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28 February 2023
Messi named FIFA player of 2022, England women rewarded for Euro campaign
Soccer - Messi named FIFA player of 2022, England women rewarded for Euro campaign
Reuters
Februari 28, 2023
Soccer - Messi named FIFA player of 2022, England women rewarded for Euro campaign
The FIFA World 11 Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the Best FIFA Football Awards, Salle Pleyel, Paris, France - February 27, 2023 - REUTERS
PARIS: Lionel Messi was named FIFA player of the year 2022 on Monday as Argentina scooped all major men's awards after winning a vintage World Cup final last December.
The 35-year-old forward scored two goals in the final against France, with the South Americans emerging triumphant on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time in Qatar.
"It's amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award", said Messi, who sat next to France forward and Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe throughout the ceremony at Paris's Salle Pleyel.
Mbappe, also nominated for the highly anticipated award of the night, netted a hat-trick in the World Cup final but his achievement was overshadowed as Messi finally won the most coveted trophy in world football.
"I want to express my thanks to (coach Lionel) Scaloni and my team mates, without them I would not be here," Messi added.
"I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally I achieved it. It's a dream for any player, very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so."
His compatriots Lionel Scaloni and Emiliano Martinez won the coach of the year and keeper of the year awards respectively, and their supporters even got the best fans prize, while England were rewarded for their victorious women's Euro 2022 campaign.
Mary Earps was named keeper of the year and England's Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman received the accolade for best coach of a team who had four players in the year's World 11 - Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh.
Spain's Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d'Or last year, was named women's player of the year after inspiring Barcelona to a third consecutive national title in 2022.
Polish amputee Marcin Oleksy won the Puskas prize for best goal of the year for a spectacular acrobatic volley with Warta Poznan against Stal Rzeszow.
Teachers can be called back for duty during school term holidays
Teachers can be called back for duty during school term holidays
Bernama
Februari 28, 2023
Teachers can be called back for duty during school term holidays
Teachers can be instructed to attend work during school term holidays, but not exceeding half of the school term holidays in a school year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. - BERNAMA/Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers can be instructed to attend work during school term holidays, but not exceeding half of the school term holidays in a school year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying said the matter was based on the Ministry of Education's (MOE) Letter Number 11 of 2017 which also informed that the order to attend duty covered the task of supervising examinations, taking courses and preparation meetings at the beginning of the school year.
"Although this is not a routine task that needs to be done every day, it is also part of a teacher's job," she said when replying to a supplementary question from Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan) at Dewan Rakyat today, who asked if teachers could be called on duty during school holidays.
The MOE letter Number 11 of 2017 stipulates that principals or headmasters can order teachers to be on duty during school holidays for a time not exceeding half of the school term holidays in a school year such as supervising examinations, taking courses and preparatory meetings at the beginning of the school year.
Meanwhile, Lim said that so far no special allowance will be given to teachers who carry out tasks outside the classroom, including teachers who attend school management meetings on weekends.
However, she said that if teachers are ordered to work outside the school, they are eligible to be given travel claims.
"This is at the moment, but we will take note of the issues raised and we will look into it," she said in response to another question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) who asked if the government would introduce special incentives or allowances for DG41 grade teachers who carry out assignments away from class.
-- BERNAMA
Kongsi
Abu Dhabi's IPIC and Aabar to pay Malaysia $1.8 bln to settle 1MDB dispute
Abu Dhabi's IPIC and Aabar to pay Malaysia $1.8 bln to settle 1MDB dispute
King leaves to UAE for closing ceremony of desert tiger military exercise
King leaves to UAE for closing ceremony of desert tiger military
exercise
28/02/2023
12:08 AM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Western Region today to attend the closing ceremony of the Desert Tiger Exercise 6/2023 Bilateral Military Training Programme at the Al Hamra FIBUA City.
His Majesty was accompanied by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad
Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah, according to a post on the Istana Negara Facebook page today.
Also present was the UAE President who is also the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His departure as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces was at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed, who is a close friend of Al-Sultan Abdullah both
were colleagues at the world's leading military training institution, the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, in 1978 and 1979.
The Malaysia-UAE Bilateral Military Training Programme began on Feb 8, 2023 under the sponsorship of the UAE Government involving 14 officers and 116 personnel
from the 9th Battalion RAMD (PARA) as well as five officers and 120 personnel from the 61st Battalion UAE Land Forces.
Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
His Majesty who was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah will be in the UAE for a special seven-day visit.
-- BERNAMA
27 February 2023
Datuk Johan Mahmood has been appointed as the new Treasury secretary-general
New Treasury sec-gen says incentives in Budget 2023 comprehensive
and caters to all industries
Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican (left) has been appointed as the new Treasury secretary-general, effective today (Feb 27), announced Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
27/02/2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Budget 2023 is a comprehensive budget that covers the business community as a whole, including investment and business facilitation aspects, said the newly appointed Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
He emphasised that while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not specifically name incentives for each industry, the main incentives offered to businesses span across all sectors.
“Perhaps it’s different from the other budgets before this, where previously they were like a shopping list where each incentive is mentioned for each industry,” he told
the media after attending a post-budget debate organised by the Malaysian Economic Association today.
On his confirmation as Treasury secretary-general, Johan stated that he would support the prime minister's vision, particularly for Budget 2023 in assisting the less
fortunate and the lower income group.
Earlier in his speech, Johan touched on the challenging weaker global outlook for this year and how it would weigh on Malaysia’s economic prospects.
