Anwar's do not 'obstruct' law enforcement work warning applies to PM as well? Highlight police failures as well - not just praise them? Percentage of CLEAN police officers in Malaysia?

Call 999, and the police turn up. A home break in and the house has been robbed. A neighbour with the key calls the police. Nobody enters the crime scene before the police arrives. Then the police tells the neighbor to ask the owner to check what was stolen and make a police report. Rightly, as soon as the police gets information of the crime, the police lodges a police report (First Information Report) which starts the Investigation. The Investigation Officer will proceed to the crime scene to start the investigations. Photographs are taken, and even the crime scene will be dusted for fingerprints... and this is material evidence to help identify the criminals.

BUT, here we find the police, eventhough they have information of the crime, and had seen the crime scene to confirm that a CRIME did indeed happen fails to make the POLICE REPORT that would have started the criminal investigations.

When it comes to police receiving information of crime, the POLICE must make an immediate report - that will start the investigation > Because the police did not report the crime, investigation did not start immediately - and the crime scene gets 'contaminated' and decreases the chance of identifying the perpetrator...and finding needed evidence to convict

WRONG for law enforcement to say that they will NOT investigate until they get a police report - The law imposes a duty on police/law enforcement to file a police report themselves as soon as they get information of a CRIME...

Section 107  Information of offences {Criminal Procedure Code} 

(3) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (1), information given by a person relating to the commission of an offence to a police officer, who at the time of receiving the information is not in a police station, shall be deemed to be received at a police station;

(b) A police officer receiving such information under paragraph (a) where practicable shall record or cause to be recorded the name and address of the informant, the date and time of the receipt of such information, and shall convey such information to an officer in charge of a police station or any police officer whose duty is to receive such information; and

(c) Such information shall be reduced in writing and entered in a book in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) and shall subsequently be signed by the person who gave the information.

(4) A police officer shall be duty bound to receive any information in relation to any offence committed anywhere in Malaysia.

Another case, person makes police report about a neighbour shouting and threatening violence and even sexual abuse... After the report, it happens again, and victim calls the police station, and the officer allegedly told the victim - wait for the perpetrator to beat/strike you and only then, the police can take action. > What NONSENSE, in my opinion,? The police should have immediately acted on the threats - and should not wait to take action  only after the victim has been beaten or there has been actual sexual abuse.

A person files a police report on LAND encroachment/trespass by people - Police takes NO Action - and after repeated calls to the police, the police tells the VICTIM to file a CASE in the Courts? Again, the crime has been reported, and investigation would reveal that the crime happened - then the police should arrest, investigate and CHARGE the perpetrator for the CRIME, and ensure that the encroachment/trespass ends - In Malaysia, SELF HELP is not encouraged - should the VICTIM get a Tractor and clear the area trespassed? Should he hire 'gangsters' to end the encroachment? 

Recently another friend informed me, that a person had been DEFRAUDED by his/her business partner, who had taken monies of the common business > this again was a CRIME that police/law enforcement should have acted on. And again, after all police reports have been filed - the police tells the victim to FILE a case in the CIVIL COURT??? A crime has been committed, and the police/law enforcement must take criminal action against the perpetrator - Later, if the victim wants, he can go further civil action against the perpetrator if he/she wants to recover damages/compensation. 

(By the way, being a lawyer, I am bound by solicitor-client privilege - so I cannot reveal names or more details about the cases above.) 

THESE kinds of allegations of POLICE failure is rising - why is the police taking action for these crimes. 

Do NOT tell me, it is a DISCRIMINATORY practice - if it was some Minister or even a 'Datuk' who reports, action is taken FAST - but if it is some ordinary citizen, ... then maybe... OR maybe it was just 'LAZINESS' - just avoid doing work of investigating, etc... 

Malaysia has seen a 6.4% drop in index crime thanks to an increase in security operations nationwide.The achievement reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police, in ensuring public safety, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail- Star, 26/3/2026

VERY ODD - because in Temerloh, the number of house/shop break in and thefts seems to have INCREASED - So, what exactly is the CRIMES being considered in this CRIME INDEX. Some crimes, is dependent on law enforcement like DRUG Crimes, if poor law enforcement, they will detect LESSER crimes - some CRIMES cannot be hidden like MURDER, robberies and theft... But then, with regard to many CRIMES - has people completely LOST FAITH in the police so that many are not even interested in making Police REPORTS - sometimes, they now make police reports for some other reason - NOT expecting our police to promptly investigate, find and charge the perpetrator in courts. What are some of the OTHER reasons, people make police reports - INSURANCE claims, reported needed to apply for new Bank Credit/Debit Cards, and maybe some other documents. 

So, looks like there is an INCREASED of crimes - and interestingly committed by LOCALS - Low Minimum Wage, Higher QUIT rents in Penang, Loss of jobs and difficult to find jobs ...INCREASED cost of LIVING... and LAST YEAR, our Malaysian STATISTIC department reported a 11.1 percent increase in the CRIME INDEX? Now, IGP tells us it dropped 6.4%??? WHO TO BELIEVE??

Malaysia’s Crime Index rose by 11.1 per cent in 2024, with a total of 58,255 cases reported compared to 52,444 cases in 2023, according to the latest report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). - Business Today, 16/10/2025 

HOW DO MALAYSIANS THINK ABOUT MALAYSIAN POLICE? WHEN YOU SEE A POLICE OFFICER APPROACHING, what goes through your mind even when you verily believe you did not commit any crime? Do you think how much will it 'cost me' - if not, what will be consequence even if we did no CRIME? 

PM's timely warning NOT to obstruct or interfere with police and/or law enforcement - should equally apply to the PM and his members of government, even the royalty.. 

 

PM warns influential parties not to meddle in police work...Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to influential parties, urging them not to interfere in police operations, particularly cases involving large-scale criminal syndicates.He highlighted that past attempts by certain quarters to shield powerful individuals or groups only hindered the enforcement of the law.“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by 'I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he added during his speech at the 219th Police Day commemoration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur today.

 

For information, the charges against Anwar Ibrahim then in 1998/1999 was as follows:

(English translation of the charges) from High Court Judgment [1999] 2 CLJ 215

First Charge

That you, from 12 August 1997 until 18 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Azizan bin Abu Bakar addressed to YAB Prime Minister denying his allegation of sodomy as contained in his "Pengakuan Bersumpah" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a written statement dated 18 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, to save yourself from embarrassment, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Second Charge

That you, on 27 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Azizan bin Abu Bakar to deny the allegation of sodomy as contained in his "Pengakuan Bersumpah" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a Kenyataan Umum, for your advantage, to wit, you used it for the purpose of protecting yourself from any criminal action, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Third Charge

That you, from 12 August 1997 until 18 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the Special Branch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the Special Branch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain a written statement from Ummi Hafilda bt Ali addressed to YAB Prime Minister denying the allegations of sexual misconduct and sodomy as contained in her confidential report entitled "Perihal Salah Laku Timbalan Perdana Menteri" dated 5 August 1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a written statement dated 18 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, to save yourself from embarrassment, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

Fourth Charge

That you, on 27 August 1997 at the Official Residence of the Deputy Prime Minister, No. 47, Damansara Road, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, while being a Member of the administration, to wit, holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and in such capacity committed corrupt practice in that you, directed Dato' Mohd Said bin Awang, Director of the SpecialBranch and Amir bin Junus, Deputy Director II of the SpecialBranch, Royal Malaysian Police, to obtain written statements fromUmmi Hafilda bt Ali denying the allegations of sexual misconductand sodomy as contained in her confidential report entitled"Perihal Salah Laku Timbalan Perdana Menteri" dated 5 August1997, which they obtained as directed, in the form of a Kenyataan Umum dated 29 August 1997, for your advantage, to wit, you used it for the purpose of protecting yourself from any criminalaction, and you have thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1), Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 22/1970.

