Anwar chooses and appoints a Federal Court Judge as member of JAC - When will the recommendation of the Conference of Rulers be acted on?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim continues to pick and chose a Federal Court Judge to be appointed by the King as a new member of the Judicial Appointments Commission(JAC). Now, the Prime Minister picks and chooses 5 out of the 9 members of the JAC which means that even the judges recommended by the JAC itself can be persons that the Prime Minister wants if the 5 'political appointees' of the PM do his will.

Anwar, after becoming Prime Minister, was seen to talk about respect for the ROYALTY - but then, why has he yet to act on the demands of the Conference of Rulers that asked the Prime Minister's role in the appointment of members of the JAC be extinguished...

In its statement, the conference said the JAC in its present composition had weaknesses, adding that its membership was critical to ensure that only those with intergrity are appointed to judicial posts.

Presently, four of the nine JAC members are made up of senior judges, while the remaining five are appointees of the prime minister.

Tuanku Muhriz said a more balanced membership was needed so that appointments would not be biased towards any parties.

"To ensure the independence of JAC in carrying out its responsibilities, I propose that the appointment of its five members should not be made by the prime minister. 

"Instead it should be given to other institutions such as the Malaysian Bar Council, the Sabah Law Society, the Sarawak Bar Association and the Parliamentary Select Committee," he[Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on behalf of the Conference of Rulers] said. Malaysia Now, 30/11/2022

Anwar, considering the strong views of the Conference of Rulers, should have long amended the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009, so is this an indication of 'DISLOYALTY' to the Rulers? 

Mind you, these concerns have been raised by the Malaysian Bar when the JAC Bill was tabled, and has been reiterated by many others... 

Strengthening Independence of Judiciary - CJ Tengku Maimun, Nazri Aziz, Malaysian Bar, Anwar, etc all talking about it - REMOVE PM's role in choosing Judges? Constitutional Amendment needed, not simply review of Judicial Appointments Commission Act...

Chief Judge of Malaya - none since February 29? Why is Anwar delaying? Appoint NOW...

The JAC Act stipulates that the quorum shall be not less than 5, and that decisions are made by simple majority '

...the quorum shall not be less than five.

(6) Every member of the Commission present shall be entitled to one vote by secret ballot and in the event of a tie in the number of votes casted, the Chairman or the member of the Commission presiding as the Chairman for the meeting shall have a casting vote.

This means that the 5 political appointees of the PM can even meet alone without the others, and dictate exactly who the names they will recommend to the PM to be appointed Judges, Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, etc...This is but a possibility but we need to act to prevent it ever happening. 

It maybe that the 'political appointees' of the PM may actually act on their own paying no attention to the PM's preferences...but we should make this IMPOSSIBLE, that the PM can influence judicial appointments..

Anwar Ibrahim has been before the Courts, and he has been found guilty and sentenced by the Courts for criminal offences of corruption and even SODOMY. Was he not happy with these judges who did not side him, and had him convicted and denied his various applications in the past? Would he now want to ensure that JUDGES appointed will side with him/government? That is OUR Concern now...

Anwar Ibrahim is still in court proceedings - the sexual harassment suit by Yusoff Rawther, defamation suits, etc - The government is also in court, where Anwar is the Prime Minister. 

Would JUSTICE be done, or be SEEN to be done, if the Prime Minister is seen to be 'deciding' on who will be High Court Judges, Judges of the Court of Appeal, Judges of the Federal Court, the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, the President of the Court of Appeal, of the Chief Judges of the 2 High Courts?  

Will these judges be biased in favour of Anwar or the Government, to improve the chances of them being elevated or appointed heads of the Judiciary? 

Well, these judges MAY hear and decide based on evidence or law, and ignore Anwar's 'expectations' - but the problem is PERCEPTION of the Public - will the public be CONFIDENT that they will get a FAIR TRIAL before and INDEPENDENT Judge, more so when the other party is the Government or even Anwar himself? 

High Court judge Roz Mawar Rozain will now preside over Muhammed Yusoff Rawther’s sexual assault suit against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as the prime minister’s counterclaim. She takes over from High Court judge John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee, who has been transferred to the Alor Setar High Court. The June-trial dates set previously have been maintained. The court is slated to hear the matter from June 16 to 19, and June 23 to 25. It will also hear Anwar’s counterclaim.- Edge, 3/3/2025

The High Court has set Aug 13 and 14, and Aug 18 to Aug 21 this year for the defamation suit of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - Edge 6/1/2025

This is the very reason why the PRIME MINISTER must be totally removed from the entire process of selecting and advising the King on Judicial Appointments.

Further, since Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister, we have had investigations being commenced against Mahathir, his family, his Ministers in 1998 like Daim Zainuddin, against PM8 Muhyiddin Yasin, and recently investigation and 'allegations' against immediate past Prime Minister Ismail Sabri. 

At the same time, we are seeing criminal cases being dropped against Zahid, and civil suits being dropped against Riza(Najib's stepson.) Anwar, as Prime Minister, may not be involved in the decisions of the Public Prosecutor/Attorney General - but sadly public may see or perceive it differently.  

Of course, the dropping of the 1MDB suit is different for reasonably it can only be done with the consent or instruction of the Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim - who to date has yet to provide credible reasons for it.

Thus, the CJ's, the Malaysian Bar's and other's concern about the appointment and elevation of judges - i.e 'independence of the Judiciary' is a REAL issue which everyone must be most concerned with...and so must all of us. WE certainly do not want pro-Anwar or pro-Government judges appointed... 

Then, the courts will cease to be the place the people can confidently seeks justice...more so when it involves suits against the government, Anwar, or persons associated with him. 

Wonder why the Judge was changed in Yusoff Rawther's suit against Anwar -  Roz Mawar Rozain was appointed judge during the premiership of Anwar Ibrahim on 12/11/2024 - was she a Judge picked by PM Anwar Ibrahim alone? Or was she a Judge recommended by the JAC? If, and when the JAC made the recommendation, was it based on the 5 votes from the PM's political appointees on the JAC, or did she get a unanimous vote? 

Will the Yusoff Rawther-Anwar Ibrahim case receive a FAIR Trial by an independent judge? It may be better to retain High Court judge John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee, because a transferred judge can still come back to hear the case... John Lee Kien How was appointed Judicial Commissioner before Anwar became PM in March 2021...

