwan must be charged again without any delay.

“All important documents needed for the prosecution of the pair must be fully prepared and submitted in a thorough and orderly manner, so that the trial can proceed smoothly without any technical issues or hindrance,” he said in a statement.

Lim added that the case was a major test of the AGC’s commitment to the rule of law and justice. - FMT, 28/11/2024

Investigate PM Anwar's Overseas Trips NOW - Corruption, Abuse of Power, 'Favouritism', Etc - ?????

Recently, when PM Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament, that 70-80% of the cost of international official trips were paid by private companies...ALARM BELLS WENT OFF

BRIBERY, CORRUPTION, ABUSE OF POWER, Equality/DISCRIMINATION/Preferential Treatment -- How were these private individuals/entities chosen? Was there an 'OPEN TENDER' like exercise that allows all Malaysian companies equal opportunity to all companies - how were they CHOSEN to accompany the PM on official visits???

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that about 70% to 80% of the costs of his official trips to five countries over the past two weeks were paid by private companies.

Being part of the Prime Minister’s overseas trip is a BIG DEAL for individuals and entities involved in business. It indirectly conveys the message that these are the persons or companies that the current Malaysian government 'endorse' or 'support'. It can certainly open up doors to new business opportunities. In the past, was Jho Low part of these Malaysian delegation?

So, how does PM Anwar and the Malaysian government determine which private individuals and companies accompany the PM in these trips? Open tender or....? 

Did they 'bribe' to be part of the delegation? Besides paying about 75% of the cost, was there 'secret' payment or promises of 'payment' to any person(PM, Ministers, some aide, family members, etc) or some entity(political party, some 'charity', etc) Did these individuals/entity have to sign some agreement to support Anwar and/or the Unity Government? 

Were certain government owned companies or Government Linked Companies  'forced' or 'ordered' to pay part of the cost of overseas trips - for the government to show at the end of the day the Federal Government did not spend TOO MUCH for these now about 39 overseas trips in the 24 months that Anwar has been Prime Minister? But is it also not OUR money when GLC pay for Anwar's trips...

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has gone on 39 official visits and work trips to 22 countries since he came into power, amounting to a cost of RM13.7 million, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

A lot of questions that now demand Honest Answers... but will the people get them?

Anwar wants to generate an 'international image' - but does he really need to take all these trips - can't he use the phone or use the internet. 

To say that any Prime Minister managed to secure so much investment as a result of these overseas trips may be misleading - does it mean that if Anwar did not go personally, the investment would not be coming in?? Many a time, it is a lot of private individuals and entities that work hard for months to bring in some investments...so, to just say the Prime Minister did this is sometimes not wholly true...

Now, there is another issue of Anwar taking his family members on such trips...

How many in the delegation? Is it not enough for just Anwar and maybe 10 others to go - then they do not have to take a PLANE but travel first class on a scheduled flight - saving so much monies. Is MAS losing monies by charging the government lower than commercial rates???  

Cost of flight, accommodation, food, internal travel, etc....Can the BILL for 39 overseas visits be only RM13.7 million?

What about GIFTS and other benefits that our PM gets - did he disclose that? Did he take it for himself? Maybe, Prime Minister must provide a detailed report. Gifts are for the PM of Malaysia, not for Anwar personally...???

Who should INVESTIGATE? Police, MACC, AUDITOR GENERAL, Parliament??? or some ROYAL COMMISSION of INQUIRY?

Private firms paid up to 80% of costs for recent official trips abroad, Anwar tells Dewan Rakyat

 

By Choy Nyen Yiau / theedgemalaysia.com

21 Nov 2024, 07:54 pm

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: These companies have business and investment interests in the countries (that I had) visited. So they paid for the fares and costs. If I'm not mistaken, around 70% to 80% of the flight costs were borne by these companies. In return, the government helps these companies, be it imports or exports.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that about 70% to 80% of the costs of his official trips to five countries over the past two weeks were paid by private companies.

The companies included Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Sapura Energy Bhd (KL:SAPNRG), Yinson Holdings Bhd (KL:YINSON), Proton Holdings Bhd and various semiconductor firms.

