Irishman Stephen Warde Has Been Found Safe and Well

Police confirm missing Irishman Stephen Warde has been found

Thursday, 28 Feb 20199:07 PM MYT
by m. kumar


PETALING JAYA: Irishman Stephen Warde (pic), who went missing in Malaysia on Jan 1, has been found.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Shaharuddin Abdullah confirmed the news that was announced on the "Help Find Stephen Warde - in Malaysia" Facebook page.




The message - "Stephen Warde has been found safe and well in Malaysia" - was posted on the page on Thursday (Feb 28).

Details surrounding his disappearance and of him being found are still unclear.




It was learnt that he was last seen at Mercu Summer Suite along Jalan Sultan Ismail.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/police-confirm-missing-irishman-stephen-warde-has-been-found/#MgjTy5xqXkjCXrAp.99

GOOD NEWS
Irishman Stephen Warde who was missing in Malaysia found safe and well

The young man, from Kinvara in Co Galway, had not been seen since December 29

By Lauren Kelly

28th February 2019, 10:14 am

Updated: 28th February 2019, 10:58 am

AN Irishman who was missing in Malaysia has been found safe and well.

Stephen Warde, from Kinvara in Co Galway, arrived in the Asian country as a tourist on November 15.

2

Stephen Warde was reported missing in Malaysia

The 31-year-old checked in to the Mercu Summer Suites at Jalan Sultan Ismail hotel in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The young man had not been seen since December 29 - but was found this morning.

The Help Find Stephen Warde in Malaysia Facebook page wrote: "BREAKING NEWS. Stephen Warde has been found safe & well in Malaysia. More information to follow when we have it."

Stephen’s family jetted over to Kuala Lumpur in a bid to find him.

2

Police had released a CCTV image during the search

In January, they announced a 20,560 Malaysian ringgit (€4,381 euro) reward for any information that would lead directly to finding the Irishman.

A GoFundMe page was also set up by friends and family for the search. It has raised over €19,000 so far.

The appeal reads: "This page has been set up by the friends and extended family of Stephen.

"He has been missing in Kuala Lumpur since 1st January 2019. As this is very much out of character, his family have travelled to Malaysia to look for him.

"He has been registered as a missing person but unfortunately there has been very little progress in the investigation.

"This fundraiser is to finance the search for Stephen - i.e. potential medical expenses when he is found, accommodation for his family while in KL, the cost of a private investigator (as recommended by the KL police!), and a reward for any information leading to his whereabouts.

"Hopefully Stephen will be found safe and well, in that case, any excess funds will be donated to a suitable charity for missing persons.

"If you cannot donate - please share with your friends and please god we can bring Stephan home."

https://www.thesun.ie/news/3809088/irishman-stephen-warde-malaysia-found-galway/

Al Jazeera's interview where former PM Najib Tun Razak lost his cool wins the "Interview of the Year" prize at the Royal Television Society Television Awards 2019

Al Jazeera wins award for interview where Najib lost his cool


Thursday, 28 Feb 20198:35 PM MYT


by bernard cheah

Najib (right) speaking to Jolley during the 101 East interview. – Photo courtesy of Al Jazeera


PETALING JAYA: Broadcaster Al Jazeera's interview with former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak won the "Interview of the Year" prize at the Royal Television Society Television Awards 2019.

The interview by Mary Ann Jolley in the 101 East Al Jazeera English programme titled Malaysia: Najib Speaks won the award beating two others – privacy campaigner Max Mosley for Channel 4, and British singer Sir Cliff Richard for ITV.




101 East Al-Jazeera, in a tweet, wrote "@AJ101East is thrilled to announce we've been awarded Interview of the Year at the prestigious @RTS_media Awards in London. Watch @jolleyma's interview with former Malaysia PM @NajibRazak here: http://aje.io/najib "

According to the RTS jury, all the nominees were great examples of the interviewer's craft.


"Although the story focused on an issue few would have known about prior to the interview, this did not detract from the viewer's ability to understand the jaw-dropping venality of the interviewee," it said.

The jury added that the interviewer's "forensic approach was compelling, her knowledge formidable and her ability to combine persistence with grace quite extraordinary".

In October last year, when the interview was being recorded, Najib lost his cool as he was quizzed over matters like the notorious "pink diamond" and 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

However, Najib later apologised for his outburst, saying that he was concerned for his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and his sons, Norashman and Riza Aziz, who were being questioned by the police at that time.

"Although the interview went beyond our agreed schedule and beyond the scope which we had agreed on, I was happy to answer, those additional questions," he said.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/al-jazeera-wins-award-for-najib-interview/#SZrJ2rJ5JVo6Of77.99

MACC seized assets including cash and cars belonging to PAS leaders in their probe into allegations about a RM90mil fund transfer into party accounts.

