Thursday, March 29, 2018
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Singapore-Malaysia border crossing (update 10): Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System in Dec 2024
21 Jan 2018: Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System in Dec 2024
Dec 2024: Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System to carry 10,000 passengers per hr per direction; need to clear customs only once
https://www.theedgesingapore.com/jb-sg-rapid-transit-system-carry-10000-passengers-hr-direction-need-clear-customs-only-once?
26 Oct 2017: Commentary by Khor Yu Leng
Johor views of the rising cross-border tolls with
Singapore by Khor Yu Leng, 26 Oct 2017
The busiest land crossing in the world has been
adjusting to and absorbing “tit-for-tat” fees escalation since 2014
The
Johor-Singapore land crossing is described as one of the busiest in the world. Johor
authorities reported an average of about 296,000 daily pedestrians in 2015. This
figure excludes those using motorcycles (about 100,000 registered for automated
clearance), cars, vans, lorries and buses. The data is a bit patchy, but reports
point to 126,000 vehicles daily (including about 4,000 trucks and lorries entering
Singapore) just on the kilometre-long Causeway built in 1923; whilst the Second
Link has capacity for 200,000 per day. Overall this implies at least a quarter
million commuters.
Many on a
daily commute are Malaysians seeking higher paying jobs in Singapore. To earn
incomes that can be three-times higher than if they worked in Johor, hundreds
of thousands of people make daily 180-240 minute (return) commutes across the
congested Causeway and Second Link bridges. This includes widespread anecdotes
of an added 60 minute daily wait times at immigration in recent years.
Swelling the
massive commuting traffic are Singaporeans whose strong currency takes them a
long way in Johor. This brings weekend and holiday car traffic that go for essentials
of shopping, foot massages and a car wash. No surprise that some Johor workers
in Singapore say they don’t bother to return home until late every Friday
night!
Malaysia’s
VEP registered 20,000 Singapore cars by October 2015. While there were
complaints on higher crossing fees and talk about reducing trips, Johor experts
and a mall owner I checked in with report no impacts. Basically, Singapore drivers
get used to paying a bit more within a month or two, and things are “business
as usual” for those catering to their trade. Property gurus point to more new retail
outlets in Johor including a new Aeon in September, Ikea and Paradigm Mall in November,
and Mid-Valley at South Quay.
Johor
observers point to the start of competitive fees hikes in 2014 on passenger car
traffic, with Singapore increasing its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) from SGD20 to
SGD35 per day. In reaction the Barisan Nasional government did not honour its 2013
general election pledge not to charge toll fees on the Johor Bahru Eastern
Dispersal Link Expressway (EDL, that links the North-South Expressway with the
city’s CIQ Complex). Thus, all vehicles at the CIQ pay a charge whether they
actually use it or not. The latest is a RM25 5-year Malaysia VEP, that adds to
last year’s new RM20 road charge, that took a round trip for a Singapore car
going into Johor to about SGD19.
Johor State
Assemblywoman Wong Shu Qi explains that this “toll hike competition” causes more
Johor workers to use motorbikes. She points out that things are still to the relative
benefit as “Singapore cars pay RM56.80
per roundtrip whilst a Malaysian car pays RM 165.80.” Think also of the cost of
having a family dinner in Johor versus Singapore.
Other Johor
resident point to a well-off segment of Johoreans working in Singapore and driving
Singapore registered vehicles as bearing the greater cost increase of about RM400
per month (RM20 road charge for 20 work days). Some can afford this, and others
already defray costs by carpooling to their Singapore jobs. It seems there is limited
sympathy in Johor for the extra charges as they appear to be largely borne by a
relatively small segment of well-off Johor residents.
Indeed, there
is even negative sentiment in Johor about Singapore registered cars. Assemblywoman
Wong explains that: “Many locals reckon that Singapore vehicles that are driven
rudely and recklessly in Johor are actually driven by Malaysians with Singapore
PRs who are proud of owning a Singapore registered car.”
Perhaps the
ones to sympathise with are the 100,000 motorcyclists on stressful daily
commutes. While they do not face such rising charges, a Johor resident points out
that fights are not uncommon. “Many have added spikes to their motorbikes. The police
have gotten good at breaking up the fights, and they don’t arrest them.”
So, Singapore
shoppers easily shrug off rising car charges but Johoreans face more motorbike
angst and carpooling as the long term decline of the Ringgit against the
Singapore dollar has driven even more to seek jobs in the island state. As for
those selling property to make Johor a dormitory for Singapore, some developers
currently see the tolls as a minor issue relative to the over-supply of
condominiums and crime problems. Township developers are currently more worried
about the too-low 70% financing offered to their buyers, but are long-term
positive as their landed units are cheap for Singaporeans.
The future Rapid
Transit System will no doubt be greatly welcomed by the current quarter million
Johor commuters and keenly eyed by Singaporeans considering Johor for more than
the weekend foot massage. For now, the feeling is that it was high time that Johor
commuters with Singapore cars should pay more for their road usage; but they
would no doubt wish that they get more than the allocated 20% of the RM20 road
charge for Johor state coffers.
Khor Yu
Leng is an independent political economist at Segi Enam Advisors Pte Ltd.
Note: One
Singapore Dollar (SGD) equals 3.11 Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The Malaysian
Ringgit now has 2/3 of the exchange rate value it had with the Singapore Dollar
in 2002. The author lived for a period in Johor Bahru as a young child. She
remembers crossing to Singapore every weekend for shopping, eating and visiting
relatives. She also remembers that the Singapore Dollar exchange with the
Malaysian Ringgit was one-for-one.
References:
Author’s interviews
with seven Johor observers, 14-25 October 2017
- Nearly 300,000 walk between Johor and Singapore daily, 22 April
2016, AsiaOne, http://www.asiaone.com/malaysia/nearly-300000-walk-between-johor-and-singapore-daily
(accessed 25 Oct 2017).
- Motorcyclists grumble over congestion at Johor's new M-Bike lanes,
21 Feb 2017, New Straits Times, https://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/02/214214/motorcyclists-grumble-over-congestion-johors-new-m-bike-lanes
(accessed 25 Oct 2017).
- Busy U.S.-Mexico border crossing reopens ahead of schedule, 25 Sep
2017, LA Times, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-busiest-border-crossing-20170925-story.html
(accessed 25 Oct 2017).
- RTS to Shorten Travel Time Between JB and Singapore, 28 Sep 2017,
Property Guru, https://www.propertyguru.com.my/property-news/2017/9/161374/rts-to-shorten-travel-time-between-jb-and-singapore
(accessed 25 Oct 2017).
- Singapore says will hike Causeway toll rate if Malaysia does, 29
Jul 2014, Malay Mail, http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/singapore-says-will-hike-causeway-toll-rate-if-malaysia-does
(accessed 25 Oct 2017).
- Singapore says will hike Causeway toll rate if Malaysia does, 29 Jul 2014, Straits Times, http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-cars-to-pay-new-rm20-charge-to-enter-malaysia-levy-set-to-start-nov-1-at-1201am
(accessed
25 Oct 2017).
16 Oct 2017: Malaysia 5-year VEP (RFID tag) RM25 fee adds to RM20 Road Charge
Malaysia to implement Vehicle Entry Permit for all foreign-registered vehicles 9 Oct 2017 -- All foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia will soon require a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) that costs RM25 (S$8), said Malaysia’s transport minister Liow Tiong Lai on Saturday (Oct 7).
This is on top of the RM20 road charge currently imposed on vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore. The VEP would be valid for five years, said Mr Liow, without giving a timeline for its implementation. Vehicle owners who paid for the VEP will be issued with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag to be placed on the windshields of their vehicles. “The VEP will help us to identify the number of foreign vehicles entering Malaysia and also to prevent car theft and car cloning syndicates,” Mr Liow was quoted as saying by The Star. He added that the road charge would also apply to the northern border with Thailand by the end of this year or early next year. “We will implement the VEP and the RC at border entries between Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia for cars coming into Sarawak from the two countries at a later stage,” he said. Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/malaysia-to-implement-vehicle-entry-permit-for-all-foreign-9294084
Foreign vehicles entering Singapore to pay 'reciprocal road charge' of S$6.40 Singapore 16 Jan 2017 -- Starting Feb 15, all foreign-registered cars will have to pay a reciprocal road charge (RRC) of S$6.40 when they enter Singapore via the Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoints, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Monday (Jan 16). "The RRC mirrors Malaysia’s road charge of RM20 (S$6.40) per entry for non-Malaysia registered cars entering Johor, which was implemented on Nov 1, 2016," LTA said. The road charge will be collected together with the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), toll charges and fixed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees upon departure at the Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoints. An average of 20,000 Singapore-registered vehicles enter Malaysia daily via the two land checkpoints. Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/foreign-vehicles-entering-singapore-to-pay-reciprocal-road-charg-7563740
RM20 road charge for foreign vehicles entering Johor from November, 28 Oct 2016 -- Foreign private-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor will be subjected to an RM20 (S$6.60) charge from Nov 1, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced on Friday (Oct 28). The road charge (RC) will be collected each time motorists enter Malaysia via Touch n’ Go cards, according to the statement. The RC system has been activated at the two land entry points in Johor - the Causeway and the Second Link - and will be extended to the 10 other entrances into the country in stages.
"Initial collection exercise will only involve foreign private-registered vehicles excluding foreign registered motorcycles," MOT added. The ministry said the RC is not to be confused with the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). It described the VEP, which requires foreign vehicles entering Malaysia to be registered via an online portal for an RFID tag costing RM10, as "part of ongoing efforts by the Government of Malaysia to improve border control and monitoring". Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/rm20-road-charge-for-foreign-vehicles-entering-johor-from-novemb-7765178
8 Feb 2017: Singapore reciprocal road charge on Malaysia vehicles starts on 15 Feb, no cross-border paid car pooling, Singapore-JB MRT link?
Editor's note: I was chatting with a Singapore-based economist this morning. On the 15th the higher fee cars for the Malaysia-Singapore
crossing kicks in (triggered by Malaysia's special fee on Singapore cars – which is
not replicated for its Thai and Indonesia borders). Families living-straddling
border have to split (meet up weekends) or face an extra RM2000 per month commute
cost. I also saw headline today’s news about tighter rules on renting out rooms
in Singapore (but I haven’t read it yet).
New entry charge for foreign cars from Feb 15, PUBLISHED JAN 17, 2017 -- Foreign cars entering Singapore will be levied a new entry charge from Feb 15, in line with earlier government pronouncements that the Republic will match similar fees implemented by Malaysia. In an announcement yesterday, the Land Transport Authority said a reciprocal road charge of $6.40 per entry will apply at both the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints. It said the fee mirrors Malaysia's road charge of RM20 (S$6.40) for non-Malaysia registered cars entering Johor that was implemented on Nov 1 last year.... On Jan 9, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan told Parliament that Singapore intends to match Malaysia's road charge.... He pointed out that Malaysia collected about RM13.93 million in road charges from Singapore vehicles in the seven weeks from Nov 1. Singapore's reciprocal charge will be collected with the vehicle entry permit (VEP) and toll charges for the two crossings, which can amount to as much as $41.50 for cars. During Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) hours, foreign cars without an in-vehicle unit are also levied a fixed ERP charge of $5 a day.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/new-entry-charge-for-foreign-cars-from-feb-15
Paid cross-border carpooling services are against regulations: LTA By Linette Lim Posted 20 Jun 2016 -- Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, an LTA spokesperson said: "Malaysian-registered cars are not allowed to provide hire-and-reward services in Singapore without a public service vehicle licence." Likewise, Malaysian regulations do not permit Singapore-registered cars to do the same in Malaysia without a public service vehicle licence. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/paid-cross-border-car/2888196.html
Singapore-JB MRT to be linked by high bridge; deal by 2017 PUBLISHED DEC 14, 2016 http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-jb-mrt-to-be-linked-by-high-bridge-deal-by-2017
Paid cross-border carpooling services are against regulations: LTA By Linette Lim Posted 20 Jun 2016 -- Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, an LTA spokesperson said: "Malaysian-registered cars are not allowed to provide hire-and-reward services in Singapore without a public service vehicle licence." Likewise, Malaysian regulations do not permit Singapore-registered cars to do the same in Malaysia without a public service vehicle licence. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/paid-cross-border-car/2888196.html
Singapore-JB MRT to be linked by high bridge; deal by 2017 PUBLISHED DEC 14, 2016 http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-jb-mrt-to-be-linked-by-high-bridge-deal-by-2017
Nearly 300,000 walk between Johor and Singapore daily Apr 22, 2016 -- ISKANDAR PUTERI - An average of 295,731 people use the two land crossings between Malaysia and Singapore daily. State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said Immigration Department records showed that some 107.9 million people used the Johor Causeway and Second Link last year. "This did not include the ones travelling on motorcycles, cars, vans, lorries and buses. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/nearly-300000-walk-between-johor-and-singapore-daily#sthash.RpmeINA4.dpuf
19 October 2015: New Johor-Singapore vehicle permit system delayed again, Malaysia toll hikes, Immigration Dept can impose travel ban against those who shamed Malaysia
Immigration Dept can impose travel ban against those who shamed Malaysia Published: 18 October 2015 3:38 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/immigration-dept-can-impose-travel-ban-against-those-who-shamed-malaysia#sthash.lgKIJO9I.dpuf
New Johor-Singapore vehicle permit system delayed again, exco says Updated: 5:10 PM, October 7, 2015 KUALA LUMPUR — The new Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system meant for both causeways linking Malaysia to Singapore has been delayed a second time despite an earlier announcement that the system would go live last Thursday (Oct 1). Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development committee chairman Hasni Mohammad said that the new start date for the system, which has already registered 20,000 Singaporean vehicles according to the Road Transport Department (RTD) website, will be determined during the mentris besar and chief ministers meeting. “We have to wait for the outcome of the meeting before making any comment or announcement,” he was quoted as saying by The Star Online. This is the system’s second delay, the first resulting from “technical difficulties”, which pushed back its August 1 launch. According to newswire Bernama, the VEP system will initially involve foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia through Johor but will eventually be applied to all 12 road entry points into the country. Roads from Thailand will be next to receive the VEP system, followed by Brunei and Indonesia. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-johor-singapore-vehicle-permit-system-delayed-again-exco-says
Toll hikes: Why is Barisan Nasional on a suicidal path? Sin Chew Daily Published Oct 16, 2015, 1:06 pm SGT; In its editorial on Oct 15, 2015, Sin Chew Daily questions the belief that Malaysian voters will forget the hikes when it is time to vote in two years' time. First of all, toll rates for 18 major highways in the country was increased with effect from Thursday (Oct 15). And before long, the frustrated public began to lash out mercilessly at the government for the sudden and drastic increase.... The BN government used to cap the toll hike by way of compensating the concessionaires or allowing them to extend their toll collection periods. I believe they might have weighed the pros and cons that they have decided to leave the concessionaires alone this time. Apparently the government is placing its stake on some common human attributes: forgetfulness and adaptability. The next general elections may be more than two years away, and the time is long enough to diffuse any negative impact that might come with the rising toll rates..... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/toll-hikes-why-is-barisan-nasional-on-a-suicidal-path-sin-chew-daily
Toll hikes better now than later, says report Published: 14 October 2015 9:06 AM
See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/toll-hikes-better-now-than-later-says-report#sthash.zWxZVke9.dpuf
All highways involved in toll hikes not ‘inter-urban’, says body Published: 17 October 2015 8:37 PM; All 18 highways which increased their toll rates since last Thursday are not categorised as inter-urban highways. The Malaysian Highway Authority in a statement today said inter-urban highways were highways linking one state capital to another state capital and forming a national highway network as they connected the rural areas to the towns. “Geometrically, inter urban highways have controlled access as commuters can only enter the highways via certain interchanges. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); “Highways categorised as an inter-urban highway are the North-South and East Coast Expressways,” the statement said. The highway authority also explained that the KL-Karak Highway (KLK)is not an inter-urban highway as the highway only connects Gombak and Bentong, Pahang. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/all-highways-involved-in-toll-hikes-not-inter-urban-says-body#sthash.3GgKzm0r.dpuf
PLUS toll hike due next year By: LEONG HUNG YEE Saturday, 17 October 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/10/17/PLUS-toll-hike-due-next-year/?style=biz
Toll hikes coming to Penang as well By Audrey Dermawan - 13 October 2015 @ 12:53 PM http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/10/toll-hikes-coming-penang-well
‘Betrayal,’ PM says of toll hike proposal leak By Ida Lim Saturday June 13, 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/betrayal-pm-says-of-toll-hike-proposal-leak#sthash.xHD1Hcd1.dpuf
5 August 2015: Malaysia's new VEP fee (RM20 per entry and RM10 for 5 year registration) discriminates against Singapore vehicles - Singapore may hike vehicle entry fee in tit-for-tat move
Malaysia's new VEP fee discriminates against Singapore vehicles: Transport Ministry "Such costs and inconveniences could discourage Singaporeans from going to Malaysia, in particular Johor, for leisure purposes such as shopping, entertainment, sight-seeing, holiday," the Transport Ministry says.
POSTED: 04 Aug 2015 20:47 UPDATED: 04 Aug 2015 22:43; SINGAPORE: Malaysia's upcoming RM20 (S$7.16) entry fee for foreign-registered vehicles travelling through Johor, "discriminates against Singapore vehicles", the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Tuesday (Aug 4). The fee kicks in on Oct 1 and the ministry said Singapore will consider matching the levy in some form after studying its implementation. MOT also said it is requesting more information from Malaysian authorities on their new requirement for Singapore vehicles to pre-register before entering Malaysia. Over the weekend, Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi was quoted by The Star as saying "from Sep 1, Singapore vehicles which are not registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would be refused entry into Malaysia”.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/malaysia-s-new-vep-fee/2028368.html
Singapore may hike vehicle entry fee in tit-for-tat move Published: 4 August 2015 11:56 PM; Aziz also said that Malaysia is aiming to roll out a second phase of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system covering the Malaysia-Thailand border by the middle of next year. The mandatory registration applies to all private vehicles, public buses, taxis, goods vehicles as well as diplomatic cars. Vehicle owners are also required to pay RM10 for the road charge, which is valid for five years. Separately, from October 1, Singapore-registered private passenger vehicles will have to pay RM20 per entry for the VEP. The VEP for foreign vehicles was previously scheduled to begin on September 1, after it was postponed from August 1. Payment can be made only with Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go card. In August last year, Singapore raised its entry permit charges – for the first time since 1994 – for foreign cars and goods vehicles. Singapore's Land Transport Authority had explained that the increase sought to “equalise the cost of owning and using a foreign-registered vehicle in Singapore with that for a Singapore-registered vehicle”. In response, Malaysia raised the tolls at the Causeway in the same month. Two months later, Singapore followed suit, as part of a long-standing policy that ensures a fair distribution of total revenues from the crossings. – TODAY Online, August 4, 2015. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/singapore-may-hike-vehicle-entry-fee-in-tit-for-tat-move
21 July 2015: Singapore-Johor Baru shuttle train - The Shuttle Tebrau and Johor-Singapore taxi services resume after licence extension
Thumbs up for Singapore-Johor Baru shuttle train - The Shuttle Tebrau, launched last Wednesday, offers seven trips a day in each direction. Checks by The Straits Times on Friday evening and yesterday morning found the carriages packed. The Shuttle Tebrau, launched last Wednesday, offers seven trips a day in each direction. Checks by The Straits Times on Friday evening and yesterday morning found the carriages packed.PHOTO: DIOS VINCOY JR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES; Published Jul 6, 2015, 5:50 am SGT; Journey lasts five minutes, the immigration queues are shorter and there is no traffic jam...Information technology consultant Ann Ang, 44, found it "so much easier" to get through Singapore and Malaysian immigration checks in one go now, rather than having to hop on and off a bus on each side. "I don't have to keep carrying bags up and down the bus."...Now, trains depart from Singapore at 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm. But some passengers said they would like to see more services, particularly in the afternoon....http://www.
Johor-Singapore taxi services resume after licence extension Updated: 8:52 AM, July 4, 2015 SINGAPORE — Taxi services between Johor and Singapore, which have been halted since midnight on Wednesday (July 1) because of lapsed permits for Malaysian cabbies to ply the cross-border routes, have resumed after the Land Transport Authority (LTA) extended their licenses until July 31. The disruption arose because the LTA’s Malaysian counterparts did not receive the licence renewal documents despite these being sent last Monday.... http://www.todayonline.com/
19 April 2015: Plan to ban lorries on Causeway
Plan to ban lorries on Causeway, VEP will affect business: SMEs By Chloe Wang UPDATED: 07 Apr 2015 23:38
Singapore SMEs say plans to ban heavy vehicles from using the Causeway and the new foreign vehicle entry permit will hit businesses that rely on daily deliveries from Malaysia. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/plan-to-ban-lorries-on/1770442.html
Johor wants to ban heavy vehicles from using the Causeway, says public works official Published on Apr 4, 2015 4:20 PM - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/johor-wants-ban-heavy-vehicles-using-the-causeway-says-public-works-#sthash.oY90SHPU.dpuf
6 April 2015: Malaysia expected to levy $7.40 Vehicle Entry Permit for foreign vehicles from Aug 1 - Straits Times
Malaysia expected to levy $7.40 Vehicle Entry Permit for foreign vehicles from Aug 1 Published on Apr 4, 2015 4:09 PM; JOHOR BARU - Malaysia has said that it would be expected to start levying a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore on Aug 1, Bernama has reported. "This is the first time Malaysia is implementing the charge and definitely it will take time in terms of procuring and installing the equipment," Bernama quoted Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abd Aziz Kaprawi as saying on Saturday. He added that the equipment, to be installed at both the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link, would facilitate the charging of the RM20 (S$7.40) VEP. Datuk Abd Aziz also said the VEP on foreign vehicles crossing the border to Malaysia via other checkpoints, such as those at the Thailand border, would be the same, reported Bernama. He added that his ministry would discuss fare increases for express buses with the Land Public Transport Commission, according to Bernama. Responding to the changes, a spokesman for Singapore's Transport Ministry said: ""We will study the Malaysian levy and consider matching in some form after the details are confirmed." ... .... http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/malaysia-expected-levy-740-vehicle-entry-permit-foreign-vehicles-aug#sthash.zJb03q8e.dpuf
14 January 2015: Malaysian sting operations to collect unpaid fines from Singapore motorists
Johor Baru op nets $900k in unpaid fines from Singapore motorists By Danson Cheong And Lim Yi Han; Published on Jan 14, 2015 6:13 AM; The six-day operation from Dec 27 to Jan 1 was conducted near and at Johor Baru immigration checkpoints. -- PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN MALAYSIA
Malaysian traffic police, in a six-day operation, collected more than RM2.4 million (S$900,000) in outstanding traffic fines from Singapore motorists.... The operation, conducted from Dec 27 to Jan 1, caught 13,529 drivers with outstanding fines near and at Johor Baru immigration checkpoints.
Johor Traffic Police Chief Baharudin Mat Taib told The Straits Times that more than 15,470 fines were paid during this period, with almost $500,000 paid in cash.... The rest of the fines were settled by credit card.... He added that Malaysian officers will continue to conduct such sting operations regularly...... http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/transport/story/johor-baru-op-nets-900k-unpaid-fines-singapore-motorists-20150114#sthash.61z8RKFq.dpuf
23 December 2014: More tit-for-tat fee hikes on Malaysia VEP by mid 2015?
‘Resolve VEP fee issue amicably’ 23 December 2014 @ 8:13 AM; JOHOR BARU: Malaysia and Singapore have been urged to discuss issues related to toll fees and the imposition of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee for the good of Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia region.... Pulai member of parliament Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said it was important for both sides to look at the bigger picture and take into consideration the total impact that any increase by Singapore would have on Iskandar Malaysia.... “It is time for both governments to resolve this issue and work together for the long-term benefits,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.... Nur Jazlan, who is also Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman, was responding to yesterday’s Singapore media report, which said its Ministry of Transport would be studying Malaysia’s move to impose a VEP fee of RM20 (S$7.55) for foreign vehicles from Singapore starting middle of next year. http://www.nst.com.my/node/65300
3 August 2014: Singapore-Malaysia border crossing fees face tit-for-tat hikes
The Singapore-Johor crossings are heavily trafficked and its two road links are key to the supply-chain of the low-key traffic of essential goods and labour from lower cost Malaysia to the booming Island state. On traffic numbers, Malaysia sources estimate 300,000 vehicles (including 3,000 to 4,000 trucks and lorries) cross Johor-Singapore daily (presumably this is for both crossings?) while Singapore reported over 130,000 vehicle across the JB-Singapore Causeway and capacity of 200,000 vehicles for the Second Link. At the same time, the leaders and sovereign wealth funds of the two nations have come together in recent years to promote Johor as a hinterland and dormitory town for the higher cost Singapore core economy.
I have written about this topic several times since I first prepared a review of Iskandar Malaysia for the Rajaratnam School for International Studies (RSIS) in 2011. More recent postings on Singapore-Johor Iskandar topics in this blog include: a) http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2014/03/malaysia-china-relations.html (refer to 18 June 2014 update: China developers have significant investments in Malaysia, particularly in the Johor-Iskandar Malaysia zone which is developing as a northern adjunct to Singapore..."), b) http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2014/06/johor-iskandar-policy-admin-moves.html on Johor-Iskandar & Malaysia power shifts, and c) http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2014/06/petronas-rapid-project-in-johor.html on Petronas' RAPID project in Johor. ISEAS is currently reviewing the final draft of my paper on "Political Contestation in Iskandar Malaysia: Views on economic integration during Malaysian GE-13" on research done end-2013, to be published as chapter in a book by ISEAS in 2014/2015 (highlights of Johor voting outcomes noted here - http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2014/04/malaysia-political-economy-of-felda-and.html.
On the cost of driving a Johor car to work in Singapore. A KL friend whose nephew lives Johor and works in Singapore mentioned that the monthly cost of running a Malaysia registered car in Singapore had gone up terribly, due to the increased Singapore VEP fee. The estimate was some SGD1,500 per month (petrol, unrevised border toll charges, new Singapore VEP and parking). If the 30-year old Mr Chin cited in the Bloomberg article below did the same, it would seem a significant chunk of his monthly salary could go to these costs. This would seem problematic, in addition to his long commute cum work hours. Another cross border commuter, Mr Chan working in Singapore says he leaves home 6.45am to sometimes after 11pm; causing apparent nascent marital problems. Thus, in the pursuit of the Singapore dream of a cheaper landed property, the "Mr Chins" would presumably have to find a cheaper form of transport than a Johor private car or else be priced out of this lifestyle. You would need to have a high enough income. A Singapore private car would avoid the new daily SGD 35 Singapore VEP fee of SGD700 per month assuming 20 working days. But it is more costly to purchase and may apparently face a tit-for-tat fee set by the Malaysian authorities anyway on foreign vehicles in its territory (see Malay Mail quote below).
Since the calculus above, Malaysia and Singapore have decided on hikes on crossing toll fees too (on top of the daily "usage fee"). At the JB-Singapore Causeway, before 1 August 2014 was SGD2.30 for a round trip, but will rise to SGD12.80 soon. Thus, a 20-day per month commute would cost SGD256 in such fees, compared to SGD46 before. This could make the monthly Johor car transport fee amount to over SGD1,700 per month? Note that crossing fees for the Tuas Second Link are different.
Singapore argues that "Based on 2013 data, the VEP fee increase will only affect about one in ten foreign-registered cars. Other foreign-registered cars will not be affected as they enter and stay in Singapore on VEP-free days or during VEP-free hours," but this may nevertheless crimp the hopes of the lifestyle property seeking "Mr Chins" of Singapore.
A Malaysia newspaper article says that "Ties between the two countries over commuters plying the link are already strained following Singapore’s move to raise vehicle entry fees, which prompted Putrajaya to introduce a similar tax for foreign vehicles entering via the country’s southern border.... And following the report that Malaysia may increase toll charges for the Causeway by as much as threefold for inbound vehicles, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it will follow suit with an equivalent amount if the rumours prove true, according to The Straits Times today.... Once-testy relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours have grown balmy in recent years, culminating in infrastructure joint ventures in both countries such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail link.... But the recent controversy over Singapore’s VEP increase and Malaysia’s apparent retaliation is again leading to strains in ties linking the countries that were part of the same nation from 1963 to 1965." http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/singapore-says-will-hike-causeway-toll-rate-if-malaysia-does#sthash.v3MXsjag.dpuf
Thus, it would seem that the further development of Johor as a northern adjunct to Singapore is quite crying out for a direct cost-effective mass transport linkage to ease the problems of travel time and cost. It is a bit surprising that the Malaysia and Singapore authorities and their sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) so invested in promoting Singapore-Johor transboundary living (and selling high-end properties in Iskandar Malaysia) have chosen to jam up some of the key household financial economics of such a lifestyle before mass transport has been put in place.
New links:
Singapore to match Johor's new Causeway tolls 'in next few weeks': LTA Published on Aug 1, 2014 8:14 PM By Hoe Pei Shan; "SINGAPORE - Singapore will match Johor's new higher Causeway tolls "in the next few weeks", said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Friday night. "As details of Malaysia's toll revisions were not made known to Singapore earlier, LTA would need some time to operationalise the changes," said a spokesman. Should Malaysia reduce or do away with the toll charges, Singapore will follow suit, he added.... As of midnight Friday, cars entering Johor from Singapore through the Johor Baru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex have to pay a toll of RM9.70 ($3.78), up from the previous RM2.90. Cars travelling from Johor to Singapore previously paid no tolls, but are now subjected to a new toll of RM6.80 ($2.70). While motorcycles continue to be exempted from the tolls, drivers of bus, goods vehicles and taxis now also have to pay more at the Malaysia checkpoint.... LTA currently imposes separate lower tolls for vehicles going from Singapore to Johor, but none for when they return. When Singapore matches Malaysia's rates, cars making a round-trip can expect to pay a total of about $12.90 in tolls, up from the current $7.60, and more than five times the $2.30 before August 1.... Meanwile, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) has expressed its concerns over the toll increases. In a statement to the media, the president of the SCCI, Mr Thomas Chua said the higher charges will increase transportation costs for businesses and affect the ease of commuting...."
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/transport/story/singapore-match-johors-new-causeway-tolls-next-few-weeks-lta-20140801#sthash.4Hh9m8Hw.dpuf
source: Straits Times, 1 Aug 2014 article cited above
Thousands of motorists entering Singapore to suffer, say Johor MPs By Vanessa Ee-Lyn Gomes
Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 14:48; "THOUSANDS of Malaysian motorists, who enter Singapore through the Causeway daily, would need to fork out more money following a revision in the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fees effective August 1..... Malaysian cars entering Singapore will be charged a VEP fee of RM90.05 per day, a RM38 increase from the current fee of RM51.46. The GVP for foreign-registered goods vehicles will be raised to RM102.91 per month compared to the current RM25.73 fee.... Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong admitted the new fees would greatly impact Malaysians who travel to and work in the republic. He added an estimated 300,000 vehicles crossed the Johor-Singapore Causeway daily, most of which were Malaysian-owned.... The Pan-Malaysia Lorry Owners’ Association pointed out lorry operators would suffer the most because they would have to bear the cost of the fee increase directly as some 3,000 to 4,000 trucks and lorries enter Singapore daily..." http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/singapore-says-will-hike-causeway-toll-rate-if-malaysia-does
source: http://manage.mmail.com.my/image/1-4868; a traffic jam leading to the Tuas Second Link crossing to Johor.
Cut-Price Luxury Homes Fuel Singapore Tri-Nation Sprawl By Sharon Chen Jun 9, 2014 9:20 AM GMT+0800; "Darren Chin gave up a 15-minute train journey to his office in Singapore for a two-hour drive with a stop at passport control. The reason: By commuting from Malaysia, he can afford his own two-story home and car. “It’s worth it,” said the Malaysian financial adviser, who leaves his house before 6:45 a.m. to get to his job at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC) on time. “I’m saving on rent and I’m paying for my own house.”... Chin is part of the expansion of Southeast Asia’s richest city across its borders as residents and companies seek property, labor and amenities, often at half the cost or less. The result is a three-nation urban complex with a population bigger than London and an economy that would rank as one of the fastest-growing in the region.... A five-bedroom, two-story home with private pool in Iskandar was advertised last month for 3.9 million ringgit. A similar-sized home on Singapore’s prime Sentosa district with a waterfront view was on sale for about 15 times as much.... The tri-nation super-city does have some unique problems. With only two road links to Malaysia, rush-hour traffic can cause delays of 90 minutes or more at immigration. More than 130,000 vehicles a day cross the kilometer-long Causeway, built in 1923, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean told parliament in February. The second route, a bridge opened in 1998, has the capacity to take another 200,000...... “I try to leave Singapore as late as possible, or the traffic is very bad,” said Chan Ong Yong, a Malaysian truck driver who lives in Johor and works in Singapore delivering and installing sheet glass. “If I lived in Singapore, the rent would be too high and school would be too expensive.”..... Chan, a 30-year-old father of three, earns about S$3,000 ($2,393) a month, twice what he would get in Malaysia. The cost: Some nights, he doesn’t get home until after 11 p.m. “Sometimes I fight with my wife because I spend so little time at home,” Chan said..... Commuters like Chan face two stops for passport control and customs each way, with vehicles frequently searched for contraband goods that are cheaper in Malaysia. Singapore-registered cars entering Malaysia are required to have fuel tanks at least three-quarters full, as gasoline is less than half the price across the Causeway....." http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-09/cut-price-luxury-homes-fuel-singapore-sprawl-cities-correct-.html
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
1MDB (update 61): US AG describes 1MDB-linked assets as "worst form of kleptocracy"? Solar power, a Jho Low-partying rapper. PAS is satisfied with 1MDB explanations
This is about the international linkages of 1MDB and its reverberations have been necessarily expanded coverage.
In Umno’s world, ‘worst kleptocracy scandal’ never happened by Sheridan Mahavera, Diyana Ibrahim, Irfan Hussain, Radzi Razak -- Grassroots activists in Umno’s divisions said although the 1MDB scandal has captured global attention, it will have little impact on Umno’s fortunes in the 14th general election.... supreme council member Idris Haron claimed that the Department of Justice (DoJ), the US authority investigating 1MDB, was being manipulated by “irresponsible parties in Malaysia”. Idris, who is also Malacca chief minister, said party president and prime minister Najib Razak’s visit to the White House in September proved that he had nothing to do with the allegations.
“The DoJ is inconsistent. When the prime minister went to the US, no legal action was taken against him. So it’s not like what they have said before (that Najib was involved).”... Malaysian Attorney-General Mohd Apandi Ali has cleared Najib of any wrongdoing. Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) also found no evidence of impropriety in the state firm. Apandi, however, recently asked police to resubmit investigation papers on 1MDB to him, citing a lack of evidence...“People are only concerned about the price of food and whether they can feed their kids. Something like this is too difficult for them to understand.”... https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/26139/
The U.S. attorney-general described a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal involving a Malaysian state fund as the worst form of kleptocracy... the 1MDB-linked assets accounted for nearly half of some $3.5 billion in total proceeds seized or restrained by the DoJ, tied to money-laundering offences. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-doj/jeff-sessions-calls-malaysias-1mdb-scandal-kleptocracy-at-its-worst-idUSKBN1DZ0MX.
A rapper who is reportedly under investigation by the Justice Department for receiving $20 million from a Malaysian fund just before he emerged as a major donor to groups supporting former President Barack Obama is also a Clinton Foundation donor.... Frank White.. partnered with Michel to found DuSable Capital Management LLC, a firm that has done major business with the Malaysian fund targeted by DOJ... http://freebeacon.com/politics/rap-star-probed-doj-political-donations-clinton-foundation-donor/
Solar power plant in Kedah: DuSable was appointed as the investment adviser to the Yurus PE Fund; the Master JVA shareholding was 49% Yurus PE Fund and 51% 1MDB Synergy...On Oct 2, 2014, as part of the initial public offering (IPO) plans of Edra Global Energy Bhd, 1MDB acquired the entire 49% interest of Yurus PE Fund in the Master JVA, for a final amount of US$69 million. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/1mdb-explains-solar-ties-us-firm.
1MDB gets new extension to repay IPIC loan Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 8 Aug 2017 -- It is understood the Abu Dhabi government is incredulous at the cavalier manner Putrajaya has handled it's debt obligations and is puzzled why it has taken the Malaysian government so long to handle the transfer of funds, given that the agreement with IPIC was inked in April... Prime Minister Najib Razak had blamed 1MDB’s failure to pay IPIC on July 31 on “technical issues", saying it was not because 1MDB had no money.... But sources said the delay was nothing technical, and was in fact embarrassing because local and international banks do not want to handle transactions with the prefix 1MDB. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10039/
Pakatan urges Arul Kanda to answer 1MDB questions in Parliament by Melati A. Jalil 8 Aug 2017 -- PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said he doubted if PAS fully understood the 1MDB rationalisation plan if the party had found the plan satisfactory. "As PAS appears to be satisfied with the plan, I wish to ask the party leadership if that means that they agree that 1MDB's debts should be transferred to the people while the money borrowed by 1MDB has clearly vanished and has been misappropriated to buy luxury property?" he said....PAS yesterday said it was satisfied with the 1MDB debt rationalisation plan presented by Arul Kanda in the roundtable discussion, from which PAS concluded that a Royal Commission of Inquiry into 1MDB followed by punitive action against the wrongdoers was the only way to restore public confidence in the government. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10025/
Who’s footing the bill for Hadi’s costly UK suit, asks Rewcastle-Brown by Looi Sue-Chern 6 Aug 2017 -- Rewcastle-Brown said this made her “relish” the prospect of taking on Hadi in court as it would give her the opportunity to “bring out all the evidence about the situation of major public interest which I have reported about in Malaysia – including what I have disclosed and will further disclose about the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) case and where the money has gone”. "As for the explanation for the High Commission’s presence, yes, I am certainly alleging there is corruption at the very top in Malaysia," she said. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/9815/
BNM forex scandal RCI begins hearing August 21 by Bede Hong 8 Aug 2017 https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10010/
U.S. Seeks to Recover Approximately $540 Million Obtained From Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund Thursday, June 15, 2017 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-seeks-recover-approximately-540-million-obtained-corruption-involving-malaysian-sovereign
Who are the new characters in DOJ's latest suit?
However, in the rest of the documents, one new character in the suit who had caught the public eye was MO1's wife. Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan confirmed that the MO1 mentioned in the DOJ's first suit last year was Najib.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/385860
Yacht, diamonds and more in DOJ's
latest 1MDB filing
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) last night announced its most significant milestone since July 21 last year, when US investigators first went public on the 1MDB scandal and declared that Malaysians had been defrauded on an enormous scale. At that time, US investigators said more than US$3 billion was allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB and sought to seize around US$1 billion in ill-gotten assets. In the third and latest filing last night, the DOJ now puts the allegedly misappropriated figure at US$4.5 billion and is seeking to seize US$1.7 billion in assets purportedly acquired using funds stolen from 1MDB.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/385758
7 June 2017 lawsuit:
Misappropriated 1MDB funds helped finance $2.2 billion energy firm deal - U.S. lawsuit Jun 13, 2017 -- Money misappropriated from a Malaysian state fund was used to partly finance the $2.2 billion acquisition of Houston-based Coastal Energy in 2014, the U.S. government alleged in a lawsuit filed last week. Proceeds from the Coastal Energy deal were then used to buy a property in London's glitzy Mayfair district, according to the lawsuit dated June 7. The United States is seeking to seize the London property, along with two others, the document showed. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-usa-idUSKBN1941JH
DOJ document pdf: http://globalinvestigationsreview.com/digital_assets/5998fb0b-8c19-492c-a9da-2df73eb2b1e3/DOJ-Low-asset-forfeiture-action-7-June.pdf
20 July 2016:
United States Seeks to Recover More Than $1 Billion Obtained from Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund Wednesday, July 20, 2016 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-seeks-recover-more-1-billion-obtained-corruption-involving-malaysian-sovereign
1MDB Presentation https://www.justice.gov/archives/page/file/877436/download
1MDB vs IPIC: A settlement or compromise? By: The Edge Team -- (May 1): Last Monday, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) announced that it had reached a settlement with Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company PJSC (IPIC) over the arbitration proceedings at the London Court of International Arbitration. Unfortunately, this may not be something to celebrate despite the spin that it was a success for Malaysia as the arbitration initiated by IPIC is no longer needed.... An official familiar with the negotiations conceded that the agreement with IPIC was conditional upon the Ministry of Finance (MoF) stepping in as a guarantor of the two bonds totalling US$3.5 billion ($4.9 billion). This effectively eases IPIC’s concern that it would be called upon again to fulfil its obligations as a co-guarantor of the two bonds issued with the help of Goldman Sachs in 2012. The official, who briefed The Edge but asked not to be identified, explained why MoF had to step in to guarantee that 1MDB would not default on the bonds: “MoF is now involved. There is a government guarantee. It (MoF) had to stand guarantor for 1MDB with IPIC for the US$3.5 billion in debt papers that IPIC stood guarantor for, as 1MDB, after selling its assets to pare down its debts, has very little in terms of assets or security. It’s unfortunate but understandable [why this had to be done].”.... To recap, in 2012, 1MDB issued two 10-year bonds of US$1.75 billion each to buy two power plants. The bonds were co-guaranteed by 1MDB and IPIC’s subsidiary Aabar Investment PJS (Aabar). The MoF was not a party to this guarantee. http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/smr/?q=article/1mdb-vs-ipic-settlement-or-compromise
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-u-s-is-preparing-to-charge-a-leading-figure-in-malaysian-scandal-1490109286
PM says ex-1MDB executives off BNM’s watch list BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — Two former executives with 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) wanted by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have been removed from its watch list, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today. Najib who is also finance minister added that Casey Tang Keng Chee and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan are no longer wanted as the authorities have completed their investigations and taken action against the company they had worked for instead. “For your information, the investigation involving the two individuals have been completed and based on its outcome, enforcement action was taken against the company according to existing laws with consent from the AGC, whereby BNM issued a compound latter to the 1MDB administration for failing to fully adhere to the orders issued under the Exchange Control Act 1953,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/pm-says-ex-1mdb-executives-off-bnms-watch-list#sthash.jGt75kxk.dpuf
So the trial of 1MDB-Jho Low-BSI linked bankers started 31 October 2016 in Singapore. Below are some news links! Also, in the aftermath of Trump victory, there is forex flux, including Malaysia.
Malaysia caught in currency ripples - Bloomberg, By: Christopher Langner (Nov 21) -- A drop in hedging and refinancing activities would be bad news for banks. Ironically, Malaysian financial institutions could be the worst affected. They're the biggest issuers of short-term dollar debt, with more than US$3.5 billion ($5 billion) of bonds due in less than a year outstanding.... Malaysian banks are the most dependent on short-term markets for dollar funding in Southeast Asia. http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-caught-currency-ripples
Yeo Jiawei amassed $23.9 mil just 15 months after leaving BSI -- SINGAPORE (Nov 22): Prosecutors say former BSI wealth planner Yeo Jiawei accumulated a net worth of some $23.9 million in just 15 months through “secret profits” after he left the bank in June 2014.... Yeo, who turned 34 on Monday, is on trial for four counts of witness tampering. He faces seven other counts of money laundering, which will be heard next April.
Yeo argued that, as an intermediary, he should not be fingered as the one sole responsible. After all, Yeo reasoned, the financial institutions, with their teams of legal and compliance people, did not step in to stop the transactions....Yeo maintained that it was only when news surrounding 1MDB became widely known that various prosecution witnesses such as Swampillai and Samuel Goh Sze-Wei turned against him.
Yeo also questioned why Jose Renalto Cavarlho Pinto, a relationship manager with Amicorp, would call him “arrogant” when they had good working relationship. Yeo said that these three individuals were all complicit in one way or another, but are now pushing the blame to him. “These witnesses are lying to save their own skin,” said Yeo. http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/yeo-jiawei-amassed-239-mil-just-15-months-after-leaving-bsi-0?
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-unmasked-after-11-days-court-and-counting
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/how-1mdb-money-was-laundered
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-bragged-about-being-broker-deals-connections-mid-east-royal-families-and
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei-was-close-1mdb-mastermind-jho-low-prosecution
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-spent-night-jho-low%E2%80%99s-apartment-wore-his-clothes-prosecution
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low-wanted-play-badminton-says-accused-ex-bsi-banker
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low%E2%80%99s-former-private-banker-yak-yew-chee-jailed-fined
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-says-he-was-leaving-bsi-work-rival-bank-not-jho-low-0
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi%E2%80%99s-yeo-takes-stand-trial-claims-he-was-just-taking-instructions
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low-among-%E2%80%98key-persons-interest%E2%80%99-year-long-money-laundering-related-investigations-cad
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei-told-witness-pinto-remain-cool-it-was-war-time-within-malaysia
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-%E2%80%98wasnt-just-dhl-messenger%E2%80%99-says-key-witness-pinto
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-saw-lifestyle-%E2%80%98upgrade%E2%80%99-2014-and-there-are-three-other-fake-aabars
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/new-light-1mdb-scandal
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/secret-meeting-ex-bsi-banker-yeo-tells-friend-samuel-goh-we-die-we-die-together
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/top-%E2%80%98secret-profits%E2%80%99-ex-bsi-banker-yeo-paid-500000-year-jho-low
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-alleged-have-worked-1mdb-mastermind-jho-low
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/former-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei%E2%80%99s-trial-start-oct-31
Jho Low’s Relatives Fight U.S. Forfeiture of 1MDB-Linked Assets by Edvard Pettersson November 1, 2016
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-01/jho-low-s-relatives-fight-u-s-forfeiture-of-1mdb-linked-assets
Editor: One reader with legal background commented that there is no locus standi.
Leonardo DiCaprio Urged to Turn Over "Corrupt" 'Wolf of Wall Street' Earnings 9:53 AM PDT 10/27/2016 by Alex Ritman , Eriq Gardner http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/leonardo-dicaprio-urged-turn-corrupt-wolf-wall-street-earnings-941365
DiCaprio foundation would return gifts if from Malaysian fund in probe Oct 18, 2016 | 10:33pm EDT http://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-dicaprio-idUSKCN12I2DX
Malaysian Fund 1MDB Linked to White House Visit - Investigators look into whether money embezzled from the fund paid for lobbying seeking closer U.S.-Malaysian relations By BRADLEY HOPE and COLLEEN MCCAIN NELSON Updated Oct. 13, 2016 -- Investigators look into whether money embezzled from the fund paid for lobbying seeking closer U.S.-Malaysian relations - Federal investigators are looking into whether money was paid to a businessman who later arranged an Oval Office visit for relatives of the Malaysian prime minister, according to people familiar with the probe.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/suspect-malaysian-fund-tied-to-lobbying-of-white-house-1476403764
WSJ: 1MDB link to US businessman who arranged White House visit probed Published 14 Oct 2016, 9:53 am -- According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the entrepreneur is Frank White Jr, one of the founders of investment firm DuSable Capital Management LLC, who has also raised funds for US President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton....... 1MDB and DuSable cooperated on a solar-power project, which controversial businessman Jho Low had helped come up with, WSJ reported people familiar with the matter saying. "They said Low told others his efforts in arranging it helped Najib get closer to Obama, who golfed with the prime minister in Hawaii at Christmas time in 2014," reported WSJ.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358980
Arul, repairs to 1MDB must start with the truth by yoursay 14 Oct 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358965
Crackdown on free speech intensifies: Ordinary citizens targeted alongside activists, politicians by admin - 14 Oct 2016 http://aliran.com/civil-society-voices/2016-civil-society-voices/crackdown-free-speech-intensifies-ordinary-citizens-targeted-alongside-activists-politicians/
Falcon faces Swiss criminal probe in 1MDB case By Reuters / The Edge Financial Daily | October 13, 2016 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/falcon-faces-swiss-criminal-probe-1mdb-case
1MDB case: Swiss attorney general opens criminal proceedings against Falcon Bank by admin - 12 Oct 2016 http://aliran.com/web-specials/2016-web-specials/1mdb-case-swiss-attorney-general-opens-criminal-proceedings-falcon-bank/
How Falcon Ignored the 1MDB Red Flags by Shamim Adam October 11, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-11/-head-office-is-watching-you-how-falcon-ignored-1mdb-red-flags
1MDB partner Iskandar Waterfront weighs reviving Malaysian IPO October 11, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/money/article/1mdb-partner-iskandar-waterfront-weighs-reviving-malaysian-ipo
Singapore charges 2 former BSI bankers in 1MDB probe - Filing of charges is latest development in series of global investigations into Malaysian fund OCTOBER 10, 2016 https://www.ft.com/content/0bd59044-8ebf-11e6-8df8-d3778b55a923
MAS shuts down Falcon Bank, imposes penalties on DBS and UBS in 1MDB crackdown By: Michelle Zhu -- SINGAPORE (Oct 11): The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is withdrawing the merchant bank status of Falcon Bank’s Singapore branch... In addition, MAS has imposed on Falcon Bank financial penalties amounting to $4.3 million for 14 breaches of the central bank’s regulations... Financial penalties of $1 million on DBS Bank and $1.3 million on UBS, for breaches of MAS’s AML requirements, will also be imposed, as there “deficiencies found in the on-boarding of new accounts, weaknesses in corroborating the source of funds, inadequate scrutiny of customers’ transactions and activities, and failure to file timely suspicious transaction reports”....
http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/mas-shuts-down-falcon-bank-imposes-penalties-dbs-and-ubs-1mdb-crackdown?
Attorney General says no new request from Swiss on 1MDB 6 October 2016 | MYT 1:14 PM http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/06/attorney-general-says-no-request-for-assistance-from-switzerland-in-1mdb-probe/
Swiss request further assistance from Malaysia in 1MDB case October 5, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/swiss-request-further-assistance-from-malaysia-in-1mdb-case
US DoJ's civil action on 1MDB will not affect bilateral ties, says ambassador BY RAZAK AHMAD 7 October 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/07/us-doj-civil-action-on-1mdb-will-not-affect-bilateral-ties/
1MDB, Criminal Probe Separate Key Aide from Malaysia Tycoon's ... by The Asia Sentinel-4 Oct 2016 -- The Swiss Attorney-General asked Malaysia's assistance in its investigations into alleged misappropriation of US$4 billion linked to 1MDB ... http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/1mdb-criminal-probe-separate-key-aide-malaysia-tycoon-empire/
'Red shirts operatives captured 35 students in TangkapMO1 surveillance' 76 comments Alyaa Alhadjri Published 28 Aug 2016, 4:59 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/353883#ixzz4Igdiw0oE
In graft crackdown, MACC goes after ‘Tan Sri’, seizes Ferrari, Rolls-Royce Sunday August 28, 2016 - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is moving into top gear in its war against graft and power abuse by aiming to stem the problem at the source, as two recent cases have shown. After nabbing a “Datuk” bank executive suspected of corruption last week, the MACC has now identified a “Tan Sri” senior bank executive reportedly linked to misappropriating a whopping RM15 million in a book deal, Mingguan Malaysia reported today. The weekend edition of Utusan Malaysia cited an unnamed source as saying the “Tan Sri” had used two law firms as fronts for the transactions before moving the money into several other bank accounts. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/in-graft-crackdown-macc-goes-after-tan-sri-seizes-ferrari-rolls-royce#sthash.TREs21rQ.dpuf
Umno Youth plot twist; 'China to the rescue?'; 1MDB financial statements doubts Kini Roundup Published Today 7:26 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350043#ixzz4FZSfpvAG
1MDB: Don’t rely on 2013, 2014 financial statements 26 July 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/26/1mdb-dont-rely-on-2013-2014-financial-statements/
Deloitte quits as 1MDB’s auditor By Meena Lakshana / The Edge Financial Daily | July 27, 2016 : 9:10 AM MYT KUALA LUMPUR: Deloitte Malaysia has notified 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) of its intention to resign as the embattled state fund’s auditor, and the 1MDB board is now looking for a new auditor. “Until a new auditor is appointed, Deloitte will remain as auditor on record,” said 1MDB in a statement yesterday.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/deloitte-quits-1mdb%E2%80%99s-auditor?type=corporate
No need for emergency Parliament session on 1MDB - Johari by Luqman Hariz, Astro Awani | Published on July 26, 2016 http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/no-need-emergency-parliament-session-1mdb-johari-112122
Najib gets new powers amid planned protests over fund scandal A Ananthalakshmi, Reuters Published Today 7:57 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350044#ixzz4FZTIigHI
Hadi, tell them not to buy US properties to 'avoid' interference Yoursay Published Today 7:29 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350040
Lawyer fears Sosma will be used on trio accused of conspiracy Published Today 8:54 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350051#ixzz4FZSnFVCO
Zeti seeks legal counsel, Gani says conspiracy charge 'publicity stunt' https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350026#ixzz4FZT8vFD2
Bersih 5 should be a 'Malay-sian tsunami' S Thayaparan Published Today 8:23 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/350047
Editor's note: There's a blog "THE MALAYSIAN OFFICIAL 1"!
The impotence of being earnest Posted on 24/07/2016 By The Malaysian Official 1 http://www.themalaysianofficial1.com/2016/07/24/the-impotence-of-being-earnest/#more-16
Pro-Umno portal: Malaysian Official 1 is Najib, but... Published Today 2:50 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349955#ixzz4FV7S6TtN
Dr M: How will DOJ charge 'M'sian Official 1' without naming him? Published Today 3:22 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349960#ixzz4FV7wYi7K
'Plot to topple PM' - Umno Youth files report against Zeti, Gani, MACC chief Published Today 3:33 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349961#ixzz4FV3wHJYk
‘Grand larceny in 1MDB’ Published Today 10:57 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349903
1MDB agrees to IPIC's request for arbitration PUBLISHED4 HOURS AGO - IPIC, in a submission to the London Court of International Arbitration last month, is claiming about US$6.5 billion (S$8.8 billion) from 1MDB and Malaysia's finance ministry after a debt restructuring agreement between the companies went sour. http://www.straitstimes.com/business/1mdb-agrees-to-ipics-request-for-arbitration
1MDB audit exposes now zoom in on power purchase agreements 10 Jul 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/348063
IPIC Seeks $6.5 Billion From 1MDB, Malaysia in Arbitration by Shamim Adam une 14, 2016 — 3:34 PM SGT Updated on June 14, 2016 — 4:38 PM SGT 1MDB has defaulted on debt amid dispute with Abu Dhabi’s IPIC. Malaysian fund is subject of global probes into its finances... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-14/ipic-seeks-6-5-billion-from-1mdb-malaysia-in-arbitration-bid
IGP: We will use OSA if Sarawak Report’s 1MDB audit genuine BY IDA LIM July 9, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-we-will-use-osa-if-sarawak-reports-1mdb-audit-genuine
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-we-will-use-osa-if-sarawak-reports-1mdb-audit-genuine#sthash.ga987XJE.dpuf
Tony Pua urges PM to declassify AG's report on 1MDB after Sarawak Report exposé By Sangeetha Amarthalingam / theedgemarkets.com | July 8, 2016 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/tony-pua-urges-pm-declassify-ags-report-1mdb-after-sarawak-report-expos%C3%A9
Malaysian Journalist: Najib Cracked Down on Free Speech to Limit 1MDB Fallout - Mustapha Kamil worked for New Straits Times for more than 25 years, By TOM WRIGHT Updated June 6, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-journalist-najib-cracked-down-on-free-speech-to-limit-1mdb-fallout-1465204766
Fahmi Reza claims trial to posting doctored image of Prime Minister by Abdul Hakim Rahman, Astro Awani | Published on June 06, 2016
Editor's notes: In light of the double Swiss and Singapore regulator's BSI shutdown orders (staff and operations apparently to be merged into EFG International), Ambank-ANZ (already sanctioned with fines and direct down-line staff sackings) and its Malaysia and Australia regulators have obviously met with talk and comparison. Not surprised to see in the news headlines today that Ambank's founder has been quizzed about the future of ANZ's 23.78% stake in Ambank. Analysts apparently worry about the Ambank stake readily finding a buyer.
4 May 2016, ANZ CEO Mr Elliott, who was on the AmBank board until October, said ANZ “don’t run that bank.... there was “no 1MDB issue” for the ANZ board to discuss.... We don’t have an exposure to 1MDB...” ANZ may appoint up to 4 directors at Ambank.
In Ambank's Team, Annual Report 2015: Chief Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer were seconded by ANZ...
ANZ’s Shayne Elliott cuts value of stake in scandal-hit AmBank THE AUSTRALIAN MAY 4, 2016.... Unveiling ANZ’s half-year results yesterday, Mr Elliott for the first time admitted the holding had been indirectly damaged by a corruption scandal engulfing the country’s Prime Minister and its sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB.... The AmBank stake is among a $5 billion portfolio of minority stakes in Asian banks that ANZ is attempting to sell, but analysts fear a buyer may be difficult to find given AmBank’s difficulties.... It is at the centre of the 1MDB controversy, in which Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stands accused of receiving up to $US1bn looted from the sovereign fund into his personal accounts at AmBank. He denies any wrongdoing..... “Has the 1MDB and the Malaysian economy and all those situations impacted the AmBank share price? Unquestionably,” he said. “It’s impacted the valuation of lots of things in Malaysia, so it will have had an impact. But it’s not a direct response to that.”... He said there was “no 1MDB issue” for the ANZ board to discuss. “We don’t have an exposure to 1MDB,” he said..... “In terms of our partnership or the minority investment that we have in (AmBank’s holding company) AMMB, all of those stakes get discussed regularly.”.... Under a shareholder agreement ANZ is entitled to appoint up to four AmBank directors, plus its chief financial officer and chief risk officer, and be consulted on appointment of the CEO. However, Mr Elliott, who was on the AmBank board until October, said ANZ “don’t run that bank”..... “ANZ is not formally party to detailed information around the bank there and therefore it would not be appropriate or frankly even potentially legal for our board to be having in-depth information-sharing around specific allegations,” he said.... http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/financial-services/anzs-shayne-elliott-cuts-value-of-stake-in-scandalhit-ambank/news-story/9a7e963869c709170b83daa311693b9b
ANZ quizzed over AmBank link to Malaysia’s 1MDB corruption scandal THE AUSTRALIAN APRIL 4, 2016.....With ANZ holding almost a 25 per cent shareholding in the Malaysian bank, ANZ has three permanent positions on AmBank’s board, which will soon include Mr Hodges himself and, formally, ANZ’s chief executive Shayne Elliott..... Under questioning from senators Mr Hodges described as “simplistic” allegations ANZ had governance questions to answer over AmBank and the scandal involving state investment fund.... 1MDB..... http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/financial-services/anz-quizzed-over-ambank-link-to-malaysias-1mdb-corruption-scandal/news-story/276a4d6e1f1b0961fde5bb2431197722
'Top Aussie bank may sell AmBank stake over Najib scandal' 30 Mar 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335861
Editor's note: KL chatter on regulators forcing each others hands. So BSI will merge with EFG International and BSI therafter to be dissolved.
BSI in serious breach of money laundering regulations: FINMA By: FINMA This is Swiss financial regulator FINMA’s strongly worded statement in full, ZURICH (May 24):.... In the case of 1MDB, the bank executed numerous large transactions with unclear purpose over a period of several years and, despite clearly suspicious indications, did not clarify the background to these transactions. Among other measures, FINMA has ordered the disgorgement of profits amounting to CHF 95 million. FINMA has also launched enforcement proceedings against two of the bank's former top managers. At the same time, FINMA announces its approval of the takeover of BSI by EFG International with the condition that BSI will be integrated and thereafter dissolved. This takeover is a positive development providing clients and employees with a perspective for the future....FINMA also closed its investigation and sanctioned BSIs misconduct in the Petrobras case. In connection with the same two cases, FINMA has investigated more than twenty other Swiss banks and launched proceedings against six of those banks..... - See more at: http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/bsi-serious-breach-money-laundering-regulations-finma#sthash.VHxxDnJ2.dpuf
MAS orders BSI Bank to shut down in Singapore - Six members of the bank’s senior management and staff have also been referred to the Public Prosecutor to evaluate whether they have committed criminal offences, the Monetary Authority of Singapore says. Posted 24 May 2016....A notice of intention has been served to the bank to withdraw its status as a merchant bank in Singapore for “serious breaches of anti-money laundering requirements, poor management oversight of the bank’s operations, and gross misconduct by some of the bank’s staff”.....This is the first time since 1984 a merchant bank in Singapore has been ordered to shut down. In 1984 Jardine Fleming (Singapore) was ordered to shut down over serious lapses in its advisory work.... BSI has also been fined S$13.3 million for 41 breaches of anti-money laundering regulations. The breaches include a failure to perform enhanced customer due diligence on high-risk accounts, and to monitor for suspicious customer transactions on an ongoing basis..... http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mas-orders-bsi-bank-to/2811530.html
MAS to shut down BSI Bank in Singapore for alleged money laundering; 6 staff to be probed PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
In addition, MAS has referred to the Public Prosecutor the names of six members of BSI Bank's senior management and staff to evaluate whether they have committed criminal offences.
They are:
- Mr Hans Peter Brunner, former CEO
- Mr Raj Sriram, former deputy CEO
- Mr Kevin Michael Swampillai, head of wealth management services
- Mr Yak Yew Chee, former senior private banker
- Mr Yeo Jiawei, former wealth planner; and
- Ms Seah Yew Foong Yvonne, former senior private banker
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/mas-directs-bsi-bank-to-shut-down-in-sin?xtor=CS3-18
Info links:
Bonds, default and dissolution?
1MDB bond fates diverge as Abu Dhabi vow trumps Najib support, SINGAPORE / HONG KONG (May 23): The fortunes of bonds in Malaysia’s troubled investment fund are diverging this month: those guaranteed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund have rallied, while notes with support from Malaysia’s own government have dropped.
See more at: http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/1mdb-bond-fates-diverge-abu-dhabi-vow-trumps-najib-support?
Spotlight Swings to Malaysia’s Exposure to Cost of 1MDB Bond Defaults - Investors, analysts consider how much Malaysia’s government may have to pay to settle investment fund’s debt dramas By MIA LAMAR Updated May 9, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/spotlight-swings-to-malaysias-exposure-to-cost-of-1mdb-bond-defaults-1462735803
Malaysia to Dissolve 1MDB Board Headed by Prime Minister Najib Razak - The latest move is another step in a gradual winding up of the embattled state-investment fund By YANTOULTRA NGUI Updated May 4, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-to-dissolve-1mdb-board-headed-by-prime-minister-1462350611
Malaysia’s 1MDB Defaults on Series of Bonds - Raises concerns government may eventually have to spend billions to bail out fund By MIA LAMAR Updated April 26, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-1mdb-defaults-on-series-of-bonds-1461687253
Malaysia’s Reputation Takes Another Hit as State Fund Defaults Shamim Adam Y-Sing Liau David Yong April 26, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-26/1mdb-says-it-s-in-default-after-missing-interest-payment
Cancelled debate ‘missed opportunity’, Pua tells 1MDB president May 19, 2016 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cancelled-debate-missed-opportunity-pua-tells-1mdb-president#sthash.IbCvPLCW.dpuf
Arul: Possible massive fraud, collaboration from our side Published 25 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/339055
Arul Kanda says job done, to leave 1MDB soon Published 31 Mar 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335949
On allegations, investigations & travel bans:
'Najib spoke to Bank Negara governor, got permission to bring in RM2.6b' Published 21 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342425
Zeti, silence on RM2.6b is no longer an option Yoursay Published Today 7:44 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342652
Malaysian PM's stepson used 1MDB funds to buy $34M London house: WSJ Matt Clinch 19 May 2016 http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/19/malaysian-pms-stepson-used-1mdb-funds-to-buy-34m-london-house-wsj.html
Najib’s Stepson Bought House in London With 1MDB Funds, Says WSJ Elffie Chew May 19, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-19/najib-s-stepson-bought-house-in-london-with-1mdb-funds-says-wsj
Dr M vows to praise 'great leader' Najib sky-high when abroad Published 23 May 2016...Mahathir was commenting on Putrajaya's stand that passports are a privilege and those critical of the government can be barred from travelling abroad.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342607
'Shouldn't Najib be barred from travelling overseas, too?' 17 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/341790
Editor's note: Talk in KL of the public tiff between 1MDB and its Abu Dhabi business partner and how very ineffectual the domestic political opposition has been amidst 1MDB - Najib questions.
In Malaysia's Biggest State, Indifference to Najib Is His Friend by Pooi Koon Chong April 20, 2016 Malaysia's ruling coalition seen winning Sarawak state poll. Victory would not be en2dorsement of Najib, analyst says....Indifference to the scandals outside Malaysia’s biggest cities will probably help Najib’s Barisan Nasional coalition retain Sarawak -- a state held since 1963 -- in elections on May 7. It would show the difficulty his opponents have in gaining momentum among ordinary Malays by painting him as corrupt and self-serving. But it’d also be a warning to the premier that voters could shift their allegiance if they feel their lives are impacted by a slowing economy....With the collapse in global commodity prices last year denting incomes in the rubber and palm oil nation, alongside a goods and services tax introduced in April 2015, Najib is also working to woo Malays. He could potentially claim a Sarawak win as a personal endorsement even if the popularity of Chief Minister Adenan Satem, in power since February 2014, is the bigger factor. Equally, a weaker showing would be seized on by his critics.... For Sarawak voters, “local and state issues are far more important than national issues and also national personalities,” said Faisal S. Hazis, head of the Centre for Asia Studies at the National University of Malaysia.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-19/in-malaysia-s-biggest-state-indifference-to-najib-is-his-friend
IPIC says Putrajaya, 1MDB liable for claims as rescue plan terminated Published Today 5:00 pm Ahead of the impending default, IPIC said if any claims is made against the Abu Dhabi fund, 1MDB and MOF would be held liable. “1MDB and MOF continue to be bound by their respective obligations under the terms of the binding term sheet, including their continued indemnification of IPIC and Aabar for any non-performance under the binding term sheet and in relation to any claims which may be made against IPIC pursuant to the guarantees entered into by IPIC in respect of certain 1MDB group bond issuances," it said. 1MDB had previously said its rescue deal with IPIC will ultimately see the state fund reducing its debt by RM16 billion. However, this is now unlikely to happen with IPIC declaring its obligation in the binding term sheet to be terminated.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338283
Nazir says transfer of money was one-off favour for brother by Alyaa Alhadjri Published Today 2:34 pm Under fire over his role in facilitating transfer of funds from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to Umno leaders, CIMB chairperson Nazir Razak today said that it was a one-off favour for his brother. "There was no other time when my brother asked for this kind of assistance," Nazir told reporters after chairing CIMB Group's annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. Nazir earlier announced that he has taken leave to allow an independent review regarding the US$7 million he had transferred from his personal account on behalf of his brother. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338249
Rafizi lodges report against Jho Low, urges public to do the same by Zikri Kamarulzaman Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has lodged a police report against Penang-born tycoon Jho Low over his alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal. This is the first in a series of reports the PKR lawmaker plans to lodge against 1MDB's administration and those linked to the firm's mismanagement. The report against Low is over his role as special adviser in 1MDB's predecessor, the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA). Published Today 1:51 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338242
Mahathir: Saudi minister aware, but doesn't mean he agrees Published Today 4:55 pm "Being aware of the statements of the A-G does not mean he agreed with the statement," Mahathir said, adding that al-Jubeir also did not retract or negate his previous remarks doubting the RM2.6 billion donation's origins. "It is the Malaysian media which interpreted his awareness as a negation of his previous statement," he said. Al-Jubeir previously said that he did not think the RM2.6 billion was a political donation nor did it come from the Saudi government. Instead, the minister said the money was from an unspecified "investment" in Malaysia..... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338280
Editor's note: So FGV changes it's CEO, more Malaysia firm declarations of "nothing wrong" but some acknowledgment of fraud by 1MDB fraudsters staffers, and more noises from foreign investigations notably the Swiss asking Singapore to help. An Abu Dhabi extradition for US DOJ and perhaps most actionable is Abu Dhabi potentially triggering a cross-default! Plus a dubious story from Asian Sentinel about the US Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur.
US embassy: Envoy did not speak to Rosmah on 1MDB-linked probe 29 Mar 2016, The United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur has dismissed a news report alleging that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s wife Rosmah Mansor had contacted ambassador Joseph Y Yun with the hope of calling off an investigation related to 1MDB. In its report, the Asia Sentinel also claimed that its attempts to verify this through the US embassy went unanswered. However, in an email communique to Malaysiakini , the embassy said it had no record of any inquiries from the Asian Sentinel regarding the matter.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335746
State fund dispute puts 1MDB at risk of default - Abu Dhabi fund reportedly not making interest payments to 1MDB bondholders by Leslie Lopez 18 April 2016; A worsening dispute between the state funds of Malaysia and Abu Dhabi over complex billion-dollar transactions is threatening to trigger a major financial crisis for Prime Minister Najib Razak's government.... The row has to do with US$3.54 billion (S$4.8 billion) in payments that 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) says it made in 2012 to units of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), the Abu Dhabi state fund. But IPIC maintains it never received the monies.... The monies are part of payments under a May 2012 agreement, where the London-listed IPIC guaranteed 1MDB bonds valued at US$3.5 billion. In return, 1MDB agreed to make payments as collateral to IPIC's subsidiary Aabar.... The impact of this unravelling dispute will be tested in the coming days because interest payments of about US$50 million to 1MDB bondholders are due tomorrow. Under the bond agreement, which saw IPIC swapping debt for assets from 1MDB, IPIC must make the interest payments.
Malaysian government officials, who spoke to The Straits Times on condition of anonymity, said IPIC has informally told 1MDB that it has no intention of honouring the interest payment because of the alleged default of the bond agreement. For its part, the Najib government has taken the position that it will not step in to cover the payment because it has done nothing wrong....
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/state-fund-dispute-puts-1mdb-at-risk-of-default
Malaysia Central Bank Warned Government in 2014 of 1MDB Risks by Sho Chandra and Shamim Adam April 18, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-17/malaysia-central-bank-warned-government-in-2014-of-1mdb-risks
Why Malays all fired up over Zakir Naik but not 1MDB 15 Apr 2016; Malays are fascinated with religious preachers, such as controversial speaker Dr Zakir Naik, as their talks do not need any thinking, unlike complicated issues such as 1MDB, claims former minister Zaid Ibrahim. "Why are the Malays fascinated with religious preachers? Because preachers need not have any real knowledge, except what they described as divine knowledge. "No understanding is required from the listeners of what they say; they only need to stir up the emotions. "Understanding 1MDB is more arduous; one needs to understand a little about economics, about banking, about how government works and how the prime minister operates in this country," Zaid said in a blog posting today. .... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338000
1MDB affair a simple confidence trick IFR Asia 938 - April 16, 2016 | By Jonathan Rogers http://www.ifrasia.com/1mdb-affair-a-simple-confidence-trick/21243484.article
Mystery deepens over US$3.5 billion Malaysia's 1MDB sent to BVI entity - The mystery over who controlled a British Virgin Islands-registered company that received US$3.5 billion from Malaysia’s scandal-tainted state fund 1MDB deepened on Monday when a company in the Middle East with an almost identical name said the BVI firm did not belong to it. 11 Apr 2016 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/international/mystery-deepens-over-us-3/2686164.html
Lawyer: PM’s signature on 1MDB documents a formality, doesn’t mean he decides or knows all BY IDA LIM April 13, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/lawyer-pms-signature-on-1mdb-documents-a-formality-doesnt-mean-he-decides-o#sthash.Kp0BmaUK.dpuf
IGP leads 1MDB investigations for cheating and CBT BY EMMANUEL SANTA MARIA CHIN April 14, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-leads-1mdb-investigations-for-cheating-and-cbt#sthash.3hVgDmKT.dpuf
Dissatisfied Kit Siang seeks to reopen PAC probe on 1MDB BY YAP TZU GING April 15, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dissatisfied-kit-siang-seeks-to-reopen-pac-probe-on-1mdb#sthash.CUjVTNlY.dpuf
Arul Kanda: Swiss probe shows 1MDB could be victim of fraud 13 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/337682
Court upholds sabotage charge against 1MDB critic BY MAYURI MEI LIN April 13, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/court-upholds-sabotage-charge-against-1mdb-critic#sthash.nxihVKQV.dpuf
'Below market price' purchases bolstered 1MDB's financials 10 April 2016 http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1756623
Switzerland Expands 1MDB Investigation April 12, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/switzerland-starts-criminal-investigation-of-two-suspects-in-1mdb-probe-1460458287
Swiss Widen 1MDB Probe, Enlisting Help of Luxembourg, Singapore by Hugo Miller April 12, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-12/swiss-widen-1mdb-probe-enlisting-help-of-luxembourg-singapore
1MDB board of directors offers to resign after PAC report 7 April 2016 | MYT 3:52 PM http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/04/07/1mdb-board-of-directors-offers-to-resignation-after-pac-report/
The men who sold 1MDB on a fake Aabar by Zikri Kamarulzaman 14 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/337742
1MDB parliamentary probe blames ex-CEO; board of directors resign APR 7, 2016; The Malaysian parliament's bipartisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has blamed the founding chief executive of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) for the state investor's financial troubles which have rocked market confidence in the country and fuelled calls for Prime Minister Najib Razak's resignation. The panel in charge of reviewing government financial practices, however, did not finger a single politician, or anyone outside the company, in its 100-plus-page report tabled to federal lawmakers on Thursday (April 7), after repeated delays since it began its inquiry last May.