Anwar said he had worked with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz to invite several companies to participate in the trips in an effort to manage the expenses of his official overseas visits more efficiently.

"These companies have business and investment interests in the countries (that I had) visited. So they paid for the fares and costs. If I'm not mistaken, around 70% to 80% of the flight costs were borne by these companies. In return, the government helps these companies, be it imports or exports," Anwar said during the weekly Prime Minister's Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that the final total of the flight costs have yet to be detailed as he had only just returned from these visits.

"However, the costs were indeed high as the trips covered Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, Riyadh, Lima, Rio de Janeiro and Doha. It spanned three continents, but 75% of the costs were covered by the said companies," he said.

Bernama reported that Anwar had been on overseas visits since Nov 9, travelling to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru and Brazil, and only returning home on Wednesday night.

During the 11-day official and working visits, Anwar led the Malaysian delegation to key events, including the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Week (AELW), the G20 Summit, and the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit. - Edge, 21/11/2024

PM's 39 official overseas trips cost RM13.7mil since 2022

By Hana Naz Harun - October 30, 2024 @ 8:32am

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s overseas trips secured potential investment values of RM353.6 billion in 2023 and RM82.6 billion from January to October this year. - Bernama pic.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has gone on 39 official visits and work trips to 22 countries since he came into power, amounting to a cost of RM13.7 million, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said in return, Anwar secured potential investment values of RM353.6 billion in 2023 and RM82.6 billion from January to October this year.

"Among the investment commitments generated from the investment promotion missions during this period include sectors such as the digital economy (data centres), electrical and electronics (semiconductors), and chemicals (petrochemicals and chemical products)," she said in a Parliamentary written reply dated Oct 29.

She was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) who asked for a list of the prime minister's overseas trips, the number of accompanying officers and the total expenditure incurred.

Zaliha said the purpose of Anwar's visits abroad was to strengthen and enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation with countries, including exploring new initiatives to further strengthen Malaysia's relationships with other countries and attending international conferences and meetings.

"These official visits and international conferences serve as excellent platforms to promote Malaysia and provide up-to-date information to the international business community on the country's economic position and business environment.

"The expenses for government officials accompanying the prime minister on overseas trips fall under the responsibility of their respective ministries. For security officers, the responsibility lies with the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces."

She said the expenses for Anwar's overseas visits consistently complied with the prevailing financial procedures, while also adopting prudent spending.

Each visit aimed for maximum output, she added, by adhering to the applicable regulations and optimising expenditure.

"The amount so far is considered to be reasonable and justified, taking into account the benefits obtained by the country based on the number of foreign investments that have expressed interest and have the potential to be realised," said Dr Zaliha. - NST, 30/10/2024

 

Probe PM over firms paying part of work trip costs, MACC urged

FMT Reporters

-22 Nov 2024, 04:40 PM

Bersatu Youth likens it to the case of ex-Singapore minister S Iswaran, who was convicted of corruption in September.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the likes of Petronas, Sapura Energy, Yinson, and Proton had borne 70% to 80% of the cost of his working visits to five nations. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Bersatu Youth has called for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to be investigated after he said the private sector partly covered the costs of his recent working visits to five countries.

Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham said that if this were true, Anwar may have flouted the law, including Section 165 of the Penal Code, which deals with a “public servant obtaining any valuable thing, without consideration, from a person concerned in any proceeding or business transacted” by such public servant.

The Gombak Setia assemblyman likened it with the corruption charges slapped on Singapore’s former transport minister S Iswaran, saying that Iswaran was convicted under Section 165 of the city-state’s Penal Code.

“The provision that is in effect in Singapore is the same as that in Malaysia, because both Malaysia and Singapore’s (Penal Code) were based on English common law,” he said in a statement.

“The prime minister’s admission in Parliament yesterday has sparked questions and concerns as to whether the prime minister or government will help these companies in return following their willingness to partly cover the costs of the trips.

“We urge the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to initiate an investigation based on the prime minister’s statement.”

Hilman said MACC could launch an investigation under Section 16 of the MACC Act for the offence of accepting gratification.