Cars, real estate, cash seized in MACC probe on PAS


Published 6 hours ago on 28 February 2019

By Justin Ong

MALAY MAIL ONLINE
The entrance of the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya is pictured on November 19, 2018. — Picture by Hari Anggara

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Anti-corruption enforcers have confiscated luxury vehicles, property and cash worth millions as part of the investigation into PAS over claims it took RM90 million in 1MDB funds.

Among vehicles seized were a Toyota Vellfire, a Range Rover and a Mini Cooper.


According to the Malaysiakini news portal, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) sources divulged information on the seizures.

The commission summoned PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan to its Putrajaya headquarters this morning, believed to be over the same case.


MACC enforcers also took custody of a shophouse valued at RM2 million as well as RM2.3 million held in bank accounts.

The sources said more PAS leaders will be brought in starting tomorrow for the investigation.

In 2016, Sarawak Report published a report accusing PAS leaders of taking RM90 million to support Umno and Barisan Nasional ahead of the 14th general election.

It has since been suggested that the source of the money was stated investment firm 1MDB, which is at the centre of a global financial scandal ensnaring former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang had sued Sarawak Report’s Rewcastle-Brown in 2017 over the claim.

He inexplicably withdrew the lawsuit filed in London, UK, this year, prompting views that he was no longer disputing the accuracy of the report that remains on the website.

In a separate report today, Takiyuddin said the MACC had questioned him over documents Rewcastle-Brown had tendered as defence evidence in Hadi’s lawsuit and claims he owned a fleet of luxury vehicles.

The MACC previously said it has yet to find evidence that RM90 million in 1MDB funds had been funnelled to the Islamist party’s accounts.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad subsequently said the commission might not have obtained all the information needed for its investigation.

Viral Video of Egypt's Shocking Train Crash - PM vow's swift accountability and an end to the “age of ignoring negligence,”

Egypt Vows to Punish Negligence as Cairo Train Crash Kills 20By
Ahmed Khalil El-Sayed and
Tarek El-Tablawy
February 27, 2019, 4:48 PM GMT+8 Updated on February 28, 2019, 2:30 AM GMT+8
Bloomberg.com

A burned out carriage at Cairo’s main station, on Feb. 27. Photogarpher: Ahmed Abd Elfata/AP Photo



Egypt’s prime minister vowed swift accountability and an end to the “age of ignoring negligence,” as the death toll from the capital’s worst train crash in years reached at least 20.


Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly spoke as authorities launched an investigation into what caused the train to collide with the barrier at the end of the track in downtown Cairo’s Ramsis station. Egypt’s Public Prosecutor Nabil Sadeq said at least 28 people were injured.


Those responsible for the incident will be held accountable to prevent accidents in the future, Madbouly said in a statement. The premier cut short a cabinet meeting to visit the site, and said President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was following developments.



Deadly train crashes are commonplace in Egypt, with officials attributing them to a combination of aging infrastructure and negligence. The government is working to upgrade the railway system, including buying hundreds of new locomotive and carriages, as well as expanding the current metro system and building a monorail.



The accident, however, threatened to unleash a new barrage of criticism at a time when officials are pushing ahead with a broad program to revive the economy that has left the country’s poorest people struggling with sharply higher prices.

Television and social media footage showed images of burned corpses at the station. The train’s charred engine appeared to have derailed.

In August 2017, two trains collided near the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, killing at least 40 people and wounding over 130 others. Four years earlier, a train accident on the outskirts of Cairo heaped additional pressure on the country’s soon-to-be ousted Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi.

— With assistance by Abdel Latif Wahba, and Zaid Sabah


https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-27/train-accident-in-cairo-s-main-terminal-kills-at-least-7-people

Police have advised those who accused AG Tommy Thomas of being anti-Islam in messages circulated on social media to surrender, even those who shared

Police advise AG's accusers to surrender

Thursday, 28 Feb 20195:21 PM MYT

Noor Rashid also advised those who had shared the message on social media to surrender as well.


ALOR SETAR (Bernama): The police have advised those who accused Attorney-General Tommy Thomas of being anti-Islam in messages circulated on social media to surrender to assist the ongoing investigation.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim also advised those who had shared the message on social media to surrender as well.




"The case is under investigation and we will take action in accordance with the law against those who made the accusation.

"We encourage these people to surrender. The police are conducting the investigation under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation," he told reporters on Thursday (Feb 28) when asked for developments in the matter.