“As outlined in the 2023 global economic outlook report by the Internationa Monetary Fund, the weaker outlook was due to supply chain disruption, rising inflation,
prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, tighter global economic policies, and slower economic growth in China, the United States, and the European Union,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
Hong Kong Police find model Abby Choi's head in a soup pot
Police find model Abby Choi's head in a soup pot
Astro Awani
February 27, 2023 ]
Police found model Abby Choi's head in a soup pot
According to reports, the skull is still intact, but it is believed that there was at least one attempt to destroy it.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong police managed to find the head of model and social media celebrity Abby Choi, two days after finding part of her body in a house in Kampung Lung Mei, in Tai Po district.
Forensic experts found the victim's head in one of the soup pots in the house.
The victim's ex-husband, along with his brother and parents, have been arrested in connection with the murder.
According to the news portal HK01 , the head was found in one of the two soup pots in the house.
Police also found a meat grinder, an electric saw and a handbag belonging to Abby as well as two women's feet in the fridge.
When police found the pot of soup, it was reportedly full and contained minced meat.
However, at that time the authorities could only confirm that there was human tissue in the pot, before sending it for further testing.
Forensics also found the victim's head with ribs, in one of the pots.
According to reports, the skull is still intact, but it is believed that there was at least one attempt to destroy it.
The victim's hair no longer sticks to the cooked skull.
Forensic experts also found a small amount of minced meat, along with carrots and greens.
The victim's arms and limbs are still missing and police are continuing to search for other limbs on Monday.
In addition to searching the Tseung Kwan O cemetery since February 25, they also checked the drains in Kampung Lung Mei.
Relatives of the ex-husband reported that their brother, Alex Kwong, was charged with murder.
Kwong's 65-year-old father and his 31-year-old brother were charged with murder while Kwong's 63-year-old mother was charged with obstructing justice.
The case will be heard in court in Hong Kong on Monday.
Police find skull, several ribs believed to be from murdered Hong Kong model Abby Choi in soup pot; lover of suspect arrested
Abby Choi had thousands of followers on her social media accounts. (Photo: Instagram/xxabbyc)
Choi’s former husband, Alex Kwong, 28, his father and older brother charged with murder; her ex-mother-in-law charged with perverting the course of justice
Police have also arrested 47-year-old woman surnamed Ng in connection with case
South China Morning Post
A skull and several ribs believed to be murdered Hong Kong model Abby Choi Tin-fung’s were found in a large soup pot on Sunday (Feb 26), two days after her gruesome killing came to light, police said, adding that a fifth suspect had been arrested in connection with the case.
Choi, 28, had been attacked in a seven-seater vehicle, which was found to have blood spatters inside, Superintendent Alan Chung of the Kowloon West regional crime unit said on Sunday night.
Chung said Choi’s former husband, Alex Kwong Kong-chi, 28, his father and older brother were charged with murder on Sunday. Kwong’s mother was charged with perverting the course of justice. All four will appear in Kowloon City Court on Monday.
He said police had earlier on Sunday arrested a 47-year-old woman surnamed Ng in connection with the case. “We believe all the suspects involved in the murder case have been arrested,” Chung said.
Police carried out a huge search over the weekend at a village house in Tai Po and a cemetery in Tseung Kwan O. The body parts were discovered in one of two large soup pots police retrieved on Friday from the three-storey house at Lung Mei Tsuen, Chung said.
The pots were taken to a mortuary on Saturday, and forensic experts found the head and ribs when examining the contents, he said.
“When we found the two pots of soup at the scene, one of the pots measuring 50cm deep and 40cm in diameter, was almost full and covered with thick fat, some green and orange carrots and meat believed to be human flesh,” he said.
“Forensic experts recommended that we not carry out any inspection at the site to preserve evidence, so we decided to transport the pots to a mortuary for further inspection.”
Human bones were also found in the smaller pot, he said. DNA tests and dental records would be used to determine if the remains were Choi’s. Hair was stuck to the skull.
Chung said a hole measuring 6.5cm by 5.5cm was found at the back of the skull, with forensic experts believing it could have been the fatal blow.
Police would continue the search for other missing body parts including her torso and hands, he added.
He said the fifth suspect was the lover of Choi’s former father-in-law and was accused of renting with him the ground-floor flat of the house in Lung Mei Tsuen. Chung said it was not yet known if she was aware of the murder.
She was also suspected of helping Kwong evade police, he said.
The lover – who worked as a masseuse and had been in a relationship with the father-in-law for about six months – was also suspected of having rented a luxury flat in the Arch Sky Tower development in West Kowloon to hide Kwong.
Chung said the investigation has been made more difficult because of the non-cooperative attitude of the suspects.
“We want to find out as much as we can, not just to convict the murderers, but to give an answer to the deceased’s family, and return justice to the deceased,” Chung said.
Kwong was snared in a police ambush at a Tung Chung pier on Lantau Island at about 1pm after officers learned about his plan to board a speedboat to flee the city.
He had HK$500,000 (US$63,695) in cash and several luxury watches worth about HK$4 million in total with him when he was arrested. He later complained of feeling unwell at Hung Hom Police Station and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei.
Police said on Saturday that the two children Choi had with her ex-husband were being taken care of by her mother.
Alex Kwong was arrested on Feb 25, 2023. (Photo: SCMP/Dickson Lee)
The murder came to light on Friday when officers found body parts of Choi – who went missing on Tuesday – in the flat in Lung Mei Tsuen.
Police uncovered a meat grinder, electric saw and two pots containing human tissue, alongside two types of meat cleavers, a hammer, face shields, black raincoats and a purple handbag that belonged to Choi at the Tai Po flat. The suspects had covered the walls of the flat with a sail. Two female legs were found in a refrigerator in the flat.