Iswaran, 62, began his one-year prison sentence on Oct 7 after pleading guilty to four counts of receiving gifts worth over S$400,000 and one of obstructing justice.

The investigation centred on allegations that he accepted lavish gifts from a businessman that included tickets to English Premier League soccer matches, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, London musicals, and a ride on a private jet.

Yesterday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that several companies had subsidised the cost of his working visits to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru, Brazil and Qatar, which also included representatives from the firms in question.

The prime minister said the likes of Petronas, Sapura Energy, Yinson, and Proton had borne 70% to 80% of the cost.

In December 2022, just a month after Anwar took office, the Treasury issued a circular stating that the cost of civil servants’ overseas trips involving any procurement cannot be borne by private companies.

The circular said the costs of such trips must be predetermined and included in the contract with the successful tenderer. - FMT, 22/11/2024

 

There is no such thing as a free lunch. The Prime Minister must explain the details of the overseas trip funded by private enterprises.

Saw Yee Fung | 22-11-2024

---

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated in Parliament yesterday that during his visits to five countries over the past two months, 80% of the costs were borne by private companies.

Following his statement, he needs to come forward and clarify why 80% of the costs for his recent overseas visits were funded by private companies. It must be questioned as to whether the government or the Prime Minister himself has committed to any form of reciprocal arrangements, leading to concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should intervene to ensure that there have not been any blurred lines of corruption. Corruption is to gain improper rewards by using one’s official position. The Prime Minister himself allowing private companies to cover the costs of government officials’ overseas visits raises suspicions of covert corruption. MACC should conduct investigations to ensure that the Prime Minister’s acceptance of these private enterprising funding for his overseas trips were given in a fully transparent and legal manner; it must be compliant with the nation’s regulations and guidelines.

This is not a matter of being stern, but a matter of accountability and transparency in governance. There is always a price to be paid for ‘free’ offerings, and ultimately, someone will end up footing the bill. In business terms, no company would engage in a loss-making venture.

MACC’s website clearly outlines that government officials are prohibited from accepting any form of gifts while conducting their duties; these gifts cover many forms and may include money, free tickets, stocks, lottery tickets, travel conveniences, entertainment, services, club memberships, any form of commission, gift baskets, ornaments, gold, and other valuables.

Datuk Seri Anwar often speaks about anti-corruption rhetoric. However, he is accepting ‘conveniences’ and ‘gifts’ from private enterprises, raising questions of whether there are contradictions in his words.

We need to bring to question why costs were not covered by the appropriate government administrative for expenses. If the Prime Minister’s overseas visits were genuinely necessary for official duties, why, then, should private companies bear the costs? Are his expenses so large that the government cannot afford them? 

We urge the Prime Minister to clearly explain how much the 80% sponsorship amounts to, what it covers, and whether the private companies will receive equal or greater returns in exchange. We also urge for MACC to step in to conduct a fair and professional investigation to avoid public concerns over the possibility of collusion between officials and businesses.

In order to preserve the government’s credibility, the Prime Minister must provide a clear explanation, ensure that all sponsorship sources are transparent, and prove that there has been no exchange of benefits or conflict of interest involved.

Saw Yee Fung
MCA Youth Secretary General

22 November 2024 - MCA Website

Muda presses for transparency over private firms funding PM’s trips

FMT Reporters

-21 Nov 2024, 06:42 PM

The party says there are concerns that corporate interests could begin to influence government decisions and erode public trust.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim returned to Malaysia yesterday after travelling to Egypt, Peru, Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Muda has called for transparency on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s overseas travel after he revealed that the private sector had subsidised the cost of his working visits to five countries.

Anwar had said the likes of Petronas, Sapura Energy, Yinson, and Proton had borne 70% to 80% of the cost of the trips.

Muda questioned how these firms were selected and whether there were any tangible benefits for these companies beyond mere sponsorship.

“Will other private companies with similar capabilities and resources have the same opportunities, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection process?” it said in a statement today.

The party said there were concerns that relying on private companies to fund state visits could create a circle of powerful corporate allies, potentially leading to cronyism and compromising the impartiality of the government.