Several hours after the tabling of the report, 1MDB said its board of directors had collectively offered their resignations to the finance ministry....The PAC said in its findings that "former 1MDB chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi must take responsibility for these weaknesses and problems. Enforcement agencies are requested to investigate Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi and anyone else related," the report said in its conclusion....http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-parliamentary-panel-blames-founding-chief-executive-for-1mdb-woes
One57 tower linked to global money-laundering probe By Jennifer Gould Keil March 10, 2016, New York’s first billionaires’ building, One57, was funded by a subsidiary of an Abu Dhabi company linked to a global money-laundering investigation, The Post has learned... http://nypost.com/2016/03/10/one57-linked-to-global-money-laundering-probe/
Global probe on 1MBD finally reaches our shores Yoursay Published 5 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/336514
US asks Deutsche, JPMorgan to give details on 1MDB dealings: Sources Friday, 1 Apr 2016 http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/01/us-asks-deutsche-jpmorgan-to-give-details-on-1mdb-dealings-sources.html
US Justice Dept travels to M’sia for 1MDB probe 1 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/336095
U.S. Examines Goldman Sachs Role in 1MDB Transactions - FBI and Justice Department gather information about bank’s role in transactions at Malaysia fund http://www.wsj.com/articles/goldman-entangled-in-malaysia-fund-scandal-1444795262
Aussie journalists to be deported immediately BY YU JI 15 March 2016 | MYT 8:33 AM KUCHING: Two Australian journalists, who were told they would not be charged for trying to ask the Prime Minister questions on Saturday, are expected to leave the country immediately. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/15/abc-journalists-to-be-deported/
FGV now says it is deliberating on change of CEO By Meena Lakshana / theedgemarkets.com | March 14, 2016 KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): In an about turn, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) said it is now deliberating on the change of its chief executive officer (CEO), which is currently held by Datuk Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah. "The board of FGV will deliberate on the appointment/change of FGV CEO and will make the requisite announcement immediately upon the receipt of the nomination letter from the relevant authority," it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today. FGV had on Friday issued a statement, saying Emir will continue to serve as its CEO and president, after local media reported that he may be replaced next month.....In a separate filing with Bursa, FGV said the terms and conditions of its two sale and purchase agreements (SPA 1 and SPA 2) regarding the proposed acquisition of a 55% stake in Zhong Ling Nutril-Oil Holdings Ltd for RM976.25 million were made at "arm's length and in the ordinary course of commercial negotiations"... FGV noted that however, the application to one of the regulators was cancelled pending more information on the investment from the group. "To date, no subsequent application has been submitted to the said regulator," it said. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/node/265325?google_editors_picks=true
Wild Asia’s Verification Assessment of FGV’s Labour Management. On the 4th of March 2016 Felda Global Ventures (FGV) issued a public statement1 on the findings of a technical assessment Wild Asia had conducted on behalf of FGV. The statement was published on their website, their social media channels and released to the media. Wild Asia would like to put on record that it does not endorse FGV’s original public statement, which has been made without consultation of Wild Asia...
http://www.wildasia.org/5770/fgv-labour/
RM618,000 to defend 1MDB and Red-Shirt rally, says Salleh BY MARTIN CARVALHO, LOSHANA K SHAGAR, NICHOLAS CHENG, andD. KANYAKUMARI; THE Government spent RM618,000 to print books to defend criticisms against 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the Red-Shirt rally. Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Dr Salleh Said Keruak, in a written reply to Teo Kok Seong (DAP-Rasah), said the books were published to “present facts” in light of the highly-politicised climate surrounding both the state sovereign fund and the racially-charged gathering. A total of RM606,250 was used to print 125,000 copies of 1MDB: Siapa Kata Tidak Dijawab in Malay (100,000 copies), Tamil (15,000) and English (10,000), he added. Dr Salleh Said said the Department of Special Affairs also printed 2,000 Red-Shirt Rally books costing RM12,000.http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/15/rm618000-to-defend-1mdb-and-redshirt-rally-says-salleh/
Note: Felda settlers were reported to be significant participants in the Red Shirt Rally. Journalists also reported that many rally goers were bussed in and some were not aware of the purpose of their trip to KL.
Editor's note: In conversation with some KL-ites, interested to hear about significant coverage of BNM's Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim in national media over the weekend, ahead of the announcement of the next Central Bank Governor. Also noteworthy is last week's flip-flop on FGV's CEO. Also notable from last year, the "changing of guard" at PNB's raft of companies, due to policy to retire directors over the age of 70 years. Some significant changes in leadership in key Malaysia regulatory and corporate entities in recent months.
Muhammad’s career spans 32 years in central bank 12 March 2016; AT Bank Negara’s quarterly briefings, he sits unobtrusively on the immediate right of governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Most will recognise him from his distinctive mop of white hair. Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim (pic), 56, is the most senior among the central bank’s three deputy governors. A career central banker, he has been with Bank Negara since April 1984, and next month will mark his 32nd anniversary with the central bank. Muhammad has worked his way through the central bank’s various departments and units in the last three decades. Appointed deputy governor in June 2010, he has served in the areas of bank regulation and supervision, strategic planning, payment systems, insurance, offshore banking and treasury and financial markets. He is a member of the central bank’s crucial monetary policy and financial stability committees.
An accountant by training, he has a graduate degree from Harvard University, a post-graduate diploma in Islamic banking and finance from International Islamic University Malaysia, and completed an advanced management programme with the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in 2010. http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/03/12/muhammads-career-spans-32-years-in-central-bank/
Dramatic change at Felda Global Ventures BY AFIQ ISA 11 March 2016; PETALING JAYA: In a surprising turn of events, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) is set to announce the departure of chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah after a three-year stint at the palm oil firm. The decision was reached after a tumultuous 24-hour period. A source said that FGV made the decision to replace Emir during a board meeting on Wednesday. He had earlier been recalled from the Palm and Lauric Oils Conference and Exhibition 2016 to attend a one-on-one meeting with FGV’s chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad at the company’s premises on that day. “Emir’s top lieutenants learned about the news on Thursday morning. It came as a complete surprise to the staff,” the source said. He is set to be replaced by Datuk Zakaria Arshad, who is the head of the downstream cluster for FGV....
http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/03/11/dramatic-change-at-felda-global-ventures/
L'intrigo malese che imbarazza la BSI di Federico Franchini Pubblicato il 02.03.16 http://areaonline.ch/L-intrigo-malese-che-imbarazza-la-BSI-249c7900
Google translate: In the fall of 2009 Hanspeter Brunner was appointed as head of the headquarters of the BSI in Singapore. At the time the bank has a stated strategy to expand in Asia. Singapore is the place to be. It is in the city-state that the dollars of Asian neoricchi are conveyed (and beyond). Thus, the institution of Ticino, at the time controlled by Generali, decided to focus on this world-class banker. A man who had drawn all his talent at a school rival, RBS Coutts. With the change of team, Brunner carries part of his team: seventy employees from RBS Coutts pass hit the BSI. An exodus seen in banking history....We contacted on the matter the Lugano Institute tells us that "it is not a party to the proceedings involving Mr. Yak Chee Yew". The bank also informs that Yak is no longer an employee. The end of the love story; finished greetings from Lugano. Until the investigations are not taken, however, all was for the best. Bonus millionaires for him and profits hand over fist for the bank: According to the annual report 2014, the Singapore branch of that BSI has doubled its net profit compared to 2013.
"An outright lie": 1MDB slams Wall Street Journal's report that it paid funds to PM Najib - The state investment firm said that the Wall Street Journal’s report on the matter was an “outright lie”, based on “baseless and unproven” allegations. Posted 19 Feb 2016 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/an-outright-lie-1mdb/2529732.html
Telecommunications – Malaysia - Clarity In Spectrum Reallocation; Not Pricey But Capex Could Rise. Maxis saw a reduction in spectrum holdings while Celcom is likely to see a reduction as well. Meanwhile, Digi and U Mobile have received higher spectrum allocations. Positively, spectrum pricing will not be exorbitant but we note the reallocation will lead to heightened competition and rising capex for Maxis and Celcom to ensure adequate coverage for existing users. Broadly, we view the spectrum reallocation as a negative development for the sector. Maintain MARKET WEIGHT.... https://research.uobkayhian.com/content_download.jsp?id=32363&h=fb56dbb3fc544eb96bc92ed51b8e5f94
Editor's note: Telco counters fell 7-15% on spectrum reallocation news - which aims to raise RM2 billion for federal coffers. RM2.5 billion extra from foreign worker levy is set to raise plantation per tonne cost by 4-5% and plantations stocks dipped.
Editor's note: Hot topic in KL this long weekend - the foreign probes (Swiss has declared, what about US DOJ and others?) on 1MDB in contrast to the Malaysia AG declaring the political donation issue all to be fine. Also, social media chatter over timing of the Saudi donor's demise and an important apparent "post-humous" meeting. What's interesting is that the corporate deals of Genting and Tanjong with 1MDB are also highlighted in Swiss AG's letter. Clearly they were not just domestic deals but had international structures and/or money flows?
Swiss to hand over ‘significant evidence’ on RM16.8 billion to Malaysia soon BY DEBORAH LOH, NEWS EDITOR 1 February 2016; .... Lauber said part of the US$4 billion was transferred to Swiss bank accounts held by former public officials from Malaysia as well as past and present public officials from the United Arab Emirates..... “We have found evidence of suspicious money transfers linked to 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) going through Swiss financial institutions, and we believe that it is very important that it is shared with the Malaysian authorities,” the Swiss A-G said. The discovery was made in the course of investigating two former 1MDB officials and others on suspicion of bribery involving foreign public officials..... Malaysian A-G Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali responded to Lauber’s statement the same day, saying he would cooperate with his Swiss counterpart. But Apandi has also stressed that investigations relating to 1MDB were not the same as the case of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s RM2.6 billion political donation, which the A-G has declared closed for lack of evidence of criminal wrongdoing..... Lauber’s media statement was criticised by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said yesterday the Swiss A-G should not have made such findings and his request for Malaysia’s cooperation public. “By making a public statement, in my opinion, it is not good because it not only strains ties between the two countries, but also creates bias in media reports,” Zahid said, adding that such information should have been conveyed through government-to-government channels. The OAG, however, has told Malaysiakini that it regarded Zahid’s remarks as a “political statement” and would not be responding to it. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/swiss-to-hand-over-significant-evidence-on-rm16.8-billion-to-malaysia-#sthash.ktIzLmp7.dpuf
Malaysia’s rep sinking along with Najib’s RM2.6 billion scandal, says Aussie daily 1 February 2016; .. “Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali issued a ‘move along, nothing to see’ order to anyone worried about the donation of such a princely sum to a sitting prime minister’s personal bank account in a country claiming to be a representative democracy,” the editorial said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysias-rep-sinking-along-with-najibs-rm2.6-billion-scandal-says-aussie-d#sthash.imPvUcOE.dpuf
Swiss Probe of Malaysia Fund Sees $4 Billion Possible Misuse by Shamim Adam January 30, 2016;.... The Swiss Attorney-General’s office said in a statement Friday that during an investigation of 1Malaysia Development Bhd., four cases involving allegations of criminal conduct and occurring between 2009 and 2013 have so far come to light. It has been ascertained a small amount of funds were transferred to Swiss accounts of former Malaysian public officials, according to the statement. The Swiss authority is seeking help from the Malaysian attorney general to determine whether funds were misappropriated.
.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-30/swiss-probe-of-malaysia-fund-finds-possible-misuse-of-4-billion
Malaysia AG’s Embarrassing Gaffe Posted on January 27, 2016 By John Berthelsen; Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali’s Jan. 26 press conference to “clear” Prime Minister Najib Razak of wrongdoing over massive amounts of funds in his personal bank account has been turned into a humiliating fiasco by a press photographer using a long lens to photograph the papers he was waving....Nonetheless, another source said, Apandi Ali had worded his statement carefully to say there was “insufficient” evidence to indict Najib, not that there was no evidence, and that in his position as attorney general he was free to make the decision to clear the prime minister. In any case, say well-wired political analysts in Kuala Lumpur, there is virtually no chance to dislodge Najib from his position as prime minister.
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/malaysia-apandi-ali-embarrassing-gaffe/
Najib returned donation to Saudis in August 2013, says A-G 26 January 2016 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-returned-donation-to-saudis-in-august-2013-says-a-g#sthash.S0CW9OpY.dpuf
Tabung Haji confirms Bank Negara’s warning, says deposits safe BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ....Lembaga Tabung Haji today confirmed Bank Negara had warned it in a letter that its liabilities outweighed its assets, but assured contributors that their deposits were safe and that the pilgrims' fund was not facing any financial difficulty. It said Bank Negara's evaluation had not taken into account the pilgrims fund's investment portfolios, such as the shares of its subsidiaries, its plantation assets and property. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-confirms-bank-negaras-warning-says-deposits-safe#sthash.1OAmfgeQ.dpuf
Bank Negara lauds Tabung Haji’s bolstering of finances BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ...nearly nine million depositors... Meanwhile, Bank Negara today said it issued advisories to non-bank financial institutions such as Tabung Haji to ensure they continued to be well managed and performed their roles effectively. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bank-negara-lauds-tabung-hajis-bolstering-of-finances#sthash.weQzDPr0.dpuf
Tabung Haji reserves in the red, warns Bank Negara BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ....Tabung Haji reportedly has only 98 sen in assets for every RM1 in liability. Bank Negara says its predicament is because of the practice of declaring higher dividends than it can afford... Tabung Haji’s deposits were highly concentrated among a small number of contributors – 5% of whom owned 75% of the total deposits. This exposed the pilgrims’ fund to the risk of a mass withdrawal of deposits, should contributors lose faith in it, she said....Last year, Tabung Haji courted controversy when it purchased 0.64ha land in Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) for RM188 million from 1Malaysia Development (1MDB) to develop a residential tower. It paid 43 times the price the debt-ridden 1MDB had paid for the plot, which it bought from the federal government five years ago. Following public backlash, Tabung Haji in May vowed to sell off the land at a profit, but until today, there has been no news of the sale. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-reserves-in-the-red-warns-bank-negara#sthash.2U5fumU0.dpuf
Tabung Haji 2014 Annual Report info and link here:
https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Lembaga+Tabung+Haji+Annual+Report+2014+%28small%29.pdf
Confusion over 1MDB’s Bandar Malaysia deal By Ben Shane Lim / The Edge Financial Daily | January 5, 2016; ....China Railway Group Ltd’s filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has created some confusion over the exact value of 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) sale of a 60% stake in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd, to a 60:40 consortium of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd and China Railway Engineering Corp (M) Sdn Bhd (CREC).... 1MDB last week announced that the 60% stake in the 486-acre (197ha) piece of land was transacting at RM7.41 billion. However, CREC’s Hong Kong-listed parent, China Railway, announced that the cost was only RM5.28 billion. “On Dec 31, 2015, the joint venture (IWH-CREC Sdn Bhd) entered into the share sale agreement with 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDBRE), pursuant to which the Joint Venture will purchase 60% of the equity interest in Bandar Malaysia held by 1MDBRE at a price of RM5.28 billion, among which CREC will pay RM2.64 billion of the share purchase price”, wrote CREC in its announcement to the stock exchange......For perspective, this would change the total gross valuation of the Bandar Malaysia land from RM12.35 billion to RM8.8 billion. So how did the massive difference arise?.... For starters, it is important to note that the RM7.41 billion figure that was touted at the execution of the share sale and purchase agreement on new year’s eve, did not take into account the liabilities and encumbrances that would come with the land. It is understood that the 486-acre Bandar Malaysia land deal, would come with strings attached — a RM2.4 billion sukuk, as well as the relocation of the Kuala Lumpur Air Force Base (PUKL) to a new site, which will cost RM2.7 billion. This includes the land acquisition and the construction of new bases.......The Chinese, in their announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, appear to have priced in these liabilities and encumbrances at RM3.55 billion. IWH-CREC’s 60% share of this figure works out to RM2.13 billion — the difference between the earlier RM7.41 billion number and the RM5.28 billion that CREC announced.... Hence, despite last week’s fanfare over the RM7.41 billion deal, it appears that 1MDB and the consortium still have lots of kinks in the deal to iron out. Mainly, how much liability and encumbrances that the consortium will assume.... In turn, this could determine how much cash the debt-ridden fund will be able to raise from the sale of Bandar Malaysia land. Note that the exact amount of the liability, and how it will be transacted, is still being finalised.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/node/251660?google_editors_picks=true
1MDB Sells Majority Stake in Real-Estate Project for $1.7 Billion - State investment firm seeks to cut debt By Yantoultra Ngui and P.R. Venkat Updated Dec. 31, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/1mdb-sells-majority-stake-in-real-estate-project-for-1-7-billion-1451529902
You Ask, We Answer: Eight Questions About Malaysia’s 1MDB Scandal Dec 30, 2015 http://blogs.wsj.com/dispatch/2015/12/30/you-ask-we-answer-eight-questions-about-malaysias-1mdb-scandal/
FBI Eyes ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Ties to Malaysian Fund at Center of Corruption Probe By Bradley Hope Dec 29, 2015 http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2015/12/29/fbi-probes-wolf-of-wall-street-ties-to-malaysian-fund/
1MDB and the Money Network of Malaysian Politics - Prime Minister Najib Razak tapped wealth fund to ease ruling-party’s victory By Tom Wright and Bradley Hope Updated Dec. 28, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-money-network-of-malaysian-politics-1451355113
1MDB Scandal: Najib Razak and Power in Malaysia 12/28/2015; Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak is in the spotlight since investigators traced $700 million linked to the government fund 1MDB to his personal bank accounts. His personal history is intertwined with Malaysia's unique political system. http://www.wsj.com/video/1mdb-scandal-najib-razak-and-power-in-malaysia/D95F00B0-53DB-4E4E-86C7-D95AD97CF1E6.html
Tabling of A-G’s final 1MDB report tomorrow postponed, says PAC head Published: 16 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabling-of-a-gs-1mdb-final-report-tomorrow-postponed-says-pac-head#sthash.3fjGkri1.dpuf
We’re investigating allegation of tycoons backing Dr Mahathir against Najib, says IGP Published: 16 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/were-investigating-allegation-of-tycoons-backing-dr-mahathir-against-najib#sthash.1wNPW6b8.dpuf
Oil Slump Now Biggest Risk for Malaysia Debt as 1MDB Mess Fixed by Elffie Chew and Lilian Karunungan December 11, 2015; Fitch warns 2016 deficit may exceed prime minister's target. Default risk heads for biggest quarterly drop in four years. As Malaysia’s debt-ridden state investment company finds buyers for its assets, investors say slumping oil is the biggest threat still hanging over the nation’s finances. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-10/1mdb-fix-leaves-oil-as-malaysia-debt-risk-with-najib-digging-in
Edge Weekly - Edra charts new course By Surin Murugiah / theedgemarkets.com | December 14, 2015 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/edra-charts-new-course
From UMNO General Assembly, PM Najib "tightens grip"
Q&A with PM Najib Razak 8 December 2015... The following is the full interview with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, ahead of the Umno General Assembly which begins today.... http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/116098/qa-pm-najib-razak
Security Bill gives Najib-led council sweeping powers December 5, 2015; Malaysia’s Parliament approved a new law this week that gives sweeping security powers to a council led by Prime Minister Najib Razak, amid protests by opposition politicians and civil society groups that say its widespread powers could easily be abused by the government....The legislation, which was passed late on Thursday night by a majority vote, gives the NSC — chaired by Mr Najib — the authority to take command of Malaysian security forces and impose strict policing in an area deemed to face a security risk. Once a security area is declared, security forces would then be allowed, among other things, to impose curfews, and would have wide powers of arrest, search and seizure without a warrant. The Bill would also permit the destruction of unoccupied structures if they were deemed to pose a threat and allow investigators to dispense with formal inquests into killings by the police or armed forces in designated security areas. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim said during Thursday’s debate that the Bill deals only with security threats in specific areas, while provisions for declaring an Emergency under the Constitution deal with large-scale crises.
Why the rush to enact NSC Bill, Amanah asks BY NABIHAH HAMID Published: 8 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-the-rush-to-enact-nsc-bill-amanah-asks#sthash.Pmtt0lrk.dpuf
RM2.6b – donor wanted it in my account, says Najib by Bernama Published Today 12:33 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/322516
Najib on RM2.6 billion: My conscience is clear By A. Jalil Hamid and Syed Umar Ariff - 8 December 2015; ...KUALA LUMPUR: Insisting that his conscience is clear, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he did not breach any regulations in the case involving the RM2.6 billion in political funding and said the truth would prevail. In a wide-ranging interview ahead of today’s Umno general assembly, Najib, who is Umno president, outlined four points to set the record straight on the issue that has dogged his premiership. These include the fact that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had recorded a statement from the anonymous donor and that the agency had confirmed that the money was not public funds or from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).... Najib also dismissed the notion that Umno is no longer democratic, saying that it was him who pushed for greater democratic reform by allowing 160,000 members from the grassroots to elect an Umno president, unlike previous leaders. Asked if his ties with Dr Mahathir could be repaired, Najib said: “I don’t know. We will see. But he has been very personal. I can accept policy differences but not (him being) too personal...http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/116066/najib-rm26-billion-my-conscience-clear
Why didn’t Muhyiddin seek info on 1MDB while in Cabinet, says Najib Published: 8 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-didnt-muhyiddin-seek-info-on-1mdb-while-in-cabinet-says-najib#sthash.4a00Ag8J.dpuf
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency met donor of funds in PM’s account: report By AT Editor on December 7, 2015 From Reuters) Malaysia’s anti-graft agency has interviewed the donor behind deposits of 2.6 billion ringgit ($617.3 million) that were placed in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank account, the New Straits Times reported on its website on Monday, citing an agency official. The report comes after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) questioned Najib for two-and-a-half hours on Saturday, in a case that has prompted calls for the prime minister’s resignation. http://atimes.com/2015/12/malaysias-anti-graft-agency-met-donor-of-funds-in-pms-account-report/
PM: Attacks on 1MDB are all lies and not facts by rahimy rahim 7 December 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/12/07/just-a-war-of-perception-pm-attacks-on-1mdb-are-all-lies-and-not-facts/
Not Umno’s responsibility to resolve 1MDB issue, says Hishammuddin Published: 5 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/not-umnos-responsibility-to-resolve-1mdb-issues-says-hishammuddin#sthash.cHq1W3fe.dpuf
Malaysia DPM Zahid's answers on 1MDB spark outcry Dec 4, 2015 by Eunice Au Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday the RM2.6 billion (S$865 million) found in Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank accounts was from a "political donation" but did not name the donor, nor did he say if the funds have all been used up. He also told a Parliament sitting that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which had been investigating the source of the funds, had said in August that the money was not from state investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), as had been alleged. MACC has identified who the donor is, while the central bank had been told that Datuk Seri Najib was opening the bank account. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-dpm-zahids-answers-on-1mdb-spark-outcry
1MDB: Any power tariff hike has no links to Edra sale 8 December 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/12/08/1mdb-any-power-tariff-hike-has-no-links-to-edra-sale/
Bandar Malaysia SPA by Dec 31, says 1MDB by Alexander Winifred December 8, 2015 http://www.themalaysianreserve.com/new/story/bandar-malaysia-spa-dec-31-says-1mdb
Swiss Probe of Malaysia’s 1MDB Puts Falcon Bank in Spotlight - Small Zurich-based wealth manager landed in middle of controversy around Malaysian government fund By John Letzing in Zurich and Bradley Hope in New York Dec. 3, 2015; The investigators have said publicly that they are probing suspected money laundering and possible corruption of foreign officials. Their probe, and others in Malaysia and Singapore, have landed Falcon in the middle of the controversy around 1MDB, which was set up to spur growth and is now caught up in allegations of political corruption... Falcon kept a relatively low profile for decades as a unit of U.S. insurance giant American International Group Inc., focusing mostly on wealth management for Swiss clients. When the insurer nearly collapsed during the financial crisis in 2009, its Swiss bank was sold to an Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund. The bank then became entangled in a number of transactions involving 1MDB....http://www.wsj.com/articles/swiss-probe-of-malaysias-1mdb-puts-falcon-bank-in-spotlight-1449124385
Najib’s critics will have to face disciplinary board: UMNO December 1, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/najibs-critics-will-have-face-disciplinary-board-umno
Blind support for Najib will see Umno fall, Dr Mahathir tells grassroots Published: 30 November 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/blind-support-for-najib-will-see-umno-fall-dr-mahathir-tells-grassroots?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.bq5Y5fVy.dpuf
Calling Najib ‘national disgrace’, youth says many too scared to criticise PM, Umno BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 29 November 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/calling-najib-national-disgrace?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.QDCLNv8h.dpuf
Muhyiddin warns Malay support for Umno down to 30pct by Hafiz Yatim Today 8:34 am; Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has warned that Malay support for the nationalist party has dwindled to 30 percent, while 78 percent are unsatisfied with the present state of the economy. Citing a survey by the Merdeka Center, Muhyiddin said Malay support for Umno over the years has been above 50 percent....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/321532
1MDB Edra power asset sale
Minister: 1MDB-CGN’s RM9.83b deal nothing to do with nuclear power project in Malaysia November 26, 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/minister-1mdb-cgns-rm9.83b-deal-nothing-to-do-with-nuclear-power-project-in#sthash.1cXMgUkU.dpuf
Mahathir "1MDB EXITS POWER BUSINESS" has 11 points on www.chedet.cc
Review by The Edge, 28 Nov 2015: "Since 1MDB confirmed that TNB had lost out to DBN, TNB's share price rallied by 4.5%... if TNB's shareholders are happy that it didn't pay RM8 billion for Edra, then the RM9.83 billion bid from CGN can't be too bad for 1MDB.. the price CGN is paying is in line with valuations that Edra was hoping to achieve.... (but)... The bottom line is the disposal of Edra makes it painfully clear that 1MDB's venture into the power sector has failed to crate value. With the assets completely sold off, all 1MDB has to show for its misadventure into the power sector is billions in losses (RM2.79 billion) and debt of around RM12 billion that still has to be paid....."
1MDB seals Edra deal with China power firm for RM9.83 billion Published: 23 November 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdbs-deal-with-china-power-firm-on-agenda-for-pm-meet#sthash.w3y0RETc.dpuf
Malaysia's 1MDB in China power deal that's moving markets by Karishma Vaswani Asia business correspondent 25 November 2015 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34918740
China’s Clout in Malaysia Set to Grow After 1MDB Deal - The $2.3 billion deal to buy 1MDB’s power assets is likely to boost China’s influence in Southeast Asia, By P.R. Venkat in Singapore and Rick Carew in Hong Kong Nov. 24, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-clout-in-malaysia-set-to-grow-after-1mdb-deal-1448362952
UPDATE 2-Malaysia's struggling 1MDB sells power assets to Chinese firm for $2.3 bln Nov 23, 2015 http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/23/malaysia-1mdb-china-idUSL3N13I2SX20151123#hzjMym089TLbODxX.99
Kevin Morais mystery (thumb drive of evidence?) - UMNO reactions, Perak datukship, Charles Morais SD, Morais family dispute
Explosive SD: 'Bad script, bad actor, good timing' 26 Nov 2015; ..."Charles' incredible allegation of murder surfaced long after the incident but just before Umno's AGM. Nice timing,".... Abdul Rahman, who is also urban well-being, housing and local government minister, dismissed the allegations regarding a purported charge sheet against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/321124
Strange things are happening in Umno, says Muhyiddin, 27 Nov 2015'..."To these people, I would like to remind them, remember, Umno is not a party belonging to any individual. "It is a party for all Malays. Do not hurt the Malays with your actions that are untrustworthy and irresponsible," he said. Muhyiddin said he regretted and was saddened by the decision to sack Hamidah, purportedly for merely attending a function to welcome former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad's return from overseas. Mahathir is a staunch critic of Najib and has vowed to unseat him as prime minister. https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/321343
Kevin Morais’ murder linked to probe into ‘government official’, says brother November 26, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/kevin-moraiss-murder-linked-probe-government-official-says-brother
Statutory Declaration of Charles Morais November 26, 2015 By Charles Morais http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/statutory-declaration-charles-morais/
Slain Malaysian Prosecutor Tied to Najib Probe - Brother of victim found in oil drum contradicts AG’s claim the dead man had nothing to do with case, November 26, 2015 By John Berthelsen http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/murdered-malaysia-prosecutor-anthony-kevin-morais-najib-graft/
Family dispute breaks out over body of Kevin Morais by nicholas cheng November 25, 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/25/dispute-kevin-morais-body/
Kevin Morais, Shaharuddin Ibrahim honoured with integrity awards Published: 5 November 2015 The special award was presented by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low and received by their family members, namely Kevin's youngest brother, Datuk Richard Morais and Shaharuddin's wife, Datin Rahimah Ibrahim - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/kevin-morais-shaharuddin-ibrahim-honoured-with-integrity-awards#sthash.0oFj8w5U.dpuf
AmBank fine by central bank
Bank Negara fine due to weaknesses in reporting systems, says AmBank Published: 27 November 2015 11:48 PM AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group) said the RM53.7 million penalty imposed on it by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) was a result of weaknesses in its reporting systems and processes. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/bank-negara-fine-due-to-weaknesses-in-reporting-systems-says-ambank#sthash.R0ZIJX7P.dpuf
WSJ and New York-related allegations on 1MDB-Najib issues
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded - How Millions Went Missing, A Malaysian government investment fund is embroiled in a corruption scandal that is roiling an important U.S. ally. Government investigators say nearly $700 million was deposited into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank account. More money is believed missing. The fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., is under investigation in at least five countries. Mr. Najib and 1MDB have denied wrongdoing and say they are cooperating with investigators Published Nov. 22, 2015 http://graphics.wsj.com/1mdb-decoded/?mod=videorelated
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded: Campaign Cash 11/23/2015 9:55PM - How a multibillion dollar power plant deal by Malaysia’s 1MDB is connected to spending during a tight national election campaign. http://www.wsj.com/video/malaysia-1mdb-decoded-campaign-cash/9F8987EB-5C32-46F4-BC4A-3D7BC4B4C0EF.html?mod=djemWMP_h
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded: The Prime Minister's Bank Accounts 11/23/2015 9:54PM How nearly $700 million ended up in bank accounts allegedly controlled by Malaysia’s prime minister during a tight national election campaign http://www.wsj.com/video/malaysia-1mdb-decoded-the-prime-minister-bank-accounts/8115DD7D-44AB-4B9F-9EC4-4FF3281ACDC7.html?mod=djemWMP_h
Najib’s son-in-law lodges police report against DAP MP, says portal Published: 27 November 2015; ....Daniyar Kesikbayev who was represented by lawyer Noorhajran Mohd Noor at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, also wants the Raub MP to prove his claim that a "deal was inked" by Najib over a government office in New York in September, the report said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-son-in-law-lodges-police-report-against-dap-mp-says-portal#sthash.6wXfnqvt.dpuf
Najib’s in-law threatens store after being accused of taking 12 Hermes bags Published: 20 November 2015 4:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-in-law-threatens-store-after-being-accused-of-taking-12-hermes-bags#sthash.FkXTwJH2.dpuf
1MDB to Have at Least 10 Billion Ringgit in Assets After Revamp by Anuradha Raghu November 14, 2015; 1Malaysia Development Bhd., the debt-ridden state investment company that nearly defaulted earlier this year, will hold between 10 billion ringgit to 12 billion ringgit ($2.3 billion to $2.7 billion) worth of assets after its proposed reorganization, according to President and Group Executive Director Arul Kanda. This includes a 40 percent stake in Bandar Malaysia, a property project, and land worth about 5 billion ringgit to 6 billion ringgit in the Tun Razak Exchange development, Kanda said at a public forum in Kuala Lumpur Saturday http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-14/1mdb-to-have-at-least-10-billion-ringgit-in-assets-after-revamp
1MDB issue top topic at Malaysian central bank's briefing Nov 14, 2015; Asked whether the central bank had made any mistake in the investigation on 1MDB's investments abroad, Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz replied with an emphatic "No".She said the central bank would evaluate 1MDB's response and make an assessment on the information received. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/1mdb-issue-top-topic-malaysian-central-banks-briefing#sthash.27CuYxMo.dpuf
Dr Mahathir says he may be charged but will continue to ask Najib to step down P. Divakaran Saturday, Nov 14, 2015; On Nov 6, a team of investigators from Bukit Aman questioned the former prime minister for 45 minutes at the Al-Bukhary Foundation building.Dr Mahathir stressed that there was nothing wrong with attending a street demonstration that demanded the resignation of a democratically elected Prime Minister and said that such occurrences were "normal" in a democracy.... He claimed that stopping investigations on the RM2.6 billion in Najib's personal account practically proves that the Prime Minister fears the investigations might prove allegations against him have substance."Defamation is only defamation if you say something that is false about a person. Prove that what I said is false then sue me for defamation," Dr Mahathir said. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/dr-mahathir-says-he-may-be-charged-will-continue-ask-najib-step-down#sthash.L6hNzI4e.dpuf
Questions on other 1MDB deals
Did firm earn RM300 million for paperwork in 1MDB solar project, asks PKR lawmaker Published: 12 November 2015, The private equity fund was Yurus Private Equity I, LP, which in April 2014, entered a master joint venture agreement with 1MDB Synergy Sdn Bhd on the proposed development of solar power plants that could generated up to 500MW in Malaysia. Six months later, on October 2, 2014, 1MDB announced that it had brought from Yurus a 49% rights under the master joint venture agreement for US$69 million (RM300 million). http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/did-firm-earn-rm300-million-for-paperwork-in-1mdb-solar-project-asks-pkr-la#sthash.7mwT7Sfi.RXEN47ys.dpuf
1MDB’s Latest Act: Two Obama Fundraisers, One Fugee and $69 Million - There are no allegations of wrongdoing, but the deal has generated controversy in Malaysia By Bradley Hope Nov. 11, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-funds-latest-act-two-obama-fundraisers-one-fugee-and-69-million-1447292365
Tens of thousands of jobs at risk with latest 1MDB move, says Rafizi Published: 13 November 2015, Rafizi said that a rule stating that foreign firms can own no more than 49% equity in a power producer would be lifted to allow a China-Qatar consortium to buy over energy assets of debt-laden 1MDB. The PKR vice-president added that by getting rid of equity ownership limits, big China companies would then be able to out-bid and out-compete local companies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad for future independent power producer (IPP) contracts.. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tens-of-thousands-of-jobs-at-risk-with-latest-1mdb-move-says-rafizi#sthash.TbUMoGoq.dpuf
Why would 1MDB sell most of Bandar Malaysia? by TigerTalk Published 13 Nov 2015 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/319406
From 1MDB's presentation
1MDB clarifies reports on Forum Perdana - Nov 15, 2015: Below is a statement issued today by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) clarifying issues raised at the Forum Perdana earlier in the day:... At the Forum Perdana in PWTC earlier today, Arul Kanda, the President & Group Executive Officer of 1MDB, provided a detailed briefing on 1MDB and replied without reservation to various pointed and pertinent questions raised by the audience. This briefing was open to all Malaysians and covered by various media organisations, including alternative media. http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/11/15/1mdb-clarifies-reports-on-forum-perdana/
We paid above market price for plants to keep power tariffs low for rakyat, 1MDB chief says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/we-overpaid-for-plants-to-keep-power-tariffs-low-for-rakyat-1mdb-chief-says#sthash.paTCghBW.dpuf
1MDB’s RM5b services fees for RM42b loan justified as payment spread over five years, president says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14, 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/1mdbs-rm5b-fee-to-goldman-sachs-justified-as-payment-spread-over-5-years-pr#sthash.wYEm2pRj.dpuf
1MDB still has RM4b in Cayman Island, Arul Kanda now says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-still-has-rm4b-in-cayman-island-arul-kanda-now-says#sthash.jrLHnnl6.dpuf
1MDB started with minimal debt, Arul says by nurbaiti hamdanandp. divakaran November 15, 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/15/1MDB-started-with-minimal-debt-Arul-says-Debt-needed-to-fund-beneficial-projects/
Johor has right to secede if Putrajaya breaches federation’s terms, says crown prince October 16, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim has asserted the southern state has a right to secede from Malaysia if it finds a breach to the terms agreed...Tunku Ismail also said the Johor royal family should not be associated with “the mess” currently affecting the country, adding that it has always been strong, independent and resourceful.....The call for Johor’s secession has been picking up steam online, with social media posts depicting pictures of imaginary Johor currencies—Johor dollar and Johor dinar—going viral earlier this month - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/johor-has-right-to-secede-if-putrajaya-breaches-federations-terms-says-crow#sthash.xryVGSvu.dpuf
Bank Negara's 1MDB move vital for integrity - Zeti by Bloomberg | Published on October 12, 2015 16:04 MYT; Malaysia’s central bank had to take action against a debt-ridden state investment company to protect the integrity of the financial system, according to Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who said an improvement in the country’s political situation would help the ringgit. The attorney general’s office earlier this month dismissed the central bank’s second request for criminal proceedings against 1Malaysia Development Bhd. for breaching the Exchange Control Act. Bank Negara Malaysia revoked three permissions given to 1MDB for investments abroad totaling $1.83 billion, and instructed it to repatriate the amount...."He has the right to make that assessment," Zeti said, referring to the attorney general. "But for the central bank we believe it is very, very important to comply with our rules and regulations that we have in place. This is vital, it’s critical for the functioning of the financial system" and its integrity, she said.... http://english.astroawani.com/business-news/bank-negaras-1mdb-move-vital-integrity-zeti-76161
1MDB files police report over leaked confidential information by Bernama | Published on October 12, 2015 22:37 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-files-police-report-over-leaked-confidential-information-76201
1MDB: Zeti's efforts a big 'jihad'- Perlis Mufti by Suganthi Suparmaniam, Astro Awani | Published on October 12, 2015 15:07 MYT ; In his Facebook post, Mohd Asri described what Zeti was doing as a big 'jihad'. KUALA LUMPUR: Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has commended Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz for her stand on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). In his Facebook post, Mohd Asri described what Zeti was doing as a big 'jihad.... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-zetis-efforts-big-jihad-perlis-mufti-76152
'No hidden hands in 1MDB case, only uncooperative witnesses' by Zikri Kamarulzaman Published 12 Oct 2015, 7:39 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315509
The Edge can continue printing, High Court rules By HIDIR REDUAN - 13 October 2015 @ 11:29 AM http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/10/edge-can-continue-printing-high-court-rules
Editor's note: In Malaysia this week, the Council of Rulers adds a new rhetoric and moral messaging to all Malaysians. Emerging out of it, important viewpoints from wordsmith Kadir Jasin, who writes of "insult to the rulers" and the risk of being disloyal (Malay: derhaka). Thus, this your non-Malay literate editor has picked up more vocabulary. We had donation (Malay: derma) and from the Rulers statement, an important point of Islamic jurisprudence - fard kafaa'i for 'collective compulsory duty' (Malay: fardhu kifayah). Bank Negara Malaysia announced on Friday revoking some approvals it made to 1MDB. There's a slew of questions from various quarters to the AG over its clearing of 1MDB. Also, a fascinating Singapore-Malaysia cross-border "war of words" over various aspirations in Malaysia for a remedy of economic woes linked to 1MDB and the Malaysia political economy; and the role of Singapore as a financial center and in deal making. Sultanah of Johor fund has been offering support to Malaysian students overseas facing difficulty with the fall of the Ringgit.
Background notes and research questions: In the Red Shirt KL rally last month were statements by Perkasa trying to link DAP to PAP* of Singapore (various news reports including this: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/for-red-shirt-rally-goers-dap-the-biggest-threat-to-malay-unity). Down south in Singapore, the PAP in its recent General Election garnered a very large 10%-age swing in popular vote, flummoxing hopes of its political opposition to win more support and a stronger voice in its legislature). Singapore news and social media highlights that fears of ethnic and other issues were quite prominent. But one can ask how many Malaysia voters at Bersih care greatly for political change out of some principle (say, to promote a two-party system) or just out of sheer economic frustration. In conversation with some KL-ites who are irate with the political situation here, it is quite apparent that if they were transplanted to Singapore, they would surely be highly supportive and likely key voters for the PAPs economic record and promise.
Bank Negara Malaysia revokes earlier approval to 1MDB. AG faces slew of questions.
Bank Negara revokes 1MDB foreign transfers, orders RM7.5 billion sent home Published: 9 October 2015 7:14 PM | Updated: 9 October 2015 11:10 PM; Bank Negara Malaysia today said that its investigations showed troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had secured permissions for investments abroad based on inaccurate or incomplete disclosure of information. In a statement, the central bank said it had revoked three permissions granted to 1MDB for investments abroad totalling US$1.83 billion (RM7.53 billion) and directed the company to repatriate the funds to Malaysia. Bank Negara had recommended to the attorney-general (A-G) to initiate criminal prosecution against 1MDB for breaches under the Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECA) and added that the decision lay solely with the A-G. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bank-negara-revokes-1mdb-foreign-transfers-orders-rm7.5-billion-sent-home#sthash.rZJf12H0.dpuf
source: http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_press&pg=en_press_all&ac=3276&lang=en
Kadir Jasin: Apandi knows sultans well-informed on 1MDB by Malaysiakini Published 9 Oct 2015, 3:34 pm; Former New Straits Times editor-in-chief A Kadir Jasin said as such, Apandi should have cut some slack. "It would be delusional for a public servant as important as Apandi to assume that the Malay rulers are uninformed about the development surrounding 1MDB and the alleged complicity of the prime minister. "We should give him (Apandi) the benefit of the doubt that, despite coming through from an Umno background, he would act without fear and favour to uphold the rule of law and justice. "It would be an insult to the rulers to think they issued a baseless statement just before the formal sitting of the Rulers Conference on Oct 7," Kadir said in a blog posting today. ...... Kadir (photo) said there was general confusion about the statement from the AG’s Chambers rejecting Bank Negara’s recommendations for action against 1MDB. He said the people should be aware that the main company being investigated was not 1MDB, but its former subsidiary, SRC International Sdn Bhd. Najib has been accused of misusing RM42 million of SRC International’s funds, a claim that is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Kadir hoped Apandi and his officers would take the royal decree on 1MDB seriously, or risk being accused of being disloyal (derhaka). https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315178
Public can challenge A-G’s refusal to charge 1MDB, say lawyers BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 10 October 2015 6:59 AM.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/public-can-challenge-a-gs-refusal-to-charge-1mdb-say-lawyers#sthash.5DISMnm4.dpuf
A-G’s clearance of 1MDB raises more suspicions, says anti-graft watchdog Published: 9 October 2015 7:56 PM..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/a-gs-clearance-of-1mdb-raises-more-suspicions-says-anti-graft-watchdog#sthash.lE65LzxU.dpuf
Dr Mahathir questions if Najib behind A-G’s clearance of 1MDB Published: 9 October 2015 8:05 PM | Updated: 10 October 2015 7:02 AM.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dr-mahathir-questions-if-najib-behind-a-gs-clearance-of-1mdb#sthash.WJ3ixlSg.dpuf
AGC confirms binned two Bank Negara requests for action in 1MDB case Thursday October 8, 201504:15 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/agc-confirms-binned-two-bank-negara-requests-for-action-in-1mdb-case#sthash.uZ5I7moJ.dpuf
3 grateful for Johor sultanah’s timely aid BY ISTA KYRA SHARMUGAM Published: 10 October 2015 6:59 AM; Amid a shrinking ringgit and ballooning cost of living and tuition, a helping hand from the sultanah of Johor has given Malaysian students overseas renewed national pride as they expressed gratitude to her foundation for its timely assistance. Katerina Mawar Abd Hafidz from Johor Baru was one of 100 recipients of the aid under the Zarith Sofiah Initiative for Educational Financial Assistance (ZSIEFA), which offered a one-time grant of £500 (RM3,400) to cover their living expenses, research or emergency financial circumstances...... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/3-grateful-for-johor-sultanahs-timely-aid#sthash.iXym3IsG.dpuf
War of words - Pua (Malaysia DAP) versus Bilahari (Singapore ambassador)
Singapore is not an island by Bilahari Kausikan Oct 6, 2015, 5:00 am SGT; Malaysia is undergoing a systemic change that has profound consequences for Singapore... The writer, a former permanent secretary for foreign affairs, is now ambassador-at-large. http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/singapore-is-not-an-island
‘Delusional’ young Malaysians have hearts and souls – Tony Pua Published: 8 October 2015 8:04 AM; I refer to the lengthy 3,000-word opinion piece by Singapore’s ambassador-at-large, Bilahari Kausikan, “Singapore is not an island”, dated published in The Singapore Straits Times on October 6. Bilahari wrote in his analytical piece, referring to the overwhelming anti-establishment sentiment of the Chinese community and the turnout at the recent Bersih 4 rally, that: "It is my impression that many young Malaysian Chinese have forgotten the lessons of May 13, 1969. They naively believe that the system built around the principle of Malay dominance can be changed. That may be why they abandoned MCA for the DAP. They are delusional. Malay dominance will be defended by any means." In fact, he even warned that the likely outcome of the above will be “even less space for non-Muslims”. The top Singapore diplomat could not have gotten it more wrong.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/the-delusional-young-malaysians-have-hearts-and-souls-tony-pua#sthash.T2g4XCzK.gsYdA8Uh.dpuf
Singapore is Southeast Asia’s ‘mercenary prick’, Tony Pua says after top envoy’s Bersih 4 remarks Friday October 9, 201511:16 AM GMT+8; The DAP publicity chief pointed out that Bilahari was spokesman for Singapore as ambassador-at-large, saying he didn’t care much if Bilahari’s views were those of an academic or armchair critic. “He did Singapore no favour by cementing the perception of his country as the mercenary prick of Southeast Asia. And they wonder why they have no friends,” Pua said on his Facebook page. The Petaling Jaya Utara MP was responding to Bilahari, who posted on Facebook yesterday that one of the most common forms of delusion in politics was to mistake hopes and dreams for reality, in response to Pua’s opinion piece titled “‘Delusional’ young Malaysians have hearts and souls” that had been written in reply to Bilahari’s opinion piece run by Singapore daily The Straits Times Tuesday. “I do not begrudge Mr Pua his hopes and dreams and I wish him and indeed all Malaysians of all races well. “But I fear this particular hope and dream may well lead to disaster; it did in the past and if it happens again Singapore — my sole concern — cannot but be affected. So my hope is that that whatever their dreams, the DAP's policies will be made during their waking hours,” Bilhari wrote on his Facebook page yesterday. Pua said today that he had argued that those who demonstrated at the Bersih 4 rally last August had not made racial demands, but had expressed their hopes for a better Malaysia, “defined by justice, good governance and democratic ideals”. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/singapore-is-southeast-asias-mercenary-prick-tony-pua-says-after-top-envoys#sthash.derwqUwA.dpuf
Reaction to Bilahari article - Wong Chen PKR
Wong Chen 8 hrs · Edited ·
Whilst I was away in Jakarta, I missed the storm in the teacup caused the Bilahari Kausikan article on Malaysia. I am writing about this now because I will be meeting some Singaporeans tomorrow, and I suspect that inevitably this subject will crop up. So I thought I best prepare myself...... Firstly, let's put the article in proper context. It is targeted not at a Malaysian audience but is written as a sort of "morality tale" targeted at Singaporeans. The central message seems to be, don't play-play, Malaysia's problems can also hurt Singaporeans. The analysis is "fresh", in the sense that it dares to talk openly about religion and race in Malaysia. In Malaysia, most of us will avoid providing any analysis of these sensitive subjects for fear of sedition charges..... I must say I do not agree with some perspectives but the fact that such viewpoints are now expressed by the Singapore government, is in itself, astounding..... Most of us believe that the Singapore government has been very kind to Najib for the longest time. As early as 2009, the late Lee Kuan Yew paid a visit to Rosmah and the Malayan railway land issue was kowtim a year later in 2010. As far as the Singapore government is concerned, Najib is their man for settling deals unlike the combative Dr. Mahathir. So this Bilahari article, seems to be a major departure of Singapore from a very pro-Najib position. Maybe the Singapore government now feels it is a good time to distance themselves from a political lame duck..... As for Bilahari's analysis of 1MDB, that 1MDB is not much of a financial scandal story but a manifestation of a jealous intra UMNO fight, is very laughable. I know where Bilahari is coming from with such a preposterous idea. He is trying to downplay the 1MDB scandal because a substantial portion of the 1MDB money is parked in Singapore. Singapore being a financial centre has a reputation to protect and I don't think talking aloud about 1MDB as a "financial scandal" will help Singapore. Kudos to Singapore, for it has achieved a lot to become the premium financial centre in a region full of corrupt leaders..... The Bilahari article is spot on in expressing a concern about "religious politics" in Malaysia and argues that the two is best kept apart. However his bleak analysis of PKR without Anwar and writing off Pakatan Harapan even before it has a chance to mobilise, is an over indulgence of political crystal ball gazing. Only time will tell, and I do admit that it is going to be tough going without Anwar. But we Malaysian opposition politicians are a much tougher lot than Singaporean politicians. We are willing to face all hardships and even jail, to fight authoritarianism. Perhaps Bilahari, being a senior Singaporean diplomat serving an all powerful one party state, ultimately lacks faith in transformative politics.... Bilahari's scary warnings on May 13 and his analysis of the delusional Malaysian Chinese is interesting. It is interesting because I am a Malaysian Chinese, but do not think I am particularly delusional. But then, I realised that all these warnings are probably written to scare Singaporean Chinese..... Overall, Bilahari's article made me think and reconsider Malaysia from a different, albeit Singaporean perspective. As such, it should be read and his analysis respected. He also has a nice writing style. We can disagree, but any article that makes you think or re-think is fine by me. Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/wongchenpkr/posts/880719328665125
Editor's note: Friends tell me this includes reference to fardhu kifayah / fard kafaa'i, a jurisprudence term that means 'collective compulsory duty' for activities including commanding good and forbidding evil...
Malay Rulers want 1MDB issue settled soonest Posted on 6 October 2015 - 07:57pm Last updated on 6 October 2015 - 08:47pm; KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Rulers want the government to complete the investigation related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad as soon as possible and take "the appropriate stern action" against all found to be implicated..... In a statement, their royal highnesses stressed that all concerned should extend "real and sincere" cooperation for the investigation to achieve its objectives. "The findings of the investigation must be reported comprehensively and in a transparent manner so that the people will be convinced of the sincerity of the government which shall not at all conceal facts and the truth," they said.... The statement was released by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, after the pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara today. The 239th meeting of the Conference of Rulers is scheduled for two days from tomorrow. The statement said: "The failure to give convincing clarifications and answers is feared to have resulted in a crisis of confidence..... "As a consequence, the people believe, whether basing on reality or perception, that this is among the causes for the plunge in the value of the Malaysian Ringgit, impacting the country's financial market and economic climate negatively and at the same time adversely affecting the world's view of Malaysia."..... According to the statement, the Malay Rulers were worried that if the issue was not wisely handled, and was allowed to drag on, it could jeopardise the country's economy and the livelihood of the people..... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1573891
Obey rule of law, sultans remind leaders Published Today 7:16 pm Updated Today 8:18 pm The Rulers Conference has reminded the country’s leaders to obey the rule of law. According to Bernama, the sultans also want justice to be dealt out fairly and transparently. "The Malay rulers wish to remind all leaders to uphold the constitution and the rule of law at all times, as written in the Rukun Negara....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/314779
UMNO members caught up in probes and jail
Umno MP questioned in graft probe into government linked firm Published: 6 October 2015 6:50 PM | Updated: 6 October 2015 8:35 PM MACC has taken in an Umno federal lawmaker for questioning along with seven others in a probe linked to a government linked firm. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, October 6, 2015.An Umno MP was taken in for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), a source familiar with the matter said. The source said the MP, who is a director in a government linked corporation (GLC), had allegedly abused his position for personal gain. The source who confirmed the matter said the federal lawmaker was picked up along with seven others this morning. - See more at: http://www.
Jitters over 1MDB, RM2.6b fiascos after Khir Toyo jailed, ex-NST boss says Thursday October 1, 201512:22 PM GMT+8; Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo’s corruption conviction will likely send shivers down the spines of those linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and RM2.6 billion controversies, veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin said today. The former New Straits Times group chief editor said despite Khir denying any wrongdoing, the prosecution still managed to prove otherwise beyond reasonable doubt, causing him to lose his appeal in the Federal Court this week. “Whether he pleaded guilty or not, Khir’s link to corruption was proven. Political leaders can still be investigated, charged and found guilty under the law of the land,” Kadir wrote in his blog. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/jitters-over-1mdb-rm2.6b-fiascos-after-khir-toyo-jailed-ex-nst-boss-says#sthash.or7C8ReU.dpuf
Khir Toyo jailed 12 months, court orders property seized BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 29 September 2015 2:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/khir-toyo-jailed-12-months-court-orders-property-seized#sthash.xW4k1R0O.dpuf
After Bersih reveals finances, Umno man asks about RM2.6b donation Tuesday October 6, 2015; .....“Battle of 2.6! Bersih 4 has revealed its accounts: RM2,647,361.74 (from 27,000 donors, T-shirt and muffler sales). Expenses: RM664,052.52. Balance:RM1,983,309.22, which will be used for programmes in the next two years (voter education, legal costs, training and others)... RM2.6 billion?” he wrote on Facebook. Earlier today Bersih 2.0 said it made the declaration to prove it has nothing to hide, before challenging Najib to detail the RM 2.6 billion donation. The coalition, comprising of more than 89 NGOs, declared a RM 1.9 million surplus after spending RM664,052 expenditure for the 34-hour rally on August 29 and 30. The group said its 2,126-page bank statement with details of the donors had been sent for auditing. About 27,000 individuals had donated to the movement. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/after-bersih-reveals-finances-umno-man-asks-about-rm2.6b-donation#sthash.HkeuOY38.dpuf
Putrajaya overreacted to Huang's remarks, says ex-PM Published Today 1:22 pm Updated Today 2:12 pm; ...."The relationship between China and Malaysia is greater than just the words said by the ambassador who was concerned by race issues that were actually promoted by the government," Mahathir (photo) said. Mahathir's remarks comes as experts on China said Wisma Putra's move to call in Huang was unnecessary and that it should have been dealt with privately..... The whole row can be traced back to the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally on Sept 16, during which red clad protesters clashed with police barring them from entering Petaling Street. This itself was reaction to allegedly anti-Malay insults made during the supposedly Chinese-dominated Bersih 4 rally. Mahathir blamed the government for this perception. "It was the government that mistranslated (Bersih) as a racial issue. It seems that Bersih was a Chinese movement to overthrow a Malay government which is not true at all. "The Bersih demonstration was not Chinese (dominated). Lots of Malays were involved... and what they asked was for the prime minister to step down and to have a better election mechanism. nothing about race at all," he said.
Sultan Nazrin reminds public institutions to remain independent BY AZRIL ANNUAR Published: 29 September 2015 4:37 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sultan-nazrin-reminds-public-institutions-to-remain-independent?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.P5KRNYpG.dpuf
Vote of no confidence is a provision in the Federal Constitution - Dr Mahathir by Shuhami Zabri, Astro Awani | Published on September 30, 2015 02:23 MYT; On September 7, Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Pandikar Amin was quoted saying there is no provision in the Parliament's Standing Order which allows a Member of Parliament to table a motion of no confidence. - File PHoto; KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said a vote of no-confidence is totally democratic. Dr Mahathir, in the latest posting on his blog (chedet.cc) said, although Parliament may not have any provision for vote of no-confidence, the Constitution -- the supreme law of the country -- states otherwise. “Article 43 (4) of the Federal Constitution states if the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet,” said Dr Mahathir. He also questioned if the speaker of the Parliament chooses to ignore the Constitution to disregard the process. Dr Mahathir said that he wrote the posting after he read a report stating that the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat Rakyat would not allow a motion of no-confidence to be tabled in Parliament..... http://english.astroawani.com/politics-news/vote-no-confidence-provision-federal-constitution-dr-mahathir-74927
No-confidence vote against PM is democratic, Dr Mahathir tells Dewan Rakyat Speaker Published: 30 September 2015 12:20 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/no-confidence-vote-against-pm-is-democratic-dr-mahathir-tells-dewan-rakyat#sthash.bjC7d5r7.dpuf
1MDB says not contacted by foreign investigators Published: 29 September 2015 8:00 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-says-not-contacted-by-foreign-investigators#sthash.bp9A5aAy.dpuf
Editor's note: Below, a review of recent headlines in Malaysian Insider including coverage of Johor Sultan
Cutting ties with Najib reflects Chinese unhappiness over national issues, says MCA BY EILEEN NG Published: 24 September 2015 3:54 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cutting-ties-with-najib-reflects-chinese-unhappiness-over-national-issues-s#sthash.IWSd4oP9.dpuf
State secretary clarifies Johor prince’s directive on Jalur Gemilang Published: 22 September 2015 9:50 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-prince-wants-small-flags-used-for-national-day-taken-down-says-state#sthash.DhxlG0pS.dpuf
Khairy wants MCA Youth division punished for Najib boycott, says report Published: 22 September 2015 12:02 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/khairy-wants-mca-youth-division-punished-for-najib-boycott-says-report#sthash.QOEyQooX.dpuf
Don’t cross the line in politics, rulers reminded BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 20 September 2015 9:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dont-cross-the-line-in-politics-rulers-reminded#sthash.NWh5K8pX.dpuf
Who will benefit from RM20 billion pumped into economy? BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 21 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/who-will-benefit-from-rm20-billion-pumped-into-economy#sthash.9ia9ZYel.dpuf
Najib meets with Johor sultan Published: 20 September 2015 3:16 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-meets-with-johor-sultan#sthash.7OkqjCwu.dpuf
Muhyiddin warns politicians against playing race card Published: 18 September 2015 3:33 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muhyiddin-warns-politicians-against-playing-race-card#sthash.DETPYXZT.dpuf
Johor sultan tells racists, haters to get out of his state Published: 16 September 2015 3:22 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-tells-racists-haters-to-get-out-of-his-state#sthash.EiIRJRqn.dpuf
Malaysia faces another bond litmus test as contagion worries grow Published: 29 September 2015 11:36 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-faces-another-bond-litmus-test-as-contagion-worries-grow#sthash.WFLj4qFM.dpuf
Report: Najib touts self as only PM ever to golf with Obama Tuesday September 29, 201512:40 PM GMT+8
See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/report-najib-touts-self-as-only-pm-ever-to-golf-with-obama#sthash.36A1uf95.dpuf
Friendship with Obama for sake of Malaysia, Najib tells students in NY Published: 29 September 2015 12:19 PM | Updated: 29 September 2015 2:26 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-am-obamas-golf-buddy-for-sake-of-malaysia-najib-tells-students-in-ny#sthash.lDKa4QNr.dpuf
Don’t put all your eggs in Najib’s basket, M’sia opposition tells US Published: 11:33 AM, September 29, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dont-put-all-your-eggs-najibs-basket-msia-opposition-tells-us
US lawmakers call for probe into Malaysia’s ‘favourable’ human-trafficking ranking Published: 29 September 2015 7:34 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/us-lawmakers-call-for-internal-probe-of-malaysias-human-trafficking-ranking#sthash.iMml3FP6.dpuf
Can middle-class Malaysians and businesses afford to hire Filipino migrant workers?
Editor's note: Am hearing from friend who eats at popular local eatery that the crew there, haling from the Philippines, has said that they'll be leaving Malaysia on basic loss of confidence. This may mean the drop in Ringgit value versus Philippines Peso and also the rise in race fears? Note that Philippines envoy reiterates Filipino workers need to be paid on US$ terms. On recent visit to supermarket, I see substantial rise in prices for imported items.
Ringgit weakens to new point at 4.4065 against greenback Published: 28 September 2015 1:38 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ringgit-weakens-to-new-point-at-4.4065-against-greenback#sthash.9omnyLRg.dpuf
Envoy: US$400 per month for Filipina helpers fixed everywhere http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/09/28/Minimum-wage-for-maids-Envoy-US400-per-month-for-Filipina-helpers-fixed-everywhere/
Chart of Ringgit against regionals shows large falls against Baht and Peso over 5 years, but relative stability against Rupiah:
China ambassador visits Petaling Street and talks of rejection of ethnic violence
Released after a day’s jail, ‘red shirt’ organiser mulls suing media BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 26 September 2015 9:10 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/released-after-a-days-jail-red-shirt-organiser-mulls-suing-media?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.8VcKDxri.dpuf
Don't distort my kind gesture: envoy 2015-09-28 13:55 Ambassador Huang says he has tried to protrude KL as a peaceful, prosperous and tourist-friendly city to Chinese tourists, and hopes his kind gesture will not be misunderstood or distorted. Photo courtesy: Sin Chew Daily KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (MySinchew) -- Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang said he had shown with his most practical action to Chinese tourists that Kuala Lumpur is a peaceful, prosperous and tourist-friendly city. - See more at: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/111429#sthash.RnNO0djq.dpuf
Malaysia China relations 2: China envoy's visit to Petaling Street - Statement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia - Chinese envoy’s trip to Petaling Street a goodwill visit , Utusan asks for apology http://khoryuleng.blogspot.my/2015/09/malaysia-china-relations-2-statement.html
Najib scandals and international ties
Najib’s scandals can affect ties with Australia, SMH report says Published: 27 September 2015 5:31 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-scandals-can-affect-ties-with-australia-report-says/malaysia/article/najibs-scandals-can-affect-ties-with-australia-report-says#sthash.0UrWIsea.dpuf
Malaysia’s Leader, Najib Razak, Faces U.S. Corruption Inquiry By LOUISE STORYSEPT. 21, 2015 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?_r=0
US investigators launch probes into scandal-hit Malaysian PM Najib Razak - Police in Hong Kong also investigating bank deposits allegedly linked to Razak, who is facing multimillion-dollar graft allegations Oliver Holmes in Bangkok Tuesday 22 September 2015 07.14 BST http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/22/us-investigators-launch-probes-into-scandal-hit-malaysian-pm-najib-razak
US corruption investigation targets Malaysian leader, NY Times reports - New York Times says DOJ probing corruption allegations against PM Najib Razak, who faces rising political pressure September 22, 2015 10:37AM ET http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/9/22/malaysia-pm-involved-in-us-corruption-inquiry.html
Najib at the UN
‘Picture of Najib addressing empty UN hall is fake’ THE RAKYAT POST By: AHMED SYAHRIL http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/09/26/picture-of-najib-addressing-empty-un-hall-is-fake/
ASEAN Community can further strengthen South-South Cooperation - Najib by Bernama | Published on September 27, 2015 09:38 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/business-news/asean-community-can-further-strengthen-south-south-cooperation-najib-74245
Najib receives ICT award at UN HQ by Bernama | Published on September 27, 2015 13:04 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/najib-receives-ict-award-un-hq-74625
FBI launches investigation into Malaysian state fund 1MDB - WSJ KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20; The prime minister has denied taking money from 1MDB or anywhere else for personal gain; Malaysia's anti-graft agency declared the funds a donation. Najib has faced unprecedented criticism from within his ruling party, in particular form veteran former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has called on Najib to step down. Both anti-government and pro-government protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks, raising concern about political stability... http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/20/malaysia-1mdb-idUSL4N11Q03020150920
FBI probes 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund linked to PM Najib Razak Date September 20, 2015 - 3:44PM by Lindsay Murdoch;.... Mr Najib has resisted relentless calls to resign, including from stalwarts within his party led by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. As pressure has mounted, Mr Najib has attempted to consolidate his position by appealing to ethnic chauvinism and Islamic fundamentalism, critics say. The Prime Minister last week refused to condemn a Malay supremacy rally during which his supporters shouted racist slurs at Chinese and Indian minorities, inflaming racial tensions. Most Malaysians are ethnic Muslim Malays.... Meanwhile, the daughter of Malaysia's jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, said she would fight allegations that she attempted to buy stolen data on 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
FBI begins probe into 1MDB, says WSJ Published: 20 September 2015 9:53 AM; The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly started investigations into allegations of money-laundering related to 1MDB. – Internet pic, September 20, 2015.The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly started investigations into allegations of money-laundering related to 1MDB. – Internet pic, September 20, 2015. Two days after the arrest of the former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief, who was scheduled to meet agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on 1Malaysia Development Bhd, the FBI has started investigations into allegations of money-laundering, The Wall Street Journal reports today. The FBI’s probe was the latest international investigation centred on 1MDB, said the business daily in its online report. On Tuesday, the Swiss attorney-general’s office said Malaysia had agreed to arrange for Swiss investigators to interview witnesses in their investigation of alleged corruption and money laundering related to 1MDB. The Swiss have also frozen millions of dollars.- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/fbi-begins-probe-into-1mdb-says-wsj#sthash.M15OmUeC.dpuf
FBI Probes Malaysia Development Fund - U.S. opens money-laundering investigation amid international 1MDB probe; Malaysia police arrest critic of prime minister By Bradley Hope Sept. 19, 2015 4:36 p.m. ET; The FBI has opened an investigation into allegations of money-laundering related to a Malaysian state investment fund, a person familiar with the matter said.....Late Friday, a former member of Malaysia’s ruling party who had raised questions about money transfers to the Malaysian prime minister was arrested on charges of attempting to undermine democracy, his lawyer Matthias Chang said. The arrest of Khairuddin Abu Hassan, who remained in custody on Saturday, prevented him from traveling to New York where he planned to urge U.S. authorities to investigate the transfers, Mr. Chang said. A spokeswoman for the FBI’s New York office said that no agent in the office had arranged to speak with Mr. Khairuddin or had any previous contact with him. Two of the transfers were made through the Singapore branch of a Swiss private bank and routed via Wells Fargo & Co. Wells Fargo declined to comment...Last week, 1MDB said none of its executives or board members were the subject of criminal proceedings by the Swiss attorney general’s office, and that none of its accounts were frozen there. Authorities in Singapore also have frozen accounts linked to 1MDB and are investigating allegations related to the fund. 1MDB said none of its accounts were frozen and that it was ready to assist any investigations subject to advice from the appropriate Malaysian authorities.... http://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-probes-malaysia-development-fund-1442694963
WSJ: Another US$1b payment from 1MDB to IPIC missing UPDATED 1.40PM Financial daily claims Abu Dhabi officials are questioning this http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312712
Western media reports on Najib - remember Iraq? In time, many will realise not all that has been reported about PM is the truth. But like Iraq, it will be too late. Read more http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312714
Royal disgust over racism Published Today 12:36 pm Updated Today 1:16 pm http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312708
Najib justifies green light for ‘red shirt’ rally Published: 18 September 2015 11:34 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-justifies-green-light-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.7La1Ku34.dpuf
Umno turning Malays into ‘violent rogues’ for political ends, says ex-minister Published: 18 September 2015 1:47 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-turning-malays-into-violent-rogues-for-political-ends-says-ex-minister#sthash.kzbQMwM4.dpuf
Sacked Umno member Anina files injunction to freeze Najib’s assets BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 18 September 2015 1:16 PM http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sacked-umno-member-anina-files-injunction-to-freeze-najibs-assets#sthash.uSGeM8yY.dpuf
‘Red shirt’ rally only to save Najib, not Malay dignity, say Umno grassroots BY MD IZWAN Published: 18 September 2015 6:59 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-only-to-save-najib-not-malay-dignity-say-umno-grassroots#sthash.zMtM7axj.dpuf
‘Cina babi’ not racial slur, says ‘red shirt’ rally organiser BY MELATI A. JALIL Published: 17 September 2015 5:12 PM | Updated: 18 September 2015 9:04 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cina-babi-not-racial-slur-says-red-shirt-organiser/malaysia/article/cina-babi-not-racial-slur-says-red-shirt-organiser#sthash.leiIwznn.dpuf
Group in red shirts ‘visits’ post-Bersih 4 forum in Penang BY LOOI SUE-CHERN Published: 17 September 2015 10:00 PM | Updated: 17 September 2015 11:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/group-in-red-shirts-visit-post-bersih-4-forum-in-penang/malaysia/article/group-in-red-shirts-visit-post-bersih-4-forum-in-penang#sthash.8gLoCsQi.dpuf
I am racist and my racism based on Islam, says Umno’s Annuar Musa BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 16 September 2015 7:39 PM | Updated: 16 September 2015 8:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-am-racist-and-my-racism-based-on-islam-says-umnos-annuar-musa/malaysia/article/i-am-racist-and-my-racism-based-on-islam-says-umnos-annuar-musa#sthash.ft7aqQZy.dpuf
Back to crackdown mode
Cops arrest former Umno man after barring him from leaving country Published: 18 September 2015 9:04 PM | Updated: 18 September 2015 10:19 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cops-nab-khairuddin#sthash.0tt6ZWAC.dpuf
Perlis mufti probed for sedition over Facebook post on Bersih 4 BY ZULKIFLI SULONG, FEATURES AND ANALYSIS EDITOR Published: 18 September 2015 9:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/perlis-mufti-probed-for-sedition-over-facebook-post-on-bersih-4#sthash.jh0IegsR.dpuf
Amid sedition probe, Perlis mufti shares room with IGP in Mecca Published: 18 September 2015 1:20 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/amid-sedition-probe-perlis-mufti-shares-room-with-igp-in-mecca#sthash.bo1FKsR5.dpuf
(editor's note: supportive of Bersih 4, and now an uptick arrests over Bersih 4 and calls )
Bukit Mertajam MP latest lawmaker hauled up over Bersih 4 BY LOOI SUE-CHERN Published: 18 September 2015 12:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bukit-mertajam-mp-latest-lawmaker-hauled-up-over-bersih-4#sthash.NaJqNsPb.dpuf
Pro-Government Rally Ends in Malaysia Capital After Standoff by Niluksi Koswanage and Manirajan Ramasamy September 16, 2015 — 2:58 PM HKTUpdated on September 16, 2015 — 9:10 PM HKT Water cannons fired on protesters trying to enter Chinese area... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-16/pro-najib-rally-in-malaysia-brings-racial-element-to-protests
Provocation, racial slurs mar 'red shirts' rally Published Today 6:00 pm Updated Today 8:46 pm About 45,000 people took the streets for the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' rally in Kuala Lumpur today as a counter-move to the Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 and 30....Umno denied having a hand in today's protest but the organiser National Silat Federation (Pesaka) is seen as a front for the party as the martial arts body is spearheaded by Umno leaders including former Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam. Despite senior Umno leaders taking over from grassroots hardliners in a bid to tone down the rally, it was marred by racism with abuses hurled at Chinese journalists and provocative banners being displayed... The major target of the protesters was opposition party DAP which has now become a euphemism for the minority Chinese in Malaysia. While the rally at Padang Merbok was peaceful, violence broke out at Petaling Street where a group of almost 800 protesters tried to force their way into the predominantly Chinese business district, popularly known as Chinatown... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312526
Dr M says he’s still clueless about red shirt rally’s aims by Koh Jun Lin Published Today 6:54 pm Updated Today 6:56 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312528
Don't go soft on racists, Johor sultan tells authorities Published Today 1:36 pm Updated Today 1:58 pm.... “This is not the stone age, do not be ungrateful, the Malays, Chinese and Indians, all played their part, Johor Darul Ta’zim is home to the Malays, Chinese and Indians, they are Bangsa Johor. "As their ruler, it’s my responsibility to see my subjects live in harmony, and my subjects are always my priority," he said. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312497
Police confirm body in barrel was Morais By Hariz Mohd and Khairah N. - 16 September 2015 @ 2:07 PM SUBANG JAYA: Police confirmed that the human remains found inside a barrel in Subang Mewah, USJ 1 here earlier today belongs to the abducted deputy public prosecutor Kevin Anthony Morais. Investigators probing the case, who was led to the swampy area by five suspects nabbed in Penang and Klang Valley yesterday, also found that a military doctor - whose corruption case was being prosecuted by Morais, was behind the victim's killing.... http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/police-confirm-body-barrel-was-morais
Red Shirts Rally: Insults, injuries, arrests at Petaling Street FMT Reporters | September 16, 2015; ....5.05pm: Over at Padang Merbok, former federal minister and head of Umno Selangor Noh Omar says the 200,000 people gathered, “We’ve shown Bersih that we too can gather and demonstrate but without causing a ruckus.” He also told Bersih to stop holding rallies to topple the government and added, “Don’t be like Egypt and Syria. If you want to bring down the government, then do it in the general elections.”...4.00pm: Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali delivers speech calling DAP racists and blaming them for stoking racial sentiments. He also blames the DAP for poor race relations....3.36pm: Pesaka president and former Malacca chief minister Mohamad Ali Rustam addresses the crowd. He says, “The Malays are tired of being stepped on by the other communities especially the DAP Chinese who insult and ridicule us...Also seen at Padang Merbok are former federal minister and current MARA chairman Annuar Musa....3.10pm: Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah, 60 of Martabat Jalinan Muhibbah Malaysia (MJMM), is spotted on stage at Padang Merbok....1.30pm: Malaysiakini reports that police stop a group of 200 rally goers from entering Petaling Street. The march from PWTC to Padang Merbok has started and among them is Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Yaacob and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.....Federal Territory Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii addresses supporters from Johor. Malaysiakini quotes him as saying, “We are here to show the Chinese DAP that Malays are in power. The other day they stomped on a picture of Malay leaders but I don’t see any stomping today. We must not behave in such a way. Let’s paint the mosque red.”....1.10pm: Mohamed Ismail, patron of Perkida Penang says there are about 80 buses carrying supporters coming from Penang.....12.53pm: Rally goers at Jalan Sultan Ismail are starting to march, led by the president of Jaringan Melayu Malaysia, Azwanddin Hamzan....12.13pm: About 500 rally goers are seeing gathering at Jalan Sultan Ismail and chanting “Hidup Melayu” (Long live the Malays)....Malaysiakini reports that at Masjid Negara, special affairs department officer (JASA) Lokman Adam was seen instructing rally goers to walk to Padang Merbok in an orderly manner. He also urges rally goers to perform their Solat Hajat before leaving for Padang Merbok....11.43am: Ahmad Maslan, “I’m here because I believe in peaceful assembly and this rally has been given the necessary police approval. We are here today to ensure that the country’s economic issues can be resolved. “The people are together in rejecting foreign interference like from The Wall Street Journal and the Sarawak Report. “We are here together united to progress with the other races in the country. “I am not a chauvinist and I am here in the spirit of 1Malaysia.”...11.30am: Umno Information chief Ahmad Maslan stops supporters from raising their fists and tells them to raise their one finger instead and chant 1Malaysia.
LIVE: Rally officially ends but still tense in Petaling Street Published: 16 September 2015 11:24 AM | Updated: 16 September 2015 6:05 PM; .....“We were not a multi-cultural society then but through negotiations and give-and-take, we accepted the other races,” said Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali. “We gave them citizenship. We gave them our nationality and thought they will be grateful. Policemen tangling with demonstrators at Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.“But I don’t blame the Chinese. The ones that are ruining our unity is DAP, the party that was born from Singapore’s PAP,” Ibrahim said to loud cheers from the crowd....Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said he will not stop Umno members from participating in the rally, but stopped short of endorsing the gathering. The rally has come under fierce criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, Umno Supreme Council members, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, as well as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, both of whom were top Umno leaders until a decade ago....The protest is in direct opposition to last month’s Bersih 4 rally, which today's rally organisers claimed had insulted the integrity of the dominant Malay race. This morning, Pekida president Jamaluddin Yusof described the "red shirt" rally as a "jihad" and said 10,000 members from the Malay NGO will make their presence. Police have declared that the rally is legal, but have said three areas – Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street and the area around Low Yat Plaza – are off-limits to the protesters......... 5.57pm: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, who was wearing a red shirt, is seen talking to the police behind the barricades at Jalan Petaling.... 5.51pm: Rally organiser National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam says those who broke the law in Jalan Petaling has to be ready face the music. "Siapa buat salah. Tanggunglah sendiri (wrongdoers will have to face the consequences," he says. ...4.00pm: PAS Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz arrives at the rally....- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/live-thousands-gather-in-kl-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.arPmZ9fp.dpuf
Johor sultan tells racists, haters to get out of his state Published: 16 September 2015 3:22 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-tells-racists-haters-to-get-out-of-his-state#sthash.vxjXaZrg.dpuf
Marina Mahathir joins non-partisan birthday picnic for nation at KLCC Published: 16 September 2015 4:43 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/citynews/greater-kl/article/birthday-picnic-for-nation-at-klcc#sthash.9Mz5yBAB.dpuf
MCA Youth lodges report over ‘abolish Chinese school’ banner at rally Published: 16 September 2015 6:12 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mca-youth-lodges-report-over-abolish-chinese-school-banner-at-rally#sthash.wBjOYMkb.dpuf
Sept 16 rally-goers expected to arrive in 2,000 buses By Ushar Daniele Wednesday September 16, 201507:08 AM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/sept-16-rally-goers-expected-to-arrive-in-2000-buses?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.xLkMgN7X.dpuf
Poll: Sept 16 rally finds little traction among Malays - 15 Sep 2015; The ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’ rally has found little traction among Malay voters, according to independent pollster Merdeka Centre. This is despite the rally being touted as a gathering to uphold Malay dignity and to counter the predominantly Chinese Bersih 4, which saw participants stomping on images of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. A telephone survey by Merdeka Centre showed that only 24 percent of respondents supported the rally. Of these, eight percent expressed strong support, while 16 percent of respondents expressed some support...Malay voters more concerned over fundamental issues. Merdeka Centre said in a press release that its findings show that Malay voters are not attracted to the causes of the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu', nor the earlier Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 and 30....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312403
Editor's note: As emerging market currencies shift against key currencies like the US Dollar, the relative price of Ringgit versus Thai Baht may be of interest to better discern relative domestic issues.