The Court, after trial, found him GUILTY and convicted him. Federal Court confirmed the Conviction. Some believe since the King Pardoned him, that conviction was overturned. NOT true, the King has no power to OVERTURN a Court conviction - only the Courts can. 

Then, of late, we read in Bloomberg

On Thursday, Bloomberg cited three informed sources as saying that Anwar had instructed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Azam Baki, not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador over the controversial purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.

The report also claimed that Azam had told MACC officials that the investigations into former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his three sons and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin were launched on Anwar's instructions.

To date, it seems that these serious allegations, implicating the PM of wrongdoings,  were never investigated - only that Malaysia investigated Bloomberg for possibly 'criminal defamation' and ended up with a NFA - meaning that Bloomberg was never even charged.

DANGER if Bloomberg was charged - because, in their defence Bloomberg may adduce evidence to show that their REPORT was true, or there was good reasons for Bloomberg saying this. The media would have covered the case - and the Malaysian public may form their own belief even if the Court convicted Bloomberg > that is the RISK when you sue someone for defamation or charge someone for criminal defamation. And, mind you, Anwar himself did NOT SUE Bloomberg for defamation either in Malaysia, or in US - and Anwar certainly could afford the cost.

HOPEFULLY, if a RCI is set up to look into Bloomberg that told us about the 'corporate mafia' - it will also look into the allegations of Anwar's attempt to 'obstruct' the proper working of what must be INDEPENDENT law enforcement agencies... I hope, ANWAR is repentant, and will never again do anything that will OBSTRUCT the workings of law enforcement in Malaysia after his 'abuse of power' and 'obstruction of law enforcement' conviction...Remember, Courts will ONLY convict if there is sufficient evidence to prove GUILT beyond REASONABLE DOUBT...

“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama. “I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) added...

The MOST URGENT MATTER now, after the 1MDB scandal/crimes is ensure that all Malaysian Law Enforcement Agencies, the Attorney General/Public Prosecutor are INDEPENDENT and professional, and NO Prime Minister or government can 'obstruct' or interfere...

MACC did not REVEAL the crimes of Najib then - and finally only investigated, charged and got Najib convicted after Najib was no longer Prime Minister... Was MACC not free to act - because of the PM or the government?

WHO picks the head of LAW ENFORCEMENT in Malaysia > it cannot remain the PM or a Minister-Cabinet member chosen by the PM - It must be an INDEPENDENT body...and with regard to reporting, these law enforcement bodies must directly report to the people - Parliament and the Cabinet... 

See my Astro Awani interview in CONSIDER THIS - where I also highlighted the PM's power's in MACC, from the power to decide who the MACC Chief is, and..  https://international.astroawani.com/video/taxonomyterm124029/should-there-be-rci-macc-part-2

Malaysia’s Crime Rate Jumps 11.1% In 2024, Led By Property Related: DOSM

By Editor

October 16, 2025

Malaysia’s Crime Index rose by 11.1 per cent in 2024, with a total of 58,255 cases reported compared to 52,444 cases in 2023, according to the latest report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

The increase was largely attributed to a rise in property-related crimes, which climbed by 12.4 per cent to 47,188 cases, while assault crimes also saw a moderate increase of 5.9 per cent to 11,067 cases.

Decline in Homicide and Kidnapping Cases

Despite the overall increase, homicide cases recorded a significant drop. Intentional homicides fell 9.5 per cent to 237 cases, while non-intentional homicides remained unchanged at two cases.

Kidnapping cases also declined slightly to 17 incidents, with children accounting for 11 of those cases.

Mixed Trends in Sexual and Robbery Offences

Sexual offences showed a divergent pattern. Total rape cases rose by 12.1 per cent to 1,899 cases, driven by a 29.3 per cent increase in rape without force, while rape with force declined by 15.3 per cent — a shift that may reflect evolving reporting trends or patterns of perpetration.

Meanwhile, robbery cases fell by 6.8 per cent, totalling 4,276 cases. Most involved robbery from the person (41.7%), followed by other types (38.2%), robbery of establishments or institutions (13.5%), and vehicle robberies (6.7%).

House break-in and theft also recorded a 1.8 per cent decline, with 77.6 per cent of these incidents occurring at night.

Drug Offences Continue to Climb

Drug-related offences continued their upward trend, rising 10.6 per cent to 81,090 cases in 2024.
Cases involving drug supply increased 4.6 per cent, while drug possession jumped 12.7 per cent, indicating intensified enforcement and possibly higher rates of substance use.

Bribery and Misappropriation Cases on the Rise

Arrests for bribery-related offences rose sharply by 24.6 per cent, with 764 individuals apprehended.
Cases involving giving bribes surged 51.2 per cent, while accepting bribes rose 20.3 per cent, underscoring continued efforts by enforcement agencies to combat corruption.

Similarly, misappropriation of controlled goods increased by 19.1 per cent to 2,243 cases.
The most misappropriated items were diesel (30%), petrol (26.7%), cooking oil (19.8%), sugar (10.1%), liquefied petroleum gas (9.1%), and wheat flour (4.4%).

Workplace Safety Offences Surge

Offences related to health and safety at work recorded the steepest rise — up 71.1 per cent to 296 cases.
The manufacturing sector accounted for the majority of cases (57.4%), followed by construction (27.4%) and business services (8.1%).

Animal Cruelty and Sea Robbery Remain Low

Animal-related offences dropped to 12 cases in 2024, comprising cruelty and welfare violations.
Sea robbery, once an occasional concern, was completely absent in 2024, compared to just one reported case in 2023.

Sharp Rise in Prison Population

Malaysia’s correctional statistics reflected a significant 28.4 per cent increase in convicted prisoners, totalling 128,916 individuals in 2024.
Male prisoners represented 90.9 per cent of the total, while female prisoners accounted for 9.1 per cent. - Business Today, 16/10/2025 

Malaysia sees 6.4% drop in index crime due to increased security

Thursday, 26/3/2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has seen a 6.4% drop in index crime thanks to an increase in security operations nationwide.