Two special officers of Thomas lodged a report on the matter on his behalf at the Putrajaya District Police headquarters at 3.15pm Wednesday (Feb 27).Earlier, Noor Rashid presented Jasa Pahlawan Negara medals to 300 police personnel at the Kedah Police headquarters here. Also present was Kedah Police chief Datuk Abd Rahim Jaafar. – Bernama


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/police-advise-ags-accusers-to-surrender/#dxEvOEPkPzgM5RHh.99

Premier League Video Highlights| EPL Highlights | Astro SuperSport | February 27, 2019 - Chelsea Beat Tottenham as The other Top 5 Teams All Win

Pakistan Army Shielded Indian Pilot Being Beaten and Kicked By Mob After Being Shot Down By Pakistan

Pakistan published a video showing an Indian fighter pilot who was captured after his jet was shot down

Pakistan publishes video of captured Indian pilot

Thursday, 28 Feb 20199:19 AM MYT


KASHMIR (AFP): Pakistan's state media Wednesday published a video showing an Indian fighter pilot who was captured after his jet was shot down when it entered Pakistani airspace in Kashmir.

Two Pakistani security sources told AFP the video was authentic.


It shows a blindfolded man in an Indian Air Force uniform, his face bloodied, with his hands tied behind him, as a soldier interrogates him.

He gives his name, rank and serial number and when pressed for further information says, "I am not supposed to tell you that."


In a photograph, which has also been confirmed by security sources, the pilot can be seen flanked by Pakistani military personnel.

The Pakistani military released a second video hours later showing the same man sitting in a room in an unknown location drinking a cup of tea.

"The tea is fantastic," he says in English, adding that he is married and being treated well, but politely declining to answer further questions.

Both Pakistan and India Wednesday claimed they had shot down each others warplanes, in a dramatic escalation of the dangerous confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Islamabad said it downed two Indian jets in its airspace and captured two pilots, but insisted it does not "want to go towards war" with its neighbour.

Pakistani military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said one of the downed Indian planes had fallen in Pakistani-held Kashmir, while the other came down on the Indian side of the heavily militarised de facto border dividing the territory.

He said one of the captured pilots was in custody and the other was in hospital.

The Indian foreign ministry said only one of its planes had been shot down.

"In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one Mig-21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody," said Indian foreign ministry spokesman Rajeesh Kumar.

He also said a Pakistani jet had been shot down by Indian forces. Pakistan denied that any of its planes have been downed. - AFP


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2019/02/28/pakistan-publishes-video-of-captured-indian-pilot/#H7t873J03v0Vu9Sw.99

APAD carrying out an immediate investigation into the viral video of frustrated man scolding employees at Kelana Jaya

Apad investigating video of man losing his cool, says he hadn’t waited that long

Thursday, 28 Feb 201911:48 AM MYT




PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) is carrying out an immediate investigation into the viral video of a frustrated man scolding employees at its Kelana Jaya office over their alleged inefficiency, but also claimed that he had not waited for a long time.

Apad explained that its Kelana Jaya district office had received an influx of visitors surpassing its usual daily average of 500 after the closure of several Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs).




It added that the particular office where the incident happened faced a shortage of officers and counters.

“The investigations found that the operator was present at the Kelana Jaya Apad office’s counter on Feb 26, 2019, 2.30pm to submit application documents but was not able to carry out the matter, as the counter for the queue number had closed at 2pm when it had reached the daily queue number limit and the operator was asked by the counter officer to come again earlier.


“That operator then felt dissatisfied and went on to scold the officer at the counter as he claimed to have waited for four hours for the matter,” it said in a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday (Feb 28).

Apad said further investigations showed that the man did not wait long as alleged in the video.

It advised the public to arrive at the offices early to ensure things run smoothly.

“Apad views this matter seriously and we always prioritise the welfare of customers and hope that such a matter will not happen again in the future.

“We will always improve the quality of services to ensure smooth dealings for each customer and all inconveniences is regretted,” it added.

In video clip that went viral on Wednesday (Feb 27), the man lost his cool and started shouting at the officer, alleging that he had waited for four hours at the office.

He proceeded to berate other staff at the counter.

While there is no mention of when or where the incident took place, several individuals claimed it occurred at a Road Transport Department office.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/apad-investigating-video-of-man-losing-his-cool-says-he-hadnt-waited-that-long/#d4EkWYcfHWQGmw2p.99

Papagomo Charged This Morning, Claims Trial to insulting and causing hurt to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq

Papagomo claims trial to insulting, injuring Syed Saddiq
Adam Abu Bakar
-February 28, 2019 12:46 PM
FMTUmno Youth executive committee member Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris at the Kajang Magistrate’s Court today.


KAJANG: Controversial blogger Papagomo claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court today to insulting and causing hurt to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

The Umno Youth executive committee member, whose real name is Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code with uttering the word “stupid”, and Section 323 of the same law for injuring Syed Saddiq on his neck and shoulder on Feb 16.

Deputy public prosecutor Siti Noor Hafizan Zakaria asked the magistrate to set bail at RM30,000.

However, defence counsel Nik Saiful Adil Burhan, Farhan Maaruf and N Logendran asked for a lesser bail amount, and that their client’s passport not be impounded.

Magistrate Fadzilatul Isma Ahmad Refngah ordered the blogger to raise bail of RM8,000 with one surety and report to a police station once a month.