On Saturday, about 100 officers including divers from the force’s elite Special Duties Unit, known as Flying Tigers, and officers from the Police Tactical Unit took part in a search operation at a Tseung Kwan O cemetery.
A drone was used for an aerial search and police tracking dogs were also deployed at the cemetery to detect traces of Choi.
Police continue to search for evidence over the murder of model Abby Choi. (Photo: SCMP/Elson Li)
Officers searched the area as their investigation indicated the ex-father-in-law and brother-in-law went there on Wednesday, a day after Choi was reported missing.
Police continued the operation on Sunday and deployed about 16 officers, including nine from the key points and search division, to examine a patch of woods next to a reservoir in the cemetery. After searching for the missing body parts for hours in vain, officers halted the operation at Tseung Kwan O cemetery at about 3pm.
At around the same time, police and Drainage Services Department workers returned to Lung Mei Tsuen to inspect sewage pipes in the area for the missing body parts.
Choi was reported missing after she did not collect the daughter with her former husband on Tuesday. Choi also had a son with Kwong.
Followers of her Instagram account jumped 20 per cent to 101,000 people since the murder case came to light on Friday. Choi wrote in previous posts that she wanted to be a style icon, and as recently as a week ago was on the cover of a fashion magazine.
This story was originally published in SCMP.
26 February 2023
Tobacco products smoking control bill to protect youths from picking
Tobacco products smoking control bill to protect youths from picking
up smoking, vaping
25/02/2023 11:32 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The government's commitment to table the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill 2022 along with the generational
Endgame (GEG) is the right step to protect the young generation from falling into the habit of smoking while reducing deaths from diseases related to cigarettes and
vaping.
Public Health consultant Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman says this comprehensive bill is able to address the current issue of tobacco control and the use of
vape or electronic cigarettes which are illegal under national law.
"This bill is very important in providing provisions and regulations to control the use and sale of products including device safety, advertising and promotion of the
product.
"I welcome the government's approval to table the bill together with the implementation of GEG because we need a competent and comprehensive law to control
products that are becoming a craze and are in high demand among teenagers, including children," he told Bernama here today.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the Budget 2023 announced the government's commitment to table the Tobacco and Smoking
Products Control Bill 2022 with GEG as part of efforts to strengthen tobacco control and protect the young generation from picking up the habit of smoking and
vaping.
Commenting further, Lokman Hakim who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at International Medical University (IMU) said he was confident that with
the comprehensive bill, the government's aim to protect the young generation from the habit of smoking and vaping would be easier to achieve.
He added that GEG is a structured and systematic strategy that aims to protect a generation from the influence of tobacco and vaping within a reasonable period.
"It is impossible to ban cigarettes and vaping completely but with GEG, future generations will be free from this bad influence. This can only be achieved with a
comprehensive bill," he said.
In July and August last year, former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tabled the Tobacco and Smoking Products Control Bill 2022 for the first and second readings,
however, it was delayed due to the dissolution of Parliament on Oct 10.
Among other things, the bill prohibits the sale and use of any form of smoking material including electronic cigarettes or vaping to individuals born on Jan 1, 2007
and the following year, with the aim of preventing the future generation from smoking.
Lokman Hakim who is also the Ministry of Health’s former Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement regarding
the excise duty on liquid or gel products containing nicotine used for electronic cigarettes or vape, with half of the excise duty revenue to be returned to the Ministry
of Health.
He added that this excise duty is in line with Article 6 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) where price
control through excise duty is able to control the availability of products containing tobacco and nicotine.
He also hopes the excise duty on vape and electronic cigarettes can be aligned with the excise duty on tobacco cigarettes in line with the FCTC's strategy to control
the availability of tobacco and nicotine products.
"I hope this is just the beginning and in future, it will also involve cigarette excise duty," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Korea Aerospace wins US$920 mln aircraft deal from Malaysia
Korea Aerospace wins US$920 mln aircraft deal from Malaysia
A KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle. Photo: Republic of Korea Armed Forces
25/02/2023
11:49 PM
SEOUL, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, said Friday it has won a 1.2 trillion-won (US$920 million)
aircraft deal from Malaysia, with the delivery set to begin in 2026.
KAI signed the deal with the Malaysian defense ministry to export 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft, beating India's Tejas, Pakistan's JF-17, Russia's MIG-35 and Turkey's
Hurizet, Yonhap news agency reported the company said in a statement.
It is the fourth time for KAI to sign an aircraft deal with a Southeast Asian country after Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, the statement said.
With the latest deal, KAI has exported 68 KT-1 basic and T-50 advanced trainer jets, as well as FA-50 aircraft, to Southeast Asian markets.
Globally, it has obtained deals to supply 222 aircraft to countries, which also include Iraq, Poland, Peru and Senegal,
KAI also expects to win a deal to provide another 18 FA-50s to Malaysia as the country plans to beef up its aircraft fleet, according to the report.
KAI aims to expand exports of its aircraft to the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the United States and other markets.
-- BERNAMA
MOTAC to discuss with PM on increasing budget allocation - Tiong
MOTAC to discuss with PM on increasing budget allocation - Tiong
26/02/2023
11:59 AM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss on increasing
the allocation for the tourism sector in Budget 2023.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said the increase was needed to intensify efforts to promote the tourism industry, more so because 2025 is Visit Malaysia
Year.
However, he said the discussion would take into consideration the Prime Minister's call for savings as well as the country's current situation following COVID-19.
"This year we are given RM275 million to implement promotional activities and cultural programmes. We will sit down with the prime minister and go through the
budget allocation again. Nevertheless, MOTAC is thankful for the allocation and support and will work together to make things happen.