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted an audience and handed over instruments of appointment to 25 judges at Istana Negara here... The other High Court judges were Leong Wai Hong; Noor Hisham Ismail; Roz Mawar Rozain; Wan Fadhilah Nor Wan Idris; Rofiah Mohamad; Wong Mee Ling; Datuk Raja Ahmad Mokhzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan; and Suria Kumar D.J. Paul.- Malay Mail, 12/11/2024

If I were the lawyer, in the case, I would advice an application to RECUSE(remove) Roz Mawar Rozain as the High Court Judge. I would certainly prefer a Judge appointed before Anwar became the Prime Minister - not a person that PM Anwar advised the King to appoint a Judge. Will Judge Ros Mawar recuse herself?

All, the more since there is now the issue of 'judicial independence' that has been raised by the CJ, Malaysian Bar and others...and there is a question whether Anwar followed the recommendation of the JAC when he advised the King to appoint Judges, OR did he advise the King to appoint as Judges persons not recommended by the JAC?

As I earlier mention, no good Judge or lawyer, would ever recommend a sitting Attorney General/Public Prosecutor to become a Federal Court Judge as happened with Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh - because we appreciate the fact that the INDEPENDENCE of the Public Prosecutor is just as important as that of a Judge, and we would not participate in any 'creative' premature removal of a sitting PP/Attorney General. If Terrirudin had already resigned some time ago as PP/AG, it will be different...

No to the appointment of current Public Prosecutor as Federal Court Judge or Chief Judge of Malaysia – Protect the Independence of Public Prosecutor and the Judiciary ### Another removal of the Public Prosecutor/Attorney General?

Was recent appointment of judges LEGAL? Was the JAC and/or Heads of Judiciary involved in premature removal of AG/PP? When will Anwar 'OBEY' Conference of Rulers?

The question now is HOW many Judges did PM Anwar Ibrahim appoint, that were not recommended by the JAC? Or did not receive unanimous support in the JAC? 

# When there was NO chief Judge of the High Court of Malaya - then, the JAC only had 8 members, of which 5 were appointees of the Prime Minister, and then 25 Judges were appointed - is this even possible? 

Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof appointed to JAC

Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof appointed to JAC

4 hours ago

V Anbalagan

However, she will only serve for six months.

Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof was appointed to the Judicial Appointments Commission by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pursuant to Section 5(1)(e) of the JAC Act.

PUTRAJAYA:

Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof has been appointed to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for six months, replacing Nallini Pathmanathan whose two-year tenure ended two months ago.

Zabariah’s name was included in the updated list of nine commission members published on JAC’s website.

Her appointment was made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pursuant to Section 5(1)(e) of the JAC Act.

Zabariah turned 66 – the mandatory retirement age for judges – on April 10. However, she received a six-month extension to remain in office from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim, and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli presently sit on the JAC as they hold the four top administrative posts in the judiciary.

Last year, the prime minister appointed four eminent persons to the JAC for a two-year term beginning Nov 1: former attorney-general Idrus Harun, former Federal Court judge Zainun Ali, former Sarawak attorney-general Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid, and Universiti Teknologi Mara law lecturer Hartini Saripan.

The JAC nominates the names of candidates for elevation and promotion to the prime minister as required under the JAC Act, which came into force in 2009.

The king then appoints judges on the advice of the prime minister after consulting the Conference of Rulers, as stated under Article 122B (1) of the Federal Constitution. - FMT, 23/4/2025

King confers appointment letters to 25 judges, including new Chief Judge of Malaya

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim hands appointment documents to Chief Justice of the High Court in Malaya Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohamed Hashim at the presentation ceremony and awarding of appointment documents for judges of the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court at Dewan Singgahsana Kecil, Istana Negara November 12, 2024. — Bernama pic

Tuesday, 12 Nov 2024 4:59 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted an audience and handed over instruments of appointment to 25 judges at Istana Negara here.

The ceremony, held at Dewan Singgahsana Kecil, began with the conferment of the appointment letter to the Chief Judge of Malaya, Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohamed Hashim, followed by Federal Court Judge, Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh.

His Majesty then conferred appointment letters to eight Court of Appeal judges, namely Datuk Noorin Badaruddin; Datuk Seri Mohd Firuz Jaffril; Datuk Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab; Datuk Faizah Jamaludin; Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid; Datuk Ismail Brahim; Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh and Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim hands appointment documents to Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh at the presentation ceremony and awarding of appointment documents for judges of the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court at Dewan Singgahsana Kecil, Istana Negara November 12, 2024. — Bernama pic

 

Fifteen High Court judges among them Azizan Md Arshad; Narkunavathy Sundareson; Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin; Jamhirah Ali; Noor Hayati Mat; Azlan Sulaiman and Kenneth Yong Ken Chinson St. James also received their instruments of appointment at the ceremony.

The other High Court judges were Leong Wai Hong; Noor Hisham Ismail; Roz Mawar Rozain; Wan Fadhilah Nor Wan Idris; Rofiah Mohamad; Wong Mee Ling; Datuk Raja Ahmad Mokhzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan; and Suria Kumar D.J. Paul.

Also present to witness the ceremony were Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said; Court of Appeal, president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim; and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli.
 

Also in attendance were the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; Chief Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia, Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Zamri Bakar; and Judicial Appointments Commission secretary, Salinah Ismail.

After the conferment of the appointment letters, His Majesty graciously posed for a photograph with the newly appointed judges. — Bernama - Malay Mail, 12/11/2024

 

Oppose FIXED TERM for Prime Ministers if it means that Anwar can remain PM until GE16 even if he loses majority support of MPs? Let us see what the actual REFORMS the government is going to propose..

Oppose government proposal for FIXED TERM Prime Minister unless the  the requirement for the PM to resign if and when he loses the confidence of the majority of MPs still remains.

This may be, if I am not wrong, an attempt to ensure the Prime Minister remains the Prime Minister for the entire time from one General Election to the next. This means even a PM who loses the support of majority MPs will continue to remain Prime Minister - and this is so wrong...We must see what exactly is being proposed whether it is just to fix the maximum term limit, or an attempt to ensure that a PM can remain PM even if he/she loss the majority support of MPs...We will discuss both.

Now, in Malaysia, a Prime Minister is chosen by the Members of Parliament/MP(that represents the people in the respective Constituency - the peoples' representative). A MP who gets the support of the majority of MPs, i.e. more than 50% of MPs, is appointed Prime Minister. If he/she at any time loses the support of the majority of MPs, he/she will have to resign or ask the King to dissolve Parliament leading the way to a new General Elections - the King decides, and if he decides not to dissolve Parliament, will appoint a NEW Prime Minister, who has the support of the majority.