The achievement reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police, in ensuring public safety, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail (pic) said.

“Despite several incidents recorded during the review period from March 2025 to March 2026, the overall security situation in the country remains good and under control,” he said at the 219th Police Day celebration at Pulapol Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

Index crimes are serious offences that are used to measure the annual crime index.

The IGP said the police are facing major challenges in remaining relevant amid increasingly complex and evolving security threats.

He said the force must continue to adapt and meet the expectations of both the government and the public without compromising its core responsibility to uphold the law.

“However, pressures and public perception will not undermine the police’s firmness in upholding justice based on the rule of law,” he said.

He also recalled several attacks on police personnel, including the 2017 shooting at the Pinggiran Subang police station and the 2024 attack at the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, which left two officers dead and another seriously injured.

“We need improvements to infrastructure at critical premises, as well as amendments to existing laws, to ensure they remain progressive and relevant in addressing the complexity of current security threats,” he added.

Meanwhile, the IGP expressed appreciation for the government’s continued support, including a total allocation of RM12.063bil for 2026.

He said the government has also approved RM200mil to expand information and communications technology (ICT) facilities at police stations and quarters nationwide.

“This shows the government’s commitment is not merely rhetoric but translated into tangible action in strengthening national security,” he said.- - Star, 26/3/2026

PM warns influential parties not to meddle in police work, praises cops for courage

Published:  Mar 25, 2026 5:24 PM

⋅

Updated: 4:24 P

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to influential parties, urging them not to interfere in police operations, particularly cases involving large-scale criminal syndicates.

He highlighted that past attempts by certain quarters to shield powerful individuals or groups only hindered the enforcement of the law.

“Do not obstruct actions by the police and enforcement agencies. Sometimes those offering protection are influential people. This makes police work more difficult,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“I am giving a very clear directive: if we are serious about taking action, we are also advising everyone else not to obstruct it,” he added during his speech at the 219th Police Day commemoration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar also praised the courage of the police department, noting their increasingly assertive approach in dismantling major illegal syndicates and against corrupt figures who had long seemed “immune” to the law.

“I am grateful because I see firmness and courage in taking action, not only against minor corruptors but also against major ones who have operated for decades yet were never dared to be touched.

“These large illegal syndicates have long been embedded in our system, and I congratulate (the police) for successfully breaking them through professionalism, determination, and courage,” he said.

Under the Madani framework, the prime minister stressed, the government is committed to ensuring the law is no longer drafted or enforced to favour certain powerful and wealthy groups.

He said the public now recognises the dedication and sacrifices of the police, which has helped Malaysia maintain its status as one of the safest countries in the world, despite facing a range of domestic and global security challenges.

Highest appreciation for the police

Anwar urged police personnel to continue strengthening professionalism and integrity, which he described as essential pillars for driving national transformation.

“The peace achieved through the sacrifices of security forces is a fundamental foundation that allows the government to focus on economic reforms, information technology agendas, and digital transformation.

“Our duty is to honour past service and set a new guideline for enhancing the professionalism and integrity of the police force.

“In any renewal or reform, the agenda begins with the prerequisite of peace. As citizens, we must express our highest appreciation for the service, sacrifice, and loyalty of the police, which has enabled Malaysia to be recognised as one of the safest countries in the world,” he added.

Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Other dignitaries included Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail and his deputy Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, along with directors of the police. - Malaysiakini, 25/3/2026

 

  

Rare Earth - Anwar, what is the Government Position? Is mining/processing Rare Earth allowed despite environmental health risk?

Rare Earth Mining and Processing in Malaysia - What is PM Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan(DAP,PKR and Amanah) led Madani Coalition's position NOW - remember it a MOST DANGEROUS industry - with possibility of affecting the environment and also human health.

Pakatan Rakyat is definitely shutting down Lynas if the opposition coalition takes over the government. It would take a "miracle" for Pakatan to reverse its earlier stance of vowing to stop the operations of the rare earth processing plant if  it comes to power, PKR's strategy director Rafizi Ramli said at a press conference this morning - Edge, 14/3/2013
 

Then DAP/PKR/Amanah(now Pakatan Harapan) is in power with Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister > and recently, LYNAS was 'gifted' a 10 year contract.

Malaysia has solidified a strategic partnership with the U.S. to supply critical minerals and rare earth elements (REE), aimed at diversifying supply chains away from China . Through a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, Malaysia has committed to providing the US with consistent, non-restricted access to rare earths, facilitating investment from US companies in Malaysian mining, processing, and high-value downstream, including magnets.(Bangkok Post, 21/8/2025)

After Trump visited Malaysia, and gave Anwar a car ride - Malaysia signed an agreement with US 

Malaysia has committed to refrain from banning, or imposing quotas on, exports to the United States of critical minerals or rare earth elements.  Malaysia has committed to the expedient development of its critical minerals and rare earths sectors in partnership with U.S. companies, including granting extended operating licenses to create certainty for businesses to increase production capacity.  Malaysia has committed to ensure no restrictions are imposed on the sale of rare earth magnets to U.S. companies. - Joint Statement US-Malaysia Agreement, 26/1o/2025

Then, the 10 year licence for LYNAS.

Then, Lynas agree to supply US Department of Defence

Lynas, the largest rare earth refiner outside of China, has signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise an agreement to supply the country’s defence sector with rare earth minerals for four years.“Through this agreement, the US defence industrial base will continue to have access to light and heavy rare earth oxides that are essential for modern manufacturing,” its CEO and managing director, Amanda Lacaze, said in a statement from the company today....Under this arrangement, the Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas. - Malaysiakini, 16/3/2026

Now, with this supply agreement with US Department of Defence, can Malaysia NOW cancel Lynas operating license - can it kick out LYNAS from Malaysia....US and TRUMP may not be happy with Anwar and Malaysia????

Guess WHAT, Malaysia may now be 'helping' US - for these weapons may be used to kill Palestinians, Iranians, Lebanese, etc..

What is the status of the 

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the United States and Malaysia is now null and void, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.Johari said this follows a United States Supreme Court ruling that struck down the majority of US President Donald Trump's earlier broad tariff measures, rendering the arrangement inapplicable."It is not on hold. It is no longer there, it's null and void. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that if you want to impose tariffs, you must have reasons," he said.- NST, 15/3/2026

BUT, our Minister said TERMINATED????  - if it has been TERMINATED or is NULL and VOID - Why is that Agreement still on the US White House Website?

Remember Malaysia entered into that agreement when the US Court already ruled that that the Tariff imposed by Trump was ILLEGAL and void...Malaysia still knowingly entered into that agreement - SO, how can a US Supreme Court confirming that the TARIFF action was illegal affect the Malaysia-US Agreement?

Malaysia MUST ACTIVELY terminate that US-Malaysia agreement... 

On February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. > but then, on 5/3/2026, MITI talks as though the Agreement is still valid - 'Both of Malaysia's commitments regarding Licensing Certainty as contained in the Joint Statement on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) (Article 5.2) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Critical Minerals (Areas of Cooperation, Section 3) do not affect the government's decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth elements (REE) companies that are about to be approved to operate in Malaysia.'