He said this when met by reporters after flagging off participants of Larian Santai, organised by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Malaysian Recreation
Association at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Square today.
Tiong said the tourism sector is one of the drivers of growth to improve the country's economy and the people's standard of living.
-- BERNAMA
KDN approves 380,000 foreign workers under relaxation of hiring plan - Saifuddin
KDN approves 380,000 foreign workers under relaxation of hiring plan -
Saifuddin
25/02/2023
06:06 PM
PADANG BESAR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry (KDN) has approved the applications of 380,000 foreign workers under a plan to facilitate the hiring of
workers to meet the country’s economic needs in the post-pandemic period.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry implemented the plan based on Bank Negara’s recommendation to ease the conditions for hiring
foreign workers.
“So far KDN has approved 380,000 applications from foreign workers who overstayed and did not have valid documents, so that they could immediately seek
employment.
“This relaxation is given in several critical sectors like plantation, agriculture, manufacturing and services,” he told reporters after visiting the Padang Besar ICQS
Complex today.
Also present were Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, Perlis state secretary Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and Perlis Immigration
director Khairul Amin Taib.
Under the first phase of the plan, industry players needed to hire up to 518,000 foreign workers, he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said this was important for the country’s economy, which is expected to grow at 4.5 per cent as stated in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim’s Budget 2023 speech yesterday.
On another matter, he said KDN was in the final stage of acquiring body cameras for use by its agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
He said the ministry was in the process of finalising contrators which qualify to handle the procurement of these body cameras, involving a RM30 million allocation
approved by the Finance Ministry last year.
-- BERNAMA
PM wants deputy ministers to implement changes, plans for the people
PM wants deputy ministers to implement changes, plans for the people
25/02/2023
06:45 PM
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all deputy ministers under his leadership in the Unity Government to focus on
implementing the changes and plans that will benefit the people.
This was among the mandates delivered by Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, at the 2023 Unity Government Deputy Ministers Retreat programme at Seri
Perdana, here.
Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said the prime minister was very focused on the performance of his government and emphasised his
desire for all deputy ministers to bring reforms in a short time.
“He (Anwar) is of the view that the people are impatient and want to see the outcome soonest possible. This is an important reminder for all who hold positions to
give their attention to bringing changes in a short period,” she said when met by reporters after the programme.
The retreat session lasted over an hour and was also participated by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Treasury Deputy Secretary-General
(Policy) Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican
At the retreat session, Teo said several important government figures, including Mohd Zuki and Johan, also briefed the deputy ministers.
“I am honoured because the Prime Minister was very patient and answered our (deputy ministers) questions throughout this session. We (the deputy ministers)
brought up a lot of issues,” she said.
The Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), in a statement issued in conjunction with the programme, said the retreat was held to bolster consensus and
solidarity among the deputy ministers of the Unity Government.
The JPM said the programme was also in line with the prime minister’s desire in translating the resolution and reform agenda in the administration of the Unity
Government.
Today’s retreat programme also had special briefing sessions covering important aspects towards strengthening the delivery services and governance of the
government machinery.
These aspects included the Unity Government’s MADANI key performance indicators (KPI), government structures and public administration affairs, financial
management and government procurement, organisational integrity and governance, government protocol and professionalism as well as media communication.
-- BERNAMA
Around the world, K-pop concert prices are skyrocketing
Around the world, K-pop concert prices are skyrocketing
ETX Studio
Februari 26, 2023
Around the world, K-pop concert prices are skyrocketing
The girl band Blackpink, for example, exceeded $3.3 million in revenue for each of their two concerts on November 14 and 15, 2022, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. A record for a girl band! - blackpinkofficial.com/Filepic
K-POP is now a firm part of the world music scene, driven by ever younger and more numerous groups. Some of them are taking to the road this year, much to the delight of their fans. But would-be concert-goers might be surprised to see how much it costs to see their idols live on stage.
Would you be willing to pay hundreds of euros (through official channels) to attend an Ateez show? That's the question many European fans of the K-pop group have been asking since the eight members announced a series of tour dates on the Old Continent. At first, many thought it was a joke when they saw the prices of some of the seats -- or some kind of ticketing service malfunction.
However, they soon had to face up to the fact that it will cost between €66.40 and €154.40 to see Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho, in March, at the Accor Arena in Paris. Prohibitive prices which are, in the collective Western mindset, more often associated with artists like Beyoncé, Elton John or the Rolling Stones than the rising stars of K-pop.
Still, interest in Korean popular music should not be underestimated. In recent years, K-pop has become a social phenomenon that can be measured in sales, streams and, most importantly, in revenue. The group BTS alone contributes more than $3.6 billion annually to the economy of their homeland, according to the Hyundai Research Institute. And they are no exception.
The girl band Blackpink, for example, exceeded $3.3 million in revenue for each of their two concerts on November 14 and 15, 2022, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. A record for a girl band!
The K-pop craze has brought about a complete paradigm shift in the music industry thanks to fan communities that don't hold back when it comes to supporting their idols.
However, the rising prices of concert tickets have many music lovers worried in the current climate of soaring inflation.
Many fear that they will not be able to afford to see their favorite artists on stage, especially now that they have taken to announcing the opening of ticket sales at very short notice.
$3,000 for a Blackpink ticket
Traditionally, K-pop artists have given their audiences plenty of advance notice of their world tour dates and the availability of tickets for their shows. But this phenomenon has somewhat reversed since the 2010s, under the impetus of South Korean labels wishing to capitalize as quickly as possible on the artists that they manufacture from scratch.