With private sponsorships becoming more common in the Madani government, it said, there were concerns that corporate interests could begin to influence government decisions.

“What steps will the Madani government take to restore public trust and ensure that the administration remains independent and accountable to the people?” it said.

Muda urged the prime minister to address these concerns directly, saying Malaysians deserve a government with the highest standard of integrity, free from corporate influence.

Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat this morning the government invited these companies which had business and investment interests to join these trips and they paid for the airfare and costs while the government assisted them in their import and export ventures.

He was asked by Paya Besar MP Shahar Abdullah about the financial implications and outcomes of his recent trips abroad.

Anwar said the cost of travelling to Cairo (Egypt), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Lima (Peru), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Doha (Qatar) was high but that he did not have the exact numbers. - FMT, 21/11/2024

Singapore's disgraced former minister S. Iswaran jailed in landmark case

By Xinghui Kok

October 3, 20242:37 PM

• Summary

• Judge hands down longer sentence than prosecutors sought
• Corruption allegations rare in Singapore government
• Iswaran is first former minister to be jailed
• Iswaran received tickets for Premier League, musicals, F1

SINGAPORE, Oct 3 (Reuters) - A Singapore court on Thursday sentenced a former minister to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than $300,000 worth of gifts, in the first jailing of a former cabinet member in a city-state famous for its clean governance.

 

S. Iswaran, who was a cabinet member for 13 years and has held the trade, communications and transport portfolios, pleaded guilty last week to four counts of improperly receiving gifts and one of obstructing justice.

 

In a statement posted on the prime minister's office website, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was disappointed and saddened by the case. He said that while it was painful to act against a colleague and a friend, "it is our duty to do so when necessary".

 

"Our system of government and politics must always stay clean and free from corruption," said Wong, who took over as Singapore's fourth premier in May this year.

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who gave Iswaran tickets to English Premier League soccer matches, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, London musicals and a ride on a private jet among other favours, will be charged in court on Friday, according to a court hearing list.

 

Iswaran was an adviser to the Singapore Grand Prix's steering committee, while Ong, 78, owns the rights to the race.

 

The sentence handed down was more severe than the six to seven months sought by the prosecution, which presiding judge Vincent Hoong said was "manifestly inadequate" given the gravity of Iswaran's offences and their impact on public trust.

 

"Trust and confidence in public institutions were the bedrock of effective governance, which could all too easily be undermined by the appearance that an individual public servant had fallen below the standards of integrity and accountability," he said in sentencing Iswaran.

 

The case has shocked Singapore, which prides itself on its well-paid and efficient bureaucracy as well as strong and squeaky-clean governance. It was among the world's top five least corrupt countries last year, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index.

 

PM Wong said: "However stringently we act against corruption, from time to time some individuals will be tempted and will go astray. In Singapore, they must expect their actions sooner or later to come to light, whereupon they will be held to account."

, opens new tab

EXPENSIVE GIFTS

The last corruption case involving a Singaporean minister was in 1986, when its national development minister was investigated for alleged bribery but died before charges were filed in court.

 

The Iswaran investigation caused a stir in the Asian financial hub and centred on allegations that while he was transport minister he accepted expensive gifts from two businessmen that he had official dealings with.

 

According to the prosecution the value of the gifts Iswaran received totalled more than S$400,000 ($308,500).

 

Iswaran, 62, faced a huge media scrum as he arrived in court and declined to answer questions when he left. He showed no emotion during the court session.

 

The judge allowed him to remain on bail for the next few days and begin his jail term on Monday.

 

Iswaran had initially said he was innocent and would fight to clear his name but pleaded guilty last week to the five charges put before the court.

 

The former minister faced a total of 35 charges, two of which were corruption-related but were later amended to charges of receiving gifts while a public servant.

 

Iswaran was arrested in July last year.  - Reuters, 3/10/2024

 

CONTRADICTION - Progressive Wage Policy fixed Minimum Wages for 380 categories of workers - so why is Anwar's Minimum Wage lower PWP wages for even these 380 categories of workers??