We do not want a Prime Minister, even Anwar Ibrahim, to remain the Prime Minister if he loses the support of the majority of the MPs, i.e. the majority support of the people. It will be FOOLISH to suffer under an unwanted Prime Minister.

## Sadly, in Malaysia, one wonders whether MPs truly act as peoples' representatives, or whether they act based on party orders, or personal 'benefits'(which include monies, Cabinet positions, or positions in some GLCs or government bodies - which provide monies and power). Should we make illegal any agreement or provisions in Party Constitution that 'forces' a MP to do only as ordered/instructed by party including his/her support for a person to be a Prime Minister - that 'confidence' naturally must be up to the MP only - there must be no threat or inducement for his/her personal 'confidence' that someone should be or remain or be removed as Prime Minister. 

Does Anwar still have the support of the majority of MPs - maybe at the begining of every new Parliamentary SESSION, the 1st thing that ought to be done after the royal address is a VOTE to prove that Anwar still enjoys the confidence of the majority...what do you think?

Of late, during the PN-BN reign, when Muhyiddin lost the support of the majority presumably - Ismail Sabri from the same coalition became the new Prime Minister - as he had the majority support of the MPs. When Mahathir allegedly lost the support of the majority of MPs when BERSATU and several MPs left the PH, he rightfully resigned - and left it to MPs as to who a majority of them to be the Prime Minister. [This is what happens in most democracies - PMs change when they lose majority support...]

UNLESS, there is an OVERHAUL that maybe now allows the people to VOTE and chose a Prime Minister, as they do in Republic Models like the US and Turkey - where the President is chosen by the people through elections for a fixed term - If Anwar Ibrahim stood for elections, and the people could vote for the Prime Minister, would he be elected? A vote for PH during GE15 should not be interpreted as a vote for Anwar Ibrahim to be Prime Minister. 

Personally, I prefer the people deciding on who should be Prime Minister - rather than leaving it to MPs, who tend to follow party orders rather than their own personal position or the position of his/her constituents - the people. 

Changing the SYSTEM also means a more effective separation between the Executive branch of Government, and the Legislative Branch(Parliament)

The government first came up with a proposal of LIMITING the term of the Prime Minister to 2 terms, but now something else creeps in, i.e. FIXED term of Prime Minister - again, this is not right, for who will be Prime Minister and remain Prime Minister depends on who gets the MAJORITY SUPPORT of the MPs( i.e. the people through their peoples' representative) - so, if an MP like Mahathir continued to get majority support, why should he not be Prime Minister? 

'LIMITING TERM' was first raised, but now, it seems it is also about FIXED TERM for the Prime Minister...maybe that was the real OBJECT - so, Anwar Ibrahim can remain PM until GE16, even if lose majority support. What do you think?  I could be wrong.

The government will refer its proposal to introduce a fixed-term limit for the prime minister to all political parties.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the move was necessary as the change would have far-reaching implications on the country's political system and leadership structure.

"Before we can proceed with drafting the law, we must secure feedback and consensus from all political parties.

Why only the views of POLITICAL PARTIES - seek the view of ALL people of Malaysia... A referendum maybe??

In US and Turkey, there is the Presidential Elections where ALL the people (not just MPs) vote to choose the President. Should we have a similar system in Malaysia - where the Prime Minister is elected by the people? Maybe, we should call it 'PRESIDENT' rather than Prime Minister...

Then, the President decides on his/her OWN 'Cabinet' - whereby the names of President's nominees for Cabinet position will be tabled in Parliament - and will need Parliament approval - good idea, as today, some of our Ministers really may not be the BEST choice. In that system, there is NO requirement for a member of Cabinet to be a MP or Senator - that means the President/Prime Minister can bring in who he considers BEST for the said position - better maybe.

A change into a Presidential system also may be better - as it clearly separates the Executive Branch of Government from the Legislature(Parliament) - so Parliament will not have MP who is Prime Minister or Minister >> and so all MPs will then be able to play the 'check and balance' role to monitor the Executive branch(PM and his Cabinet) - Now, in Malaysia, because of a large Cabinet, how many MPs are both in the Executive and in Parliament?

Elections in Turkey are held for six functions of government: presidential elections (national), parliamentary elections (national), municipality mayors (local), district mayors (local), provincial or municipal council members (local) and muhtars (local).  

## A muhtar is the elected village head in villages of Turkey..  Muhtars and their village councils  are elected during local elections for five years. However, political parties are not permitted to nominate candidates for these posts.

In Malaysia, DEMOCRACY ought to be prioritized - people should elect, end 'political appointments'

1 - Restore LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Local Council Elections) - People elect the Mayor/President of Local Councils, and the Local Councillors. ...just like Turkey and elsewhere.

2. Enable Local Community Elections at the kampung,, kampung Barus and Taman levels (like in Turkey, where the term is for 5 years) In Malaysia, it may better if the term is for 2-3 years. Such election also happen in neighbouring Thailand. Like in Turkey, for this level, maybe political parties not allowed to contest.

3 - Election of SENATORS  by the people 

Malaysian Senate has 70 senators of whom 26 are elected by the state legislative assemblies, with two senators for each state, while the other 44 are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia), including four who are appointed to represent the federal territories. In short, the majority of the Senators will always be political appointees of the Federal Government - making it to unlikely be a workable 'check and balance' of the Executive(PM and Cabinet) - a problem with political appointees??? So, just ABOLISH Senate or allow the people to elect Senators directly.We can have ELECTION for Senators - the Constitution says so. Will Senate oppose government proposals? Yes, when there are a change of government, when the old government appointed Senators still remain - noting their term is fixed for 3 years. After GE14, in the early stage we had this situation... After GE15, the problem seem to be not so evident...

Art 45(4) Federal Constitution Parliament may by law—

(a) increase to three the number of members to be elected for each State;

(b) provide that the members to be elected for each State shall be so elected by the direct vote of the electors of that State;

(c) decrease the number of appointed members or abolish appointed members.

Maybe, we should also consider AGE LIMIT for Prime Minister, and Ministers. In Malaysia, the retirement age for Judges is 66 years, and there is a rationale there - AGE affects capacity, mental ability, etc in some cases Should we limit the AGE of Prime Ministers, to not more than 66 or maybe 70? 