 

So, ANWAR IBRAHIM - has Malaysia terminated that TRADE AGREEMENT between US-Malaysia? Malaysians are confused...

 

Does this mean that Malaysia also cancels its commitment to INVEST about RM1 Trillion in US - can we cancel the Boeing purchase deals, and the other deals .... that Anwar 'foolishly' entered to convince US to reduce TARIFFs which resulted in that Trade Agreement between US and Malaysia? DON'T LIE - TELL US THE TRUTH??

 

Back to RARE EARTH - why are we opening NEW rare earth mines...

 

Malaysia has suspended operations at a rare earth site and two tin mines in western Perak state following an investigation into complaints that a stretch of a major river had turned bright blue, the natural resources and environment ministry said. Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told parliament on Wednesday that authorities had launched a probe after public reports about discoloured water in a part of the Perak River, the second-longest on the Malaysian peninsula. Initial investigations found discharges at the rare earths mining site, operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd, which matched the colour of the water in the river, Johari said. . he added. - Reuters, 20/11/2025

PM Anwar - how many RARE EARTH mines are there in Malaysia? Where is the mined RARE Earth being processed? LYNAS or some other Rare Earth processing plants > REMEMBER that the danger to Environment and Health arises both during MINING as well as during PROCESSING - WHY ARE MALAYSIANS KEPT IN THE DARK?

 

Minister Chang Lih Kang tried to assure Malaysians - When it comes to RARE EARTH - we are talking about Radioactive material - Thorium-232 has a half-life of 14 billion years, while the most common isotope of Uranium (U-238) has a half-life of 4.5 billion years. It is easy to weed out dangerous chemicals - BUT how exactly is radioactive half-life dealt with to make it safe, Mr Minister?

 

 

Naturally occurring thorium and uranium isotopes have extremely long half-lives, often comparable to or exceeding the age of the Earth. Specifically,Thorium-232 has a half-life of 14 billion years, while the most common isotope of Uranium (U-238) has a half-life of 4.5 billion years.These radioactive elements are a significant production challenge in rare earth element (REE) mining because they often coexist in the same ore deposits, such as monazite and bastnasite.

 

The Minister also assures of  Real-time monitoring and transparency   - BUT how come in November 2025, '..Radiation readings at the site were also found to be as high as 13 becquerels, far above the 1 becquerel limit permitted under the project's initial environmental impact assessment report,' and this was when the river water in Sungai Perak changed colour - and it was suspected to be linked to a RARE EARTH MINE operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd. This happens about 4 MONTHS ago....

 

Malaysians are not interested in HOPES of the MINISTER - but assurance that people are safe all the time. Remember, MANY COUNTRIES shut down rare earth mining and processing...because it was VERY DANGEROUS... 

 

Wonder whether it a GOOD IDEA to extract soil samples beside RARE EARTH Mines, Processing Installations and even PDF - and sent it to the Minister and PM's offices to be placed there TO ASSURE the Malaysian public that ALL IS SAFE. Should we also get vegetables, fishes, farm animals from the area(maybe less than 5 Km away) to be served in the Parliament cafeteria - since the Government says now that is safe...

 

IT is easy for Ministers/MPs to say that RARE EARTH Mining and Processing is SAFE when they LIVE far away from the dangers of MINES and processing plants...SO, CONVINCE us with your action..

 

Of course, it is VERY DIFFICULT to show that illness are DIRECTLY caused by Rare Earth Mining/Processing - just like it is difficult to prove the direct connection between CIGARETTES and health problems > So, should we be monitoring all adjacent health clinics/hospitals and IF the occurrence of any health problems, including miscarriages or deformation of new born, is HIGHER than the national average - the PRESUMPTION is that it is caused by RARE EARTH Mining unless proven otherwise... 

 

It was SAD that the attempt to JUDICIAL REVIEW the planning permission given by the Kuantan Local Government for the Lynas Permanent Depository Facility(PDF) was never dealt with by the Courts on the MERITS - Yes, Minister, many do not TRUST the government - the law may be GOOD but the problem sometimes is the ENFORCEMENT - and now with the 'corporate mafia" issue - one wonders whether a 'little money' may convince public officers to APPROVE projects/plans that fail to meet our Malaysian legal standards.

 

If the RIVER did not change colour - would the high RADIATION levels be detected - THEN, what happened to the RIVER case - did not hear anyone being CHARGED in court - did not hear action being taken against any perpetrator, any action being taken against PUBLIC officers who should have been monitoring 24 hours - how come the authorities did not detect it? Minister, you are from PERAK - explain what actions have been taken? HOW many RARE Earth mines have been issued licences?

 

TRANSPARENCY PM Anwar - tell us - Is RARE EARTH mining now allowed under your MADANI government? Should there be a PUBLIC REFERENDUM of people living within 20KM of the mining site and/or processing plants be a MANDATORY requirement - OH, it has to be the people directly - because all LOCAL COUNCIL members, Ketua Kampung, Ketua Kampung Baru, etc --- are all POLITICAL APPOINTEES (not directly elected by the people) - and these political appointees  most likely will 'loyally' say OK to mines and rare earth processing... most times the ordinary people XDO NOT KNOW  of the consent letters their 'leaders'(the political appointees signed) - sad, that we still do not have Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman elections in Malaysia - so people can directly choose their own community leaders DEMOCRATICALLY - and DAP and PKR who now RULES has 'FORGOTTEN' about restoring Local Council Elections ??? 

 

See also:-

Malaysia suspends rare earths, tin mining operations after river water turns blue By Reuters November 20, 2025

Did Malaysian Courts use 'SLAPP like' methods to DETER people from applying for Judicial Review of Government Decisions? RM100,000 cost is UNJUST - in a JR application on Lynas PDF ?

 

 

Miti: Malaysia-US minerals deal will not affect conditions imposed on Lynas

The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said Malaysia’s commitments under the ART agreement and Critical Minerals MoU with the US will not affect the government’s enforcement of technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth companies. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 05 Mar 2026 11:35 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — Both of Malaysia's commitments regarding Licensing Certainty as contained in the Joint Statement on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) (Article 5.2) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Critical Minerals (Areas of Cooperation, Section 3) do not affect the government's decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or other rare earth elements (REE) companies that are about to be approved to operate in Malaysia.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) said the Critical Minerals MoU signed by Malaysia and the United States clearly states that areas of cooperation between the two countries include topics related to good regulatory practices, such as facilitating the process of issuing permits related to the REE industry, including mining permits, land purchase and manufacturing licences.

“This agreement includes fair and equitable treatment for investors, as well as the implementation of sustainable projects that comply with environmental, social and governance practices.