The case will be mentioned again on April 1.

Papagomo faces jail of up to five years, a fine or both if convicted under Section 509 of the Penal Code. Section 323 of the law meanwhile carries a year of jail time, RM2,000 fine or both upon conviction.

Nik Saiful told reporters after the court proceedings that they were satisfied with the magistrate’s decision.

“We hope the prosecution will come up with solid evidence regarding the incident because it is a serious accusation against our client,” he added.

Papagomo was involved in a struggle with Syed Saddiq on Feb 16, which was nomination day for the Semenyih by-election.

The Cabinet has decided to cap the price of RON95 petrol at RM2.08 per litre

Finance Ministry: Govt to cap price of RON95 petrol at RM2.08 per litre

Wednesday, 27 Feb 20197:23 PM MYT




by hemananthani sivanandam



PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has decided to cap the price of RON95 petrol at RM2.08 per litre, even if the market price exceeds this, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"If the market price falls below that, then the weekly price of RON95 (petrol) will be below RM2.08," he said, adding that the Cabinet had agreed to this.


"The prices for RON95, RON97 (petrol) and diesel will be based on the automatic price mechanism and will be announced weekly," said Lim in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 27).

The current retail prices of fuel per litre are: RON95 petrol (RM2.08), RON97 petrol (RM2.38) and diesel (RM2.18).


He had previously said in January that the government had decided on a weekly floating fuel price system to enable consumers to benefit from any drop in global oil prices.

To protect consumers in the event of a substantial increase in global prices, the retail price of RON95 petrol would be capped using subsidies, said Lim.




Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/27/finance-ministry-govt-to-cap-price-of-ron95-petrol-at-rm2dot08-per-litre/#p9iOitphT42yi2p5.99

3,300 baby turtles saved from cooking pot

A controversy has erupted over the wife of a minister who sat next to him during an official meeting with his Chinese counterpart

Loke’s wife at official meeting courts controversy

Thursday, 28 Feb 2019

PETALING JAYA: A controversy has erupted over the wife of a minister who sat next to him during an official meeting with his Chinese counterpart recently.

MCA international communication and diplomacy bureau head Tee Ching Seng questioned why the Transport Minister’s wife was with him at an official meeting.

“Both parties held an official meeting on cooperation in the field of transportation.

“So, what is the official post of the minister’s wife?” Tee asked, adding that under international diplomatic courtesy, only the head of state or government could bring along their spouse in official activities.

“Mrs Loke’s presence was in her official capacity and should not be questioned.

“She was officially invited by the Chinese government,” said Chung.

He, however, did not state the exact official capacity of Loke’s wife.

On Jan 26, Loke posted a picture of his wife seated next to him along with the Malaysian entourage at an official meeting with Li.

“Mrs Loke was indeed a member of the Malaysian delegation, in accordance to diplomatic norms and government circular,” said Chung.

He then cited the circular, which said that spouses may follow ministers and deputy ministers during official visits overseas which were more than a week.

The circular, however, does not specify if spouses may sit in during official meetings.

Chung also said that it would be a legitimate cause for scrutiny had any member of the Malaysian delegation attended other informal excursions, apart from official programmes.

In another statement, MCA secretary-general Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said according to her understanding of international conferences, the presence of Loke’s wife at the official meeting was “very unusual”.

“This question is reasonable as it involves diplomatic etiquette among statesmen,” Chew said.

“To my knowledge, if a spouse of a Cabinet Minister is a member of the visiting delegation, usually the hosts will arrange an official to accompany her to attend other activities,” she added.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/lokes-wife-at-official-meeting-courts-controversy/#Oxy7uHhcMF2O4TTV.99

Two wanted men were in a high-speed car chase in Kuala Lumpur with police before being arrested.

Two men detained after high-speed car chase in Gombak
Thursday, 28 Feb 20198:24 AM MYT
by m. kumar




image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2018/12/27/11/44/gfx_policetape.ashx/?w=620&h=413&crop=1&hash=8E6C977966F536CF6BF5080007F3AE04FC156D17


PETALING JAYA: Two wanted men were in a high-speed car chase in Kuala Lumpur with police before being arrested.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said the two had been spotted acting suspiciously by policemen in a patrol car at a traffic light on Jalan Gombak at around 5.15pm on Wednesday.




“When my men tried to approach them, the driver of the car slammed into the patrol car and drove off.

“The policemen gave chase, and the car crashed into a motorcycle and five cars while trying to get away,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 27).


He said the two men then made a quick U-turn and started driving against traffic on Jalan Gombak.

“The high-speed pursuit continued until the men reached Kampung Lee Kong Cheng when they reached a dead end.

“They tried to reverse and crashed into the patrol car, and also tried to run over the policemen who had got out of the car,” he said.

Comm Mazlan said the policemen had to fire a warning shot into the air before finally managing to arrest the two men, aged 33 and 37.