Oops, Anwar is now 77???  Has AGE affected his competency - do they have a law requiring medical and psychological evaluation be done annually? Dementia can affect the quality of leadership - and no one is generally safe from some of these 'old age' ailments. Anwar fumbled in a TV interview in recognizing Israel, and its right to self-defence...Zahid also fumbled at a Palestinian rally shouting 'Hidup Israel' Should we ensure HEALTH of PM and Ministers, for after all they make very important decisions affecting the Malaysian people - a mandatory annual health check-up, results to be submitted to Parliament? 

Govt seeks feedback from all political parties on fixed term for PM

By Luqman Hakim - April 21, 2025 @ 1:31pm

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the move was necessary as the change would have far-reaching implications on the country’s political system and leadership structure.- NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM

PUTRAJAYA: The government will refer its proposal to introduce a fixed-term limit for the prime minister to all political parties.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the move was necessary as the change would have far-reaching implications on the country's political system and leadership structure.

"Before we can proceed with drafting the law, we must secure feedback and consensus from all political parties.

"This is not a unilateral decision. Any law affecting political leadership must be discussed thoroughly with those directly involved," she said.

Azalina said the idea of limiting a prime minister's tenure to two terms, or introducing a fixed-term system, could not be viewed in isolation as it would also impact state-level leadership, including the chief minister and menteri besar.

"A law like this must consider both federal and state implications. If we decide on a fixed-term prime minister, what about the states? Will the same principle apply to the heads of state governments?" she said.

She added that the proposal had received generally positive initial responses from political parties, but Putrajaya was still awaiting written feedback.

"We've already engaged with several parties, and they've been given time to study the proposal and submit their views in writing.

"Most seem supportive in principle, but the finer details, such as scope, definitions and implementation, still need thorough discussion," she said.

Azalina said the government remains committed to a democratic and consultative approach in implementing reforms, including those concerning political financing.

"Political financing laws, too, cannot just apply at the federal level. They must also address implications for state elections and campaign funding structures," she added.

She said consultations with relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Election Commission, were ongoing as part of the engagement process.- NST, 21/4/2025

 

Malaysia’s third push for a two-term PM limit: What led to this, and how does it compare globally?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaking at the 18th DAP National Congress at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Shah Alam on March 16, 2025 — Picture by Firdaus Latif

By Dhesegaan Bala Krishnan

Saturday, 05 Apr 2025 7:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has openly backed a proposal to cap the Malaysian prime minister’s tenure at two terms or 10 years.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who mooted the idea at the party’s national congress last week, urged Anwar to push for the reform within the next two years.

To date, only two of Malaysia’s 10 prime ministers have served for more than 10 years: the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman (1955-1969) and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who holds the record as the longest-serving prime minister with 22 years in office during his first tenure (1981-2003).

An undated photograph shows Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim meeting with the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. To date, only two of Malaysia’s 10 prime ministers have served for more than 10 years: the country’s first premier Tunku Abdul Rahman (1955-1969) and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who holds the record as the longest-serving prime minister with 22 years in office. — Picture from Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim

 

How did the idea come about?

Setting a two-term limit for the prime minister has long been a pledge of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.

In December 2019, the PH government led by Dr Mahathir tabled a bill to amend the Federal Constitution and introduce the reform. However, the bill was withdrawn in August 2020 after a unanimous Cabinet decision under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.

The proposal resurfaced in September 2021, when then-prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob agreed to introduce a 10-year limit in exchange for opposition support for his government.

A draft Bill was reportedly ready for tabling in February 2022, but it never materialised, as Parliament was dissolved in October that year ahead of the 15th general election.

Anwar’s most recent push was however opposed by Islamist party PAS, with president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang claiming that limiting the prime minister’s tenure “goes against God’s will” since the post should not be “a temporary position to be passed around”.

This was despite PAS previously supporting a similar proposal back in 1999 when it was part of the Barisan Alternatif coalition.

Experts believe capping the prime minister's term would not require the consent of the Conference of Rulers. — Picture by Hari Anggara.

What is the constitutional process?

Legal experts say implementing a two-term limit will require an amendment to Article 43 of the Federal Constitution.

Article 43(2)(a) states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall appoint as prime minister a member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, commands the confidence of the majority in the House.

In the 2019 draft bill, the PH government sought to add an additional criterion: “...who has not at any time held the office of PM for two terms at Parliament.”

Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood, a law expert from Multimedia University, said the amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer Bastian Pius Vendargon said it would also need the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as well as a two-thirds majority in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.

However, both experts agreed that the amendment would not require the consent of the Conference of Rulers since it does not affect their rights or privileges.

“Article 38(2)(c) of the Federal Constitution allows the Conference of Rulers to deliberate on laws and policy matters, but this is different from requiring their consent.

“Their approval is only necessary for certain categories of legislation, such as citizenship rights,” Bastian said.

In Asean, both Thailand and Indonesia have already capped the terms of their prime ministers. — Bernama pic

Countries with term limits for top office

In the United States, the president can only serve a maximum of two four-year terms. This was introduced under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which came into effect six years after the country’s longest-serving president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, died in 1945 after 13 years in office.

Closer to home, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines also have term limits.

In Thailand, a prime minister can only serve a maximum of eight years, whether consecutively or non-consecutively. This was implemented in the country’s 2017 Constitution.

Indonesia limits both its president and vice-president to two five-year terms, or 10 years. Prior to capping the presidential term limit in 1999, Indonesia was ruled by only two leaders — President Sukarno and General Suharto — for over 50 years.

The Philippines enforces an even stricter rule, capping the presidency at a single six-year term. The restriction was introduced in 1987, following the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country for 20 years. - Malay Mail, 5/4/2025

 

Interesting, Anwar's FB Post removes background song - about a deceiver who uses 'religious quotes'? Was it true about Anwar? - I refuse to let you deceive me any longer ???

English

Translation

Quoting Buddha

You walked up to me looking sad,

you said we couldn’t go on,

you told me I was too good for you

Your

https://lyricstranslate.com/en/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%94-quoting-buddha.html

English

Translation

Quoting Buddha

You walked up to me looking sad,

you said we couldn’t go on,

you told me I was too good for you

Your

https://lyricstranslate.com/en/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%94-quoting-buddha.html

https://lyricstranslate.com/en/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%94-quoting-buddha.html

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s official Facebook page deletes video of Thailand visit with Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra after public stir over use of Thai song "Om Phra Ma Phut".