When the Malaysian Government started the Progressive Wage Policy, it fixed the MINIMUM Wage of 380 categories of workers - the entry-level salary. It ranges from RM1,810 for Clerical Support Workers of Pawnbrokers and Money Lenders to RM4,675 for Professional Translators, Interpreters and Other Linguists. For Primary School Teachers it was RM3,630. For Lawyers, it was RM3,505. See KINIGUIDE for the different categories of work... and the wages the Malaysian government set. Should these not be MINIMUM Wages set for these categories of workers - this 380 categories of workers?

Therefore, WHY is our Prime Minister now talking of a Minimum Wage of RM1,700 that will start in February 2025 for some, and others by August 2025?

This is MOST CONTRADICTORY - the Minimum Wage should be the same as stated in the Progressive Wage policy for the stated jobs. Maybe, Anwar's stated MINIMUM WAGE only applies for those jobs not covered by the Progressive Wage document by the Malaysian Government???

Employers that raise the wages to the amount stated in the Progressive Wage document, the government will give RM100-RM200 to the employer per worker - as an incentive, but just for a certain number of employers...ODD why the government is giving money to employers to raise wages of their workers?

The PWP pilot project, which opened for registration in June, aims to increase the wages of Malaysian employees earning between RM1,500 and RM4,999.

The project covers local workers in five key sectors, including construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade (including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair), information and communication, and professional, scientific, and technical activities.

Under the project, selected companies will receive incentives, with a maximum of RM200 per month per employee for entry-level workers (those who have been with their current company and position for less than a year). Employees who have been in the company for over a year will receive a maximum of RM300 per month per employee.

As it is, the Malaysian Minimum Wage must be HIGHER than RM1,700 - as it is near impossible for many people living in certain areas in Malaysia, which has a HIGHER cost of living, to survive with that amount. So, where will they get the EXTRA monies. To suggest that they take on 2nd and 3rd jobs, is ABSURD and it violates the long fought for right to Eight hours each for work, leisure and sleep.

MPs must ask themselves on what is the monthly income they need to SURVIVE - they now earn about RM40,000 plus (including the various additional allowances/benefits) - should we as a practice amend the law so that the PEOPLE's REPRESENTATIVE shall not earn more than 10 Times the Minimum Wage they expect the people to have? 

As per the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, an MP's monthly salary, including their allowances, could work out to an average of RM25,700.

Additionally, MPs can claim various allowances or subsidies for specific purposes. For instance, they receive RM400 per day for attending parliamentary sittings and a one-time allowance of RM1,000 every three years to purchase black-tie attire.

Below is a list of allowances they qualify for:

• Salary: RM16,000 per month

• Parliamentary sitting attendance: RM400 per day

• Government agency meetings/ workshops attendance: RM300 per day

• Entertainment allowance: RM2,500 per month

• Special payment for non-administration MP: RM1,500 per month

• Fixed travel allowance: RM1,500 per month

• Fuel allowance: RM1,500 per month

• Toll allowance: RM300 per month

• Driver allowance: RM1,500 per month

• Handphone purchase: Up to RM2,000 every two years

• Phone bill allowance: RM900 per month

• Purchase of computer: Up to RM6,000

• Black-tie attire subsidy: RM1,000 every three years

• Ceremonial attire allowance: Up to RM1,500

• Warm clothing allowance

• Free vehicle license

• Official trips - Business class air travel

• Official trips - First-class rail travel

• Domestic duties exceeding 32km from home: Hotel allowance up to RM400 a night

• Daily stipend during business trips: Domestic - RM100 a night/ International - RM170 a night

• Food allowance when overseas: RM340 a night

• First-class single-room ward in government hospitals: Free

MPs also become eligible for a pension after completing 36 months of reckonable service and upon reaching 50.

Should we NOT cut our MP's allowance - cut Parliamentary Attendance Allowances, Cut 1st Class Travel - make it economy travel ...when the people cannot afford, why should MPs be allowed to enjoy a higher standard of living?