They found both men were wanted for drug-related cases


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/two-men-detained-after-highspeed-car-chase-in-gombak/#BIm89x8zihsMtpUj.99

Tian Chua has been appointed as special adviser to Works Minister Baru Bian effective March 1.

Tian Chua appointed as special adviser to Works Minister=

Thursday, 28 Feb 20198:08 AM MYT






KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Chua Tian Chang or better known as Tian Chua has been appointed as special adviser to Works Minister Baru Bian effective March 1.

Baru, in a statement today, said Tian Chua was an experienced, influential and principled man who was active and had good relations with both local and foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs).




Tian Chua, former Batu MP (2008 -2018), holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree from University of Sydney, Australia (1984-1986) and Bachelor of Arts (History and Philosophy of Science) from University of New South Wales, Australia (1989).

He also holds a Master's of Arts (Employment and Labor Studies) from the Institute of Social Studies, in The Hague, Netherlands in 1994.


Tian Chua also received various awards including the Malaysian Human Rights Fellowship from the National Human Rights Association (HAKAM) in 1998 and the AIF Rose Award from the National Labour Federation of Denmark in 2003 for his work pertaining to labour rights in Malaysia. - Bernama


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/28/tian-chua-appointed-as-special-adviser-to-works-minister/#kzLlODdzsb5PyTtx.99

Police arrested a businessman in connection with a diamond and ruby ring worth RM2.89 million missing from a jewellery outlet in Genting Highlands

Businessman arrested over ‘missing’ RM2.89 million ring
Bernama
-February 28, 2019 11:12 AM

(Bloomberg pic)

KUANTAN: Police have arrested a local businessman in connection with a diamond and ruby ring worth RM2.89 million which allegedly went missing from a jewellery outlet in Genting Highlands last Sunday.

The businessman, 46, was arrested in Bentong at 4.30pm yesterday.

Pahang commercial criminal investigation head Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the suspect, who hails from Kuching, deals with imported goods from China.

He also operates a budget hotel in the federal capital and provides a luxury car rental service through the WeChat application.




“The suspect is believed to know the two key suspects in the case as they used his luxury car rental service a few times to Genting Highlands, including on the day of the incident, and sent them to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport a few hours later.

“The local businessman also followed the (key) suspects to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, on Sunday, but decided to return to Malaysia on Tuesday after not finding them (key suspects) in the hotel (in Vietnam),” he told reporters here today.

After the arrest, police went to the hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the key suspects were alleged to have stayed.

However, the CCTV camera at the hotel did not have footage of the accused, neither were they registered as guests on the dates in question.

Wazir said the police would request for an order to remand the businessman for further investigation today.

Based on media reports, a Chinese national in his 50s went to the jewellery shop at 12.50pm last Sunday and asked to have a look at the ring.



The man examined the ring for about 20 minutes and then left, saying he was not interested in it.

However, an employee noticed that the ring differed slightly from the one that was shown, and asked a colleague to test it.

It was later found to be a fake.

Scandal Hit MIC Investment Firm Maika Holdings Paid Millions To Samy Vellu's Son Vell Paari

Millions from scandal-hit MIC firm paid to Samy Vellu’s son, says report
FMT Reporters
-February 28, 2019 10:37 AMMIC secretary-general Vell Paari. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: A 30-year-old scandal involving an investment company has threatened to revisit Barisan Nasional’s MIC following a revelation that hundreds of thousands of ringgit was paid to the son of the party’s former strongman Samy Vellu between 2003 and 2009, according to Sarawak Report.

The website today published documents which it said showed how money, including in cash, was paid to companies connected to Vell Paari, the MIC secretary-general who was appointed as CEO of Maika Holdings, the brainchild of his father in the 1980s.

The company was set up in 1983 as an investment vehicle for MIC, raising RM106 million from some 66,400 members of the Indian community, mostly low-income earners. They were promised handsome profits but never got them, receiving only 80% of their original investment.

Sarawak Report cited a report lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission by a liquidator involved in the winding-up of the company, on payments made between 2003 and 2009.




“Twenty cash payments totalling RM1.6 million were made out by the company to Vell Paari during the period, some under the guise of ‘promotional finder fees’ but most without any explanation given,” the whistleblower site said.

The payments included RM33,500 to a law firm for what was said to be a private case linked to Vell Paari’s mother “over a matter that had nothing to do with the interests of the ordinary shareholders of Maika Holdings”, the report said.

Another RM1.3 million went to an Australian company owned by Vell Paari’s family, which the report said was in trouble with Australian authorities over the non-payment of employee taxes. The company allegedly received a further A$870,000 in 2002.

Other companies linked to Vell Paari which allegedly received payments from Maika were a South African firm (US$3.12 million), media company Tamil Nesan (RM150,000), and a film distributor which was given RM1.3 million to buy the rights for Tamil hit movie “Sivaji the Boss”.