It was interesting that a news report said that Anwar Ibrahim's FB Page post about his recent visit removed the song Om Pra Mah Poot  and replaced it with another. So, I looked up the song and lyrics - and it was interesting as it was about a UNTRUSTWORTHY person that deceives - in some way, this maybe how some who chose to vote for PH in 2022 GE15 may be feeling today... What do you think? I do not think it was removed because it mentions 'Buddhist quotes' - I think it was about the LYRICS 

 I don’t believe the Buddhist quotes of a wolf in sheep’s clothing like you, everyone warned me not to carelessly give you my heart, but I didn’t listen

 I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes, I can’t trust the face of a tiger, experience has carved the heart of many people, have you ever counted?

Even though I still love you, everyone knows and can tell that, but I refuse to let you deceive me any longer 

I want to go far away tomorrow, I don’t want to see anyone who has a black heart, I won’t believe anyone who memorizes a speach

Was Thaksin also offended by the choice of song? Or was it just Anwar? One wonders...

“อมพระมาพูด (Om Pra Mah Poot)” by Sek Loso

Posted by Tahmnong on April 15, 2014

Posted in: Lyric Translations. Tagged: English translation, Sek loso. 4 comments

Title: อมพระมาพูด / Om Pra Mah Poot (Quoting Buddha)
Artist: Sek Loso
Album: Sek Loso the Collection
Year: 2005

เธอเดินมาหาฉันหน้าเศร้า เธอบอกว่าเราไปกันไม่ได้ เธอบอกกับฉันดีเกินไปสำหรับเธอ
Tur dern mah hah chun nah sao tur bauk wah rao bpai gun mai dai tur bauk gup chun dee gern bpai sumrup tur
You walked up to me looking sad, you said we couldn’t go on, you told me I was too good for you
คำพูดเธอนั้นมันง่ายดี ยังโง้นยังงี้ทำหน้าตา ทำเหมือนว่าฉันเป็นผักปลาไม่ใช่คน
Kum poot tur nun mun ngai dee yung ngohn yung ngee tum nah dtah tum meuan wah chun bpen puk bplah mai chai kon
Your words were so simple, doing this and that in front of me, acting like I’m a plate of fish and vegetables and not a person

(*) แสร้งทำเป็นดี บอกไม่มีไม่มีใครใหม่ อยากจะพักหัวใจ ไม่อยากให้ใครมาพัวพัน
Saeng tum bpen dee bauk mai mee mai mee krai mai yahk ja puk hua jai mai yahk hai krai mah pua pun
Pretending to be good, telling me you don’t have someone new, that you want to give your heart a rest and that you don’t want to get involved with anyone

(**) อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ หน้าเนื้อใจเสืออย่างเธอ ใครเตือนไม่ฟังว่าอย่าเผลอมีใจให้
Om pra mah poot gor mai cheua nah neua jai seua yahng tur krai dteuan mai fung wah yah plur mee jai hai
I don’t believe the Buddhist quotes of a wolf in sheep’s clothing like you, everyone warned me not to carelessly give you my heart, but I didn’t listen
อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ หน้าใสใจเสือเชื่อไม่ได้ ประวัติโชคโชนเฉือดใจมากี่คน เคยนับบ้างไหม
Om pra mah poot gor mai cheua nah sai jai seua cheua mai dai bprawut chohk chohn cheuat jai mah gee kon koey nup bahng mai
I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes, I can’t trust the face of a tiger, experience has carved the heart of many people, have you ever counted?

ถึงแม้ว่าฉันยังรักอยู่ ใครๆก็รู้ก็ดูออก แต่จะไม่ยอมให้เธอหลอกอีกต่อไป
Teung mae wah chun yung ruk yoo krai krai gor roo gor doo auk dtae ja mai yaum hai tur lauk eek dtor bpai
Even though I still love you, everyone knows and can tell that, but I refuse to let you deceive me any longer
พรุ่งนี้จะขอไปให้ไกล ไม่อยากเจอใครที่ใจดำ จะไม่เชื่อคนที่น้ำคำจำใส่ใจ
Proong nee ja kor bpai hai glai mai yahk jur krai tee jai dum ja mai cheua kon tee num kum jum sai jai
I want to go far away tomorrow, I don’t want to see anyone who has a black heart, I won’t believe anyone who memorizes a speach

(*,**,*,**,**)

เคยนับบ้างไหม
Koey nup bahng mai
Have you ever counted?
อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ
Om pra mah poot gor mai cheua om pra mah poot gor mai cheua om pra mah poot gor mai cheua
I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes, I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes, I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes,
อมพระมาพูดก็ไม่เชื่อ ไม่เชื่อ ไม่เชื่อ ไม่เชื่อ ไม่เชื่อ
Om pra mah poot gor mai cheua mai cheua mai cheua mai cheua mai cheua
I don’t believe your Buddhist quotes, I don’t believe, I don’t believe, I don’t believe, I don’t believe

Source:  https://deungdutjai.com/2014/04/15/ompramahpootsek/

Anwar’s official page deletes Thai visit video

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2025

1 minute read

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s official Facebook page deletes video of Thailand visit with Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra after public stir over use of Thai song "Om Phra Ma Phut".

The official Facebook page of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as ASEAN Chair, recently posted a video summarising his official visit to Thailand from April 17 to 18. During the visit, he met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The video quickly gained attention—not for its diplomatic content, but for its background music: the Thai song “Om Phra Ma Phut” (“Swear on Buddha’s Name”), a rock ballad famously performed by Sek Loso (Seksan Sukpimai) and Bird Thongchai McIntyre, two of Thailand’s most iconic artists.

As of 12 pm on Saturday, April 19, the video was quietly removed from the page, fueling public speculation over the song’s inclusion.

Some observers believe the track may have been selected by the Malaysian media team without fully grasping its cultural and linguistic nuances. Others argue that such a misstep in an official communication from a head of government is improbable.

The phrase “Om Phra Ma Phut” is commonly used in Thai to emphasise sincerity, akin to saying “I swear to God.” However, in the song’s context, it is used sarcastically, with the narrator expressing deep scepticism toward a partner's repeated lies—even swearing on Buddha’s name is no longer enough to regain trust.