Editor's note: Spreading investigations in financial centers overseas. A starting piece by Al Jazeera. More mentions of Goldman Sachs and Razaleigh-era Carrian scandal (World's biggest financial scandal at time - so many such world records from Malaysia?).
Hong Kong Police Investigate Bank Accounts Allegedly Linked to Malaysian Leader Najib by Nash Jenkins Sept. 11, 2015; Police in Hong Kong have commenced an investigation into local bank accounts holding more than $250 million allegedly tied to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.... The probe came at the behest of Khairuddin Abu Hassan, a former senior member of Najib’s ruling party United Malays United Organisation (UMNO) who was fired earlier this year. Khairuddin said that four “highly questionable” companies linked to the Prime Minister made the deposits at a Hong Kong office of the bank Credit Suisse..... http://time.com/4030815/1mdb-credit-suisse-hong-kong-malaysia-najib-razak/
Malaysia’s 1MDB Fund Scandal Spreads to U.A.E.- At issue is a $1.4 billion payment from 1MDB that officials at an Abu Dhabi investment fund said is missing http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-fund-scandal-spreads-to-u-a-e-1441755072
Goldman tested the limits of banking morality with huge fees from 1MDB | South China Morning Post http://m.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1855746/goldman-tested-limits-banking-morality-huge-fees-1mdb
Goldman’s Role in the 1MDB Controversy Posted on September 8, 2015 By Philip Bowring http://www.asiasentinel.com/econ-business/goldman-role-1mdb-controversy/
Umno secretary says divisions only told to prepare for ‘red shirt’ rally BY MD IZWAN Published: 12 September 2015 7:29 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-secretary-says-divisions-only-told-to-prepare-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.hwjnZ7XG.dpuf
Letter shows Umno HQ directing divisions to mobilise members for ‘red shirt’ rally BY MD IZWAN Published: 12 September 2015 2:16 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/letter-shows-umno-hq-directing-divisions-to-mobilise-members-for-red-shirt/malaysia/article/letter-shows-umno-hq-directing-divisions-to-mobilise-members-for-red-shirt#sthash.b2lBXu2t.dpuf
Events surrounding Altantuya murder too incredible to ignore, says Al Jazeera journalist BY JULIA YEOW, NEWS EDITOR Published: 12 September 2015 3:30 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/events-surrounding-altantuya-murder-too-incredible-to-ignore-says-al-jazeer#sthash.DWrChp9u.dpuf
New Altantuya allegation a conspiracy against me, says Najib BY RAM ANAND Published: 12 September 2015 12:18 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/new-altantuya-allegation-a-conspiracy-against-me-says-najib#sthash.SwpBusOZ.dpuf
Altantuya will always haunt Najib, says Kit Siang Published: 12 September 2015 8:24 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/altantuya-will-always-haunt-najib-says-kit-siang#sthash.jewkTPhm.dpuf
Najib told to file defence in suit over GE overspending Published Sep 4, 2015, 5:00 am SGT... Opposition suit was filed against Malaysia PM, 3 other parties following WSJ report.. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-told-to-file-defence-in-suit-over-ge-overspending
Najib disrupting 1MDB probe shows RM2.6 billion not halal, says Dr Mahathir Published: 10 September 2015 8:50 PM | Updated: 10 September 2015 9:45 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-disrupting-1mdb-probe-shows-rm2.6-billion-not-halal-says-dr-mahathir#sthash.TsDzEl0y.dpuf
Umno members warned against supporting Najib 2015-09-11 14:13 - See more at: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/111273/tid=13#sthash.mOLqaT00.dpuf
Stop saying Malay first, Tanah Melayu is no more, says Rafidah Aziz BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 12 September 2015 2:15 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/stop-saying-malay-first-tanah-melayu-is-no-more-says-rafidah-aziz#sthash.f3URlmWA.dpuf
‘Red shirt’ rally will make Malays a laughing stock, says Zaid Ibrahim Published: 11 September 2015 6:36 PM | Updated: 12 September 2015 7:06 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-will-make-malays-laughing-stock-says-zaid-ibrahim/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-will-make-malays-laughing-stock-says-zaid-ibrahim#sthash.dET4plhD.dpuf
Now, Johor Umno member lodges report against Najib over RM2.6 billion BY MD IZWAN Published: 6 September 2015 6:59 AM; Abdul Rashed Jamaludin filed the report at the Pasir Gudang police station yesterday demanding that police investigate Najib, who is also prime minister, as chairman of 1MDB's advisory board. 1MDB board chairman Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin and the state investor's president Arul Kanda Kandasamy were also named in the report sighted by The Malaysian Insider. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); The Pasir Gudang Umno member had also included in his report a chronology of the money flow based on a report by The Wall Street Journal article in July which revealed that US$700 million was deposited into Najib's accounts, as well as statements from ministers that it was a donation from a Middle Eastern donor. Rashed urged the police to also investigate ministers who had commented on the "donation" issue, to determine if they had lied to both the Dewan Rakyat and the media. He named five ministers: Datuk Husni Hanadzlah, Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Rahman Dahlan and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman as among those who had commented on the RM2.6 billion. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/now-johor-umno-member-lodges-report-against-najib-over-rm2.6-billion#sthash.bsqHqZEx.dLNHPhvN.dpuf
Police say no go for September 16 ‘red shirt’ rally BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 7 September 2015 12:08 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/police-say-no-go-for-september-16-red-shirt-rally#sthash.Mc4vE0uu.dpuf
Auditor-General confident 1MDB report ready by year’s end BY NABIHAH HAMID Published: 7 September 2015 5:32 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/auditor-general-confident-1mdb-report-ready-by-years-end#sthash.o0jAlp5t.dpuf
1MDB to shortlist bidders for Bandar Malaysia project by Friday Published: 7 September 2015 9:34 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-to-shortlist-bidders-for-bandar-malaysia-project-by-friday#sthash.8R2WsUZS.dpuf
Ex-1MDB advisory board member says he quit after requests for details ignored By NABIHAH HAMID Published: 7 September 2015 5:51 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ex-1mdb-advisory-board-member-says-he-quit-after-requests-for-details-ignor#sthash.ejX5BxDW.dpuf
Najib summons Umno political bureau to PMO today, ahead of Supreme Council meeting BY MD IZWAN Published: 7 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-summons-umno-political-bureau-to-pmo-today-ahead-of-supreme-council-m/malaysia/article/najib-summons-umno-political-bureau-to-pmo-today-ahead-of-supreme-council-m#sthash.V1pW9DA2.dpuf
1MDB, RM2.6 billion scandals reach Pekan but have little impact BY RAM ANAND Published: 7 September 2015 9:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-rm2.6-billion-scandals-reach-pekan-but-have-little-impact/malaysia/article/1mdb-rm2.6-billion-scandals-reach-pekan-but-have-little-impact#sthash.jc01OsOG.dpuf
Najib to skip anti-graft forum amid 1MDB scandal Sep 2, 2015, 5:00 am SGT http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-to-skip-anti-graft-forum-amid-1mdb-scandal
Malaysia must explain US$700 million donation, says international anti-graft group BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 2 September 2015 4:08 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-must-explain-us700-million-donation-says-international-anti-graft/malaysia/article/malaysia-must-explain-us700-million-donation-says-international-anti-graft#sthash.NjDLwblE.dpuf
From donation to disrupting probe, Najib’s actions suspicious, say international critics BY ANISAH SHUKRY AND MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 3 September 2015 6:58 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/from-donation-to-disrupting-probe-najibs-actions-suspicious-say-internation/malaysia/article/from-donation-to-disrupting-probe-najibs-actions-suspicious-say-internation#sthash.brIhDNu2.dpuf
RM2.6 billion is no ordinary donation, but ‘grand corruption’, says Transparency chief BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 4 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-is-no-ordinary-donation-but-grand-corruption-says-transparenc/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-is-no-ordinary-donation-but-grand-corruption-says-transparenc#sthash.hA6LyyNl.dpuf
Court orders Najib, three others to file defence over suit for overspending in GE13 BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 3 September 2015 12:25 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/court-orders-najib-three-others-to-file-defence-over-suit-for-overspending/malaysia/article/court-orders-najib-three-others-to-file-defence-over-suit-for-overspending#sthash.at3HTE61.dpuf
Latest update - What PM Najib camp said and what Dr M said:
Rahman Dahlan mocks Bersih 4 rally, says BN has grassroots strength Published: 30 August 2015 3:51 PM | Updated: 30 August 2015 5:29 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rahman-dahlan-pokes-fun-at-bersih-rally#sthash.yHX9A8Bp.dpuf
Editor's notes:
Huge Anti-Government Protests in Malaysia Continue For a Second Day by Nash Jenkins / Kuala Lumpur @pnashjenkins 2:41 AM ET; ..... By noon on Sunday, the crowd had swelled to rival Saturday’s, which drew 200,000 by organizer’s estimates and 20,000 by police’s. A number of protesters stayed in the streets near Merdeka Square overnight, sleeping on the pavement when tired...
Bersih dismisses lack of Malay participation in rally Updated: 9:52 AM, August 30, 2015http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/bersih-4-rally-goers-take-breather-ready-day-2
Bersih 4: A carnival-like experience; Last updated on 30 August 2015 - 03:19am Bernard Cheahhttp://www.thesundaily.my/news/1535784?google_editors_picks=true
Bersih 4: 25 protesters detained in Malacca, 1 held in Nilai Last updated on 30 August 2015 - 08:56am Haikal Jalil, Aiezat Fadzell, Timothy Achariamhttp://www.thesundaily.my/news/1535797?google_editors_picks=true
On Dr M
Bicara Negarawan Tun Mahathir Pasir Gudang 02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq_TxFnYN9Y
Photos and notes
Interpol rejects Malaysia's request for red notice on Sarawak ...The Malaysian Insider 1 day ago - In addition to rejecting Malaysia's request to issue a red alert notice on ... Clare Rewcastle-Brown, Interpol also asked member countries not to ... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/interpol-rejects-malaysias-request-for-red-notice-on-sarawak-report-editor
Editor's note: Breakfast chatter that the timing of donation to PM Najib for ISIS actually came in March 2013, just before the formal announcement of ISIL/ISIS in April 2013. While he could be loosely referring to the broad tussle in the Middle East over extremist groups, the reference timing for ISIS is "a bit off" according to commentators. This arose on the question of DAP-Jewish links being mentioned as new rationale for the huge Middle East donation to PM Najib.
Timing of donation rationale being queried by KL-ites as ISIL/ISIS announcement in April 2013, donation came before that in March 2013
Reporting on DPM Zahid Hamidi's close meeting with Johor Sultan reiterates UMNO role, but Johor Crown prince warns his father does not back any particular party; DPM says he revealed plot to stop government being toppled
Crown prince: I back true leaders, not any party Malaysiakini 8:34AM Aug 22, 2015; Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has made it clear he does not back any particular political party and cautioned against attempts to counsel his father, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, to advance their personal interests. In a Facebook posting, Tunku Ismail said he only supports true leaders who “serve the people with honour, transparency and integrity”. “Of late, many are seen to be trying to get close and be friends with His Majesty, the sultan of Johor, which leads to all kinds of speculations and perceptions. “Don’t forget, I am the heir to the throne of Johor, and my voice will be the last one heard after everything reaches His Majesty. “My loyalty lies with my father, my sultan. My priority will always be the sovereignty of my state and the welfare of my people,” he said. Johor sultan believes only Umno can unite Malays, says Zahid BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 21 August 2015 6:31 PM The sultan of Johor is above politics but an Umno vice president says the state ruler wants Malays to be united - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-believes-only-umno-can-unite-malays-says-zahid#sthash.My5phDvy.dpuf
DPM: Govt could have been toppled if steps weren’t taken by ruben sario Updated: Sunday August 23, 2015 MYT 12:40:03 PM; KOTA BELUD: The Government could have been toppled by undemocratic means if no steps had been taken to prevent it from happening, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said he was compelled to reveal the plot involving the opposition and some “retired” leaders to put a stop to their plans. “As Home Minister I had received accurate information about what they intended to do and put a stop to it,” he said during the opening of the Kota Belud Umno division meeting on Sunday. “Their plan was to set up a unity government. But their real aim was to seize power through the back door,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said. He said those involved in the plot could not wait until the 14th general election to take on the ruling Barisan Nasional through democratic means. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/23/Zahid-Umno-Sabah-division-meeting/
Businessman Jho Low offers to assist in 1MDB probeThe Star/Asia News NetworkSunday, Aug 23, 2015; In a brief statement, the spokesperson said: "Mr Low has seen press reports that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is requesting his assistance", reported Bernama. "This is the first time Mr Low has been made aware of such a request. He has not received or been served any notice. "Mr Low's representatives will be contacting the MACC to see how he can be of assistance," the statement added. - See more at: http://business.asiaone.com/news/businessman-jho-low-offers-assist-1mdb-probe-0#sthash.dvu4UWyr.dpuf
Editor's note: Just what many say they've been awaiting. It was only a question of which financial authority would be first to start serious probe? (KL commentators were looking for something from the financial centers beyond the likes of "we're cooperating with Bank Negara). Swiss criminal probe confirmed. Dr M's guy, Matthias Chang, assists give report...... will this cascade the others to criminal probes too?
Swiss open criminal probe linked to 1MDB Updated Aug 22, 2015 10:38am; Switzerland's Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has opened criminal proceedings relating to Malaysia's troubled state investment fund 1MDB, a spokesperson in Zurich said yesterday, according to Reuters. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, is being examined by Malaysian authorities investigating accusations of financial mismanagement and graft. .... "The Office of the Attorney-General confirms that, on Aug 14 2015, it opened a criminal procedure against two entities of 1MDB as well as against an unknown person," the OAG spokesperson said in an email. The case involved "suspected corruption of public foreign officials, dishonest management of public interests and money laundering", he said.http://m.malaysiakini.com/news/309469
Jho Low, two others on MACC wanted list for SRC probe; KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said today it is seeking the aid of three individuals for its probe on SRC International Sdn Bhd, namely billionaire businessman Low Taek Jho and two directors from the Finance Ministry-owned firm. The two are managing director Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil and director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin; In a media statement signed by MACC investigations director Datuk Azam Baki, the agency urged the trio to contact investigating officers Assistant Commissioner Rosli Husain at 010-3187757 or 03-88900752, or Assistant Commissioner Norkhafizin Isa at 019-6000345 or 03-88900754. The trio were also told to present themselves at the MACC’s special operations division office in Menara Prisma, Precinct 3, Putrajaya. “The MACC also members of the public who may have information on the trio’s whereabouts to contact Rosli or Norkhafizin or any nearest MACC branch,” Azam said.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/jho-low-two-others-on-macc-wanted-list-for-src-probe#sthash.dgbqsSUQ.dpuf
Malaysia has a domestic political crisis across the ENTIRE political spectrum amidst wide-ranging disruptions on investigations, crackdowns on expressions of dissatisfaction and patronage ramp-ups. Visits and planned visits and apparent policy supports from the likes of UK's Cameron and America's Obama only add to Malaysia urban-business class views that there is "no hope" – it tells them that the West values geopolitical and transnational corporate interests more than democratic principles. Their visits give legitimacy to the flailing Najib regime.
As a result, much of the reaction to the Malaysia political crisis can only be manifested in the currency. Individuals, businesses and investors seem to be acting by moving their money out of the Ringgit. From the market chatter, it may be that a wider range of people have gone to the money changers, and there's also the foreigners invested in Ringgit bonds. News reports also talk of hedge fund guys leaning against the Ringgit. In the Ringgit blame game, the Najib administration has been fortunate in the sense that the Ringgit slide comes amidst the commodity slide and global currency war. However, Malaysians are very quick to point out that their Ringgit no longer buys 10 Baht, but less than 8.70 Baht. The latest KL business group chatter (last night and this morning) is whether HSBC in Hong Kong has really stopped trading the Ringgit.
KL bankers have been for months concerned about the forex reserve cover of short term foreign debt. They prefer 1.5-2x but in the weeks before the recent steep USDMYR move, they note that it was hovering around 1.1x. Where is it now? There is speculation whether a major financial center may move to investigate the Najib-linked international big money flows; widely reported and notably not denied. This brings into question how these financial centers choose to implement their AMLA rules.
Back on the domestic political front, the bewildering jumble of news headlines should perhaps not be read from the urban perspective (“unbelievable” is a common reaction), but from the rural which receives selected snippets thereof i.e. we are suing WSJ etc. UMNO-BN has been very and increasingly reliant on the rural vote. For the kampong crowd the grinding fall of crude palm oil (CPO) price in USD has been accompanied by the Ringgit slide. As a result, the CPO price has managed to hover around RM2000/tonne so far. However, specialists worry it may face greater pressure as we now enter the palm oil annual high crop season.
Shahrir: RM2.6bil donation received for fighting IS is news to me Updated: Wednesday August 19, 2015 MYT 1:05:02 AM BNBBC chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad comments on news reports that the RM2.6bil donation received by the Prime Minister was an appreciation for fighting Islamic State.http://www.thestar.com.my/Videos/2015/08/18/BNBBC-2-point-6-billion-is-news-to-me/
Justo to give more evidence against portal by mazwin nik anis Updated: Wednesday August 19, 2015 MYT 7:12:20 AM; PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General’s Chambers is gathering more evidence against news website Sarawak Report from Xavier Andre Justo (pic) following his conviction in Thailand.. It said that in light of the Swiss national’s conviction, it had “received positive response” from its Thai counterpart on the matter. “We are in the process of obtaining further evidence under the treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters among Asean countries,” it said in a statement. Justo was sentenced to three years’ jail for trying to blackmail his former employer PetroSaudi International. The oil services and production company is linked to troubled sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/19/Justo-to-give-more-evidence-against-portal/
Lies and more lies in RM2.6b scandal By Yoursay 7:45AM Aug 19, 2015; YOURSAY ‘Maybe PM Najib Razak should try telling the truth for a change.’ http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/309065?google_editors_picks=true
'Najib had to stop charge sheet from being served' Malaysiakini 1:26PM Aug 16, 2015 BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had to "take out people" after an alleged charge sheet against him emerged. "Given that scenario what would you do? You would take drastic action wouldn't you? "Okay, take these people out first, so that things will get back to normalcy and see what will happen next. "If you could appreciate that scenario then you would understand the flurry of action taken by the prime minister," he said in an interview with The Star Online. Abdul Rahman was responding to a question on whether the charge sheet was real. He described the charge sheet as a "plot to criminalise the prime minister".http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308745
Najib’s RM2.6 billion is from Saudi Arabia as thanks for fighting Isis, claims Umno leader Published: 16 August 2015 7:06 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-rm2.6-billion-is-from-saudi-arabia-as-thanks-for-fighting-isis-claim#sthash.hpnRKwYB.dpuf
Over our dead bodies, Zahid says of plot to topple government BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 16 August 2015 5:35 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/over-our-dead-bodies-zahid-says-of-plot-to-topple-government#sthash.YxTTHDqg.dpuf
I’m not quitting, will serve full term, says Zeti BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 13 August 2015 12:11 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/im-not-resigning-soon-says-zeti#sthash.6yFOVPYZ.dpuf
RM2.6 billion donation to Najib not within Bank Negara’s purview, says Zeti BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 13 August 2015 3:50 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-donation-to-najib-not-within-bank-negaras-purview-says-zeti#sthash.Nkhod0w9.dpuf
Zeti: I may be arrested for speaking about an individual by Malaysiakini 8:51PM Aug 13, 2015; Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz today declined to weigh into the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts, stating that she may be arrested if she were to talk about a certain individual. "I have to be very careful what I say - that it has to be within the confines of the law. "Otherwise, the moment I step out of this door, I will face arrest for talking about an individual right now."And I am sure you don't want that to happen," she told a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. The response courted laughter from journalists and Bank Negara officers present.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308485
Utusan's top guns don't buy RM2.6b story? by Malaysiakini 2:48PM Aug 13, 2015; Since Sunday, three articles by Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia has dropped hints that the newspaper was not convinced by explanations about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's receipt of RM2.6 billion in "donations". Yesterday, the newspaper's senior editor Zaini Hassan wrote that he had been questioned recently by an acquaintance for keeping quiet about "donations and donors"....The day before, another senior editor Zulkiflee Bakar urged Putrajaya to restore the "special task force's bite". Zulkiflee was referring to the task force initiated by former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail four years ago, but was disbanded by his successor Mohamed Apandi Ali.....But perhaps the most overt criticism of the RM2.6 billion "donation" claim came from Ku Seman Ku Hussain in his article on Sunday. Ku Seman criticised BN leaders for initially dismissing The Wall Street Journal report on the deposits in Najib's personal account, only to now claim that it was a donation or political funding for Umno. He said that it has been established that it couldn't have been party funds because party leaders were unaware of it. "Ordinary people know the difference between (donation and political funding). Political funding ends up in a party account and is subjected to auditing. "But a donation into a personal account is an individual's right. The public is now urging Umno not to consider individual rights as Umno's rights. "Thus, Umno needs to stress that the RM2.6 billion was (Najib's) personal matter. Don't say it is the party's right if party leaders themselves are unaware of its existence. Strange, isn't it?" asked Ku Seman.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308437
PAS to act on members involved with GHB, says veep Published: 13 August 2015 10:41 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pac-to-act-on-members-involved-with-ghb-says-veep#sthash.u8xLRhAW.dpuf
'PKR suit against Najib may work in PM's favour' Malaysiakini 3:14PM Aug 13, 2015; ..."The suit could render debate on Najib's multi-billion ringgit political 'donations' sub judice," he said in a blog posting today.http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308441
Dr M refuses to accept claim that Arabs made RM2.6bil donation by rashvinjeet s. bedi Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 2:23:43 PM PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refused to accept that the Arabs donated RM2.6bil to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his election campaign. The former prime minister of 22 years said that Arabs were not that generous and that he never managed to raise a single dollar from Arabs for the Malaysian International Islamic University or for the Oxford Islamic Centre. “Certainly I don’t believe it and neither can the majority of Malaysians if we go by the comments on the social media. The world had a good laugh,” Dr Mahathir said in a posting on chedet.cc on Monday. “Who in the world would donate US$700mil to the Malaysian Prime Minister? Even Obama could not raise this amount for his Presidential bid,” he added. Dr Mahathir said the claims that the money was for elections was not logical as he had needed less than RM10mil for each of the five elections he presided over. “Why do you need RM2.6bil-plus or 2,600 million ringgit. Is it to bribe politicians and civil servants, or to rig the elections? That would not be right, much less legal,” he said. Dr Mahathir said that what Najib was doing was unprecedented and that the people are at a loss.....
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/Dr-M-refuses-to-accept-claim/
Ali Hamsa: MACC directors reinstated following explanation Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 4:19:12 PM by zuhrin azam ahmad PUTRAJAYA: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa (pic) has revoked the transfer orders for two MACC directors to the Prime Minister’s Department as he is satisfied with their explanations. Ali Hamsa said in a statement that the two directors – Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin and Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob – were reinstated to their previous positions effective immediately (Aug 10). http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/Ali-Hamsa-MACC-transfers/
Nazir Razak backs MACC by rahmah ghazali Updated: Sunday August 9, 2015 MYT 7:58:29 PM
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/09/MACC-Nazir-Razak/
'Muhyiddin’s removal made in the interest of politics, not to hurt Johoreans' Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 8:17:54 AM http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/PM-Im-aware-of-sentiment-For-more-stories-Muhyiddins-removal-made-in-the-interest-of-politics-not-to/
Malaysia's Prime Minister: A Dead Man Walking? 8/08/2015 @ 5:43PM 198,347 views,
http://www.forbes.com/sites/greglopez/2015/08/08/malaysias-prime-minister-a-dead-man-walking/
RM2.6 billion donation: Shahrir responds 15 questions by Johor MB's son Astro Awani | Published on August 08, 2015 18:31 MYT
http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/rm2-6-billion-donation-shahrir-responds-15-questions-johor-mbs-son-68947
Johor MB: Umno can't be quiet in face of corruption Malaysiakini 1:38PM Aug 4, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307296
Johor MB dashes Najib's hope to crush rebellion Malaysiakini - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak may have hoped to quickly quell any unhappiness in Umno, particularly in Johor, over the ouster of Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister but the task may now be more challenging than expected. This, former minister Zainuddin Maidin argued, was after Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin's (photo) subtle message to the state's Umno rank and file.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307358
Protesters and investigators arrested as Malaysian PM Najib Razak cracks down; Date August 2, 2015 - 1:48PM 23 reading now Lindsay Murdoch South-East Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/protesters-and-investigators-arrested-as-malaysian-pm-najib-razak-cracks-down-20150802-giple1.html#ixzz3hd5jLnRC
Najib: It’s time to strengthen unity, not dwell on 1MDB Updated: Sunday August 2, 2015 MYT 7:21:12 AM; MALACCA: Issues surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd do not spell the “end of the world” for Barisan Nasional and Umno. Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said everyone seemed to be focused on detrimental issues but it was time to strengthen unity and concentrate on the people’s welfare. “I will not be distracted by the issues, which were portrayed as if everything surrounding us is going to collapse,” the Prime Minister said when opening the Kota Laksamana Umno annual general meeting here yesterday. “I can’t also be relinquishing my post just because of one individual. Putting food on the table and providing a better quality of life for the people is more important to me,” he said. Najib also said those who supported the party’s struggles shouldn’t do it for the “Najib factor” but for a stronger Umno. Backing the party should be their first priority, not idolising leaders, he added... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/02/Najib-Its-time-to-strengthen-unity-not-dwell-on-1MDB/
Dr M's crying over milk he helped spill By Terence Netto; COMMENT Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest round of griping that Umno leaders are keeping away after having earlier piled him with their worries about what the party and country were coming to is disingenuous. Mahathir inculcated precisely this opportunistic - 'friends in fair weather, strangers in foul' – behaviour. Mahathir spoke of this turn in the attitude of Umno leaders at a book launch ceremony yesterday.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307023
On AG Chambers, Ambiga hauled up, Nazir Razak, Bukit Aman fire
Charge sheet draft against PM not from A-G’s Chambers, says prosecution head; 31 Jul — The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has denied that it had drafted or issued an alleged charge sheet against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, which was disclosed by whistleblower site Sarawak Report.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/charge-sheet-draft-against-pm-not-from-a-gs-chambers-says-prosecution-head
AG Chambers denies 'charge sheet' against PM; The Attorney-General's Chambers has denied drafting or issuing a purported charge sheet against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/
Police to quiz Ambiga over calls to topple government BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 30 July 2015 5:59 PM Police sources say Hakam president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is being investigated over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 30, 2015.Police today confirmed that National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has been called in for questioning over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government. A police source said the appointment was set at 3pm at Dang Wangi police headquarters and it will be handled by investigating officers from Bukit Aman. "The investigation has nothing do with Kuala Lumpur police. All being handled by Bukit Aman." googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); It is understood that Ambiga is being investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy. A charge under this section carries a jail term of up to 20 years, upon conviction....Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told the media today that police would also be calling journalists who wrote the articles that quoted Ambiga's remarks to assist in investigation. "I have openly ask Ambiga to deny what was being reported but until today she has not," said Khalid after a police function in Cheras today. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/police-to-quiz-ambiga-over-calls-to-topple-government#sthash.3ACyLaam.dpuf
#TangkapNajib gathering to go on this Saturday despite police warning BY HASBULLAH AWANG CHIK Published: 30 July 2015 1:19 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tangkapnajib-gathering-to-go-on-this-saturday-despite-police-warning#sthash.IGBSQuRN.dpuf
Views and opinions
Nazir Razak warns of Malaysia's 'Game of Thrones' by dina murad Updated: Wednesday July 29, 2015 MYT 4:30:56 PM PETALING JAYA: CIMB Group chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak has warned that Malaysia's political storm may turn into a "Game of Thrones" if left unchecked. "Through this political turmoil, we must preserve & protect the integrity of our institutions or we descend into a game of thrones," Nazir, the youngest brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, wrote on his Instagram account nazir.razak.... Game of Thrones is a highly popular fantasy series by HBO which revolves around the politics and governance of the medieval-inspired land of Westeros. On Tuesday, Najib announced a surprise Cabinet reshuffle where Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was dropped from both his Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister posts. Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi replaced Muhyiddin as Deputy Prime Minister and Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid took over his Education Minister portfolio. Muhyiddin was dropped due to his opinions and public statements on 1Malaysia Devlopment Berhad (1MDB) which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said went against the concept of collective responsibility of the Cabinet. Four other ministers were also replaced. http://www.thestar.com.my/
Can Najib’s Cabinet reshuffle save him, ask analysts - The Malaysian Insider http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/can-najibs-cabinet-reshuffle-save-him-ask-analysts
Muhyiddin’s sacking will not benefit opposition, says research centre Published: 30 July 2015 7:54 PM A research centre says majority of Malay voters are not known to make political changes. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 30, 2015.Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin's sacking will not result in swing votes for the opposition, independent research firm llham Centre said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muhyiddins-sacking-will-not-benefit-opposition-says-research-centre#sthash.zvk0UBSk.dpuf
Najib and Malaysian Politics in Crisis: Whither UMNO and the Opposition? By Yang Razali Kassim RSIS No. 161/2015 dated 30 July 2015; Synopsis: As Prime Minister Najib Razak strikes back at his critics over the 1MDB scandal, questions arise as to where Malaysian politics will go from here, even as the ruling and opposition coalitions reel in their respective crises.... Commentary: MALAYSIAN POLITICS is at an inflection point. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say it is in a mega-crisis. Prime Minister Najib Razak has just countered his critics over the massive 1MDB scandal by sacking his vocal deputy prime minister and the Attorney-General who led a high-level probe. This latest twist has left the country bracing for a backlash of uncertainty. Yet it is not just the ruling UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) government that is in trouble; the opposition coalition is also grappling with its own survival..... It is significant that both sides of the political divide are reeling from unprecedented pressure in disarray - simultaneously. What will come out of this? But it is the crisis in BN that is more critical, given the repercussions reverberating throughout the system due to UMNO’s defining role as the ruling coalition’s anchor party. The latest crisis in UMNO is equally without precedent..... Leadership crisis in UMNO. Prime Minister Najib Razak is fighting for his political life in the face of severe criticisms arising from the scandal in the 1MDB investment fund which he advises. Never before has a sitting prime minister been openly pressured to step down amid a high-level probe. Never before has there been serious investigation into the dealings of a government-linked investment fund whose chief adviser is the finance minister, who is also prime minister..... Prior to the reshuffles, Najib's political position had been in doubt. There had been rumours of actions about to be taken by the taskforce, even predictions of a new prime minister by next month. By removing his deputy and the attorney-general, Najib has clearly shown that he intends to stay on top of the crisis. Interestingly, the reshuffles led to the induction into cabinet of Nur Jazlan Mohamed, the equally outspoken chair of the bipartisan Public Accounts Committee, which is also involved in the probe, along with three other UMNO members of the committee. Will the PAC investigation now be muted?...The PR is now dead, a victim of the crisis that first began in the Islamist party PAS which led to the dominance of the conservative faction and ouster of its professionals wing. Two other partners – the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) - are trying to reinvent the alliance with a “PR 2.0”, linking up with the purged faction but minus the increasingly conservative PAS proper. The final shape of this reinvented opposition coalition is still unclear, but promises to be appealing to a multi-ethnic electorate – and is likely to be led once again by the unifying figure of Anwar, from behind bars......
On Bukit Aman fire
Bukit Aman fire: Only unimportant documents destroyed, says IGP by farik zolkepli Updated: Wednesday July 29, 2015 MYT 9:33:42 PM PETALING JAYA: Only unimportant documents were destroyed in the fire at the Police Headquarters in Bukit Aman, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. "The fire has been put out. "There is no cause for alarm as only unimportant documents were lost during the fire," he tweeted Wednesday. He added that the cause of the fire was being investigated. A fire broke at Menara 2 earlier Wednesday.Inspector-General of Police Secretariat assistant head (Corporate Communications) Asst Comm Datin Asmawati Ahmad said that the blaze is believed to have originated on levels 9 and 10, which is where the Criminal Investigation and Narcotics departments are located. http://www.thestar.com.my/
Fire breaks out at police headquarters in Bukit Aman Posted on 29 July 2015 - 08:40pm Last updated on 30 July 2015 - 01:04am by Ashwin Kumar and Nabilah Hamudin; Two floors occupied by the CID and anti narcotics department at Tower 2 in Bukit Aman in fire.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1504497
On Bank Negara
Bank Negara grips ringgit tightly as troubles mount By Vidya Ranganathan, Reuters; Protecting the ringgit from political fallout may end up costing Malaysia more than any bailout for the debt-ridden 1MDB state fund, given the rate at which the central bank has been using its reserves in recent weeks.
Bank Negara Malaysia has taken an iron-fisted approach, barely allowing the ringgit to move since early July as investors became increasingly unnerved by the deepening scandal over how 1Malaysia Development Berhad got into US$11 billion of debt. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Najib Razak sacked his deputy, who had called on him to give Malaysians a better explanation of where 1MDB's money went. Three other ministers were also shunted in the reshuffle. Najib also replaced the attorney-general. On Thursday, the rumour mill went into overdrive, forcing the central bank to deny that Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz was resigning. Financial markets were understandably nervous at the prospect of the well-regarded Zeti (photo), who has headed the central bank since 2000, becoming another casualty of the affair. Since early July, even as foreign investors pulled out of Malaysian markets and risk metrics spiked, the ringgit has remained close to 3.8 to the dollar.... Currency reserves fell $5 billion in the two weeks to July 5 as the central bank defended the ringgit and analysts estimate a lot more could have been spent since as the political storm around Najib intensified. "We've crossed the Rubicon on a couple of politically sensitive levels and clearly there is some heavy smoothing operation going on," said Claudio Piron, head of rates and currency strategy at BofA Merrill Lynch in Singapore. "That is evident in the FX reserves numbers and the behaviour of the ringgit that is holding around the 3.8 levels. The ringgit is Asia's weakest currency this year, having shed nearly 9 percent of its value against the dollar. The decline largely reflected concerns over its vulnerability to rising US interest rates and the halving in the price of oil in the past year, which has dragged down the price of gas, though not by as much. Malaysia is the world's second-largest exporter of liquified natural gas. https://www.malaysiakini.com/
Bank Negara: Zeti has not quit, did not suffer heart attack by jer weann ang AND v. mienaloshyani Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 5:08:28 PM KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has denied rumours circulating in local media and financial markets that its governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz (pic) has resigned. When asked to comment on the the rumour, a central bank spokesman said: "This is not true," according to Reuters. When contacted by The Star, a BNM spokesman also denied that Zeti, 67, suffered a heart attack. "She is fine and came to work as usual,” added the spokesman.... http://www.thestar.com.my/
On sacking of Deputy PM Muhyiddin
Malaysia’s Najib Razak Fires Deputy Prime Minister in 1MDB Rift - WSJ http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-najib-razak-shakes-up-cabinet-amid-1mdb-investigation-1438065854
In leaked video, Muhyiddin says Najib admitted RM2.6 billion in his accounts Published: 29 July 2015 8:23 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/in-leaked-video-muhyiddin-says-najib-admitted-rm2.6-billion-in-his-accounts#sthash.6QA5Yyyu.dpuf
Muhyiddin can’t be sacked as Umno deputy chief, says Nazri by rashvinjeet s. bedi Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 12:09:35 PM PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin cannot be sacked as Umno deputy president as he was elected by party members, says Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (pic). As such, Umno will have to wait until the party elections, where new Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will very likely go for the post, said the Umno Supreme Council member. “Nothing can be done unless Muhyiddin resigns … He cannot be sacked as he was elected by the delegates … If he doesn’t leave there is a likelihood that Zahid will go after him. I expect Zahid to do so,” Nazri told The Star Online from Milan where he is on a working trip.
http://www.thestar.com.my/
Leaked video on Muhyiddin’s conversation on 1MDB goes viral by victoria brown Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 9:55:42 AM PETALING JAYA: A leaked video of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin purportedly recounting a conversation he had with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on 1MDB has gone viral. The video clip, that appeared to be recorded on a mobile device, shows Muhyiddin sitting with several guests at his home. The 53-second video, which was inaudible in certain parts, appeared to suggest that Muhyiddin had spoken to Najib about the allegations contained in a recent Wall Street Journal report. Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and former Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir were among those present in the clip. Muhyiddin entertained several guests on Tuesday evening after it was announced that he had been removed as Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister. .... http://www.thestar.com.my/
International media attention widens
Cameron concerned about Anwar, says Azmin; British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed concern over the well-being of jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim....https://www.
David Cameron will meet Malaysian leader mired in corruption claims http://gu.com/p/4b465?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
5 Reasons Why Obama Should Steer Clear of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak | TIME https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14ed8a60366df0f1
British journalist: I'm being followed in London by teams of stalkers http://gu.com/p/4b3ft?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
Najib Urges Patience on Malaysia Probes as Warns Against Discord by Shamim Adam July 27, 2015 — 1:33 PM HKTUpdated on July 27, 2015 — 10:50 PM HKT
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called for patience on investigations into the state investment company, warning infighting in the ruling party would risk sowing voter discord.
The statement came after Deputy Premier Muhyiddin Yassin stepped up his calls for answers over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd. imbroglio. Najib must explain 1MDB’s debt and why the government invested in money-losing ventures, giving people “the real truth,” he told members of their United Malays National Organisation party on Sunday.
“Malaysians are not stupid,” Muhyiddin said, according to comments carried by local media and verified by his office. “They are well-informed. Don’t underestimate them. We cannot lie.”
Multiple probes are under way into 1MDB, which was the subject of a July 3 Wall Street Journal report that $700 million may have moved through government agencies and state-linked firms to accounts bearing Najib’s name. The premier has denied taking money for personal gain.
Najib’s office said on Monday that investigators should be given space to perform their tasks and infighting within UMNO would erode support for the government and the party.
“All parties, especially members of the administration including Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, need to wait for the results of the investigations,” his office said in the statement. “We should avoid making statements that could cloud the perceptions of the people toward the country’s leaders, the government and UMNO.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-27/najib-s-deputy-seeks-truth-on-malaysia-investment-fund-actions
UPDATE 1-S&P keeps Malaysia's A- sovereign rating, outlook stable Mon Jul 27, 2015 6:55am EDT By Trinna Leong S&P affirms L-T foreign currency rating at A-, outlook stable * Graft allegations involving 1MDB won't impede policymaking - S&P * M'sia's strong external position to help counter energy slowdown (Adds details from S&P statement, economist quotes)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/27/malaysia-economy-rating-idUSL3N1073G720150727
Malaysian ringgit hits 17-year low against US dollar on weak commodities, Fed caution; Updated: 5:42 PM, July 27, 2015 SINGAPORE — Malaysia’s ringgit hit a 17-year low today (July 27) as a global slump in commodity prices added to concerns over sluggish exports, while investors braced for a US Federal Reserve meeting that might take another step toward lifting interest rates.
The ringgit eased 0.1 per cent to 3.8110 per US dollar, its weakest since September 1998.
The ringgit pared losses again as the central bank has been spotted intervening to keep the worst performing Asian currency firmer than 3.8100 per dollar, traders said. The currency was pegged at 3.8 between 1998 and 2005. Malaysia’s international reserves fell to US$100.5 billion (S$138 billion) as of July 15 from US$105.5 billion as of June 30, central bank data showed on July 23. REUTERS
http://www.todayonline.com/business/malaysian-ringgit-hits-17-year-low-weak-commodities-fed-caution
1MDB saga: A tale of debt, money trails and allegations , SE Asia News & Top Stories - The Straits Times; by Reme Ahmad Assistant Foreign Editor Published Jul 25, 2015, 5:00 am SGT; With twists and turns worthy of a thriller, the 1MDB scandal now rocking Malaysia seems unlikely to be unravelled soon, putting the economy on the back foot...1MDB has become a household name and generated international attention, but for all the wrong reasons. Questions about its eye-popping debts have metastasised into a massive political crisis that threatens Datuk Seri Najib's leadership, has fractured his ruling Umno party and calls into question Malaysia's financial management. The scandal has also spawned several probes at home and abroad....It has led to a crackdown on the media, resulted in the arrests of four people, and kept Malaysians captivated for close to a year with its twists and turns involving an improbable cast that includes a pugnacious 90-year-old former premier, a respected central banker and a tattooed man in a Thai jail. How did a visionary plan by Mr Najib, 62, to expand Malaysia's wealth end up in such a quagmire?.....Home Ministry last Friday suspended for three months the publishing permits of two business papers published by The Edge Media Group. It earlier blocked access to the Sarawak Report website. Mr Nazir, Mr Najib's brother, said on his Instagram on Friday that The Edge's "recent 1MDB coverage seems outstanding but if there were flaws then correct them or take legal recourse. I condemn the suspension". Amid the almost daily new allegations and disclosures, one thing everyone can agree upon is that the government must quickly conclude its investigations, as it cannot afford to be distracted by the scandal at a time when the Malaysian economy is weakening, the ringgit sliding and cost of living soaring. The first murmurs of disquiet began as early as April 2009. A report in The Straits Times then had a chief executive of a Malaysian bank voicing his unease at how the fund had to borrow money to buy assets, instead of using cash surpluses like other state-backed entities.....
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/1mdb-saga-a-tale-of-debt-money-trails-and-allegations#xtor=CS1-10
Malaysia’s Missed Democracy Lesson - Obama again can’t find a voice for liberty and moderate Muslims. Opinion. July 23, 2015 7:14 p.m. ET; Malaysia is in the midst of a first-class political scandal, thanks in part to reporting in this newspaper that $700 million linked to a state-owned investment fund allegedly was transferred to the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak. Mr. Najib denies wrongdoing, and neither the original source nor ultimate destination of the money is clear....Yet the larger scandal in Malaysia is hiding in plain sight. We’re talking about the imprisonment of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is five months into a... http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-missed-democracy-lesson-1437693288
U.S. Authorities Probe Banks’ Handling of FIFA Funds - More than a half dozen banks contacted in separate probes by Brooklyn prosecutors, New York banking regulator By Christopher M. Matthews and Rachel Louise Ensign Updated July 23, 2015 6:42 p.m. ET; U.S. authorities have ramped up investigations into whether banks should have raised alarms about money flows linked to alleged corruption at soccer’s governing body, according to people familiar with the matter. In separate probes, prosecutors in the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s office and New York’s top financial regulator have contacted more than a half dozen banks combined in connection with the soccer scandal in recent weeks, the... http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-authorities-probe-banks-handling-of-fifa-funds-1437682616?mod=djem10point
Dr M: I will continue writing on 1MDB by izra abdul rahman Updated: Friday July 24, 2015 MYT 7:18:57 PM KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will not stop writing about 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) on his chedet.cc blog. He said he was aware that several publications have been under pressure to cease their reporting on 1MDB, following warnings from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). “There is a clampdown against the media, but I will keep writing about 1MDB,” he told reporters at a hotel here on Friday. The former prime minister has been one of 1MDB’s fiercest critics, as he constantly put the Government to task over 1MDB's management of its funds. The authorities have warned against publishing any reports on 1MDB as a special task force conducts its investigations. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/24/dr-mahathir-will-not-stop-1mdb-comments/
Rafidah Aziz: Banning publications solves nothing by akil yunus Updated: Saturday July 25, 2015 MYT 4:38:34 PM; PETALING JAYA: Banning media publications for reporting what certain quarters deem “unsavoury” will not solve anything, said Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (pic).
The former International Trade and Industry Minister said those responsible need to start giving the public the facts and to “say things as they are” on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other issues. “We can ban some publications. It does not solve anything, really. If at all, it’s making many more people upset. Worse still, there is now another grouse against the Government - for nothing,” she wrote on her Facebook page on Saturday.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/25/rafidah-banning-solves-nothing/
IGP: Trumpeting wrongdoings via media only invites chaos Last updated on 25 July 2015 - 07:21pm KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pix) says whistle-blowers who expose alleged wrongdoings cannot be protected by the law, if they trumpeted the matter through the media. He made the statement via his Twitter account today, following the home ministry's three-month suspension of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily, beginning July 27. He said the act of trumpeting the so-called 'true revelations' of any wrongdoing through the media would only invite misunderstanding, incorrect perception and chaos. Khalid said the country's law only protected whistle-blowers who used proper channels, and the police would not allow the public to be misled by people with ulterior motives. "Whistle Blowers are surely protected under Malaysian laws, provided they come in the proper way, legally @PDRMsia welcomes genuine WBlowers," he tweeted.Khalid in his subsequent tweet said; "Trumpheting' so-called 'true revelations' thru the media will only invite misunderstanding, incorrect perception and chaos. @PDRMsia." .....http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1499947
Note: KL-ite chatter on Malaysia lacking jurisdiction, and now apparent Malaysia police not part of group instigating Justo arrest?
Yes, we misled Justo on payment to get proof of US$1.83 billion scam - The Malaysian Insider - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/yes-we-misled-justo-on-payment-to-get-proof-of-us1.83-billion-scam
I was offered $2.7m for stolen data: Ex-PetroSaudi employee Xavier Andre Justo on the 1MDB saga - Nirmal Ghosh Indochina Bureau Chief In Bangkok; Published 9 hours ago; Swiss national Xavier Andre Justo - who is now in jail in Thailand in connection with trying to blackmail his former employer, PetroSaudi, which is entangled in a huge scandal involving the Malaysian government - has claimed that he was promised US$2 million (S$2.7 million) in exchange for data he stole from his former employer.... He also told The Straits Times in a prison interview that he was never paid what he was promised by a prominent Malaysian businessman. Justo claimed a deal was reached in Singapore in February on the sale of the documents, which was followed by lengthy discussions on how he would be paid.... The group of people he met in Singapore to negotiate the sale of the data were named in a 22-page confession Justo made to Thai police. He showed a copy of the confession to The Straits Times..... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/i-was-offered-27m-for-stolen-data-ex-petrosaudi-employee-xavier-andre-justo-on-the-1mdb
Malaysian access to Justo denied again 23 Jul 2015 at 20:44; Malaysia's relentless campaign to gain access to a Swiss national accused of information leaks damaging to Prime Minister Najib Razak remains stalled after national police chief Somyot Poompunmuang rejected...
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BNP Paribas: M’sia risks ‘multi-notch downgrade’ in sovereign rating By Levina Lim / theedgemarkets.com | July 23, 2015 : 4:01 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): Malaysia faces the risk of a “multi-notch downgrade” in its sovereign credit rating, despite Fitch Ratings affirming its “A-” rating on the Malaysian sovereign last month, warned BNP Paribas. In its Asia Desknote today, the French bank said investors should remain “fundamentally wary” of Malaysia due to the marked deterioration in the country’s external finances, which may result in a “BBB-” rating. It said as Malaysia’s credit default swap (CDS) widening was triggered by a confluence of pressure on the public and external finances and has persisted for six months, the potential for a multi-notch sovereign downgrade remains. “Ironically, a Fitch-developed tool to gauge the CDS-implied rating level indicates the Malaysian sovereign is a ‘BBB-’ credit, three notches below the official rating,” BNP Paribas pointed out. BNP Paribas also criticised Fitch’s latest rating report which focused solely on “Malaysia-centric developments” and overlooks a crucial underpinning of sovereign credit ratings — that they should be ordinal rankings reflecting how a particular credit stands relative to a chosen peer group. “Malaysia’s public finance performance trends against rating peer medians are a particular concern. “Our analysis suggests Malaysia fell further behind the ‘A’ range on key indicators like debt-to-revenues since Fitch initially placed the rating on a negative outlook in mid-2013. Against the ‘BBB’ range it has fared only marginally better,” it said. It added that the persistence of this relative deterioration suggests that Malaysia’s sovereign rating should have been downgraded regardless of the reforms implemented. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/bnp-paribas-m%E2%80%99sia-risks-%E2%80%98multi-notch-downgrade%E2%80%99-sovereign-rating
Publisher: We'll challenge suspension in court by Malaysiakini 3:37PM Jul 24, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/306061
The Edge weekly, daily suspended for 3 months from July 27 Published: 24 July 2015 2:54 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/the-edge-weekly-daily-suspended-for-3-months-from-july-27#sthash.OletvTtW.dpuf
Bank Negara looking for duo linked to 1MDB By The Malaysian Insider / themalaysianinsider.com | July 24, 2015 : 4:12 PM MYT (July 24): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has issued an alert for two individuals wanted for investigation purposes under the Exchange Control Act 1953.
Both persons have had dealings with debt-ridden state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). The two are Casey Tang Keng Chee, 50, and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 42. A notice on both individuals was posted on BNM's fraud alert website today as well as the central bank's Facebook page.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/bank-negara-looking-duo-linked-1mdb
Malaysia's Bank Negara seeks Jho Low's associates Published 1 hour ago; BNM uploaded a poster of the duo, Casey Tang Keng Chee, 50 and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 42, on its Facebook page seeking information on their whereabouts and they were being investigated under the Exchange Control Act 1953. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-bank-negara-seeks-jho-lows-associates
In 1MDB-linked case, Jerome Lee freed on RM100,000 bail BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 24 July 2015 9:24 AM A top company director has been freed on a RM100,000 bail today, four days after he was the first person arrested and remanded in the ongoing investigations linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd and its one-time subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd. The Putrajaya magistrate's court released Jerome Lee (pic) on bail with two guarantors. Jerome’s lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) did not ask for extension of the remand and Magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman set the bail at RM100,000. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); "He has been released on police bail," Shafee told reporters after court proceedings today. The 39-year-old is group executive director of construction firm Putrajaya Perdana Berhad but had been previously employed as an investment director with 1MDB. Lee was arrested on Monday at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before boarding a flight to Taiwan, as part of the probe into the controversial state investment vehicle under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act for receiving bribes. On Tuesday, police obtained a four-day remand order to hold him for further investigations. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/in-1mdb-linked-case-jerome-lee-freed-on-rm100000-bail#sthash.kEq5sI3e.dpuf
Note on media sources: Sarawak Report has been a key reporter of apparent whistleblower information and even photos relating to the Najib-1MDB saga. The Edge has been the core business investigative reporter on 1MDB issues. Former PM Mahathir provides the best synthesis and strategic direction on 1mdb problems for the domestic audience. The entry of WSJ on 2 July has been a major blow (correction: it is owned by Rupert Murdoch's Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corp; replace earlier wrong ownership info). The recent shift of focus to international money flows and Malaysia activisists including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad pointing out major breaches in AMLA or Anti-Money Laundering Act at various financial centres ups the ante. Domestically in Malaysia, political analysts do not so far see any effective political push factors from within UMNO-BN nor from the political opposition (in crisis mode; and also fundamentally lacking of research resources, communication skills and access to national media outlets). Thus it appears that international agents are the likely further triggers in the 1MDB-Najib saga. Also, KL-ites are awaiting major lawsuits to be taken out by Najib-Rosmah-1MDB et al against the key media outlets making all these scurrilous reports (a lot of news within Malaysia of their carrying doctored documents - which the media outlets deny)- WSJ, The Edge, and Sarawak Report.
source: Sarawak Report screenshot
A Scandal In Malaysia Spurs Credibility Crisis - Control Risks Control Risks , Contributor By Giulia Zino 7/21/2015 @ 12:29PM 16,927 views; SINGAPORE – Malaysia has generated a considerable volume of negative press coverage over the past year, but none as eye-catching as the recent scandals surrounding controversial debt-ridden sovereign investment company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). After brewing for months, the 1MDB saga took a startling turn on July 2 when the Wall Street Journal published details of leaked bank documents, apparently showing that nearly $700m had been channelled through the investment company and directly into the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak..... Najib established 1MDB in 2009 with the visionary aim of facilitating investment and trade with the Middle East, and of developing a new financial district in Kuala Lumpur. Najib chairs 1MDB’s board and also heads the Ministry of Finance, which fully owns the company. 1MDB has collected a portfolio of 16 power and desalination plants in Asia and the Middle East and launched two ambitious, high-profile real estate developments in downtown Kuala Lumpur, accumulating debts of MYR 42bn ($11bn) along the way. Critics have centred on the company’s auditing problems: particularly MYR 8.24bn ($2.17bn) allegedly hidden somewhere in the Cayman Islands, its bond issuance program, and allegations that it has overpaid for its Malaysian power assets, essentially bailing out politically connected independent power producers.... The July 2 report dealt a huge blow for the ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and brought to a head a long-brewing struggle within the party to oust the prime minister. Conservative circles surrounding former prime minister and UMNO kingmaker Mahathir Mohamad have relentlessly tried to eject Najib, whose weakness and unpopularity they view as extremely detrimental for the party’s survival. Najib appears far too compromised to see the end of his term in 2018, even if the multiple ongoing investigations do not directly implicate him in wrongdoings within 1MDB.....Also at stake are the reputations of the otherwise respected Bank Negara (the central bank) and some of the larger domestic banks. They have come under fire for failing to notice or facilitating suspiciously high transactions and transfers in Najib’s accounts...Perhaps more worryingly, the heated political climate increases the scope for religiously or ethnically motivated acts of violence, like the riots earlier this month in the Bukit Bintang neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur. UMNO has increasingly nurtured a siege mentality and presented the party as the only true protector of Malay interests, worsening communal tensions. UMNO’s strategy requires the preservation of an image of external threats. These threats can be domestic, such as other religious and ethnic groups, or they can be foreign, such as the influence of Western culture.....
http://www.forbes.com/sites/riskmap/2015/07/21/a-scandal-in-malaysia-spurs-credibility-crisis/
Are financial centres starting to move on this? Singapore Police Force news. International money laundering involves US clearing banks, UK, UAE, Switzerland and Singapore - JP Morgan, RBS Coutts, Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, BSI and others....
Singapore Freezes Two Bank Accounts in Connection With 1MDB Probe - Singapore is cooperating with Malaysian authorities investigating fund linked to Prime Minister Najib By P.R. Venkat and Celine Fernandez Updated July 22, 2015 12:34 p.m. ET; SINGAPORE—Singapore police said Wednesday they have frozen two bank accounts as part of an investigation into 1Malaysia Development Bhd., the troubled state-investment fund with links to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Singapore has been cooperating with Malaysian investigators looking into the financial dealings of 1MDB. On July 2, The Wall Street Journal reported that investigators believe nearly $700 million was deposited in Mr. Najib’s personal bank accounts following the movement of cash among agencies, banks and companies linked to 1MDB. Mr. Najib founded 1MDB and heads its board of advisers. The Singapore Police Force didn’t give details Wednesday of the bank accounts it froze, saying it would be inappropriate as investigations continue. “On 15 July 2015, e issued orders under the Criminal Procedure Code to prohibit any dealings in respect of money in two bank accounts that are relevant to the investigation,’’ the police said. http://www.wsj.com/articles/singapore-freezes-two-bank-accounts-in-connection-with-1mdb-probe-1437561791
How Jho Low & PetroSaudi schemed to steal money from the people of Malaysia via 1MDB By The Edge Financial Daily / The Edge Financial Daily | July 20, 2015 : 3:30 PM MYT 6. All these point to a clear case of fraud and international money laundering. 1MDB’s money went from Malaysia to Switzerland via US clearing banks and then to the United Kingdom, the UAE and Singapore.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/how-jho-low-petrosaudi-schemed-steal-money-people-malaysia-1mdb
Malaysia reactions and news
Broad domestic political paralysis over the 1MDB saga has disappointed many KL-ites. Perhaps this political disillusionment is well represented by this political cartoon by Fahmi Reza lampooning the entire political spectrum:
24 July front page of The Sun, Malaysia - more travel ban news for Malaysian activists
The Edge Markets July 21 at 5:15pm · Edited · .Media Statement by Ho Kay Tat, Publisher & Group CEO of The Edge Media Group We could not walk away on finding out about the scheme to cheat Malaysia of Billions of Ringgit .... https://www.facebook.com/theedgemarkets/posts/1669125749967160?fref=nf&pnref=story
This was denied - Bank Negara trio named for Najib leaks | Free Malaysia Today - a deputy governor and two heads of department were accused by blogger of whistleblower info leaks; http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/07/11/bank-negara-trio-named-for-najib-leaks/
Penang CM: 1MDB and Jho Low topics do not help (Penang) investments - The Edge; He complains that half the time is spent explaining to investors about Penang-born Jho Low and 1MDB!
Blocking website, threatening critics won’t work, group tells Putrajaya Published: 23 July 2015 8:45 AM; Putrajaya should drop its “politically motivated” investigations and travel bans against opposition politicians and journalists who have been instrumental in exposing corruption within the government, Human Rights Watch said today. The group also said Putrajaya should allow access to whistleblower site Sarawak Report, which played a key role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy with its exposes. “Blocking a website and threatening critics with prosecution will not make the firestorm over alleged government corruption go away,” said Brad Adams, executive director of the Asian division of Human Rights Watch, in a statement today. "Instead of engaging in repression, Putrajaya should lift the bans and properly address the allegations swirling around it." - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/blocking-website-threatening-critics-will-not-work-group-tells-putrajaya?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.Yx5AqsvI.dpuf
Travel ban on 'missing' SRC managing director; SRC International managing director Nik Faisal Ariff Nik Othman Kamil is among those who have been barred from leaving the country. In its report today, The Star confirmed this with a check on the Immigration Department's website. Nik Faisal has been implicated in allegations that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal accounts. He is wanted by the special task force investigating 1MDB. Nik Faisal (photo) and SRC director Suboh Mohd Yassin are supposed to give statements about Najib's accounts. However, theSun reported today that both Nik Faisal and Suboh are missing. Citing sources close to the investigation, the daily said one of them is believed to be in Indonesia, while the other could not be traced. The task force is also believed to be on the look out for business tycoon Jho Low. Yesterday a managing director linked to SRC International was remanded by task force for five days to assist with the 1MDB probe. The special task force has also raided the offices of 1MDB, SRC and two of its subsidiaries. The travel ban on Nik Faisal comes amid reports yesterday that two opposition figures, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, as well as The Edge Media Group owner Tong Kooi Ong, have also been put under a travel ban. The trio are being investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for alleged activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.....
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305892
RM2.6b in private accounts, still no answer By Yoursay YOURSAY ‘Abdul Rahman, don’t attempt to insult our intelligence with this sideshow.’ https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305887
Time's up, Najib must take WSJ to court By Yoursay YOURSAY ‘He can’t back away, or people may think he has something to hide.’https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305884
Despite arrests, Anwar tells public to remain skeptical of 1MDB probe - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-arrests-anwar-tells-public-to-remain-skeptical-of-1mdb-probe#sthash.g6ILn6sf.dpuf
1MDB – a chance to get it right STORY BY TERENCE GOMEZ, As the core issues surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) controversy came to the fore over the past months, a fundamental point became extremely clear. Inadequate reforms following previous controversies of a similar nature have contributed to the 1MDB crisis. One example was the Asian currency crisis of 1997 which drew attention to a key matter: the mode of corporate governance.
Following this crisis, a slew of reforms were introduced to enhance corporate governance, primarily to determine how members of the boards of directors of public-listed companies – and government-linked companies (GLCs) – implemented their duties. These remedies, we then suspected but now know for certain from the 1MDB controversy, were ineffective, demanding major political reforms.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305846
Johor crown prince warns of cowardly leaders Malaysiakini 7:48AM Jun 29, 2015; Tunku Ismail's message was premised on the teachings of his grandfather - the late Sultan Iskandar - who taught him that the supreme quality of leadership is integrity, which he believed to be a rare commodity. "He also said that a cowardly leader is the most dangerous of men and that one of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency. "He also taught me that great leaders muster the courage to fulfil his vision from passion, not position," the prince says in a posting on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page last night. Two examples of great leaders, Tunku Ismail said, were his grandfather Sultan Iskandar and his father Sultan Ibrahim.
'Influence, not authority is the key' Tunku Ismail stressed that his message was aimed at leaders of the Johor government and NGOs, which he hoped would lead and inspire by example as opposed to "managing and manipulating" the people. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/303374
'Bad boy' Johor prince crafts new image Malaysiakini 10:12AM Jun 24, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302886
Najib, explain US$4.71b guarantee for 1MDB rescue By Tony Pua 8:24AM Jun 29, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/303374
Justo arrested but 1MDB money still missing, says Dr Mahathir Published: 29 June 2015 3:40 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/justos-arrest-doesnt-change-the-fact-that-1mdb-money-is-still-missing-says#sthash.xWnKFTLN.dpuf
Watch "2015.7.6 - Wong Chen (Missing Plane, Missing Billions: Malaysia in Crisis and the Politics of Hope)" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/TN06VA-SbEo and Wong's interview with CNBC:http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000394096
From WSJ
Malaysia 1MDB Probe Says It Has Found Documents Tied to Alleged Transfers to Prime Minister Najib - Attorney General says task force uncovered documents during probe of investment fund 1MDB By Tom Wright And Celine Fernandez July 4, 2015 10:08 a.m. ET KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Malaysia’s attorney general said an official investigation into a troubled state investment fund has uncovered documents related to allegations that money was transferred into the personal bank accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak. http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-probe-says-it-has-found-documents-tied-to-alleged-transfers-to-premier-1436018753?mod=djemalertMARKET http://www.wsj.com/articles/police-raid-1mdb-offices-in-malaysia-1436335172
Police Raid 1MDB Offices in Malaysia The raid comes amid an investigation into 1MDB and its ties with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak By Celine Fernandez Updated July 8, 2015 2:57 a.m. ET KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Police raided the Kuala Lumpur offices of strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd. on Wednesday, the fund confirmed. In a statement, 1MDB said it provided documents and other materials to aid ongoing investigations. It said it is cooperating fully with authorities. Two police vehicles were parked outside the building and officers remained inside, according to security personnel. In the past, the fund has denied wrongdoing. The raid comes in the wake of a Malaysian government investigation into 1MDB that has traced alleged payments of almost $700 million into the account of Prime Minister Najib Razak . Mr. Najib has denied wrongdoing. On Tuesday, authorities said they were freezing six bank accounts in connection with the allegations.
Investigators Believe Money Flowed to Malaysian Leader’s Accounts - WSJ - http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10130211234592774869404581083700187014570?ref=/news-asia-business
From Sarawak Report
Malaysia spies stalking at Hyde Park and a former DD of Cheltenham GCHQ...Sarawak Report Stalked And Harassed In London 20 Jul 2015; arawak Report has filed a report with the Metropolitan Police in London after establishing proof of wide-ranging harassment by persons believed to be in the employ of UMNO in Malaysia. The acts of illegal harassment include teams of stalkers, who have followed around after the Editor of Sarawak Report in past days, plainly waiting outside her house and then pursuing her during the day. These persons have included a bald, muscle-bound middle-aged white man and a man of Chinese Malaysian appearance, who took photographs of her in broad daylight in Hyde park and other individuals who have followed her car. Other forms of harassment reported are computer hacking, disruption to the radio programme RFS and what appears to be the bugging of conversations. These matters are now being countered and are also being investigated by a central London police station, who have put a protection detail onto the case.....The Manchester based blogger known as RPK, who is now generally accepted as being at the service of UMNO leader, the PM Najib Razak, can also now be confirmed as having been closely linked to what is clearly an orchestrated intimidation exercise. We have reported to the police that the surveillance exercise carried out by these teams was almost immediately reported by ‘RPK‘ in his stridently pro-Najib blog Malaysia Today. The Prime Minister, who has been complaining through RPK amongst others about so-called conspiracies to defame him, therefore himself stands accused of conspiring to stalk and harass journalists who have been uncovering corruption in Malaysia.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/sarawak-report-stalked-and-harassed-in-london/
Clare Rewcastle Brown July 21, 2015 - On pissing off rich Malaysians, getting things wrong and flower power; http://www.esquire.my/People/What-Ive-Learned/article/WIL-Clare-Rewcastle-Brown
SENSATIONAL FINDINGS! - Prime Minister Najib Razak's Personal Accounts Linked To 1MDB Money Trail MALAYSIA EXCLUSIVE! http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/sensational-findings-prime-minister-najib-razaks-personal-accounts-linked-to-1mdb-money-trail-malaysia-exclusive/
My Father Died For Reporting Corruption At AmBank EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | Sarawak Report - http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/my-father-died-for-reporting-corruption-at-ambank-exclusive-interview/
On The Trail Of The Missing Billions - Jho Low's Swiss Accounts In Singapore | Sarawak Report - http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/on-the-trail-of-the-missing-billions-jho-lows-swiss-accounts-in-singapore/
About Goldman and 1MDB and other financial news
The Scandal That Ate Malaysia - The near collapse of a state-owned company has rocked the government, rattled investors, and stirred public outrage. by Yoolim Leeand Elffie Chew July 22, 2015 — 5:01 AM HKT In the spring of 2013, Song Dal Sun, head of securities investment at Seoul-based Hanwha Life Insurance, sat down to a presentation by a Goldman Sachs banker. The young Goldman salesman, who had flown in from Hong Kong, made a pitch for bonds to be issued by 1Malaysia Development Bhd., a state-owned company closely tied to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak......... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-21/malaysia-s-najib-razak-feels-heat-as-state-owned-1mdb-melts-down
Malaysia’s Ringgit Buckling Under Political Pressure - Ringgit hits weakest level since September
http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-ringgit-buckling-under-political-pressure-1436160213
Goldman feels chill as Malaysia fund deal sours Jul 16 2015 at 10:36 AM; by Jennifer Hughes and Michael Peel Goldman Sachs has been failing to win new business in Malaysia as a furore continues to seethe around huge debts racked up by the 1MDB state investment fund that the bank helped to finance. Since Goldman arranged a controversial $USUS3 billion bond for 1MDB in 2013 - pocketing nearly $USUS300 million for its role in the deal - its fees from work in the country have slumped, according to Financial Times analysis of data from Dealogic. Goldman's involvement is in the spotlight once more because of the proximity of the 2013 bond issuance to alleged payments of almost $US700 million from the fund to Najib Razak, the Malaysian prime minister, just weeks before a closely fought general election. Investigators have been probing how 1MDB, a fund set up in 2009, borrowed some $US11 billion apparently without sufficient assets to support this debt. Goldman's subsequent struggles amid the controversy underlines the prizes and pitfalls for investment bankers striving to build relationships with governments and tycoons in Asia. One rival banker said the shunning of the investment bank was unofficial, but added: "if you're a Malaysian corporate, you're not going to use Goldman because you don't want this association." http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/goldman-feels-chill-as-malaysia-fund-deal-sours-20150716-gideht
1MDB probe raises questions for Goldman 17 July 2015 By Jonathan Rogers; When it comes to Malaysia, capital markets and politics make a dangerous mix. A LITTLE OVER two years ago, I asked in this column whether a bond issue could ever decide the outcome of a national election. I was referring, of course, to a US$3bn private placement from Malaysian government investment vehicle 1MDB in the weeks leading up to Malaysia’s general election. In May 2013, the vote went in favour of Najib Razak and the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition, and the controversy surrounding the under-the-radar debt deal – and the money Goldman Sachs made from it – died down. But the outcry over the state of 1MDB’s finances has now reached such a level that the Prime Minister’s position may now be at stake. The Public Accounts Committee and others are investigating, and I wonder to what extent the Goldman financings will be the subject of those inquiries.
Full transparency is the only course of action, and 1MDB has yet to fully explain why it felt the need to offer such exorbitant returns on debt that ranks pari passu with Malaysia’s other sovereign bonds. Perhaps our friends at Goldman can provide some answers.... http://www.ifre.com/1mdb-probe-raises-questions-for-goldman/21208514.fullarticle
Fitch Affirms Malaysia's LTFC rating at 'A-'; Outlook Revised to Stable; Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia's Long-Term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'A-' and local currency IDR at 'A'. The issue ratings on Malaysia's senior unsecured local currency bonds are also affirmed at 'A'. The Outlook on the Long-Term IDRs has been revised to Stable from Negative. Fitch views progress on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and fuel subsidy reform as supportive of the fiscal finances. A further narrowing of the deficit is forecast in 2015 despite lower oil prices. Nevertheless, as against the 'A' median, Malaysia's fiscal position continues to remain weak. http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSFit92745620150630?irpc=932p
1MDB gets purchase proposals for its land lots in Penang, Pulau Indah By: GURMEET KAUR Tuesday, 30 June 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: This comes following efforts by the strategic development fund to monetise its various land parcels through joint ventures or outright sales as part of a strategic review to pare down its RM42bil debts as of March 2014. 1MDB president and group executive director Arul Kanda (pic), in a statement on Tuesday said, “I am pleased to update that we have received significant expressions of interest in both land parcels.” 1MDB has earlier announced its intention to monetise its land parcels in Air Itam and Pulau Indah through joint ventures or by outright sales under a strategic review announced on Feb 18. Subsequently, this was confirmed in the rationalisation plan presented to Cabinet on May 29, 2015, Arul said. To recap, the company paid RM1.38bil for some 1,000 acres in Air Itam in 2013. For the 310 acres in Pulau Indah that it bought from Tadmax Resources Bhd, it forked out RM294.38mil. Based on Tadmax’s filing to the stock exchange in December 2014, the price was revised from the original RM317.33mil. It had come under flak for overpaying for these acquisitions, a claim it refuted. http://www.thestar.com.my/
1MDB Real Estate to work with group to develop Bandar Malaysia By: THEAN LEE CHENG Tuesday, 30 June 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDB RE)will work with one or a few consortium to develop the 486-acre Bandar Malaysia, said C.H. Williams Talhar & Wong, its transaction advisor in a press briefing. The property consultancy's deputy managing director Danny Yeo said 1MDB RE is open to discussion at this point in time. C.H. Williams is inviting expressions of interest from parties who will work with 1MDB on an equity basis. The expressions of interest ends on July 10.
1MDB RE executive director, corporate services Mohd Zakir Omar was present at the briefing. Yeo said the development would take 20 to 30 years depending on market conditions. http://www.thestar.com.my/
DAP backs Pua amidst pressure to withdraw from PAC (Updated) by Edmund Lee Posted on 30 June 2015 - 01:09pm; GEORGE TOWN: DAP is all out to back its party member Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and will not entertain calls made for the elected representative to withdraw from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that it was the Member of Parliament's (MP) duty and responsibility to speak on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue as it was of national interest. He pointed out the 1MDB scandal was a huge issue in the country and Pua did no wrong when he spoke out..... He said even PAC chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan had been reportedly saying it was nothing wrong for Pua to explain and address the issue. His statement comes after Pua was urged to withdraw from the PAC following his prejudicial views on the investigations into 1MDB....http://www.
Mara covered its tracks in Melbourne property purchase, claims Rafizi Ramli By: Michael Murty; KUALA LUMPUR, June 29, 2016: National Oversight & Whistleblowers Centre (Now) director Rafizi Ramli alleged that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) used up to eight companies to hide its tracks after purchasing four properties in Melbourne. Rafizi claimed by using these “layered” companies, it appeared that Mara was trying to hide its purchase even further. The PKR secretary-general alleged that for the purchase of the Aussie properties at 333 Exhibition Street and 51 Queen Street, Mara used its companies in Labuan, Singapore and Australia. He also alleged that Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa knew of the Mara property scandal since May last year and apparently did not do anything about it. “He had previously acted like he did not know anything about the Mara scandal and that he had nothing to do with it. “We have proof that he did in fact know about the properties as he along with a Mara delegate were briefed in Melbourn about the properties on May 20, 2014.” The briefing was also attended by Datuk Lan Allani, the man responsible for the purchase, he said at a press conference here today. The Pandan lawmaker said the four properties were 746 Swanston Street, Dudley International House, 333 Exhibition Street and 51 Queen Street..... http://www.therakyatpost.com/
Questions: Will the alleged 1MDB international financial scandal wane or escalate with the arrest in Thailand of its whistleblower director? He is accused of tampering with the emails (3 million of these in hand?), but to what purpose? To create a story against the many people named in relation to Petrosaudi and 1MDB including Jho Low closely tied with Prime Minister Najib of Malaysia? Now, the media who have carried investigative reports may face censure by Malaysian authorities keen to show that there is nothing wrong with 1MDB and prove that its critics are the true problem. Will politicians be caught up in this dragnet? Former Prime Minister Mahathir (The Recalcritant) Mohamad has been hammering at Najib about 1MDB for months, but so fart to no avail. The issue feels tired in KL circles, especially as it seems that there is no domestic agency on the issue. Thus, no surprise that Mahathir has spoken in the international arena on the issue. He has raised the AMLA issue to the international financial community, as they are supposed to be stamping down on money laundering of ill-gotten money. The 1MDB international financial scandal has touched many jurisdictions including Singapore and Switzerland and several banks are named in whistleblower documents mention several banks. 1MDB has also been named in top international newspapers for surprisingly large fees to the likes of Goldman Sachs of the USA; but KL circles note that Najib has been golfing buddy of Obama. Given the apparent exhaustion of domestic efforts to prod Najib to talk or act on 1MDB, what is up Mahathir's sleeve? Is he just going to give up on his campaign now? Does the whistleblower arrest id the effort to stop all 1MDB criticism? Will Mahathir activate more international actors on the issue? Sarawak Reports is prodding the Swiss authorities to act (see below). But we hear that Najib supporters internationally likely feel that he is a good person to deal with for regional geopolitics and they like working with a willing deal maker. Does geo-realpolitik calm the 1MDB international financial scandal waters?
.............