"With so many teams [bands] debuting, idols had to hurry to release albums and promote their activities. If the time between the last album and the new album is prolonged, it will be forgotten from the memories of fans and the public, allowing other teams to rise," K-pop expert, Hee-ah Park, told The Guardian.
As a result of this fast pace, fans have less and less time to anticipate their outlay and budget to buy concert tickets. If some will always buy a ticket, no matter the price, others have no choice but to wait before being able to afford their precious pass.
And that's without counting the "ticket-bots," the automated robots that buy up concert tickets en masse as soon as they are put on sale to allow individuals to resell them later for exorbitant sums. Blackpink's fans in Hong Kong experienced this in January, when Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa and Rosé gave three concerts in the city-state.
Although they were sold out for months, a few tickets were available on the internet. A 13th-row seat for one of Blackpink's performances was even resold for a record price of HK$25,000 (US$3,200), according to The South China Morning Post. Its initial price was HK$2,999 dollars (US$385).
If this practice is not limited to the K-pop world, it certainly dries up the supply of tickets and leads to fears that the concerts of South Korean idols are becoming more and more inaccessible to the majority of fans.
Fans might not be happy, but most don't want to risk missing out on a performance by Blackpink, Ateez, The Rose, Music Bank or even AB6IX.
"At the end of the day, there will always be people that will still buy tickets, even from touts at inflated prices, because the demand will always be there," one K-pop fan told The Guardian.
Coalition govt: Anthony Loke is most popular minister, finds survey
Coalition govt: Anthony Loke is most popular minister, finds survey
ASTRO AWANI
Februari 26, 2023
Coalition govt: Anthony Loke is most popular minister, finds survey
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook (centre) is found to be the most popular Cabinet minister in the coalition government, according to a survey. Filephoto by BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook is found to be the most popular Cabinet minister in the coalition government.
Results from the Malaysians' Survey of the Coalition Government’s First 100 Days saw Loke’s popularity surpass that of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, garnering 49 per cent of votes.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, placed second with 40 per cent of votes in his favour. This was closely followed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in third place with 39 per cent of the votes.
Also in the list of the people’s top five ministers were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming (34 per cent) and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (33 per cent).
Other ministers that have been performing well, according to the people, include Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil (30 per cent), Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (28 per cent), as well as Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (27 per cent).
The online survey was conducted jointly by Sinar Harian, Astro AWANI, Sin Chew, The Star and Malaysia Nanban in collaboration with research firm O2 Research.
More than 36,000 respondents participated in the survey, which was carried out over the course of 10 days.
25 February 2023
Establishment of special unit posit ive move in war against child pornography - PDRM
Establishment of special unit posit
ive move in war against child
pornography - PDRM
Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani
25/02/2023 12:41 AM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The establishment of a special unit under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department's Sexual,
Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) will bring a positive impact on efforts to curb child pornography activities.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said PDRM welcomed the decision to form the special unit and would also work with various agencies to
track down the perpetrators involved.
“PDRM also appreciates the allocation of RM10 million as an operating grant to strengthen the role of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) to curb online
fraud crimes or scams,” he said in a statement tonight.
When tabling Budget 2023 in Parliament today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, announced the formation of a
police special unit to combat child pornography activities.
Allocations were also announced to procure body camera units and the construction of the new Perak Contingent Police Headquarters and police quarters at a cost
of RM450 million.
Acryl Sani said PDRM will ensure that the allocations are fully utilised to preserve the order and peace of the country in developing Malaysia MADANI.
Through Budget 2023, the government has allocated RM18.5 billion to the Home Affairs Ministry in an effort to strengthen public order and ensure national peace
and security.
-- BERNAMA
RM36.2 bln allocated to KDN, Mindef to strengthen national security,
RM36.2 bln allocated to KDN, Mindef to strengthen national security,
asset maintenance - Anwar
25/02/2023
02:22 AM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry (KDN) and the Defence Ministry (Mindef) have been allocated RM18.5 billion and RM17.7 billion
respectively, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
He said an allocation of almost RM4.1 billion would prioritise maintaining and procuring Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) assets to increase defence readiness,
adding that the government would be procuring Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) this year to boost the country’s maritime control and defensive capabilities.
“Meanwhile, agencies under the Home Ministry will receive almost RM1 billion to strengthen internal security, including procuring 2,100 body cameras for the Royal
Malaysian Police.
“Also, a new Perak contingent police headquarters and police quarters will be built at the cost of RM450 million,” he said as he presented the 2023 Budget at the
Dewan Rakyat today.
The earlier budget for 2023 presented by the previous administration on Oct 7 last year allocated RM372.3 billion but was not debated and passed before Parliament
was dissolved on Oct 10.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would also add 42 border control posts under the General Operations Force, the Immigration Department,
Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to tighten border controls as well as to maintain MMEA
vessels.
-- BERNAMA
YDP Agong on seven-day special visit to Abu Dhabi
King on seven-day special visit to Abu Dhabi
Credit: Istana Negara FB
25/02/2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has left for Abu Dhabi, for a seven-day
special visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a post on the Istana Negara Facebook page, the special aircraft carrying His Majesty and his delegation touched down at the Abu Dhabi International
Airport at about 3.15 pm local time (7.15 pm Malaysia time), yesterday.
Al-Sultan Abdullah was welcomed upon arrival by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court chairman Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Malaysian Ambassador to the
UAE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin.
-- BERNAMA
24 February 2023
Unity Government allocates RM388.1 billion budget for 2023 - PM Anwar
PM Anwar revises 2023 budget upwards to RM388.1 billion, biggest allocation in Malaysia’s history
CNA
24 Feb 2023 05:15PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim re-tabled the budget for 2023 on Friday (Feb 24), revising it upwards to RM388.1 billion (US$87.49 billion).