“In addition, both countries are committed to working together in strengthening the critical minerals sector and ensuring that the sale of REE products is determined by the respective authorities or governments,” the ministry said in a written reply to the Dewan Negara yesterday to a question from Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven who wanted to know whether the two commitments affected the government’s decision to enforce technical conditions on Lynas Malaysia or the rare earth industry.

The Licensing Certainty commitment is enshrined in the Joint Statement on ART (Article 5.2), while the Critical Minerals MoU has the Areas-of-Cooperation, Section 3.

Regarding the status of negotiations between Khazanah Nasional Bhd and companies from China in the development of the REE industry, Miti said that until now the discussions are still at an early stage and no final agreement has been signed.

“This is because the Chinese government has not yet named the party that will represent the country to implement the cooperation,” he said.

The ministry also explained that the government has mandated Khazanah Nasional as a focal point to comprehensively examine potential strategic collaboration models.

“The research covers aspects of commercial viability, technology safeguarding, strategic governance and control structures, as well as alignment with national interests,” it said.

Regarding the heavy rare-earth element (HREE) separation technology, Miti said that so far no technology transfer has been finalised either in terms of scope, form of implementation or timeline.

“Currently, HREE production at a commercial level in the world is only done by processing plants in China and the Lynas company in Kuantan,” it said. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 5/3/2026

 

Lynas signs US$96m rare earth supply deal with Pentagon

Published:  Mar 16, 2026 3:23 PM

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Updated: 5:52 P

Lynas, the largest rare earth refiner outside of China, has signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise an agreement to supply the country’s defence sector with rare earth minerals for four years.

“Through this agreement, the US defence industrial base will continue to have access to light and heavy rare earth oxides that are essential for modern manufacturing,” its CEO and managing director, Amanda Lacaze, said in a statement from the company today.

Lynas said the letter of intent establishes a framework to finalise an agreement for the supply of light and heavy rare earth oxides to support US national security and supply chain resilience objectives.

Under this arrangement, the Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas.

Lynas said the agreement followed a mutual decision with the Pentagon to modify an earlier agreement, due to “significant uncertainty” on whether plans to build a heavy rare earth processing facility in Seadrif, Texas, would proceed.

The statement also mentions that neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxides will have a floor price of US$110 per kg under the arrangement.

For comparison, its benchmark price generally hovered around US$60 to US$80 per kg last year, though it briefly reached as high as US$128 per kg this year.

Market dominated by China

The mineral is a crucial raw ingredient for making powerful magnets needed for electric motors, actuators, and other applications.

Bloomberg Intelligence reported on March 2 that China dominates 90 percent of the world’s NdPr supply, but upcoming supplies from Australia and the US are likely to slash China’s market share to 69 percent by 2030.

Lynas mines rare earth minerals from Mt Weld, West Australia, processes them, and then ships them for refining and separation into rare earth oxides at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

The facility in Gebeng is not only capable of producing light rare earth elements, but is also the only significant producer of heavy rare earth elements outside China, and therefore the only producer not subject to China’s export controls on critical minerals.

10-year licence extension, with strings attached

However, the facility has faced significant opposition from environmental activists, particularly for issues surrounding the disposal of radioactive residue from its water leach purification (WLP) process.

The Malaysian government granted the facility a 10-year extension of its licence beginning March 3, but on the condition that it reduces the radioactivity of the WLP residue below regulatory limits by extracting the radioactive element thorium from the waste.

Moving forward, Lynas will also be required to complete the thorium extraction process in Australia before shipping it for further processing in Malaysia. - Malaysiakini, 16/3/2026

Impose restrictions on Lynas for US defence supply deal: Pro-Palestine advocates

Yiswaree Palansamy

Published:  Mar 19, 2026 10:05 AM

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Updated: 9:05 A

Two pro-Palestine advocates have called for Malaysia to impose restrictions on the export of rare earth materials processed by Lynas Rare Earths.

This came after the company signed a binding letter of intent with the US Department of Defense to finalise a four-year agreement to supply the US defence sector with rare earth minerals.

Boycott Divestment & Sanctions Malaysia (BDS) chairperson Nazari Ismail argued that the business deal is also a challenge to Malaysia's spirit of non-aligned foreign policy.

"Yes, the Malaysian government should impose some form of restriction on the export of Lynas' output. It should not supply countries that use them for illegal military operations.

ADS

"Clearly, the US is now engaged in military operations after it carried out an unprovoked attack on Iran," the academic told Malaysiakini.

Nazari concurred that while this could lead to diplomatic repercussions, he said it was "normal when you stand up for justice and hold on to moral principles”.

BDS chairperson Nazari Ismail

He added that Putrajaya should be concerned about the Lynas deal, given the US' role in the deadly bomb strike on two schools in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 schoolchildren.

Nazari said that since Lynas holds an operating licence issued by Putrajaya, the terms of that licence should be revisited to include restrictions on the end buyers of the processed materials.

"As stated earlier, the output should not be sold to buyers who plan to use it for illegal military campaigns," he emphasised.

Weaponry production

Former PKR vice-president and fellow pro-Palestine activist Tian Chua echoed Nazari's sentiments.

"It is quite clear that the supply of rare earth elements to the US Department of Defense for security purposes would include weaponry production.

“This agreement could potentially drag Malaysia into the US supply and production chain of war machinery.

"Malaysia could impose some additional export conditions to prevent rare earth products from being shipped to US defence industries," Chua said when contacted.

Ex-PKR veep Tian Chua

He acknowledged that while the law may not provide a clear legal mechanism to prevent Lynas - a private, foreign-listed company - from entering into a commercial agreement with the US defence establishment, Malaysia is not absolved of responsibility.

"Malaysia has a lot of leverage as the US is a country committing war crimes. Our refusal to allow Lynas to support the military complex will earn us international and domestic credit.

"Our neutrality means we are open in the rare earth market, and we will continue to prevent China's monopoly on rare earth. However, the bottom line is that our industrial production and resources should not be supplying to a mass murder industry," Chua stressed.

‘Public deserves answers’

In a statement yesterday, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar urged Lynas and Putrajaya to provide "clear, responsible explanations" to the public about the agreement.

He said the agreement raises legitimate concerns because rare earths are strategic materials used in modern military technology, including radar systems, missile systems, satellites, defence electronics, and various components of high-technology arms industries.

Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar

"The public has the right to know whether the rare earth processed through Lynas' operations in Malaysia will form part of the supply chain for the US defence sector.

"Lynas must also clarify the source of the raw materials involved in the contract, the locations where processing takes place, and whether its processing facility in Malaysia is directly or indirectly involved in supplying the American military industry.

"As a foreign company operating in Malaysia and benefiting from this country's resources and ecosystem, Lynas bears both a moral and corporate responsibility to ensure that its operations do not give rise to sensitive geopolitical implications for its host nation," Sukri added.

He said an explanation from the government was equally necessary, stressing that the rare earth issue was not a routine trade concern but one deeply tied to strategic security, global geopolitics, and the country’s standing on the international stage.