Newslinks:
Zahid, don't shoot messengers over 1MDB By Bob Teoh 8:31AM Jun 25, 2015; COMMENT Home Minister Zahid Hamidi is way off the mark by going after the media over the disclosures surrounding the 1MDB scandal. It is the job of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to explain to the public his (mis)handling of the mother of all scandals and not for Zahid to try to protect him. Neither is it the job of the media to defend itself over the political correctness of such disclosures. The media is duty-bound to inform the public in a timely manner after reasonable attempts to verify the information so received about 1MDB. The fact that state or party-controlled mainstream media have chosen to cover up the 1MDB scandal involving debts of RM42 billion while the independent media have pursued it vigorously, is no excuse for Putrajaya to silence professional and robust journalism. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302996
Swiss IT exec paid to leave PetroSaudi, denies 1MDB blackmail, say Thai cops Published: 24 June 2015 8:03 AM A Swiss IT executive was paid some RM15 million to leave PetroSaudi International but has denied asking for nearly RM10 million more in a blackmail attempt over 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) woes, Thai media quoted police as saying. The 49-year-old Xavier Andre Justo was arrested at a house on Koh Samui this Monday with computers, hard drives and other data storage devices, The Bangkok Post quoted police as saying. Justo demanded 90 million baht (RM9.9 million) from the company in exchange for not disclosing confidential information to rival companies, said Police Colonel Akaradech Pimonsri, acting commander of the Crime Suppression Division. He denied the allegations, police said. Justo worked for PetroSaudi, but was paid an equivalent of 140 million baht (RM15 million)to leave the company after he was found to have "behaved against the company's rules and regulations", added Pol Col Akaradech.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/swiss-it-exec-paid-to-leave-petrosaudi-denies-1mdb-blackmail-say-thai-cops#sthash.0ZBg4e6Q.dpbs
Sarawak Report: Open Letter To The Swiss Foreign Ministry In Bern 23 Jun 2015; We informed the prosecutors, through the services of a prominent anti-corruption lawyer, that I had evidence with respect to the money laundering of funds from the Malaysian development fund 1MDB, through named Swiss banks..... At the time the prosecutors responded they did not judge that my evidence was sufficient to proceed with enquiries. However, I now have in my possession some 3 million emails detailing this crime, in which PetroSaudi International was an engaged party. PetroSaudi International have now effectively acknowledged that this material from their servers is authentic, by accusing this former employee of having stolen it – they describe him as an ‘IT worker’, but in fact he was a senior director of the company . Nevertheless, according to the current news reports, they are attempting to say that these emails were ‘tampered with’ and they are adding this to the list of ‘crimes’, which they are laying at the door of Mr Justo..... So far, PetroSaudi International have sequentially claimed the emails were “forged”, then that they were “hacked” and now that “stolen” emails were “tampered with”. However, there is a mass of corroborative evidence to show that this Swiss/ UK based company was involved in the disappearance of nearly two billion US dollars of Malaysian public money that went to the company Good Star Limited, whose account resides at RBS Coutts Zurich..... Indeed, only a few days ago, Malaysia’s second Finance Minister publicly told the New York Times amongst others that Good Star was a subsidiary of PetroSaudi. So, please could this claim be fully investigated by the Swiss authorities, since the bulk of its USD$1.9 billion haul from 1MDB went to Mr Taek Jho Low (who has nothing to do with PetroSaudi International but is a nominee of the Malaysian Prime Minister in charge of the fund) according to documents from the Singapore monetary authorities, which no one has yet chosen to deny......... certain authorities in Malaysia have engaged with the relevant Swiss authorities about this financial crime, which also extends to Swiss banks in Singapore (I refer to BSI and RBS Coutts Zurich).... 4) I would therefore be pleased to know why there has been no apparent action in pursuing this case in Switzerland and why I have not been contacted to receive this evidence, which I have already passed on to certain other international authorities interested in the pursuit of money laundering?.... I await a reply from the Swiss Foreign Ministry with utmost urgency given the gravity of the situation facing one of your nationals, whom I believe to have been wrongly arrested on false and malicious charges in a foreign country, which ought have no jurisdiction over this Swiss-based dispute.... I further request that Mr Justo is given all the protection due to a whistleblower in this situation and that proper steps are taken to investigate a grave financial fraud in which PetroSaudi International has played a major role...... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/06/open-letter-to-the-swiss-foreign-ministry-in-bern/
MARA Australia - The Age
Najib again urged to go on leave by Malaysiakini 4:18PM Jun 24, 2015; The call to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to go on leave is piling up, with yet another scandal affecting his administration surfacing. After DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang asked Najib to go on leave as prime minister and finance minister to allow for a full-fledged investigation into the 1MDB scandal by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, another opposition leader is demanding the same. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the admission by Mara chairperson Annuar Musa that Najib himself had approved Mara's purchase of a property in Australia, which was bought at an allegedly inflated price, should be reason enough for the investigations to be done "without any disturbance".
"Annuar's admission signals that Umno leaders are not hesitating to bear the responsibility to answer controversial business decisions involving Najib. "As Najib himself ordered the authorities to carry out transparent investigation into the case, it is only fair for Najib to take the first step and go on vacation," Tuan Ibrahim (photo) said in a statement today.....http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302945
Palm oil / commodity production and Malaysia electoral politics - WSJ feature on Genting donations to YR1M (1MDB linkage?), Bersih asks for EC investigation; http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2015/06/palm-oil-commodity-production-and.html
1MDB RE seeks proposals to develop Bandar Malaysia Updated: Tuesday June 23, 2015 MYT 7:27:11 AM; KUALA LUMPUR: 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDB RE) is requesting proposals on how to best develop the upcoming Bandar Malaysia in the Sungai Besi area. In a statement yesterday, 1MDB RE said this was the next move following the presentation of the 1MDB rationalisation plan to the Cabinet last month.“The company is pleased to have begun making progress towards its implementation,” said 1MDB RE, which added that it would make the grand announcement in major newspapers this week as it sought expressions of interest for the 197ha site, which currently houses the Sungai Besi airfield.1MDB RE, as the master developer of Bandar Malaysia, said it was looking for development partners.The closing date for submissions of expressions of interest is July 10, with CH Williams Talhar & Wong acting as the real estate advisor and exercise manager.The development, which is located seven kilometres from KLCC, is intended to transform the area into an integrated transport hub in the city via two MRT lines (Lines 2 and 3), KTM Komuter, the Express Rail Link to KLIA and KLIA2, as well as future access to 12 major highways. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/23/1MDB-RE-seeks-proposals-to-develop-Bandar-Msia/
I trust PAC over Auditor-General in 1MDB probe, says Dr M BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 1 June 2015 10:38 PM Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad views the scope of the Auditor-General's investigation into the 1MDB scandal will not be enough to get the right answers. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, June 1, 2015.Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is placing his faith in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) rather than the auditor-general to get to the bottom of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal. He said this was because the PAC could probe into the troubled state investment arm’s background and ask the pertinent questions regarding all the funds that could not be accounted for. “I would place my faith in the PAC more than the auditor-general. The auditor-general inspects books. They don’t do forensic auditing, they don’t try to poke and find out where was this money spent, how was this money spent, where did you lose this money. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-trust-pac-over-auditor-general-in-1mdb-probe-says-dr-m#sthash.k9DqMQ85.dpuf
Dr M: What Najib did with 1MDB irresponsible by michelle tam Updated: Tuesday June 2, 2015 MYT 7:53:36 AM KUALA LUMPUR: Despite having thrown his support behind Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the past, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) claims he “cannot accept” what the Prime Minister has done with regard to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). He said this in a question-and-answer session after his address, titled “Leadership in the Final Push Towards Vision 2020”, during the Foreign Correspondents Club of Malaysia (FCCM) dinner at Istana Hotel here on Monday.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/02/Dr-M-on-1MDB/
Obama beats around the bush on Anwar - Malaysiakini 11:22AM Jun 2, 2015
US president Barack Obama continues to shy away from criticising the Malaysian government for the jailing of former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300394
Obama’s warning to Malaysia: Be careful when prosecuting Anwar (VIDEO) - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/obamas-warning-to-malaysia-be-careful-when-prosecuting-anwar#sthash.jHGu8TVi.dpuf
'1MDB roadmap designed to save Najib's skin' - Malaysiakini 3:38PM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300326
DPM not present at 'my way or highway' meet - Malaysiakini 4:10PM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300332
Hisham backs PM's quit dare, with conditions Malaysiakini 11:52AM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300290
Ministers, are you for the nation or Najib? By Yoursay 7:57AM Jun 2, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300369
Even if debts paid, 1MDB managers accountable for missing money, says Dr M Published: 29 May 2015 10:43 AM Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) management must be held accountable the the missing money. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 29, 2015.Even if strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) debts are fully paid through the sale of its assets, the fund will not be free from the charge that it cannot account for the billions it has lost, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in his continued criticism of 1MDB. Writing in his blog today, the former prime minister said given that the money that was supposed to be in tangible form in Singapore could not now be proven, the management of 1MDB must be held responsible for the loss until they can prove that they did not misappropriate the money. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/even-if-debts-paid-1mdb-managers-accountable-for-missing-money-says-dr-m#sthash.dxI2FEiM.dpu
GST is to bail out the government, says Dr M; 29 May — Tun Dr Mahathir fired another salvo at the Najib administration today, accusing Putrajaya of burdening the people with the goods and services tax (GST) to bail out the government even as the country registers increasing budget deficits each year. In his… In his latest blog posting today, the former prime minister said Putrajaya could have avoided imposing the consumption tax on the people by reducing its own costs. "As for the GST, the additional fund raised through it is at the expense of the people. They have to pay more for everything they buy, which means their purchasing power is reduced. In other words they have become poorer in order to enrich the government," Dr Mahathir said. ... "By introducing the GST, the government is actually asking the people, including those who are not in the income tax bracket, to bail out the government." – May 29, 2015. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/gst-is-to-bail-out-the-government-says-dr-m#sthash.30yz7yY4.dpuf
Unfair to blame entire Cabinet for 1MDB wrongs, (Shafie Apdal) says Thursday May 28, 2015 01:27 PM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — A minister protested today against claims that the entire Cabinet should be held responsible for the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, saying it would be unfair to do so when he and his colleagues were just as unclear as the public over the firm’s allegedly opaque deals. According to Malaysiakini, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said his fellow ministers have been actively raising questions on 1MDB during Cabinet meetings. “We are responsible Cabinet members. That’s why we asked the questions... We want to know (as well),” he was quoted telling reporters after a function in Putrajaya.
“We can’t be blamed for something we are not clear on,” he added. Shafie was reportedly asked to respond to former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who said recently that the entire federal Cabinet should be held responsible for the 1MDB controversy.... - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/unfair-to-blame-entire-cabinet-for-1mdb-wrongs-minister-says#sthash.lYrbXtj0.dpuf
Was 1MDB laundering money? Dr M asks Thursday May 28, 2015 11:59 AM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 ― Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad questioned today 1 Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) reason for storing its cash in Singapore instead of bringing it back, and asked if this this meant the firm was involved in money laundering. According to the former prime minister, the other possible reason why 1MDB claimed it was storing the funds in Singapore was because the US$1.1 billion (RM4 billion) previously invested in Cayman Islands was already gone. “The question is, was 1MDB with the knowledge of its adviser involved in money laundering, until its money from the Cayman Islands needs to be stored in Singapore?” Dr Mahathir asked in the latest post on his blog. “Or was the real reason to lie about storing the money in Singapore, is because there is no cash at all stored there, that the US$1 billion is gone?” Dr Mahathir also warned that the Monetary Authority of Singapore would scrutinise money going in and out of the country for money laundering. Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) confirmed receiving a report from its Singapore counterpart on a complaint lodged by BSI Bank about 1MDB account that the Swiss bank was handling. But Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz declined to divulge the contents of the report, which former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad previously insisted contained information to show 1MDB lied about having cash in BSI Bank. Referring to BNM’s refusal, Dr Mahathir said today that covering up 1MDB’s alleged lies over its cash in Singapore would be a crime. “What is weird and wrong is the refusal of responsible government departments to take action over the claims made and police reports lodged involving 1MDB’s missing cash,” said Dr Mahathir. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/was-1mdb-laundering-money-dr-m-asks#sthash.0s2pOoNb.dpuf
Leaked documents show PM’s approval required for all deals under 1MDB precursor BY SHAZWAN MUSTAFA KAMAL Tuesday May 26, 2015 05:43 PM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The prime minister has the final say over any “financial commitment” undertaken by 1 Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) precursor, Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), according to TIA's Memorandum and Articles of Association agreement. Clause 75 of the agreement states that the management of the company and the determination of overall investment policies or decisions lies with the board of directors. 1MDB was incorporated in 2009, after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the decision to turn TIA into a federal agency. Clause 117 of the agreement inked on February 27, 2009, indicates that the prime minister must give his written approval for any of TIA’s deals, including the firm’s investments or any bid for restructuring.
The clause states that for any avoidance of doubt, none of three things can be executed “without the written prior approval of the prime minister”. This includes “any financial commitment (including investment), restructuring or any other matter which is likely to affect the guarantee given by the Federal Government of Malaysia for the benefit of the company, national interest, national security or any policy of the Federal Government of Malaysia”. The clause also stipulates that the government shall have the “final and conclusive” right to determine what constitutes national interest and national security. Other matters which need the PM’s approval are amendments to the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and appointments and removal of directors and senior management team of TIA. The document was made available to Malay Mail Online.... Malay Mail Online is attempting to obtain a copy of 1MDB's Memorandum and Articles of Association agreement. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/leaked-documents-show-pms-approval-required-for-all-1mdb-deals#sthash.JOY7ioqp.dpuf
1MDB: Top officials skipping PAC hearing 'unacceptable' - Nazir Razak Astro Awani | Updated: May 26, 2015 (First published on: May 26, 2015 12:36 MYT) "Your company has triggered a national crisis and you can be too busy to face parliament? Unacceptable," he wrote on his Instagram account. KUALA LUMPUR: The failure of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy and former CEO Datuk Shahrul Ibrahim Halmi has drawn the ire of Datuk Nazir Razak. Nazir who is the brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took to Instagram to vent out his frustration after the two top officials had failed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing, scheduled today. "Your company has triggered a national crisis and you can be too busy to face parliament? Unacceptable," he wrote on his Instagram account. Shahrul Ibrahim was 1MDB’s first CEO from February 2009 until March 2013, while Arul Kanda was appointed in January this year. The PAC was only informed via a letter from the Finance Ministry on May 22 that the duo could not attend as they had overseas appointment. Nur Jazlan also said PAC will be taking statements from three firms which had audited 1MDB’s accounts. He said the firms – Deloitte, KPMG and Earnst & Young – are the main witnesses in the proceedings. Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-top-officials-skipping-pac-hearing-unacceptable-nazir-razak-60779?cp
Ex-Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad demands criminal probe into 1MDB "cover-up" Published on May 24, 2015 4:57 PM Malaysia's former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday accused Putrajaya of a cover-up, after it was revealed that state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) US$1.103-billion (S$1.47 billion) investment redemption was in assets and not cash. -- ST PHOTO: REME AHMAD KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday accused Putrajaya of a cover-up, after it was revealed that state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) US$1.103-billion (S$1.47 billion) investment redemption was in assets and not cash. In a blog post, Dr Mahathir said the Finance Ministry's confirmation that the amount was in assets directly contradicted Prime Minister Najib Razak's parliamentary reply that 1MDB's funds were brought back from the Cayman Islands and parked in Singapore's BSI Bank, Malay Mail Online reported on Sunday. The website also quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that Bank Negara Malaysia would have been informed by Singapore authorities of the fact that the amount was not in the form of US dollars as had been asserted. "The 'cover-up' act or the act of hiding offences committed in government transactions is legally wrong," Dr Mahathir wrote in the blog post. He cited Section 218 of the Penal Code which imposes a punishment of a maximum jail term of three years or a fine, or both. for public servants who prepare records that they know to be incorrect, knowing that doing so will cause losses to the public or they do so with the intent to escape legal punishment. "There is a criminal element in this case that requires a police investigation and if this money cannot be traced, then legal action must be taken against all the parties involved," Malay Mail quoted Dr Mahathir as saying. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/dr-mahathir-demands-criminal-probe-after-claiming-1mdbs-cover-201505#sthash.X8SKE4Lr.dpuf
16 May 2015: The Edge Malaysia - 4 full page spread on 1MDB - serious questions for the 1MDB Board of Directors
And amidst Singapore Business Times report on Deutsche Bank consortium looking to exit early its loan with 1MDB, questions swirling on cascading effect on such a big loan pile and also implications for Malaysia credit rating - a recent
16 May 2015: Malaysian Insider news on Najib-1MDB crisis: Get independent audit or quit, Nazir tells 1MDB directors, Tenaga will consider buying stake in 1MDB unit Edra Global Energy, Johor Umno backs Najib, says information chief, Lawyers, former ministers say Tabung Haji-1MDB land deal needs Cabinet oversight - Cabinet answerable to Dewan Rakyat / Parliament - but the mechanism that holds the people’s mandate is not consulted
Get independent audit or quit, Nazir tells 1MDB directors Published: 15 May 2015 9:01 AM CIMB Group Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak has told the board of 1Malaysia Development Berhad that they should resign if they fail to take active measures to address concerns over its finances. – The Malaysian Insider pic, May 15, 2015. CIMB Group Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said that the board of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should resign if they did not want to take active measures to address concerns over its finances, The Star reported today. The brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said it was irresponsible for the debt-ridden state investment arm to do nothing and simply wait for the Auditor-General (A-G) to complete its investigation. “The immediate check for a responsible board is to appoint an independent (auditor) now … otherwise the board and management, in my view, should resign," Nazir was quoted as saying. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/get-independent-audit-or-quit-nazir-tells-1mdb-directors#sthash.bRtnnviu.dpuf
Tenaga will consider buying stake in 1MDB unit Edra Global Energy Published: 16 May 2015 10:14 AM Tenaga Nasional president and CEO Datuk Seri Azman Mohd says as a power company, if an opportunity such as this comes along, Tenaga has to consider it. – Pic courtesy of Tenaga Nasional website, May 16, 2015.Tenaga Nasional Bhd will consider buying a stake in 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) unit Edra Global Energy Bhd if the opportunity arises, Edge Weekly reports in its latest May 18-24 issue. In an exclusive interview, Tenaga chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azman Mohd said that the price for the Edra stake had to be fair to generate value for state-controlled utility Tenaga's shareholders. 1MDB is planning to list Edra on Bursa Malaysia. "We (Tenaga) are a power company. We do power generation. If any opportunity comes along, we will consider. It is our core business. "But, of course, the question is, at what price? It must add value for the shareholders. As a listed company, we cannot do otherwise. It has to be a fair price. A good price even. In fact, we are in a position to get a very good price, you know?" Azman said. He, however, said no one had "officially" appproached Tenaga on the possibility of Tenaga acquiring a stake in Edra. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tenaga-will-consider-buying-stake-in-1mdb-unit-edra-global-energy#sthash.EmQvvHDu.dpuf
Johor Umno backs Najib, says information chief BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 16 May 2015 8:30 AM Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received the backing of Johor Umno amid criticism over his leadership of the party as well as the country. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 16, 2015.Johor Umno has unanimously backed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership, said its information chief Datuk Samsol Bari Jamali. He said Johor Umno had concluded that there were no other party leaders qualified to replace Najib at the moment. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-umno-backs-najib-says-information-chief#sthash.BiZAvtty.dpuf
Lawyers, former ministers say Tabung Haji-1MDB land deal needs Cabinet oversight BY MD IZWAN Published: 16 May 2015 6:59 AM Law professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari says following the constitution the Cabinet must answer to Parliament, hence matters of the taxpayers' interest must be brought to the Cabinet. – The Malaysian Insider pic, May 16, 2015.Lembaga Tabung Haji’s controversial land deal with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should have been brought to the Cabinet, lawyers and former ministers said, following reports that the matter was not discussed by sitting ministers. Constitutional law professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari wanted to know who was making decisions for the government, if something as serious as multi-million ringgit land deal involving a trouble state-backed firm did not go through the Cabinet. “Taxpayers’ money was used, but the Cabinet was not consulted or the decision did not come from the Cabinet. It may have come from the prime minister, and that becomes a problem,” Aziz said when commenting on the pilgrims' fund's recent purchase of land from the debt-ridden state investment firm. He said that since the people had given the Cabinet their mandate, any decision relating to public interest should go through the body first. The ministers, as elected representatives, were also answerable to the Dewan Rakyat or lower house of Parliament, Aziz added. “You are using the people’s money, but the mechanism that holds the people’s mandate is not consulted. That is the problem,” said Aziz. “If you look at the constitution, the Cabinet must answer to Parliament or the Dewan Rakyat, so you can ask them questions. “But now none of the ministers know anything of this deal, so that becomes a major concern,” said Aziz. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/lawyers-former-ministers-say-tabung-haji-1mdb-land-deal-needs-cabinet-overs#sthash.7m05cMol.dpuf
16 May 2015: Malaysiakini news on Najib-1MDB crisis: Najib a hit with Obama, says minister, PM meets Johor Umno leaders behind closed doors, Umno leader flays 1MDB board for letting PM roast, Don't turn TH into racial issue, 1MDB woes - the buck stops at Najib By Yoursay
Najib a hit with Obama, says minister By Alyaa Azhar; 5:25PM May 15, 2015; The prime minister's reputation may have been bruised on the domestic front but Najib Abdul Razak still has international appeal, especially among world leaders.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298494
PM meets Johor Umno leaders behind closed doors By Bernama 12:00AM May 16, 2015; Umno president Najib Abdul Razak today held a closed-door meeting with the Johor Umno liaison committee members. The prime minister arrived for the meeting, held at Puteri Pacific Hotel, at 8.40pm. Also present were party vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein and supreme council members Aziz Kaprawi and Razali Ibrahim. Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is Johor Umno liaison committee chairperson, arrived at the venue together with several state executive council members. The meeting, which lasted for more than two hours, was also attended by Umno divisional leaders in Johor. - Bernama http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298527?google_editors_picks=true
Umno leader flays 1MDB board for letting PM roast By Kow Gah Chie 4:38PM May 14, 2015; An Umno supreme council member said it is unfair for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be solely responsible in responding to problems plaguing 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298348
1MDB woes - the buck stops at Najib By Yoursay 8:16AM May 16, 2015; YOURSAY When a ship runs aground, who should answer for it? The captain. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298529?google_editors_picks=true
Don't turn TH into racial issue, Mubarak told 4:55PM May 15, 2015; The Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) has been slammed for turning the Lembaga Tabung Haji (Pilgrims' Fund Board) issue into a racial one. Perak DAP Socialist Youth said its police report on the pilgrimage fund's purchase of debt-ridden 1MDB land at overinflated price had nothing to do with race, as Mubarak had claimed. "Let me stress that the Tabung Haji scandal is neither a Muslim issue nor a Malay issue, but a Malaysian issue of good governance where public funds (had been allegedly) abused to bail out failed state corporations due to the government's incompetence and mismanagement. "I am appalled by Mubarak's statement in Sinar Harian today that allege Perak DAP Youth's police report against the Tabung Haji bailout of 1MDB as interfering with Muslim matters in Malaysia," said Chong Zhemin, the political secretary to the Taiping MP. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298492
14 May 2015: Latest in 1MDB saga is Singapore BT report of foreign banks seeking early loan repayment (with fears of cascading effect on 1MDB loan pile); PM Najib sits with solid UMNO support amidst new turmoil (Mahathir and Muhyiddin past issues re-emerge), claims of "pawning" Terengganu oil and gas assets refuted; KL circles noting that regional newspapers including Singapore Business Times and Australia SMH carry news on PM Najib woes.
German banks seek early repayment of 1MDB loan, could trigger default on RM42b debt | Malaysia | Malay Mail Online - http://www.themalaymailonline.
1MDB unable to disclose details on loan report Thursday, 14 May 2015; PETALING JAYA: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was unable to disclose any details on news that a consortium of banks led by Deutsche Bank has asked for a US$975mil (RM3.5bil) loan to be repaid less than four months ahead of its due date. “We are aware of recent press reports and statements concerning a loan taken by 1MDB in September 2014. While we would like to respond in detail, this relates to a confidential banking matter, which prevents us from commenting at the present time,” said its president and group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy in an email reply.
“However, we intend to update the market as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/05/14/1MDB-unable-to-disclose-details-on-loan-report/?style=biz
Terengganu MB refutes Ahmad Said’s claims on 1MDB predecessor by firdaous fadzil Updated: Wednesday May 13, 2015 MYT 10:58:07 PM; KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman (pic) has denied claims that Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), now known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), tried to use the state’s oil and gas industry as collateral. “No such thing. Our exco would not have agreed as we also have a team of experts to advise us and that would not have happened,” Ahmad Razif told reporters after attending the third term of the 13th Terengganu State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Iman on Wednesday. “In fact, Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA) does not have any relation with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB),” he said in relation to former mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said's claim that TIA had tried to pawn the state's oil and gas. Ahmad Razif confirmed that the state government had initially planned to invest with TIA and that that investment arm was initially established as an option to diversify the state’s income. “It was a unanimous decision by the exco to make an investment and that was how TIA was established where we invested RM1mil at that time,” he reiterated.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/05/13/Terengganu-MB-refutes-claims/
Foreign banks circle 1MDB over RM3bil loan Malaysiakini 12:59PM May 13, 2015
A group of six international banks are seeking for early payment of their US$975 million (RM3.6 billion) loan to cash-strapped 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), reports Singapore's Business TImes. The loan from the consortium of banks led by Deutsche Bank is only due in September but it would seem they have become increasingly jittery over 1MDB's financial status.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298185
Strong in Umno, but weak in the elections By Salhan K Ahmad; COMMENT The festivities surrounding Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s speech in Sabah last weekend are reminiscent of the 13th general election campaign. Those following the telecast of the event in Tawau would have seen an eyeful of ‘I Love PM’ banners held up by participants filling up every inch of the television screen. It was reported that 40,000 were there in solidarity with Najib. Fittingly, Najib said he will not step down just because of pressure from one man – former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He saw the pressure from Mahathir as merely a test. In fact, he said, Mahathir faced a bigger test in his time... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298280
'Umno huffs and puffs at Najib, then heels' Malaysiakini 8:24AM May 12, 2015;... http://m.malaysiakini.com/news/297930
Umno division heads to ask Najib to step down today? Malaysiakini 11:58AM May 11, 2015
Former information minister Zainuddin Maidin has claimed that Umno supreme council members will "politely" seek Najib Abdul Razak's ouster as prime minister this afternoon. "I have been informed that the council members have accepted the fact that Najib does not have the support of the people, particularly Umno members. "They might tell Najib this sincerely, politely and in a civilised manner during the meeting this afternoon," wrote Zainuddin on his blog. He then cited Umno wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as stating that regardless of what happened, the party should ensure that it remains united. Najib is meeting all the party division chiefs today as well as chairing a party supreme council meeting in conjunction with the party's 69th anniversary. He is also expected to speak during a dinner to commemorate the event this evening. On another note, Zainuddin urged Muslims in Malaysia to "join" Mahathir in prayer in asking for Najib's ouster. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297902
Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak rejects calls to resign Date May 11, 2015 - 11:54AM 72 reading now Lindsay Murdoch South-East Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media
Bangkok: Malaysia's embattled prime minister Najib Razak has vowed to stand firm against calls for him to resign amid a new controversy surrounding his handling of a state investment fund that is billions of dollars in debt. "I will not bow to pressure," Mr Najib said in a speech where he denounced former strongman prime minister Mahathir Mohamad who has led the resignation calls.
Mr Najib was quoted by the state newsagency Bernama as saying he was one of those in the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) who supported Dr Mahathir's 22 years in power.
"When he was in trouble we supported him to stay on. If we did not support our leader in a time of trial, he [Mahathir] would not have lasted 22 years as prime minister," Mr Najib said. "If [he] cannot support, then don't make so much noise," he said.......Dr Mahathir, still an influential figure in UMNO despite his 90 years, has repeatedly called in blog posts for Mr Najib's resignation over the investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad which the prime minister set-up and oversees. In the latest controversy Tabung Haji, a federal body that manages funds saved by Muslims, bought land from the fund in Kuala Lumpur's new financial district for almost $60 million.
After news of the purchase went viral on social media Mr Najib denied the purchase was to help bail out the fund's debt and said it was an investment. But Mr Najib said he advised Tabung Haji to sell the land....1Malaysia Development Berhad has racked up about $15 billion in debt and a close associate of Mr Najib has been accused of siphoning off its funds. Mr Najib, who is chairman of the fund's advisory board, denies any wrongdoing.Dr Mahathir's attacks have bitterly divided UMNO which has ruled Malaysia since the British departed the country in 1957.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/malaysia-prime-minister-najib-razak-rejects-calls-to-resign-20150511-ggym50.html
PM: Mahathir twisting 1MDB issue - Malaysiakini http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297850
Najib won't bow to pressure to resign, says land purchase by Malaysia's haj pilgrims fund not a bailout - South-east Asia News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/najib-says-land-purchase-pilgrims-fund-1mdb-not-bailout-20150510
Sirul Azhar Umar: Who ordered the brutal murder of Atlantuyaa Shaariibuu? May 9, 2015 by Eryk Bagshaw; In Sydney's Villawood detention centre is a man at the heart of one Malaysia's greatest political murder mysteries. Pacing the green rubber floor of Sydney's Villawood Immigration Detention Centre is a man who carries a secret so explosive that it holds both sides of Malaysian politics and its media in its thrall. The former bodyguard to two Malaysian Prime Ministers, ex-police commando Sirul Azhar Umar is a baby-faced killer, convicted of a political murder so gruesome it made a nation shudder. Now, facing the death penalty in Malaysia, Sirul has brought his secret to Australia in search of political asylum. So far, he is sitting restlessly with the high-risk inmates at the maximum security Blaxland unit in Villawood, keeping his secret to himself. "I'm not sure If I'm ready to tell all yet," he tells me as we meet for the first time. "I was a member of the police force, we are bound by code of silence." What Sirul knows, though, has much broader implications than just for him. It has put the already unstable tenure of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Najib Razak, on even shakier ground. It has brought one of Malaysia's ruling elite, Australia's old diplomatic foe, Mahathir Mohamad, out of retirement to speak against his former protege, and it has excited the country's perpetually oppressed opposition with the hope that perhaps after nearly 60 years, the edifice of that country's political dynasty is crumbling. http://www.smh.com.au/national/sirul-azhar-umar-who-ordered-the-brutal-murder-of-atlantuyaa-shaariibuu-20150508-1mj5ce.html
9 May 2015: Tabung Haji chief also 1MDB director
Dr M tells Tabung Haji to nix 1MDB land buy now Friday May 8, 201506:17 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Lembaga Tabung Haji must call off its purchase of land from 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) immediately, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today. Telling the Muslim pilgrims fund that it was overpaying for the deal, Dr Mahathir pointed out that 1MDB paid RM194 million for the 70 acres in the Tun Razak Exchange, where it will sell 1.5 acres to LTH for a reported RM188 million. “Is this how Tabung Haji spends the money of the public that it is entrusted with? Contributors hope their savings with Tabung Haji is managed for their benefit, but these funds are being used to save 1MDB that has lost billions of ringgit. “This plan must be cancelled immediately,” Dr Mahathir wrote on his personal blog today. He then reminded LTH that its funds were the savings of Muslims planning to perform their Haj, and do not belong to the board members to do as they choose. “It is depressing when these funds are used to bail out 1MDB’s debts,” he added. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-tells-tabung-haji-to-nix-1mdb-land-buy-now#sthash.1f9FeZC1.dpuf
Tabung Haji chief also 1MDB director, Umno man points out Friday May 8, 2015 05:02 PM GMT+8
Conflict of interest? Tabung Haji MD sits on 1MDB boardConflict of interest? Tabung Haji MD sits on 1MDB board. Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah further questioned the RM188.5 million sale of 1MDB land in the Tun Razak Exchange to the Muslim pilgrim fund, saying that Tabung Haji is meant to invest only in Shariah-compliant businesses. “Isn’t Tabung Haji CEO TS Ismee Ismail on the 1MDB board of directors: isn’t there a conflict of interest here,” Saifuddin wrote on Facebook today.
1MDB lists Ismee as one of six people on its board of directors. On Wednesday, news began surfacing that LTH was buying two parcels of land from 1MDB, purportedly for nearly RM800 million. LTH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim immediately denied this, before the board confirmed the deal next day albeit for one parcel at RM188 million instead of two as initially believed based on documents leaked by an anonymous blog. The confirmation has prompted bipartisan calls from lawmakers and private groups for LTH to explain the “high-risk” transaction.
Earlier today, PKR lawmaker Rafizi Ramli pointed out that 1MDB coincidentally has interest payment worth RM188.5 million due soon on one of its loans. .......... http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-chief-also-1mdb-director-umno-man-points-out#sthash.dPgpaowa.dpuf
Can’t stay on backfoot, Muhyiddin says of attacks on 1MDB Friday May 8, 201510:25 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Putrajaya must be proactive over attacks on 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and not only react to criticism over the state investment fund, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. According to him, the results of the Rompin and Permatang Pauh by-elections have exposed Putrajaya’s weakness in handling the allegations over 1MDB as well as criticism against the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “In the rakyat’s view, the defensive attitude is not helping in the long term. An offensive stance is to be ready to answer the people,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama today. “This means every issue raised that affects the public and is brought to the government’s attention must be managed as soon as possible… whether it is an answer or improvement.” - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cant-stay-on-backfoot-muhyiddin-says-of-attacks-on-1mdb#sthash.7Wx7tud2.dpuf
7 May 2015: Tabung Haji CEO confirms one 1MDB land deal after denial by the fund board's Chairman Abdul Azeez. Whistleblower report of purchase of land plots from 1MDB at unreasonably high price. Quit over 1MDB land denial, PAS tells Azeez.
Quit over 1MDB land denial, PAS tells Azeez by Malaysiakini 5:48PM May 7, 2015; PAS vice-president Husam Musa wants Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim to resign after denying on Twitter late last night that the pilgrimage fund bought Tun Razak Exchange land
.........Based on this and Johan's statement, it can be deduced that Tabung Haji confirmed the purchase of only Plot 1, for about RM2,779 per square feet.... The blog claims that 1MDB had supposedly bought the land from the government earlier for only RM90 per square feet, but 2012 reports showed that the land was bought for RM74.20 per square foot.......Husam said Johan's claim that the purchase is based on market price is questionable as it is multiple times what 1MDB paid....."This is the simple business model of 1MDB - the father sells to the son at a cheap price, and then forces his son-in-law to buy from his son at a higher price. Where does all the profit go?" Tuan Ibrahim asked. He raised concern that next in 1MDB's sights are agencies like Lembaga Zakat, Employee Provident Fund or Felda. He said these agencies may be next to be forced to pick up the assets 1MDB got for a song, at inflated prices.......The Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) also demanded the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter. "We view this seriously. It can affect savings of Muslims who intend to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam (the haj)," said Abim president Amidi Manan in a statement......... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297549
Tabung Haji admits to land deal with 1MDB BY RAM ANAND Published: 7 May 2015 1:38 PM; Pilgrims fund Tabung Haji confirmed that it had bought a parcel of land from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) project after its chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim denied any such deal a day earlier. In a statement emailed to the The Malaysian Insider today, Tabung Haji chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Johan Abdullah said that the fund had invested in a piece of land with the plan of building a residential tower, at the price of RM188.5 million. It denied however that it had bought a second parcel of land from 1MDB at TRX as alleged in a blog yesterday. "Leakages of proposal papers are not proof of approved investment decisions," Johan said in his statement.,,,1MDB currently sits on an RM42 billion debt and is facing a cash flow problem ..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-admits-to-land-deal-with-1mdb#sthash.dGQvk0Qg.dpuf
Tabung Haji: No land deal with 1MDB by rahmah ghazali Updated: Thursday May 7, 2015 MYT 12:29:24 PM PETALING JAYA: Tabung Haji has denied a whistleblower report alleging that the pilgrimage fund has purchased plots of land owned by debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) at an unreasonably high price. “Wrong. TH will release a statement as soon as possible,” the pilgrimage fund chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (pic) posted said in response to a Twitter user on Wednesday night. Social media was abuzz when a blog called The Benchmark released a set of documents on May 5, purportedly detailing the proposed purchase of two plots of land at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) – one for RM194mil at RM2,860 per sq ft, and the other for RM578mil at RM3,900 per sq ft..... The blog, claimed that it had received confirmation from “little birds” in Tabung Haji, saying that it was a “fast-track deal” which had received government approval in less than two weeks and that the money had been paid to 1MDB in full. The blog also claimed that 1MDB was believed to have been awarded the large track of government-owned TRX land in Jalan Tun Razak at a cheap rate of RM60 per sq ft. It claimed that 1MDB was also believed to have paid a slightly higher rate of about RM90 per sq ft for the Sungai Besi RMAF airport/base land.... When contacted, Abdul Azeez’s special officer said the Baling MP was still at a meeting and was not available for comments. “A statement will be released soon,” he said....
6 May 2015: Merdeka Center - Majority of voters lack awareness and comprehension of 1MDB controversy, PM's approval rating slips to 44%
Majority of voters lack awareness and comprehension of 1MDB controversy; BANGI, 17 Apr 2015 –A survey carried as a collaboration between BFM Radio and the Merdeka Center among voters in Peninsular Malaysia found that a very large majority (69%) of voters were not fully aware what the 1MDB controversy was all about. The survey found vast majorities of low income voters, who made the majority of voters and those who had no internet access reported lacking awareness about the issue. Press release: http://www.merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/1-news-release?download=157:news-release-bfm-1mdb-issue-opinion-poll; Full report: http://www.merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/2-researches?download=156:national-poll-march-2015-1mdb-final
Merdeka Center - PM's approval rating slips to 44%; report here, http://merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/2-researches?download=153:january-2015-national-poll-approval-rating-top-issues
29 April 2015: Sarawak Report - Investigators Conclude 1MDB “Cheated” And “Made False Document” to Bank Negara, Deutsche Bank And Others EXCLUSIVE and Jho Low’s Contact At Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Is Removed From His Posts! Dr M roadshow against PM Najib, Najib's "no surrender" speech; 1MDB-DuSable 50MW solar farm to get tariff hike? Previous tariff "was deemed simply to low for the project to be feasible" - The Edge; DuSable run by key Obama fund raiser.
Investigators Conclude 1MDB “Cheated” And “Made False Document” to Bank Negara, Deutsche Bank And Others EXCLUSIVE, 29 Apr 2015; Investigators into the Malaysian development fund 1MDB’s 2009 joint venture with the company PetroSaudi International have concluded that the partnership lied to its banks and Bank Negara Malaysia by confirming that the company Good Star Limited was a 100% subsidiary. In fact Good Star Limited is a third party concern, controlled by the businessman friend of the Prime Minister, Jho Low, whom we have shown was secretly directing the fund’s investment decisions. It leads to possible charges of “cheating”, write the investigators in a document in our possession.......Money was not used for intended purposes in violation of FEA rules.....Why did the banks fail to report suspicious transaction reports? ...Zurich branch of RBS Coutts under scrutiny – how come it did not file a suspicious transaction report on Good Star and did it check the beneficial owner of the account? While the investigators largely appear to exonerate the banks involved in these transactions, including 1MDB’s bank Deutsche Bank, on the basis that it appears they were misled by 1MDB’s managers, they nevertheless query the banks’ failure to flag up suspicious transactions .....Action by the regulators...... Malaysia’s regulators have decided in the light of these investigations to approach the Swiss authorities in order to confirm that the money did indeed arrive in the Good Star account in RBS Coutts Zurich. .....False document....The papers also throw up a second accusation of possible falsification of documents by 1MDB....Action or Inaction?
Yet, despite these investigations and recommendations by the authorities both within Malaysia and Singapore, the Finance Minister cum Prime Minister last night dismissed the entire series of documented revelations about 1MDB as “wild allegations ..... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/investigators-conclude-1mdb-cheated-and-made-false-document-to-bank-negara-deutsche-bank-and-others-exclusive/
Good Star Connection – Jho Low’s Contact At Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Is Removed From His Posts! Sarawak Report, 26 Apr 2015; Over the past few days it has emerged that Khadem al Qubaisi, the man identified by this blog as Jho Low’s key contact at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Aabar Investments, has been removed from the majority of his posts. Until a few days ago al Qubaisi was one of the most senior public executives in the Arab state. He was the Chief Executive and Board Member of the major sovereign wealth fund International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), as well as the Chairman of its subsidiary companies Aabar Investments and Arabtec. However, it was reported on Wednesday that Mr al Qubaisi has suddenly stepped down from his role as Chairman at IPIC, which followed on from earlier news that he had also stepped down from his Chairmanship of Arabtec a few days before. Then on Thursday it emerged that Khadem al Qubaisi had also been removed as Chairman of Aabar Properties, which is a subsidiary of Aabar Investments, the company closely involved with 1MDB and Jho Low in a number of well-publicised recent ventures. News reports are speculating whether the departure from Aabar Properties and also the parent company IPIC means that Mr Al Qubaisi has also been replaced in his position at Aabar Investments as well....
Dr M roadshow vs Najib TV show - As predicted, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has embarked on Phase II of his campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak - the roadshow.
Country bigger than PM's 'Bugis pinisi', says Kadir; Following Najib Abdul Razak's 'no surrender' speech yesterday, veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin reminded the prime minister that Malaysia is no mere Bugis ship.... "It wouldn't matter (if it sank) if Malaysia is just a Bugis pinisi, but our independence is far bigger and far grander than a wooden, two-masted Bugis pinisi. "Or are the ambitions and aspirations that the prime minister speak of just like a Bugis pinisi?" wrote the former New Straits Times Sdn Bhd group editor-in-chief in his blog. A pinisi is a sailing ship that originated from Indonesia. Its name and design are both derived from that of a 16th century Dutch pinnace.
26 April 2015: Sarawak Report - Out of a total of at least USD$1.93 billion that Sarawak Report calculates was lent to PetroSaudi we now see that USD$1.19 billion went to Good Star Limited; Dr M takes attack against PM Najib to KL grassroots
Hundreds back Dr M during biting speech on Najib BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 25 April 2015 7:00 PM; More than 1,000 people, including civil servants and civil society leaders, showed that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was not "alone" when they cheered the former prime minister on in his two-hour meet-the-people session at a club in Kuala Lumpur this morning. This was the first time Dr Mahathir took his attacks against Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the grassroots level, after earlier lampooning the prime minister in his blog and urging him to leave office. The shouts and cheers from the crowd which had gathered as early as 8.30am began as Dr Mahathir stepped out of his vehicle at the K Klub and continued as he walked the 50m aisle to the stage.... He was flanked by controversial lecturer Dr Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, and Datuk Ibrahim Ali, president of Perkasa, the Malay rights group which co-hosted the forum. Also spotted were former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, and former health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, who is part of the G25 group.He spoke for an hour about the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), businessman Jho Low, his respect for Tun Abdul Razak, Najib's daughter's lavish wedding reception and many more that left the crowd dazed. They were responsive to his speech, cheering every time he called for Najib to step down as prime minister and laughing at his wit and sarcasm. The crowd also could not wait to begin asking him questions on the issues he had raised about Najib, his administration and policies that have not set well with the people, including about the goods and services tax. This was evident with the number of those who clamoured to the microphone, hoping for a chance to address the influential former premier and hear him answer their query. One man asked Dr Mahathir what he thought of the GST, which the government had introduced as a solution to its depleting funds. "I think they should just abolish it," Dr Mahathir replied. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hundreds-back-dr-m-during-biting-speech-on-najib#sthash.1pbovjes.dpuf
Further USD$330 million Went Straight To Jho Low’s Good Star Limited From 1MDB! NEW EXCLUSIVE; New documents obtained by Sarawak Report show that in 2011 the company Good Star Limited, which is controlled by the businessman friend of the Finance Minister, Jho Low, received the entirety of a further USD$330 million ‘loan’ that had been authorised by the development fund 1MDB, supposedly in favour of its former joint venture partner PetroSaudi International......The money was transferred in four separate tranches in the form of USD currency ($30 million + $65 million + $110 million + $125 million) straight into Good Star Limited’s RBS Coutts, Zurich account. Yet approval had only been granted by the regulators for 1MDB to lend the money to 1MDB PetroSaudi Limited (BVI) on the basis that it was to “finance on-going overseas investment in the oil and gas sector”. There was no mention made of the company Good Star in the 1MDB application and neither was approval granted for the money to be sent to Good Star.
Nevertheless all four of the payments totalling $330 million from two separate banks in Malaysia went straight to Good Star Limited, according to the documents we hold. ..........Most shockingly, the investigation has further established that the USD$330 million, which was sent to Good Star was officially reported to Malaysia’s Bank Negara as having been paid to the PetroSaudi company 1MDB PetroSaudi. All such large foreign payment transactions need under Malaysian regulations to be the subject of a so-called ITIS Report [International Transactions Information System]. Under this report it was stated that the money had gone to PetroSaudi’s parent company’s account. .....The question now is who was responsible for providing this misleading information that Good Star Limited was a subsidiary company of PetroSaudi International? Also, why did none of the banks involved in any of these transactions ever see fit to file a suspicious transaction report?..... There is also a growing incredulity as to how USD$1.103 billion can still be remaining from this ill fated PetroSaudi investment and sitting in a BSI bank account in Singapore as the Finance Ministry is currently claiming?.........Out of a total of at least USD$1.93 billion that Sarawak Report calculates was lent to PetroSaudi we now see that USD$1.19 billion went to Good Star Limited....
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/further-usd330-million-went-straight-to-jho-lows-good-star-from-1mdb-new-exclusive/
Despite Dr M’s attacks, analysts say BN far from vulnerable under Najib BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY Sunday April 26, 201507:07 AM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-dr-ms-attacks-analysts-say-bn-far-from-vulnerable-under-najib#sthash.LUCzUrIH.dpuf
Dr M asks Najib: Are you sure you’re not alone? By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday April 25, 201512:53 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-asks-najib-are-you-sure-youre-not-alone#sthash.zfvJu1BR.dpuf
Dr M trains guns on Najib’s daughter’s wedding, highlights extravagance By SYED JAYMAL ZAHIID Saturday April 25, 201501:13 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-trains-guns-on-najibs-daughters-wedding-highlights-extravagance#sthash.S4tFlIDY.dpuf
24 April 2015: Mahathir says 1MDB has to explain RM27 billion not accounted for, says "total loss incurred by the government is about RM25 billion," asks for explanation of false bank documents; 1MDB declined to present at Invest Malaysia - Nazir Razak; Sarawak Report - new evidence US$500 million transferred from Goodstar RBS Coutts Zurich account to a Jho Low-linked account at BSI Bank Singapore and asks "how has 1MDB managed to retrieve it all back with interest?"
Half A Billion USD Was Transferred From Good Star To Jho Low’s BSI Singapore Account! MAJOR EXCLUSIVE, 23 Apr 2015; Sarawak Report has new exclusive evidence that over USD$500 million was transferred from Good Star LImited’s account at RBH Coutts in Zurich into an account belonging to the controversial businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) at BSI Bank in Singapore…. http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/half-a-billion-usd-was-transferred-from-good-star-to-jho-lows-bsi-singapore-account-major-exclusive/
1MDB declined Invest Malaysia invitation Posted on 24 April 2015 - 05:41am; KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), whose fortunes have been partly blamed for contributing to the fall in the ringgit and negative investor sentiment, declined to participate in Invest Malaysia 2015 this year. The 11th Invest Malaysia institutional investor conference, which opened yesterday, is organised by Bursa Malaysia Bhd in collaboration with CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. The annual event looks every year to showcase Malaysia's most investable companies. This year, 51 companies were represented. CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said it invited 1MDB but the state-owned investment firm turned down the invitation......... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1394605
Dr M fires more salvo at Najib, questions 1MDB finances Sathesh Raj, Astro Awani | Updated: April 24, 2015 (First published on: April 24, 2015 07:32 MYT) Corruption is not something uncommon in governments,however, they involve relatively small amount of money - MAHATHIR; KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest blog posting touched on the issue of management of government finances which he said should be governed by laws, rules and regulations. Its expenditure has to conform to the proposals set out in its budget plans. He added Governments can lose money through bad investments. "We would know where the money is lost. But when huge sums of money disappear, then those entrusted with its management must answer for the disappearance. "Disappearance is different from just losing. Disappearance is about money lost which cannot be traced. This can be because of corruption or theft," as written by Dr Mahathir in his blog. He questioned how 1MDB, a company with RM1 million capital with no assets could borrow 42,000 times its capital with no collaterals.......... Despite being a guarantor, Dr Mahathir also questioned why the operation of 1MDB is not overseen by government officers responsible for the management of government funds..... He said 1MDB started off wrong even from the beginning.
“It started off as an off-budget and it was not put before the Parliament. The money was borrowed. So it is not sovereign wealth but sovereign debt,” he said.... In the blog, Dr Mahathir also broke down the investments of 1MDB:
Answer claims of false documents, says Dr M by desiree tresa gasper Updated: Friday April 24, 2015 MYT 8:03:35 AM; KUALA LUMPUR: The Government needs to explain the alleged “false documents” provided by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) in relation to its US$1.1bil (RM3.99bil) overseas investments that had been redeemed from a fund management firm and kept in a Singapore bank. Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was the Government’s responsibility to provide an answer. “Our Government says the money is in Singapore and the Singapore side says there is no money there. There is definitely no money in Malaysia, so where is the money?” he questioned. Speaking to reporters after delivering a special address on social media as part of the World Bloggers and Social Media summit yesterday, Dr Mahathir said it was unacceptable that the authorities had no answer to the allegations. Earlier this week, whistle-blower website Sarawak Report claimed it had been passed “disturbing evidence” showing that the Singapore branch of BSI Bank had dismissed as “false bank statements” documents supplied by 1MDB in relation to its redemption of investments from the fund management firm, Brazen Sky Limited.........http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/24/Answer-claims-of-false-documents-says-Dr-M/
22 April 2015: 1MDB Presented False Documents Say BSI Singapore - Sarawak Report
1MDB Presented False Documents Say BSI Singapore! EXCLUSIVE, 22 APR 2015; Sarawak Report has been passed disturbing evidence, showing that BSI Bank has dismissed documents supplied by 1MDB relating to its Brazen Sky Limited account in Singapore, saying they are false bank statements. Sarawak Report has been passed disturbing evidence, showing that BSI Bank has dismissed documents supplied by 1MDB relating to its Brazen Sky Limited account in Singapore, saying they are false bank statements. The documents were supplied to various authorities by 1MDB’s CEO Arul Kanda and purported to show Brazen Sky’s statement of account in November 2014. However, the Swiss private bank has told the Singapore authorities that the document did not originate from them and does not represent a true account of the assets of the 1MDB subsidiary.
On March 13th this information was reported back to Malaysia. Two days earlier, on March 11th, the Minister of Finance (Prime Minister Najib Razak) had issued a Parliamentary reply to questions from the opposition DAP MP Tony Pua, confirming that the remaining $1.103 billion had already been “redeemed” from Brazen Sky’s alleged off shore fund in the Cayman Islands and stating that it was now being “kept in US currency” at BSI Bank Limited, Singapore. However, separate insider information gained in Singapore has corroborated that there is no actual cash in the relevant Brazan Sky Limited account. “The account merely contains ‘paper assets”, explained a source “the true value of which cannot be determined”..........http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/1mdb-presented-false-documents-say-bsi-singapore-exclusive/
22 April 2015: 1MDB-DuSable 50MW solar farm to get tariff hike? Previous tariff "was deemed simply to low for the project to be feasible" - The Edge; DuSable run by key Obama fund raiser.
Cancel 1MDB’s power deals instead of raising tariffs, Pua urges Putrajaya Wednesday April 22, 201509:12 AM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 ― DAP MP Tony Pua urged Putrajaya today to cancel all the power plant concessions awarded to 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) instead of allowing the debt-laden firm to profit from Malaysians by raising electricity tariffs. Pua, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for criticising 1MDB's power deals, noted that according to a report on Monday in The Edge Financial Daily, the Energy Commission has already approved an increase in tariff for 1MDB's 50MW solar power plant from 41 sen per kWh to 50 sen per kWh. “That represents a whopping 22 per cent hike in electricity tariffs within a year after the project has been awarded via direct negotiations,” the Petaling Jaya Utara lawmaker said in a statement here. The power supply, he warned, will be sold to Tenaga Nasional, which will in turn transfer the cost burden to consumers. Pua also agreed with his DAP colleague Dr Ong Kian Ming who had pointed out on Monday that the 50 sen tariff is higher than the 49 sen awarded recently to other smaller solar power farms between 10MW and 30MW. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cancel-1mdbs-power-deals-instead-of-raising-tariffs-pua-urges-putrajaya#sthash.Qvg3N0ut.dpuf
Background:
19 April 2015: Jho Low speaks to Euromoney
Jho says it ain’t so: Malaysian tycoon denies role in 1MDB ‘heist of the century’ /Euromoney magazine
http://www.euromoney.com/Article/3442824/Category/8224/ChannelPage/0/Jho-says-it-aint-so-Malaysian-tycoon-denies-role-in-1MDB-heist-of-the-century.html
12 April 2015: Singapore branch of RBS Coutts used in 1MDB transfers too, Monetary Authority of Singapore also reportedly confirmed it was contacting the “relevant financial institutions”
Report: Singapore-based bank tied to US$20m wire for 1MDB partner’s founder Friday April 10, 201501:56 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 ― Another Singapore-based bank has been identified as having been used to channel US$20 million (RM72.8 million) to a businessman who founded an investment firm that partnered the debt-laden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)..... Singapore’s Business Times (BT) reported today documents showing the September 2009 fund transfer from a bank account under “Acme Time Limited” to Saudi national Tarek Obaid.
BT reported that Tarek’s firm PetroSaudi International (PSI) had entered into a joint-venture deal with the state-owned 1MDB worth US$ 2.5 billion (RM9.1 billion)....... The business paper said British bank RBS Coutts ― whose Singapore branch was used by “Acme Time Limited” for the wiring of the US$20 million ― declined to comment on this matter............The Monetary Authority of Singapore also reportedly confirmed it was contacting the “relevant financial institutions” in the country, but did not give further details due to “confidentiality considerations”...... This week, Najib dismissed claims that 1MDB was facing bankruptcy, saying in a parliamentary reply that 1MDB had already repaid a RM2 billion loan to Maybank and RHB The inability of 1MDB to meet its loan payments previously had fuelled speculation that the firm was struggling with cash flow issues and unable to service its debt........http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/report-singapore-based-bank-tied-to-us20m-wire-for-1mdb-partners-founder#sthash.RMoNiyr2.dpuf
5 April 2015: ex-PM Mahathir calls on PM Najib to resign over 1MDB, Khairy Jamaluddin says PN Najib must answer Dr M's queries
Khairy says Najib must answer queries by Dr M by p. aruna Updated: Saturday April 4, 2015 MYT 1:52:37 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has to answer all the queries raised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Referring to the statement posted on the former prime minister's blog, chedet.cc on Thursday, Khairy said ignoring these questions was not an option.... Among the accusations were those involving the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Sharibuu, the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, and the purchase of a private jet for VVIP use. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/04/Khairy-Najib-must-answer-Tun-M-questions/
Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad Calls on Prime Minister Najib Razak to Resign - Former Malaysian leader’s comments follow clash with Najib over management of troubled 1MDB national investment fund By James Hookway April 4, 2015 9:16 a.m. ET; Six years ago, Malaysia’s former leader, Mahathir Mohamad, played a pivotal role in bringing down a prime minister. Now he is attempting to do it again, demanding Saturday that Prime Minister Najib Razak resign as the political fallout surrounding a troubled sovereign investment fund grows.... Dr. Mahathir, a former physician who ruled Malaysia for 22 years until he retired in 2003, has been attacking Mr. Najib for weeks over the problems at 1Malaysia Development Bhd, or 1MDB, which has more than $11 billion in debts and is now relying on government cash injections. Last month, Dr. Mahathir called for a police investigation into how the fund is managed.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-mahathir-mohamad-calls-on-prime-minister-najib-razak-to-resign-1428153386
A bit of history:
Daim cautioned Najib over 1MDB, says source By Khairie Hisyam 8:35AM Mar 17, 2015
KINIBIZ Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin had advised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be careful when 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) came into being in 2009, said a source.
According to the source, Daim first learned of the controversial outfit when it was the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), intended to be a sovereign wealth fund to promote the economic interests of the state. “He was asked to offer his opinion on it by the Agong,” said the source, who asked for anonymity in order to preserve relationships. TIA was set up in end-February 2009 after then deputy prime minister Najib announced its formation three days before the 2009 by-election in Kuala Terengganu, held after the passing of incumbent member of parliament Razali Ismail. To kick things off, TIA quickly raised some RM5 billion in a Putrajaya-guaranteed bond issue. However after the funds were raised, the federal government took over the entity and renamed it 1MDB months after TIA was formed in 2009.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/292217
4 April 2015: Sarawak Report says only 5% of KWAP's RM4 billion loaned to 1MDB can be accounted for by investment in Mongolian Gobi Coal & Energy
Mongolian Mystery Over More Missing Millions From 1MDB -A Sarawak Report Special Investigation; 2 Apr 2015; Last week the Finance Minister made a formal response to opposition MP Tony Pua’s persistent questioning about where the RM4 billion borrowed from Malaysia’s pension fund had been invested…However, our subsequent calculations show that at a maximum his answer only appears to have accounted for around 5% of the money, which he stated was invested in a Mongolian company, Gobi Coal & Energy Shockingly, further research has now revealed that while the Finance Minister implied to Mr Pua that SRC owned 50% of this Mongolian company, it now turns out that another Chinese company in fact claims to be the largest owner – and it only holds a 14% share!... The RM3.81 billion in question had been borrowed from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Persaraan (KWAP) in 2011/12 by a company called SRC International Sdn Bhd, which was a subsidiary of the scandal torn development fund 1MDB at the time. It has subsequently been taken over directly by the Ministry of Finance.........
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/mongolian-mystery-over-more-missing-millions-from-1mdb/
1 April 2015: Are Edge, TMI arrests ‘revenge’ for 1MDB reportage, MRT line rerouting a bid to ‘benefit’ 1MDB asks DAP
Are Edge, TMI arrests ‘revenge’ for 1MDB reportage, asks DAP Published: 1 April 2015 8:56 AM - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/are-edge-tmi-arrests-revenge-for-1mdb-reports-asks-dap#sthash.yXnLPoQd.dpuf
MRT line rerouting a bid to ‘benefit’ 1MDB, claims DAP MP; - KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — The realignment of the second Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) route to a new township on land owned by 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) shows Putrajaya is trying to favour the debt-ridden state investment firm, a DAP lawmaker said today.
Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said the Singapore's Sunday Times report yesterday on the rerouting of the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya route from the Cheras and Pandan suburbs to the Bandar Malaysia township, which has yet to be constructed, will “significantly” benefit 1MDB.
“The sudden realignment of Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya route for MRT2 only goes to show that Putrajaya will go to the ends of the earth to bailout 1MDB,” Pua said in a statement.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mrt-line-rerouting-a-bid-to-benefit-1mdb-claims-dap-mp#sthash.vgDoKsQe.dpuf
26 March 2015: Conflicting explanations from PM Najib's administration about 1MDB - the RM2 billion did come from Ananda Krishnana/Tanjong-linked private investors for a refinancing / rollover but earlier answer was that this came from the Cayman Island funds
Now Putrajaya says Tanjong Energy helped 1MDB pay RM2 billion debt BY EILEEN NG Published: 25 March 2015 7:44 PM; Putrajaya now has another version as to how 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) settled its RM2 billion debt last month, saying that tycoon T. Ananda Krishan's Tanjong Energy Holdings had arranged for help to pay off the sum. Just two weeks ago, the Finance Ministry in a parliamentary written reply had stated that the government-owned strategic investment firm had used its own Cayman Island funds to settle the RM2 billion debt.
Today, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said Tanjong had roped in private investors to come up with the money. He said the RM2 billion was a form of refinancing or rollover. "Tanjong arranged from private investors to come up with the RM2 billion, with the principal to be paid in 15 months, with the interest to be paid in six months.
"There is no exchange risk. The loan is given by private investors, it is not from Tanjong," ...... In his earlier parliamentary reply to Tian Chua (PKR – Batu), the Finance Ministry said 1MDB’s RM2 billion loan was settled in early February from its Caymans funds and not reportedly with billionaire Ananda's help. "Regarding the loan which 1MDB allegedly received from millionaire Ananda Krishnan, the report is not true," the ministry said in its written reply in mid-March.
.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-says-tanjong-energy-holdings-was-to-help-pay-off-1mdb-debt#sthash.3ltAaU0f.dpuf
24 March 2015: Malaysia and Singapore central banks eye 1MDB probe, and Fitch downgrade possibility for Malaysia; Sarawak Report blasts KPMG Malaysia and finds KPMG Global says the network is merely "brand sharing", Najib clears Jho Low (and economic saboteurs...)
Note: PM Najib announces that Jho Low is cleared and so are economic saboteurs. KL circles have noted these moves to take the heat off issues that can evolve in uncertain ways.
Singapore's central bank in touch with Malaysia on 1MDB probe Updated: Tuesday March 24, 2015 MYT 8:39:22 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's central bank said on Tuesday it was in touch with Malaysia's regulators over its investigation into state fund 1MDB. "We are committed to assist within the full ambit of our laws," said the Monetary Authority of Singapore in a statement to Reuters, adding it could not provide more details as investigations in Malaysia were ongoing.
The body was responding to questions about whether it had been approached by Malaysia to help with investigations into 1MDB. 1MDB redeemed US$1.1bil (RM4bil) from the Cayman Islands and subsequently parked it into BSI Bank Limited Singapore, a local unit of Swiss asset manager BSI.
The company, a property-to-energy group whose advisory board is chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, is facing criticism over its huge debt and alleged financial mismanagement.http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/24/1MDB-sing-probe/
1MDB: BNM to uphold areas under its purview 23 March 2015 @ 11:31 AM KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will uphold areas under its purview and legislation that it operates in with regards to the audit and investigation being carried out on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). “As the central bank, we will uphold whatever that is under our purview under the legislation that we operate, and this is important. We are accountable for it,” BNM Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said today. She said this in an exclusive interview on CNBC when asked on the audit being carried out on the government-owned strategic development company. Asked if she personally believed the audit outcome should be made public, she said: “I think (that is) the intention ..... everyone is waiting to see the outcome of the investigation that is taking place.”
On the possibility of Fitch Ratings downgrading Malaysia’s credit rating, among others, due to 1MDB’s debt obligation, the Governor said:“We have stress test on individual borrowers and individual institutions and the system as a whole and we can categorically say that our financial institutions may have their profitability affected but they remain sound and solid. “They remain well capitalised above the minimum requirement. That much we can say.” .... http://www.nst.com.my/node/77587
Don’t Ask Us! – KPMG Global’s Astonishing Response on 1MDB, For weeks the mantra of the chairman of 1MDB’s governing Advisory Board (Malaysia’s Prime Minister) has been that the management of the fund has been ‘cleared’, because the accounts were ‘forensically’ audited by international accountancy firms of global standing…. Following this expose, the Sydney-based Malaysian investigative financial journalist, Ganesh Sahathevan, directly challenged the Global Chairman of the company, John Veihmeyer, to give his response to the allegations.
Sahathevan asked whether KPMG Global had been aware of any of the transactions relating to 1MDB outlined in the expose? He added that: “much of what has been reported was in the public domain since at least 2014, and hence there is also the question of why the Global Board took no action despite that fact?” The rapid response Sahathevan received from KPMG merits reading in full, because it puts paid to any assumptions that a local branch of this ‘global network’ of accountancy firms can be relied upon to maintain any sort of acceptable standard laid down by a central authority.
The General Counsel (top lawyer) for Mr Veihmeyer states that the corporate headquarters has no involvement in the matter, because the KPMG network represents nothing more than a ‘Swiss Cooperative’ of happy Helvetic brand sharers.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/dont-ask-us-kpmg-globals-astonishing-response-on-1mdb/
KPMG – Auditors Or Fraudsters? Joint Venture was 'verified' by local KPMG boss. Sarawak Report has uncovered evidence, which indicates the supposedly independent auditors KPMG helped ‘cook the books’ at 1MDB, while auditing the fund’s initial accounts for the period ending March 2010. Unacceptable and unethical practices included actively conspiring to back date documents referred to in the audit report, as well as intervening to retrospectively alter agreements, which had been previously signed by 1MDB. Reviewing this evidence, DAP opposition spokesman Tony Pua told Sarawak Report that it clearly demonstrates that KPMG had worked to assist 1MDB in deliberately hiding the details of its initial joint venture agreement with the company PetroSaudi ... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/kpmg-auditors-or-fraudsters/
Najib “Clears Jho Low”? Further Emails Raise Further Questions We are assured that Jho Low was simply not involved. The Prime Minister’s Office’s key blog of the moment, The Rakyat Post, sought to put all concerns to rest yesterday over 1MDB. It reported that the Prime Minister had “cleared” Jho Low and was able to “explain” to the public that “all decisions and dealings of 1MDB was done by the management and board of directors”. It leaves the Malaysian public wondering why the Prime Minister has at the same time called an enquiry to look into the considerable body of evidence that has already been published, which shows the exact opposite? And it also leaves people wondering what is the point of an enquiry when the outcome has already been thus announced by the person who commissioned it? http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/najib-clears-jho-low-further-emails-raise-further-questions/
15 March 2015: Sarawak Report's Clare Rewcastle Brown calls PM Najib order for PAC to examine 1MDB a classic move to "bury a controversial issue" and urges pressure to be kept up, Khairy supports Petrosaudi's rebuttal, RM950 million "is not a bail out"
Sarawak Report editor calls order to examine 1MDB accounts a ‘classic move’ BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 15 March 2015 4:50 PM; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's orders for the National Audit Department to examine 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) accounts is a classic move by any politician to bury a controversial issue, Clare Rewcastle Brown said today.
The editor of whistleblower site Sarawak Report today urged the public to thwart such a move by maintaining pressure on the entire scandal. "It seems to me that it's a classic move to kick this into the grass. An inquiry you can control and takes ages is a politician's fallback method when they have a really awkward scandal that they need to keep a lid on for as long as possible," Rewcastle Brown told the "1MDB: The Ultimate LOW Down" forum in Crystal Crown Hotel via online video-conference on Skype. She predicted that the government would subsequently refuse to respond to any further questions raised on 1MDB until the audit was completed, while at the same time exerting influence onto the entire inquiry to ensure a favourable outcome.... "It's not just a Malaysian recourse, I can think of British examples where that happened. I think pressure should be kept up. Because people who have been acting the way they did should be exposed and appropriate people should resign." .... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-report-editor-calls-order-to-examine-1mdb-accounts-a-classic-move#sthash.TUJpFhEU.dpuf
Petrosaudi's rebuttal should put matter to rest: Khairy Last updated on 14 March 2015 - 07:16pm
GEORGE TOWN: PetroSaudi International's rebuttal to online criticisms over its previous joint venture with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should have put the allegations against the Malaysian strategic development company to rest, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.
"I hope the clarification is true as it can help diffuse allegations over 1MDB transactions with PetroSaudi (a Saudi-based oil exploration and services company)," he told reporters after closing the Balik Pulau Mountain Bike Jamboree here today. PetroSaudi, in a statement yesterday, said any suggestion of wrongdoing in the online allegations about the partnership were simply false as all the capital invested by 1MDB had been returned with profits. http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1354836
Minister: RM950mil is not a bailout for 1MDB by ivan loh and Updated: Sunday March 15, 2015 MYT 7:40:05 AM; IPOH: Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah says the Government’s injection of RM950mil in standby credit for 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) does not in any way constitute a bailout, as being claimed by certain quarters. “A bailout is when a company has failed and the government comes in (to help) ... this is not a failed organisation,” he said. “It is facing a short-term cash flow problem. The company relied on debts to generate projects which are moving very fast. “If we look at its financial statement of March 2013, it made profits. It only made losses in March last year,” he said after attending a Chinese New Year open house organised by pomelo growers in Tambun yesterday.
13 March 2015: Rafizi warns pensions at risk due to Rm4 billion KWAP loan to 1MDB subsidiary to buy Mongolian mines and more; Dr Mahathir writes 29 points of concern on 1MDB and heavy traffic blocks his blog; Gov't admits RM950mil 'standby credit' for 1MDB; PAC - Armed Forces purchases must undergo audit
RM4bil KWAP loan to 1MDB stokes possible suit By Ram Anand 12:18PM Mar 12, 2015
Tun Mahathir's blog up and running again Najiah Najib, Astro Awani | Updated: March 13, 2015
http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/tun-mahathirs-blog-and-running-again-14708?cp
Dr Mahathir’s blog taken down temporarily due to ‘unusually high traffic’: aide Published: 8:10 PM, March 13, 2015; KUALA LUMPUR — Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s popular blog is now accessible intermittently, three hours after it was suspended due to what was described as “high traffic volume”.... http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dr-mahathirs-blog-taken-down-temporarily-due-unusually-high-traffic-aide
Chedet – 1MDB 11 hours ago - UMNO telah mengadakan majlis penerangan tertutup yang dihadiri oleh sebahagian dari Ketua-Ketua Bahagian pada 8 Mac. Keputusan majlis mengikut akhbar ialah menyokong penuh Presiden parti. 2. Tidak diketahui tentang penjelasan oleh Presiden berkenaan kontroversi 1MDB, yang sedang ... 28. What is needed is not a regular audit the books of accounts. What is needed is a forensic investigation by police allegations made against several people involved with the management of 1MDB money .... 29. If this is not done and done as soon as possible, support of the people, which had already declined in the 2008 Election and 2013 will decline again. BN will likely lose in 2018, even though UMNO leaders support, admire and are satisfied with the explanation made (recently by Najib). Remember the votes of UMNO alone is not enough to win elections..... chedet.cc/?p=1613
'1MDB, Rosmah will torpedo BN in GE14' Malaysiakini 6:37PM Mar 13, 2015; The blazing controversies surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the lifestyle of the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor will cost BN votes in the next general election. Umno-linked blogger Shahbudin Husin said this was the topic of discussion with the former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a meeting with him yesterday. It is unclear if anybody else accompanied Shahbudin.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291949?google_editors_picks=true
Gov't admits RM950mil 'standby credit' for 1MDB By Ram Anand and Zikri Kamarulzaman 11:39AM Mar 12, 2015; PARLIAMENT The government has admitted to setting aside RM950 million in "standby credit" for 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), following reports that it has infused RM1 billion into the state owned firm.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291758
Nur Jazlan: Armed Forces purchases must undergo audit Updated: Friday March 13, 2015 MYT 6:37:07 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough audit of procurement procedures of the Armed Forces is needed to avoid abuse of power, leakage, misappropriation of funds and corruption, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed. He said this followed the arrest of several navy personnel by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a special operation recently. "The National Audit Department needs to carry out an audit on the procurement procedures of ATM's three wings (Army, Navy, Airforce) to ensure and maintain the respectable image of the security forces....
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/13/PAC-says-armed-forces-procurement-must-undergo-audit/
Table white paper on 1MDB issue in Parliament - Husam Musa Azyyati Ahmad, Astro Awani | Updated: March 09, 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa proposes for a white paper to be tabled in Parliament to debate the issue of funds management in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/table-white-paper-1mdb-issue-parliament-husam-musa-55322?cp
1MDB: Najib must explain talks of new cash injection - Rafizi Astro Awani | Updated: March 11, 2015... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-najib-must-explain-talks-new-cash-injection-rafizi-55433?cp
12 March 2015: SCMP - Jho Low denies money laundering and fraud, claiming all allegations are politically motivated... SCMP notes head of Citic Group is an advisor to 1MDB (alongside Bernard Arnaut, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and another luxury goods sector person, Ashvin Valiram, is a director); 1MDB's US$1 billion from Cayman is now parked in Singapore
'I've nothing to hide': Malaysia's Jho Low breaks silence to deny money laundering allegations - Analyst says wealth fund probe is 'potentially the biggest financial scandal in Malaysian history' by Toh Han Shih UPDATED : Thursday, 12 March, 2015, 3:41pm; Low Taek Jho, chief executive officer of Jynwel Capital, a Hong Kong investment advisory company, has denied all allegations of money laundering and fraud against him, claiming they are politically motivated, in a saga that analysts say could erupt into potentially Malaysia’s biggest financial scandal since the 1990s.
“I feel I’m a victim of the cross-fire of Malaysian politics, which is getting more polarised. I’m a target,” Low told the Post from his office in Hong Kong.... "Business decisions by 1MDB are ultimately decided and approved in accordance to their corporate governance framework, which is the management, board and shareholder. So why politicise and try to blame it all on me when I have no decision-making authority?” he said....1MDB, which comes under Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, has 42 billion Ringgit (HK$87.8 billion) of debt. In February, 1MDB bonds effectively declined to junk status, when investors demanded a 441 basis point premium over similar securities.
“Some leading Malaysian financial institutions will not touch 1MDB with a long pole. Some officials at leading Malaysian financial institutions have expressed their reservations about 1MDB in private,” the analyst said... Najib, who is also Malaysia’s finance minister and chairman of the board of advisers of 1MDB, said there will be no cover-up if any person is found to have committed fraud related to 1MDB, reported Singapore's The Straits Times on March 9. Chang Zhenming, chairman and president of Citic Group, a major Chinese state-owned enterprise listed in Hong Kong, is also an advisor to 1MDB, according to 1MDB’s website....
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/article/1735651/well-connected-malaysian-jho-low-living-hk-denies-fraud
1MDB - Governance - Board of Advisors, http://www.1mdb.com.my/governance/board-of-advisors
Veteran newsman questions rationale of parking 1MDB funds in Singapore Published: 11 March 2015 7:53 PM; Veteran journalist Datuk A. Kadir Jasin has questioned Putrajaya's decision to park US$1.103 billion of 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) funds in Singapore, asking if Bank Negara was "stupid" enough to make it difficult to bring the money back directly from the Cayman Islands.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/veteran-newsman-questions-rationale-of-parking-1mdb-funds-in-singapore#sthash.G6Pdh4rl.dpuf
Najib: RM4bil of 1MDB Cayman Islands funds parked in Singapore by dina murad Updated: Wednesday March 11, 2015 MYT 6:19:02 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: About RM4bil of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)'s investment funds in the Cayman Islands was transferred to a Singaporean Bank to ease the facilitation of transactions, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. "The remaining US$1.103bil (RM4.08bil) of 1MDB's investment funds managed by the Cayman Monetory Autority has been redeemed in cash and is kept in US currency by the BSI Bank Limited Singapore (BSI Singapore)," said the Finance Minister in a written reply to a question raised by Tony Pua (PKR-Petaling Jaya Utara) in the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday. "The decision to use a bank in Singapore is to ease the facilitation of fund withdrawals as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) regulations state its approval is needed for every transaction exceeding RM50mil," replied Najib, who is also Prime Minister.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/11/Najib-1MDB-Caymans-funds-in-Singapore/
12 March 2015: 1MDB critics say enough grounds to charge Jho Low and 1MDB officers; Hishamuddin is top pick as future PM (post Najib and Muhyiddin)
Enough grounds to charge Jho Low, 1MDB officers with CBT, cheating, say anti-graft activists BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 11 March 2015 9:00 AM; There is enough evidence on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to investigate and charge its officers and business partners with criminal breach of trust (CBT) and cheating without having to wait for the Auditor-General's (A-G) probe to be completed, anti-graft activists said. They said the numerous leaked documents and emails about 1MDB's joint venture with PetroSaudi International have already been revealed on the Internet, by lawmakers and in media reports, and could be used as the basis of police investigations. In particular, the joint-venture where US$700 million was allegedly siphoned off from 1MDB to businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, had elements of false representation and negligence which could be factors contributing to CBT, anti-graft campaigner and opposition politician Rafizi Ramli said.... If these were already evident, there was no need to wait for the A-G's probe, Cynthia Gabriel, the co-founder of the Centre for Combating Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/enough-grounds-to-charge-jho-low-1mdb-officers-with-cbt-cheating-say-anti-g#sthash.qBcWwmIQ.dpuf
More on the UMNO factional fight here: http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2015/01/umnobn-fractures-manifests-in-media.html
9 March 2015: Iskandar and SCORE, Middle East investors, Jho Low, Taib Mahmud of Sarawak and 1MDB...... The Edge business investigative journalism reveals RM 400 million Iskandar land flip deal profits for Jho Low upset former Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud business interests; likely resulting in subsequent 1MDB deals, linked to Jho Low and Taib business interests - worth reading! (below links to Jho Low claims through his lawyers that PM/FM Najib okays fast track without Bank Negara)
The Edge Malaysia reports in its 9 March 2015 issue on role of Jho Low in attracting Mid East investors to Iskandar and SCORE / Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy economic corridors in mid 2000s. These foreign investment hopes flopped with the 2007-2009 Global Financial Crisis. Jho Low's big profits from his Iskandar quick land flip reported to have apparently angered Taib Mahmud business interests; also not happy with with Jho Low's big spending plans implemented for RHB sale moneys. Then, The Edge Malaysia reports that these business problems then saw Jho Low turn to 1MDB for complex business deals and apparently help turn around Taib Mahmud business issues by tapping on the new sovereign wealth fund / development fund. In recent days, Jho Low statement is widely reported as stopping his earlier denials of his role in 1MDB (major expose of purported documents via whistleblower Sarawak Report). Jho Low claims through his lawyers that PMNajib approved fast tracking of deals to apparently diminish Bank Negara role...