When contacted, Vell Paari told FMT that he would issue a statement soon to respond to the allegations.

Anwar Feels Need to Speak Against PAS after its “concerted and continuous efforts” to pit him against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir

PAS just trying to pit me against Dr M, says Anwar
Melissa Darlyne Chow
-February 27, 2019 8:06 PM


KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today said he felt the need to speak against PAS only after the Islamist party’s “concerted and continuous efforts” to pit him against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He repeated that there was no basis for PAS’ claim of a planned no-confidence vote against Mahathir because “we are bound by an agreement, which is to support him as prime minister”.

“For two to three years, when PAS attacked me, I did not retaliate even once because I knew PAS as my friend.

“But when I see such continuous efforts to pit me against Dr Mahathir, even after I have suffered for 20 years, I needed to speak up,” he said at a press conference after attending the “Sastera Kumpulan Utusan” prize presentation ceremony at its office here today.


The Port Dickson MP said the issue of a no-confidence vote against Mahathir was first raised by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, but after speaking to component parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH), all the leaders denied hearing any such thing.

“I repeat PKR’s stand to support the prime minister, as had been agreed upon,” he said.

Anwar said while there was room in politics for differences of opinion, it was not appropriate to slander others.

On preparations for the Rantau by-election, Anwar said PKR’s political bureau would conduct a meeting tonight to discuss the candidate, machinery and strategy for the by-election.

Asked if the candidate would be a male or a female, Anwar said it would be one of the members, adding former candidate Dr S Streram was also being considered.

“We will know the list of candidates this evening after the meeting. As for the announcement, we need to respect the process in PH,” he said.



On the rising incidents of insults directed towards Prophet Muhammad, Anwar said such things smacked of stupidity and was of no benefit to anyone.

“To criticise and question some aspects of a religion is fine. But to insult someone’s faith and the prophet is stupid, evil and does not benefit the country.

“If you are going to defend the right to speak to the point the country is thrown into turmoil, there is no way you can do that,” he said.

Anwar said such defenders were no different from Islamophobes.

He also urged people not to link such statements to any race or religion.

“There are some Malays who say such views belong to non-Muslims. This is not true. Many non-Muslims do not agree. At the same time, non-Muslims do not like us to insult their religions.

“Stern and strong action must be taken against those who voice such insults,” he added.

ANGGOTA bomba Muhammad Adib menjawab 15 soalan berhubung kejadian menimpa dirinya, termasuk dipukul dengan peralatan dan ditarik keluar dari van

Adib ditarik keluar van EMRS

SYED Shahril hadir bagi inkues menentukan punca kematian Muhammad Adib di Kompleks Mahkamah Shah Alam. FOTO Syarafiq Abd Samad

Syah Rul Aswari Abdullah dan Sarah Zulkifli

am@hmetro.com.my

ANGGOTA bomba, Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, menjawab 15 soalan berhubung kejadian menimpa dirinya, termasuk dipukul dengan peralatan dan ditarik keluar dari van Perkhidmatan Penyelamatan dan Perawatan Kecemasan (EMRS) ketika bertugas dalam insiden kekecohan di Kuil Sri Maha Mariamman, USJ 25, 27 November tahun lalu.

Perkara itu didedahkan Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Subang Jaya, Syed Shahril Anuar Syed Sulaiman, 39, yang menyediakan dokumen mengandungi kesemua soalan itu untuk diajukan kepada Muhammad Adib ketika beliau melawatnya di Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU) Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) pada 12 Disember tahun lalu.

Saksi ke-18 inkues itu berkata, ketika itu pada 12.30 tengah hari, beliau melihat Muhammad Adib yang semakin baik, ceria dan lebih memberangsangkan, baru sahaja selesai menjalankan rawatan fisioterapi.

“Selepas mendapat kebenaran keluarga Muhammad Adib dan pihak hospital, saya bersama dengan pegawai bomba Shafik bertemu dengannya dan kemudiannya bertanya soalan-soalan itu selain ada dua jururawat,” katanya ketika menjawab soalan Pegawai Pengendali Hamdan Hamzah pada hari ke-10 inkues bagi menentukan penyebab kematian Muhammad Adib di Mahkamah Koroner di Shah Alam, hari ini.

Menurut saksi itu, Muhammad Adib boleh membaca kesemua soalan dan bagi disedikan petak jawapan untuk memudahkan Muhammmad Adib membuat penandaan menggunakan pen selain jururawat menyediakan papan putih untuk menulis.

“Adib memegang dokumen yang mengandungi 15 soalan itu menggunakan tangan kiri disebabkan dirinya memang kidal serta dia sedang bersandar di katil hospital.

“Walaupun dia (Muhammad Adib) boleh membaca sendiri, saya tetap membacakan semula soalan itu kepadanya untuk dia menjawabnya,” katanya.