"The government must clarify whether any policy or control mechanism exists to ensure that strategic resources processed in Malaysia are not channelled to the military industries of any major power involved in international conflict," Sukri said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Lynas for comments.

What the deal is about

On March 16, Lynas said the letter of intent establishes a framework to finalise an agreement for the supply of light and heavy rare earth oxides to support US national security and supply chain resilience objectives.

Under this arrangement, the US Department of Defense will set aside about US$96 million (RM377.62 million) to purchase rare earth oxides from Lynas.

Lynas said the agreement followed a mutual decision with the Pentagon to modify an earlier agreement, due to “significant uncertainty” on whether plans to build a heavy rare earth processing facility in Seadrif, Texas, would proceed.

The statement also stated that neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxides will have a floor price of US$110 per kg under the arrangement.

For comparison, its benchmark price generally hovered between US$60 and US$80 per kg last year, though it briefly reached as high as US$128 per kg this year.

The mineral is a crucial raw ingredient for making powerful magnets needed for electric motors, actuators, and other applications.

Bloomberg Intelligence reported on March 2 that China dominates 90 percent of the world’s NdPr supply, but upcoming supplies from Australia and the US are likely to slash China’s market share to 69 percent by 2030.

Lynas mines rare earth minerals from Mt Weld, West Australia, processes them, and then ships them for refining and separation into rare earth oxides at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

The facility in Gebeng is not only capable of producing light rare earth elements but is also the only significant producer of heavy rare earth elements outside China, and therefore the only producer not subject to China’s export controls on critical minerals.

However, the facility has faced significant opposition from environmental activists, particularly on issues surrounding the disposal of radioactive residue from its water leach purification (WLP) process.

Putrajaya granted the facility a 10-year extension of its licence beginning March 3, but on the condition that it reduces the radioactivity of the WLP residue below regulatory limits by extracting the radioactive element thorium from the waste.

Lynas will also be required to complete the thorium extraction process in Australia before shipping it for further processing in Malaysia. - Malaysiakini, 19/3/2026

 

MP SPEAKS | Lynas' 10-year licence renewal: Addressing four key areas of concern

Chang Lih Kang

Published:  Mar 24, 2026 3:00 PM

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Updated: 2:21 PMP SPEAKS | The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry remains committed to a transparent and responsible approach. We have outlined responses to the four key areas of concern on Lynas’ 10-year licence extension below:

1. Safety of the permanent disposal facility

The facility’s design strictly adheres to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under IAEA General Safety Guide No GSG-1 (Classification of Radioactive Waste), Water Leach Purification (WLP) residue is classified as Very Low Level Waste (VLLW). This category of waste can be safely managed through engineered surface landfill facilities.

These facilities are specifically designed to safely contain waste with radioactivity levels above “exempted” limits. WLP residue, which contains natural radionuclides, has a radioactivity level of approximately six Bq/g, well within the safety threshold for VLLW.

In addition, a flood risk assessment was incorporated into the environmental impact assessment (EIA). The findings confirmed that, due to appropriate ground elevation and land treatment during project development, the site is not exposed to significant flood risks.

2. Timeline for thorium extraction

Scaling thorium extraction from laboratory to industrial level is a complex engineering process that typically takes up to seven years. However, the government has mandated that Lynas complete this transition within five years.

The licence will be subject to a comprehensive review after this initial five-year period. During this time, Lynas must meet the following milestones:

• By June 3, 2026: Submit the upgrade plan for the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng, Pahang;

• From March 3, 2028: Begin physical construction and facility modification;

• By March 2, 2031: Cease all production of new WLP radioactive residue.

The Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia) will strictly monitor compliance through continuous enforcement, including performance checks and environmental sampling.

The Environment Department will also oversee compliance under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Failure to meet these conditions may result in licence revocation.

3. Management of radioactive waste

The “cracking and leaching” process has been a longstanding concern, as it generates WLP residue. Previous approaches focused on the long-term storage of this waste through permanent disposal facilities.

Under the current licence conditions, a clear end-point has been established: Lynas must stop producing WLP residue by March 2, 2031. All WLP generated between March 2026 and March 2031 must undergo thorium extraction, reducing its radioactivity from approximately six Bq/g to below one Bq/g, effectively rendering it non-radioactive.

Importantly, Lynas is no longer permitted to construct any new permanent disposal facilities. This ensures that, beyond 2031, no additional radioactive waste will accumulate in Malaysia, providing a long-term resolution to this issue.

The cracking and leaching process is also carried out in Kalgoorlie, Australia, where it produces iron phosphate residue. Mastery of this process is critical for Malaysia’s advancement in the rare earth value chain, enabling a shift from raw extraction to high-value processing and refining.

4. Real-time monitoring and transparency

To enhance transparency, the ministry and the Atomic Energy Department have made the Environmental Radiation Monitoring System (ERMS) accessible to the public. Real-time environmental radiation data can be viewed here and here.

The government remains committed to strict oversight, ensuring that radioactive waste does not continue to accumulate in Malaysia.

---

CHANG LIH KANG is the MP for Tanjung Malim and science, technology and innovation minister.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. - Malaysiakini, 24/3/2026

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Right for Anthony Loke to rebuke Guan Eng and Chow? Will Malaysians lose their freedom of expression/opinion if they join political parties?

Has DAP also fallen prey to NEO-FEUDALISM - is it no more DEMOCRATIC? Is it now a party where what party leaders(incumbent) says is what all members must agree and follow...NO room for alternative views or most importantly views critical of party leadership???   

This QUESTION arises when ANTHONY LOKE asked Guan Eng and Penang Chief Minister to stop discussing in public - was he saying that DAP members should no longer express themselves about issues in public even it is a matter of public interest? 

Can DAP members not be allowed to express themselves in public - only restricted to expressing themselves within the party - and thereafter only BOUND by party position, even if they have a different opinion? 

In Malaysia, sadly many still have a 'neo-feudalistic' mindset - once we elect a President and leaders of societies and even political parties - members are 'blindly loyal' to the incumbent leadership - and many even do not speak up when 'leaders' make mistakes or say things that they feel was wrong - and this is 'undemocratic' behaviour. In a democratic association, it is always the membership that are the 'BOSSES' and any member has the right to speak up when they disagree with actions/statements of the leadership. In a democratic society, leaders must always welcome different views - and listen to the majority views. POLITICAL parties too may have CERTAIN basic principles/values - only when party members break these 'fundamental principles', will the party react - with maybe a 'show cause letter, or other actions.

SO, when ANTHONY LOKE  '...rebuked his party adviser Lim Guan Eng over the latter's continued criticism of his successor, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow...' - was this because Guan Eng did something against the party's core principles? Or was it because party did not like the fact that Guan Eng was critical of a DAP leader.