9 March 2015: 160 UMNO division heads, at an important Sunday meeting, are reported by Malaysiakini to be satisfied with PM Najib's explanations. Meanwhile the 1MDB crisis heightens: Jho Low statement claiming PM/FM Najib gave approval to keep Bank Negara "in the dark," DPM Muhyiddin says no 1MDB public fund bailout and warns 1MDB board to explain dealings, The Edge asks questions of 1MDB former CEO Shahrol, opposition urges PM Najib to step down from 1MDB position to avoid problems in investigations. Mahathir urges external auditors to review billions spent in overseas investments by Felda, EPF, Tabung Haji, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and PETRONAS.
Resign as finance minister during 1MDB probe, PAS veep tells Najib Published: 9 March 2015 5:37 PM; PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa today has urged Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down as finance minister during the investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) finances. He said Najib should also resign as the chair of 1MDB's advisory board pending the outcome of the probe by the Auditor-General's Department. "I urge Najib to vacate his current post in 1MDB and as finance minister, until the investigation is complete to avoid complications," he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. .... Earlier, Husam lodged a police report urging authorities to investigate Najib over a deal made between 2009 and 2010 amounting to US$1 billion (RM3.6 billion) in a joint venture between 1MDB and PetroSaudi International. His call echoed that of DAP national political education director Liew Chin Tong, who on Saturday, had urged Najib to step down as finance minister to facilitate a transparent and independent investigation into 1MDB's finances. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/resign-as-finance-minister-during-1mdb-probe-pas-veep-tells-najib#sthash.WJE553X1.dpuf
Police form special task-force to investigate reports lodged over 1MDB By HANI SHAMIRA SHAHRUDIN - 9 March 2015 @ 8:55 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General has formed a special task-force to investigate police reports lodged over 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issues. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the task force had been set up last week. “The task-force, comprising the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Attorney-General Chamber will be investigating the police reports made,” he said at a press conference at Royal Malaysia Police College in Cheras, here .... http://www.nst.com.my/node/75658
Umno now more solid than his time, says a cynical Dr Mahathir BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 9 March 2015 7:20 PM; Former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said Umno was far stronger and stable than when he led the country’s largest Malay party. A cynical Dr Mahathir said that during his time, Umno did not have red shirts, like those worn by the 170 division chiefs who had attended a closed-door briefing on Sunday with current party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "I saw all red shirts. Red is a sign they support. The prime minister must meet the Umno members, that is the work of the prime minister, “ he said cynically after a Perdana Leadership event in Putrajaya today.... Najib had told the division chiefs that the company's accounts had gone through a forensic audit by accounting firm Deloitte Malaysia, which found no traces of fraud, cheating and misappropriation of funds in the company's accounts. – March 9, 2015. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-now-more-solid-than-his-time-says-a-cynical-dr-mahathir#sthash.JkaDTKlY.dpuf
Sarawak Report - Jho Low Claimed The “PM/ FM” Gave Approval To Keep Bank Negara In The Dark On 1MDB Loan 7 Mar 2015; The lawyers for Jho Low, the London firm Schillings have now finally issued a statement on behalf of the tycoon, in response to questions from the news agency AFP. The widely reported response acknowledges that Low was “consulted” on the PetroSaudi joint venture deal with Malaysia’s 1MDB development fund, “but has never been involved in criminal acts with respect to this transaction”... This latest statement contrasts with earlier claims by Jho Low’s spokespeople ... correspondence shows that Jho Low, who took an authoritative role in the negotiations, was insisting to colleagues that the Central Bank should not be informed of the loan, because it would cause “unnecessary delays”. This claim appears to confirm that the Prime Minister was fully engaged in these negotiations and had personally signed the loan by 1MDB to PetroSaudi, without having passed it by the Bank Negara. It also appears to confirm that Jho Low was acting as the interface between the Prime Minister/ Finance Minister on such matters with PetroSaudi.... Of even more concern is an apparent decision by Jho Low together with the “FM who is also PM” to leave the Bank Negara in the dark about the loan. This was despite the anxious and repeated requests by PetroSaudi’s own lawyers for a “letter of comfort” to confirm that the bank had given its approval, which they insisted was legally required....
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/jho-low-claimed-the-pm-fm-gave-authority-to-keep-bank-negara-in-the-dark-on-1mdb-loan/
Jho Low claims Najib okayed 1MDB’s US$500 million loan to PetroSaudi, says Sarawak Report Published: 8 March 2015 10:15 AM; In his bid to speed up 1MDB's US$500 million loan to PetroSaudi International (PetroSaudi) in 2010, businessman Low Taek Jho had allegedly attempted to bypass Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) by claiming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had approved the loan, whistleblower site Sarawak Report said today. Jho Low allegedly told PetroSaudi that BNM's approval for the loan was not needed as it would cause unnecessary "delays", said Sarawak Report, citing email transactions between the figures involved in the deal. In a purported conversation between Low and PetroSaudi director Patrick Mahony on BlackBerry Messenger in 2010, the businessman had said "Ministry of finance has approved (the loan). Not bnm because we don't think bnm needed." .... Low also claimed that the "pm who is also FM" had signed off the loan itself, despite Mahony's repeated requests for an official explanation as to why the BNM's approval was unnecessary... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/jho-low-claims-najib-okayed-1mdbs-us500-million-loan-to-petrosaudi-says-sar#sthash.v00L46c8.dpuf
All smiles at PM's meeting with Umno division heads By Ram Anand 7:27PM Mar 8, 2015
There were no fireworks in Umno president Najib Abdul Razak’s closed door meeting with the party’s 160 division chiefs at the Putra World Trade Centre today, with all division chiefs reporting that they were “satisfied” and “happy” with Najib’s dress to the delegates....
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291343?google_editors_picks=true
Umno chiefs satisfied with PM's 1MDB explanation By Ram Anand 7:39PM Mar 8, 2015
The 160 Umno division chiefs are satisfied with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's explanation on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which had been attracting plenty of attention lately, delegates have said.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291348?google_editors_picks=true
No bailout of 1MDB using public funds, says Muhyiddi By Gho Chee Yuan / theedgemarkets.com | March 6, 2015 : 10:48 PM MYT; UPDATE: KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has come out to say that public funds should not be used to bail out debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).... In a statement issued this evening, he said 1MDB's board of directors must explain some of the state-owned strategic investment fund's dealings that have appeared not to give any long-term benefits to the company or the government.
"The 1MDB board must also bear responsibility and be prepared to face legal action if the verification (by the Auditor-General) revealed that there was negligence or impropriety involved in 1MDB dealings," he added.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/no-bailout-1mdb-using-public-funds-says-muhyiddin?google_editors_picks=true
Former 1MDB CEO faces impropriety allegations on PetroSaudi JV By theedgemarkets.com / theedgemarkets.com | March 7, 2015 : 9:42 AM MYT; KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 7): 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) former CEO Datuk Shahrol Halmi may have to face impropriety allegations involving the government's 100%-owned entity's multi-billion ringgit joint venture (JV) with PetroSaudi International.... The Edge Malaysia business and investment weekly (Edge Weekly) reported in its latest March 9-15 issue that Shahrol might not have adequate knowledge of the deal when he approved 1MDB's US$1 billion (RM3.48 billion at the then exchange rate) investment for a 40% stake in JV firm 1MDB PetroSaudi Ltd in September 2009.... "Datuk Shahrol Halmi was the CEO of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) from March 23, 2009, and was the principal person running the company until he stepped down in March 2013. He is currently with the Prime Minister’s Department and remains on the 1MDB board.... "It was during his time as CEO that 1MDB entered into a number of investments and transactions that are now the subject of accusations of impropriety. The Edge believes that Shahrol should be accorded the right to address some of these issues and allegations in the light of the evidence presented by Sarawak Report and also emails and documents sighted by The Edge, which we believe to be genuine," Edge Weekly wrote.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/former-1mdb-ceo-faces-impropriety-allegations-petrosaudi-jv?google_editors_picks=true
Shahrol, why did 1MDB pay Good Star and why did you follow Jho Low’s instructions BY THE EDGE MALAYSIA Published: 8 March 2015 8:59 AM 1Malaysia Development Bhd entered into a number of investments and transactions linked to companies acting as proxy for Jho Low. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 8, 2015.Datuk Shahrol Halmi was the CEO of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) from March 23, 2009, and was the principal person running the company until he stepped down in March 2013. He is currently with the Prime Minister’s Department and remains on the 1MDB board. It was during his time as CEO that 1MDB entered into a number of investments and transactions that are now the subject of accusations of impropriety. The Edge believes that Shahrol should be accorded the right to address some of these issues and allegations in the light of the evidence presented by Sarawak Report and also emails and documents sighted by The Edge, which we believe to be genuine. We, therefore, present here some facts about what took place and hope Shahrol will answer all the questions arising from them.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/shahrol-why-did-1mdb-pay-good-star-and-why-did-you-follow-jho-lows-instruct#sthash.00fctK7m.dpuf
Najib should step down to ensure transparency in 1MDB investigations, says DAP Published: 7 March 2015 4:24 PM; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should step down as finance minister to facilitate a transparent and independent investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) finances, said a DAP lawmaker. DAP national political education director Liew Chin Tong said the onus is now on the Cabinet to demand that Najib resign as finance minister to allow for a full and independent investigation into the controversial government-owned sovereign investment fund. Najib chairs the 1MDB advisory board.... "I have repeatedly called for a full-time finance minister to steer the Malaysian economy forward in a time of crisis and a possible recession," he said, adding that Muhyiddin’s statement last night was sufficient ground for Najib's removal from the post... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-should-step-down-to-ensure-transparency-in-1mdb-investigations-says-d#sthash.tYimsc1I.dpuf
Felda chairman’s son quizzed on London luxury hotel buy Published: 7 March 2015 5:09 PM; Felda's overseas buying spree was raised by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier this year, when he urged Putrajaya to appoint external auditors for all its agencies to allay public concerns about the billions being spent on investments across the world. "We see entities such as Felda, EPF, Tabung Haji spending billions in acquiring foreign properties while others such as MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd) and Petronas have bought shares in airports and Canadian ventures also involving huge sums of money," the former PM had written in his blog.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/felda-chairmans-son-quizzed-on-london-luxury-hotel-buy#sthash.ATeX0UAr.dpuf
1 March 2015: Sarawak Report releases alleged documents on PetroSaud-1MDB deal, points out Obama talk of Malaysia "vibrant entrepreneurship" while an Obama key fundraiser is involved in a relatively higher cost 1MDB solar plant in Kedah
HEIST OF THE CENTURY – How Jho Low Used PetroSaudi As “A Front” To Siphon Billions Out Of 1MDB! 28 FEB 2015; Together with London’s Sunday Times newspaper, Sarawak Report has completed an in-depth investigation into the trail of the missing billions at the heart of Malaysia’s 1MDB…. WORLD EXCLUSIVE http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/heist-of-the-century-how-jho-low-used-petrosaudi-as-a-front-to-siphon-billions-out-of-1mdb-world-exclusive/
Obama Needs A Longer Spoon To Dine With Najib Razak - 25 SEP 2014; Obama fundraiser’s link with 1MDB; Nevertheless, recent investment news reveals that President Obama’s own key fundraiser, Frank White, has indeed joined with IMDB in its latest grandiose and eye-wateringly expensive power project, funded by public borrowing and, of course, sanctioned by the fund’s Advisory Board Chairman, the PM and Finance Minister, Najib Razak.... The project in question is the so-called 1MDB Solar Sdn Bhd’s solar photovoltaic (solar PV) plant in Kedah, projected to create 50MW of power, thanks to a handy power purchase agreement with the government, fixed behind closed doors as usual....For example, the cost of this IMDB solar power project has been valued at RM1billion. Yet, observers have begun pointing out that the Norwegians are building a plant in Ghana for the same capacity at an estimated less than a third of the cost, at around RM300million.
.... Mr Obama himself who agreed to ratify the 1MDB solar project during Najib’s recent trip to the United States and then to promote Malaysia’s “vibrant entrepreneurship” in his speech to the UN so soon after! http://www.sarawakreport.org/2014/09/obama-needs-a-longer-spoon-to-dine-with-najib-razak/
The December 2014 Obama - Najib golf game in Hawai...
Golf game with Obama for diplomatic relations, says Najib Updated: Saturday December 27, 2014 MYT 10:40:23 PM ; KOTA BARU: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday explained that his golf game with United States president Barack Obama in Hawaii recently did not mean that he deliberately ignored the flood faced by the country as politicised by certain groups. On the contrary, the Prime Minister said the game had been planned much earlier on the principle of establishing diplomatic ties with world leaders for Malaysia's benefit. In addition, he said, the invitation had been extended during Obama's visit to this country in April, and it was difficult to decline the invitation as it had been planned for much earlier in the schedules of both leaders.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/12/27/Najib-Gold-Obama/
28 Feb 2015: Cabinet rejects proposal for RM3 billion cash injection for 1MDB with majority of ministers against it says Malaysian Insider
Cabinet rejects RM3 billion for 1MDB as debt repayment options narrow BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 27 February 2015 6:59 AM The Malaysian Insider understands a majority of ministers at this week's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday did not approve the minutes of the previous week's meeting for the amount. "The Cabinet rejected the proposed RM3 billion cash injection for 1MDB," a source told The Malaysian Insider in Kuala Lumpur last night. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cabinet-rejects-rm3-billion-for-1mdb-as-debt-repayment-options-narrow#sthash.ouJLYvBT.dpuf
24 February 2015: 1MDB bonds trade like junk as investors weigh wind-down - Bloomberg
1MDB bonds trade like junk as investors weigh wind-down Published on Feb 24, 2015 7:57 AM;
SINGAPORE (Bloomberg) - 1Malaysia Development Bhd.'s bonds are trading like junk as investors seek greater clarity over the state investment fund's plans to wind down and sell off assets. Investors are demanding a 439 basis-point premium over similar maturity Treasuries to hold the Kuala Lumpur-based company's securities, compared with an average of 415 for speculative-grade quasi-sovereign notes in the region, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. index shows. Its US$3 billion of 4.4 per cent notes due 2023 closed at 86.72 cents on the dollar on Feb. 16, a record low. They traded at 87.62 cents on Monday. 1MDB said last week it won't undertake any new investments after it sets up separate entities for property projects and raises cash from selling its power business. The group settled a RM2 billion loan Feb. 13, after two repayment deadline extensions sparked concern a default may trigger cross defaults on its some RM49 billion of total debt. The group will need to show progress in asset sales and avoid fire-sale prices to regain market confidence, Phillip Capital Management said. "The problem is they have a lot of assets that aren't generating enough cash flow to service their debt," said Ang Kok Heng, the fund manager's Kuala Lumpur-based chief investment officer. "Going forward, there will be other bonds due for payments or maturity. These could be new pressure points." - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/economy/story/1mdb-bonds-trade-junk-investors-weigh-wind-down-20150224#sthash.2B3OUboh.dpuf
22 February 2015: Sarawak Report reveals alleged copy of 1MDB deal with PetroSaudi with US$700 million debt from PetroSaudi's parent to be repaid on day one of the JV; 1MDB's Arul rebuts saying PetroSaudi deal made US$488 million profit
The Dodgy USD$700,000,000 Loan Deal At The Heart Of 1MDB’s Mega Debt Crisis EXCLUSIVE 18 Feb 2015; Sarawak Report has obtained exclusive access to a copy of the controversial 1MDB Joint Venture Agreement, completed on 28th September 2009 between Malaysia’s so-called development fund, 1MDB (One Malaysia Development Berhad) and the company PetroSaudi.
The 26 page document, which has till now been kept secret, was signed by 1MDB’s then Managing Director, Shahrol Halmi and PetroSaudi Managing Director, Tarek Obaid.... Despite 1MDB’s servers having been wiped before Christmas the copy was passed to Sarawak Report by a concerned insider just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was controversially jailed last week.... What the document reveals is that the Prime Minister and his advisors at 1MDB (believed to include the playboy tycoon Jho Low) paid USD$1billion of borrowed public money into a venture that already carried a $700,000,000 debt in the form of a loan from PetroSaudi’s parent company to the subsidiary that was entering into the joint venture, PetroSaudi Holdings (Caymans) Limited.... Crucially, under the terms of the joint venture, agreed to by 1MDB, the Malaysian development fund had committed to pay back this whopping great loan to the parent company, PetroSaudi International, on day one of the joint venture!
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/the-dodgy-700000000m-loan-deal-at-the-heart-of-1mdbs-mega-debt-crisis-exclusive/
IMDB chief says PetroSaudi deal made RM1.8 billion in profits Published: 21 February 2015 7:31 PM; Troubled sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) today claimed that a joint venture with a Saudi Arabian company six years ago, which critics claimed were shady, had earned it a profit of US$488 million (RM1.78 billion). In a statement on the company’s website, 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy also claimed that the money it had invested in the venture had been converted into Murabaha notes when the plan did not go through. Earlier reports claimed that 1MDB had put US$1 billion into the deal with PetroSaudi International, a company with an allegedly sketchy track record. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/imdb-chief-says-petrosaudi-deal-made-rm1.8-billion-in-profits#sthash.yudiW2CJ.dpuf
18 February 2015: More Jho Low linkages with 1MDB - director Ong business partner of Jho Low's father
1MDB director Ong is business partner of Jho Low’s father BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 16 February 2015 3:23 PM ; 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) non-executive director Tan Sri Ong Gim Huat is not just a friend, but also a business partner of 30 years of Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng. Low is the father of Jho Low or Low Taek Jho, who is said to have influence over the operations of debt-laden 1MDB, the controversial sovereign wealth fund owned by the Ministry of Finance. Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) documents show that Ong and Low are directors and shareholders of Wonder Bay Sdn Bhd, a Penang based property development company. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-director-ong-is-business-partner-of-jho-lows-father#sthash.1Qi0leBa.dpuf
13 February 2015: "1MDB clouds PETRONAS $7 billion debt proposal" - Bloomberg, 1MDB gets Ananda Krishnan loan six days "before bankers triggered a default," Sarawak Report says 1MDB staffers report puzzling PC and server wipe at end Dec 2014 with result "few records left," Dr Mahathir has been criticizing 1MDB and calling for independent audit; 1MDB had funded RM218,000/month retainer To Tony Blair
1MDB Mess Clouds Petronas $7 Billion Debt Proposal; 'By' Christopher Langner and Elffie Chew 12:00 AM AWST February 13, 2015; (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia’s national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd is paying for troubles at a state investment fund.... The yield premium on Petronas’s 2022 U.S. dollar-denominated debt over Treasuries has surged 54 basis points in the last six months after the government said it wasn’t liable for 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s debt and the fund missed a loan payment. That was unfortunate timing for Petronas, which is planning its first dollar bond in five years to raise as much as $7 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.... The cost of insuring Malaysian sovereign debt reached a 16-month high on Jan. 13, one week after local media reported 1MDB’s missed payment, and is up 27 basis points since Dec. 31. Fitch Ratings said last month it may downgrade Asia’s only net crude exporter, citing plunging oil prices and “uncertainty” surrounding finances of the investment fund, whose advisory board is headed by Prime Minister Najib Razak.... “The 1MDB mess is being factored into the spreads for Malaysia and there aren’t that many bonds in which you can express that view,” said Dilip Parameswaran, the Hong Kong-based head of independent advisory firm Asia Investment Advisors Ltd. “That, mixed with lower oil prices and a potential downgrade of the sovereign, are all weighing on Petronas.” ... 1MDB has its origins in Terengganu Investment Authority, which was created in 2009 to invest oil royalties from the state of Terengganu. When Najib became prime minister that year, it was renamed 1MDB, became a national entity and its funding source became government-backed debt instead of oil income.... In response to questions from opposition lawmakers, the government said Oct. 29 that it wasn’t liable for 1MDB’s debts if the company went bankrupt. The premium over U.S. Treasuries paid by 1MDB bonds due 2023 climbed 47 basis points over the following seven trading days.... The investment fund failed to repay a 2 billion ringgit loan due in December, Edge Financial Daily reported Jan. 6. The spread on the 2023 notes soared 115 basis points in two days to 417 basis points. It had widened to a record 430 basis points on Feb. 12.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-12/1mdb-mess-clouds-petronas-7-billion-debt-proposal-asean-credit
1MDB repays RM2 billion loan after Ananda Krishnan bailout, say sources BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 13 February 2015 7:00 AM; Malaysia's debt-heavy strategic investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) settled a RM2 billion loan yesterday with money from billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, six days before bankers triggered a default, say sources. The Malaysian Insider understands from bankers familiar with the matter that the banks involved received the money yesterday evening, hours after Ananda was said to have agreed to the bailout. The payment is a last-minute reprieve for 1MDB – a cross between a sovereign fund and a private investment firm wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance. Its debt woes were seen as pressuring the ringgit and Malaysia's sovereign credit rating...."The money has come in. It was an Ananda bailout," said a source familiar with the matter...http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-repays-rm2-billion-loan-after-ananda-krishnan-bailout-say-sources#sthash.NjueD5GA.dpuf
Computers And Servers All WIPED At 1MDB - Concerned staff at 1MDB have confided that all computers and records at the troubled fund were recently called in and wiped. They say this includes not only personal computers belonging to staff but also the mainframe servers as well!
The order came as a surprise move by management, according to sources and it happened just before Christmas. Staff were contacted directly by phone or in person and told to take their computers immediately to the IT section in order to be wiped.... None of the instructions were delivered by text or email, leaving little record of the blitz, which took place in the space of just a few hours.... The result is that there are few records left available to show what has been going on at the beleaguered fund and this is widely believed amongst staff to be the reason.... Experts have told Sarawak report that the excuse of a hacking attempt is indeed rarely a credible reason for wiping information from servers... It makes absolutely no sense to wipe servers to protect against hacking or online attacks. Instead you would either take these severs offline altogether until the issue was resolved or step up security. When Sony was hacked recently they didn’t wipe all their servers.... This snap decision to expunge all past records and emails from all staff computers and handheld devices as well as the organisations mainframe computers will inevitably raise questions about whether management were trying to conceal potentially embarrassing information before the handover.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/computers-and-servers-all-wiped-at-1mdb/
Leaders without people's support should step down, says Dr M Last updated on 13 February 2015 - 01:26am by Vathani Panirchellvum; ....Mahathir expressed his disappointment over certain issues such as the existence of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)... "We should not have 1MDB at all, how is it national wealth if you borrow money? If you borrowed money from the chettiars, would you consider yourself rich? No! Because that is a loan!" he quipped.... When asked about Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishnan coming to 1MDB's aid by loaning money, Mahathir said that changed little, only instead of owing the banks now it is Ananda Krishnan.... "The whole thing is now a controversy and berserabut (very messy)! They should come clean and have an independent audit done. All governmental bodies should have independent audits done," he said.... "I didn't do this (independent audits) when I was a Prime Minister because I was not criticized as much!" he quipped.... Though he hinted that the present leader should step down, he said he did not know who should replace him.... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1328787
Something is ‘rotten’ in Malaysia, says Dr Mahathir Published: 10 February 2015 9:11 PM; KUALA LUMPUR — There is something “rotten” in Malaysia, and those who dare to voice out their concerns are being demonised by the government for it, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today (Feb 10)... He said he, too, had become a victim of false accusation simply because he had criticised the government in the past..... “Critics are being demonised by the mainstream media, by certain individuals and politicians who had lost. Critics risk their property being seized and auctioned, they may be bankrupted,” wrote Dr Mahathir on his blog, chedet.cc which was uploaded this evening.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/something-is-rotten-in-malaysia-says-dr-mahathir
1MDB Funded RM218,000 Per Month Retainer To Tony Blair! 8 Nov 2014; This post is also available in: Iban, Malay; London’s Sunday Times newspaper has published a front page story revealing that the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was hired by PetroSaudi International for RM218,000 ($65,000) a month, plus a 2% ‘success fee’ on transactions.
The controversial company was itself funded by a billion plus dollar loan from the Malaysian Development Fund 1MDB and has provided no other evidence of substantial income for that period.
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2014/11/how-1mdbs-development-money-paid-tony-blair-rm218000pm/
9 February 2015: Jho Low and 1MDB on NY Times front page, 1MDB $2.4 billion sukuk called off?
Well Connected at Home, Young Malaysian Has an Appetite for New York By LOUISE STORY and STEPHANIE SAULFEB. 8, 2015; Mr. Low’s lavish spending has raised eyebrows and questions from Kuala Lumpur to New York, where he has made a boldface name for himself as a “whale” at clubs like the Pink Elephant and 1Oak. The New York Post once called him “the mystery man of city club scene,” adding, “Speculation is brewing over where Low is getting his money from.”.... One answer resides at least indirectly in his relationship, going back to his school days in London, with the family of Malaysia’s prime minister, Najib Razak. Mr. Low has played an important role in bringing Middle Eastern money into numerous deals involving the Malaysian government, and he helped set up, and has continued to advise, a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund that the prime minister oversees.... http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1
Malaysia's 1MDB calls off $2.4 bln sukuk for power project-sources By Praveen Menon and Yantoultra Ngui KUALA LUMPUR Sat Feb 7, 2015 1:26am EST; Feb 6 (Reuters) - Troubled state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has called off plans to sell up to 8.4 billion ringgit ($2.4 billion) of Islamic bonds, two people familiar with the issue told Reuters on Saturday.... The Islamic bond or sukuk had been earmarked to raise funds for the construction of a $3.6 billion green field 2,000 Megawatt coal-fired power plant, known as 3B, in the state of Negeri Sembilan.... "It (the sukuk issue) has been called off...they are not moving ahead with the exercise anymore," a banker familiar with the deal said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.... http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/07/malaysia-sukuk-1mdb-idUSL6N0VG2HT20150207
4 February 2015: Umno man lodges latest police report against 1MDB CEO; The Edge Malaysia finds blogger behind attacks on Dr M, Nazir and its owner Tong is pro-Jho Low (blogger now trying to hide his tracks), concludes that "it all has to do with criticism of 1MDB"
Umno man lodges latest police report against 1MDB CEO BY: G. SURACH UPDATED: Feb 2, 2015 11:10pm; Batu Kawan Umno division deputy chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan has lodged yet another police report against the country’s wealth sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) over its debt-ridden allegations.... Lodging a report against 1MDB chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy this time, Khairuddin said that this was due to a statement that the newly appointed CEO made after assuming the post.... Khairuddin said as such it would be inconceivable why 1MDB would not be able to pay up the large loan when it claimed that it had already redeemed such a huge amount of money from the registered fund.... “On top of it, 1MDB has also sought a RM2 billion loan from Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan to meet its loan obligations to the bank.... “With all these facts combined, it raises plenty of doubts and hence my decision to lodge this police report is to ascertain the truth,” he said.... Khairuddin, who is learnt to be the cousin of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been lodging several reports against 1MDB since December, including with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, calling for a “detailed and comprehensive” investigation against the company’s directors over allegations of mismanagement of its sovereign funds.... http://www.therakyatpost.com/
EXPOSED! Pro-Jho Low blogger behind attacks on Dr M, Nazir and Edge owner Tong By The Edge Malaysia / theedgemalaysia.com | February 3, 2015 : 6:53 PM MYT; THE anonymous blogger of malaysianexpose.wordpress.com behind the baseless attacks on Tong Kooi Ong and The Edge Media Group is also behind similar vicious onslaughts on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, while running other blogs which published complimentary articles on businessman Jho Low, investigations showed.... One common thread behind the attacks appears to be the fact that The Edge has been publishing exposes about state investment vehicle 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), while former prime minister Dr Mahathir has been openly critical of it, even saying it was unnecessary and should be shut.... The blogger did not just attack Dr Mahathir, but also his sons businessmen Tan Sri Mokzhani and Datuk Mirzan and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz. The blogger also attacked former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, who voiced reservations about 1MDB.... In the case of Nazir, his wife and children were also the subject of slander.... On the other hand, the Penang born 30-something Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, was involved in the setting up of the Terengganu Investment Authority (the precursor to 1MDB). He is said to still wield considerable influence at 1MDB because of his close relationship with the Abu Dhabi parties which have multi-billion ringgit dealings with the controversial debt-laden company owned by the Ministry of Finance.... Low, often seen at big spending parties with Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Leonardo Di Caprio, has business dealings with 1MDB, including a failed £1 billion (RM5.6 billion) bid for the UK hotel group Coroin Ltd in 2011. 1MDB had provided a letter of support for Low’s Wynton Group to buy Coroin which owns several hotels including Claridge's....1MDB has never explained why it provided the letter of support, which surfaced during a court case in London involving squabbling Coroin shareholders, to help Low.... The Edge Media Group in the past year published several exposes about the affairs of 1MDB, including 1MDB’s support for Low to buy Coroin and a RM1.38 billion land purchase in Penang, a week before the 2013 general election.... The anonymous blogger used the public display and user name ahrily90 and he wrote at the following blogs since mid-2014: kronismemahathir.wordpress.com politikukus.wordpress.com..... These two blogs have attacked Mahathir since July last year..... ahrily90 also wrote on two blog which targeted Nazir: kamibukanbodohtau.wordpress.com corruptednazirrazak.wordpress.com..... ahrily90 also wrote on three blogs which praised 1MDB and Jho Low: bisnes2malaysia.wordpress.com todayinbusiness.wordpress.com worldofcorporate.wordpress.com.... Various articles were written which described him as global investor and philanthropist through his Hong Kong firm Jynwel Capital Limited. These include US$20 million to save wild cats and US$50 million to a university cancer research centre.... todayinbusiness.wordpress.com and worldofcorporate.wordpress.com were taken down last week but what ahrily90 wrote can be seen in the Google cache of these blogs.... ahrily90 has changed his WordPress public display name and user names for the various blogs last week to julijulipeh, Pen Jingga, saberarturia18, and rahmanirwan74.... ahrily90 has also contributed articles at lowtaekjho.wordpress.com. This blog too has been deleted by its authors..... The person behind all these blogs has realised he has been discovered and is now trying to cover his tracks by repeatedly changing his public display and user names.... He is also trying to decouple the various blogs.... And it all has to do with criticism of 1MDB..... So who is paying him to do it?
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/exposed-pro-jho-low-blogger-behind-attacks-dr-m-nazir-and-edge-owner-tong?google_editors_picks=true
1 February 2015: Ananda Krishnan to help 1MDB on RM2 billion loan with local banks? Worries on Battersea project (with Sime Darby and EPF) as project chairman Liew exits for personal deals some question as conflicting
Ananda Krishnan to help 1MDB repay US$550mil loan: sources Friday, 30 January 2015
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's second richest man, Ananda Krishnan, will lend 1MDB RM2bil (US$550.96mil) to settle a loan to local banks, two people familiar with the matter said, helping pave the way for a US$3bil IPO by the state investor. The people, who declined to be identified, said Krishnan was currently negotiating the terms of the loan with the state firm. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Krishnan was in talks with 1MDB to become a cornerstone investor in the long-delayed US$3bil listing of its power assets, which is likely to take place in the first half of this year.
"It is just a plain loan for now. We don't know for certain how this will translate into an equity stake in 1MDB's power unit," one of the people said. 1MDB officials declined to comment. Officials at Krishnan's investment vehicle Usaha Tegas were also not immediately available to comment.....
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/01/30/Ananda-Krishnan-to-help-1MDB-repay-US$550mil-loan/?style=biz
This is a bit tangential to the SWF topic, but EPF is a major shareholder and Sime Darby a key Malaysia GLC involved too...
Will Liew exit derail Battersea? by Khairie Hisyam JANUARY 26, 2015 10:22 AM; One week ago it surfaced that Battersea project chairman Liew Kee Sin had tendered his resignation, apparently waiting for a response from the project’s shareholders. Liew’s resignation came a week after news of a joint venture deal worth £2.2 billion involving his private vehicle, Eco World Investment Co Ltd, with Irish developer Ballymore Group, to develop three residential projects in London. The deal will see Liew’s Eco World Investment, co-owned by his long-time right-hand man Voon Tin Yeow, form a joint venture company that will acquire three sites for the proposed projects from Ballymore for £428.7 million. Named Eco World Ballymore Holding Co Ltd, the company will be 75% owned by Eco World Investment with Ballymore owning the remaining 25%. Word of the personal deal, clearly in conflict with his position at Battersea, sparked concerns among the Battersea project’s shareholders, who told KiniBiz that there will be implications on Liew’s position. The shareholders of the Battersea project are property developer SP Setia and plantation-based conglomerate Sime Darby, both holding 40% interest each, as well as pension fund Employees Provident Fund (EPF) which holds the remaining 20%.... http://www.kinibiz.com/?p=138764
30 January 2015: Penang BPO projects in Batu Kawan and Bayan Baru, would be jointly developed with Temasek Holdings and Economic Development Innovations Singapore with GDV RM11.3 billion; 1MDB loan extension
1MDB Said to Seek Loan Extension Before $3 Billion Energy IPO 'By'Elffie Chew
4:33 PM BNT January 27, 2015 (Bloomberg) -- 1Malaysia Development Bhd. is planning to seek another one-month extension on a 2 billion ringgit ($554 million) loan to give it more time to sell a stake in its energy unit, two people familiar with the matter said.... The state-owned investment company needs more time to repay the debt as it’s still in discussions with billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, Malaysia’s second-richest person, said the people who asked not to be named as the process is private. Krishnan may excercize an option, granted when he sold energy assets to 1MDB in 2012, to buy part of the Edra Global Energy Bhd. unit, the people said. A spokesman for 1MDB declined to comment when contacted by phone.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-27/1mdb-seeks-loan-extension-before-3-billion-ipo-of-energy-assets
Penang sees RM5bil investments from 4 China MNCs listed in US By: DAVID TAN
Thursday, 29 January 2015; GEORGE TOWN: Penang will see some RM5bil worth of investments coming into the state in 2015 from four multinational corporations (MNCs) involved in electronic-based manufacturing activities.... investPenang director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said these were only initial investments that would materialise over the next 12 months.... Declining to name the companies, Lee said these could be China companies but public-listed in the United States..... Lee said the Penang International Technology Park and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) projects in Batu Kawan and Bayan Baru respectively, would be jointly developed with Temasek Holdings and Economic Development Innovations Singapore and due for completion in five to 10 years...... “The projects has a gross development value of RM11.3bil and will generate 25,000 to 30,000 jobs in the future,” Lee said..... http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/01/29/Penang-sees-RM5bil-initial-investments-investments-this-year-It-expects-forays-from-four-MNCs-from-C/?style=biz
15 December 2014: 1MDB worries erupt on UMNO rep's police report and Malaysia Cabinet meeting?
After months of news accumulating on 1MDB or 1 Malaysia Development Berhad in Malaysia business news (read The Edge Malaysia for the most details, http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/content/search-results?query=1mdb; some of these points have been picked up by the political opposition), an intriguing development as an UMNO representative "broke ranks" to files a complaint against apparent controversies at the state-run sovereign wealth fund led by his party's leader, Prime Minister Najib. Issues relating to the sovereign wealth fund include the role of a jetset Malaysian financier, Jho Low (check out his name with Paris Hilton), Middle Eastern investor questions and queries about an unusually large commission earned by Goldman Sachs form a financing deal for 1MDB....
Khairuddin: Mentor Dr M not behind 1MDB report by Malaysiakini (subscription) - 56 minutes ago
Batu Kawan Umno deputy chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan was propelled into the limelight last week after he broke party ranks and lodged a police report against Putrajaya's controversial sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/283495
Husam: 1MDB Will Be The Undoing Of The PM; Datuk Husam Musa, SHAH ALAM - The Vice President of PAS, Husam Musa, predicts that the 1MDB scandal will be the undoing of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak Abdul Razak. Husam said that the police report made by the Batu Kawan Umno Deputy Chief, Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan, and the discussion of the scandal by the Cabinet chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is a development “which will bring about a huge impact”. “How could the confidential Cabinet discussion reach the media? Surely with specific intention..... http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/532761-husam-1mdb-will-be-the-undoing-of-the-pm.html
Background on cabinet meeting: Cabinet discussed 1MDB issue at this week’s meeting, say sources 12 Dec 2014; (Dec 12): The controversy-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was discussed at this week's Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after a minister brought up the issue, sources confirmed today. The country's second sovereign wealth fund has been under the spotlight for its debts and inability to submit accounts on time, attracting criticisms from opposition lawmakers and even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is away on an official visit to South Korea this week and did not attend the Cabinet ... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/cabinet-discussed-1mdb-issue-week’s-meeting-say-sources
6 Dec 2017: US AG describes 1MDB-linked assets as "worst form of kleptocracy"? Solar power, a Jho Low-partying rapper, DuSable, and donations to Obama & Clinton?
Editor's note: The Najib administration has continued to deny any wrongdoing. The reality and the "optics" can assure Malaysia voters that Najib has had no problem in continuing in his role as Prime Minister.
Najib's recent meetings with President Trump and PM Theresa May; and no legal actions.
In Umno’s world, ‘worst kleptocracy scandal’ never happened by Sheridan Mahavera, Diyana Ibrahim, Irfan Hussain, Radzi Razak -- Grassroots activists in Umno’s divisions said although the 1MDB scandal has captured global attention, it will have little impact on Umno’s fortunes in the 14th general election.... supreme council member Idris Haron claimed that the Department of Justice (DoJ), the US authority investigating 1MDB, was being manipulated by “irresponsible parties in Malaysia”. Idris, who is also Malacca chief minister, said party president and prime minister Najib Razak’s visit to the White House in September proved that he had nothing to do with the allegations.
“The DoJ is inconsistent. When the prime minister went to the US, no legal action was taken against him. So it’s not like what they have said before (that Najib was involved).”... Malaysian Attorney-General Mohd Apandi Ali has cleared Najib of any wrongdoing. Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) also found no evidence of impropriety in the state firm. Apandi, however, recently asked police to resubmit investigation papers on 1MDB to him, citing a lack of evidence...“People are only concerned about the price of food and whether they can feed their kids. Something like this is too difficult for them to understand.”... https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/26139/
Solar power plant in Kedah: DuSable was appointed as the investment adviser to the Yurus PE Fund; the Master JVA shareholding was 49% Yurus PE Fund and 51% 1MDB Synergy...On Oct 2, 2014, as part of the initial public offering (IPO) plans of Edra Global Energy Bhd, 1MDB acquired the entire 49% interest of Yurus PE Fund in the Master JVA, for a final amount of US$69 million. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/1mdb-explains-solar-ties-us-firm.
8 Aug 2017: 1MDB surprisingly misses payment to IPIC and gets one month extension, PAS is satisfied with 1MDB explanations
1MDB gets new extension to repay IPIC loan Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 8 Aug 2017 -- It is understood the Abu Dhabi government is incredulous at the cavalier manner Putrajaya has handled it's debt obligations and is puzzled why it has taken the Malaysian government so long to handle the transfer of funds, given that the agreement with IPIC was inked in April... Prime Minister Najib Razak had blamed 1MDB’s failure to pay IPIC on July 31 on “technical issues", saying it was not because 1MDB had no money.... But sources said the delay was nothing technical, and was in fact embarrassing because local and international banks do not want to handle transactions with the prefix 1MDB. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10039/
Pakatan urges Arul Kanda to answer 1MDB questions in Parliament by Melati A. Jalil 8 Aug 2017 -- PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said he doubted if PAS fully understood the 1MDB rationalisation plan if the party had found the plan satisfactory. "As PAS appears to be satisfied with the plan, I wish to ask the party leadership if that means that they agree that 1MDB's debts should be transferred to the people while the money borrowed by 1MDB has clearly vanished and has been misappropriated to buy luxury property?" he said....PAS yesterday said it was satisfied with the 1MDB debt rationalisation plan presented by Arul Kanda in the roundtable discussion, from which PAS concluded that a Royal Commission of Inquiry into 1MDB followed by punitive action against the wrongdoers was the only way to restore public confidence in the government. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10025/
Who’s footing the bill for Hadi’s costly UK suit, asks Rewcastle-Brown by Looi Sue-Chern 6 Aug 2017 -- Rewcastle-Brown said this made her “relish” the prospect of taking on Hadi in court as it would give her the opportunity to “bring out all the evidence about the situation of major public interest which I have reported about in Malaysia – including what I have disclosed and will further disclose about the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) case and where the money has gone”. "As for the explanation for the High Commission’s presence, yes, I am certainly alleging there is corruption at the very top in Malaysia," she said. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/9815/
BNM forex scandal RCI begins hearing August 21 by Bede Hong 8 Aug 2017 https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/10010/
17 Jun 2017: US DOJ alleges $4.5bn stolen, new characters mentioned
The Department of Justice alleges more than $4.5bn (up from $3.5bn previous estimate) stolen from Malaysia's 1MDB (and releases 251 page report of details): A press secretary for Mr Najib said in a statement that the government would co-operate with any "lawful" investigation, but stressed that the US claims remain unproven. The secretary, Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin, also said there was "unnecessary and gratuitous naming" in the case. "Malaysia stands firm in its support of transparency and good governance," he said. "That includes ensuring that accusations have a basis in fact, rather than smears briefed by political opponents."U.S. Seeks to Recover Approximately $540 Million Obtained From Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund Thursday, June 15, 2017 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-seeks-recover-approximately-540-million-obtained-corruption-involving-malaysian-sovereign
Who are the new characters in DOJ's latest suit?
However, in the rest of the documents, one new character in the suit who had caught the public eye was MO1's wife. Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan confirmed that the MO1 mentioned in the DOJ's first suit last year was Najib.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/385860
Yacht, diamonds and more in DOJ's
latest 1MDB filing
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) last night announced its most significant milestone since July 21 last year, when US investigators first went public on the 1MDB scandal and declared that Malaysians had been defrauded on an enormous scale. At that time, US investigators said more than US$3 billion was allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB and sought to seize around US$1 billion in ill-gotten assets. In the third and latest filing last night, the DOJ now puts the allegedly misappropriated figure at US$4.5 billion and is seeking to seize US$1.7 billion in assets purportedly acquired using funds stolen from 1MDB.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/385758
7 June 2017 lawsuit:
Misappropriated 1MDB funds helped finance $2.2 billion energy firm deal - U.S. lawsuit Jun 13, 2017 -- Money misappropriated from a Malaysian state fund was used to partly finance the $2.2 billion acquisition of Houston-based Coastal Energy in 2014, the U.S. government alleged in a lawsuit filed last week. Proceeds from the Coastal Energy deal were then used to buy a property in London's glitzy Mayfair district, according to the lawsuit dated June 7. The United States is seeking to seize the London property, along with two others, the document showed. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-usa-idUSKBN1941JH
DOJ document pdf: http://globalinvestigationsreview.com/digital_assets/5998fb0b-8c19-492c-a9da-2df73eb2b1e3/DOJ-Low-asset-forfeiture-action-7-June.pdf
20 July 2016:
United States Seeks to Recover More Than $1 Billion Obtained from Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund Wednesday, July 20, 2016 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-seeks-recover-more-1-billion-obtained-corruption-involving-malaysian-sovereign
1MDB Presentation https://www.justice.gov/archives/page/file/877436/download
3-4 May 2017: Unravelling issues at big 1MDB's KL property cum High Speed Rail terminus deal? 1MDB vs IPIC
Unravelling issues at big 1MDB's KL property cum High Speed Rail terminus deal? http://khoryuleng.blogspot.my/2017/01/china-malaysia-economic-integration.html1MDB vs IPIC: A settlement or compromise? By: The Edge Team -- (May 1): Last Monday, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) announced that it had reached a settlement with Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company PJSC (IPIC) over the arbitration proceedings at the London Court of International Arbitration. Unfortunately, this may not be something to celebrate despite the spin that it was a success for Malaysia as the arbitration initiated by IPIC is no longer needed.... An official familiar with the negotiations conceded that the agreement with IPIC was conditional upon the Ministry of Finance (MoF) stepping in as a guarantor of the two bonds totalling US$3.5 billion ($4.9 billion). This effectively eases IPIC’s concern that it would be called upon again to fulfil its obligations as a co-guarantor of the two bonds issued with the help of Goldman Sachs in 2012. The official, who briefed The Edge but asked not to be identified, explained why MoF had to step in to guarantee that 1MDB would not default on the bonds: “MoF is now involved. There is a government guarantee. It (MoF) had to stand guarantor for 1MDB with IPIC for the US$3.5 billion in debt papers that IPIC stood guarantor for, as 1MDB, after selling its assets to pare down its debts, has very little in terms of assets or security. It’s unfortunate but understandable [why this had to be done].”.... To recap, in 2012, 1MDB issued two 10-year bonds of US$1.75 billion each to buy two power plants. The bonds were co-guaranteed by 1MDB and IPIC’s subsidiary Aabar Investment PJS (Aabar). The MoF was not a party to this guarantee. http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/smr/?q=article/1mdb-vs-ipic-settlement-or-compromise
23 Mar 2017: WSJ says US prepares to file criminal charges against alleged 1MDB mastermind Jho Low
Editor's note: A Malaysia perspective on 1MDB case (see image below): Why is Low Taek Jho not investigated but Rafizi Ramli sentenced to prison? Also, DOJ listed people are taken off the Malaysia watchlist. In the Malaysia Parliament, mention of the word "1MDB" is disallowed by the Speaker.
US prepares to file criminal charges against alleged 1MDB mastermind Jho Low: report By: Jude Chan, SINGAPORE (March 22): The noose is tightening around Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho – the alleged mastermind behind the multibillion-dollar scandal over state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). US authorities are preparing to file criminal charges of wire fraud and money laundering against the flamboyant financier, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.,, The plan to file criminal charges comes after a recently-concluded visit to Singapore by a team from the US Department of Justice to conduct interviews related to Low and other 1MDB-linked matters, says WSJ, citing two people familiar with the trip.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/smr/?q=article/us-prepares-file-criminal-charges-against-alleged-1mdb-mastermind-jho-low-reportPM says ex-1MDB executives off BNM’s watch list BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — Two former executives with 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) wanted by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have been removed from its watch list, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today. Najib who is also finance minister added that Casey Tang Keng Chee and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan are no longer wanted as the authorities have completed their investigations and taken action against the company they had worked for instead. “For your information, the investigation involving the two individuals have been completed and based on its outcome, enforcement action was taken against the company according to existing laws with consent from the AGC, whereby BNM issued a compound latter to the 1MDB administration for failing to fully adhere to the orders issued under the Exchange Control Act 1953,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/pm-says-ex-1mdb-executives-off-bnms-watch-list#sthash.jGt75kxk.dpuf
23 Nov 2016: Singapore trial of 1MDB-Jho Low-BSI linked bankers, Jho Low’s Relatives Fight U.S. Forfeiture, DiCaprio foundation would return gifts if from Malaysian fund
So the trial of 1MDB-Jho Low-BSI linked bankers started 31 October 2016 in Singapore. Below are some news links! Also, in the aftermath of Trump victory, there is forex flux, including Malaysia.
Malaysia caught in currency ripples - Bloomberg, By: Christopher Langner (Nov 21) -- A drop in hedging and refinancing activities would be bad news for banks. Ironically, Malaysian financial institutions could be the worst affected. They're the biggest issuers of short-term dollar debt, with more than US$3.5 billion ($5 billion) of bonds due in less than a year outstanding.... Malaysian banks are the most dependent on short-term markets for dollar funding in Southeast Asia. http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-caught-currency-ripples
Yeo Jiawei amassed $23.9 mil just 15 months after leaving BSI -- SINGAPORE (Nov 22): Prosecutors say former BSI wealth planner Yeo Jiawei accumulated a net worth of some $23.9 million in just 15 months through “secret profits” after he left the bank in June 2014.... Yeo, who turned 34 on Monday, is on trial for four counts of witness tampering. He faces seven other counts of money laundering, which will be heard next April.
Yeo argued that, as an intermediary, he should not be fingered as the one sole responsible. After all, Yeo reasoned, the financial institutions, with their teams of legal and compliance people, did not step in to stop the transactions....Yeo maintained that it was only when news surrounding 1MDB became widely known that various prosecution witnesses such as Swampillai and Samuel Goh Sze-Wei turned against him.
Yeo also questioned why Jose Renalto Cavarlho Pinto, a relationship manager with Amicorp, would call him “arrogant” when they had good working relationship. Yeo said that these three individuals were all complicit in one way or another, but are now pushing the blame to him. “These witnesses are lying to save their own skin,” said Yeo. http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/yeo-jiawei-amassed-239-mil-just-15-months-after-leaving-bsi-0?
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-unmasked-after-11-days-court-and-counting
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/how-1mdb-money-was-laundered
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-bragged-about-being-broker-deals-connections-mid-east-royal-families-and
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei-was-close-1mdb-mastermind-jho-low-prosecution
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-spent-night-jho-low%E2%80%99s-apartment-wore-his-clothes-prosecution
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low-wanted-play-badminton-says-accused-ex-bsi-banker
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low%E2%80%99s-former-private-banker-yak-yew-chee-jailed-fined
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-says-he-was-leaving-bsi-work-rival-bank-not-jho-low-0
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi%E2%80%99s-yeo-takes-stand-trial-claims-he-was-just-taking-instructions
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/jho-low-among-%E2%80%98key-persons-interest%E2%80%99-year-long-money-laundering-related-investigations-cad
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei-told-witness-pinto-remain-cool-it-was-war-time-within-malaysia
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-%E2%80%98wasnt-just-dhl-messenger%E2%80%99-says-key-witness-pinto
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/yeo-jiawei-saw-lifestyle-%E2%80%98upgrade%E2%80%99-2014-and-there-are-three-other-fake-aabars
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/new-light-1mdb-scandal
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/secret-meeting-ex-bsi-banker-yeo-tells-friend-samuel-goh-we-die-we-die-together
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/top-%E2%80%98secret-profits%E2%80%99-ex-bsi-banker-yeo-paid-500000-year-jho-low
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/ex-bsi-banker-yeo-alleged-have-worked-1mdb-mastermind-jho-low
http://www.theedgemarkets.com.sg/sg/article/former-bsi-banker-yeo-jiawei%E2%80%99s-trial-start-oct-31
Jho Low’s Relatives Fight U.S. Forfeiture of 1MDB-Linked Assets by Edvard Pettersson November 1, 2016
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-01/jho-low-s-relatives-fight-u-s-forfeiture-of-1mdb-linked-assets
Editor: One reader with legal background commented that there is no locus standi.
Leonardo DiCaprio Urged to Turn Over "Corrupt" 'Wolf of Wall Street' Earnings 9:53 AM PDT 10/27/2016 by Alex Ritman , Eriq Gardner http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/leonardo-dicaprio-urged-turn-corrupt-wolf-wall-street-earnings-941365
DiCaprio foundation would return gifts if from Malaysian fund in probe Oct 18, 2016 | 10:33pm EDT http://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-dicaprio-idUSKCN12I2DX
13 October 2016: WSJ points to Obama-Hilary fund raiser links to 1MDB, Swiss and Singapore step ups, Ananda in the news
Malaysian Fund 1MDB Linked to White House Visit - Investigators look into whether money embezzled from the fund paid for lobbying seeking closer U.S.-Malaysian relations By BRADLEY HOPE and COLLEEN MCCAIN NELSON Updated Oct. 13, 2016 -- Investigators look into whether money embezzled from the fund paid for lobbying seeking closer U.S.-Malaysian relations - Federal investigators are looking into whether money was paid to a businessman who later arranged an Oval Office visit for relatives of the Malaysian prime minister, according to people familiar with the probe.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/suspect-malaysian-fund-tied-to-lobbying-of-white-house-1476403764
WSJ: 1MDB link to US businessman who arranged White House visit probed Published 14 Oct 2016, 9:53 am -- According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the entrepreneur is Frank White Jr, one of the founders of investment firm DuSable Capital Management LLC, who has also raised funds for US President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton....... 1MDB and DuSable cooperated on a solar-power project, which controversial businessman Jho Low had helped come up with, WSJ reported people familiar with the matter saying. "They said Low told others his efforts in arranging it helped Najib get closer to Obama, who golfed with the prime minister in Hawaii at Christmas time in 2014," reported WSJ.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358980
Arul, repairs to 1MDB must start with the truth by yoursay 14 Oct 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358965
Crackdown on free speech intensifies: Ordinary citizens targeted alongside activists, politicians by admin - 14 Oct 2016 http://aliran.com/civil-society-voices/2016-civil-society-voices/crackdown-free-speech-intensifies-ordinary-citizens-targeted-alongside-activists-politicians/
Falcon faces Swiss criminal probe in 1MDB case By Reuters / The Edge Financial Daily | October 13, 2016 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/falcon-faces-swiss-criminal-probe-1mdb-case
1MDB case: Swiss attorney general opens criminal proceedings against Falcon Bank by admin - 12 Oct 2016 http://aliran.com/web-specials/2016-web-specials/1mdb-case-swiss-attorney-general-opens-criminal-proceedings-falcon-bank/
How Falcon Ignored the 1MDB Red Flags by Shamim Adam October 11, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-11/-head-office-is-watching-you-how-falcon-ignored-1mdb-red-flags
1MDB partner Iskandar Waterfront weighs reviving Malaysian IPO October 11, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/money/article/1mdb-partner-iskandar-waterfront-weighs-reviving-malaysian-ipo
Singapore charges 2 former BSI bankers in 1MDB probe - Filing of charges is latest development in series of global investigations into Malaysian fund OCTOBER 10, 2016 https://www.ft.com/content/0bd59044-8ebf-11e6-8df8-d3778b55a923
MAS shuts down Falcon Bank, imposes penalties on DBS and UBS in 1MDB crackdown By: Michelle Zhu -- SINGAPORE (Oct 11): The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is withdrawing the merchant bank status of Falcon Bank’s Singapore branch... In addition, MAS has imposed on Falcon Bank financial penalties amounting to $4.3 million for 14 breaches of the central bank’s regulations... Financial penalties of $1 million on DBS Bank and $1.3 million on UBS, for breaches of MAS’s AML requirements, will also be imposed, as there “deficiencies found in the on-boarding of new accounts, weaknesses in corroborating the source of funds, inadequate scrutiny of customers’ transactions and activities, and failure to file timely suspicious transaction reports”....
http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/mas-shuts-down-falcon-bank-imposes-penalties-dbs-and-ubs-1mdb-crackdown?
Attorney General says no new request from Swiss on 1MDB 6 October 2016 | MYT 1:14 PM http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/06/attorney-general-says-no-request-for-assistance-from-switzerland-in-1mdb-probe/
Swiss request further assistance from Malaysia in 1MDB case October 5, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/swiss-request-further-assistance-from-malaysia-in-1mdb-case
US DoJ's civil action on 1MDB will not affect bilateral ties, says ambassador BY RAZAK AHMAD 7 October 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/07/us-doj-civil-action-on-1mdb-will-not-affect-bilateral-ties/
1MDB, Criminal Probe Separate Key Aide from Malaysia Tycoon's ... by The Asia Sentinel-4 Oct 2016 -- The Swiss Attorney-General asked Malaysia's assistance in its investigations into alleged misappropriation of US$4 billion linked to 1MDB ... http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/1mdb-criminal-probe-separate-key-aide-malaysia-tycoon-empire/
29 August 2016: Rallies and "red shirts"
Young Malays at forefront of Tangkap MO1 rally 2 comments Yoursay Published Today 9:12 am Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/353913#ixzz4IgdnKSIJ'Red shirts operatives captured 35 students in TangkapMO1 surveillance' 76 comments Alyaa Alhadjri Published 28 Aug 2016, 4:59 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/353883#ixzz4Igdiw0oE
In graft crackdown, MACC goes after ‘Tan Sri’, seizes Ferrari, Rolls-Royce Sunday August 28, 2016 - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is moving into top gear in its war against graft and power abuse by aiming to stem the problem at the source, as two recent cases have shown. After nabbing a “Datuk” bank executive suspected of corruption last week, the MACC has now identified a “Tan Sri” senior bank executive reportedly linked to misappropriating a whopping RM15 million in a book deal, Mingguan Malaysia reported today. The weekend edition of Utusan Malaysia cited an unnamed source as saying the “Tan Sri” had used two law firms as fronts for the transactions before moving the money into several other bank accounts. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/in-graft-crackdown-macc-goes-after-tan-sri-seizes-ferrari-rolls-royce#sthash.TREs21rQ.dpuf
28 July 2016: Don't rely on 2013-2014 1MDB statements, no emergency Parliament session, the "rebuttal" by UMNO Youth against three top bureaucrats and SOSMA fear
Umno Youth plot twist; 'China to the rescue?'; 1MDB financial statements doubts Kini Roundup Published Today 7:26 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350043#ixzz4FZSfpvAG
1MDB: Don’t rely on 2013, 2014 financial statements 26 July 2016 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/26/1mdb-dont-rely-on-2013-2014-financial-statements/
Deloitte quits as 1MDB’s auditor By Meena Lakshana / The Edge Financial Daily | July 27, 2016 : 9:10 AM MYT KUALA LUMPUR: Deloitte Malaysia has notified 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) of its intention to resign as the embattled state fund’s auditor, and the 1MDB board is now looking for a new auditor. “Until a new auditor is appointed, Deloitte will remain as auditor on record,” said 1MDB in a statement yesterday.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/deloitte-quits-1mdb%E2%80%99s-auditor?type=corporate
No need for emergency Parliament session on 1MDB - Johari by Luqman Hariz, Astro Awani | Published on July 26, 2016 http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/no-need-emergency-parliament-session-1mdb-johari-112122
Najib gets new powers amid planned protests over fund scandal A Ananthalakshmi, Reuters Published Today 7:57 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350044#ixzz4FZTIigHI
Hadi, tell them not to buy US properties to 'avoid' interference Yoursay Published Today 7:29 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350040
Lawyer fears Sosma will be used on trio accused of conspiracy Published Today 8:54 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350051#ixzz4FZSnFVCO
Zeti seeks legal counsel, Gani says conspiracy charge 'publicity stunt' https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/350026#ixzz4FZT8vFD2
Bersih 5 should be a 'Malay-sian tsunami' S Thayaparan Published Today 8:23 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/350047
26 July 2016: Reactions after US DOJ civil forfeiture against Riza, Jho Low et al.
Editor's note: There's a blog "THE MALAYSIAN OFFICIAL 1"!
The impotence of being earnest Posted on 24/07/2016 By The Malaysian Official 1 http://www.themalaysianofficial1.com/2016/07/24/the-impotence-of-being-earnest/#more-16
Pro-Umno portal: Malaysian Official 1 is Najib, but... Published Today 2:50 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349955#ixzz4FV7S6TtN
Dr M: How will DOJ charge 'M'sian Official 1' without naming him? Published Today 3:22 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349960#ixzz4FV7wYi7K
‘Grand larceny in 1MDB’ Published Today 10:57 am http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/349903
12 July 2016: 1MDB agrees to IPIC's request for arbitration over $6.5 Billion
1MDB agrees to IPIC's request for arbitration PUBLISHED4 HOURS AGO - IPIC, in a submission to the London Court of International Arbitration last month, is claiming about US$6.5 billion (S$8.8 billion) from 1MDB and Malaysia's finance ministry after a debt restructuring agreement between the companies went sour. http://www.straitstimes.com/business/1mdb-agrees-to-ipics-request-for-arbitration
1MDB audit exposes now zoom in on power purchase agreements 10 Jul 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/348063
IPIC Seeks $6.5 Billion From 1MDB, Malaysia in Arbitration by Shamim Adam une 14, 2016 — 3:34 PM SGT Updated on June 14, 2016 — 4:38 PM SGT 1MDB has defaulted on debt amid dispute with Abu Dhabi’s IPIC. Malaysian fund is subject of global probes into its finances... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-14/ipic-seeks-6-5-billion-from-1mdb-malaysia-in-arbitration-bid
IGP: We will use OSA if Sarawak Report’s 1MDB audit genuine BY IDA LIM July 9, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-we-will-use-osa-if-sarawak-reports-1mdb-audit-genuine
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-we-will-use-osa-if-sarawak-reports-1mdb-audit-genuine#sthash.ga987XJE.dpuf
Tony Pua urges PM to declassify AG's report on 1MDB after Sarawak Report exposé By Sangeetha Amarthalingam / theedgemarkets.com | July 8, 2016 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/tony-pua-urges-pm-declassify-ags-report-1mdb-after-sarawak-report-expos%C3%A9
6 June 2016: Malaysian Journalist: Najib Cracked Down on Free Speech to Limit 1MDB Fallout
Malaysian Journalist: Najib Cracked Down on Free Speech to Limit 1MDB Fallout - Mustapha Kamil worked for New Straits Times for more than 25 years, By TOM WRIGHT Updated June 6, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-journalist-najib-cracked-down-on-free-speech-to-limit-1mdb-fallout-1465204766
Fahmi Reza claims trial to posting doctored image of Prime Minister by Abdul Hakim Rahman, Astro Awani | Published on June 06, 2016
27 May 2016: BSI "shut down" order by regulators raises questions on Ambank-ANZ - who will buy ANZ's stake in bank involved in Najib donation fund flow
Editor's notes: In light of the double Swiss and Singapore regulator's BSI shutdown orders (staff and operations apparently to be merged into EFG International), Ambank-ANZ (already sanctioned with fines and direct down-line staff sackings) and its Malaysia and Australia regulators have obviously met with talk and comparison. Not surprised to see in the news headlines today that Ambank's founder has been quizzed about the future of ANZ's 23.78% stake in Ambank. Analysts apparently worry about the Ambank stake readily finding a buyer.
source: The Edge Financial Daily, 27 May 2016
4 May 2016, ANZ CEO Mr Elliott, who was on the AmBank board until October, said ANZ “don’t run that bank.... there was “no 1MDB issue” for the ANZ board to discuss.... We don’t have an exposure to 1MDB...” ANZ may appoint up to 4 directors at Ambank.
On it's website (27 May 2016), Ambank currently has 8 directors on its board, the only ANZ representative is Ms Suzette Margaret Corr - Non-Independent Non-Executive Director: Ms Corr is the General Manager Human Resources Australia and Group General Manager Talent & Culture for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).
In Ambank's Team, Annual Report 2015: Chief Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer were seconded by ANZ...
source: Ambank Annual Report https://www.ambankgroup.com/eng/InvestorRelations/AnnualReports/Documents/2015/Eng/14_Senior_MAnagement_Team_profiles.pdf, accessed 27 May 2016
A major pullout of ANZ personnel
Previously, Ambank had total 12 directors plus one alternate director (versus 8 directors on its board at 27 May 2016; about 4 seats vacated since 2013?), and ANZhad more directors (with bigger business profiles than human resources role of current) and personnel at Ambank, notably Mr Ashok Ramamurthy as CEO of AmBank (M) Berhad - from Annual Report 2013:
Mr Elliott was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) from June 2012.
Mr Whelan... He is currently the Managing Director, Corporate and Commercial Banking (Australia) of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”).
Mr Planté is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (“ANZ”) and Chairman, Australia and New Zealand Bank (China) Company Limited (“ANZ China”). He is also responsible for Treasury for the Institutional and International Division of ANZ.
Mr Ashok Ramamurthy, an Australian, aged 51, was appointed to the Board of AMMB Holdings Berhad on 2 April 2012 and is currently the Group Managing Director (“Group MD”) of the Company. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of AmBank (M) Berhad.
Mr Alistair Marshall Bulloch, a British, aged 55, is the Alternate Director to Mr Shayne Cary Elliott, Mr Mark David Whelan and Mr Gilles Planté. He is currently the Managing Director/Head of Asia Partnerships of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”).
Source: https://www.ambankgroup.com/en/AboutUs/InvestorRelations/AnnualReports/Documents/2013/12%20Profile%20of%20Directors.pdf, accessed 27 May 2016
A major pullout of ANZ personnel
Previously, Ambank had total 12 directors plus one alternate director (versus 8 directors on its board at 27 May 2016; about 4 seats vacated since 2013?), and ANZhad more directors (with bigger business profiles than human resources role of current) and personnel at Ambank, notably Mr Ashok Ramamurthy as CEO of AmBank (M) Berhad - from Annual Report 2013:
Mr Elliott was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) from June 2012. Mr Whelan... He is currently the Managing Director, Corporate and Commercial Banking (Australia) of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”).
Mr Planté is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (“ANZ”) and Chairman, Australia and New Zealand Bank (China) Company Limited (“ANZ China”). He is also responsible for Treasury for the Institutional and International Division of ANZ.
Mr Alistair Marshall Bulloch, a British, aged 55, is the Alternate Director to Mr Shayne Cary Elliott, Mr Mark David Whelan and Mr Gilles Planté. He is currently the Managing Director/Head of Asia Partnerships of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”).
Source: https://www.ambankgroup.com/en/AboutUs/InvestorRelations/AnnualReports/Documents/2013/12%20Profile%20of%20Directors.pdf, accessed 27 May 2016
ANZ quizzed over AmBank link to Malaysia’s 1MDB corruption scandal THE AUSTRALIAN APRIL 4, 2016.....With ANZ holding almost a 25 per cent shareholding in the Malaysian bank, ANZ has three permanent positions on AmBank’s board, which will soon include Mr Hodges himself and, formally, ANZ’s chief executive Shayne Elliott..... Under questioning from senators Mr Hodges described as “simplistic” allegations ANZ had governance questions to answer over AmBank and the scandal involving state investment fund.... 1MDB..... http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/financial-services/anz-quizzed-over-ambank-link-to-malaysias-1mdb-corruption-scandal/news-story/276a4d6e1f1b0961fde5bb2431197722
'Top Aussie bank may sell AmBank stake over Najib scandal' 30 Mar 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335861
25 May 2016: Switzerland's FINMA statement on BSI breach of regulations
Editor's note: KL chatter on regulators forcing each others hands. So BSI will merge with EFG International and BSI therafter to be dissolved.
BSI in serious breach of money laundering regulations: FINMA By: FINMA This is Swiss financial regulator FINMA’s strongly worded statement in full, ZURICH (May 24):.... In the case of 1MDB, the bank executed numerous large transactions with unclear purpose over a period of several years and, despite clearly suspicious indications, did not clarify the background to these transactions. Among other measures, FINMA has ordered the disgorgement of profits amounting to CHF 95 million. FINMA has also launched enforcement proceedings against two of the bank's former top managers. At the same time, FINMA announces its approval of the takeover of BSI by EFG International with the condition that BSI will be integrated and thereafter dissolved. This takeover is a positive development providing clients and employees with a perspective for the future....FINMA also closed its investigation and sanctioned BSIs misconduct in the Petrobras case. In connection with the same two cases, FINMA has investigated more than twenty other Swiss banks and launched proceedings against six of those banks..... - See more at: http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/bsi-serious-breach-money-laundering-regulations-finma#sthash.VHxxDnJ2.dpuf
24 May 2016: Singapore orders BSI Bank unit to shut down (adds name of 6 staff), 1MDB bonds diverge on guarantor, worry on cost of bond defaults, winding up moves, bank investigations and BNM approval, travel bans, Nazir back but battered, Najib's strong Sarawak victory
Editor's note: KL chats abuzz on divergent trends at BSI Singapore-BTG Pactual and Ambank KL-ANZ.MAS to shut down BSI Bank in Singapore for alleged money laundering; 6 staff to be probed PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
In addition, MAS has referred to the Public Prosecutor the names of six members of BSI Bank's senior management and staff to evaluate whether they have committed criminal offences.
They are:
- Mr Hans Peter Brunner, former CEO
- Mr Raj Sriram, former deputy CEO
- Mr Kevin Michael Swampillai, head of wealth management services
- Mr Yak Yew Chee, former senior private banker
- Mr Yeo Jiawei, former wealth planner; and
- Ms Seah Yew Foong Yvonne, former senior private banker
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/mas-directs-bsi-bank-to-shut-down-in-sin?xtor=CS3-18
Info links:
- Swiss AG opens criminal proceedings against BSI SA bank 'in relation to 1MDB probe' http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/swiss-ag-opens-criminal-proceedings-against-bsi-sa-bank-in-relation-to
- MAS official website - MAS directs BSI Bank to shut down in Singapore Singapore, 24 May 2016 http://www.mas.gov.sg/News-and-Publications/Media-Releases/2016/MAS-directs-BSI-Bank-to-shut-down-in-Singapore.aspx
- BSI website, https://www.bsibank.com/en/Group-sites/Singapore.html - owned by Brazil's BTG Pactual
- EFG International and BSI to join forces to form a leading Swiss private bank 22/02/2016 https://www.bsibank.com/en/Gruppo-BSI/Comunicati-stampa/EFG-International-e-BSI-uniranno-le-forze-per-formare-una-banca-svizzera-leader-nel-private-banking.html
- BTG Pactual founder Esteves freed by Brazil’s Supreme Court - Star banker still being investigated over Petrobras scandal but allowed to return to work https://next.ft.com/content/13bfdf86-0bc9-11e6-9cd4-2be898308be3
Bonds, default and dissolution?
1MDB bond fates diverge as Abu Dhabi vow trumps Najib support, SINGAPORE / HONG KONG (May 23): The fortunes of bonds in Malaysia’s troubled investment fund are diverging this month: those guaranteed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund have rallied, while notes with support from Malaysia’s own government have dropped.
See more at: http://smr.theedgemarkets.com/article/1mdb-bond-fates-diverge-abu-dhabi-vow-trumps-najib-support?
Spotlight Swings to Malaysia’s Exposure to Cost of 1MDB Bond Defaults - Investors, analysts consider how much Malaysia’s government may have to pay to settle investment fund’s debt dramas By MIA LAMAR Updated May 9, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/spotlight-swings-to-malaysias-exposure-to-cost-of-1mdb-bond-defaults-1462735803
Malaysia to Dissolve 1MDB Board Headed by Prime Minister Najib Razak - The latest move is another step in a gradual winding up of the embattled state-investment fund By YANTOULTRA NGUI Updated May 4, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-to-dissolve-1mdb-board-headed-by-prime-minister-1462350611
Malaysia’s 1MDB Defaults on Series of Bonds - Raises concerns government may eventually have to spend billions to bail out fund By MIA LAMAR Updated April 26, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-1mdb-defaults-on-series-of-bonds-1461687253
Malaysia’s Reputation Takes Another Hit as State Fund Defaults Shamim Adam Y-Sing Liau David Yong April 26, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-26/1mdb-says-it-s-in-default-after-missing-interest-payment
Cancelled debate ‘missed opportunity’, Pua tells 1MDB president May 19, 2016 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cancelled-debate-missed-opportunity-pua-tells-1mdb-president#sthash.IbCvPLCW.dpuf
Arul: Possible massive fraud, collaboration from our side Published 25 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/339055
Arul Kanda says job done, to leave 1MDB soon Published 31 Mar 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335949
On allegations, investigations & travel bans:
'Najib spoke to Bank Negara governor, got permission to bring in RM2.6b' Published 21 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342425
Zeti, silence on RM2.6b is no longer an option Yoursay Published Today 7:44 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342652
Malaysian PM's stepson used 1MDB funds to buy $34M London house: WSJ Matt Clinch 19 May 2016 http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/19/malaysian-pms-stepson-used-1mdb-funds-to-buy-34m-london-house-wsj.html
Najib’s Stepson Bought House in London With 1MDB Funds, Says WSJ Elffie Chew May 19, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-19/najib-s-stepson-bought-house-in-london-with-1mdb-funds-says-wsj
Dr M vows to praise 'great leader' Najib sky-high when abroad Published 23 May 2016...Mahathir was commenting on Putrajaya's stand that passports are a privilege and those critical of the government can be barred from travelling abroad.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342607
'Shouldn't Najib be barred from travelling overseas, too?' 17 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/341790
Nazir returns but reputation takes a beating 20 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342245
Report: Swiss bank in 1MDB saga 'investigating its employees' 17 May 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/341768
1MDB scandal: US investigating 'payments' to ex Goldman Sachs executive Tim Leissner By Mary Papenfuss May 19, 2016 http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/1mdb-scandal-us-investigating-payments-ex-goldman-sachs-executive-tim-leissner-1560837
France opens probe into ‘bribery’ of Malaysia’s Najib Razak - Suspicion over whether PM was paid kickbacks over 2002 submarine deal FEBRUARY 4, 2016 https://next.ft.com/content/fab19252-ca85-11e5-be0b-b7ece4e953a0
France opens probe into ‘bribery’ of Malaysia’s Najib Razak - Suspicion over whether PM was paid kickbacks over 2002 submarine deal FEBRUARY 4, 2016 https://next.ft.com/content/fab19252-ca85-11e5-be0b-b7ece4e953a0
France investigates whether Malaysian PM Najib was bribed in submarine deal FEB 5, 2016 http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/france-investigates-whether-malaysian-pm-najib-was-bribed-in-submarine-deal
On the Sarawak elections:
Malaysia’s Najib Razak Gains Momentum After State Election Win - Prime minister earns respite from 1MDB scandal, but it is unclear if Sarawak result signals broader support nationwide By YANTOULTRA NGUI May 8, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-najib-seeks-momentum-after-state-election-win-1462687775
Malaysia’s Najib Razak Rains Largess on Jungle State Ahead of Vote - Leader, embroiled in 1MDB scandal, is leaving little to chance in Sarawak election By YANTOULTRA NGUI May 5, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-najib-razak-rains-largesse-on-jungle-state-ahead-of-vote-1462458587
Najib: Resounding victory shows solid partnership May 8, 2016, Georgette Tan... Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/08/najib-resounding-victory-shows-solid-partnership/#ixzz49WpauyO3
Chong says DAP’s defeat might be due to low voter turnout May 8, 2016, Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/08/chong-says-daps-defeat-might-be-due-to-low-voter-turnout/#ixzz49WpfiHcg
25 April 2016: Sarawak's upcoming election - indifference to Najib questions?
Editor's note: Talk in KL of the public tiff between 1MDB and its Abu Dhabi business partner and how very ineffectual the domestic political opposition has been amidst 1MDB - Najib questions.