The video was later reuploaded, but this time the song “Om Phra Ma Phut” was replaced with “Yarm Yen” (Love at Sundown),” a royal composition by His Majesty King Rama IX. - Nation, 19/4/2025

Jesus calls us all to be Human Rights Defenders - and to do so without fear. The risk is HIGH for the evil may retaliate - arrest, detention, torture and even loss of life - A personal reflection?

Being a Christian means we should all be committed to action in upholding the cause of justice without fear and favour, remembering that was what Jesus taught us in words and action - not to simply be concerned about ourselves, and ignore the wrongs in society.. for the ultimate objective is to ensure that God's will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. And surely God does not tolerate injustice, human rights violation, discrimination, abuse of power, corruption, etc... Jesus and the prophets set the example in how they lived their lives... Will we also follow Jesus to do what we can in this mission for justice

 

And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

This is the time when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus(Good Friday) and his rising from death(Easter Sunday) - but it is important to understand what it means to follow Jesus...does it just means praying, and doing nothing else... in the society/world that we live...UNFORTUNATELY, it is not - it is an active participation in the world - the 'upholding of justice without fear and favour' - the speaking out  and acting against the wrongs and rights violations...

Of course, it may translate in anger especially of those in authority - and, in the case of Jesus, what he did resulted in the wrath of the the local leaders, and also the Roman colonial government at that time - arrest, detention, torture and execution...

To better understand Jesus, it is crucial to understand the situation of the land where Jesus lived in... Palestine then was colonized by the Romans, and the Roman in charge was Pontius Pilate...

In administration of the region, some minimal power was given to the locals - but it was limited. For example, they did not have the power to EXECUTE anyone, and that is why they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate to get him to execute or CRUCIFY Jesus, the mode of execution at that time - and Pontius Pilate ordered the crucifixion.

Similarities today is with West Bank, where the Palestinians have limited power, and the main power still is with the Israeli Zionist regime...

Thus, Jesus was arrested and taken to the LOCAL leadership, - the High Priest, Scribes and Elders...

⁵⁷ Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had assembled. ⁵⁸ Peter, however, followed him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard. He went inside and sat down with the servants to see how this would end.

⁵⁹ Meanwhile, the high priests and the whole Council^[ac] were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order to have him put to death.

As they did not have the power to execute - they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate

27 When morning came, all the high priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put him to death. ² They bound him with chains, led him away, and handed him over to Pontius^[a] Pilate, the governor.

  ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas for them, but he had Jesus whipped and handed over to be crucified. - Matthew 27

There were different 'classes' like the 'religious' PHARISEES, Sadducee, priests, scribes, zealots

There were different ethnic groups in Palestine then - Jews, Samaritans,etc

It was a Patriarchal Society and also an ethnically discriminatory society, where also certain people were seen to be dirty - tax collectors, sick(lepers,etc) 

But, JESUS was a Human Rights Defender that did not remain silent or 'BLIND" to the injustices around him - he SPOKE OUT, and in some cases acted...So, naturally, these people were angry with Jesus, more so when they saw that he was gaining more and more followers/supporters - thus FALSE allegations, arrest, detention, torture and finally DEATH 

²³ “How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cummin, but have neglected the more important matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.^[p] These are the things you should have practiced, without neglecting the others. ²⁴ You blind guides! You filter out a gnat, yet swallow a camel!

²⁵ “How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but on the inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup,^[q] so that its outside may also be clean.

²⁷ “How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead people’s bones and every kind of impurity. ²⁸ In the same way, on the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. - Matthew 23

11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.- Matthew 16

¹² Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’^[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’^[b]” - Matthew 21

So, as Christians, and followers of Jesus - we have a DUTY to follow him, and actively ensure that God's Will be done on earth as it is in heaven - not just focus on prayer, ignorant to what is happening around you, and hoping that is enough...

your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven. - Matthew 6

This is but a personal reflection - but the hope that it moves more people to act against injustice, rights violations, abuses, corruption...

Happy Easter everyone...

In fact, in my opinion, the call is similar in all other religions and faiths - that same CALL for us all to root out INJUSTICE and Rights Violations - and Build a World where JUSTICE reigns. So, I call all to join in upholding the cause of Justice without fear or favour.

1MDB-Riza Aziz? Petronas Gas Pipeline? SAPURA Energy to settle debts to vendors? RM8.3 Billion to settle debts of Felda Settlers? - No WHITE PAPER even, or issues outstanding with no real action by government or PM Anwar?

BIG Problems when the government, including the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, FAILS to deal with issues completely, diverts attention to some aspects ignoring more important questions, and lets time lapse hoping that Malaysians FORGET and move on to other issues... not even a government WHITE PAPER(the government's explanation to the people), Royal Commission of Inquiry(RCI), Parliamentary Investigation,...

 

The problem with Media Reports or Social Media Posts is that Anwar or some other Minister can always later deny it - saying that it was mis-reporting, done by others without their consent/knowledge - that is why we need MEDIA STATEMENTS or OFFICIAL Statements on official government websites issued by Anwar and the Ministers concerned - not some 'aide' or 'secretary', or an official government WHITE PAPER...

 

PETRONAS Gas Pipeline Tragedy - What was shocking was that houses/buildings were permitted to be built so close to such a dangerous(now we know after the accident) Gas Pipelines - where the risk is not just explosion/fire/extreme heat, but also consequence of gas LEAKS that may impact our health. 

To date, the governments have been focused on HELPING the victims, even providing temporary alternative housing whilst they wait for permanent homes. BUT what happened, who is responsible, etc NOT dealt with yet. What will be done to affect future tragedy?

What was NOT addressed?

1 - The current SAFETY standards - was it violated? If yes, how and was it permitted by some government(Federal/State/Local Government)? Is there a need to REVISE the said standards/regulations, after this accident - noting that damage by reason of HEAT occurred at a distance of even about 300 meters or more? Should the gas pipeline security corridors breadth be increased to be at least 500 meters from existing gas pipelines? 