MINIMUM WAGE must realistically be enough for workers in Malaysia to live - home rental/nonthly loan payment, food, transport cost, cost of utilities(phone/internet,electricity, water,sewage,...), transportation, etc.. 

In Klang Valley, is it possible to live on RM1,700 per month > remember with minimum wages of RM1,700 (after minus EPF and SOCSO contribution - the take home pay is just 89% or less of RM1,700).

In my opinion - different MINIMUM Wages for different regions(depending on cost of living in that particular region)

HIGHER Minimum Wage for Manual Work and 3D work - as it is more difficult work - and higher wages will attract more local workers too..

MINIMUM WAGE just for employers who have annual profits of more than RM50,000 - RM100,000. As these profits sustains the livelihoods of these sole proprietors, partners and is money needed for some business development. 

Special exemption for small businesses (sundry shops, retail shops, market vendors, etc ) - in lieu of MINIMUM WAGE encourage a income/profit sharing scheme - where owners share profits with workers, as many of these employers currently in small towns and rural areas simply cannot afford to pay their workers RM1,700 without risking going out of business...   Should other business models be considered - profit sharing, etc - not simply a model that has paid worker. Some models cater for all the work men's needs - rather than equal wage for equal work...

At the end of the day, this Anwar Ibrahim led government had already declared what they considered just and Fair wages for over 300 categories of work as stated in the 'Progressive Wage' scheme - but then there is PM Anwar suggesting a minimum wage even lower than the lowest progressive wage? 

Should we oust Anwar, in favour of Rafizi who seems more realistic and just...???

 

 

 

 

PM Anwar: Raising minimum wage to RM1,700 shows unity govt’s political will

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the launch of the "Residensi Madani Putrajaya" low cost housing project here in Putrajaya. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Monday, 28 Oct 2024 7:29 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 — The move to raise the minimum wage rate to RM1,700 reflects the political determination of the unity government, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, described the decision to raise the minimum wage as bold, noting that waiting for companies alone to decide would prevent any progress.

“If I leave it to the companies, there would be no decision—it’s impossible to reach one that way. So, I discussed it with my friends in the Cabinet. The country is doing well, investments are coming in significantly, and a prosperous nation cannot afford to see this sort of treatment to our workers.

“We are not RM500 or RM3,000, we are going from RM1,500 to RM1,700,” he said at the launch of Putrajaya MADANI Residency Housing Development here today, which was also attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territory) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that all companies will cooperate in implementing the new minimum wage rates, which will take effect in February next year.

When tabling Budget 2025 last Oct 18, Anwar announced that the government agreed to raise the minimum wage rate from RM1,500 per month to RM1,700 per month which will take effect on Feb 1, 2025.

The government also decided to postpone the minimum wage of RM1,700 for employers with less than five employees for six months.

Regarding the 15 per cent salary adjustment of civil servants for the implementation group in the Civil Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA) which starts this Dec 1, Anwar said civil servants need to be more responsible for their work.

He said the civil servant salary adjustment would see an increase in salary costs of more than RM10 billion.

Addressing criticisms from some quarters that Budget 2025 lacks mega projects or iconic landmarks, the Prime Minister said, “For me, mega projects are people’s housing, stalls, quality school facilities, and good healthcare.”

He also said that everyone must shift their mindset and embrace a new economic framework focused on fostering fresh and dynamic growth.

“If the economy does not grow, where will we find the funds? I do not underestimate the importance of growth.

“It is essential for civil servants, political leaders, and business people to step up and help small groups succeed, as this will prevent the gap between the rich and the poor from widening,” he said.

Anwar said efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty will be accelerated as there are poor families who cannot afford basic food, baby milk and school uniforms.

“So the government must not delay, it is a responsibility that needs to be fulfilled. It is not reasonable for a prosperous country like this, which has recorded growth, has a lot of revenue, (but) hardcore poverty is high,” he said. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 28/10/2024

 

Progressive wage pilot project to run at least one year, says minister

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong speaking at the Town Hall Session of the Progressive Wage Policy Pilot Project at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) June 6, 2024. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 06 Jun 2024 8:27 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — The pilot project for the Progressive Wage Policy is expected to run for at least one year, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said.