In Malaysia's Biggest State, Indifference to Najib Is His Friend by Pooi Koon Chong April 20, 2016 Malaysia's ruling coalition seen winning Sarawak state poll. Victory would not be en2dorsement of Najib, analyst says....Indifference to the scandals outside Malaysia’s biggest cities will probably help Najib’s Barisan Nasional coalition retain Sarawak -- a state held since 1963 -- in elections on May 7. It would show the difficulty his opponents have in gaining momentum among ordinary Malays by painting him as corrupt and self-serving. But it’d also be a warning to the premier that voters could shift their allegiance if they feel their lives are impacted by a slowing economy....With the collapse in global commodity prices last year denting incomes in the rubber and palm oil nation, alongside a goods and services tax introduced in April 2015, Najib is also working to woo Malays. He could potentially claim a Sarawak win as a personal endorsement even if the popularity of Chief Minister Adenan Satem, in power since February 2014, is the bigger factor. Equally, a weaker showing would be seized on by his critics.... For Sarawak voters, “local and state issues are far more important than national issues and also national personalities,” said Faisal S. Hazis, head of the Centre for Asia Studies at the National University of Malaysia.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-19/in-malaysia-s-biggest-state-indifference-to-najib-is-his-friend
18 April 2016 pm: Abu Dhabi's IPIC says 1MDB liable for claims, Nazir Razak takes leave to allow investigation at CIMB, Mahathir says Saudi minister statement does not close the issue, Rafizi lodges report against Jho Low, urges public to do the same
IPIC says Putrajaya, 1MDB liable for claims as rescue plan terminated Published Today 5:00 pm Ahead of the impending default, IPIC said if any claims is made against the Abu Dhabi fund, 1MDB and MOF would be held liable. “1MDB and MOF continue to be bound by their respective obligations under the terms of the binding term sheet, including their continued indemnification of IPIC and Aabar for any non-performance under the binding term sheet and in relation to any claims which may be made against IPIC pursuant to the guarantees entered into by IPIC in respect of certain 1MDB group bond issuances," it said. 1MDB had previously said its rescue deal with IPIC will ultimately see the state fund reducing its debt by RM16 billion. However, this is now unlikely to happen with IPIC declaring its obligation in the binding term sheet to be terminated.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338283
Nazir says transfer of money was one-off favour for brother by Alyaa Alhadjri Published Today 2:34 pm Under fire over his role in facilitating transfer of funds from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to Umno leaders, CIMB chairperson Nazir Razak today said that it was a one-off favour for his brother. "There was no other time when my brother asked for this kind of assistance," Nazir told reporters after chairing CIMB Group's annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. Nazir earlier announced that he has taken leave to allow an independent review regarding the US$7 million he had transferred from his personal account on behalf of his brother. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338249
Rafizi lodges report against Jho Low, urges public to do the same by Zikri Kamarulzaman Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has lodged a police report against Penang-born tycoon Jho Low over his alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal. This is the first in a series of reports the PKR lawmaker plans to lodge against 1MDB's administration and those linked to the firm's mismanagement. The report against Low is over his role as special adviser in 1MDB's predecessor, the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA). Published Today 1:51 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338242
Mahathir: Saudi minister aware, but doesn't mean he agrees Published Today 4:55 pm "Being aware of the statements of the A-G does not mean he agreed with the statement," Mahathir said, adding that al-Jubeir also did not retract or negate his previous remarks doubting the RM2.6 billion donation's origins. "It is the Malaysian media which interpreted his awareness as a negation of his previous statement," he said. Al-Jubeir previously said that he did not think the RM2.6 billion was a political donation nor did it come from the Saudi government. Instead, the minister said the money was from an unspecified "investment" in Malaysia..... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338280
- Khairy: With Saudi minister claim, RM2.6b donation issue resolved by N Faizal Ghazali Published 16 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338066
- No need for further probe on RM2.6b donation, says AG Published 17 Apr 2016 Following the Saudi government’s latest statement on the RM2.6 billion donation issue, attorney-general Mohamad Apandi Ali has declared that there is no need for further investigation. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338132
18 April 2016 am: Abu Dhabi shock - missing $3.5 billion has market worrying about 1MDB cross-default? 1MDB now seen as being a victim of fraudsters by Malaysia authorities. Najib sign-offs doesn't mean much? US DOJ and other investigations.
Editor's note: So FGV changes it's CEO, more Malaysia firm declarations of "nothing wrong" but some acknowledgment of fraud by 1MDB fraudsters staffers, and more noises from foreign investigations notably the Swiss asking Singapore to help. An Abu Dhabi extradition for US DOJ and perhaps most actionable is Abu Dhabi potentially triggering a cross-default! Plus a dubious story from Asian Sentinel about the US Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur.
US embassy: Envoy did not speak to Rosmah on 1MDB-linked probe 29 Mar 2016, The United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur has dismissed a news report alleging that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s wife Rosmah Mansor had contacted ambassador Joseph Y Yun with the hope of calling off an investigation related to 1MDB. In its report, the Asia Sentinel also claimed that its attempts to verify this through the US embassy went unanswered. However, in an email communique to Malaysiakini , the embassy said it had no record of any inquiries from the Asian Sentinel regarding the matter.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/335746
State fund dispute puts 1MDB at risk of default - Abu Dhabi fund reportedly not making interest payments to 1MDB bondholders by Leslie Lopez 18 April 2016; A worsening dispute between the state funds of Malaysia and Abu Dhabi over complex billion-dollar transactions is threatening to trigger a major financial crisis for Prime Minister Najib Razak's government.... The row has to do with US$3.54 billion (S$4.8 billion) in payments that 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) says it made in 2012 to units of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), the Abu Dhabi state fund. But IPIC maintains it never received the monies.... The monies are part of payments under a May 2012 agreement, where the London-listed IPIC guaranteed 1MDB bonds valued at US$3.5 billion. In return, 1MDB agreed to make payments as collateral to IPIC's subsidiary Aabar.... The impact of this unravelling dispute will be tested in the coming days because interest payments of about US$50 million to 1MDB bondholders are due tomorrow. Under the bond agreement, which saw IPIC swapping debt for assets from 1MDB, IPIC must make the interest payments.
Malaysian government officials, who spoke to The Straits Times on condition of anonymity, said IPIC has informally told 1MDB that it has no intention of honouring the interest payment because of the alleged default of the bond agreement. For its part, the Najib government has taken the position that it will not step in to cover the payment because it has done nothing wrong....
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/state-fund-dispute-puts-1mdb-at-risk-of-default
Malaysia Central Bank Warned Government in 2014 of 1MDB Risks by Sho Chandra and Shamim Adam April 18, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-17/malaysia-central-bank-warned-government-in-2014-of-1mdb-risks
Why Malays all fired up over Zakir Naik but not 1MDB 15 Apr 2016; Malays are fascinated with religious preachers, such as controversial speaker Dr Zakir Naik, as their talks do not need any thinking, unlike complicated issues such as 1MDB, claims former minister Zaid Ibrahim. "Why are the Malays fascinated with religious preachers? Because preachers need not have any real knowledge, except what they described as divine knowledge. "No understanding is required from the listeners of what they say; they only need to stir up the emotions. "Understanding 1MDB is more arduous; one needs to understand a little about economics, about banking, about how government works and how the prime minister operates in this country," Zaid said in a blog posting today. .... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/338000
1MDB affair a simple confidence trick IFR Asia 938 - April 16, 2016 | By Jonathan Rogers http://www.ifrasia.com/1mdb-affair-a-simple-confidence-trick/21243484.article
Mystery deepens over US$3.5 billion Malaysia's 1MDB sent to BVI entity - The mystery over who controlled a British Virgin Islands-registered company that received US$3.5 billion from Malaysia’s scandal-tainted state fund 1MDB deepened on Monday when a company in the Middle East with an almost identical name said the BVI firm did not belong to it. 11 Apr 2016 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/international/mystery-deepens-over-us-3/2686164.html
Lawyer: PM’s signature on 1MDB documents a formality, doesn’t mean he decides or knows all BY IDA LIM April 13, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/lawyer-pms-signature-on-1mdb-documents-a-formality-doesnt-mean-he-decides-o#sthash.Kp0BmaUK.dpuf
IGP leads 1MDB investigations for cheating and CBT BY EMMANUEL SANTA MARIA CHIN April 14, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-leads-1mdb-investigations-for-cheating-and-cbt#sthash.3hVgDmKT.dpuf
Dissatisfied Kit Siang seeks to reopen PAC probe on 1MDB BY YAP TZU GING April 15, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dissatisfied-kit-siang-seeks-to-reopen-pac-probe-on-1mdb#sthash.CUjVTNlY.dpuf
Arul Kanda: Swiss probe shows 1MDB could be victim of fraud 13 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/337682
Court upholds sabotage charge against 1MDB critic BY MAYURI MEI LIN April 13, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/court-upholds-sabotage-charge-against-1mdb-critic#sthash.nxihVKQV.dpuf
'Below market price' purchases bolstered 1MDB's financials 10 April 2016 http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1756623
Switzerland Expands 1MDB Investigation April 12, 2016 http://www.wsj.com/articles/switzerland-starts-criminal-investigation-of-two-suspects-in-1mdb-probe-1460458287
Swiss Widen 1MDB Probe, Enlisting Help of Luxembourg, Singapore by Hugo Miller April 12, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-12/swiss-widen-1mdb-probe-enlisting-help-of-luxembourg-singapore
1MDB board of directors offers to resign after PAC report 7 April 2016 | MYT 3:52 PM http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/04/07/1mdb-board-of-directors-offers-to-resignation-after-pac-report/
The men who sold 1MDB on a fake Aabar by Zikri Kamarulzaman 14 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/337742
1MDB parliamentary probe blames ex-CEO; board of directors resign APR 7, 2016; The Malaysian parliament's bipartisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has blamed the founding chief executive of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) for the state investor's financial troubles which have rocked market confidence in the country and fuelled calls for Prime Minister Najib Razak's resignation. The panel in charge of reviewing government financial practices, however, did not finger a single politician, or anyone outside the company, in its 100-plus-page report tabled to federal lawmakers on Thursday (April 7), after repeated delays since it began its inquiry last May.
Several hours after the tabling of the report, 1MDB said its board of directors had collectively offered their resignations to the finance ministry....The PAC said in its findings that "former 1MDB chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi must take responsibility for these weaknesses and problems. Enforcement agencies are requested to investigate Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi and anyone else related," the report said in its conclusion....http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-parliamentary-panel-blames-founding-chief-executive-for-1mdb-woes
One57 tower linked to global money-laundering probe By Jennifer Gould Keil March 10, 2016, New York’s first billionaires’ building, One57, was funded by a subsidiary of an Abu Dhabi company linked to a global money-laundering investigation, The Post has learned... http://nypost.com/2016/03/10/one57-linked-to-global-money-laundering-probe/
Global probe on 1MBD finally reaches our shores Yoursay Published 5 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/336514
US asks Deutsche, JPMorgan to give details on 1MDB dealings: Sources Friday, 1 Apr 2016 http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/01/us-asks-deutsche-jpmorgan-to-give-details-on-1mdb-dealings-sources.html
US Justice Dept travels to M’sia for 1MDB probe 1 Apr 2016 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/336095
U.S. Examines Goldman Sachs Role in 1MDB Transactions - FBI and Justice Department gather information about bank’s role in transactions at Malaysia fund http://www.wsj.com/articles/goldman-entangled-in-malaysia-fund-scandal-1444795262
15 Mar 2016: Two Australia journalists deported "for trying to ask the Prime Minister questions," FGV about turn - it is deliberating CEO change and other FGV news
Aussie journalists to be deported immediately BY YU JI 15 March 2016 | MYT 8:33 AM KUCHING: Two Australian journalists, who were told they would not be charged for trying to ask the Prime Minister questions on Saturday, are expected to leave the country immediately. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/15/abc-journalists-to-be-deported/
FGV now says it is deliberating on change of CEO By Meena Lakshana / theedgemarkets.com | March 14, 2016 KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): In an about turn, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) said it is now deliberating on the change of its chief executive officer (CEO), which is currently held by Datuk Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah. "The board of FGV will deliberate on the appointment/change of FGV CEO and will make the requisite announcement immediately upon the receipt of the nomination letter from the relevant authority," it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today. FGV had on Friday issued a statement, saying Emir will continue to serve as its CEO and president, after local media reported that he may be replaced next month.....In a separate filing with Bursa, FGV said the terms and conditions of its two sale and purchase agreements (SPA 1 and SPA 2) regarding the proposed acquisition of a 55% stake in Zhong Ling Nutril-Oil Holdings Ltd for RM976.25 million were made at "arm's length and in the ordinary course of commercial negotiations"... FGV noted that however, the application to one of the regulators was cancelled pending more information on the investment from the group. "To date, no subsequent application has been submitted to the said regulator," it said. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/node/265325?google_editors_picks=true
Wild Asia’s Verification Assessment of FGV’s Labour Management. On the 4th of March 2016 Felda Global Ventures (FGV) issued a public statement1 on the findings of a technical assessment Wild Asia had conducted on behalf of FGV. The statement was published on their website, their social media channels and released to the media. Wild Asia would like to put on record that it does not endorse FGV’s original public statement, which has been made without consultation of Wild Asia...
http://www.wildasia.org/5770/fgv-labour/
RM618,000 to defend 1MDB and Red-Shirt rally, says Salleh BY MARTIN CARVALHO, LOSHANA K SHAGAR, NICHOLAS CHENG, andD. KANYAKUMARI; THE Government spent RM618,000 to print books to defend criticisms against 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the Red-Shirt rally. Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Dr Salleh Said Keruak, in a written reply to Teo Kok Seong (DAP-Rasah), said the books were published to “present facts” in light of the highly-politicised climate surrounding both the state sovereign fund and the racially-charged gathering. A total of RM606,250 was used to print 125,000 copies of 1MDB: Siapa Kata Tidak Dijawab in Malay (100,000 copies), Tamil (15,000) and English (10,000), he added. Dr Salleh Said said the Department of Special Affairs also printed 2,000 Red-Shirt Rally books costing RM12,000.http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/15/rm618000-to-defend-1mdb-and-redshirt-rally-says-salleh/
Note: Felda settlers were reported to be significant participants in the Red Shirt Rally. Journalists also reported that many rally goers were bussed in and some were not aware of the purpose of their trip to KL.
13 Mar 2016: Significant changes in leadership in key Malaysia regulatory and corporate entities - Bank Negara's most senior deputy governor, FGV CEO
Editor's note: In conversation with some KL-ites, interested to hear about significant coverage of BNM's Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim in national media over the weekend, ahead of the announcement of the next Central Bank Governor. Also noteworthy is last week's flip-flop on FGV's CEO. Also notable from last year, the "changing of guard" at PNB's raft of companies, due to policy to retire directors over the age of 70 years. Some significant changes in leadership in key Malaysia regulatory and corporate entities in recent months.
Muhammad’s career spans 32 years in central bank 12 March 2016; AT Bank Negara’s quarterly briefings, he sits unobtrusively on the immediate right of governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Most will recognise him from his distinctive mop of white hair. Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim (pic), 56, is the most senior among the central bank’s three deputy governors. A career central banker, he has been with Bank Negara since April 1984, and next month will mark his 32nd anniversary with the central bank. Muhammad has worked his way through the central bank’s various departments and units in the last three decades. Appointed deputy governor in June 2010, he has served in the areas of bank regulation and supervision, strategic planning, payment systems, insurance, offshore banking and treasury and financial markets. He is a member of the central bank’s crucial monetary policy and financial stability committees.
An accountant by training, he has a graduate degree from Harvard University, a post-graduate diploma in Islamic banking and finance from International Islamic University Malaysia, and completed an advanced management programme with the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in 2010. http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/03/12/muhammads-career-spans-32-years-in-central-bank/
Dramatic change at Felda Global Ventures BY AFIQ ISA 11 March 2016; PETALING JAYA: In a surprising turn of events, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) is set to announce the departure of chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah after a three-year stint at the palm oil firm. The decision was reached after a tumultuous 24-hour period. A source said that FGV made the decision to replace Emir during a board meeting on Wednesday. He had earlier been recalled from the Palm and Lauric Oils Conference and Exhibition 2016 to attend a one-on-one meeting with FGV’s chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad at the company’s premises on that day. “Emir’s top lieutenants learned about the news on Thursday morning. It came as a complete surprise to the staff,” the source said. He is set to be replaced by Datuk Zakaria Arshad, who is the head of the downstream cluster for FGV....
http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/03/11/dramatic-change-at-felda-global-ventures/
Malaysia's Felda Global Ventures says CEO Emir Mavani to stay Reuters – Fri, Mar 11, 2016; KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm plantation operator Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd said on Friday Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah will continue to serve as its chief executive officer and president, after local media reported that he may be replaced next month. According to The Star newspaper, Emir, who has served as CEO for three years, is expected to be replaced by Zakaria Arshad, the head of the company's downstream operations. "Regarding on news reported by The Star today, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV) emphasise that Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah will continue to serve as the president and Chief Executive Officer," FGV said in a statement. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/malaysias-felda-global-ventures-says-013517918.html
12 Mar 2016: 1MDB Adviser to Lead Malaysia’s Central Bank? Missing "bag man"?
Editor's note: 1MDB advisors ranks have changed over time, this is the screenshot of the webpage on 12 Mar 2016 which shows 6 persons and below that from 12 Mar 2015 which shows 8 persons, and notably absent now is Bernard Arnault*, Group Chairman and CEO of LVMH. Interesting to note that China CITIC's Zhenming Chang** is still there.
* Info links from Bloomberg: Bernard Arnault http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=195490&privcapId=195488 and board relationships, http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/relationship.asp?personId=195490 and **Info links from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=8097059&privcapId=877097 and BOARD MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH Zhenming Chang * http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/relationship.asp?personId=8097059, and on webpage, http://www.whartonbeijing09.com/bio-cz.html, notes that Jul. 2004 - Jul. 2006 Vice Chairman and President, China Construction Bank.
* Info links from Bloomberg: Bernard Arnault http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=195490&privcapId=195488 and board relationships, http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/relationship.asp?personId=195490 and **Info links from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=8097059&privcapId=877097 and BOARD MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH Zhenming Chang * http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/relationship.asp?personId=8097059, and on webpage, http://www.whartonbeijing09.com/bio-cz.html, notes that Jul. 2004 - Jul. 2006 Vice Chairman and President, China Construction Bank.
1MDB Adviser to Lead Malaysia’s Central Bank By YANTOULTRA NGUI and TOM WRIGHT March 11, 2016 KUALA LUMPUR—A top government official on the board of advisers of a controversial state investment fund is set to become the new head of the central bank, which had recommended investigating the fund, two people familiar with the matter said. The move comes over the objection of the current central-bank governor, Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who is retiring next month after 16 years in the post and recommended a deputy governor to succeed her, one of the people said....The central bank appointment requires formal confirmation by Malaysia’s king, which is expected..... 
http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-finance-ministry-official-to-be-new-central-bank-chief-1457721640
BSI Singapore banker linked to 1MDB leaves bank 11 March 2016 | MYT 11:34 AM http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/03/11/bsi-singapore-banker-linked-to-1mdb-leaves-bank/
Google translate: In the fall of 2009 Hanspeter Brunner was appointed as head of the headquarters of the BSI in Singapore. At the time the bank has a stated strategy to expand in Asia. Singapore is the place to be. It is in the city-state that the dollars of Asian neoricchi are conveyed (and beyond). Thus, the institution of Ticino, at the time controlled by Generali, decided to focus on this world-class banker. A man who had drawn all his talent at a school rival, RBS Coutts. With the change of team, Brunner carries part of his team: seventy employees from RBS Coutts pass hit the BSI. An exodus seen in banking history....We contacted on the matter the Lugano Institute tells us that "it is not a party to the proceedings involving Mr. Yak Chee Yew". The bank also informs that Yak is no longer an employee. The end of the love story; finished greetings from Lugano. Until the investigations are not taken, however, all was for the best. Bonus millionaires for him and profits hand over fist for the bank: According to the annual report 2014, the Singapore branch of that BSI has doubled its net profit compared to 2013.
Putrajaya axes Dr M as Petronas adviser over anti-Najib declaration - March 11, 2016 http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-axes-dr-m-as-petronas-advisor-over-anti-najib-declaration#sthash.JGmkCICf.dpuf
Singapore Zouk: Najib's son did not cause premature end of guest DJ's set by anjali ragumaran 7 March 2016; ... Social media was rife with alleged news that Norashman bumped off a guest DJ at Zouk so he could helm the decks on Sunday. - The Straits Times /Asia News Network ... http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/03/07/singapore-zouk-najib-son-did-not-cause-premature-end-of-guest-dj-set/
2 Mar 2016: Mahathir resigns UMNO (again), WSJ escalates allegations, US Feds investigate real estate brokers and more, 1MDB Goldman Sachs banker resigned end Feb
Editor's note: Key Malaysia authorities have consistently reassured that WSJ allegations are not true - and WSJ now comes up with even bigger (dollar-wise) allegations. Mahathir resigns UMNO for the second time - the first time was in the period pushing previous PM Abdullah Badawi to resign.
Malaysia PM denounces report he took money from state firm MAR 1, 2016; The office of Malaysia’s scandal-plagued prime minister on Tuesday (March 1) denounced a Wall Street Journal report which alleged that he accepted hundreds of millions of dollars that originated from a state firm he established. The Wall Street Journal report, citing investigators in foreign countries and other anonymous sources with knowledge of the money movements, also said the sums received by Najib Razak may have topped US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion) – far more than previously thought....Najib, 62, and the company – 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), an investment vehicle founded in 2009 – have consistently denied wrongdoing but critics have accused both of failing to provide convincing proof. Najib’s office released a statement saying the newspaper had become a “willing vehicle” for those plotting to oust him, AFP reported. It did not specify who was behind the alleged plot, but former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has led calls for Najib to be removed....The statement did not directly refute the key allegations in the story. It also repeated a Malaysian government claim that the money Najib received was a gift from the Saudi government. No details have been given about the reason for the Saudi “personal donation”, which has not been confirmed by the Saudi government and is widely derided in Malaysia. 1MDB also released a statement repeating its assertion that it had never given money to Najib.... Earlier, Tun Dr Mahathir said Najib should sue the newspaper or the report would be deemed by the public to contain some truths...“If it is not true, the prime minister should sue them for false reporting,'' he was quoted as saying. “If he doesn’t, then there must be some truth to what was said.” http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/more-than-14-billion-transferred-to-malaysia-pm-najibs-accounts-wall-street-journal
Money trail said to show more than $1 billion sent to Malaysian leader’s accounts By Bradley Hope and Tom Wright Published: Feb 29, 2016
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/money-trail-said-to-show-more-than-1-billion-sent-to-malaysian-leaders-accounts-2016-02-29
More than $1bn deposited in Malaysian prime minister's account – report, Wall Street Journal identifies further deposits into private account of Najib Razak, far more than $681m – reportedly a Saudi gift – originally disclosed...Reuters in Kuala Lumpur
Tuesday 1 March 2016, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/01/more-than-1bn-deposited-malaysian-prime-minister-account-najib-razak
Former Malaysia Leader Mahathir Mohamad Resigns From Ruling Party - The country’s longest-serving prime minister said he didn’t want to be associated with a group that he said is seen as supporting corruption, By YANTOULTRA NGUI
Updated Feb. 29, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/former-malaysian-prime-minister-resigns-from-ruling-party-1456741798
Mystery Malaysian high roller at center of global money-laundering probe By Jennifer Gould Keil, February 28, 2016; Real estate brokers in New York are being asked questions about the deals they worked on involving Jho Low, The Post has learned. Federal investigators are probing what could end up being “one of the largest money-laundering frauds in the world,” a source told The Post..... ... Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, finds itself the target of fury in Malaysia. Its chairman for Southeast Asia operations, Tim Leissner, was involved in 1MDB... abruptly returned to the United States, and Leissner resigned from Goldman last week.... The Justice Department’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery program now is investigating the Low-linked real estate purchases. In New York, brokers are “scared,” said another source with direct knowledge of the deals. “They don’t have fancy high-priced lawyers to protect themselves.” Low, meanwhile, is selling — fast. He unloaded three artworks — a Monet, a Picasso and a Basquiat — at a loss for a combined total of $54 million at Sotheby’s in London....http://nypost.com/2016/02/28/malaysia-goldman-sachs-and-mystery-millionaire-probed-in-one-of-worlds-largest-frauds/
"An outright lie": 1MDB slams Wall Street Journal's report that it paid funds to PM Najib - The state investment firm said that the Wall Street Journal’s report on the matter was an “outright lie”, based on “baseless and unproven” allegations. Posted 19 Feb 2016 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/an-outright-lie-1mdb/2529732.html
3 Feb 2016: Bankers' accounts in Singapore 1MDB probe, Mahathir's Son Ousted, Malaysia revised budget hits telcos and plantations
Banker's Accounts Said to Be Frozen in Singapore 1MDB Probe by Andrea Tan February 2, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-02/banker-s-accounts-said-to-be-frozen-amid-singapore-s-1mdb-probe-ik587yuc
Mahathir's Son Ousted as Malaysia Premier Tightens Grip on Power by Pooi Koon Chong Manirajan Ramasamy February 3, 2016 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-03/mahathir-s-son-ousted-as-malaysia-premier-tightens-grip-on-power
Telecommunications – Malaysia - Clarity In Spectrum Reallocation; Not Pricey But Capex Could Rise. Maxis saw a reduction in spectrum holdings while Celcom is likely to see a reduction as well. Meanwhile, Digi and U Mobile have received higher spectrum allocations. Positively, spectrum pricing will not be exorbitant but we note the reallocation will lead to heightened competition and rising capex for Maxis and Celcom to ensure adequate coverage for existing users. Broadly, we view the spectrum reallocation as a negative development for the sector. Maintain MARKET WEIGHT.... https://research.uobkayhian.com/content_download.jsp?id=32363&h=fb56dbb3fc544eb96bc92ed51b8e5f94
Editor's note: Telco counters fell 7-15% on spectrum reallocation news - which aims to raise RM2 billion for federal coffers. RM2.5 billion extra from foreign worker levy is set to raise plantation per tonne cost by 4-5% and plantations stocks dipped.
A reader pointed this out for US DOJ probe example: Scandal-Plagued Soccer Body Seeks Forensic Investigators by Tariq Panja February 4, 2016; A sprawling U.S. Department of Justice investigation alleges money laundering and racketeering stretching back almost 20 years. Conmebol will hire a company to look back only for five years for a "technical reason," said a spokeswoman for Paraguay-based Conmebol.... The group also announced in a statement it had hired the accounting firm Deloitte LLP to work with its newest president Alejandro Dominguez. The 44-year-old Paraguayan has promised to usher in an era of transparency and good governance at the organization, which has long struggled with both.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-03/scandal-plagued-soccer-body-seeks-forensic-investigators
1 Feb 2016: Swiss Probe of Malaysia Fund Sees $4 Billion Possible Misuse
Editor's note: Hot topic in KL this long weekend - the foreign probes (Swiss has declared, what about US DOJ and others?) on 1MDB in contrast to the Malaysia AG declaring the political donation issue all to be fine. Also, social media chatter over timing of the Saudi donor's demise and an important apparent "post-humous" meeting. What's interesting is that the corporate deals of Genting and Tanjong with 1MDB are also highlighted in Swiss AG's letter. Clearly they were not just domestic deals but had international structures and/or money flows?
Swiss to hand over ‘significant evidence’ on RM16.8 billion to Malaysia soon BY DEBORAH LOH, NEWS EDITOR 1 February 2016; .... Lauber said part of the US$4 billion was transferred to Swiss bank accounts held by former public officials from Malaysia as well as past and present public officials from the United Arab Emirates..... “We have found evidence of suspicious money transfers linked to 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) going through Swiss financial institutions, and we believe that it is very important that it is shared with the Malaysian authorities,” the Swiss A-G said. The discovery was made in the course of investigating two former 1MDB officials and others on suspicion of bribery involving foreign public officials..... Malaysian A-G Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali responded to Lauber’s statement the same day, saying he would cooperate with his Swiss counterpart. But Apandi has also stressed that investigations relating to 1MDB were not the same as the case of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s RM2.6 billion political donation, which the A-G has declared closed for lack of evidence of criminal wrongdoing..... Lauber’s media statement was criticised by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said yesterday the Swiss A-G should not have made such findings and his request for Malaysia’s cooperation public. “By making a public statement, in my opinion, it is not good because it not only strains ties between the two countries, but also creates bias in media reports,” Zahid said, adding that such information should have been conveyed through government-to-government channels. The OAG, however, has told Malaysiakini that it regarded Zahid’s remarks as a “political statement” and would not be responding to it. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/swiss-to-hand-over-significant-evidence-on-rm16.8-billion-to-malaysia-#sthash.ktIzLmp7.dpuf
Malaysia’s rep sinking along with Najib’s RM2.6 billion scandal, says Aussie daily 1 February 2016; .. “Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali issued a ‘move along, nothing to see’ order to anyone worried about the donation of such a princely sum to a sitting prime minister’s personal bank account in a country claiming to be a representative democracy,” the editorial said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysias-rep-sinking-along-with-najibs-rm2.6-billion-scandal-says-aussie-d#sthash.imPvUcOE.dpuf
Swiss Probe of Malaysia Fund Sees $4 Billion Possible Misuse by Shamim Adam January 30, 2016;.... The Swiss Attorney-General’s office said in a statement Friday that during an investigation of 1Malaysia Development Bhd., four cases involving allegations of criminal conduct and occurring between 2009 and 2013 have so far come to light. It has been ascertained a small amount of funds were transferred to Swiss accounts of former Malaysian public officials, according to the statement. The Swiss authority is seeking help from the Malaysian attorney general to determine whether funds were misappropriated.
.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-30/swiss-probe-of-malaysia-fund-finds-possible-misuse-of-4-billion
26 January 2016: Malaysia A-G declares no criminal office over RM2.6 billion Najib's accounts, donation was returned. Tabung Haji reserves were in the red, took effort to bolster finances, says pilgrim deposits are safe.
Malaysia AG’s Embarrassing Gaffe Posted on January 27, 2016 By John Berthelsen; Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali’s Jan. 26 press conference to “clear” Prime Minister Najib Razak of wrongdoing over massive amounts of funds in his personal bank account has been turned into a humiliating fiasco by a press photographer using a long lens to photograph the papers he was waving....Nonetheless, another source said, Apandi Ali had worded his statement carefully to say there was “insufficient” evidence to indict Najib, not that there was no evidence, and that in his position as attorney general he was free to make the decision to clear the prime minister. In any case, say well-wired political analysts in Kuala Lumpur, there is virtually no chance to dislodge Najib from his position as prime minister.
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/malaysia-apandi-ali-embarrassing-gaffe/
No criminal offence over RM2.6 billion in Najib’s accounts, case closed, says A-G BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR 26 January 2016 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/a-g-holds-press-conference-to-discuss-src-rm2.6-billion-probes#sthash.sjsHdkbK.dpuf
Najib returned donation to Saudis in August 2013, says A-G 26 January 2016 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-returned-donation-to-saudis-in-august-2013-says-a-g#sthash.S0CW9OpY.dpuf
Tabung Haji confirms Bank Negara’s warning, says deposits safe BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ....Lembaga Tabung Haji today confirmed Bank Negara had warned it in a letter that its liabilities outweighed its assets, but assured contributors that their deposits were safe and that the pilgrims' fund was not facing any financial difficulty. It said Bank Negara's evaluation had not taken into account the pilgrims fund's investment portfolios, such as the shares of its subsidiaries, its plantation assets and property. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-confirms-bank-negaras-warning-says-deposits-safe#sthash.1OAmfgeQ.dpuf
Bank Negara lauds Tabung Haji’s bolstering of finances BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ...nearly nine million depositors... Meanwhile, Bank Negara today said it issued advisories to non-bank financial institutions such as Tabung Haji to ensure they continued to be well managed and performed their roles effectively. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bank-negara-lauds-tabung-hajis-bolstering-of-finances#sthash.weQzDPr0.dpuf
Tabung Haji reserves in the red, warns Bank Negara BY ANISAH SHUKRY 26 January 2016; ....Tabung Haji reportedly has only 98 sen in assets for every RM1 in liability. Bank Negara says its predicament is because of the practice of declaring higher dividends than it can afford... Tabung Haji’s deposits were highly concentrated among a small number of contributors – 5% of whom owned 75% of the total deposits. This exposed the pilgrims’ fund to the risk of a mass withdrawal of deposits, should contributors lose faith in it, she said....Last year, Tabung Haji courted controversy when it purchased 0.64ha land in Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) for RM188 million from 1Malaysia Development (1MDB) to develop a residential tower. It paid 43 times the price the debt-ridden 1MDB had paid for the plot, which it bought from the federal government five years ago. Following public backlash, Tabung Haji in May vowed to sell off the land at a profit, but until today, there has been no news of the sale. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-reserves-in-the-red-warns-bank-negara#sthash.2U5fumU0.dpuf
Tabung Haji 2014 Annual Report info and link here:
https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Lembaga+Tabung+Haji+Annual+Report+2014+%28small%29.pdf
5 January 2016: Confusion over 1MDB’s Bandar Malaysia deal with China Railway Group-IWH (Lim Kang Hoo)
Confusion over 1MDB’s Bandar Malaysia deal By Ben Shane Lim / The Edge Financial Daily | January 5, 2016; ....China Railway Group Ltd’s filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has created some confusion over the exact value of 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) sale of a 60% stake in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd, to a 60:40 consortium of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd and China Railway Engineering Corp (M) Sdn Bhd (CREC).... 1MDB last week announced that the 60% stake in the 486-acre (197ha) piece of land was transacting at RM7.41 billion. However, CREC’s Hong Kong-listed parent, China Railway, announced that the cost was only RM5.28 billion. “On Dec 31, 2015, the joint venture (IWH-CREC Sdn Bhd) entered into the share sale agreement with 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDBRE), pursuant to which the Joint Venture will purchase 60% of the equity interest in Bandar Malaysia held by 1MDBRE at a price of RM5.28 billion, among which CREC will pay RM2.64 billion of the share purchase price”, wrote CREC in its announcement to the stock exchange......For perspective, this would change the total gross valuation of the Bandar Malaysia land from RM12.35 billion to RM8.8 billion. So how did the massive difference arise?.... For starters, it is important to note that the RM7.41 billion figure that was touted at the execution of the share sale and purchase agreement on new year’s eve, did not take into account the liabilities and encumbrances that would come with the land. It is understood that the 486-acre Bandar Malaysia land deal, would come with strings attached — a RM2.4 billion sukuk, as well as the relocation of the Kuala Lumpur Air Force Base (PUKL) to a new site, which will cost RM2.7 billion. This includes the land acquisition and the construction of new bases.......The Chinese, in their announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, appear to have priced in these liabilities and encumbrances at RM3.55 billion. IWH-CREC’s 60% share of this figure works out to RM2.13 billion — the difference between the earlier RM7.41 billion number and the RM5.28 billion that CREC announced.... Hence, despite last week’s fanfare over the RM7.41 billion deal, it appears that 1MDB and the consortium still have lots of kinks in the deal to iron out. Mainly, how much liability and encumbrances that the consortium will assume.... In turn, this could determine how much cash the debt-ridden fund will be able to raise from the sale of Bandar Malaysia land. Note that the exact amount of the liability, and how it will be transacted, is still being finalised.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/node/251660?google_editors_picks=true
3 January 2016: WSJ news links on 1MDB - FBI Eyes ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Ties to Malaysian Fund, 1MDB Scandal: Najib Razak and Power in Malaysia
Note: Watchers have been commenting on the rather simplistic method apparently used in apparent problem of money sent by 1MDB to the "wrong" account not actually belonging to its business partner... Malaysia’s 1MDB Sent $850 Million to Entity Set Up to Appear Owned by Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund - Transfer deepens mystery over 1MDB state-investment fund, which is under investigation in at least six countries By Bradley Hope Updated Dec. 17, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-1mdb-sent-850-million-to-entity-set-up-to-appear-owned-by-abu-dhabi-wealth-fund-14503330251MDB Sells Majority Stake in Real-Estate Project for $1.7 Billion - State investment firm seeks to cut debt By Yantoultra Ngui and P.R. Venkat Updated Dec. 31, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/1mdb-sells-majority-stake-in-real-estate-project-for-1-7-billion-1451529902
You Ask, We Answer: Eight Questions About Malaysia’s 1MDB Scandal Dec 30, 2015 http://blogs.wsj.com/dispatch/2015/12/30/you-ask-we-answer-eight-questions-about-malaysias-1mdb-scandal/
FBI Eyes ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Ties to Malaysian Fund at Center of Corruption Probe By Bradley Hope Dec 29, 2015 http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2015/12/29/fbi-probes-wolf-of-wall-street-ties-to-malaysian-fund/
1MDB and the Money Network of Malaysian Politics - Prime Minister Najib Razak tapped wealth fund to ease ruling-party’s victory By Tom Wright and Bradley Hope Updated Dec. 28, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-money-network-of-malaysian-politics-1451355113
1MDB Scandal: Najib Razak and Power in Malaysia 12/28/2015; Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak is in the spotlight since investigators traced $700 million linked to the government fund 1MDB to his personal bank accounts. His personal history is intertwined with Malaysia's unique political system. http://www.wsj.com/video/1mdb-scandal-najib-razak-and-power-in-malaysia/D95F00B0-53DB-4E4E-86C7-D95AD97CF1E6.html
16 December 2015: Australia federal court orders 1MDB linked funds to shut
Australia shuts down investment schemes run by fund linked to 1MDB Published: 15 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/australia-shuts-down-investment-schemes-run-by-fund-linked-to-1mdb#sthash.EQRciROD.dpufTabling of A-G’s final 1MDB report tomorrow postponed, says PAC head Published: 16 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabling-of-a-gs-1mdb-final-report-tomorrow-postponed-says-pac-head#sthash.3fjGkri1.dpuf
We’re investigating allegation of tycoons backing Dr Mahathir against Najib, says IGP Published: 16 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/were-investigating-allegation-of-tycoons-backing-dr-mahathir-against-najib#sthash.1wNPW6b8.dpuf
14 December 2015: Edra charts new course, 1MDB land gets three bids?UMNO GA news links - PM Najib "tightens grip"?
Note: 1MDB crisis eases as asset sales have gotten underway and UMNO support holds with PAS draw-in and opposition alliance in effective disarray? China investor interests interest in 1MDB assets regarded by KL-ites to be associated to other future railway and nuclear project proposals. Is Malaysia, despite being on track to go with the US-led geopolitically strategic TPPA, still astride its favourite geopolitical fence seat again? Notably, China is coming up with a lot of hard cash, while TPPA is something that Malaysia business may benefit from (if it works hard to ready itself Jan 2016-Jan 2017), and which locks in some key Bumiputera business interests.Oil Slump Now Biggest Risk for Malaysia Debt as 1MDB Mess Fixed by Elffie Chew and Lilian Karunungan December 11, 2015; Fitch warns 2016 deficit may exceed prime minister's target. Default risk heads for biggest quarterly drop in four years. As Malaysia’s debt-ridden state investment company finds buyers for its assets, investors say slumping oil is the biggest threat still hanging over the nation’s finances. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-10/1mdb-fix-leaves-oil-as-malaysia-debt-risk-with-najib-digging-in
Edge Weekly - Edra charts new course By Surin Murugiah / theedgemarkets.com | December 14, 2015 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/edra-charts-new-course
Ringgit declines as China seen allowing weak yuan with new index By Bloomberg / Bloomberg | December 14, 2015 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/article/ringgit-declines-china-seen-allowing-weak-yuan-new-index
1MDB land gets three bids?
Chinese Railway Builder, Malaysian Tycoon Join in Bid for 1MDB Land - State-run Malaysian property firm also makes offer for stake in central Kuala Lumpur plot By P.R. Venkat And Yantoultra Ngui Dec. 8, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-railway-builder-malaysian-tycoon-join-in-bid-for-1mdb-land-1449575511
Kang Hoo puts deposit by cecilia kok 8 December 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2015/12/08/kang-hoo-puts-deposit/?style=biz
1MDB will consider late bid by Desmond Lim By Jose Barrock / The Edge Malaysia | December 8, 2015; 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is understood to be considering a late bid by businessman Tan Sri Desmond Lim, partnering a Qatari state-owned firm, even though it was made after the tender closed. This means there are now three interested parties keen on acquiring a 60% stake in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which owns 486 acres of the former Sungai Besi Air Force Base, sources say. Desmond’s bid is understood to be about RM15 billion, vying with that of earlier front runner, Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo’s Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH), in partnership with China Railway Construction Corp Ltd (CRCC). http://www.theedgeproperty.com.my/content/1mdb-will-consider-late-bid-desmond-lim
source: photo of front page of The Sun, Malaysia
- Umno grassroots buy party pitch on DAP as main enemy BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 14 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-grassroots-buy-party-pitch-on-dap-as-main-enemy#sthash.XmHiTgxu.dpuf
- Najib tightens grip, draws Umno, PAS closer after assembly Published: 14 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-tightens-grip-draws-umno-pas-closer-after-assembly#sthash.oD7XSxiu.dpuf
- ‘Najib’s offer to make up shows he is ready to forgive’ By The Malaysian Insider / The Edge Financial Daily http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/%E2%80%98najib%E2%80%99s-offer-make-shows-he-ready-forgive%E2%80%99
- DPM: BN hampered without two-thirds majority By Nabihah Hamid of The Malaysian Insider / The Edge Financial Daily | December 14, 2015 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/dpm-bn-hampered-without-two-thirds-majority
- Bread and butter issues will decide outcome of next election, say Umno activists By Sheridan Mahavera of The Malaysian Insider / The Edge Financial Daily | December 14, 2015 http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/bread-and-butter-issues-will-decide-outcome-next-election-say-umno-activists
- PAS loses shine with campus students BY ZULKIFLI SULONG, FEATURES AND ANALYSIS EDITOR Published: 14 December 2015 http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pas-loses-shine-with-campus-students
8 December 2015: Ahead of UMNO GA - Q&A with PM Najib, Security Bill, Najib on RM2.6 billion "My conscience is clear." 1MDB: Any power tariff hike has no links to Edra sale, Bandar Malaysia SPA by Dec 31, Swiss Probe
Q&A with PM Najib Razak 8 December 2015... The following is the full interview with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, ahead of the Umno General Assembly which begins today.... http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/116098/qa-pm-najib-razak
Security Bill gives Najib-led council sweeping powers December 5, 2015; Malaysia’s Parliament approved a new law this week that gives sweeping security powers to a council led by Prime Minister Najib Razak, amid protests by opposition politicians and civil society groups that say its widespread powers could easily be abused by the government....The legislation, which was passed late on Thursday night by a majority vote, gives the NSC — chaired by Mr Najib — the authority to take command of Malaysian security forces and impose strict policing in an area deemed to face a security risk. Once a security area is declared, security forces would then be allowed, among other things, to impose curfews, and would have wide powers of arrest, search and seizure without a warrant. The Bill would also permit the destruction of unoccupied structures if they were deemed to pose a threat and allow investigators to dispense with formal inquests into killings by the police or armed forces in designated security areas. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim said during Thursday’s debate that the Bill deals only with security threats in specific areas, while provisions for declaring an Emergency under the Constitution deal with large-scale crises.
Why the rush to enact NSC Bill, Amanah asks BY NABIHAH HAMID Published: 8 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-the-rush-to-enact-nsc-bill-amanah-asks#sthash.Pmtt0lrk.dpuf
RM2.6b – donor wanted it in my account, says Najib by Bernama Published Today 12:33 am https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/322516
Najib on RM2.6 billion: My conscience is clear By A. Jalil Hamid and Syed Umar Ariff - 8 December 2015; ...KUALA LUMPUR: Insisting that his conscience is clear, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he did not breach any regulations in the case involving the RM2.6 billion in political funding and said the truth would prevail. In a wide-ranging interview ahead of today’s Umno general assembly, Najib, who is Umno president, outlined four points to set the record straight on the issue that has dogged his premiership. These include the fact that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had recorded a statement from the anonymous donor and that the agency had confirmed that the money was not public funds or from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).... Najib also dismissed the notion that Umno is no longer democratic, saying that it was him who pushed for greater democratic reform by allowing 160,000 members from the grassroots to elect an Umno president, unlike previous leaders. Asked if his ties with Dr Mahathir could be repaired, Najib said: “I don’t know. We will see. But he has been very personal. I can accept policy differences but not (him being) too personal...http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/116066/najib-rm26-billion-my-conscience-clear
Why didn’t Muhyiddin seek info on 1MDB while in Cabinet, says Najib Published: 8 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-didnt-muhyiddin-seek-info-on-1mdb-while-in-cabinet-says-najib#sthash.4a00Ag8J.dpuf
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency met donor of funds in PM’s account: report By AT Editor on December 7, 2015 From Reuters) Malaysia’s anti-graft agency has interviewed the donor behind deposits of 2.6 billion ringgit ($617.3 million) that were placed in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank account, the New Straits Times reported on its website on Monday, citing an agency official. The report comes after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) questioned Najib for two-and-a-half hours on Saturday, in a case that has prompted calls for the prime minister’s resignation. http://atimes.com/2015/12/malaysias-anti-graft-agency-met-donor-of-funds-in-pms-account-report/
PM: Attacks on 1MDB are all lies and not facts by rahimy rahim 7 December 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/12/07/just-a-war-of-perception-pm-attacks-on-1mdb-are-all-lies-and-not-facts/
Not Umno’s responsibility to resolve 1MDB issue, says Hishammuddin Published: 5 December 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/not-umnos-responsibility-to-resolve-1mdb-issues-says-hishammuddin#sthash.cHq1W3fe.dpuf
Malaysia DPM Zahid's answers on 1MDB spark outcry Dec 4, 2015 by Eunice Au Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday the RM2.6 billion (S$865 million) found in Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank accounts was from a "political donation" but did not name the donor, nor did he say if the funds have all been used up. He also told a Parliament sitting that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which had been investigating the source of the funds, had said in August that the money was not from state investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), as had been alleged. MACC has identified who the donor is, while the central bank had been told that Datuk Seri Najib was opening the bank account. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-dpm-zahids-answers-on-1mdb-spark-outcry
1MDB: Any power tariff hike has no links to Edra sale 8 December 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/12/08/1mdb-any-power-tariff-hike-has-no-links-to-edra-sale/
Bandar Malaysia SPA by Dec 31, says 1MDB by Alexander Winifred December 8, 2015 http://www.themalaysianreserve.com/new/story/bandar-malaysia-spa-dec-31-says-1mdb
Swiss Probe of Malaysia’s 1MDB Puts Falcon Bank in Spotlight - Small Zurich-based wealth manager landed in middle of controversy around Malaysian government fund By John Letzing in Zurich and Bradley Hope in New York Dec. 3, 2015; The investigators have said publicly that they are probing suspected money laundering and possible corruption of foreign officials. Their probe, and others in Malaysia and Singapore, have landed Falcon in the middle of the controversy around 1MDB, which was set up to spur growth and is now caught up in allegations of political corruption... Falcon kept a relatively low profile for decades as a unit of U.S. insurance giant American International Group Inc., focusing mostly on wealth management for Swiss clients. When the insurer nearly collapsed during the financial crisis in 2009, its Swiss bank was sold to an Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund. The bank then became entangled in a number of transactions involving 1MDB....http://www.wsj.com/articles/swiss-probe-of-malaysias-1mdb-puts-falcon-bank-in-spotlight-1449124385
1 December 2015: Ahead of UMNO GA - Najib critics to face disciplinary board, Mahathir and other complainants
Najib’s critics will have to face disciplinary board: UMNO December 1, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/najibs-critics-will-have-face-disciplinary-board-umno
Blind support for Najib will see Umno fall, Dr Mahathir tells grassroots Published: 30 November 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/blind-support-for-najib-will-see-umno-fall-dr-mahathir-tells-grassroots?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.bq5Y5fVy.dpuf
Calling Najib ‘national disgrace’, youth says many too scared to criticise PM, Umno BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 29 November 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/calling-najib-national-disgrace?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.QDCLNv8h.dpuf
30 Nov 2015: Muhyiddin warns Malay support for Umno down to 30pct
Muhyiddin warns Malay support for Umno down to 30pct by Hafiz Yatim Today 8:34 am; Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has warned that Malay support for the nationalist party has dwindled to 30 percent, while 78 percent are unsatisfied with the present state of the economy. Citing a survey by the Merdeka Center, Muhyiddin said Malay support for Umno over the years has been above 50 percent....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/321532
28 Nov 2015: 1MDB power assets sale to China for RM9.83/US$2.3 billion with "misadventure" RM2.79 billion loss and debt of RM12 billion still to be paid. China clout to grow just after TPPA deal moving ahead. Bank Negara fines AmBank over 1MDB related transactions? Kevin Morais mystery (thumb drive of evidence?), WSJ and New York-related allegations on 1MDB-Najib issues.
Editor's note: UMNO General Assembly is set for 8-12 December. Quite a slew of 1MDB and related news.1MDB Edra power asset sale
Minister: 1MDB-CGN’s RM9.83b deal nothing to do with nuclear power project in Malaysia November 26, 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/minister-1mdb-cgns-rm9.83b-deal-nothing-to-do-with-nuclear-power-project-in#sthash.1cXMgUkU.dpuf
Mahathir "1MDB EXITS POWER BUSINESS" has 11 points on www.chedet.cc
Review by The Edge, 28 Nov 2015: "Since 1MDB confirmed that TNB had lost out to DBN, TNB's share price rallied by 4.5%... if TNB's shareholders are happy that it didn't pay RM8 billion for Edra, then the RM9.83 billion bid from CGN can't be too bad for 1MDB.. the price CGN is paying is in line with valuations that Edra was hoping to achieve.... (but)... The bottom line is the disposal of Edra makes it painfully clear that 1MDB's venture into the power sector has failed to crate value. With the assets completely sold off, all 1MDB has to show for its misadventure into the power sector is billions in losses (RM2.79 billion) and debt of around RM12 billion that still has to be paid....."
source: The Edge special review, 28 Nov 2015
Malaysia's 1MDB in China power deal that's moving markets by Karishma Vaswani Asia business correspondent 25 November 2015 http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34918740
China’s Clout in Malaysia Set to Grow After 1MDB Deal - The $2.3 billion deal to buy 1MDB’s power assets is likely to boost China’s influence in Southeast Asia, By P.R. Venkat in Singapore and Rick Carew in Hong Kong Nov. 24, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-clout-in-malaysia-set-to-grow-after-1mdb-deal-1448362952
UPDATE 2-Malaysia's struggling 1MDB sells power assets to Chinese firm for $2.3 bln Nov 23, 2015 http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/23/malaysia-1mdb-china-idUSL3N13I2SX20151123#hzjMym089TLbODxX.99
Kevin Morais mystery (thumb drive of evidence?) - UMNO reactions, Perak datukship, Charles Morais SD, Morais family dispute
Explosive SD: 'Bad script, bad actor, good timing' 26 Nov 2015; ..."Charles' incredible allegation of murder surfaced long after the incident but just before Umno's AGM. Nice timing,".... Abdul Rahman, who is also urban well-being, housing and local government minister, dismissed the allegations regarding a purported charge sheet against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/321124
Strange things are happening in Umno, says Muhyiddin, 27 Nov 2015'..."To these people, I would like to remind them, remember, Umno is not a party belonging to any individual. "It is a party for all Malays. Do not hurt the Malays with your actions that are untrustworthy and irresponsible," he said. Muhyiddin said he regretted and was saddened by the decision to sack Hamidah, purportedly for merely attending a function to welcome former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad's return from overseas. Mahathir is a staunch critic of Najib and has vowed to unseat him as prime minister. https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/321343
Mendiang Kevin Morais dianugerah darjah Perak bergelar Datuk 27 Nov 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/321241
Kevin Morais’ murder linked to probe into ‘government official’, says brother November 26, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/kevin-moraiss-murder-linked-probe-government-official-says-brother
Statutory Declaration of Charles Morais November 26, 2015 By Charles Morais http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/statutory-declaration-charles-morais/
Slain Malaysian Prosecutor Tied to Najib Probe - Brother of victim found in oil drum contradicts AG’s claim the dead man had nothing to do with case, November 26, 2015 By John Berthelsen http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/murdered-malaysia-prosecutor-anthony-kevin-morais-najib-graft/
Family dispute breaks out over body of Kevin Morais by nicholas cheng November 25, 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/25/dispute-kevin-morais-body/
Kevin Morais, Shaharuddin Ibrahim honoured with integrity awards Published: 5 November 2015 The special award was presented by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low and received by their family members, namely Kevin's youngest brother, Datuk Richard Morais and Shaharuddin's wife, Datin Rahimah Ibrahim - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/kevin-morais-shaharuddin-ibrahim-honoured-with-integrity-awards#sthash.0oFj8w5U.dpuf
AmBank fine by central bank
Bank Negara fine due to weaknesses in reporting systems, says AmBank Published: 27 November 2015 11:48 PM AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group) said the RM53.7 million penalty imposed on it by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) was a result of weaknesses in its reporting systems and processes. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/bank-negara-fine-due-to-weaknesses-in-reporting-systems-says-ambank#sthash.R0ZIJX7P.dpuf
source: The Edge editorial page, 28 Nov 2015
WSJ and New York-related allegations on 1MDB-Najib issues
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded - How Millions Went Missing, A Malaysian government investment fund is embroiled in a corruption scandal that is roiling an important U.S. ally. Government investigators say nearly $700 million was deposited into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank account. More money is believed missing. The fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., is under investigation in at least five countries. Mr. Najib and 1MDB have denied wrongdoing and say they are cooperating with investigators Published Nov. 22, 2015 http://graphics.wsj.com/1mdb-decoded/?mod=videorelated
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded: Campaign Cash 11/23/2015 9:55PM - How a multibillion dollar power plant deal by Malaysia’s 1MDB is connected to spending during a tight national election campaign. http://www.wsj.com/video/malaysia-1mdb-decoded-campaign-cash/9F8987EB-5C32-46F4-BC4A-3D7BC4B4C0EF.html?mod=djemWMP_h
Malaysia's 1MDB Decoded: The Prime Minister's Bank Accounts 11/23/2015 9:54PM How nearly $700 million ended up in bank accounts allegedly controlled by Malaysia’s prime minister during a tight national election campaign http://www.wsj.com/video/malaysia-1mdb-decoded-the-prime-minister-bank-accounts/8115DD7D-44AB-4B9F-9EC4-4FF3281ACDC7.html?mod=djemWMP_h
Najib’s son-in-law lodges police report against DAP MP, says portal Published: 27 November 2015; ....Daniyar Kesikbayev who was represented by lawyer Noorhajran Mohd Noor at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, also wants the Raub MP to prove his claim that a "deal was inked" by Najib over a government office in New York in September, the report said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-son-in-law-lodges-police-report-against-dap-mp-says-portal#sthash.6wXfnqvt.dpuf
Najib’s in-law threatens store after being accused of taking 12 Hermes bags Published: 20 November 2015 4:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-in-law-threatens-store-after-being-accused-of-taking-12-hermes-bags#sthash.FkXTwJH2.dpuf
15 November 2015: 1MDB to hold assets RM10-12/US$2.3-2.7 billion after reorganisation, 1MDB tops Bank Negara briefing, Dr M says he'll keep asking Najib to step down, Did US firm earn US$69/RM300 million for paperwork in 1MDB solar project? 1MDB to Have at Least 10 Billion Ringgit in Assets After Revamp. Arul Kanda explains high bank service fees and more.
1MDB to Have at Least 10 Billion Ringgit in Assets After Revamp by Anuradha Raghu November 14, 2015; 1Malaysia Development Bhd., the debt-ridden state investment company that nearly defaulted earlier this year, will hold between 10 billion ringgit to 12 billion ringgit ($2.3 billion to $2.7 billion) worth of assets after its proposed reorganization, according to President and Group Executive Director Arul Kanda. This includes a 40 percent stake in Bandar Malaysia, a property project, and land worth about 5 billion ringgit to 6 billion ringgit in the Tun Razak Exchange development, Kanda said at a public forum in Kuala Lumpur Saturday http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-14/1mdb-to-have-at-least-10-billion-ringgit-in-assets-after-revamp
1MDB issue top topic at Malaysian central bank's briefing Nov 14, 2015; Asked whether the central bank had made any mistake in the investigation on 1MDB's investments abroad, Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz replied with an emphatic "No".She said the central bank would evaluate 1MDB's response and make an assessment on the information received. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/1mdb-issue-top-topic-malaysian-central-banks-briefing#sthash.27CuYxMo.dpuf
Dr Mahathir says he may be charged but will continue to ask Najib to step down P. Divakaran Saturday, Nov 14, 2015; On Nov 6, a team of investigators from Bukit Aman questioned the former prime minister for 45 minutes at the Al-Bukhary Foundation building.Dr Mahathir stressed that there was nothing wrong with attending a street demonstration that demanded the resignation of a democratically elected Prime Minister and said that such occurrences were "normal" in a democracy.... He claimed that stopping investigations on the RM2.6 billion in Najib's personal account practically proves that the Prime Minister fears the investigations might prove allegations against him have substance."Defamation is only defamation if you say something that is false about a person. Prove that what I said is false then sue me for defamation," Dr Mahathir said. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/dr-mahathir-says-he-may-be-charged-will-continue-ask-najib-step-down#sthash.L6hNzI4e.dpuf
Questions on other 1MDB deals
Did firm earn RM300 million for paperwork in 1MDB solar project, asks PKR lawmaker Published: 12 November 2015, The private equity fund was Yurus Private Equity I, LP, which in April 2014, entered a master joint venture agreement with 1MDB Synergy Sdn Bhd on the proposed development of solar power plants that could generated up to 500MW in Malaysia. Six months later, on October 2, 2014, 1MDB announced that it had brought from Yurus a 49% rights under the master joint venture agreement for US$69 million (RM300 million). http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/did-firm-earn-rm300-million-for-paperwork-in-1mdb-solar-project-asks-pkr-la#sthash.7mwT7Sfi.RXEN47ys.dpuf
1MDB’s Latest Act: Two Obama Fundraisers, One Fugee and $69 Million - There are no allegations of wrongdoing, but the deal has generated controversy in Malaysia By Bradley Hope Nov. 11, 2015 http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-funds-latest-act-two-obama-fundraisers-one-fugee-and-69-million-1447292365
Tens of thousands of jobs at risk with latest 1MDB move, says Rafizi Published: 13 November 2015, Rafizi said that a rule stating that foreign firms can own no more than 49% equity in a power producer would be lifted to allow a China-Qatar consortium to buy over energy assets of debt-laden 1MDB. The PKR vice-president added that by getting rid of equity ownership limits, big China companies would then be able to out-bid and out-compete local companies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad for future independent power producer (IPP) contracts.. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tens-of-thousands-of-jobs-at-risk-with-latest-1mdb-move-says-rafizi#sthash.TbUMoGoq.dpuf
Why would 1MDB sell most of Bandar Malaysia? by TigerTalk Published 13 Nov 2015 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/319406
From 1MDB's presentation
1MDB clarifies reports on Forum Perdana - Nov 15, 2015: Below is a statement issued today by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) clarifying issues raised at the Forum Perdana earlier in the day:... At the Forum Perdana in PWTC earlier today, Arul Kanda, the President & Group Executive Officer of 1MDB, provided a detailed briefing on 1MDB and replied without reservation to various pointed and pertinent questions raised by the audience. This briefing was open to all Malaysians and covered by various media organisations, including alternative media. http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/11/15/1mdb-clarifies-reports-on-forum-perdana/
We paid above market price for plants to keep power tariffs low for rakyat, 1MDB chief says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/we-overpaid-for-plants-to-keep-power-tariffs-low-for-rakyat-1mdb-chief-says#sthash.paTCghBW.dpuf
1MDB’s RM5b services fees for RM42b loan justified as payment spread over five years, president says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14, 2015 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/1mdbs-rm5b-fee-to-goldman-sachs-justified-as-payment-spread-over-5-years-pr#sthash.wYEm2pRj.dpuf
1MDB still has RM4b in Cayman Island, Arul Kanda now says By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday November 14 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-still-has-rm4b-in-cayman-island-arul-kanda-now-says#sthash.jrLHnnl6.dpuf
1MDB started with minimal debt, Arul says by nurbaiti hamdanandp. divakaran November 15, 2015 http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/15/1MDB-started-with-minimal-debt-Arul-says-Debt-needed-to-fund-beneficial-projects/
16 October 2015: Johor Crown Prince says should not be associated with "the mess," Bank Negara's 1MDB move vital for integrity - Zeti
Johor has right to secede if Putrajaya breaches federation’s terms, says crown prince October 16, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Ibrahim has asserted the southern state has a right to secede from Malaysia if it finds a breach to the terms agreed...Tunku Ismail also said the Johor royal family should not be associated with “the mess” currently affecting the country, adding that it has always been strong, independent and resourceful.....The call for Johor’s secession has been picking up steam online, with social media posts depicting pictures of imaginary Johor currencies—Johor dollar and Johor dinar—going viral earlier this month - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/johor-has-right-to-secede-if-putrajaya-breaches-federations-terms-says-crow#sthash.xryVGSvu.dpuf
Bank Negara's 1MDB move vital for integrity - Zeti by Bloomberg | Published on October 12, 2015 16:04 MYT; Malaysia’s central bank had to take action against a debt-ridden state investment company to protect the integrity of the financial system, according to Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who said an improvement in the country’s political situation would help the ringgit. The attorney general’s office earlier this month dismissed the central bank’s second request for criminal proceedings against 1Malaysia Development Bhd. for breaching the Exchange Control Act. Bank Negara Malaysia revoked three permissions given to 1MDB for investments abroad totaling $1.83 billion, and instructed it to repatriate the amount...."He has the right to make that assessment," Zeti said, referring to the attorney general. "But for the central bank we believe it is very, very important to comply with our rules and regulations that we have in place. This is vital, it’s critical for the functioning of the financial system" and its integrity, she said.... http://english.astroawani.com/business-news/bank-negaras-1mdb-move-vital-integrity-zeti-76161
1MDB files police report over leaked confidential information by Bernama | Published on October 12, 2015 22:37 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-files-police-report-over-leaked-confidential-information-76201
1MDB: Zeti's efforts a big 'jihad'- Perlis Mufti by Suganthi Suparmaniam, Astro Awani | Published on October 12, 2015 15:07 MYT ; In his Facebook post, Mohd Asri described what Zeti was doing as a big 'jihad'. KUALA LUMPUR: Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has commended Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz for her stand on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). In his Facebook post, Mohd Asri described what Zeti was doing as a big 'jihad.... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-zetis-efforts-big-jihad-perlis-mufti-76152
'No hidden hands in 1MDB case, only uncooperative witnesses' by Zikri Kamarulzaman Published 12 Oct 2015, 7:39 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315509
The Edge can continue printing, High Court rules By HIDIR REDUAN - 13 October 2015 @ 11:29 AM http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/10/edge-can-continue-printing-high-court-rules
10 October 2015: Malaysia central bank revokes approval on 1MDB transfer, AG exoneration of 1MDB gets slew of questions, Tony Pua - Bilahari verbal spat and context
Editor's note: In Malaysia this week, the Council of Rulers adds a new rhetoric and moral messaging to all Malaysians. Emerging out of it, important viewpoints from wordsmith Kadir Jasin, who writes of "insult to the rulers" and the risk of being disloyal (Malay: derhaka). Thus, this your non-Malay literate editor has picked up more vocabulary. We had donation (Malay: derma) and from the Rulers statement, an important point of Islamic jurisprudence - fard kafaa'i for 'collective compulsory duty' (Malay: fardhu kifayah). Bank Negara Malaysia announced on Friday revoking some approvals it made to 1MDB. There's a slew of questions from various quarters to the AG over its clearing of 1MDB. Also, a fascinating Singapore-Malaysia cross-border "war of words" over various aspirations in Malaysia for a remedy of economic woes linked to 1MDB and the Malaysia political economy; and the role of Singapore as a financial center and in deal making. Sultanah of Johor fund has been offering support to Malaysian students overseas facing difficulty with the fall of the Ringgit.
Background notes and research questions: In the Red Shirt KL rally last month were statements by Perkasa trying to link DAP to PAP* of Singapore (various news reports including this: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/for-red-shirt-rally-goers-dap-the-biggest-threat-to-malay-unity). Down south in Singapore, the PAP in its recent General Election garnered a very large 10%-age swing in popular vote, flummoxing hopes of its political opposition to win more support and a stronger voice in its legislature). Singapore news and social media highlights that fears of ethnic and other issues were quite prominent. But one can ask how many Malaysia voters at Bersih care greatly for political change out of some principle (say, to promote a two-party system) or just out of sheer economic frustration. In conversation with some KL-ites who are irate with the political situation here, it is quite apparent that if they were transplanted to Singapore, they would surely be highly supportive and likely key voters for the PAPs economic record and promise.
Bank Negara Malaysia revokes earlier approval to 1MDB. AG faces slew of questions.
Bank Negara revokes 1MDB foreign transfers, orders RM7.5 billion sent home Published: 9 October 2015 7:14 PM | Updated: 9 October 2015 11:10 PM; Bank Negara Malaysia today said that its investigations showed troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had secured permissions for investments abroad based on inaccurate or incomplete disclosure of information. In a statement, the central bank said it had revoked three permissions granted to 1MDB for investments abroad totalling US$1.83 billion (RM7.53 billion) and directed the company to repatriate the funds to Malaysia. Bank Negara had recommended to the attorney-general (A-G) to initiate criminal prosecution against 1MDB for breaches under the Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECA) and added that the decision lay solely with the A-G. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bank-negara-revokes-1mdb-foreign-transfers-orders-rm7.5-billion-sent-home#sthash.rZJf12H0.dpuf
Kadir Jasin: Apandi knows sultans well-informed on 1MDB by Malaysiakini Published 9 Oct 2015, 3:34 pm; Former New Straits Times editor-in-chief A Kadir Jasin said as such, Apandi should have cut some slack. "It would be delusional for a public servant as important as Apandi to assume that the Malay rulers are uninformed about the development surrounding 1MDB and the alleged complicity of the prime minister. "We should give him (Apandi) the benefit of the doubt that, despite coming through from an Umno background, he would act without fear and favour to uphold the rule of law and justice. "It would be an insult to the rulers to think they issued a baseless statement just before the formal sitting of the Rulers Conference on Oct 7," Kadir said in a blog posting today. ...... Kadir (photo) said there was general confusion about the statement from the AG’s Chambers rejecting Bank Negara’s recommendations for action against 1MDB. He said the people should be aware that the main company being investigated was not 1MDB, but its former subsidiary, SRC International Sdn Bhd. Najib has been accused of misusing RM42 million of SRC International’s funds, a claim that is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Kadir hoped Apandi and his officers would take the royal decree on 1MDB seriously, or risk being accused of being disloyal (derhaka). https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315178
Public can challenge A-G’s refusal to charge 1MDB, say lawyers BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 10 October 2015 6:59 AM.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/public-can-challenge-a-gs-refusal-to-charge-1mdb-say-lawyers#sthash.5DISMnm4.dpuf
A-G’s clearance of 1MDB raises more suspicions, says anti-graft watchdog Published: 9 October 2015 7:56 PM..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/a-gs-clearance-of-1mdb-raises-more-suspicions-says-anti-graft-watchdog#sthash.lE65LzxU.dpuf
Dr Mahathir questions if Najib behind A-G’s clearance of 1MDB Published: 9 October 2015 8:05 PM | Updated: 10 October 2015 7:02 AM.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dr-mahathir-questions-if-najib-behind-a-gs-clearance-of-1mdb#sthash.WJ3ixlSg.dpuf
AGC confirms binned two Bank Negara requests for action in 1MDB case Thursday October 8, 201504:15 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/agc-confirms-binned-two-bank-negara-requests-for-action-in-1mdb-case#sthash.uZ5I7moJ.dpuf
3 grateful for Johor sultanah’s timely aid BY ISTA KYRA SHARMUGAM Published: 10 October 2015 6:59 AM; Amid a shrinking ringgit and ballooning cost of living and tuition, a helping hand from the sultanah of Johor has given Malaysian students overseas renewed national pride as they expressed gratitude to her foundation for its timely assistance. Katerina Mawar Abd Hafidz from Johor Baru was one of 100 recipients of the aid under the Zarith Sofiah Initiative for Educational Financial Assistance (ZSIEFA), which offered a one-time grant of £500 (RM3,400) to cover their living expenses, research or emergency financial circumstances...... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/3-grateful-for-johor-sultanahs-timely-aid#sthash.iXym3IsG.dpuf
War of words - Pua (Malaysia DAP) versus Bilahari (Singapore ambassador)
Singapore is not an island by Bilahari Kausikan Oct 6, 2015, 5:00 am SGT; Malaysia is undergoing a systemic change that has profound consequences for Singapore... The writer, a former permanent secretary for foreign affairs, is now ambassador-at-large. http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/singapore-is-not-an-island
‘Delusional’ young Malaysians have hearts and souls – Tony Pua Published: 8 October 2015 8:04 AM; I refer to the lengthy 3,000-word opinion piece by Singapore’s ambassador-at-large, Bilahari Kausikan, “Singapore is not an island”, dated published in The Singapore Straits Times on October 6. Bilahari wrote in his analytical piece, referring to the overwhelming anti-establishment sentiment of the Chinese community and the turnout at the recent Bersih 4 rally, that: "It is my impression that many young Malaysian Chinese have forgotten the lessons of May 13, 1969. They naively believe that the system built around the principle of Malay dominance can be changed. That may be why they abandoned MCA for the DAP. They are delusional. Malay dominance will be defended by any means." In fact, he even warned that the likely outcome of the above will be “even less space for non-Muslims”. The top Singapore diplomat could not have gotten it more wrong.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/the-delusional-young-malaysians-have-hearts-and-souls-tony-pua#sthash.T2g4XCzK.gsYdA8Uh.dpuf
Singapore is Southeast Asia’s ‘mercenary prick’, Tony Pua says after top envoy’s Bersih 4 remarks Friday October 9, 201511:16 AM GMT+8; The DAP publicity chief pointed out that Bilahari was spokesman for Singapore as ambassador-at-large, saying he didn’t care much if Bilahari’s views were those of an academic or armchair critic. “He did Singapore no favour by cementing the perception of his country as the mercenary prick of Southeast Asia. And they wonder why they have no friends,” Pua said on his Facebook page. The Petaling Jaya Utara MP was responding to Bilahari, who posted on Facebook yesterday that one of the most common forms of delusion in politics was to mistake hopes and dreams for reality, in response to Pua’s opinion piece titled “‘Delusional’ young Malaysians have hearts and souls” that had been written in reply to Bilahari’s opinion piece run by Singapore daily The Straits Times Tuesday. “I do not begrudge Mr Pua his hopes and dreams and I wish him and indeed all Malaysians of all races well. “But I fear this particular hope and dream may well lead to disaster; it did in the past and if it happens again Singapore — my sole concern — cannot but be affected. So my hope is that that whatever their dreams, the DAP's policies will be made during their waking hours,” Bilhari wrote on his Facebook page yesterday. Pua said today that he had argued that those who demonstrated at the Bersih 4 rally last August had not made racial demands, but had expressed their hopes for a better Malaysia, “defined by justice, good governance and democratic ideals”. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/singapore-is-southeast-asias-mercenary-prick-tony-pua-says-after-top-envoys#sthash.derwqUwA.dpuf
Reaction to Bilahari article - Wong Chen PKR
Wong Chen 8 hrs · Edited ·
Whilst I was away in Jakarta, I missed the storm in the teacup caused the Bilahari Kausikan article on Malaysia. I am writing about this now because I will be meeting some Singaporeans tomorrow, and I suspect that inevitably this subject will crop up. So I thought I best prepare myself...... Firstly, let's put the article in proper context. It is targeted not at a Malaysian audience but is written as a sort of "morality tale" targeted at Singaporeans. The central message seems to be, don't play-play, Malaysia's problems can also hurt Singaporeans. The analysis is "fresh", in the sense that it dares to talk openly about religion and race in Malaysia. In Malaysia, most of us will avoid providing any analysis of these sensitive subjects for fear of sedition charges..... I must say I do not agree with some perspectives but the fact that such viewpoints are now expressed by the Singapore government, is in itself, astounding..... Most of us believe that the Singapore government has been very kind to Najib for the longest time. As early as 2009, the late Lee Kuan Yew paid a visit to Rosmah and the Malayan railway land issue was kowtim a year later in 2010. As far as the Singapore government is concerned, Najib is their man for settling deals unlike the combative Dr. Mahathir. So this Bilahari article, seems to be a major departure of Singapore from a very pro-Najib position. Maybe the Singapore government now feels it is a good time to distance themselves from a political lame duck..... As for Bilahari's analysis of 1MDB, that 1MDB is not much of a financial scandal story but a manifestation of a jealous intra UMNO fight, is very laughable. I know where Bilahari is coming from with such a preposterous idea. He is trying to downplay the 1MDB scandal because a substantial portion of the 1MDB money is parked in Singapore. Singapore being a financial centre has a reputation to protect and I don't think talking aloud about 1MDB as a "financial scandal" will help Singapore. Kudos to Singapore, for it has achieved a lot to become the premium financial centre in a region full of corrupt leaders..... The Bilahari article is spot on in expressing a concern about "religious politics" in Malaysia and argues that the two is best kept apart. However his bleak analysis of PKR without Anwar and writing off Pakatan Harapan even before it has a chance to mobilise, is an over indulgence of political crystal ball gazing. Only time will tell, and I do admit that it is going to be tough going without Anwar. But we Malaysian opposition politicians are a much tougher lot than Singaporean politicians. We are willing to face all hardships and even jail, to fight authoritarianism. Perhaps Bilahari, being a senior Singaporean diplomat serving an all powerful one party state, ultimately lacks faith in transformative politics.... Bilahari's scary warnings on May 13 and his analysis of the delusional Malaysian Chinese is interesting. It is interesting because I am a Malaysian Chinese, but do not think I am particularly delusional. But then, I realised that all these warnings are probably written to scare Singaporean Chinese..... Overall, Bilahari's article made me think and reconsider Malaysia from a different, albeit Singaporean perspective. As such, it should be read and his analysis respected. He also has a nice writing style. We can disagree, but any article that makes you think or re-think is fine by me. Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/wongchenpkr/posts/880719328665125
6 October 2015: Malay Rulers ask for comprehensive and transparent investigation of 1MDB and "appropriate stern action," point to crisis of confidence due to failure to give convincing clarifications... harmony and solidarity of the people should be safeguarded at all times and never be sacrificed for shallow political aims; GLC and UMNO MP under MACC probe
Editor's note: Friends tell me this includes reference to fardhu kifayah / fard kafaa'i, a jurisprudence term that means 'collective compulsory duty' for activities including commanding good and forbidding evil...
Malay Rulers want 1MDB issue settled soonest Posted on 6 October 2015 - 07:57pm Last updated on 6 October 2015 - 08:47pm; KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Rulers want the government to complete the investigation related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad as soon as possible and take "the appropriate stern action" against all found to be implicated..... In a statement, their royal highnesses stressed that all concerned should extend "real and sincere" cooperation for the investigation to achieve its objectives. "The findings of the investigation must be reported comprehensively and in a transparent manner so that the people will be convinced of the sincerity of the government which shall not at all conceal facts and the truth," they said.... The statement was released by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, after the pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara today. The 239th meeting of the Conference of Rulers is scheduled for two days from tomorrow. The statement said: "The failure to give convincing clarifications and answers is feared to have resulted in a crisis of confidence..... "As a consequence, the people believe, whether basing on reality or perception, that this is among the causes for the plunge in the value of the Malaysian Ringgit, impacting the country's financial market and economic climate negatively and at the same time adversely affecting the world's view of Malaysia."..... According to the statement, the Malay Rulers were worried that if the issue was not wisely handled, and was allowed to drag on, it could jeopardise the country's economy and the livelihood of the people..... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1573891
Obey rule of law, sultans remind leaders Published Today 7:16 pm Updated Today 8:18 pm The Rulers Conference has reminded the country’s leaders to obey the rule of law. According to Bernama, the sultans also want justice to be dealt out fairly and transparently. "The Malay rulers wish to remind all leaders to uphold the constitution and the rule of law at all times, as written in the Rukun Negara....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/314779
UMNO members caught up in probes and jail
Umno MP questioned in graft probe into government linked firm Published: 6 October 2015 6:50 PM | Updated: 6 October 2015 8:35 PM MACC has taken in an Umno federal lawmaker for questioning along with seven others in a probe linked to a government linked firm. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, October 6, 2015.An Umno MP was taken in for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), a source familiar with the matter said. The source said the MP, who is a director in a government linked corporation (GLC), had allegedly abused his position for personal gain. The source who confirmed the matter said the federal lawmaker was picked up along with seven others this morning. - See more at: http://www.