2 - Following this 'mishap', a good government should be concerned for the safety and well being of the people all along this gas pipeline? We cannot wait until other accidents happen - the action should be PROACTIVE actions now - should the government acquire all property/houses/shops/buildings that are less than 500 meters away from these gas pipelines, meaning all owners will be given adequate compensation and new land/premises? We cannot just IGNORE this, and hope that there will be no more gas pipeline explosions in the future? Is there any LRT, KTM Rail or even roads that are now above or near these pipelines - ROW(Right of Way) may be the justification - but remember the HEIGHT of these fires, and the distance HEAT damage was suffered. These are not gas pipelines that supply gases to homes like in some countries, but HIGH PRESSURED gas pipelines transporting gas to Independent Power Producers, TNB and Gas Malaysia(who apparently then have their own pipelines where they supply gas to certain factories/industrial premises). Different types of gas pipelines in Malaysia, and thus different standards for safety may apply?

3.  After the Bright Sparklers incident, a Royal Commission of Inquiry was held, and there after new laws were enacted - like the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, and new standards was put in place to ensure SAFETY of not just those in factories/workplaces but also people living close by?  Should we set up a ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY? Should Parliament set up a Committee to look into the accident - and suggest improvements to standards/laws to better protect the lives and property of Malaysians? 

4.  The Minister who ought to be primarily responsible is the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, or some other - but to date, their responses have been found wanting. 

WHY? No houses/development unless the Local Government approves? No land can be used for commercial or housing without the State Government's approval..

No RIGHT OF WAY(ROW) activities for the building or pipes, sewage facilities or working close or on the pipelines without the Local Government Approval, and maybe some other departments/Ministries... BUT to date, what caused the accident remains a mystery, and no RESPONSE on revising standards/practices yet?

Nga Kor Meng(Minister of Housing and Local Government) or some Minister should be leading/coordination gas pipeline 'disaster'. - Now, ODDLY no Minister taking the lead, but POLICE, ....?

Pipeline Fires - Investigate, Identify Those Responsible and make sure THEY(not Government) pay for the damages, compensation for Victims?

5. The fire was reported but WHY did it take some time before the gas to be shut off? What is the security of these pipelines - fences/CCTV? Safety mechanisms?

6. Worry also about INSURANCE - some say insurance will not cover these damages to homes? Should not the relevant Minister be looking it - to ensure that consumers are able to get INSURANCE that also covers such gas explosions, land slides, flood and even earthquakes. When a building owner, who still have to pay banks for loans taken suddenly finds himself/herself in a situation where the he believed will cover such losses by reason of damage to the property finds it is not the case... Should not the government ensure that home/building INSURANCE covers all eventualities - or maybe the government should provide such insurance if the private sector refuses.

7. Following this incident, the property value of property close to such gaslines will reasonably DROP. Was the purchaser informed about that dangerous gas pipeline so close to the house he wanted to buy?

SAPURA ENERGY 'BAIL OUT' - allegedly to settle debts of Sapura to Vendors -

RCI for Sapura Energy Bhd RM1.2 Billion Government 'Bail Out'? What caused the Debt? Action against wrongdoers? Public Transparent Speedy Independent

Earlier, in Anwar's premiership, it also used about RM8.3.Billion to write of FELDA Settler's Debts??

FELDA - RM10 Billion Bailout? Clarification needed...'Bailing out FELDA or Settlers?' No explanation how DEBT occurred?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today rejected Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s claim that the latter had already waived Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers’ billions of ringgit in debt... that would see the majority of the RM8.3 billion amassed by Felda settlers being forgiven. - Malay Mail, 8/7/2023

The issue was WHY did the Felda Settlers end up with such HIGH DEBTS? Did FELDA or the government cause Felda Settlers' debts? Why settle debts of just FELDA settlers but not DEBTS of all other Malaysians too - or even the B40 class? If you BORROWED, and do not have to pay back - would it not create a bad characteristic in people - an irresponsibility? Others involved in small plantations seem to be doing OK, so WHY is FELDA smallholders doing so badly? 

Just settling DEBTS - without proper inquiry/investigation to find out what went wrong that caused the DEBTs in the first place is not DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM. Identify the causes, find out who is responsible(and maybe root him out),... if not the problem will recur and soon there will be billions of debt again - and again the people of Malaysia will have to take out our monies to 'settle debts'.

1MDB Suit - why stop 1MDB attempt to recover RM1.25 Billion from Riza?

Riza Aziz - Still no EXPALANATION from PM Anwar as to why 1MDB dropped the suit? How much 'stolen' has Riza returned to Malaysia? Or is it a 'Raya Gift" to Najib's step son - RM1.25 Billion??

Government 'BAIL OUTS' has been occurring for some time in Malaysia, and it also happened after GE14 when PH was the government. We have 'blindly' accepted this based on 'trust' - but the problem in most cases, was that there was INADEQUATE investigations to identify the 'root causes' for such big losses - no one was BLAMED or made to take responsibility - normally, the blame will lie with the CEO and the Directors of these entities - because they are there to ensure that these 'businesses' are run efficiently and without loss > but then, many are 'political appointee' with little or no knowledge of running a business effectively - and they get HIGH pays and ALLOWANCES, and looks like with 'no responsibility or liability' for their wrong or bad decisions.Some of these are GOVERNMENT owned or controlled, where the Minister acts on behalf and makes the decision - which means the OWNER tells the Board of Directors and/or CEO to do this or that - and they have no choice but to do as "ORDERED' by the owner...who would be the Finance Minister, Prime Minister or some Minister acting on behalf of the Malaysian government - the Malaysian people. 

Should all Government owned or controlled companies come under PARLIAMENT, and a law that places on Directors, CEO or Upper Management the duty to bring to the attention of Parliament any questionable instruction/order or action of the Minister/Government? To better monitor such companies, should Parliament be empowered in the choosing of the Directors and CEOs, or at the very least appointing one or few Directors in such companies - who will help monitor and ensure our monies are well spent and there is no abuse? Should Parliament be empowered to have its own officers, who will be able to do 'spot checks' and investigate any government owned or controlled companies? Should we end 'political appointed Directors' - who sometimes are actions to appease politicians, not made Cabinet Members? A permanent Parliamentary Committee to monitor GLCs - we may need a few Committees as there are SO MANY GLCs, who also have many subsidiaries...

The days of 'being silent and trusting' must end - Now, we must demand ACCOUNTABILITY and TRANSPARENCY  - Official Statements by Ministers, and at the very least a Government WHITE PAPER explaining what happened, WHY...at the very least. In some case, like the Gasline issue, a Royal Commission of Inquiry(RCI) - END this avoidance of proper explanation or resolution and simply moving on with the 'next' issues.