This makes it the largest allocation in Malaysia’s history, as the government continues to provide support to steer the economy, Bernama reported, citing the finance ministry.
The budget allocation is an upward revision from the RM372.3 billion budget tabled by the previous government led by Ismail Sabri Yaakob in October 2022, which could not be passed before parliament was dissolved.
According to Bernama, RM289.1 billion has been set aside for operating expenditure while RM99 billion has been allocated for development expenditure, including RM2 billion as contingency savings.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim holding the budget booklet on Feb 24, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Fadza Ishak)
A substantial allocation of 23.5 per cent will be provided for emoluments, subsidies and social assistance (15.2 per cent), economic (14.3 per cent), debt service charges (11.9 per cent), as well as supplies and services (8.3 per cent).
Additionally, there will are retirement charges (8.0 per cent), social (6.9 per cent), security (3.0 per cent), grants and transfers to state governments (2.1 per cent), general administration (1.0 per cent) and others (5.8 per cent).
The government also projects that economic growth will be around 4.5 per cent, said Mr Anwar.
A slew of initiatives were announced to help the middle class and lower income. Those who are earning between RM35,000 and RM100,000 annually will have their income tax rate reduced by 2 per cent. Currently, they pay between 13 per cent and 21 per cent, depending on their income.
However, those who earn between RM100,000 and RM1 million annually will have their tax rate increased by 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent going forward.
The government will also top up RM5,000 in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts for those who have a balance of less than RM10,000. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, several rounds of withdrawals were permitted, resulting in heavily depleted pension savings.
The prime minister also said that Malaysia will introduce a luxury goods tax this year and look into introducing a capital gains tax in line with international standards.
Source: Agencies/aw
Unity Government allocates RM388.1 billion budget for 2023 - PM Anwar
Bernama
Februari 24, 2023 17:45 MYT
Unity Government allocates RM388.1 billion budget for 2023 - PM Anwar
Anwar said the government would also reduce fiscal deficit in 2023 by five per cent from 5.6 per cent in 2022. - Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today tabled the national budget for 2023 totalling RM388.1 billion, of which RM289.1 billion allocated for operating expenditure and RM99 billion for developing expenditure including RM2 billion for contingency savings.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister said in line with the expanding fiscal policy, the allocation for development was increased to RM97 billion compared to RM71.6 billion last year.
"The increase is to enable focus to be given to programmes to eradicate poverty, repair public infrastructure and rural facilities.
"...with the reform in government procurement procedures, it will be ensured that this increased allocation is fully utilised for the benefit of the people," he said when tabling Budget 2023 in Parliament today.
This is the first budget to be tabled by the Unity Government led by Anwar.
The previous government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismai Sabri Yaakob had tabled Budget 2023 totalling RM372.3 billion in October last year but Parliament was dissolved for the 15th general election before it could be debated and passed.
Anwar said Budget 2023 will be the first step to explore the Malaysia MADANI development framework which focuses on 12 main initiatives based on three objectives namely driving an inclusive and sustainable economy, institutional reform and governance to restore confidence, and social justice to reduce imbalance.
He said the Unity Government is determined to control the fiscal position including dealing with national debt and at the same time continue to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Minister said the tabling of the budget today, which is dubbed the MADANI Budget, reflects a noble value system capable of addressing current challenges, including the global economic uncertainty.
"After listening to the grievances of the people and the problems voiced out by the members of Parliament in this august hall, I decided to table a budget by presenting facts and actual numbers and will not try to confuse people's minds with impressive data," he said.
Anwar said the government would also reduce fiscal deficit in 2023 by five per cent from 5.6 per cent in 2022.
He said the government is determined to achieve a sustainable permanent deficit level in the medium term with a target of 3.2 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 subject to continued strong economic growth.
-- BERNAMA
Ex-producer Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years on LA rape conviction
Ex-producer Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years on LA rape conviction
Reuters
Februari 24, 2023
Ex-producer Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 16 years on LA rape conviction
Harvey Weinstein begged for leniency in a Los Angeles court moments before he was given an additional 16 years in prison for rape. - REUTERS/Filepic
LOS ANGELES: Harvey Weinstein, the onetime Hollywood titan who came to epitomize a culture of pervasive sexual misconduct by powerful men that ignited the #MeToo movement, was sentenced on Thursday to 16 years in prison for the 2013 rape of an actress in Los Angeles.
The sentence, imposed as a consecutive penalty to the 23-year prison term Weinstein, 70, who already is serving for a sexual misconduct conviction in New York, makes it all the more likely that the Oscar-winning ex-producer will spend the rest of his life incarcerated.
Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair in brown jail garb, professed his innocence and implored the judge, "I beg your mercy," moments before she pronounced his sentence. The two-hour proceeding unfolded in the same Los Angeles courtroom where a jury in December found Weinstein guilty of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual penetration by a foreign object.
The charges stemmed from an assault on a former model and actress, identified in court as Jane Doe 1, at a Los Angeles hotel in February 2013.
Addressing the court through tears and a trembling voice near the end of Thursday's hearing, the woman said she had been a "very happy and confident woman" until Weinstein raped her. Then, "I lost my identity. I thought for sure that no one could love me. I was heartbroken, empty and alone," she added, choking back sobs.
The 16-year prison term handed down by Superior Court Judge Lisa Lench was more lenient than the maximum 24 years recommended by prosecutors but far more stiff than the sentence sought by Weinstein's lawyers.