Jitters over 1MDB, RM2.6b fiascos after Khir Toyo jailed, ex-NST boss says Thursday October 1, 201512:22 PM GMT+8; Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo’s corruption conviction will likely send shivers down the spines of those linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and RM2.6 billion controversies, veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin said today. The former New Straits Times group chief editor said despite Khir denying any wrongdoing, the prosecution still managed to prove otherwise beyond reasonable doubt, causing him to lose his appeal in the Federal Court this week. “Whether he pleaded guilty or not, Khir’s link to corruption was proven. Political leaders can still be investigated, charged and found guilty under the law of the land,” Kadir wrote in his blog. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/jitters-over-1mdb-rm2.6b-fiascos-after-khir-toyo-jailed-ex-nst-boss-says#sthash.or7C8ReU.dpuf
Khir Toyo jailed 12 months, court orders property seized BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 29 September 2015 2:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/khir-toyo-jailed-12-months-court-orders-property-seized#sthash.xW4k1R0O.dpuf
After Bersih reveals finances, Umno man asks about RM2.6b donation Tuesday October 6, 2015; .....“Battle of 2.6! Bersih 4 has revealed its accounts: RM2,647,361.74 (from 27,000 donors, T-shirt and muffler sales). Expenses: RM664,052.52. Balance:RM1,983,309.22, which will be used for programmes in the next two years (voter education, legal costs, training and others)... RM2.6 billion?” he wrote on Facebook. Earlier today Bersih 2.0 said it made the declaration to prove it has nothing to hide, before challenging Najib to detail the RM 2.6 billion donation. The coalition, comprising of more than 89 NGOs, declared a RM 1.9 million surplus after spending RM664,052 expenditure for the 34-hour rally on August 29 and 30. The group said its 2,126-page bank statement with details of the donors had been sent for auditing. About 27,000 individuals had donated to the movement. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/after-bersih-reveals-finances-umno-man-asks-about-rm2.6b-donation#sthash.HkeuOY38.dpuf
30 September 2015: Putrajaya overreacted to China envoy remarks? Sultan Nazrin reminds public institutions to remain independent, Dr M says no-confidence vote is democratic and is a provision in the Federal Constitution , 1MDB yet to be contacted by foreign investigators, review of recent headlines including Sultan of Johor
Putrajaya overreacted to Huang's remarks, says ex-PM Published Today 1:22 pm Updated Today 2:12 pm; ...."The relationship between China and Malaysia is greater than just the words said by the ambassador who was concerned by race issues that were actually promoted by the government," Mahathir (photo) said. Mahathir's remarks comes as experts on China said Wisma Putra's move to call in Huang was unnecessary and that it should have been dealt with privately..... The whole row can be traced back to the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally on Sept 16, during which red clad protesters clashed with police barring them from entering Petaling Street. This itself was reaction to allegedly anti-Malay insults made during the supposedly Chinese-dominated Bersih 4 rally. Mahathir blamed the government for this perception. "It was the government that mistranslated (Bersih) as a racial issue. It seems that Bersih was a Chinese movement to overthrow a Malay government which is not true at all. "The Bersih demonstration was not Chinese (dominated). Lots of Malays were involved... and what they asked was for the prime minister to step down and to have a better election mechanism. nothing about race at all," he said.
Mahathir has staunchly defended the Bersih 4 rally from criticism, though he said he does not care for the organisers. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/314008
Sultan Nazrin reminds public institutions to remain independent BY AZRIL ANNUAR Published: 29 September 2015 4:37 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sultan-nazrin-reminds-public-institutions-to-remain-independent?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.P5KRNYpG.dpuf
Vote of no confidence is a provision in the Federal Constitution - Dr Mahathir by Shuhami Zabri, Astro Awani | Published on September 30, 2015 02:23 MYT; On September 7, Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Pandikar Amin was quoted saying there is no provision in the Parliament's Standing Order which allows a Member of Parliament to table a motion of no confidence. - File PHoto; KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said a vote of no-confidence is totally democratic. Dr Mahathir, in the latest posting on his blog (chedet.cc) said, although Parliament may not have any provision for vote of no-confidence, the Constitution -- the supreme law of the country -- states otherwise. “Article 43 (4) of the Federal Constitution states if the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet,” said Dr Mahathir. He also questioned if the speaker of the Parliament chooses to ignore the Constitution to disregard the process. Dr Mahathir said that he wrote the posting after he read a report stating that the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat Rakyat would not allow a motion of no-confidence to be tabled in Parliament..... http://english.astroawani.com/politics-news/vote-no-confidence-provision-federal-constitution-dr-mahathir-74927
No-confidence vote against PM is democratic, Dr Mahathir tells Dewan Rakyat Speaker Published: 30 September 2015 12:20 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/no-confidence-vote-against-pm-is-democratic-dr-mahathir-tells-dewan-rakyat#sthash.bjC7d5r7.dpuf
1MDB says not contacted by foreign investigators Published: 29 September 2015 8:00 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-says-not-contacted-by-foreign-investigators#sthash.bp9A5aAy.dpuf
Editor's note: Below, a review of recent headlines in Malaysian Insider including coverage of Johor Sultan
Cutting ties with Najib reflects Chinese unhappiness over national issues, says MCA BY EILEEN NG Published: 24 September 2015 3:54 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cutting-ties-with-najib-reflects-chinese-unhappiness-over-national-issues-s#sthash.IWSd4oP9.dpuf
State secretary clarifies Johor prince’s directive on Jalur Gemilang Published: 22 September 2015 9:50 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-prince-wants-small-flags-used-for-national-day-taken-down-says-state#sthash.DhxlG0pS.dpuf
Khairy wants MCA Youth division punished for Najib boycott, says report Published: 22 September 2015 12:02 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/khairy-wants-mca-youth-division-punished-for-najib-boycott-says-report#sthash.QOEyQooX.dpuf
Don’t cross the line in politics, rulers reminded BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 20 September 2015 9:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dont-cross-the-line-in-politics-rulers-reminded#sthash.NWh5K8pX.dpuf
Who will benefit from RM20 billion pumped into economy? BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 21 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/who-will-benefit-from-rm20-billion-pumped-into-economy#sthash.9ia9ZYel.dpuf
Najib meets with Johor sultan Published: 20 September 2015 3:16 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-meets-with-johor-sultan#sthash.7OkqjCwu.dpuf
Muhyiddin warns politicians against playing race card Published: 18 September 2015 3:33 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muhyiddin-warns-politicians-against-playing-race-card#sthash.DETPYXZT.dpuf
Johor sultan tells racists, haters to get out of his state Published: 16 September 2015 3:22 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-tells-racists-haters-to-get-out-of-his-state#sthash.EiIRJRqn.dpuf
29 September 2015: Malaysia faces contagion worries, Najib touts close Obama ties while Democrat lawmakers ask for investigation on trafficking upgrade
Malaysia faces another bond litmus test as contagion worries grow Published: 29 September 2015 11:36 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-faces-another-bond-litmus-test-as-contagion-worries-grow#sthash.WFLj4qFM.dpuf
Report: Najib touts self as only PM ever to golf with Obama Tuesday September 29, 201512:40 PM GMT+8
See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/report-najib-touts-self-as-only-pm-ever-to-golf-with-obama#sthash.36A1uf95.dpuf
Friendship with Obama for sake of Malaysia, Najib tells students in NY Published: 29 September 2015 12:19 PM | Updated: 29 September 2015 2:26 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-am-obamas-golf-buddy-for-sake-of-malaysia-najib-tells-students-in-ny#sthash.lDKa4QNr.dpuf
Don’t put all your eggs in Najib’s basket, M’sia opposition tells US Published: 11:33 AM, September 29, 2015 http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dont-put-all-your-eggs-najibs-basket-msia-opposition-tells-us
US lawmakers call for probe into Malaysia’s ‘favourable’ human-trafficking ranking Published: 29 September 2015 7:34 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/us-lawmakers-call-for-internal-probe-of-malaysias-human-trafficking-ranking#sthash.iMml3FP6.dpuf
28 September 2015: Anecdotes of Filipino workers dismissal of Malaysia as work destination, Najib faces tough international ties? Najib at the UN, China ambassador Petaling Street street kerfuffle
Can middle-class Malaysians and businesses afford to hire Filipino migrant workers?
Editor's note: Am hearing from friend who eats at popular local eatery that the crew there, haling from the Philippines, has said that they'll be leaving Malaysia on basic loss of confidence. This may mean the drop in Ringgit value versus Philippines Peso and also the rise in race fears? Note that Philippines envoy reiterates Filipino workers need to be paid on US$ terms. On recent visit to supermarket, I see substantial rise in prices for imported items.
Ringgit weakens to new point at 4.4065 against greenback Published: 28 September 2015 1:38 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ringgit-weakens-to-new-point-at-4.4065-against-greenback#sthash.9omnyLRg.dpuf
Envoy: US$400 per month for Filipina helpers fixed everywhere http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/09/28/Minimum-wage-for-maids-Envoy-US400-per-month-for-Filipina-helpers-fixed-everywhere/
Chart of Ringgit against regionals shows large falls against Baht and Peso over 5 years, but relative stability against Rupiah:
China ambassador visits Petaling Street and talks of rejection of ethnic violence
Released after a day’s jail, ‘red shirt’ organiser mulls suing media BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 26 September 2015 9:10 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/released-after-a-days-jail-red-shirt-organiser-mulls-suing-media?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.8VcKDxri.dpuf
Don't distort my kind gesture: envoy 2015-09-28 13:55 Ambassador Huang says he has tried to protrude KL as a peaceful, prosperous and tourist-friendly city to Chinese tourists, and hopes his kind gesture will not be misunderstood or distorted. Photo courtesy: Sin Chew Daily KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (MySinchew) -- Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang said he had shown with his most practical action to Chinese tourists that Kuala Lumpur is a peaceful, prosperous and tourist-friendly city. - See more at: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/111429#sthash.RnNO0djq.dpuf
Malaysia China relations 2: China envoy's visit to Petaling Street - Statement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia - Chinese envoy’s trip to Petaling Street a goodwill visit , Utusan asks for apology http://khoryuleng.blogspot.my/2015/09/malaysia-china-relations-2-statement.html
Najib scandals and international ties
Najib’s scandals can affect ties with Australia, SMH report says Published: 27 September 2015 5:31 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-scandals-can-affect-ties-with-australia-report-says/malaysia/article/najibs-scandals-can-affect-ties-with-australia-report-says#sthash.0UrWIsea.dpuf
Malaysia’s Leader, Najib Razak, Faces U.S. Corruption Inquiry By LOUISE STORYSEPT. 21, 2015 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?_r=0
US investigators launch probes into scandal-hit Malaysian PM Najib Razak - Police in Hong Kong also investigating bank deposits allegedly linked to Razak, who is facing multimillion-dollar graft allegations Oliver Holmes in Bangkok Tuesday 22 September 2015 07.14 BST http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/22/us-investigators-launch-probes-into-scandal-hit-malaysian-pm-najib-razak
US corruption investigation targets Malaysian leader, NY Times reports - New York Times says DOJ probing corruption allegations against PM Najib Razak, who faces rising political pressure September 22, 2015 10:37AM ET http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/9/22/malaysia-pm-involved-in-us-corruption-inquiry.html
Najib at the UN
‘Picture of Najib addressing empty UN hall is fake’ THE RAKYAT POST By: AHMED SYAHRIL http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/09/26/picture-of-najib-addressing-empty-un-hall-is-fake/
ASEAN Community can further strengthen South-South Cooperation - Najib by Bernama | Published on September 27, 2015 09:38 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/business-news/asean-community-can-further-strengthen-south-south-cooperation-najib-74245
Najib receives ICT award at UN HQ by Bernama | Published on September 27, 2015 13:04 MYT http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/najib-receives-ict-award-un-hq-74625
21 September 2015: Zeti of BNM says "no place on this planet that anyone can hide," FBI begins probe into 1MDB, says WSJ, arrest of former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief, 1MDB said none of its accounts were frozen, PM Najib last week refused to condemn a Malay supremacy rally, unprecedented criticism from within UMNO and rising worries about political stability?
Malaysians deserve answers on 1MDB and RM2.6b donation, Zeti says BY JOSEPH SIPALAN; The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor said there must also be clarity on which authorities are probing both issues, especially with the police, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the central bank all having launched separate investigations. “Right now, we know the public wants answers to these questions and they deserve to get the answers,” Zeti told a panel discussion at the Economic Update 2015 here. “We know that there is ongoing investigations, but we also need to know who are doing what investigations,” she added. Zeti noted that BNM has already handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) their investigations papers on possible contraventions to approvals granted to 1MDB, and that the central bank is in ongoing discussions with the AGC on the issue. She stressed that transparency in governance has now become a vital aspect in maintaining credibility internationally, especially with increasingly strict standards set by the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Zeti noted that international regulators have placed particular attention on the issue of money laundering in the follow up of events that were tied to terrorism financing. “They (FATF) set the standards and they have been strengthened immensely these past few years. They will come to every country to assess if we implement and enforce these standards. “Malaysia already had its assessment and we came out quite well, but they would like to see further enforcement taking place. “In this day and age, it must be known that there is no place on this planet that anyone can hide,” Zeti said. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/malaysians-deserve-answers-on-1mdb-and-rm2.6b-donation-zeti-says#sthash.pGNHceUr.dpufFBI launches investigation into Malaysian state fund 1MDB - WSJ KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20; The prime minister has denied taking money from 1MDB or anywhere else for personal gain; Malaysia's anti-graft agency declared the funds a donation. Najib has faced unprecedented criticism from within his ruling party, in particular form veteran former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has called on Najib to step down. Both anti-government and pro-government protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks, raising concern about political stability... http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/20/malaysia-1mdb-idUSL4N11Q03020150920
FBI probes 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund linked to PM Najib Razak Date September 20, 2015 - 3:44PM by Lindsay Murdoch;.... Mr Najib has resisted relentless calls to resign, including from stalwarts within his party led by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. As pressure has mounted, Mr Najib has attempted to consolidate his position by appealing to ethnic chauvinism and Islamic fundamentalism, critics say. The Prime Minister last week refused to condemn a Malay supremacy rally during which his supporters shouted racist slurs at Chinese and Indian minorities, inflaming racial tensions. Most Malaysians are ethnic Muslim Malays.... Meanwhile, the daughter of Malaysia's jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, said she would fight allegations that she attempted to buy stolen data on 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
FBI begins probe into 1MDB, says WSJ Published: 20 September 2015 9:53 AM; The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly started investigations into allegations of money-laundering related to 1MDB. – Internet pic, September 20, 2015.The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly started investigations into allegations of money-laundering related to 1MDB. – Internet pic, September 20, 2015. Two days after the arrest of the former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief, who was scheduled to meet agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on 1Malaysia Development Bhd, the FBI has started investigations into allegations of money-laundering, The Wall Street Journal reports today. The FBI’s probe was the latest international investigation centred on 1MDB, said the business daily in its online report. On Tuesday, the Swiss attorney-general’s office said Malaysia had agreed to arrange for Swiss investigators to interview witnesses in their investigation of alleged corruption and money laundering related to 1MDB. The Swiss have also frozen millions of dollars.- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/fbi-begins-probe-into-1mdb-says-wsj#sthash.M15OmUeC.dpuf
FBI Probes Malaysia Development Fund - U.S. opens money-laundering investigation amid international 1MDB probe; Malaysia police arrest critic of prime minister By Bradley Hope Sept. 19, 2015 4:36 p.m. ET; The FBI has opened an investigation into allegations of money-laundering related to a Malaysian state investment fund, a person familiar with the matter said.....Late Friday, a former member of Malaysia’s ruling party who had raised questions about money transfers to the Malaysian prime minister was arrested on charges of attempting to undermine democracy, his lawyer Matthias Chang said. The arrest of Khairuddin Abu Hassan, who remained in custody on Saturday, prevented him from traveling to New York where he planned to urge U.S. authorities to investigate the transfers, Mr. Chang said. A spokeswoman for the FBI’s New York office said that no agent in the office had arranged to speak with Mr. Khairuddin or had any previous contact with him. Two of the transfers were made through the Singapore branch of a Swiss private bank and routed via Wells Fargo & Co. Wells Fargo declined to comment...Last week, 1MDB said none of its executives or board members were the subject of criminal proceedings by the Swiss attorney general’s office, and that none of its accounts were frozen there. Authorities in Singapore also have frozen accounts linked to 1MDB and are investigating allegations related to the fund. 1MDB said none of its accounts were frozen and that it was ready to assist any investigations subject to advice from the appropriate Malaysian authorities.... http://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-probes-malaysia-development-fund-1442694963
18 September 2015: Abu Dhabi is missing another $1 bill, thus total $2.4 bill missing?? Malaysiakini and Malaysiainsider news scan.
Malaysia Fund 1MDB’s Missing Money Problem Grows - Mystery deepens around fund set up by Prime Minister Najib Razak By Bradley Hope And Tom Wright Sept. 17, 2015 11:40 p.m. ET Questions around a troubled Malaysian state investment fund and missing money in the Middle East have widened to include as much as $1 billion more. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that officials in Abu Dhabi were trying to understand why a $1.4 billion transfer that the fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., said it made to a counterparty in the Middle Eastern emirate wasn’t received. Now, those officials are questioning a further $993 million that 1MDB reported it paid to the Abu Dhabi fund, the International... http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-fund-1mdbs-missing-money-problem-grows-1442547656WSJ: Another US$1b payment from 1MDB to IPIC missing UPDATED 1.40PM Financial daily claims Abu Dhabi officials are questioning this http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312712
Western media reports on Najib - remember Iraq? In time, many will realise not all that has been reported about PM is the truth. But like Iraq, it will be too late. Read more http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312714
Royal disgust over racism Published Today 12:36 pm Updated Today 1:16 pm http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312708
Najib justifies green light for ‘red shirt’ rally Published: 18 September 2015 11:34 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-justifies-green-light-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.7La1Ku34.dpuf
Umno turning Malays into ‘violent rogues’ for political ends, says ex-minister Published: 18 September 2015 1:47 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-turning-malays-into-violent-rogues-for-political-ends-says-ex-minister#sthash.kzbQMwM4.dpuf
Sacked Umno member Anina files injunction to freeze Najib’s assets BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 18 September 2015 1:16 PM http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sacked-umno-member-anina-files-injunction-to-freeze-najibs-assets#sthash.uSGeM8yY.dpuf
‘Red shirt’ rally only to save Najib, not Malay dignity, say Umno grassroots BY MD IZWAN Published: 18 September 2015 6:59 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-only-to-save-najib-not-malay-dignity-say-umno-grassroots#sthash.zMtM7axj.dpuf
‘Cina babi’ not racial slur, says ‘red shirt’ rally organiser BY MELATI A. JALIL Published: 17 September 2015 5:12 PM | Updated: 18 September 2015 9:04 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cina-babi-not-racial-slur-says-red-shirt-organiser/malaysia/article/cina-babi-not-racial-slur-says-red-shirt-organiser#sthash.leiIwznn.dpuf
Group in red shirts ‘visits’ post-Bersih 4 forum in Penang BY LOOI SUE-CHERN Published: 17 September 2015 10:00 PM | Updated: 17 September 2015 11:21 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/group-in-red-shirts-visit-post-bersih-4-forum-in-penang/malaysia/article/group-in-red-shirts-visit-post-bersih-4-forum-in-penang#sthash.8gLoCsQi.dpuf
I am racist and my racism based on Islam, says Umno’s Annuar Musa BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 16 September 2015 7:39 PM | Updated: 16 September 2015 8:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-am-racist-and-my-racism-based-on-islam-says-umnos-annuar-musa/malaysia/article/i-am-racist-and-my-racism-based-on-islam-says-umnos-annuar-musa#sthash.ft7aqQZy.dpuf
Back to crackdown mode
Cops arrest former Umno man after barring him from leaving country Published: 18 September 2015 9:04 PM | Updated: 18 September 2015 10:19 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cops-nab-khairuddin#sthash.0tt6ZWAC.dpuf
I’m probed for handing 1MDB evidence to Swiss prosecutors, says Umno man Published: 18 September 2015 5:05 PM; ....Khairuddin, who was sacked from Umno earlier this year for being a bankrupt, lodged reports with Hong Kong, British, and French police over 1MDB in July and August. In their response, Malaysian government officials accused Khairuddin of lodging "false and politically motivated police reports" and pushing the same agenda as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been insistent in his calls for Najib to step down. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/im-probed-for-handing-1mdb-evidence-to-swiss-prosecutors-says-umno-man#sthash.94wr5TAF.dpuf
Amid sedition probe, Perlis mufti shares room with IGP in Mecca Published: 18 September 2015 1:20 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/amid-sedition-probe-perlis-mufti-shares-room-with-igp-in-mecca#sthash.bo1FKsR5.dpuf
(editor's note: supportive of Bersih 4, and now an uptick arrests over Bersih 4 and calls )
Bukit Mertajam MP latest lawmaker hauled up over Bersih 4 BY LOOI SUE-CHERN Published: 18 September 2015 12:04 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bukit-mertajam-mp-latest-lawmaker-hauled-up-over-bersih-4#sthash.NaJqNsPb.dpuf
16 September 2015: Speedy finding on Morais. Provocation, racial slurs mar 'red shirts' rally- Malaysiakini reports 45,000. Several former and current UMNO ministers reported in attendance alongside regional UMNO leaders. Nik Abdul of PAS there. Report of target 2,000 buses bringing rally goers to KL. Poll: Sept 16 rally finds little traction among Malays
Pro-Government Rally Ends in Malaysia Capital After Standoff by Niluksi Koswanage and Manirajan Ramasamy September 16, 2015 — 2:58 PM HKTUpdated on September 16, 2015 — 9:10 PM HKT Water cannons fired on protesters trying to enter Chinese area... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-16/pro-najib-rally-in-malaysia-brings-racial-element-to-protests
Provocation, racial slurs mar 'red shirts' rally Published Today 6:00 pm Updated Today 8:46 pm About 45,000 people took the streets for the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' rally in Kuala Lumpur today as a counter-move to the Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 and 30....Umno denied having a hand in today's protest but the organiser National Silat Federation (Pesaka) is seen as a front for the party as the martial arts body is spearheaded by Umno leaders including former Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam. Despite senior Umno leaders taking over from grassroots hardliners in a bid to tone down the rally, it was marred by racism with abuses hurled at Chinese journalists and provocative banners being displayed... The major target of the protesters was opposition party DAP which has now become a euphemism for the minority Chinese in Malaysia. While the rally at Padang Merbok was peaceful, violence broke out at Petaling Street where a group of almost 800 protesters tried to force their way into the predominantly Chinese business district, popularly known as Chinatown... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312526
Dr M says he’s still clueless about red shirt rally’s aims by Koh Jun Lin Published Today 6:54 pm Updated Today 6:56 pm https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312528
Don't go soft on racists, Johor sultan tells authorities Published Today 1:36 pm Updated Today 1:58 pm.... “This is not the stone age, do not be ungrateful, the Malays, Chinese and Indians, all played their part, Johor Darul Ta’zim is home to the Malays, Chinese and Indians, they are Bangsa Johor. "As their ruler, it’s my responsibility to see my subjects live in harmony, and my subjects are always my priority," he said. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312497
Police confirm body in barrel was Morais By Hariz Mohd and Khairah N. - 16 September 2015 @ 2:07 PM SUBANG JAYA: Police confirmed that the human remains found inside a barrel in Subang Mewah, USJ 1 here earlier today belongs to the abducted deputy public prosecutor Kevin Anthony Morais. Investigators probing the case, who was led to the swampy area by five suspects nabbed in Penang and Klang Valley yesterday, also found that a military doctor - whose corruption case was being prosecuted by Morais, was behind the victim's killing.... http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/police-confirm-body-barrel-was-morais
Red Shirts Rally: Insults, injuries, arrests at Petaling Street FMT Reporters | September 16, 2015; ....5.05pm: Over at Padang Merbok, former federal minister and head of Umno Selangor Noh Omar says the 200,000 people gathered, “We’ve shown Bersih that we too can gather and demonstrate but without causing a ruckus.” He also told Bersih to stop holding rallies to topple the government and added, “Don’t be like Egypt and Syria. If you want to bring down the government, then do it in the general elections.”...4.00pm: Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali delivers speech calling DAP racists and blaming them for stoking racial sentiments. He also blames the DAP for poor race relations....3.36pm: Pesaka president and former Malacca chief minister Mohamad Ali Rustam addresses the crowd. He says, “The Malays are tired of being stepped on by the other communities especially the DAP Chinese who insult and ridicule us...Also seen at Padang Merbok are former federal minister and current MARA chairman Annuar Musa....3.10pm: Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah, 60 of Martabat Jalinan Muhibbah Malaysia (MJMM), is spotted on stage at Padang Merbok....1.30pm: Malaysiakini reports that police stop a group of 200 rally goers from entering Petaling Street. The march from PWTC to Padang Merbok has started and among them is Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Yaacob and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.....Federal Territory Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii addresses supporters from Johor. Malaysiakini quotes him as saying, “We are here to show the Chinese DAP that Malays are in power. The other day they stomped on a picture of Malay leaders but I don’t see any stomping today. We must not behave in such a way. Let’s paint the mosque red.”....1.10pm: Mohamed Ismail, patron of Perkida Penang says there are about 80 buses carrying supporters coming from Penang.....12.53pm: Rally goers at Jalan Sultan Ismail are starting to march, led by the president of Jaringan Melayu Malaysia, Azwanddin Hamzan....12.13pm: About 500 rally goers are seeing gathering at Jalan Sultan Ismail and chanting “Hidup Melayu” (Long live the Malays)....Malaysiakini reports that at Masjid Negara, special affairs department officer (JASA) Lokman Adam was seen instructing rally goers to walk to Padang Merbok in an orderly manner. He also urges rally goers to perform their Solat Hajat before leaving for Padang Merbok....11.43am: Ahmad Maslan, “I’m here because I believe in peaceful assembly and this rally has been given the necessary police approval. We are here today to ensure that the country’s economic issues can be resolved. “The people are together in rejecting foreign interference like from The Wall Street Journal and the Sarawak Report. “We are here together united to progress with the other races in the country. “I am not a chauvinist and I am here in the spirit of 1Malaysia.”...11.30am: Umno Information chief Ahmad Maslan stops supporters from raising their fists and tells them to raise their one finger instead and chant 1Malaysia.
LIVE: Rally officially ends but still tense in Petaling Street Published: 16 September 2015 11:24 AM | Updated: 16 September 2015 6:05 PM; .....“We were not a multi-cultural society then but through negotiations and give-and-take, we accepted the other races,” said Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali. “We gave them citizenship. We gave them our nationality and thought they will be grateful. Policemen tangling with demonstrators at Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.“But I don’t blame the Chinese. The ones that are ruining our unity is DAP, the party that was born from Singapore’s PAP,” Ibrahim said to loud cheers from the crowd....Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said he will not stop Umno members from participating in the rally, but stopped short of endorsing the gathering. The rally has come under fierce criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, Umno Supreme Council members, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, as well as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, both of whom were top Umno leaders until a decade ago....The protest is in direct opposition to last month’s Bersih 4 rally, which today's rally organisers claimed had insulted the integrity of the dominant Malay race. This morning, Pekida president Jamaluddin Yusof described the "red shirt" rally as a "jihad" and said 10,000 members from the Malay NGO will make their presence. Police have declared that the rally is legal, but have said three areas – Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street and the area around Low Yat Plaza – are off-limits to the protesters......... 5.57pm: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, who was wearing a red shirt, is seen talking to the police behind the barricades at Jalan Petaling.... 5.51pm: Rally organiser National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam says those who broke the law in Jalan Petaling has to be ready face the music. "Siapa buat salah. Tanggunglah sendiri (wrongdoers will have to face the consequences," he says. ...4.00pm: PAS Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz arrives at the rally....- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/live-thousands-gather-in-kl-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.arPmZ9fp.dpuf
Johor sultan tells racists, haters to get out of his state Published: 16 September 2015 3:22 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-tells-racists-haters-to-get-out-of-his-state#sthash.vxjXaZrg.dpuf
Marina Mahathir joins non-partisan birthday picnic for nation at KLCC Published: 16 September 2015 4:43 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/citynews/greater-kl/article/birthday-picnic-for-nation-at-klcc#sthash.9Mz5yBAB.dpuf
Noor Farida derides ‘red shirt’ rally as ‘rent a mob’ Published: 16 September 2015 5:50 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/noor-farida-takes-dig-at-red-shirt-rally-calls-them-rent-a-mob#sthash.gKN2OQVj.dpuf
MCA Youth lodges report over ‘abolish Chinese school’ banner at rally Published: 16 September 2015 6:12 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mca-youth-lodges-report-over-abolish-chinese-school-banner-at-rally#sthash.wBjOYMkb.dpuf
Sept 16 rally-goers expected to arrive in 2,000 buses By Ushar Daniele Wednesday September 16, 201507:08 AM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/sept-16-rally-goers-expected-to-arrive-in-2000-buses?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.xLkMgN7X.dpuf
Poll: Sept 16 rally finds little traction among Malays - 15 Sep 2015; The ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’ rally has found little traction among Malay voters, according to independent pollster Merdeka Centre. This is despite the rally being touted as a gathering to uphold Malay dignity and to counter the predominantly Chinese Bersih 4, which saw participants stomping on images of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. A telephone survey by Merdeka Centre showed that only 24 percent of respondents supported the rally. Of these, eight percent expressed strong support, while 16 percent of respondents expressed some support...Malay voters more concerned over fundamental issues. Merdeka Centre said in a press release that its findings show that Malay voters are not attracted to the causes of the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu', nor the earlier Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 and 30....https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/312403
13 September 2015: UK Serious Fraud Office examining Najib Razak case. Ringgit versus Thai Baht 10 year chart.
UK joins inquiry as cash scandal mires Malaysian premier by Jon Ungoed-Thomas Published: 13 September 2015; THE Serious Fraud Office is examining evidence, uncovered by a British campaigner, of an alleged money-laundering scandal that threatens to topple the Malaysian prime minister... The Sunday Times understands the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is also examining the case. Najib Razak, the Malaysian prime minister, has been enraged by Rewcastle Brown’s revelations, claiming they are part of a plot to oust him.... http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/article1606363.eceEditor's note: As emerging market currencies shift against key currencies like the US Dollar, the relative price of Ringgit versus Thai Baht may be of interest to better discern relative domestic issues.
Note: 10 year chart. Source: http://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=MYR&to=THB&view=10Y
12 September 2015: WSJ reports $1.4 billion payment from 1MDB is missing - Abu Dhabi investment fund, HK investigating alleged PM Najib-linked accounts, Najib says new allegation over Altantuya murder is conspiracy against him, "red shirt" rally, Goldman tested the limits of banking morality in 1MDB deal
Editor's note: Spreading investigations in financial centers overseas. A starting piece by Al Jazeera. More mentions of Goldman Sachs and Razaleigh-era Carrian scandal (World's biggest financial scandal at time - so many such world records from Malaysia?).
Hong Kong Police Investigate Bank Accounts Allegedly Linked to Malaysian Leader Najib by Nash Jenkins Sept. 11, 2015; Police in Hong Kong have commenced an investigation into local bank accounts holding more than $250 million allegedly tied to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.... The probe came at the behest of Khairuddin Abu Hassan, a former senior member of Najib’s ruling party United Malays United Organisation (UMNO) who was fired earlier this year. Khairuddin said that four “highly questionable” companies linked to the Prime Minister made the deposits at a Hong Kong office of the bank Credit Suisse..... http://time.com/4030815/1mdb-credit-suisse-hong-kong-malaysia-najib-razak/
Malaysia’s 1MDB Fund Scandal Spreads to U.A.E.- At issue is a $1.4 billion payment from 1MDB that officials at an Abu Dhabi investment fund said is missing http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-fund-scandal-spreads-to-u-a-e-1441755072
Goldman tested the limits of banking morality with huge fees from 1MDB | South China Morning Post http://m.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1855746/goldman-tested-limits-banking-morality-huge-fees-1mdb
Goldman’s Role in the 1MDB Controversy Posted on September 8, 2015 By Philip Bowring http://www.asiasentinel.com/econ-business/goldman-role-1mdb-controversy/
Umno secretary says divisions only told to prepare for ‘red shirt’ rally BY MD IZWAN Published: 12 September 2015 7:29 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-secretary-says-divisions-only-told-to-prepare-for-red-shirt-rally#sthash.hwjnZ7XG.dpuf
Letter shows Umno HQ directing divisions to mobilise members for ‘red shirt’ rally BY MD IZWAN Published: 12 September 2015 2:16 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/letter-shows-umno-hq-directing-divisions-to-mobilise-members-for-red-shirt/malaysia/article/letter-shows-umno-hq-directing-divisions-to-mobilise-members-for-red-shirt#sthash.b2lBXu2t.dpuf
Events surrounding Altantuya murder too incredible to ignore, says Al Jazeera journalist BY JULIA YEOW, NEWS EDITOR Published: 12 September 2015 3:30 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/events-surrounding-altantuya-murder-too-incredible-to-ignore-says-al-jazeer#sthash.DWrChp9u.dpuf
New Altantuya allegation a conspiracy against me, says Najib BY RAM ANAND Published: 12 September 2015 12:18 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/new-altantuya-allegation-a-conspiracy-against-me-says-najib#sthash.SwpBusOZ.dpuf
Altantuya will always haunt Najib, says Kit Siang Published: 12 September 2015 8:24 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/altantuya-will-always-haunt-najib-says-kit-siang#sthash.jewkTPhm.dpuf
Najib told to file defence in suit over GE overspending Published Sep 4, 2015, 5:00 am SGT... Opposition suit was filed against Malaysia PM, 3 other parties following WSJ report.. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-told-to-file-defence-in-suit-over-ge-overspending
Najib disrupting 1MDB probe shows RM2.6 billion not halal, says Dr Mahathir Published: 10 September 2015 8:50 PM | Updated: 10 September 2015 9:45 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-disrupting-1mdb-probe-shows-rm2.6-billion-not-halal-says-dr-mahathir#sthash.TsDzEl0y.dpuf
Umno members warned against supporting Najib 2015-09-11 14:13 - See more at: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/111273/tid=13#sthash.mOLqaT00.dpuf
Stop saying Malay first, Tanah Melayu is no more, says Rafidah Aziz BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 12 September 2015 2:15 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/stop-saying-malay-first-tanah-melayu-is-no-more-says-rafidah-aziz#sthash.f3URlmWA.dpuf
‘Red shirt’ rally will make Malays a laughing stock, says Zaid Ibrahim Published: 11 September 2015 6:36 PM | Updated: 12 September 2015 7:06 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-will-make-malays-laughing-stock-says-zaid-ibrahim/malaysia/article/red-shirt-rally-will-make-malays-laughing-stock-says-zaid-ibrahim#sthash.dET4plhD.dpuf
7 September 2015: Malaysian Insider headlines - Johor Umno memer lodges report against Najib, Police "no go" for red shirt rally, AG says 1MDB report soon, shortlist of Bandar Malaysia bidders, Pekan voters hardly impacted by scandal news
Now, Johor Umno member lodges report against Najib over RM2.6 billion BY MD IZWAN Published: 6 September 2015 6:59 AM; Abdul Rashed Jamaludin filed the report at the Pasir Gudang police station yesterday demanding that police investigate Najib, who is also prime minister, as chairman of 1MDB's advisory board. 1MDB board chairman Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin and the state investor's president Arul Kanda Kandasamy were also named in the report sighted by The Malaysian Insider. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); The Pasir Gudang Umno member had also included in his report a chronology of the money flow based on a report by The Wall Street Journal article in July which revealed that US$700 million was deposited into Najib's accounts, as well as statements from ministers that it was a donation from a Middle Eastern donor. Rashed urged the police to also investigate ministers who had commented on the "donation" issue, to determine if they had lied to both the Dewan Rakyat and the media. He named five ministers: Datuk Husni Hanadzlah, Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Rahman Dahlan and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman as among those who had commented on the RM2.6 billion. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/now-johor-umno-member-lodges-report-against-najib-over-rm2.6-billion#sthash.bsqHqZEx.dLNHPhvN.dpuf
Police say no go for September 16 ‘red shirt’ rally BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 7 September 2015 12:08 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/police-say-no-go-for-september-16-red-shirt-rally#sthash.Mc4vE0uu.dpuf
Auditor-General confident 1MDB report ready by year’s end BY NABIHAH HAMID Published: 7 September 2015 5:32 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/auditor-general-confident-1mdb-report-ready-by-years-end#sthash.o0jAlp5t.dpuf
1MDB to shortlist bidders for Bandar Malaysia project by Friday Published: 7 September 2015 9:34 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-to-shortlist-bidders-for-bandar-malaysia-project-by-friday#sthash.8R2WsUZS.dpuf
Ex-1MDB advisory board member says he quit after requests for details ignored By NABIHAH HAMID Published: 7 September 2015 5:51 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ex-1mdb-advisory-board-member-says-he-quit-after-requests-for-details-ignor#sthash.ejX5BxDW.dpuf
Najib summons Umno political bureau to PMO today, ahead of Supreme Council meeting BY MD IZWAN Published: 7 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-summons-umno-political-bureau-to-pmo-today-ahead-of-supreme-council-m/malaysia/article/najib-summons-umno-political-bureau-to-pmo-today-ahead-of-supreme-council-m#sthash.V1pW9DA2.dpuf
1MDB, RM2.6 billion scandals reach Pekan but have little impact BY RAM ANAND Published: 7 September 2015 9:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-rm2.6-billion-scandals-reach-pekan-but-have-little-impact/malaysia/article/1mdb-rm2.6-billion-scandals-reach-pekan-but-have-little-impact#sthash.jc01OsOG.dpuf
Najib to skip anti-graft forum amid 1MDB scandal Sep 2, 2015, 5:00 am SGT http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-to-skip-anti-graft-forum-amid-1mdb-scandal
Malaysia must explain US$700 million donation, says international anti-graft group BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 2 September 2015 4:08 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-must-explain-us700-million-donation-says-international-anti-graft/malaysia/article/malaysia-must-explain-us700-million-donation-says-international-anti-graft#sthash.NjDLwblE.dpuf
From donation to disrupting probe, Najib’s actions suspicious, say international critics BY ANISAH SHUKRY AND MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 3 September 2015 6:58 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/from-donation-to-disrupting-probe-najibs-actions-suspicious-say-internation/malaysia/article/from-donation-to-disrupting-probe-najibs-actions-suspicious-say-internation#sthash.brIhDNu2.dpuf
RM2.6 billion is no ordinary donation, but ‘grand corruption’, says Transparency chief BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 4 September 2015 7:00 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-is-no-ordinary-donation-but-grand-corruption-says-transparenc/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-is-no-ordinary-donation-but-grand-corruption-says-transparenc#sthash.hA6LyyNl.dpuf
Court orders Najib, three others to file defence over suit for overspending in GE13 BY V. ANBALAGAN, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Published: 3 September 2015 12:25 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/court-orders-najib-three-others-to-file-defence-over-suit-for-overspending/malaysia/article/court-orders-najib-three-others-to-file-defence-over-suit-for-overspending#sthash.at3HTE61.dpuf
30 August 2015: Dr M says Marcos-like problem? Second day of Bersih 4 gets bigger crowd of 300,000. Mahathir's visits lighting up Malaysia political leadership concerns. News catch up: Interpol tells all its members to lay of Clare of SR.
Latest update - What PM Najib camp said and what Dr M said:
Rahman Dahlan mocks Bersih 4 rally, says BN has grassroots strength Published: 30 August 2015 3:51 PM | Updated: 30 August 2015 5:29 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rahman-dahlan-pokes-fun-at-bersih-rally#sthash.yHX9A8Bp.dpuf
Najib claims only 20k at Bersih, others 'with the gov't' Today 3:51 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/310459#ixzz3kILk7uAC
Dr M cites Marcos, says rallies needed for lawless gov't; Today 6:32 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/310477#ixzz3kIM3wQDu
Dr Mahathir says he just wants Najib to go; Published: 30 August 2015 5:26 PM | Updated: 30 August 2015 6:35 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dr-mahathir-says-he-just-wants-najib-to-go#sthash.Qg9zqWV9.dpuf
No need for street demos in the past because authorities acted on complaints, says Dr Mahathir; BY RAM ANAND Published: 30 August 2015 6:22 PM | Updated: 31 August 2015 2:22 AM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/no-need-for-street-demos-in-the-past-because-authorities-acted-on-complaint#sthash.RXGb38jT.dpuf
Dr M fires back at 'comfortable' Zahid and Hisham; Today 6:27 pm Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/310481#ixzz3kILrhGEb
Editor's notes:
- Dr Mahathir visited both days at Bersih 4.
- I had from contact network, info linked to DBKL that Malay:Chinese participation estimated 50:50 on first day 29 August 2015. Political analysts point out that turnout of Malays perhaps not due to concerns on less PAS mobilisation but due to lack of Malay leadership now that Anwar Ibrahim is in jail. The grassroots across the political spectrum are unhappy, but no one is organising.
- The concern among political analysts is the confusion of the message with racial and patronage culture topics which detract from the core issue.
Huge Anti-Government Protests in Malaysia Continue For a Second Day by Nash Jenkins / Kuala Lumpur @pnashjenkins 2:41 AM ET; ..... By noon on Sunday, the crowd had swelled to rival Saturday’s, which drew 200,000 by organizer’s estimates and 20,000 by police’s. A number of protesters stayed in the streets near Merdeka Square overnight, sleeping on the pavement when tired...
Malaysia protests calling for Najib Razak to resign enter second day; The Guardian - 3 hours ago; Thousands of Malaysians made their way back to the centre of the capital on Sunday, assembling again in an illegal demonstration to call for the resignation of the prime minister, Najib Razak, who is battling the fallout from a financial scandal. Some ... http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/30/malaysia-protests-calling-for-najib-razak-to-resign-enter-second-day
Bersih dismisses lack of Malay participation in rally Updated: 9:52 AM, August 30, 2015http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/bersih-4-rally-goers-take-breather-ready-day-2
Bersih 4: A carnival-like experience; Last updated on 30 August 2015 - 03:19am Bernard Cheahhttp://www.thesundaily.my/news/1535784?google_editors_picks=true
Bersih 4: 25 protesters detained in Malacca, 1 held in Nilai Last updated on 30 August 2015 - 08:56am Haikal Jalil, Aiezat Fadzell, Timothy Achariamhttp://www.thesundaily.my/news/1535797?google_editors_picks=true
On Dr M
Dr M: Rallies now necessary; http://www.thestar.com.my/
Ringgit will continue to plunge unless ‘someone’ not around, says Dr Mahathir - See more at: http://www.
Teruskan, teruskan, kata Dr Mahathir kepada peserta Bersih 4 - See more at: http://www.
Tun Mahathir dan isteri hadiri Bersih 4 Astro Awani http://www.astroawani.com/
Bicara Negarawan Tun Mahathir Pasir Gudang 01 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bicara Negarawan Tun Mahathir Pasir Gudang 03 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37rV23VWMDY
Views from Utusan
Utusan: Putrajaya weak in Bersih 4 response, should learn from Singapore’s stern stance; “Awang hopes the government learn its lesson. Learn from the Chinese-led Singapore government that has no compromises to any illegal rallies,” it said in its editorial opinion piece in the paper’s weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia. It pointed out that Singapore had arrested 21 Malaysians in 2013 for a similar Bersih rally there and had yesterday issued a warning against illegal rallies including Bersih. Utusan Malaysia said Putrajaya must hold the rally organisers accountable instead of letting them off, asking: “What is the uniqueness of the Bersih organisers that conduct sabotage of the country but they have never been charged as if they have immunity?” - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/utusan-putrajaya-weak-in-bersih-4-response-should-learn-from-singapores-ste#sthash.cjQPavbW.dpuf
Views from Utusan
Utusan: Putrajaya weak in Bersih 4 response, should learn from Singapore’s stern stance; “Awang hopes the government learn its lesson. Learn from the Chinese-led Singapore government that has no compromises to any illegal rallies,” it said in its editorial opinion piece in the paper’s weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia. It pointed out that Singapore had arrested 21 Malaysians in 2013 for a similar Bersih rally there and had yesterday issued a warning against illegal rallies including Bersih. Utusan Malaysia said Putrajaya must hold the rally organisers accountable instead of letting them off, asking: “What is the uniqueness of the Bersih organisers that conduct sabotage of the country but they have never been charged as if they have immunity?” - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/utusan-putrajaya-weak-in-bersih-4-response-should-learn-from-singapores-ste#sthash.cjQPavbW.dpuf
Photos and notes
On Interpol
Interpol rejects Malaysia's request for red notice on Sarawak ...The Malaysian Insider 1 day ago - In addition to rejecting Malaysia's request to issue a red alert notice on ... Clare Rewcastle-Brown, Interpol also asked member countries not to ... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/interpol-rejects-malaysias-request-for-red-notice-on-sarawak-report-editor
23 August 2015: DPM Zahid and Johor views contestation, question of ISIS and PM Najib donation timing and the new donation reason (to counter DAP-Jewish threat); Jho Low comes forward on MACC request
Editor's note: Breakfast chatter that the timing of donation to PM Najib for ISIS actually came in March 2013, just before the formal announcement of ISIL/ISIS in April 2013. While he could be loosely referring to the broad tussle in the Middle East over extremist groups, the reference timing for ISIS is "a bit off" according to commentators. This arose on the question of DAP-Jewish links being mentioned as new rationale for the huge Middle East donation to PM Najib.
Timing of donation rationale being queried by KL-ites as ISIL/ISIS announcement in April 2013, donation came before that in March 2013
- WSJ reported transfers March 21 and 25, 2013 from Falcon Private Bank in Singapore to PM Najib's accounts at AmIslamic Bank.
- April 8, 2013 Special Dispatch No.5264, ISI Confirms That Jabhat Al-Nusra Is Its Extension In Syria, Declares 'Islamic State Of Iraq And Al-Sham' As New Name Of Merged Group. On 8 April 2013, having expanded into Syria, the group Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) adopted the name Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. On April 8, 2013, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) – Al-Qaeda in Iraq – released a recorded audio message by its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, in which he announced that the Syria jihadi group Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN) has been merely an extension of ISI in Syria. Al-Baghdadi confirms that Jabhat Al-Nusra has been receiving monthly funds from ISI. In this vein, Al-Baghdadi announces that the names ISI and JN are not to be used anymore; instead, he declares the official merging of the two groups under the name "Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham." Al-Baghdadi's message is 21:30 in duration, and was released on leading jihadi forums. http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/7119.htm
- RM2.6 billion for Najib to fight ‘DAP-Jewish’ threat, says Umno leader BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 22 August 2015 11:28 AM Sri Gading Umno chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi says the Arabs wanted to protect Malaysia's 'Islamic government' under Barisan Nasional - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-for-najib-is-to-fight-dap-jewish-threat-says-umno-leader#sthash.4n8D2tPB.dpuf
- I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, Kit Siang says of DAP’s alleged Jewish links Sunday August 23, 201510:07 AM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/i-dont-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry-kit-siang-says-of-daps-alleged-jewish-l#sthash.Y1aqUWmz.dpuf
Reporting on DPM Zahid Hamidi's close meeting with Johor Sultan reiterates UMNO role, but Johor Crown prince warns his father does not back any particular party; DPM says he revealed plot to stop government being toppled
Crown prince: I back true leaders, not any party Malaysiakini 8:34AM Aug 22, 2015; Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has made it clear he does not back any particular political party and cautioned against attempts to counsel his father, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, to advance their personal interests. In a Facebook posting, Tunku Ismail said he only supports true leaders who “serve the people with honour, transparency and integrity”. “Of late, many are seen to be trying to get close and be friends with His Majesty, the sultan of Johor, which leads to all kinds of speculations and perceptions. “Don’t forget, I am the heir to the throne of Johor, and my voice will be the last one heard after everything reaches His Majesty. “My loyalty lies with my father, my sultan. My priority will always be the sovereignty of my state and the welfare of my people,” he said. Johor sultan believes only Umno can unite Malays, says Zahid BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 21 August 2015 6:31 PM The sultan of Johor is above politics but an Umno vice president says the state ruler wants Malays to be united - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-sultan-believes-only-umno-can-unite-malays-says-zahid#sthash.My5phDvy.dpuf
DPM: Govt could have been toppled if steps weren’t taken by ruben sario Updated: Sunday August 23, 2015 MYT 12:40:03 PM; KOTA BELUD: The Government could have been toppled by undemocratic means if no steps had been taken to prevent it from happening, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said he was compelled to reveal the plot involving the opposition and some “retired” leaders to put a stop to their plans. “As Home Minister I had received accurate information about what they intended to do and put a stop to it,” he said during the opening of the Kota Belud Umno division meeting on Sunday. “Their plan was to set up a unity government. But their real aim was to seize power through the back door,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said. He said those involved in the plot could not wait until the 14th general election to take on the ruling Barisan Nasional through democratic means. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/23/Zahid-Umno-Sabah-division-meeting/
Businessman Jho Low offers to assist in 1MDB probeThe Star/Asia News NetworkSunday, Aug 23, 2015; In a brief statement, the spokesperson said: "Mr Low has seen press reports that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is requesting his assistance", reported Bernama. "This is the first time Mr Low has been made aware of such a request. He has not received or been served any notice. "Mr Low's representatives will be contacting the MACC to see how he can be of assistance," the statement added. - See more at: http://business.asiaone.com/news/businessman-jho-low-offers-assist-1mdb-probe-0#sthash.dvu4UWyr.dpuf
22 August 2015: 1MDB probe step-ups with Swiss authorities confirm criminal probe on 1MDB and MACC seeks Jho Low, Nik Faisal and Datuk Suboh
Editor's note: Just what many say they've been awaiting. It was only a question of which financial authority would be first to start serious probe? (KL commentators were looking for something from the financial centers beyond the likes of "we're cooperating with Bank Negara). Swiss criminal probe confirmed. Dr M's guy, Matthias Chang, assists give report...... will this cascade the others to criminal probes too?
Swiss open criminal probe linked to 1MDB Updated Aug 22, 2015 10:38am; Switzerland's Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has opened criminal proceedings relating to Malaysia's troubled state investment fund 1MDB, a spokesperson in Zurich said yesterday, according to Reuters. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, is being examined by Malaysian authorities investigating accusations of financial mismanagement and graft. .... "The Office of the Attorney-General confirms that, on Aug 14 2015, it opened a criminal procedure against two entities of 1MDB as well as against an unknown person," the OAG spokesperson said in an email. The case involved "suspected corruption of public foreign officials, dishonest management of public interests and money laundering", he said.http://m.malaysiakini.com/news/309469
Jho Low, two others on MACC wanted list for SRC probe; KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said today it is seeking the aid of three individuals for its probe on SRC International Sdn Bhd, namely billionaire businessman Low Taek Jho and two directors from the Finance Ministry-owned firm. The two are managing director Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil and director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin; In a media statement signed by MACC investigations director Datuk Azam Baki, the agency urged the trio to contact investigating officers Assistant Commissioner Rosli Husain at 010-3187757 or 03-88900752, or Assistant Commissioner Norkhafizin Isa at 019-6000345 or 03-88900754. The trio were also told to present themselves at the MACC’s special operations division office in Menara Prisma, Precinct 3, Putrajaya. “The MACC also members of the public who may have information on the trio’s whereabouts to contact Rosli or Norkhafizin or any nearest MACC branch,” Azam said.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/jho-low-two-others-on-macc-wanted-list-for-src-probe#sthash.dgbqsSUQ.dpuf
20 August 2015: Editor's note on domestic political crisis, Ringgit and CPO prices
Malaysia has a domestic political crisis across the ENTIRE political spectrum amidst wide-ranging disruptions on investigations, crackdowns on expressions of dissatisfaction and patronage ramp-ups. Visits and planned visits and apparent policy supports from the likes of UK's Cameron and America's Obama only add to Malaysia urban-business class views that there is "no hope" – it tells them that the West values geopolitical and transnational corporate interests more than democratic principles. Their visits give legitimacy to the flailing Najib regime.
As a result, much of the reaction to the Malaysia political crisis can only be manifested in the currency. Individuals, businesses and investors seem to be acting by moving their money out of the Ringgit. From the market chatter, it may be that a wider range of people have gone to the money changers, and there's also the foreigners invested in Ringgit bonds. News reports also talk of hedge fund guys leaning against the Ringgit. In the Ringgit blame game, the Najib administration has been fortunate in the sense that the Ringgit slide comes amidst the commodity slide and global currency war. However, Malaysians are very quick to point out that their Ringgit no longer buys 10 Baht, but less than 8.70 Baht. The latest KL business group chatter (last night and this morning) is whether HSBC in Hong Kong has really stopped trading the Ringgit.
KL bankers have been for months concerned about the forex reserve cover of short term foreign debt. They prefer 1.5-2x but in the weeks before the recent steep USDMYR move, they note that it was hovering around 1.1x. Where is it now? There is speculation whether a major financial center may move to investigate the Najib-linked international big money flows; widely reported and notably not denied. This brings into question how these financial centers choose to implement their AMLA rules.
Back on the domestic political front, the bewildering jumble of news headlines should perhaps not be read from the urban perspective (“unbelievable” is a common reaction), but from the rural which receives selected snippets thereof i.e. we are suing WSJ etc. UMNO-BN has been very and increasingly reliant on the rural vote. For the kampong crowd the grinding fall of crude palm oil (CPO) price in USD has been accompanied by the Ringgit slide. As a result, the CPO price has managed to hover around RM2000/tonne so far. However, specialists worry it may face greater pressure as we now enter the palm oil annual high crop season.
Source: www.mpob.gov.my
Note: Reuters reports for yesterday's close, the benchmark palm oil contract for November 1FCPOc3
on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed 1.2 percent lower at 2,034
Malaysian ringgit ($495.86) a tonne. For 16 Jan 2015, Reuters reported the benchmark April contract was at 2,311 ringgit ($650) per tonne. Thus, between these two points in time, over a 7-month period, CPO BMD benchmark has only fallen RM277 while it dropped $154 in US dollars terms. However, the entire vegetable oil complex has been grinding lower while crude oil prices have fallen back too. CPO price trades in a band between Brent crude and its competitor oils. Palm oil traders worry about "demand destruction" for palm oil amidst competitive pressures.
19 August 2015: Keeping an eye on UMNO plotters, BN's Shahrir did not know RM2.6bil donation was appreciation to Najib for fighting ISIS, Thais speedily convict Justo - three year's jail for trying to blackmail Petrosaudi
Ahmad Zahid: New date for ‘plotter’ to meet Najib by zuhrin azam Updated: Tuesday August 18, 2015 MYT 9:13:34 PM http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/18/Zahid-Plotter-cancelled-meeting-with-Najib/Shahrir: RM2.6bil donation received for fighting IS is news to me Updated: Wednesday August 19, 2015 MYT 1:05:02 AM BNBBC chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad comments on news reports that the RM2.6bil donation received by the Prime Minister was an appreciation for fighting Islamic State.http://www.thestar.com.my/Videos/2015/08/18/BNBBC-2-point-6-billion-is-news-to-me/
Justo to give more evidence against portal by mazwin nik anis Updated: Wednesday August 19, 2015 MYT 7:12:20 AM; PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General’s Chambers is gathering more evidence against news website Sarawak Report from Xavier Andre Justo (pic) following his conviction in Thailand.. It said that in light of the Swiss national’s conviction, it had “received positive response” from its Thai counterpart on the matter. “We are in the process of obtaining further evidence under the treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters among Asean countries,” it said in a statement. Justo was sentenced to three years’ jail for trying to blackmail his former employer PetroSaudi International. The oil services and production company is linked to troubled sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/19/Justo-to-give-more-evidence-against-portal/
Lies and more lies in RM2.6b scandal By Yoursay 7:45AM Aug 19, 2015; YOURSAY ‘Maybe PM Najib Razak should try telling the truth for a change.’ http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/309065?google_editors_picks=true
16 August 2015: BN says PM Najib had to "take out people" - charge sheet a "plot to criminalise the prime minister," donation to Najib was a "thanks for fighting Isis," Zahid challenges "plot to topple government"
'Najib had to stop charge sheet from being served' Malaysiakini 1:26PM Aug 16, 2015 BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had to "take out people" after an alleged charge sheet against him emerged. "Given that scenario what would you do? You would take drastic action wouldn't you? "Okay, take these people out first, so that things will get back to normalcy and see what will happen next. "If you could appreciate that scenario then you would understand the flurry of action taken by the prime minister," he said in an interview with The Star Online. Abdul Rahman was responding to a question on whether the charge sheet was real. He described the charge sheet as a "plot to criminalise the prime minister".http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308745
Najib’s RM2.6 billion is from Saudi Arabia as thanks for fighting Isis, claims Umno leader Published: 16 August 2015 7:06 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najibs-rm2.6-billion-is-from-saudi-arabia-as-thanks-for-fighting-isis-claim#sthash.hpnRKwYB.dpuf
Over our dead bodies, Zahid says of plot to topple government BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 16 August 2015 5:35 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/over-our-dead-bodies-zahid-says-of-plot-to-topple-government#sthash.YxTTHDqg.dpuf
13 August 2015: I’m not quitting, will serve full term, says Zeti; Utusan's top guns don't buy RM2.6b story? PAS to act on splinter group and has PKR made wrong move?
I’m not quitting, will serve full term, says Zeti BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 13 August 2015 12:11 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/im-not-resigning-soon-says-zeti#sthash.6yFOVPYZ.dpuf
RM2.6 billion donation to Najib not within Bank Negara’s purview, says Zeti BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 13 August 2015 3:50 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rm2.6-billion-donation-to-najib-not-within-bank-negaras-purview-says-zeti#sthash.Nkhod0w9.dpuf
Zeti: I may be arrested for speaking about an individual by Malaysiakini 8:51PM Aug 13, 2015; Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz today declined to weigh into the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts, stating that she may be arrested if she were to talk about a certain individual. "I have to be very careful what I say - that it has to be within the confines of the law. "Otherwise, the moment I step out of this door, I will face arrest for talking about an individual right now."And I am sure you don't want that to happen," she told a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. The response courted laughter from journalists and Bank Negara officers present.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308485
Utusan's top guns don't buy RM2.6b story? by Malaysiakini 2:48PM Aug 13, 2015; Since Sunday, three articles by Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia has dropped hints that the newspaper was not convinced by explanations about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's receipt of RM2.6 billion in "donations". Yesterday, the newspaper's senior editor Zaini Hassan wrote that he had been questioned recently by an acquaintance for keeping quiet about "donations and donors"....The day before, another senior editor Zulkiflee Bakar urged Putrajaya to restore the "special task force's bite". Zulkiflee was referring to the task force initiated by former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail four years ago, but was disbanded by his successor Mohamed Apandi Ali.....But perhaps the most overt criticism of the RM2.6 billion "donation" claim came from Ku Seman Ku Hussain in his article on Sunday. Ku Seman criticised BN leaders for initially dismissing The Wall Street Journal report on the deposits in Najib's personal account, only to now claim that it was a donation or political funding for Umno. He said that it has been established that it couldn't have been party funds because party leaders were unaware of it. "Ordinary people know the difference between (donation and political funding). Political funding ends up in a party account and is subjected to auditing. "But a donation into a personal account is an individual's right. The public is now urging Umno not to consider individual rights as Umno's rights. "Thus, Umno needs to stress that the RM2.6 billion was (Najib's) personal matter. Don't say it is the party's right if party leaders themselves are unaware of its existence. Strange, isn't it?" asked Ku Seman.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308437
PAS to act on members involved with GHB, says veep Published: 13 August 2015 10:41 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pac-to-act-on-members-involved-with-ghb-says-veep#sthash.u8xLRhAW.dpuf
'PKR suit against Najib may work in PM's favour' Malaysiakini 3:14PM Aug 13, 2015; ..."The suit could render debate on Najib's multi-billion ringgit political 'donations' sub judice," he said in a blog posting today.http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/308441
10 August 2015: Dr M refuses to accept claim that Arabs made RM2.6bil donation - The Star, MACC directors reinstated, Najib apology amid Johor UMNO questions
Dr M refuses to accept claim that Arabs made RM2.6bil donation by rashvinjeet s. bedi Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 2:23:43 PM PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refused to accept that the Arabs donated RM2.6bil to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his election campaign. The former prime minister of 22 years said that Arabs were not that generous and that he never managed to raise a single dollar from Arabs for the Malaysian International Islamic University or for the Oxford Islamic Centre. “Certainly I don’t believe it and neither can the majority of Malaysians if we go by the comments on the social media. The world had a good laugh,” Dr Mahathir said in a posting on chedet.cc on Monday. “Who in the world would donate US$700mil to the Malaysian Prime Minister? Even Obama could not raise this amount for his Presidential bid,” he added. Dr Mahathir said the claims that the money was for elections was not logical as he had needed less than RM10mil for each of the five elections he presided over. “Why do you need RM2.6bil-plus or 2,600 million ringgit. Is it to bribe politicians and civil servants, or to rig the elections? That would not be right, much less legal,” he said. Dr Mahathir said that what Najib was doing was unprecedented and that the people are at a loss.....
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/Dr-M-refuses-to-accept-claim/
Ali Hamsa: MACC directors reinstated following explanation Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 4:19:12 PM by zuhrin azam ahmad PUTRAJAYA: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa (pic) has revoked the transfer orders for two MACC directors to the Prime Minister’s Department as he is satisfied with their explanations. Ali Hamsa said in a statement that the two directors – Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin and Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob – were reinstated to their previous positions effective immediately (Aug 10). http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/Ali-Hamsa-MACC-transfers/
Nazir Razak backs MACC by rahmah ghazali Updated: Sunday August 9, 2015 MYT 7:58:29 PM
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/09/MACC-Nazir-Razak/
'Muhyiddin’s removal made in the interest of politics, not to hurt Johoreans' Updated: Monday August 10, 2015 MYT 8:17:54 AM http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/10/PM-Im-aware-of-sentiment-For-more-stories-Muhyiddins-removal-made-in-the-interest-of-politics-not-to/
Malaysia's Prime Minister: A Dead Man Walking? 8/08/2015 @ 5:43PM 198,347 views,
http://www.forbes.com/sites/greglopez/2015/08/08/malaysias-prime-minister-a-dead-man-walking/
RM2.6 billion donation: Shahrir responds 15 questions by Johor MB's son Astro Awani | Published on August 08, 2015 18:31 MYT
http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/rm2-6-billion-donation-shahrir-responds-15-questions-johor-mbs-son-68947
Johor MB: Umno can't be quiet in face of corruption Malaysiakini 1:38PM Aug 4, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307296
Johor MB dashes Najib's hope to crush rebellion Malaysiakini - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak may have hoped to quickly quell any unhappiness in Umno, particularly in Johor, over the ouster of Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister but the task may now be more challenging than expected. This, former minister Zainuddin Maidin argued, was after Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin's (photo) subtle message to the state's Umno rank and file.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307358
2 August 2015: PM Najib's Crackdown intensifies, Najib: It’s time to strengthen unity, not dwell on 1MDB, Dr M's crying over milk he helped spill
Protesters and investigators arrested as Malaysian PM Najib Razak cracks down; Date August 2, 2015 - 1:48PM 23 reading now Lindsay Murdoch South-East Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/protesters-and-investigators-arrested-as-malaysian-pm-najib-razak-cracks-down-20150802-giple1.html#ixzz3hd5jLnRC
Najib: It’s time to strengthen unity, not dwell on 1MDB Updated: Sunday August 2, 2015 MYT 7:21:12 AM; MALACCA: Issues surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd do not spell the “end of the world” for Barisan Nasional and Umno. Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said everyone seemed to be focused on detrimental issues but it was time to strengthen unity and concentrate on the people’s welfare. “I will not be distracted by the issues, which were portrayed as if everything surrounding us is going to collapse,” the Prime Minister said when opening the Kota Laksamana Umno annual general meeting here yesterday. “I can’t also be relinquishing my post just because of one individual. Putting food on the table and providing a better quality of life for the people is more important to me,” he said. Najib also said those who supported the party’s struggles shouldn’t do it for the “Najib factor” but for a stronger Umno. Backing the party should be their first priority, not idolising leaders, he added... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/02/Najib-Its-time-to-strengthen-unity-not-dwell-on-1MDB/
Dr M's crying over milk he helped spill By Terence Netto; COMMENT Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest round of griping that Umno leaders are keeping away after having earlier piled him with their worries about what the party and country were coming to is disingenuous. Mahathir inculcated precisely this opportunistic - 'friends in fair weather, strangers in foul' – behaviour. Mahathir spoke of this turn in the attitude of Umno leaders at a book launch ceremony yesterday.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/307023
31 July 2015: AG Chambers says it did not draft charge sheet against PM, Deputy PM Muhyiddin and four other sacked from cabinet, Bank Negara grips Ringgit and reserves fall, Zeti has not quit, Bukit Aman fire destroys unimportant documents says IGP, Nazir Razak warns to preserve integrity of institutions, international media attention widens
On AG Chambers, Ambiga hauled up, Nazir Razak, Bukit Aman fire
Charge sheet draft against PM not from A-G’s Chambers, says prosecution head; 31 Jul — The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has denied that it had drafted or issued an alleged charge sheet against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, which was disclosed by whistleblower site Sarawak Report.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/charge-sheet-draft-against-pm-not-from-a-gs-chambers-says-prosecution-head
AG Chambers denies 'charge sheet' against PM; The Attorney-General's Chambers has denied drafting or issuing a purported charge sheet against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.... https://www.malaysiakini.com/
Police to quiz Ambiga over calls to topple government BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA Published: 30 July 2015 5:59 PM Police sources say Hakam president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is being investigated over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 30, 2015.Police today confirmed that National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has been called in for questioning over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government. A police source said the appointment was set at 3pm at Dang Wangi police headquarters and it will be handled by investigating officers from Bukit Aman. "The investigation has nothing do with Kuala Lumpur police. All being handled by Bukit Aman." googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); It is understood that Ambiga is being investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy. A charge under this section carries a jail term of up to 20 years, upon conviction....Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told the media today that police would also be calling journalists who wrote the articles that quoted Ambiga's remarks to assist in investigation. "I have openly ask Ambiga to deny what was being reported but until today she has not," said Khalid after a police function in Cheras today. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/police-to-quiz-ambiga-over-calls-to-topple-government#sthash.3ACyLaam.dpuf
#TangkapNajib gathering to go on this Saturday despite police warning BY HASBULLAH AWANG CHIK Published: 30 July 2015 1:19 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tangkapnajib-gathering-to-go-on-this-saturday-despite-police-warning#sthash.IGBSQuRN.dpuf
Views and opinions
Nazir Razak warns of Malaysia's 'Game of Thrones' by dina murad Updated: Wednesday July 29, 2015 MYT 4:30:56 PM PETALING JAYA: CIMB Group chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak has warned that Malaysia's political storm may turn into a "Game of Thrones" if left unchecked. "Through this political turmoil, we must preserve & protect the integrity of our institutions or we descend into a game of thrones," Nazir, the youngest brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, wrote on his Instagram account nazir.razak.... Game of Thrones is a highly popular fantasy series by HBO which revolves around the politics and governance of the medieval-inspired land of Westeros. On Tuesday, Najib announced a surprise Cabinet reshuffle where Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was dropped from both his Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister posts. Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi replaced Muhyiddin as Deputy Prime Minister and Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid took over his Education Minister portfolio. Muhyiddin was dropped due to his opinions and public statements on 1Malaysia Devlopment Berhad (1MDB) which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said went against the concept of collective responsibility of the Cabinet. Four other ministers were also replaced. http://www.thestar.com.my/
Can Najib’s Cabinet reshuffle save him, ask analysts - The Malaysian Insider http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/can-najibs-cabinet-reshuffle-save-him-ask-analysts
Muhyiddin’s sacking will not benefit opposition, says research centre Published: 30 July 2015 7:54 PM A research centre says majority of Malay voters are not known to make political changes. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 30, 2015.Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin's sacking will not result in swing votes for the opposition, independent research firm llham Centre said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muhyiddins-sacking-will-not-benefit-opposition-says-research-centre#sthash.zvk0UBSk.dpuf
Najib and Malaysian Politics in Crisis: Whither UMNO and the Opposition? By Yang Razali Kassim RSIS No. 161/2015 dated 30 July 2015; Synopsis: As Prime Minister Najib Razak strikes back at his critics over the 1MDB scandal, questions arise as to where Malaysian politics will go from here, even as the ruling and opposition coalitions reel in their respective crises.... Commentary: MALAYSIAN POLITICS is at an inflection point. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say it is in a mega-crisis. Prime Minister Najib Razak has just countered his critics over the massive 1MDB scandal by sacking his vocal deputy prime minister and the Attorney-General who led a high-level probe. This latest twist has left the country bracing for a backlash of uncertainty. Yet it is not just the ruling UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) government that is in trouble; the opposition coalition is also grappling with its own survival..... It is significant that both sides of the political divide are reeling from unprecedented pressure in disarray - simultaneously. What will come out of this? But it is the crisis in BN that is more critical, given the repercussions reverberating throughout the system due to UMNO’s defining role as the ruling coalition’s anchor party. The latest crisis in UMNO is equally without precedent..... Leadership crisis in UMNO. Prime Minister Najib Razak is fighting for his political life in the face of severe criticisms arising from the scandal in the 1MDB investment fund which he advises. Never before has a sitting prime minister been openly pressured to step down amid a high-level probe. Never before has there been serious investigation into the dealings of a government-linked investment fund whose chief adviser is the finance minister, who is also prime minister..... Prior to the reshuffles, Najib's political position had been in doubt. There had been rumours of actions about to be taken by the taskforce, even predictions of a new prime minister by next month. By removing his deputy and the attorney-general, Najib has clearly shown that he intends to stay on top of the crisis. Interestingly, the reshuffles led to the induction into cabinet of Nur Jazlan Mohamed, the equally outspoken chair of the bipartisan Public Accounts Committee, which is also involved in the probe, along with three other UMNO members of the committee. Will the PAC investigation now be muted?...The PR is now dead, a victim of the crisis that first began in the Islamist party PAS which led to the dominance of the conservative faction and ouster of its professionals wing. Two other partners – the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) - are trying to reinvent the alliance with a “PR 2.0”, linking up with the purged faction but minus the increasingly conservative PAS proper. The final shape of this reinvented opposition coalition is still unclear, but promises to be appealing to a multi-ethnic electorate – and is likely to be led once again by the unifying figure of Anwar, from behind bars......
On Bukit Aman fire
Bukit Aman fire: Only unimportant documents destroyed, says IGP by farik zolkepli Updated: Wednesday July 29, 2015 MYT 9:33:42 PM PETALING JAYA: Only unimportant documents were destroyed in the fire at the Police Headquarters in Bukit Aman, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. "The fire has been put out. "There is no cause for alarm as only unimportant documents were lost during the fire," he tweeted Wednesday. He added that the cause of the fire was being investigated. A fire broke at Menara 2 earlier Wednesday.Inspector-General of Police Secretariat assistant head (Corporate Communications) Asst Comm Datin Asmawati Ahmad said that the blaze is believed to have originated on levels 9 and 10, which is where the Criminal Investigation and Narcotics departments are located. http://www.thestar.com.my/
Fire breaks out at police headquarters in Bukit Aman Posted on 29 July 2015 - 08:40pm Last updated on 30 July 2015 - 01:04am by Ashwin Kumar and Nabilah Hamudin; Two floors occupied by the CID and anti narcotics department at Tower 2 in Bukit Aman in fire.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1504497
On Bank Negara
Bank Negara grips ringgit tightly as troubles mount By Vidya Ranganathan, Reuters; Protecting the ringgit from political fallout may end up costing Malaysia more than any bailout for the debt-ridden 1MDB state fund, given the rate at which the central bank has been using its reserves in recent weeks.
Bank Negara Malaysia has taken an iron-fisted approach, barely allowing the ringgit to move since early July as investors became increasingly unnerved by the deepening scandal over how 1Malaysia Development Berhad got into US$11 billion of debt. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Najib Razak sacked his deputy, who had called on him to give Malaysians a better explanation of where 1MDB's money went. Three other ministers were also shunted in the reshuffle. Najib also replaced the attorney-general. On Thursday, the rumour mill went into overdrive, forcing the central bank to deny that Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz was resigning. Financial markets were understandably nervous at the prospect of the well-regarded Zeti (photo), who has headed the central bank since 2000, becoming another casualty of the affair. Since early July, even as foreign investors pulled out of Malaysian markets and risk metrics spiked, the ringgit has remained close to 3.8 to the dollar.... Currency reserves fell $5 billion in the two weeks to July 5 as the central bank defended the ringgit and analysts estimate a lot more could have been spent since as the political storm around Najib intensified. "We've crossed the Rubicon on a couple of politically sensitive levels and clearly there is some heavy smoothing operation going on," said Claudio Piron, head of rates and currency strategy at BofA Merrill Lynch in Singapore. "That is evident in the FX reserves numbers and the behaviour of the ringgit that is holding around the 3.8 levels. The ringgit is Asia's weakest currency this year, having shed nearly 9 percent of its value against the dollar. The decline largely reflected concerns over its vulnerability to rising US interest rates and the halving in the price of oil in the past year, which has dragged down the price of gas, though not by as much. Malaysia is the world's second-largest exporter of liquified natural gas. https://www.malaysiakini.com/
Bank Negara: Zeti has not quit, did not suffer heart attack by jer weann ang AND v. mienaloshyani Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 5:08:28 PM KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has denied rumours circulating in local media and financial markets that its governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz (pic) has resigned. When asked to comment on the the rumour, a central bank spokesman said: "This is not true," according to Reuters. When contacted by The Star, a BNM spokesman also denied that Zeti, 67, suffered a heart attack. "She is fine and came to work as usual,” added the spokesman.... http://www.thestar.com.my/
On sacking of Deputy PM Muhyiddin
Malaysia’s Najib Razak Fires Deputy Prime Minister in 1MDB Rift - WSJ http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-najib-razak-shakes-up-cabinet-amid-1mdb-investigation-1438065854
In leaked video, Muhyiddin says Najib admitted RM2.6 billion in his accounts Published: 29 July 2015 8:23 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/in-leaked-video-muhyiddin-says-najib-admitted-rm2.6-billion-in-his-accounts#sthash.6QA5Yyyu.dpuf
Muhyiddin can’t be sacked as Umno deputy chief, says Nazri by rashvinjeet s. bedi Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 12:09:35 PM PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin cannot be sacked as Umno deputy president as he was elected by party members, says Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (pic). As such, Umno will have to wait until the party elections, where new Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will very likely go for the post, said the Umno Supreme Council member. “Nothing can be done unless Muhyiddin resigns … He cannot be sacked as he was elected by the delegates … If he doesn’t leave there is a likelihood that Zahid will go after him. I expect Zahid to do so,” Nazri told The Star Online from Milan where he is on a working trip.
http://www.thestar.com.my/
Leaked video on Muhyiddin’s conversation on 1MDB goes viral by victoria brown Updated: Thursday July 30, 2015 MYT 9:55:42 AM PETALING JAYA: A leaked video of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin purportedly recounting a conversation he had with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on 1MDB has gone viral. The video clip, that appeared to be recorded on a mobile device, shows Muhyiddin sitting with several guests at his home. The 53-second video, which was inaudible in certain parts, appeared to suggest that Muhyiddin had spoken to Najib about the allegations contained in a recent Wall Street Journal report. Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and former Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir were among those present in the clip. Muhyiddin entertained several guests on Tuesday evening after it was announced that he had been removed as Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister. .... http://www.thestar.com.my/
International media attention widens
Cameron concerned about Anwar, says Azmin; British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed concern over the well-being of jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim....https://www.