WHO increased the QUIT RENT - surely it cannot be the Penang Chief MINISTER who initiated -- because to increase or decrease QUIT RENTS comes within the power of the LOCAL COUNCILS(Local Government) although now the State GOVERNMENT must approve any changes in RATES 

The local authority may, with the approval of the State Authority, from time to time as is deemed necessary, impose either separately or as a consolidated rate, the annual rate or rates within a local authority area for the purposes of this Act or for other purposes which it is the duty of the local authority to perform under any other written law. (Sec. 127 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1976)

So, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow approved the changes in RATE - Odd that the Local Councils who increased the rates have not been involved in this 'public discussion' that has been happening between Guan Eng and the Chief Minister?

Wonder whether a democratically elected by the people LOCAL Council(government/authority) would have CHANGED or increased the RATES. Now, the Local Council is still not democratically elected by the people, but are POLITICAL APPOINTEES of the State > so people chosen and appointed by the Chief Minister and his State Exco???

So, did CM Chow Kon Yeow 'tell' his political appointee Local Council to increase RATES, or did the decision to increase RATES come from the Local Councils themselves INDEPENDENTLY? in short, who is calling the shots - the Chief Minister or the Local Councils...[That is WHY we need LOCAL COUNCIL elections - as political appointee Local Councillors tend to do what the person who appointed wanted, and not what the people within Local Council wants. If the Local Council did wrong to the people, now we cannot VOTE them out - the only people we can VOTE out is the CM and the State Assemblypersons who formed the government...SO SAD]

NEXT QUESTION - HOW is the Local Council money being spent - it SHOULD NEVER be taken by the CM and used for STATE expenditure? When it is ONLY the Chief Minister 'fighting' with Guan Eng(and not the LOCAL COUNCILS), one wonders whether the STATE Government is going to get some of these LOCAL COUNCIL monies?? Check...check...how LOCAL Council monies are being used > Sadly, most Local Councils are NOT VERY TRANSPARENT about their accounts - how much collected annually, and HOW was it spent - was there ABUSE, was there wrongful 'donations' to the State Government?? At the very least, it should be on WEBSITES of Local Councils >>> Minister Nga Kor Ming...LOOK INTO THIS - Transparency and accountability? 

It was an issue about 'QUIT RENT' - and that is a matter of public interest, which anyone have a right to have a different view on. 

It was NOT even something against DAP core principle - so, I do not thing that ANTHONY LOKE should be angry about this public debate and discussion - because it is Guan Eng, at least the CM is responding...would he respond to some normal person from Penang? Guan Eng, in this case did GOOD...he highlighted the issue, which is an issue of concern for all people of Penang...  

So, Anthony LOKE's 'anger' - Does this especially apply ONLY to backbenchers of the party(or to ALL members), i.e. those who are ADUNs/MPs but not in the Cabinet or State Exco? Has Anthony LOKE forgotten about the role of backbenchers in our democracy - the duty to be an effective check and balance to the government - and surely the right to express their different views, including views critical of the government in PUBLIC - not confined to within the party? 

“Any disagreements, especially from backbenchers on State Government decisions, should be addressed through established internal mechanisms rather than aired publicly,” Loke said. 

What do you think about this statement? 

Now, is this how Anthony Loke and party leadership have been in the Pakatan Harapan? In Anwar's MADANI Government Coalition? 

Come to think of it, we have NOT heard much of Anthony Loke and DAP voice - Was this is TOTAL LOYALTY to Anwar - be quite even if you have a different opinion, or oppose Anwar's views? Now, after the loss in Sabah elections - we again hear a 'little' different opinion from DAP (or rather some in DAP?

If you do not SPEAK UP - then, people will say that DAP has LOST ITS VOICE - so DAP agrees that:-

A) The SEDITION ACT is OK and need not be repealed;

B) That is is OK for UITM to remain only accessible to BUMIPUTRA students - and NOT non-Bumiputra Students (Even though the contradiction was HIGHLIGHTED that foreign students are OK - but not Bumiputra students) - I would have asked for at a QUOTA for non-bumiputra students, and maybe a consideration that foreigners not be allowed.

C) That LYNAS get a 10 year license??

D) That there is NO ISSUE in the awarding of Malaysian Citizenship to foreign football players, and that Malaysia do not have to look into that issue of FORGED documents submitted to FIFA;

E)....

DAP is going to have a GENERAL Meeting - can DAP members TABLE other Motions - maybe even a MOTION of Disappointment against Anthony Loke and the leadership for its conduct when in Anwar Ibrahim led MADANI Government? OR DAP members CANNOT do anything without the approval of the current leadership?

The question now is should Malaysians JOIN political parties like DAP if joining means a LOSS of our Freedom of Expression and Opinion?  

Back to changes in RATES - did the Local Council act TRANSPARENTLY - were the people informed. Were those affected sent letters... or was it again 'not effectively' brought to the notice of those affected - WERE there OBJECTIONS? By not bringing effectively to the NOTICE of the people - then what happened in the Lynas case will happen again - where the Planning Permission was gazetted on 28/1/2022 and Tan was informed by letter only 21/4/2022 ... Is the DAP government just the same as past BN government,...? See earlier post on the Lynas Court of Appeal (https://charleshector.blogspot.com/)

See relevant provisions on the LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT - did the persons now 'complaining' know of the changes in TIME, so they could OBJECT and/or APPEAL to Court...??? 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1976 

141  Notice of new valuation list to be published 

(1) Where any Valuation List has been prepared or adopted under the provisions of section 137 the local authority shall give notice of the same and of the place where the Valuation List or a copy thereof may be inspected in the Gazette and by way of advertisement in two local newspapers at least one of which is in the national language.

 142  Objections

(1) Any person aggrieved on any of the following grounds-

(a) that any holding for which he is rateable is valued beyond its rateable value;

(b) that any holding valued is not rateable;

(c) that any person who, or any holding which, ought to be included in the Valuation List is omitted therefrom;

(d) that any holding is valued below its rateable value; or

(e) that any holding or holdings which have been jointly or separately valued ought to be valued otherwise;

may make objection in writing to the local authority at any time not less than fourteen days before the time fixed for the revision of the Valuation List.

(2) All objections shall be enquired into and the persons making them shall at such enquiry be allowed an opportunity of being heard either in person or by an authorised agent.

145  Appeals 

(1) Any person who having made an objection in the manner prescribed by section 142 or 144 is dissatisfied with the decision of the local authority thereon may appeal to the High Court by way of originating motion:

Provided that with the filing of the originating motion there shall be paid into the local authority the amount of the rate appealed against.

(2) The originating motion shall be filed by the person dissatisfied with the decision of the local authority within fourteen days of the receipt thereof.

(3) The local authority shall be the respondent in any appeal under this section.

(4) Every such appeal shall be heard before the High Court whose decision on questions of fact shall be final and conclusive.

(5) From the decision of the High Court either party may appeal on questions of law to the Federal Court whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

(6) In any appeal under subsection (5), the provisions of any written law for the time being in force relating to appeals in civil matters from the High Court in its appellate jurisdiction to the Federal Court shall apply.