Defense counsel Mark Werksman asked that Weinstein get no more than three years for each of the three counts on which he was convicted, to be served concurrent to one another, arguing the charges stemmed from "one continuing sexual assault" that occurred in "one frenzied 10- to 15-minute ordeal," rather than as three separate criminal acts.
It was a rare courtroom admission of guilt by defense lawyers, even as Weinstein himself continued to deny any wrongdoing.
In his statement to the court, Weinstein insisted he did not know Jane Doe 1 and argued that she had fabricated her account for money.
"This is a made-up story. Jane Doe 1 is an actress. She can turn the tears on," Weinstein told the judge. "Please don't sentence me to life in prison."
FALL FROM HOLLYWOOD GRACE
It marked the latest low point in a remarkable fall from grace for the co-founder of Miramax Films, the wildly successful U.S. movie production and distribution house that produced such films as "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction." Weinstein won an Oscar in 1999 as producer of "Shakespeare in Love," that year's Academy Award winner for best picture.
Mounting sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged women to speak out about sexual harassment and abuse by powerful men in media, politics and other endeavors. The movement, which went viral on social media in 2017, seeks to break a culture of silence that has long allowed such conduct to go unchallenged.
Weinstein, has said all of his sexual encounters were consensual.
Dave Ring, an attorney for Jane Doe 1, said Thursday's sentencing provided his client "with closure and relief, knowing Weinstein will spend the rest of his life in prison where he belongs."
The Los Angeles jury acquitted Weinstein of charges relating to a second alleged victim and failed to reach a unanimous verdict on charges arising from two other accusers.
One of them, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, now the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, had disclosed she was the alleged rape victim referred to in court records as Jane Doe 4.
Lench declared a mistrial on the deadlocked charges, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether to seek to retry Weinstein on those counts.
Defense attorneys argued that the women willingly had sex with Weinstein because they believed he would advance their careers, part of what they said was a widespread "casting couch" culture in the film industry. In two of the cases, they said the alleged sexual contact was fabricated.
Before pronouncing sentence, the judge denied a defense motion to throw out Weinstein's conviction and grant him a new trial.
Weinstein was found guilty of sexual misconduct in New York in February 2020, and is appealing the New York conviction and prison sentence. He was extradited from New York to California in July 2021 to face trial in Los Angeles.
Masked Robbers blow up ATM machines, flee with RM349,000 cash in 5 minutes
Robbers blow up ATM machines, flee with RM349,000 cash in 5 minutes
By Dawn Chan - February 23, 2023 @ 8:00pm
SHAH ALAM: All it took was five minutes for three masked robbers to enter a bank in Setia Alam, blind the closed circuit television cameras, blow up two automated teller machines (ATM) and escape with RM349,000 this morning.
Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said they received a call at about 6.48am from the public that the machines had been blown up and the cash was gone.
Investigators at the scene, he said, found two badly damaged ATMs — one was blasted open while the other was not.
"The suspects fled with the money that was still in the cartridge.
"Our probe identified three suspects who were seen entering the premises. They arrived in a white car suspected to be a Mitsubishi ASX.
"The surveillance recordings were blurry and unclear as it had been sprayed with black paint. We are on the hunt for the suspects.
"The Bomb Disposal Unit and Post Ballistic Investigation called to the scene believe that the ATMs were blasted using gas pressure," said Iqbal in a statement.
The bank, he added, estimated the cost of the two ATMs to be valued at RM60,000.
Iqbal said a probe under Section 436 and 379 of the Penal Code for mischief by explosive substance and theft are underway.
Those with information can call investigating officer ASP Mohammad Khairi at 012-2666025.
MMEA rescues 511 passengers who were stranded after a Langkawi ferry ran aground at the Kuala Kedah estuary
MMEA rescues 511 passengers after ferry runs aground at Kuala Kedah
Bernama
Februari 24, 2023 11:35 MYT
MMEA rescues 511 passengers after ferry runs aground at Kuala Kedah
Noor Azreyanti said the ferry was finally towed to the jetty at 11.15pm and the operation ended at about midnight. - Astro AWANI
ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) helped rescue passengers who were stranded after a Langkawi ferry ran aground at the Kuala Kedah estuary at 9.15pm yesterday.
Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone commander Noor Azreyanti Ishak said the agency received a call from the Malaysian Marine Department (JLM) that a ferry from Langkawi Island to Kuala Kedah was stuck in a mud bank some 0.8 nautical miles from the estuary.
"A total of 511 passengers were on the Express Bahagia 168 ferry when it ran aground due to the low tide.
"MMEA's Perkasa 1224 boat was immediately deployed to ensure the safety of the passengers and assist JLM," she said in a statement here today.
She said the ferry was finally towed to the jetty at 11.15pm and the operation ended at about midnight.
Apart from JLM, also involved in the operation were the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Health Department, the Civil Defence Force and the Volunteers Corps Department, she added.
Meanwhile, Noor Azreyanti urged the public to contact the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 04-7310579 or MERS 999 in case of an emergency at sea.
-- BERNAMA
MACC's investigation against Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan was done without following protocol - Chief Justice
Chief Justice: MACC investigation against Nazlan done without following protocol
NST
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s investigation against Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali was done without following protocol.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat also questioned the timing of the investigation, which was done at the eve of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's final appeal to overturn the 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine for misappropriation of SRC International funds.
Nazlan was the former High Court Judge who convicted and sentenced Datuk Seri Najib Razak to 12 years jail and RM210 million fine for misappropriating RM42 million of SRC International Bhd funds.
Tengku Maimun said even though the investigative bodies are constitutionally entitled to investigate superior court judges, these must be exercised in good faith and only in genuine cases.