Berikut 15 soalan ditanyakan oleh Syed Sharil Anuar dan jawapan diberikan Muhammad Adib :

Soalan 1: Adakah perusuh cuba buka pintu kenderaan masa kenderaan berundur?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 2 : Adakah Adib cuba halang dan tahan pintu daripada terbuka?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 3 : Adakah mereka berjaya membuka pintu EMRS?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 4 : Apakah perasaan Adib ketika mereka cuba buka pintu kenderaan?

(Ada beberapa pilihan jawapan iaitu takut, cemas, tertekan dan panik)

Jawapan : Tertekan

Soalan 5 : Adakah Adib ditarik keluar dari kenderaan EMRS?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 6 : Jika ditarik, adakah mereka tarik Adib bahagian mana? Jawapan : Bahu

Soalan 7 : Apakah Adib terjatuh selepas ditarik?

Jawapan : Tidak ingat

Soalan 8: Adakah Adib terjatuh semasa ditarik?

Jawapan : Tidak ingat

Soalan 9 : Semasa Adib dipukul, adakah sedar atau tidak?

Jawapan : Tidak ingat

Soalan 10 : Adakah mereka memukul dengan peralatan?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 11 : Jika gunakan peralatan, adakah Adib nampak peralatannya?

Jawapan : Tidak

Soalan 12 : Peralatan apakah yang digunakan semasa dipukul? Kayu, batu, besi atau lain-lain peralatan?

Jawapan : Lain-lain peralatan.

Soalan 13 : Adakah Adib sedar semula di lokasi atau hospital?

Jawapan : Hospital

Soalan 14 : Adakah Adib terasa terancam ketika berada dalam situasi itu?

Jawapan : Ya

Soalan 15 : Adakah Adib cuba bertindak pertahankan diri ketika itu?

Jawapan : Tidak ingat

Menurut saksi sama, sesi itu berlangsung selama 20-25 minit dan beliau kemudiannya beredar selain turut memaklumkan akan menyimpan dokumen itu, namun Muhammad Adib boleh menceritakan kepada pihak sepatutnya, jika dia kembali pulih.

Sementara itu, ketika ditanya peguam Syazlin Mansoor yang mewakili Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) dan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) berhubung tujuan dia menyediakan soalan itu, Syed Sharil berkata, beliau sendiri mahu mengetahui perkara sebenar yang terjadi kepada Muhammad Adib selepas spekulasi timbul mengenai anggota bomba itu dilanggar jentera bomba.

Muhammad Adib yang juga anggota EMRS Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Subang Jaya, parah dalam rusuhan ketika kekecohan di tapak Kuil Sri Maha Mariamman, USJ 25, Subang Jaya pada 27 November tahun lalu.

Selepas 21 hari bertarung nyawa, Allahyarham menghembuskan nafas terakhir pada 17 Disember lalu di IJN.

Prosiding inkues bersambung esok

Lagi berita berkaitan Inkues Adib

Pakistan shot down two Indian jets on Wednesday

Pakistan shoots down 2 India fighter jets
AFP
-February 27, 2019 2:58 PM

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan shot down two Indian jets on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Pakistan armed forces said, a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a war in 1971, prompting leading powers to urge the nuclear-armed rivals to show restraint.



Tensions have been elevated since a suicide car bombing by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police on Feb 14, but the risk of conflict rose dramatically on Tuesday when India launched an air strike on what it said was a militant training base.

The attack targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammed militant, the group that claimed credit for the suicide attack. But while India said a large number of JeM fighters had been killed, Pakistani officials said the Indian airstrike was a failure and inflicted no casualties.

Indian air force planes strayed into Pakistani airspace on Wednesday after Pakistan had carried out airstrikes in Indian-occupied Kashmir, said Major General Asif Ghafoor, a spokesman for the Pakistan armed forces.


“PAF shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace,” he said in a tweet.

One of the aircraft fell on India’s side of Kashmir, while the second came down in Pakistani-held territory, and its pilot was captured, he added.

A spokesman for India’s defence ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Police officials in Indian-occupied Kashmir said that two Indian pilots and a civilian had died after an Indian air force plane crashed in Kashmir, but did not confirm if the plane had been shot down by Pakistani forces.

Indian officials said three Pakistani jets had also entered Indian airspace, before being intercepted and forced to turn back.

The Indian air force has ordered Kashmir’s main airport in Srinagar, along with at least three others in neighbouring states, to be closed because of the two incidents, an official said.

On Tuesday evening, Pakistan began shelling, using heavy calibre weapons, in 12 to 15 places along the de facto border in Kashmir, known as the Line of Control (LoC), a spokesman for the Indian defence forces said.

“The Indian Army retaliated for effect and our focused fire resulted in severe destruction to five posts and a number of casualties,” the spokesman said.

Five Indian soldiers suffered minor wounds in the shelling that ended on Wednesday morning, he added.