 

NOTE - Again, there is problems with MY BLOG - have difficulty accessing it - and even copying links from the BLOG - Minister Fahmi Fadzil, please check and make sure that NO ONE is doing anything to suppress my BLOG. Confirm it is not your Ministry

‘Unhealthy and inappropriate’: Loke tells Guan Eng, Penang CM to end public spat on quit rent

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook (pictured) called for Lim Guan Eng and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to resolve their dispute over revised quit rent rates internally. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

By Malay Mail

Saturday, 21 Mar 2026 1:05 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook today called for an end to the public dispute between party veteran Lim Guan Eng and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow over the state’s revised quit rent rates, saying the matter should be resolved internally.

In a statement, Loke said the party leadership was “deeply concerned and disturbed” by the ongoing exchanges, and said internal differences over public policy should not be aired in a way that undermines the party’s own state government.

“This is an unhealthy and inappropriate way to address internal differences on public policy matters,” he said, adding that he would convene a meeting involving both leaders to resolve the matter amicably.

Loke said Lim, as a former DAP secretary-general and former Penang chief minister, should appreciate the importance of party discipline.

“Any disagreements, especially from backbenchers on State Government decisions, should be addressed through established internal mechanisms rather than aired publicly,” Loke said.

At the same time, he said Chow should take seriously the concerns raised, as they involve public interest and complaints from affected stakeholders.

He said any review of quit rent in commercial areas must be carried out in a “balanced, responsive, and considerate” manner, adding that quit rent involving educational institutions such as public schools should not be increased excessively and should instead be kept at a nominal rate.

Loke said the public spat must end so party leaders can refocus on serving the people rather than prolonging a dispute that has already drawn wide public attention.

The intervention follows a series of public exchanges over Penang’s revised 2026 quit rent structure, which the state government says took effect on January 1 this year and was introduced to correct disparities in rates that had not been reviewed since 1994.

Lim had earlier questioned cases of sharp increases, including one he said rose from RM6 to RM19,400 a year and another from RM745 to RM489,775, while arguing that the state government’s explanation had raised many doubts.

Chow has defended the revision, saying some cases highlighted publicly omitted key details such as land size and actual land use, and that the rates are based on land classification, size and current use.

The Penang government had offered a 50 per cent rebate on 2026 quit rent for all landowners, subject to minimum rates and conditions.

The state also fixed quit rent for school land at a nominal RM50 per title this year, excluding international schools.

On March 12, Chow said the state government had received 1,025 appeals over the revised rates. - Malaysiakini, 21/3/2026

Stop bickering in public, Loke orders Guan Eng, Chow

3 days ago

FMT Reporters

DAP chief says Lim Guan Eng's approach is 'highly inappropriate' but Penang CM Chow Kon Yeow should take serious note of his predecessor's concerns.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said he will organise a meeting between his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow to seek an amicable solution.

PETALING JAYA:

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has ordered former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng and his successor, Chow Kon Yeow, to put an end to their public spat over the state’s quit rent issue.

Loke said the DAP central leadership was deeply concerned by the pair’s public spat, describing it as an “unhealthy and inappropriate” manner to tackle internal differences on public policies.

He said Lim, as a former DAP secretary-general and former Penang chief minister, should understand the importance of maintaining party discipline.

Loke, the transport minister, said disagreements from state backbenchers should be conveyed through internal mechanisms rather than being aired publicly.

“Differences of opinion should not be expressed in a manner that undermines our own chief minister and the state government.

“At the same time, while Lim’s approach is highly inappropriate, Chow, as chief minister, should take serious note of the concerns raised, as they involve public interest and reflect grievances from various stakeholders,” he said in a statement.

Loke acknowledged the Penang government’s need to review quit rent rates in commercial zones, but said this must be done in a balanced and considerate manner.

“This public spat must come to an end, and party discipline must be upheld at all times. As DAP secretary-general, I will convene a meeting involving both leaders to resolve this matter amicably,” he said.

He said the focus of all DAP leaders must be on serving the people, urging them to avoid bickering in public and to seek constructive cooperation instead.

Over the past week, Lim and Chow have been engaged in a back and forth over the quit rent issue.

Chow said several landowners who publicly criticised the revised quit rent rates at a press conference held by Lim had left out key details such as lot size and the actual business or industrial use of their land.

He said some of the cases raised involved land used to store timber, place containers or park lorries, or utilised as used-car sales lots, or even to carry out factory-related activities.

Lim then urged Chow to personally inspect the compaints instead of relying only on feedback from land and mines officers, to which the chief minister replied that he trusted in the work of those officers. - FMT, 21/3/2026

 

Free Malaysia Today

35.1K Followers

Chow stands by state officers in quit rent row with Guan Eng

Story by Predeep Nambiar

• 5d •

2 min read

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow rejected Lim Guan Eng’s accusation of not being on the ground often enough, saying he regularly makes visits across the state.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has defended the data and advice from state officers on the controversial quit rent issue, saying he trusts their work.

He was responding to criticism from Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who urged him to look into the matter personally and questioned the reliability of information provided by officers from the land and mines office.

Speaking to reporters in Komtar, Chow dismissed the criticism, saying: “That is his interpretation (of the situation), which is totally wrong.”

He said mistakes, if any, would be rectified, and that more than 2,000 appeals on quit rent matters had been received, with over 500 already decided and the remainder to be reviewed after verification.

Chow also rejected Lim’s argument that the state could not carry out measures not listed in Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) 2023 election manifesto for Penang.

“A manifesto does not prevent a government from pursuing measures not listed in it,” he said, adding that new steps could be introduced according to the circumstances.

Yesterday, Lim said Chow had openly admitted that the new quit rent calculation system had caused rate increases ranging from hundreds- to thousands-fold.

He also asked how such steep hikes could be justified when they were not mentioned in PH’s election manifesto for Penang in 2023.

Chow rejected Lim’s claim that he was not on the ground often enough, saying he regularly made visits across the state and had not received many direct complaints about quit rent during his recent visits.

“Don’t worry, I’m always on the ground. Perhaps they didn’t want to highlight it to me. I did not see any issues about quit rent raised during my visits throughout Ramadan across all of Penang’s districts.

“Not that the people don’t have issues, but perhaps they did not highlight them to me. Don’t worry, we will continue reviewing appeals from the public,” he said.

Task force to prepare PIFC white paper, blueprint

Chow also said that a special task force had been set up to prepare a white paper and blueprint on the state government’s proposal to establish the Penang International Financial Centre, as part of efforts to turn Penang into a technology and finance hub.

The task force will be chaired by Chow, with the state secretary as deputy chairman, and include state officials, agencies and private sector representatives.

An international consulting firm will be appointed to assist in preparing the documents, which are targeted for submission to the finance ministry by the third quarter of this year.

Chow said recent capital outflows from Dubai and other parts of the Middle East had opened up opportunities for safer investment destinations in Asia.

He said three Penang-based companies had already responded to an earlier expression of interest exercise, although the initiative would not be limited to them and other parties could still be involved later. - MSN/FMT