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"Najib also even relied on the supposed bias on the part of Nazlan and his former employment with Maybank as grounds to nullify his conviction.
"The curious timing of the investigation against Nazlan, which was done without consultation with the judiciary also casts doubt on whether the investigation against Nazlan was bona fide," she said.
She said any such investigation must be conducted in accordance with a certain protocol in order to protect judicial independence.
Among the protocols that need to be adhered are:
- The investigative body must first consult the chief justice before commencing probes against the said judge.
- The investigative body cannot publicise the facts of the probe without prior approval from the chief justice.
- The public prosecutor must consult with the chief justice during the investigation including its decision to prosecute (the judge).
"Any abuse of those powers such as using them for collateral purposes not only constitute possible offences such as power abuse or obstruction of justice, but also constitutes actionable complaint through the court statutory review power."
She said this in her ruling over an application to refer two constitutional questions relating to the MACC's investigation on Nazlan by two lawyers and an activist.
The suit was filed by plaintiffs Nur Ain Mustapa, Sreekant Pillai and Haris Ibrahim on May 7, last year, seeking to declare that the MACC was not entitled to investigate serving judges unless they have been suspended or removed.
The plaintiffs, represented by solicitors Messrs Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, named MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the MACC and the Malaysian government as the first to third defendants in the suit.
The plaintiffs are seeking to declare that the MACC was not entitled to investigate serving judges unless they have been suspended or removed.
They are also seeking a declaration that a public prosecutor was not empowered to institute or conduct any proceeding for an offence against serving judges of a court and that investigations against Nazlan were unconstitutional.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday said the investigation into Nazlan has been completed and the findings have been submitted to the top judge.
She said this matter is subjected to the Chief Justice's decision, as stated by Clauses 3 and 3A of Article 125 of the Federal Constitution.
The MACC said they had completed its investigation into the alleged unexplained source of fortune involving Nazlan last year.
'I was taken to court because I did not support Muhyiddin' - Syed Saddiq
'I was taken to court because I did not support Muhyiddin' - Syed Saddiq
Bernama
Februari 23, 2023
'I was taken to court because I did not support Muhyiddin' - Syed Saddiq
Syed Saddiq said a request put to him to support Muhyiddin to avoid being charged in court was 'wrong'. - BERNAMA/Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman told the High Court today that he was taken to court because he did not support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister at the time.
The former Bersatu youth (Armada) chief said a request put to him to support Muhyiddin to avoid being charged in court was 'wrong'.
Syed Saddiq said this during re-examination by his lawyer Gobind Singh Deo on the second day of the proceedings to defend himself on four charges of abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering.
Gobind: What do you mean when saying it's something 'wrong'?
Syed Saddiq: It's the request to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (as prime minister), even though I have nothing personal against him (Muhyiddin) My Lord, but if that (act of supporting Muhyiddin) will stop the prosecution, it is wrong. This was informed (to me) by the investigating officer who investigated me and raided my house.
"He (investigating officer) was with me every day when I was being questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The investigating officer said, MACC is a 'political tool' whenever the government changes and I am a victim of political persecution. That is not right and I hope this is corrected," he said.
Gobind: If you did not support Tan Sri Muhyiddin (at the time), you will be prosecuted, that is what you are saying? As far as you are concerned that is wrong?
Syed Saddiq: Yes My Lord, that is wrong.
At yesterday's proceedings, lawyer Haijan Omar referred Syed Saddiq to a transcript of an audio recording that allegedly contained a conversation between the latter and a senior MACC official known as Ihsan.
In the transcript, Ihsan is said to be trying to persuade Syed Saddiq to support Muhyiddin, apart from informing him that the MACC becomes a 'tool' whenever there is a change of government.
Answering a question from Gobind, the former youth and sports minister said his testimony in court was true and not an afterthought.
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq agreed with DPP Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin that former Bersatu Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali had transferred RM120,000 from a Maybank account in the name of Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise (ABBE) to his (Syed Saddiq's) Maybank account.
Asked by Wan Shaharuddin on whether it was Rafiq Hakim who transferred the money because he (Rafiq Hakim) was the account owner of ABBE, Syed Saddiq replied, "Correct".
The MUDA president also agreed that he did not show any expense receipts for his 14th General Election (GE14) campaign in the Muar parliamentary constituency to Rafiq Hakim and did not inform the latter that the RM120,000 was a reimbursement for the campaign expenses.
When asked by Gobind why he did not show the receipts or inform Rafiq Hakim about the expenses for the GE14 campaign, Syed Saddig said Rafiq Hakim was not involved in his campaign and had only lent his account to deposit the funds (RM120,000).
Syed Saddiq, 30, was charged as the then Bersatu Youth wing or Armada chief of abetting Rafiq Hakim, who was entrusted with RM1 million in funds belonging to the wing, to commit a criminal breach of trust by misappropriating the funds at CIMB Bank Bhd, Menara CIMB KL Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2 here on March 6, 2020.
The native of Johor Bahru was also charged with misappropriating RM120,000 from the Maybank Islamic Bhd account belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise by causing Rafiq Hakim to dispose of the money at Malayan Banking Bhd, Jalan Pandan 3/6A, Taman Pandan Jaya here between April 8 and 21, 2018.
He also faces two counts of engaging in money-laundering activities, namely two transactions of RM50,000 each believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities, from his Maybank Islamic Bhd account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account at a bank in Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling, Johor Baru, on June 16 and 19, 2018.
The trial before Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
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- Malaysian Adult Model / Actress and Social Media I...
- Video shows elite Indonesian police unit at airpor...
- German President arrives for three-day state visit...
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Feb 2023
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