“So far, there are no (civilian) casualties but there is panic among people,” said Rahul Yadav, the deputy commissioner of the Poonch district where some of the shelling took place.

“We have an evacuation plan in place and if the need arises, we will evacuate people to safer areas,” he said.

Local officials on the Pakistani side said at least four people had been killed and seven wounded, though it was unclear if the casualties were civilian or military.

India has also continued its crackdown on suspected militants operating in Kashmir, a mountainous region that both countries claim in full but rule in part.

On Wednesday, security forces killed two Jaish militants in a gun battle, Indian police said.

Pakistan has promised to retaliate against Tuesday’s air strikes, and security across India has been tightened. The two countries have fought three wars since independence from British colonial rule in 1947 and went to the brink of a fourth in 2002 after a Pakistani militant attack on India’s Parliament.

In Mumbai, India’s financial capital, there was a visible increase in security levels for a city that has suffered numerous militant attacks in the past.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke separately with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan and urged them to avoid “further military activity” following Tuesday’s air strike.

“I expressed to both ministers that we encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost,” Pompeo said in a statement on Wednesday.

“I also encouraged both ministers to prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity,” he said.

Both China and the European Union have also called for restraint. On Wednesday, New Zealand’s foreign minister Winston Peters also voiced concern over the escalation in tensions

A senior citizen charged with two counts of insulting Prophet Muhammad on his Facebook page

A senior citizen was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Wednesday with two counts of insulting Prophet Muhammad on his Facebook page. Wai Foo Sing, 68, pleaded not guilty to committing the offences and was allowed bail at RM20,000 with one surety

Flexi Hours for all Civil Servants at all Federal Ministries and Departments

Good news for civil servants

Wednesday, 27 Feb 2019
by zakiah koya and yimie yong



PETALING JAYA: Beginning Friday, civil servants at all federal ministries and departments nationwide will come to work during flexible working hours, says the Public Service Department (PSD).

The move, which is intended to provide the staff a balance between working hours and family time, was announced in a circular issued by PSD director-general Datuk Seri Borhan Dolah.




The circular stated that the flexible working hours will be introduced in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and all federal departments in Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Johor, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

“The pilot project will implement flexible office hours, during which the employee can arrive and return within a period of time, provided the period of one working day is fulfilled.


“We are introducing the pilot project at these departments first to see if it is effective and we will expand it to all other government agencies later,” stated Borhan in the circular.

The move is aimed at standardising the present four types of staggered working hours which were introduced by the PSD in 1998.

The circular on the new working hours stated that the civil servant can choose to come to work between 7.30am and 8.30am and leave between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on working days provided that the person has clocked in nine working hours.

The circular also said that the flexible working hours will be applied to all employees who work according to office hours.

“The employee who clocks in at 8.07am will end their working day at 5.07pm,” he added.


The circular stated that the pilot project on flexible working hours is not applicable at schools or educational institutions and health facilities.

The flexible working hours are applicable only to those who work normal office hours at ministries and federal departments.

“For departments with service counters, the heads of departments should ensure that the operations at the service counters are not affected when the flexible working hours are in force.

“The department heads have the prerogative to order any of his staff to come to office at the required hours,” said the circular.

Pregnant women and their husbands are allowed to go home an hour earlier as practised in the previous staggered working hour scheme.

In response, Women’s Aid Orga­nisation (WAO) advocacy and communications officer Tan Heang-Lee applauded the federal government’s move to introduce flexible working hours for its civil servants.

“The introduction of flexible working hours for federal government employees is a positive step, which would help employees, both men and women, to better balance the demands of work and care-giving responsibilities,” she added.

She hoped this would spur private sector employers to offer flexible working hours for their workers.

Tan pointed out that the Human Resources Ministry has proposed amendments to the Employment Act, which includes the provision for flexible work arrangements.

“We hope these amendments will be passed and implemented accordingly,” said Tan.

Previously, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was the only ministry involved in a pilot project practising flexi working hours.

A former ministry officer said the project was much loved by its staff.

A civil servant, who lives in Petaling Jaya but works at Putrajaya, said although it is only an hour difference from normal working hours, the flexi hours mattered to her.

“I can wake up slightly later and I can skip the traffic jams. The jam around my office area will be less when everyone can come in at different times.

“I will be able to start work in a good mood too. I can work more effectively this way and not have to wake up so early and be stuck in traffic every morning,” said the civil servant who did not want to be identified.

The civil servant said currently, she needs to clock in at her office at 8.30am.

At times, she is not able to reach office on time and will be marked as late.

“I get my (attendance) record at the end of the month. Not clocking in on time makes me look bad, but in fact, it is because of the traffic jam.”


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/27/good-news-for-civil-servants-psd-announces-flexi-working-hours-for-staff-beginning-march-1/#kKXzyb3wAXooWAYi.99