OPPOSITION also needs to WAKE UP - A 'Shadow Cabinet' is good - so the Opposition too will have specific persons focusing on particular Ministries - so, no one is left un-monitored. 

Opposition must also SPEAK UP on the different issues - issue Statements - that could be carried on their websites and circulated. Has PN taken a stand on Gas Pipeline issue, Sapura 'Bail Out', 1MDB dropping its suit against RIZA ...? Silence implies consent - so why do we vote for a different party when their stance on issues or government responses is UNKNOWN.

Today, people look at alternative political parties and their candidates IF they would have done things differently, or had a position/policy different from the ruling government - are we seeing that? Depending on general disappointment with government action/policy alone is not enough - people must know whether other political parties oppose it, and what is their ALTERNATIVE position...

There are other issues of concern like

GISBH - a lot of allegations - but to date there is a problem in the DELAY in trials, and the absence of CONVICTIONS by the Court after a fair trial - remember the presumption of INNOCENCE.

Religious Deviants - How many have been charged and convicted by the Syariah Court? There is also the question whether GISBH, a company, can be charged for religious deviation? When will a company or a society be deemed an Islamic company or society - and, will it then fall under the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court - to date, I believe that Syariah Courts have only been dealing with Islamic individuals - not corporation/companies?

Now, our Prime Minister is against 'pre-conviction' punishment - was what happened to GISBH and its linked companies/businesses OK - most have been closed down, workers lost jobs, owners/operators lost their business and sources of income - and all this happened before any trial or conviction?

GISBH maybe the biggest Malay-Muslim business entity that have achieved much success, and allegedly without any government assistance/funds/etc - How much losses did the Government suffer because of that crackdown? How many people(presumably Malay Muslims) have been affected? Should the GISBH 'crackdown' deserve a WHITE PAPER - a proper government explanation

LET's not forget...and must demand TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY - Parliament and Opposition must demand it

 When the government does WRONG - the people are DUTY BOUND as good citizens to HIGHLIGHT these wrongs because Malaysia is a DEMOCRACY and we are the ones who choose and voted in the MPs, who then chose the Prime Minister, who chose the Cabinet and now governs with the peoples' mandate. Sometime, they do wrongs - and it is our DUTY, nay RESPONSIBILITY, to point out these wrongs so the government realizes it and have the opportunity to correct the wrongs and ensure JUSTICE is done..Our silence may send a 'wrong message' to the government - a belief that what they did was RIGHT, and Malaysians are OK with it... 

When a child does a wrong, parents take action to point out that wrong so that the child understands. The same with PM Anwar and his government - we MUST point out wrongs and injustices...

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY ...

 

 

 

This is how else the RM24b bailouts for Felda, Tabung Haji could have been used and abused

 

By By Terence Tang

Wednesday, 17 Apr 2019 6:16 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 — The government has allocated RM6.3 billion to rescue Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and another RM17.8 billion on a restructuring plan for Lembaga Tabung Haji.

In effect, they are bailouts for problems created and entrenched during the previous administration.

The RM24 billion to resuscitate the smallholder farming agency and Muslim pilgrimage fund after years of alleged financial mismanagement and fraud is huge, to say the least.

For perspective, it is the equivalent of nearly 8 per cent of the whole federal Budget for 2019 and could have been used to pay for the RM16.7 billion LRT3 line in its entirety plus change.

Malay Mail calculated what else Malaysia might have had with an extra RM24.1 billion. Tears are optional but recommended.

Pan Borneo Highway

The Malaysian section of the highway stretching 2,083 km across Sarawak and Sabah, with links to Brunei and Indonesia, is projected to cost RM16 billion.

Putrajaya would easily have funded this in its entirety without resorting to private delivery partners if it had a spare RM24 billion around.

Affordable housing

Putrajaya offers affordable homes under its PR1MA scheme that range from RM118,888 to RM385,000.

Using the lowest price, the money used for the bailout would have been enough to put 201,870 families in such homes.

Assuming four people to a household, that would mean free housing for 807,480 Malaysians.

Free tertiary education

According to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), the student loans it issued ranged between RM17,759 and RM32,722 in 2017.

Averaging this to RM25,240, the bailout sum could have paid for 9.5 million Malaysians to take a university course locally.

Or effectively allow the Pakatan Harapan government to provide free tertiary education for years.

Direct cash aid

Putrajaya currently provides direct cash payments to qualified recipients under its Bantuan Sara Hidup scheme of up to RM1,000 per household.

Had the bailout money been diverted to this aid programme, Putrajaya could afford to make 24 million such payments or effectively one to every household in Malaysia and more, instead of limiting the payment to just those earning under RM2,000.

To emphasise the profligacy of the financial mismanagement that led to the two bodies requiring such massive bailouts, Malay Mail also extrapolated how the RM24 billion could have been misused.

Equanimity-like superyachts

The current government struggled to sell the Equanimity seized from fugitive financier Low Taek Jho aka Jho Low, which he reportedly purchased for close to US$250 million (RM1.03 billion) using allegedly stolen 1MDB funds.

It eventually offloaded this for US$126 million to Genting, or just over half the price when new.

With RM24 billion, however, dubious government leaders and their associates could have ordered two dozen of these 100-m long luxury yachts for their personal use, which they could then call the Integrity, Honesty, Frugality, Humility, and a whole host of other ironic names.

Pink diamonds costing RM110 million

There’s nothing wrong with loving jewellery. Representing eternity, diamonds never lose their glitter.

Legendary actress and singer Marilyn Monroe sang about its virtues in her song Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend. A James Bond movie starring Sean Connery was titled Diamonds Are Forever.

In Malaysia, one particular gem has caught public attention for years: a lustrous pink diamond valued at US$27 million (RM110 million).

With RM24 billion to spare, Malaysia could have been home to 219 such sparking examples, complete with verified proof of purchase to avoid the unnecessary stress and headaches of baseless accusations.

The world’s most expensive Hermès Birkin handbags

Most consider handbags to be disposable fashion accessories but in stratified circles, they cost so much that they are considered “investments”.

They cost a lot, but they can be worth even more in time.  

According to a 2016 report by international magazine Time, Hermès Birkin handbags, handmade and sold only in limited numbers between US$60,000 and US$200,000, are a better investment than gold.

Using the higher end, the RM24 billion could provide at least 30,125 socialites here with one specimen each.

Or 30,125 to just one particularly avid collector. - Malay Mail, 17/4/2019