He said the ministry would evaluate and adjust the pilot project in September, focusing on registration procedures and feedback from participants and stakeholders.

“I don’t want to put the cart before the horse and say we’ll stop after one year. Our intention is to continue the Progressive Wage Policy as a mechanism to improve wages for workers in Malaysia

“Even if this pilot project stops, the wage rates set in the conditions are reasonable and sustainable. Most importantly, we want to see the success of this policy as part of our efforts to increase workers’ wages,” he said during the Town Hall meeting on the pilot project here today.

The pilot project is being conducted ahead of the full implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy, which aims to raise wages and achieve a more balanced income distribution.

The Progressive Wage Policy is part of the government’s commitment to reforming the labour market, aiming to increase workers’ incomes in line with productivity gains.

The government targets the participation of 1,000 companies across five sectors in the pilot project -manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, information and communication as well as professional, scientific and technical activities.

Sim said to date, about 500 employers have registered and applied for participation in the pilot project since registration opened on June 1, adding that the ministry will soon decide following internal evaluations for employers to join the project.

Based on registered employer statistics from the ASSIST PERKESO portal until May 29, 2024, around 290,659 employers are eligible to apply for cash incentives under the Progressive Wage Policy. This covers an estimated 6,335,971 formal sector workers earning between RM1,500 and RM4,999 per month.

Regarding subsidies for employers participating in the pilot project, Sim emphasised that it’s essential for employers to understand that these subsidies are not a long-term solution to wage issues. Instead, they are aimed at helping companies to be more competitive.

“We provide subsidies or assistance to help our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive.

“When they offer higher wages under the Progressive Wage Policy subsidy, they’ll attract skilled workers, boosting productivity. This growth allows them to sustain competitive wages and create job opportunities even without subsidies,” he said.

Employers seeking more information on guidelines for implementation and registration for these incentives can visit https://www.gajiprogresif.gov.my/ — Bernama, Malay Mail, 6/6/2024

Guidelines on wage policy in May

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By GERARD GIMINO, TEH ATHIRA YUSOF and JUNAID IBRAHIM

• Nation

• Saturday, 16 Mar 2024

Pilot project to be carried out between June and August this year

PETALING JAYA: Some light will finally be shed on the proposed Progressive Wage Policy when its guidelines are ready in May.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli (pic), who announced the policy in November, said a pilot project will then be carried out between June and August this year.

“Some RM50mil has been allocated to carry out the pilot project, which includes paying incentives to companies that take part in the Progressive Wage Policy,” he said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.

Rafizi said a cross-ministry and agency effort will be taken to ensure the pilot project runs smoothly.

The progressive wage system will involve those earning a monthly salary of between RM1,500 and RM4,999 who will be upscaled with training to receive higher wages. Employers will also be given cash incentives to cover the additional salaries.

It will involve some four million workers in formal sectors and limited only to Malaysian citizens. Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises are encouraged to participate, but multinational and government-linked companies are exempted from the project, as they are deemed to be paying competitive wages already.

“Four task forces have been established and are now working on refining the implementation mechanism of the policy,” Rafizi said.

The task forces will be responsible for preparing guidelines on the yearly wage increments, developing the enrolment system and companies selected to partake in the Progressive Wage Policy, and also developing the training modules as well as upskilling.

Rafizi said the task force responsible for upskilling and productivity, led by HRD Corporation, was now preparing training modules aligned with the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises.

He said 73% of courses were on non-technical aspects such as management, communication, supervision and linguistics.

“The remaining 27% will be technical courses,” he said, adding that some 2,000 free online courses will also be prepared.

Rafizi was responding to a question by Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) who asked whether the government had prepared guidelines on the progressive wage model and its pilot project.

The Economy Minister presented the White Paper on the Proposed Progressive Wage Policy in Parliament on Nov 30. It was part of an effort to ensure that workers receive higher wages in line with increased productivity.

The document contains three main mechanisms – voluntary implementation, incentive-based approaches and government allocation injections, and the responsibility of workers in enhancing productivity. - Star, 16/3/2024