David Cameron will meet Malaysian leader mired in corruption claims http://gu.com/p/4b465?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
5 Reasons Why Obama Should Steer Clear of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak | TIME https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14ed8a60366df0f1
British journalist: I'm being followed in London by teams of stalkers http://gu.com/p/4b3ft?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
27 July 2015: Najib Urges Patience on Malaysia Probes as Warns Against Discord, S&P keeps Malaysia's A- sovereign rating, Singapore Straits Times feature on 1MDB, WSJ editorial
Najib Urges Patience on Malaysia Probes as Warns Against Discord by Shamim Adam July 27, 2015 — 1:33 PM HKTUpdated on July 27, 2015 — 10:50 PM HKT
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called for patience on investigations into the state investment company, warning infighting in the ruling party would risk sowing voter discord.
The statement came after Deputy Premier Muhyiddin Yassin stepped up his calls for answers over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd. imbroglio. Najib must explain 1MDB’s debt and why the government invested in money-losing ventures, giving people “the real truth,” he told members of their United Malays National Organisation party on Sunday.
“Malaysians are not stupid,” Muhyiddin said, according to comments carried by local media and verified by his office. “They are well-informed. Don’t underestimate them. We cannot lie.”
Multiple probes are under way into 1MDB, which was the subject of a July 3 Wall Street Journal report that $700 million may have moved through government agencies and state-linked firms to accounts bearing Najib’s name. The premier has denied taking money for personal gain.
Najib’s office said on Monday that investigators should be given space to perform their tasks and infighting within UMNO would erode support for the government and the party.
“All parties, especially members of the administration including Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, need to wait for the results of the investigations,” his office said in the statement. “We should avoid making statements that could cloud the perceptions of the people toward the country’s leaders, the government and UMNO.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-27/najib-s-deputy-seeks-truth-on-malaysia-investment-fund-actions
UPDATE 1-S&P keeps Malaysia's A- sovereign rating, outlook stable Mon Jul 27, 2015 6:55am EDT By Trinna Leong S&P affirms L-T foreign currency rating at A-, outlook stable * Graft allegations involving 1MDB won't impede policymaking - S&P * M'sia's strong external position to help counter energy slowdown (Adds details from S&P statement, economist quotes)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/27/malaysia-economy-rating-idUSL3N1073G720150727
Malaysian ringgit hits 17-year low against US dollar on weak commodities, Fed caution; Updated: 5:42 PM, July 27, 2015 SINGAPORE — Malaysia’s ringgit hit a 17-year low today (July 27) as a global slump in commodity prices added to concerns over sluggish exports, while investors braced for a US Federal Reserve meeting that might take another step toward lifting interest rates.
The ringgit eased 0.1 per cent to 3.8110 per US dollar, its weakest since September 1998.
The ringgit pared losses again as the central bank has been spotted intervening to keep the worst performing Asian currency firmer than 3.8100 per dollar, traders said. The currency was pegged at 3.8 between 1998 and 2005. Malaysia’s international reserves fell to US$100.5 billion (S$138 billion) as of July 15 from US$105.5 billion as of June 30, central bank data showed on July 23. REUTERS
http://www.todayonline.com/business/malaysian-ringgit-hits-17-year-low-weak-commodities-fed-caution
1MDB saga: A tale of debt, money trails and allegations , SE Asia News & Top Stories - The Straits Times; by Reme Ahmad Assistant Foreign Editor Published Jul 25, 2015, 5:00 am SGT; With twists and turns worthy of a thriller, the 1MDB scandal now rocking Malaysia seems unlikely to be unravelled soon, putting the economy on the back foot...1MDB has become a household name and generated international attention, but for all the wrong reasons. Questions about its eye-popping debts have metastasised into a massive political crisis that threatens Datuk Seri Najib's leadership, has fractured his ruling Umno party and calls into question Malaysia's financial management. The scandal has also spawned several probes at home and abroad....It has led to a crackdown on the media, resulted in the arrests of four people, and kept Malaysians captivated for close to a year with its twists and turns involving an improbable cast that includes a pugnacious 90-year-old former premier, a respected central banker and a tattooed man in a Thai jail. How did a visionary plan by Mr Najib, 62, to expand Malaysia's wealth end up in such a quagmire?.....Home Ministry last Friday suspended for three months the publishing permits of two business papers published by The Edge Media Group. It earlier blocked access to the Sarawak Report website. Mr Nazir, Mr Najib's brother, said on his Instagram on Friday that The Edge's "recent 1MDB coverage seems outstanding but if there were flaws then correct them or take legal recourse. I condemn the suspension". Amid the almost daily new allegations and disclosures, one thing everyone can agree upon is that the government must quickly conclude its investigations, as it cannot afford to be distracted by the scandal at a time when the Malaysian economy is weakening, the ringgit sliding and cost of living soaring. The first murmurs of disquiet began as early as April 2009. A report in The Straits Times then had a chief executive of a Malaysian bank voicing his unease at how the fund had to borrow money to buy assets, instead of using cash surpluses like other state-backed entities.....
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/1mdb-saga-a-tale-of-debt-money-trails-and-allegations#xtor=CS1-10
Malaysia’s Missed Democracy Lesson - Obama again can’t find a voice for liberty and moderate Muslims. Opinion. July 23, 2015 7:14 p.m. ET; Malaysia is in the midst of a first-class political scandal, thanks in part to reporting in this newspaper that $700 million linked to a state-owned investment fund allegedly was transferred to the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak. Mr. Najib denies wrongdoing, and neither the original source nor ultimate destination of the money is clear....Yet the larger scandal in Malaysia is hiding in plain sight. We’re talking about the imprisonment of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is five months into a... http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-missed-democracy-lesson-1437693288
25 July 2015: Dr M: I will continue writing on 1MDB, Rafidah Aziz says facts are needed on 1MDB; parallels of 1MDB offshore probe with probe of FIFA funds flow through international banks?
U.S. Authorities Probe Banks’ Handling of FIFA Funds - More than a half dozen banks contacted in separate probes by Brooklyn prosecutors, New York banking regulator By Christopher M. Matthews and Rachel Louise Ensign Updated July 23, 2015 6:42 p.m. ET; U.S. authorities have ramped up investigations into whether banks should have raised alarms about money flows linked to alleged corruption at soccer’s governing body, according to people familiar with the matter. In separate probes, prosecutors in the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s office and New York’s top financial regulator have contacted more than a half dozen banks combined in connection with the soccer scandal in recent weeks, the... http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-authorities-probe-banks-handling-of-fifa-funds-1437682616?mod=djem10point
Dr M: I will continue writing on 1MDB by izra abdul rahman Updated: Friday July 24, 2015 MYT 7:18:57 PM KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will not stop writing about 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) on his chedet.cc blog. He said he was aware that several publications have been under pressure to cease their reporting on 1MDB, following warnings from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). “There is a clampdown against the media, but I will keep writing about 1MDB,” he told reporters at a hotel here on Friday. The former prime minister has been one of 1MDB’s fiercest critics, as he constantly put the Government to task over 1MDB's management of its funds. The authorities have warned against publishing any reports on 1MDB as a special task force conducts its investigations. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/24/dr-mahathir-will-not-stop-1mdb-comments/
Rafidah Aziz: Banning publications solves nothing by akil yunus Updated: Saturday July 25, 2015 MYT 4:38:34 PM; PETALING JAYA: Banning media publications for reporting what certain quarters deem “unsavoury” will not solve anything, said Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (pic).
The former International Trade and Industry Minister said those responsible need to start giving the public the facts and to “say things as they are” on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other issues. “We can ban some publications. It does not solve anything, really. If at all, it’s making many more people upset. Worse still, there is now another grouse against the Government - for nothing,” she wrote on her Facebook page on Saturday.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/25/rafidah-banning-solves-nothing/
IGP: Trumpeting wrongdoings via media only invites chaos Last updated on 25 July 2015 - 07:21pm KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pix) says whistle-blowers who expose alleged wrongdoings cannot be protected by the law, if they trumpeted the matter through the media. He made the statement via his Twitter account today, following the home ministry's three-month suspension of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily, beginning July 27. He said the act of trumpeting the so-called 'true revelations' of any wrongdoing through the media would only invite misunderstanding, incorrect perception and chaos. Khalid said the country's law only protected whistle-blowers who used proper channels, and the police would not allow the public to be misled by people with ulterior motives. "Whistle Blowers are surely protected under Malaysian laws, provided they come in the proper way, legally @PDRMsia welcomes genuine WBlowers," he tweeted.Khalid in his subsequent tweet said; "Trumpheting' so-called 'true revelations' thru the media will only invite misunderstanding, incorrect perception and chaos. @PDRMsia." .....http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1499947
24 July 2015 afternoon: Malaysia twice denied access to Justo while Singapore's Straits Times has access. The Edge says "we misled Justo on payment to get proof of US$1.83 billion scam." The Edge print publications slapped with 3 month suspension by Najib administration. Amidst news clampdown, some persons of interest sought as 1MDB dragnet gets going.
Note: KL-ite chatter on Malaysia lacking jurisdiction, and now apparent Malaysia police not part of group instigating Justo arrest?
Yes, we misled Justo on payment to get proof of US$1.83 billion scam - The Malaysian Insider - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/yes-we-misled-justo-on-payment-to-get-proof-of-us1.83-billion-scam
I was offered $2.7m for stolen data: Ex-PetroSaudi employee Xavier Andre Justo on the 1MDB saga - Nirmal Ghosh Indochina Bureau Chief In Bangkok; Published 9 hours ago; Swiss national Xavier Andre Justo - who is now in jail in Thailand in connection with trying to blackmail his former employer, PetroSaudi, which is entangled in a huge scandal involving the Malaysian government - has claimed that he was promised US$2 million (S$2.7 million) in exchange for data he stole from his former employer.... He also told The Straits Times in a prison interview that he was never paid what he was promised by a prominent Malaysian businessman. Justo claimed a deal was reached in Singapore in February on the sale of the documents, which was followed by lengthy discussions on how he would be paid.... The group of people he met in Singapore to negotiate the sale of the data were named in a 22-page confession Justo made to Thai police. He showed a copy of the confession to The Straits Times..... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/i-was-offered-27m-for-stolen-data-ex-petrosaudi-employee-xavier-andre-justo-on-the-1mdb
Malaysian access to Justo denied again 23 Jul 2015 at 20:44; Malaysia's relentless campaign to gain access to a Swiss national accused of information leaks damaging to Prime Minister Najib Razak remains stalled after national police chief Somyot Poompunmuang rejected...
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BNP Paribas: M’sia risks ‘multi-notch downgrade’ in sovereign rating By Levina Lim / theedgemarkets.com | July 23, 2015 : 4:01 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): Malaysia faces the risk of a “multi-notch downgrade” in its sovereign credit rating, despite Fitch Ratings affirming its “A-” rating on the Malaysian sovereign last month, warned BNP Paribas. In its Asia Desknote today, the French bank said investors should remain “fundamentally wary” of Malaysia due to the marked deterioration in the country’s external finances, which may result in a “BBB-” rating. It said as Malaysia’s credit default swap (CDS) widening was triggered by a confluence of pressure on the public and external finances and has persisted for six months, the potential for a multi-notch sovereign downgrade remains. “Ironically, a Fitch-developed tool to gauge the CDS-implied rating level indicates the Malaysian sovereign is a ‘BBB-’ credit, three notches below the official rating,” BNP Paribas pointed out. BNP Paribas also criticised Fitch’s latest rating report which focused solely on “Malaysia-centric developments” and overlooks a crucial underpinning of sovereign credit ratings — that they should be ordinal rankings reflecting how a particular credit stands relative to a chosen peer group. “Malaysia’s public finance performance trends against rating peer medians are a particular concern. “Our analysis suggests Malaysia fell further behind the ‘A’ range on key indicators like debt-to-revenues since Fitch initially placed the rating on a negative outlook in mid-2013. Against the ‘BBB’ range it has fared only marginally better,” it said. It added that the persistence of this relative deterioration suggests that Malaysia’s sovereign rating should have been downgraded regardless of the reforms implemented. http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/bnp-paribas-m%E2%80%99sia-risks-%E2%80%98multi-notch-downgrade%E2%80%99-sovereign-rating
Publisher: We'll challenge suspension in court by Malaysiakini 3:37PM Jul 24, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/306061
Bank Negara looking for duo linked to 1MDB By The Malaysian Insider / themalaysianinsider.com | July 24, 2015 : 4:12 PM MYT (July 24): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has issued an alert for two individuals wanted for investigation purposes under the Exchange Control Act 1953.
Both persons have had dealings with debt-ridden state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). The two are Casey Tang Keng Chee, 50, and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 42. A notice on both individuals was posted on BNM's fraud alert website today as well as the central bank's Facebook page.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/bank-negara-looking-duo-linked-1mdb
Malaysia's Bank Negara seeks Jho Low's associates Published 1 hour ago; BNM uploaded a poster of the duo, Casey Tang Keng Chee, 50 and Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 42, on its Facebook page seeking information on their whereabouts and they were being investigated under the Exchange Control Act 1953. http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-bank-negara-seeks-jho-lows-associates
Source: http://www.bnm.gov.my/microsites/fraudalert/0302_seen.htm
In 1MDB-linked case, Jerome Lee freed on RM100,000 bail BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 24 July 2015 9:24 AM A top company director has been freed on a RM100,000 bail today, four days after he was the first person arrested and remanded in the ongoing investigations linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd and its one-time subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd. The Putrajaya magistrate's court released Jerome Lee (pic) on bail with two guarantors. Jerome’s lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) did not ask for extension of the remand and Magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman set the bail at RM100,000. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1400601790726-3');}); "He has been released on police bail," Shafee told reporters after court proceedings today. The 39-year-old is group executive director of construction firm Putrajaya Perdana Berhad but had been previously employed as an investment director with 1MDB. Lee was arrested on Monday at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before boarding a flight to Taiwan, as part of the probe into the controversial state investment vehicle under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act for receiving bribes. On Tuesday, police obtained a four-day remand order to hold him for further investigations. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/in-1mdb-linked-case-jerome-lee-freed-on-rm100000-bail#sthash.kEq5sI3e.dpuf
24 July 2015 (updated with more links): 1MDB scandal touches on Prime Minister Najib. Awaiting lawsuits from Najib-1MDB et al against the key media outlets making these reports - WSJ, The Edge, Sarawak Report. Various arrests and PM Najib's administration sets travel bans on some 1MDB-SRC execs and many more Malaysia activists. Sarawak Report block attempted by Malaysia, and its reporter stalked in London (makes Metropolitan Police report and also fingers Raja Petra). Malaysia watchers worry about Bank Negara and Malaysia banking system reputation and are concerned about unexpected social repercussions - the timing of Low Yat-Bukit Bintang brawl.
Note on media sources: Sarawak Report has been a key reporter of apparent whistleblower information and even photos relating to the Najib-1MDB saga. The Edge has been the core business investigative reporter on 1MDB issues. Former PM Mahathir provides the best synthesis and strategic direction on 1mdb problems for the domestic audience. The entry of WSJ on 2 July has been a major blow (correction: it is owned by Rupert Murdoch's Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corp; replace earlier wrong ownership info). The recent shift of focus to international money flows and Malaysia activisists including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad pointing out major breaches in AMLA or Anti-Money Laundering Act at various financial centres ups the ante. Domestically in Malaysia, political analysts do not so far see any effective political push factors from within UMNO-BN nor from the political opposition (in crisis mode; and also fundamentally lacking of research resources, communication skills and access to national media outlets). Thus it appears that international agents are the likely further triggers in the 1MDB-Najib saga. Also, KL-ites are awaiting major lawsuits to be taken out by Najib-Rosmah-1MDB et al against the key media outlets making all these scurrilous reports (a lot of news within Malaysia of their carrying doctored documents - which the media outlets deny)- WSJ, The Edge, and Sarawak Report.
source: Sarawak Report screenshotA Scandal In Malaysia Spurs Credibility Crisis - Control Risks Control Risks , Contributor By Giulia Zino 7/21/2015 @ 12:29PM 16,927 views; SINGAPORE – Malaysia has generated a considerable volume of negative press coverage over the past year, but none as eye-catching as the recent scandals surrounding controversial debt-ridden sovereign investment company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). After brewing for months, the 1MDB saga took a startling turn on July 2 when the Wall Street Journal published details of leaked bank documents, apparently showing that nearly $700m had been channelled through the investment company and directly into the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak..... Najib established 1MDB in 2009 with the visionary aim of facilitating investment and trade with the Middle East, and of developing a new financial district in Kuala Lumpur. Najib chairs 1MDB’s board and also heads the Ministry of Finance, which fully owns the company. 1MDB has collected a portfolio of 16 power and desalination plants in Asia and the Middle East and launched two ambitious, high-profile real estate developments in downtown Kuala Lumpur, accumulating debts of MYR 42bn ($11bn) along the way. Critics have centred on the company’s auditing problems: particularly MYR 8.24bn ($2.17bn) allegedly hidden somewhere in the Cayman Islands, its bond issuance program, and allegations that it has overpaid for its Malaysian power assets, essentially bailing out politically connected independent power producers.... The July 2 report dealt a huge blow for the ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and brought to a head a long-brewing struggle within the party to oust the prime minister. Conservative circles surrounding former prime minister and UMNO kingmaker Mahathir Mohamad have relentlessly tried to eject Najib, whose weakness and unpopularity they view as extremely detrimental for the party’s survival. Najib appears far too compromised to see the end of his term in 2018, even if the multiple ongoing investigations do not directly implicate him in wrongdoings within 1MDB.....Also at stake are the reputations of the otherwise respected Bank Negara (the central bank) and some of the larger domestic banks. They have come under fire for failing to notice or facilitating suspiciously high transactions and transfers in Najib’s accounts...Perhaps more worryingly, the heated political climate increases the scope for religiously or ethnically motivated acts of violence, like the riots earlier this month in the Bukit Bintang neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur. UMNO has increasingly nurtured a siege mentality and presented the party as the only true protector of Malay interests, worsening communal tensions. UMNO’s strategy requires the preservation of an image of external threats. These threats can be domestic, such as other religious and ethnic groups, or they can be foreign, such as the influence of Western culture.....
http://www.forbes.com/sites/riskmap/2015/07/21/a-scandal-in-malaysia-spurs-credibility-crisis/
Are financial centres starting to move on this? Singapore Police Force news. International money laundering involves US clearing banks, UK, UAE, Switzerland and Singapore - JP Morgan, RBS Coutts, Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, BSI and others....
Singapore Freezes Two Bank Accounts in Connection With 1MDB Probe - Singapore is cooperating with Malaysian authorities investigating fund linked to Prime Minister Najib By P.R. Venkat and Celine Fernandez Updated July 22, 2015 12:34 p.m. ET; SINGAPORE—Singapore police said Wednesday they have frozen two bank accounts as part of an investigation into 1Malaysia Development Bhd., the troubled state-investment fund with links to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Singapore has been cooperating with Malaysian investigators looking into the financial dealings of 1MDB. On July 2, The Wall Street Journal reported that investigators believe nearly $700 million was deposited in Mr. Najib’s personal bank accounts following the movement of cash among agencies, banks and companies linked to 1MDB. Mr. Najib founded 1MDB and heads its board of advisers. The Singapore Police Force didn’t give details Wednesday of the bank accounts it froze, saying it would be inappropriate as investigations continue. “On 15 July 2015, e issued orders under the Criminal Procedure Code to prohibit any dealings in respect of money in two bank accounts that are relevant to the investigation,’’ the police said. http://www.wsj.com/articles/singapore-freezes-two-bank-accounts-in-connection-with-1mdb-probe-1437561791
How Jho Low & PetroSaudi schemed to steal money from the people of Malaysia via 1MDB By The Edge Financial Daily / The Edge Financial Daily | July 20, 2015 : 3:30 PM MYT 6. All these point to a clear case of fraud and international money laundering. 1MDB’s money went from Malaysia to Switzerland via US clearing banks and then to the United Kingdom, the UAE and Singapore.
7. What happened to 1MDB’s money is no longer a domestic issue but is a global fraud and money laundering matter involving the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Singapore. Global banks like JP Morgan, RBS Coutts, Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, BSI and others have all been channels for the money flow.
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/how-jho-low-petrosaudi-schemed-steal-money-people-malaysia-1mdb
Malaysia reactions and news
Broad domestic political paralysis over the 1MDB saga has disappointed many KL-ites. Perhaps this political disillusionment is well represented by this political cartoon by Fahmi Reza lampooning the entire political spectrum:
24 July front page of The Sun, Malaysia - more travel ban news for Malaysian activists
The Edge Markets July 21 at 5:15pm · Edited · .Media Statement by Ho Kay Tat, Publisher & Group CEO of The Edge Media Group We could not walk away on finding out about the scheme to cheat Malaysia of Billions of Ringgit .... https://www.facebook.com/theedgemarkets/posts/1669125749967160?fref=nf&pnref=story
This was denied - Bank Negara trio named for Najib leaks | Free Malaysia Today - a deputy governor and two heads of department were accused by blogger of whistleblower info leaks; http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/07/11/bank-negara-trio-named-for-najib-leaks/
Penang CM: 1MDB and Jho Low topics do not help (Penang) investments - The Edge; He complains that half the time is spent explaining to investors about Penang-born Jho Low and 1MDB!
Blocking website, threatening critics won’t work, group tells Putrajaya Published: 23 July 2015 8:45 AM; Putrajaya should drop its “politically motivated” investigations and travel bans against opposition politicians and journalists who have been instrumental in exposing corruption within the government, Human Rights Watch said today. The group also said Putrajaya should allow access to whistleblower site Sarawak Report, which played a key role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy with its exposes. “Blocking a website and threatening critics with prosecution will not make the firestorm over alleged government corruption go away,” said Brad Adams, executive director of the Asian division of Human Rights Watch, in a statement today. "Instead of engaging in repression, Putrajaya should lift the bans and properly address the allegations swirling around it." - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/blocking-website-threatening-critics-will-not-work-group-tells-putrajaya?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.Yx5AqsvI.dpuf
Travel ban on 'missing' SRC managing director; SRC International managing director Nik Faisal Ariff Nik Othman Kamil is among those who have been barred from leaving the country. In its report today, The Star confirmed this with a check on the Immigration Department's website. Nik Faisal has been implicated in allegations that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal accounts. He is wanted by the special task force investigating 1MDB. Nik Faisal (photo) and SRC director Suboh Mohd Yassin are supposed to give statements about Najib's accounts. However, theSun reported today that both Nik Faisal and Suboh are missing. Citing sources close to the investigation, the daily said one of them is believed to be in Indonesia, while the other could not be traced. The task force is also believed to be on the look out for business tycoon Jho Low. Yesterday a managing director linked to SRC International was remanded by task force for five days to assist with the 1MDB probe. The special task force has also raided the offices of 1MDB, SRC and two of its subsidiaries. The travel ban on Nik Faisal comes amid reports yesterday that two opposition figures, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, as well as The Edge Media Group owner Tong Kooi Ong, have also been put under a travel ban. The trio are being investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for alleged activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.....
RM2.6b in private accounts, still no answer By Yoursay YOURSAY ‘Abdul Rahman, don’t attempt to insult our intelligence with this sideshow.’ https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305887
Time's up, Najib must take WSJ to court By Yoursay YOURSAY ‘He can’t back away, or people may think he has something to hide.’https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305884
Despite arrests, Anwar tells public to remain skeptical of 1MDB probe - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-arrests-anwar-tells-public-to-remain-skeptical-of-1mdb-probe#sthash.g6ILn6sf.dpuf
1MDB – a chance to get it right STORY BY TERENCE GOMEZ, As the core issues surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) controversy came to the fore over the past months, a fundamental point became extremely clear. Inadequate reforms following previous controversies of a similar nature have contributed to the 1MDB crisis. One example was the Asian currency crisis of 1997 which drew attention to a key matter: the mode of corporate governance.
Following this crisis, a slew of reforms were introduced to enhance corporate governance, primarily to determine how members of the boards of directors of public-listed companies – and government-linked companies (GLCs) – implemented their duties. These remedies, we then suspected but now know for certain from the 1MDB controversy, were ineffective, demanding major political reforms.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/305846
Johor crown prince warns of cowardly leaders Malaysiakini 7:48AM Jun 29, 2015; Tunku Ismail's message was premised on the teachings of his grandfather - the late Sultan Iskandar - who taught him that the supreme quality of leadership is integrity, which he believed to be a rare commodity. "He also said that a cowardly leader is the most dangerous of men and that one of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency. "He also taught me that great leaders muster the courage to fulfil his vision from passion, not position," the prince says in a posting on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page last night. Two examples of great leaders, Tunku Ismail said, were his grandfather Sultan Iskandar and his father Sultan Ibrahim.
'Influence, not authority is the key' Tunku Ismail stressed that his message was aimed at leaders of the Johor government and NGOs, which he hoped would lead and inspire by example as opposed to "managing and manipulating" the people. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/303374
'Bad boy' Johor prince crafts new image Malaysiakini 10:12AM Jun 24, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302886
Najib, explain US$4.71b guarantee for 1MDB rescue By Tony Pua 8:24AM Jun 29, 2015 http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/303374
Justo arrested but 1MDB money still missing, says Dr Mahathir Published: 29 June 2015 3:40 PM - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/justos-arrest-doesnt-change-the-fact-that-1mdb-money-is-still-missing-says#sthash.xWnKFTLN.dpuf
Watch "2015.7.6 - Wong Chen (Missing Plane, Missing Billions: Malaysia in Crisis and the Politics of Hope)" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/TN06VA-SbEo and Wong's interview with CNBC:http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000394096
From WSJ
Malaysia 1MDB Probe Says It Has Found Documents Tied to Alleged Transfers to Prime Minister Najib - Attorney General says task force uncovered documents during probe of investment fund 1MDB By Tom Wright And Celine Fernandez July 4, 2015 10:08 a.m. ET KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Malaysia’s attorney general said an official investigation into a troubled state investment fund has uncovered documents related to allegations that money was transferred into the personal bank accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak. http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-probe-says-it-has-found-documents-tied-to-alleged-transfers-to-premier-1436018753?mod=djemalertMARKET http://www.wsj.com/articles/police-raid-1mdb-offices-in-malaysia-1436335172
Police Raid 1MDB Offices in Malaysia The raid comes amid an investigation into 1MDB and its ties with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak By Celine Fernandez Updated July 8, 2015 2:57 a.m. ET KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Police raided the Kuala Lumpur offices of strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd. on Wednesday, the fund confirmed. In a statement, 1MDB said it provided documents and other materials to aid ongoing investigations. It said it is cooperating fully with authorities. Two police vehicles were parked outside the building and officers remained inside, according to security personnel. In the past, the fund has denied wrongdoing. The raid comes in the wake of a Malaysian government investigation into 1MDB that has traced alleged payments of almost $700 million into the account of Prime Minister Najib Razak . Mr. Najib has denied wrongdoing. On Tuesday, authorities said they were freezing six bank accounts in connection with the allegations.
Investigators Believe Money Flowed to Malaysian Leader’s Accounts - WSJ - http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10130211234592774869404581083700187014570?ref=/news-asia-business
From Sarawak Report
Malaysia spies stalking at Hyde Park and a former DD of Cheltenham GCHQ...Sarawak Report Stalked And Harassed In London 20 Jul 2015; arawak Report has filed a report with the Metropolitan Police in London after establishing proof of wide-ranging harassment by persons believed to be in the employ of UMNO in Malaysia. The acts of illegal harassment include teams of stalkers, who have followed around after the Editor of Sarawak Report in past days, plainly waiting outside her house and then pursuing her during the day. These persons have included a bald, muscle-bound middle-aged white man and a man of Chinese Malaysian appearance, who took photographs of her in broad daylight in Hyde park and other individuals who have followed her car. Other forms of harassment reported are computer hacking, disruption to the radio programme RFS and what appears to be the bugging of conversations. These matters are now being countered and are also being investigated by a central London police station, who have put a protection detail onto the case.....The Manchester based blogger known as RPK, who is now generally accepted as being at the service of UMNO leader, the PM Najib Razak, can also now be confirmed as having been closely linked to what is clearly an orchestrated intimidation exercise. We have reported to the police that the surveillance exercise carried out by these teams was almost immediately reported by ‘RPK‘ in his stridently pro-Najib blog Malaysia Today. The Prime Minister, who has been complaining through RPK amongst others about so-called conspiracies to defame him, therefore himself stands accused of conspiring to stalk and harass journalists who have been uncovering corruption in Malaysia.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/sarawak-report-stalked-and-harassed-in-london/
Clare Rewcastle Brown July 21, 2015 - On pissing off rich Malaysians, getting things wrong and flower power; http://www.esquire.my/People/What-Ive-Learned/article/WIL-Clare-Rewcastle-Brown
SENSATIONAL FINDINGS! - Prime Minister Najib Razak's Personal Accounts Linked To 1MDB Money Trail MALAYSIA EXCLUSIVE! http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/sensational-findings-prime-minister-najib-razaks-personal-accounts-linked-to-1mdb-money-trail-malaysia-exclusive/
My Father Died For Reporting Corruption At AmBank EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | Sarawak Report - http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/my-father-died-for-reporting-corruption-at-ambank-exclusive-interview/
On The Trail Of The Missing Billions - Jho Low's Swiss Accounts In Singapore | Sarawak Report - http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/07/on-the-trail-of-the-missing-billions-jho-lows-swiss-accounts-in-singapore/
About Goldman and 1MDB and other financial news
The Scandal That Ate Malaysia - The near collapse of a state-owned company has rocked the government, rattled investors, and stirred public outrage. by Yoolim Leeand Elffie Chew July 22, 2015 — 5:01 AM HKT In the spring of 2013, Song Dal Sun, head of securities investment at Seoul-based Hanwha Life Insurance, sat down to a presentation by a Goldman Sachs banker. The young Goldman salesman, who had flown in from Hong Kong, made a pitch for bonds to be issued by 1Malaysia Development Bhd., a state-owned company closely tied to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak......... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-21/malaysia-s-najib-razak-feels-heat-as-state-owned-1mdb-melts-downMalaysia’s Ringgit Buckling Under Political Pressure - Ringgit hits weakest level since September
http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysias-ringgit-buckling-under-political-pressure-1436160213
Goldman feels chill as Malaysia fund deal sours Jul 16 2015 at 10:36 AM; by Jennifer Hughes and Michael Peel Goldman Sachs has been failing to win new business in Malaysia as a furore continues to seethe around huge debts racked up by the 1MDB state investment fund that the bank helped to finance. Since Goldman arranged a controversial $USUS3 billion bond for 1MDB in 2013 - pocketing nearly $USUS300 million for its role in the deal - its fees from work in the country have slumped, according to Financial Times analysis of data from Dealogic. Goldman's involvement is in the spotlight once more because of the proximity of the 2013 bond issuance to alleged payments of almost $US700 million from the fund to Najib Razak, the Malaysian prime minister, just weeks before a closely fought general election. Investigators have been probing how 1MDB, a fund set up in 2009, borrowed some $US11 billion apparently without sufficient assets to support this debt. Goldman's subsequent struggles amid the controversy underlines the prizes and pitfalls for investment bankers striving to build relationships with governments and tycoons in Asia. One rival banker said the shunning of the investment bank was unofficial, but added: "if you're a Malaysian corporate, you're not going to use Goldman because you don't want this association." http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/goldman-feels-chill-as-malaysia-fund-deal-sours-20150716-gideht
1MDB probe raises questions for Goldman 17 July 2015 By Jonathan Rogers; When it comes to Malaysia, capital markets and politics make a dangerous mix. A LITTLE OVER two years ago, I asked in this column whether a bond issue could ever decide the outcome of a national election. I was referring, of course, to a US$3bn private placement from Malaysian government investment vehicle 1MDB in the weeks leading up to Malaysia’s general election. In May 2013, the vote went in favour of Najib Razak and the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition, and the controversy surrounding the under-the-radar debt deal – and the money Goldman Sachs made from it – died down. But the outcry over the state of 1MDB’s finances has now reached such a level that the Prime Minister’s position may now be at stake. The Public Accounts Committee and others are investigating, and I wonder to what extent the Goldman financings will be the subject of those inquiries.
Full transparency is the only course of action, and 1MDB has yet to fully explain why it felt the need to offer such exorbitant returns on debt that ranks pari passu with Malaysia’s other sovereign bonds. Perhaps our friends at Goldman can provide some answers.... http://www.ifre.com/1mdb-probe-raises-questions-for-goldman/21208514.fullarticle
Fitch Affirms Malaysia's LTFC rating at 'A-'; Outlook Revised to Stable; Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia's Long-Term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'A-' and local currency IDR at 'A'. The issue ratings on Malaysia's senior unsecured local currency bonds are also affirmed at 'A'. The Outlook on the Long-Term IDRs has been revised to Stable from Negative. Fitch views progress on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and fuel subsidy reform as supportive of the fiscal finances. A further narrowing of the deficit is forecast in 2015 despite lower oil prices. Nevertheless, as against the 'A' median, Malaysia's fiscal position continues to remain weak. http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSFit92745620150630?irpc=932p
1 July 2015: 1MDB gets purchase proposals and working to develop its property, Pua under pressure to withdraw from PAC on 1MDB criticism
1MDB gets purchase proposals for its land lots in Penang, Pulau Indah By: GURMEET KAUR Tuesday, 30 June 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: This comes following efforts by the strategic development fund to monetise its various land parcels through joint ventures or outright sales as part of a strategic review to pare down its RM42bil debts as of March 2014. 1MDB president and group executive director Arul Kanda (pic), in a statement on Tuesday said, “I am pleased to update that we have received significant expressions of interest in both land parcels.” 1MDB has earlier announced its intention to monetise its land parcels in Air Itam and Pulau Indah through joint ventures or by outright sales under a strategic review announced on Feb 18. Subsequently, this was confirmed in the rationalisation plan presented to Cabinet on May 29, 2015, Arul said. To recap, the company paid RM1.38bil for some 1,000 acres in Air Itam in 2013. For the 310 acres in Pulau Indah that it bought from Tadmax Resources Bhd, it forked out RM294.38mil. Based on Tadmax’s filing to the stock exchange in December 2014, the price was revised from the original RM317.33mil. It had come under flak for overpaying for these acquisitions, a claim it refuted. http://www.thestar.com.my/
1MDB Real Estate to work with group to develop Bandar Malaysia By: THEAN LEE CHENG Tuesday, 30 June 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDB RE)will work with one or a few consortium to develop the 486-acre Bandar Malaysia, said C.H. Williams Talhar & Wong, its transaction advisor in a press briefing. The property consultancy's deputy managing director Danny Yeo said 1MDB RE is open to discussion at this point in time. C.H. Williams is inviting expressions of interest from parties who will work with 1MDB on an equity basis. The expressions of interest ends on July 10.
1MDB RE executive director, corporate services Mohd Zakir Omar was present at the briefing. Yeo said the development would take 20 to 30 years depending on market conditions. http://www.thestar.com.my/
DAP backs Pua amidst pressure to withdraw from PAC (Updated) by Edmund Lee Posted on 30 June 2015 - 01:09pm; GEORGE TOWN: DAP is all out to back its party member Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and will not entertain calls made for the elected representative to withdraw from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that it was the Member of Parliament's (MP) duty and responsibility to speak on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue as it was of national interest. He pointed out the 1MDB scandal was a huge issue in the country and Pua did no wrong when he spoke out..... He said even PAC chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan had been reportedly saying it was nothing wrong for Pua to explain and address the issue. His statement comes after Pua was urged to withdraw from the PAC following his prejudicial views on the investigations into 1MDB....http://www.
Mara covered its tracks in Melbourne property purchase, claims Rafizi Ramli By: Michael Murty; KUALA LUMPUR, June 29, 2016: National Oversight & Whistleblowers Centre (Now) director Rafizi Ramli alleged that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) used up to eight companies to hide its tracks after purchasing four properties in Melbourne. Rafizi claimed by using these “layered” companies, it appeared that Mara was trying to hide its purchase even further. The PKR secretary-general alleged that for the purchase of the Aussie properties at 333 Exhibition Street and 51 Queen Street, Mara used its companies in Labuan, Singapore and Australia. He also alleged that Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa knew of the Mara property scandal since May last year and apparently did not do anything about it. “He had previously acted like he did not know anything about the Mara scandal and that he had nothing to do with it. “We have proof that he did in fact know about the properties as he along with a Mara delegate were briefed in Melbourn about the properties on May 20, 2014.” The briefing was also attended by Datuk Lan Allani, the man responsible for the purchase, he said at a press conference here today. The Pandan lawmaker said the four properties were 746 Swanston Street, Dudley International House, 333 Exhibition Street and 51 Queen Street..... http://www.therakyatpost.com/
25 June 2015: 1MDB whistleblower arrest: PetroSaudi Swiss director / IT exec paid to leave and denies 1MDB blackmail say Thai police. Going after the media on "1MDB international financial scandal." Sarawak Report's public call for Swiss authorities to investigate. Various financial centers caught up in the 1MDB issue have remained relatively silent without public actions to signal on their intent on governance concerns. Two days after The Age of Melbourne reported on Malaysia's MARA property scandal, the Australian police launch raids to start an investigation on "foreign corrupt practices."
Questions: Will the alleged 1MDB international financial scandal wane or escalate with the arrest in Thailand of its whistleblower director? He is accused of tampering with the emails (3 million of these in hand?), but to what purpose? To create a story against the many people named in relation to Petrosaudi and 1MDB including Jho Low closely tied with Prime Minister Najib of Malaysia? Now, the media who have carried investigative reports may face censure by Malaysian authorities keen to show that there is nothing wrong with 1MDB and prove that its critics are the true problem. Will politicians be caught up in this dragnet? Former Prime Minister Mahathir (The Recalcritant) Mohamad has been hammering at Najib about 1MDB for months, but so fart to no avail. The issue feels tired in KL circles, especially as it seems that there is no domestic agency on the issue. Thus, no surprise that Mahathir has spoken in the international arena on the issue. He has raised the AMLA issue to the international financial community, as they are supposed to be stamping down on money laundering of ill-gotten money. The 1MDB international financial scandal has touched many jurisdictions including Singapore and Switzerland and several banks are named in whistleblower documents mention several banks. 1MDB has also been named in top international newspapers for surprisingly large fees to the likes of Goldman Sachs of the USA; but KL circles note that Najib has been golfing buddy of Obama. Given the apparent exhaustion of domestic efforts to prod Najib to talk or act on 1MDB, what is up Mahathir's sleeve? Is he just going to give up on his campaign now? Does the whistleblower arrest id the effort to stop all 1MDB criticism? Will Mahathir activate more international actors on the issue? Sarawak Reports is prodding the Swiss authorities to act (see below). But we hear that Najib supporters internationally likely feel that he is a good person to deal with for regional geopolitics and they like working with a willing deal maker. Does geo-realpolitik calm the 1MDB international financial scandal waters?
.............
Newslinks:
Zahid, don't shoot messengers over 1MDB By Bob Teoh 8:31AM Jun 25, 2015; COMMENT Home Minister Zahid Hamidi is way off the mark by going after the media over the disclosures surrounding the 1MDB scandal. It is the job of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to explain to the public his (mis)handling of the mother of all scandals and not for Zahid to try to protect him. Neither is it the job of the media to defend itself over the political correctness of such disclosures. The media is duty-bound to inform the public in a timely manner after reasonable attempts to verify the information so received about 1MDB. The fact that state or party-controlled mainstream media have chosen to cover up the 1MDB scandal involving debts of RM42 billion while the independent media have pursued it vigorously, is no excuse for Putrajaya to silence professional and robust journalism. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302996
Swiss IT exec paid to leave PetroSaudi, denies 1MDB blackmail, say Thai cops Published: 24 June 2015 8:03 AM A Swiss IT executive was paid some RM15 million to leave PetroSaudi International but has denied asking for nearly RM10 million more in a blackmail attempt over 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) woes, Thai media quoted police as saying. The 49-year-old Xavier Andre Justo was arrested at a house on Koh Samui this Monday with computers, hard drives and other data storage devices, The Bangkok Post quoted police as saying. Justo demanded 90 million baht (RM9.9 million) from the company in exchange for not disclosing confidential information to rival companies, said Police Colonel Akaradech Pimonsri, acting commander of the Crime Suppression Division. He denied the allegations, police said. Justo worked for PetroSaudi, but was paid an equivalent of 140 million baht (RM15 million)to leave the company after he was found to have "behaved against the company's rules and regulations", added Pol Col Akaradech.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/swiss-it-exec-paid-to-leave-petrosaudi-denies-1mdb-blackmail-say-thai-cops#sthash.0ZBg4e6Q.dpbs
Sarawak Report: Open Letter To The Swiss Foreign Ministry In Bern 23 Jun 2015; We informed the prosecutors, through the services of a prominent anti-corruption lawyer, that I had evidence with respect to the money laundering of funds from the Malaysian development fund 1MDB, through named Swiss banks..... At the time the prosecutors responded they did not judge that my evidence was sufficient to proceed with enquiries. However, I now have in my possession some 3 million emails detailing this crime, in which PetroSaudi International was an engaged party. PetroSaudi International have now effectively acknowledged that this material from their servers is authentic, by accusing this former employee of having stolen it – they describe him as an ‘IT worker’, but in fact he was a senior director of the company . Nevertheless, according to the current news reports, they are attempting to say that these emails were ‘tampered with’ and they are adding this to the list of ‘crimes’, which they are laying at the door of Mr Justo..... So far, PetroSaudi International have sequentially claimed the emails were “forged”, then that they were “hacked” and now that “stolen” emails were “tampered with”. However, there is a mass of corroborative evidence to show that this Swiss/ UK based company was involved in the disappearance of nearly two billion US dollars of Malaysian public money that went to the company Good Star Limited, whose account resides at RBS Coutts Zurich..... Indeed, only a few days ago, Malaysia’s second Finance Minister publicly told the New York Times amongst others that Good Star was a subsidiary of PetroSaudi. So, please could this claim be fully investigated by the Swiss authorities, since the bulk of its USD$1.9 billion haul from 1MDB went to Mr Taek Jho Low (who has nothing to do with PetroSaudi International but is a nominee of the Malaysian Prime Minister in charge of the fund) according to documents from the Singapore monetary authorities, which no one has yet chosen to deny......... certain authorities in Malaysia have engaged with the relevant Swiss authorities about this financial crime, which also extends to Swiss banks in Singapore (I refer to BSI and RBS Coutts Zurich).... 4) I would therefore be pleased to know why there has been no apparent action in pursuing this case in Switzerland and why I have not been contacted to receive this evidence, which I have already passed on to certain other international authorities interested in the pursuit of money laundering?.... I await a reply from the Swiss Foreign Ministry with utmost urgency given the gravity of the situation facing one of your nationals, whom I believe to have been wrongly arrested on false and malicious charges in a foreign country, which ought have no jurisdiction over this Swiss-based dispute.... I further request that Mr Justo is given all the protection due to a whistleblower in this situation and that proper steps are taken to investigate a grave financial fraud in which PetroSaudi International has played a major role...... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/06/open-letter-to-the-swiss-foreign-ministry-in-bern/
MARA Australia - The Age
Najib again urged to go on leave by Malaysiakini 4:18PM Jun 24, 2015; The call to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to go on leave is piling up, with yet another scandal affecting his administration surfacing. After DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang asked Najib to go on leave as prime minister and finance minister to allow for a full-fledged investigation into the 1MDB scandal by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, another opposition leader is demanding the same. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the admission by Mara chairperson Annuar Musa that Najib himself had approved Mara's purchase of a property in Australia, which was bought at an allegedly inflated price, should be reason enough for the investigations to be done "without any disturbance".
"Annuar's admission signals that Umno leaders are not hesitating to bear the responsibility to answer controversial business decisions involving Najib. "As Najib himself ordered the authorities to carry out transparent investigation into the case, it is only fair for Najib to take the first step and go on vacation," Tuan Ibrahim (photo) said in a statement today.....http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302945
Nick McKenzie and Richard Baker, Date June 25, 2015 - 11:44AM ; Australian Federal Police officers have launched raids in Melbourne as part of an international bribery and money-laundering investigation involving high-ranking Malaysian officials, businessmen and the purchase of Melbourne property..... Federal agents seized computers and files on Thursday morning from a home in Vermont South and it's believed several other properties were targeted across Melbourne.... The AFP's Operation Carambola was launched in response to an investigation by Fairfax Media into a scheme involving Malaysians using multimillion-dollar Australian properties to launder funds and return "kickbacks" to Asia..... http://www.theage.com.au/national/afp-launches-raids-in-melbourne-over-malaysia-property-kickback-deals-20150625-ghx30y.html
Melbourne property deal rocks Malaysian government by John Garnaut, Nick McKenzie, Richard Baker Date June 25, 2015 - 12:15AM; The Malaysian Prime Minister has been forced to order an investigation into his own government's role in the allegedly corrupt payment of $4.75 million emerging from the sale of a Melbourne student accommodation block.And the Papua New Guinea government is also under pressure after revelations on Wednesday that people close to the Prime Minister were giving detailed instructions in how to remove corruptly obtained funds from the country..... AFP launches raids in Melbourne over Malaysia property 'kickback' deals... A Fairfax Media investigation into corrupt offshore dealings with Australia on Tuesday sparked a political firestorm that threatens to engulf the prime ministers of two countries.... http://www.theage.com.au/national/melbourne-property-deal-rocks-malaysian-government-20150624-ghwu0k.html
Corrupt Malaysia money distorts Melbourne market;Nick McKenzie, Richard Baker, John Garnaut, Date June 23, 2015; http://www.theage.com.au/national/corrupt-malaysia-money-distorts-melbourne-market-20150623-ghu6a0.html
Corrupt Malaysia money distorts Melbourne market;Nick McKenzie, Richard Baker, John Garnaut, Date June 23, 2015; http://www.theage.com.au/national/corrupt-malaysia-money-distorts-melbourne-market-20150623-ghu6a0.html
23 June 2015: 1MDB RE seeks proposals to develop Bandar Malaysia; Palm oil / commodity production and Malaysia electoral politics - WSJ feature on Genting donations to YR1M (1MDB linkage?), Bersih asks for EC investigation
Palm oil / commodity production and Malaysia electoral politics - WSJ feature on Genting donations to YR1M (1MDB linkage?), Bersih asks for EC investigation; http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2015/06/palm-oil-commodity-production-and.html
1MDB RE seeks proposals to develop Bandar Malaysia Updated: Tuesday June 23, 2015 MYT 7:27:11 AM; KUALA LUMPUR: 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDB RE) is requesting proposals on how to best develop the upcoming Bandar Malaysia in the Sungai Besi area. In a statement yesterday, 1MDB RE said this was the next move following the presentation of the 1MDB rationalisation plan to the Cabinet last month.“The company is pleased to have begun making progress towards its implementation,” said 1MDB RE, which added that it would make the grand announcement in major newspapers this week as it sought expressions of interest for the 197ha site, which currently houses the Sungai Besi airfield.1MDB RE, as the master developer of Bandar Malaysia, said it was looking for development partners.The closing date for submissions of expressions of interest is July 10, with CH Williams Talhar & Wong acting as the real estate advisor and exercise manager.The development, which is located seven kilometres from KLCC, is intended to transform the area into an integrated transport hub in the city via two MRT lines (Lines 2 and 3), KTM Komuter, the Express Rail Link to KLIA and KLIA2, as well as future access to 12 major highways. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/23/1MDB-RE-seeks-proposals-to-develop-Bandar-Msia/
2 June 2015: Dr M says trust PAC over AG in 1MDB probe; Najib perseveres in shoring up position - 1MDB roadmap and asks cabinet ministers not supporting to resign, Obama’s vague warning to Malaysia: Be careful when prosecuting Anwar (Obama regarded as broadly Najib-friendly)
I trust PAC over Auditor-General in 1MDB probe, says Dr M BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 1 June 2015 10:38 PM Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad views the scope of the Auditor-General's investigation into the 1MDB scandal will not be enough to get the right answers. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, June 1, 2015.Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is placing his faith in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) rather than the auditor-general to get to the bottom of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal. He said this was because the PAC could probe into the troubled state investment arm’s background and ask the pertinent questions regarding all the funds that could not be accounted for. “I would place my faith in the PAC more than the auditor-general. The auditor-general inspects books. They don’t do forensic auditing, they don’t try to poke and find out where was this money spent, how was this money spent, where did you lose this money. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-trust-pac-over-auditor-general-in-1mdb-probe-says-dr-m#sthash.k9DqMQ85.dpuf
Dr M: What Najib did with 1MDB irresponsible by michelle tam Updated: Tuesday June 2, 2015 MYT 7:53:36 AM KUALA LUMPUR: Despite having thrown his support behind Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the past, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) claims he “cannot accept” what the Prime Minister has done with regard to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). He said this in a question-and-answer session after his address, titled “Leadership in the Final Push Towards Vision 2020”, during the Foreign Correspondents Club of Malaysia (FCCM) dinner at Istana Hotel here on Monday.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/02/Dr-M-on-1MDB/
Obama beats around the bush on Anwar - Malaysiakini 11:22AM Jun 2, 2015
US president Barack Obama continues to shy away from criticising the Malaysian government for the jailing of former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300394
Obama’s warning to Malaysia: Be careful when prosecuting Anwar (VIDEO) - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/obamas-warning-to-malaysia-be-careful-when-prosecuting-anwar#sthash.jHGu8TVi.dpuf
'1MDB roadmap designed to save Najib's skin' - Malaysiakini 3:38PM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300326
DPM not present at 'my way or highway' meet - Malaysiakini 4:10PM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300332
Hisham backs PM's quit dare, with conditions Malaysiakini 11:52AM Jun 1, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300290
Ministers, are you for the nation or Najib? By Yoursay 7:57AM Jun 2, 2015
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/300369
29 May 2015: Dr M: 1MDB managers must still account for missing money, GST is to bail out government
Even if debts paid, 1MDB managers accountable for missing money, says Dr M Published: 29 May 2015 10:43 AM Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) management must be held accountable the the missing money. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 29, 2015.Even if strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) debts are fully paid through the sale of its assets, the fund will not be free from the charge that it cannot account for the billions it has lost, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in his continued criticism of 1MDB. Writing in his blog today, the former prime minister said given that the money that was supposed to be in tangible form in Singapore could not now be proven, the management of 1MDB must be held responsible for the loss until they can prove that they did not misappropriate the money. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/even-if-debts-paid-1mdb-managers-accountable-for-missing-money-says-dr-m#sthash.dxI2FEiM.dpu
GST is to bail out the government, says Dr M; 29 May — Tun Dr Mahathir fired another salvo at the Najib administration today, accusing Putrajaya of burdening the people with the goods and services tax (GST) to bail out the government even as the country registers increasing budget deficits each year. In his… In his latest blog posting today, the former prime minister said Putrajaya could have avoided imposing the consumption tax on the people by reducing its own costs. "As for the GST, the additional fund raised through it is at the expense of the people. They have to pay more for everything they buy, which means their purchasing power is reduced. In other words they have become poorer in order to enrich the government," Dr Mahathir said. ... "By introducing the GST, the government is actually asking the people, including those who are not in the income tax bracket, to bail out the government." – May 29, 2015. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/gst-is-to-bail-out-the-government-says-dr-m#sthash.30yz7yY4.dpuf
28 May 2015: Dr M asks if 1MDB laundering money. Malay Mail - documents point to Najib's approval needed for all deals at TIA (1MDB precursor)
Unfair to blame entire Cabinet for 1MDB wrongs, (Shafie Apdal) says Thursday May 28, 2015 01:27 PM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — A minister protested today against claims that the entire Cabinet should be held responsible for the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, saying it would be unfair to do so when he and his colleagues were just as unclear as the public over the firm’s allegedly opaque deals. According to Malaysiakini, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said his fellow ministers have been actively raising questions on 1MDB during Cabinet meetings. “We are responsible Cabinet members. That’s why we asked the questions... We want to know (as well),” he was quoted telling reporters after a function in Putrajaya.
“We can’t be blamed for something we are not clear on,” he added. Shafie was reportedly asked to respond to former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who said recently that the entire federal Cabinet should be held responsible for the 1MDB controversy.... - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/unfair-to-blame-entire-cabinet-for-1mdb-wrongs-minister-says#sthash.lYrbXtj0.dpuf
Was 1MDB laundering money? Dr M asks Thursday May 28, 2015 11:59 AM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 ― Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad questioned today 1 Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) reason for storing its cash in Singapore instead of bringing it back, and asked if this this meant the firm was involved in money laundering. According to the former prime minister, the other possible reason why 1MDB claimed it was storing the funds in Singapore was because the US$1.1 billion (RM4 billion) previously invested in Cayman Islands was already gone. “The question is, was 1MDB with the knowledge of its adviser involved in money laundering, until its money from the Cayman Islands needs to be stored in Singapore?” Dr Mahathir asked in the latest post on his blog. “Or was the real reason to lie about storing the money in Singapore, is because there is no cash at all stored there, that the US$1 billion is gone?” Dr Mahathir also warned that the Monetary Authority of Singapore would scrutinise money going in and out of the country for money laundering. Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) confirmed receiving a report from its Singapore counterpart on a complaint lodged by BSI Bank about 1MDB account that the Swiss bank was handling. But Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz declined to divulge the contents of the report, which former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad previously insisted contained information to show 1MDB lied about having cash in BSI Bank. Referring to BNM’s refusal, Dr Mahathir said today that covering up 1MDB’s alleged lies over its cash in Singapore would be a crime. “What is weird and wrong is the refusal of responsible government departments to take action over the claims made and police reports lodged involving 1MDB’s missing cash,” said Dr Mahathir. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/was-1mdb-laundering-money-dr-m-asks#sthash.0s2pOoNb.dpuf
Leaked documents show PM’s approval required for all deals under 1MDB precursor BY SHAZWAN MUSTAFA KAMAL Tuesday May 26, 2015 05:43 PM GMT+8 KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The prime minister has the final say over any “financial commitment” undertaken by 1 Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) precursor, Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), according to TIA's Memorandum and Articles of Association agreement. Clause 75 of the agreement states that the management of the company and the determination of overall investment policies or decisions lies with the board of directors. 1MDB was incorporated in 2009, after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the decision to turn TIA into a federal agency. Clause 117 of the agreement inked on February 27, 2009, indicates that the prime minister must give his written approval for any of TIA’s deals, including the firm’s investments or any bid for restructuring.
The clause states that for any avoidance of doubt, none of three things can be executed “without the written prior approval of the prime minister”. This includes “any financial commitment (including investment), restructuring or any other matter which is likely to affect the guarantee given by the Federal Government of Malaysia for the benefit of the company, national interest, national security or any policy of the Federal Government of Malaysia”. The clause also stipulates that the government shall have the “final and conclusive” right to determine what constitutes national interest and national security. Other matters which need the PM’s approval are amendments to the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and appointments and removal of directors and senior management team of TIA. The document was made available to Malay Mail Online.... Malay Mail Online is attempting to obtain a copy of 1MDB's Memorandum and Articles of Association agreement. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/leaked-documents-show-pms-approval-required-for-all-1mdb-deals#sthash.JOY7ioqp.dpuf
26 May 2015: 1MDB Top officials skipping PAC hearing 'unacceptable' - Nazir Razak
1MDB: Top officials skipping PAC hearing 'unacceptable' - Nazir Razak Astro Awani | Updated: May 26, 2015 (First published on: May 26, 2015 12:36 MYT) "Your company has triggered a national crisis and you can be too busy to face parliament? Unacceptable," he wrote on his Instagram account. KUALA LUMPUR: The failure of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy and former CEO Datuk Shahrul Ibrahim Halmi has drawn the ire of Datuk Nazir Razak. Nazir who is the brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took to Instagram to vent out his frustration after the two top officials had failed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing, scheduled today. "Your company has triggered a national crisis and you can be too busy to face parliament? Unacceptable," he wrote on his Instagram account. Shahrul Ibrahim was 1MDB’s first CEO from February 2009 until March 2013, while Arul Kanda was appointed in January this year. The PAC was only informed via a letter from the Finance Ministry on May 22 that the duo could not attend as they had overseas appointment. Nur Jazlan also said PAC will be taking statements from three firms which had audited 1MDB’s accounts. He said the firms – Deloitte, KPMG and Earnst & Young – are the main witnesses in the proceedings. Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-top-officials-skipping-pac-hearing-unacceptable-nazir-razak-60779?cp
24 May 2015: Mahathir demands criminal probe in 1MDB "cover up" - BSI Bank held funds from Cayman redemption in assets and not cash
Ex-Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad demands criminal probe into 1MDB "cover-up" Published on May 24, 2015 4:57 PM Malaysia's former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday accused Putrajaya of a cover-up, after it was revealed that state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) US$1.103-billion (S$1.47 billion) investment redemption was in assets and not cash. -- ST PHOTO: REME AHMAD KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday accused Putrajaya of a cover-up, after it was revealed that state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) US$1.103-billion (S$1.47 billion) investment redemption was in assets and not cash. In a blog post, Dr Mahathir said the Finance Ministry's confirmation that the amount was in assets directly contradicted Prime Minister Najib Razak's parliamentary reply that 1MDB's funds were brought back from the Cayman Islands and parked in Singapore's BSI Bank, Malay Mail Online reported on Sunday. The website also quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that Bank Negara Malaysia would have been informed by Singapore authorities of the fact that the amount was not in the form of US dollars as had been asserted. "The 'cover-up' act or the act of hiding offences committed in government transactions is legally wrong," Dr Mahathir wrote in the blog post. He cited Section 218 of the Penal Code which imposes a punishment of a maximum jail term of three years or a fine, or both. for public servants who prepare records that they know to be incorrect, knowing that doing so will cause losses to the public or they do so with the intent to escape legal punishment. "There is a criminal element in this case that requires a police investigation and if this money cannot be traced, then legal action must be taken against all the parties involved," Malay Mail quoted Dr Mahathir as saying. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/dr-mahathir-demands-criminal-probe-after-claiming-1mdbs-cover-201505#sthash.X8SKE4Lr.dpuf
16 May 2015: The Edge Malaysia - 4 full page spread on 1MDB - serious questions for the 1MDB Board of Directors
- Moody’s casts cloud over Malaysia’s credit outlook amid warning of 1MDB loan default, May 15, 2015; “Given the fluidity of the situation currently surrounding 1MDB, it would be difficult to ascertain the impact of a 1MDB loan default on the government’s sovereign rating,” Moody’s vice-president and senior analyst of sovereign risk Christian de Guzman said in an email to Malay Mail Online. “We do not consider 1MDB’s debt liabilities as obligations of the federal government, with the exception of the guarantees that have been provided for a subset of 1MDB’s borrowings. “Having said that, the provision of government support to 1MDB that significantly derails the current trend of fiscal consolidation would be negative for the sovereign rating,” he added. He was commenting on Singapore Business Times’ report Wednesday that lenders may be spooked by the controversy surrounding 1MDB and are contemplating demanding the full settlement of a US$975-million (RM3.6 billion) loan ahead of its due date in August. More worrying for the state-owned investor is that the consortium led by the Deutsche Bank Singapore could trigger cascading defaults on the remainder of 1MDB’s reported RM42 billion debt if they declare the firm to be delinquent. The consortium’s fears are said to be prompted by “incomplete” documents that 1MDB provided as a form of security, rendering the terms of the loan unmet. This alleged breach allows the banks to rescind the loan ahead of the August due date. - See more at: http://m.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/moodys-casts-cloud-over-malaysias-credit-outlook-amid-warning-of-1mdb-loan
- From March 2015: 1MDB Unlikely to Destabilise Malaysian Banking System – Fitch Ratings; https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/fitchwire/fitchwirearticle/1MDB-Unlikely-to?pr_id=981547 and Fitch Sees More Than 50% Odds of Malaysia Downgrade on 1MDB - Bloomberg Business; http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-18/fitch-sees-more-than-50-chance-of-malaysia-downgrade-on-1mdb
16 May 2015: Malaysian Insider news on Najib-1MDB crisis: Get independent audit or quit, Nazir tells 1MDB directors, Tenaga will consider buying stake in 1MDB unit Edra Global Energy, Johor Umno backs Najib, says information chief, Lawyers, former ministers say Tabung Haji-1MDB land deal needs Cabinet oversight - Cabinet answerable to Dewan Rakyat / Parliament - but the mechanism that holds the people’s mandate is not consulted
Get independent audit or quit, Nazir tells 1MDB directors Published: 15 May 2015 9:01 AM CIMB Group Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak has told the board of 1Malaysia Development Berhad that they should resign if they fail to take active measures to address concerns over its finances. – The Malaysian Insider pic, May 15, 2015. CIMB Group Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said that the board of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should resign if they did not want to take active measures to address concerns over its finances, The Star reported today. The brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said it was irresponsible for the debt-ridden state investment arm to do nothing and simply wait for the Auditor-General (A-G) to complete its investigation. “The immediate check for a responsible board is to appoint an independent (auditor) now … otherwise the board and management, in my view, should resign," Nazir was quoted as saying. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/get-independent-audit-or-quit-nazir-tells-1mdb-directors#sthash.bRtnnviu.dpuf
Tenaga will consider buying stake in 1MDB unit Edra Global Energy Published: 16 May 2015 10:14 AM Tenaga Nasional president and CEO Datuk Seri Azman Mohd says as a power company, if an opportunity such as this comes along, Tenaga has to consider it. – Pic courtesy of Tenaga Nasional website, May 16, 2015.Tenaga Nasional Bhd will consider buying a stake in 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) unit Edra Global Energy Bhd if the opportunity arises, Edge Weekly reports in its latest May 18-24 issue. In an exclusive interview, Tenaga chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azman Mohd said that the price for the Edra stake had to be fair to generate value for state-controlled utility Tenaga's shareholders. 1MDB is planning to list Edra on Bursa Malaysia. "We (Tenaga) are a power company. We do power generation. If any opportunity comes along, we will consider. It is our core business. "But, of course, the question is, at what price? It must add value for the shareholders. As a listed company, we cannot do otherwise. It has to be a fair price. A good price even. In fact, we are in a position to get a very good price, you know?" Azman said. He, however, said no one had "officially" appproached Tenaga on the possibility of Tenaga acquiring a stake in Edra. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tenaga-will-consider-buying-stake-in-1mdb-unit-edra-global-energy#sthash.EmQvvHDu.dpuf
Johor Umno backs Najib, says information chief BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 16 May 2015 8:30 AM Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received the backing of Johor Umno amid criticism over his leadership of the party as well as the country. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 16, 2015.Johor Umno has unanimously backed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership, said its information chief Datuk Samsol Bari Jamali. He said Johor Umno had concluded that there were no other party leaders qualified to replace Najib at the moment. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/johor-umno-backs-najib-says-information-chief#sthash.BiZAvtty.dpuf
Lawyers, former ministers say Tabung Haji-1MDB land deal needs Cabinet oversight BY MD IZWAN Published: 16 May 2015 6:59 AM Law professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari says following the constitution the Cabinet must answer to Parliament, hence matters of the taxpayers' interest must be brought to the Cabinet. – The Malaysian Insider pic, May 16, 2015.Lembaga Tabung Haji’s controversial land deal with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should have been brought to the Cabinet, lawyers and former ministers said, following reports that the matter was not discussed by sitting ministers. Constitutional law professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari wanted to know who was making decisions for the government, if something as serious as multi-million ringgit land deal involving a trouble state-backed firm did not go through the Cabinet. “Taxpayers’ money was used, but the Cabinet was not consulted or the decision did not come from the Cabinet. It may have come from the prime minister, and that becomes a problem,” Aziz said when commenting on the pilgrims' fund's recent purchase of land from the debt-ridden state investment firm. He said that since the people had given the Cabinet their mandate, any decision relating to public interest should go through the body first. The ministers, as elected representatives, were also answerable to the Dewan Rakyat or lower house of Parliament, Aziz added. “You are using the people’s money, but the mechanism that holds the people’s mandate is not consulted. That is the problem,” said Aziz. “If you look at the constitution, the Cabinet must answer to Parliament or the Dewan Rakyat, so you can ask them questions. “But now none of the ministers know anything of this deal, so that becomes a major concern,” said Aziz. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/lawyers-former-ministers-say-tabung-haji-1mdb-land-deal-needs-cabinet-overs#sthash.7m05cMol.dpuf
16 May 2015: Malaysiakini news on Najib-1MDB crisis: Najib a hit with Obama, says minister, PM meets Johor Umno leaders behind closed doors, Umno leader flays 1MDB board for letting PM roast, Don't turn TH into racial issue, 1MDB woes - the buck stops at Najib By Yoursay
Najib a hit with Obama, says minister By Alyaa Azhar; 5:25PM May 15, 2015; The prime minister's reputation may have been bruised on the domestic front but Najib Abdul Razak still has international appeal, especially among world leaders.
PM meets Johor Umno leaders behind closed doors By Bernama 12:00AM May 16, 2015; Umno president Najib Abdul Razak today held a closed-door meeting with the Johor Umno liaison committee members. The prime minister arrived for the meeting, held at Puteri Pacific Hotel, at 8.40pm. Also present were party vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein and supreme council members Aziz Kaprawi and Razali Ibrahim. Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is Johor Umno liaison committee chairperson, arrived at the venue together with several state executive council members. The meeting, which lasted for more than two hours, was also attended by Umno divisional leaders in Johor. - Bernama http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298527?google_editors_picks=true
Umno leader flays 1MDB board for letting PM roast By Kow Gah Chie 4:38PM May 14, 2015; An Umno supreme council member said it is unfair for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be solely responsible in responding to problems plaguing 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
1MDB woes - the buck stops at Najib By Yoursay 8:16AM May 16, 2015; YOURSAY When a ship runs aground, who should answer for it? The captain. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298529?google_editors_picks=true
Don't turn TH into racial issue, Mubarak told 4:55PM May 15, 2015; The Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) has been slammed for turning the Lembaga Tabung Haji (Pilgrims' Fund Board) issue into a racial one. Perak DAP Socialist Youth said its police report on the pilgrimage fund's purchase of debt-ridden 1MDB land at overinflated price had nothing to do with race, as Mubarak had claimed. "Let me stress that the Tabung Haji scandal is neither a Muslim issue nor a Malay issue, but a Malaysian issue of good governance where public funds (had been allegedly) abused to bail out failed state corporations due to the government's incompetence and mismanagement. "I am appalled by Mubarak's statement in Sinar Harian today that allege Perak DAP Youth's police report against the Tabung Haji bailout of 1MDB as interfering with Muslim matters in Malaysia," said Chong Zhemin, the political secretary to the Taiping MP. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298492
14 May 2015: Latest in 1MDB saga is Singapore BT report of foreign banks seeking early loan repayment (with fears of cascading effect on 1MDB loan pile); PM Najib sits with solid UMNO support amidst new turmoil (Mahathir and Muhyiddin past issues re-emerge), claims of "pawning" Terengganu oil and gas assets refuted; KL circles noting that regional newspapers including Singapore Business Times and Australia SMH carry news on PM Najib woes.
source: unattributed social media graphics carried on Tabung Haji - 1MDB land deal and top management connections
German banks seek early repayment of 1MDB loan, could trigger default on RM42b debt | Malaysia | Malay Mail Online - http://www.themalaymailonline.
1MDB unable to disclose details on loan report Thursday, 14 May 2015; PETALING JAYA: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was unable to disclose any details on news that a consortium of banks led by Deutsche Bank has asked for a US$975mil (RM3.5bil) loan to be repaid less than four months ahead of its due date. “We are aware of recent press reports and statements concerning a loan taken by 1MDB in September 2014. While we would like to respond in detail, this relates to a confidential banking matter, which prevents us from commenting at the present time,” said its president and group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy in an email reply.
“However, we intend to update the market as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/05/14/1MDB-unable-to-disclose-details-on-loan-report/?style=biz
Terengganu MB refutes Ahmad Said’s claims on 1MDB predecessor by firdaous fadzil Updated: Wednesday May 13, 2015 MYT 10:58:07 PM; KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman (pic) has denied claims that Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), now known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), tried to use the state’s oil and gas industry as collateral. “No such thing. Our exco would not have agreed as we also have a team of experts to advise us and that would not have happened,” Ahmad Razif told reporters after attending the third term of the 13th Terengganu State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Iman on Wednesday. “In fact, Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA) does not have any relation with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB),” he said in relation to former mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said's claim that TIA had tried to pawn the state's oil and gas. Ahmad Razif confirmed that the state government had initially planned to invest with TIA and that that investment arm was initially established as an option to diversify the state’s income. “It was a unanimous decision by the exco to make an investment and that was how TIA was established where we invested RM1mil at that time,” he reiterated.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/05/13/Terengganu-MB-refutes-claims/
Foreign banks circle 1MDB over RM3bil loan Malaysiakini 12:59PM May 13, 2015
A group of six international banks are seeking for early payment of their US$975 million (RM3.6 billion) loan to cash-strapped 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), reports Singapore's Business TImes. The loan from the consortium of banks led by Deutsche Bank is only due in September but it would seem they have become increasingly jittery over 1MDB's financial status.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298185
Strong in Umno, but weak in the elections By Salhan K Ahmad; COMMENT The festivities surrounding Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s speech in Sabah last weekend are reminiscent of the 13th general election campaign. Those following the telecast of the event in Tawau would have seen an eyeful of ‘I Love PM’ banners held up by participants filling up every inch of the television screen. It was reported that 40,000 were there in solidarity with Najib. Fittingly, Najib said he will not step down just because of pressure from one man – former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He saw the pressure from Mahathir as merely a test. In fact, he said, Mahathir faced a bigger test in his time... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/298280
'Umno huffs and puffs at Najib, then heels' Malaysiakini 8:24AM May 12, 2015;... http://m.malaysiakini.com/news/297930
Umno division heads to ask Najib to step down today? Malaysiakini 11:58AM May 11, 2015
Former information minister Zainuddin Maidin has claimed that Umno supreme council members will "politely" seek Najib Abdul Razak's ouster as prime minister this afternoon. "I have been informed that the council members have accepted the fact that Najib does not have the support of the people, particularly Umno members. "They might tell Najib this sincerely, politely and in a civilised manner during the meeting this afternoon," wrote Zainuddin on his blog. He then cited Umno wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as stating that regardless of what happened, the party should ensure that it remains united. Najib is meeting all the party division chiefs today as well as chairing a party supreme council meeting in conjunction with the party's 69th anniversary. He is also expected to speak during a dinner to commemorate the event this evening. On another note, Zainuddin urged Muslims in Malaysia to "join" Mahathir in prayer in asking for Najib's ouster. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297902
Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak rejects calls to resign Date May 11, 2015 - 11:54AM 72 reading now Lindsay Murdoch South-East Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media
Bangkok: Malaysia's embattled prime minister Najib Razak has vowed to stand firm against calls for him to resign amid a new controversy surrounding his handling of a state investment fund that is billions of dollars in debt. "I will not bow to pressure," Mr Najib said in a speech where he denounced former strongman prime minister Mahathir Mohamad who has led the resignation calls.
Mr Najib was quoted by the state newsagency Bernama as saying he was one of those in the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) who supported Dr Mahathir's 22 years in power.
"When he was in trouble we supported him to stay on. If we did not support our leader in a time of trial, he [Mahathir] would not have lasted 22 years as prime minister," Mr Najib said. "If [he] cannot support, then don't make so much noise," he said.......Dr Mahathir, still an influential figure in UMNO despite his 90 years, has repeatedly called in blog posts for Mr Najib's resignation over the investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad which the prime minister set-up and oversees. In the latest controversy Tabung Haji, a federal body that manages funds saved by Muslims, bought land from the fund in Kuala Lumpur's new financial district for almost $60 million.
After news of the purchase went viral on social media Mr Najib denied the purchase was to help bail out the fund's debt and said it was an investment. But Mr Najib said he advised Tabung Haji to sell the land....1Malaysia Development Berhad has racked up about $15 billion in debt and a close associate of Mr Najib has been accused of siphoning off its funds. Mr Najib, who is chairman of the fund's advisory board, denies any wrongdoing.Dr Mahathir's attacks have bitterly divided UMNO which has ruled Malaysia since the British departed the country in 1957.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/malaysia-prime-minister-najib-razak-rejects-calls-to-resign-20150511-ggym50.html
PM: Mahathir twisting 1MDB issue - Malaysiakini http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297850
Najib won't bow to pressure to resign, says land purchase by Malaysia's haj pilgrims fund not a bailout - South-east Asia News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/najib-says-land-purchase-pilgrims-fund-1mdb-not-bailout-20150510
Sirul Azhar Umar: Who ordered the brutal murder of Atlantuyaa Shaariibuu? May 9, 2015 by Eryk Bagshaw; In Sydney's Villawood detention centre is a man at the heart of one Malaysia's greatest political murder mysteries. Pacing the green rubber floor of Sydney's Villawood Immigration Detention Centre is a man who carries a secret so explosive that it holds both sides of Malaysian politics and its media in its thrall. The former bodyguard to two Malaysian Prime Ministers, ex-police commando Sirul Azhar Umar is a baby-faced killer, convicted of a political murder so gruesome it made a nation shudder. Now, facing the death penalty in Malaysia, Sirul has brought his secret to Australia in search of political asylum. So far, he is sitting restlessly with the high-risk inmates at the maximum security Blaxland unit in Villawood, keeping his secret to himself. "I'm not sure If I'm ready to tell all yet," he tells me as we meet for the first time. "I was a member of the police force, we are bound by code of silence." What Sirul knows, though, has much broader implications than just for him. It has put the already unstable tenure of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Najib Razak, on even shakier ground. It has brought one of Malaysia's ruling elite, Australia's old diplomatic foe, Mahathir Mohamad, out of retirement to speak against his former protege, and it has excited the country's perpetually oppressed opposition with the hope that perhaps after nearly 60 years, the edifice of that country's political dynasty is crumbling. http://www.smh.com.au/national/sirul-azhar-umar-who-ordered-the-brutal-murder-of-atlantuyaa-shaariibuu-20150508-1mj5ce.html
9 May 2015: Tabung Haji chief also 1MDB director
Dr M tells Tabung Haji to nix 1MDB land buy now Friday May 8, 201506:17 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Lembaga Tabung Haji must call off its purchase of land from 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) immediately, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today. Telling the Muslim pilgrims fund that it was overpaying for the deal, Dr Mahathir pointed out that 1MDB paid RM194 million for the 70 acres in the Tun Razak Exchange, where it will sell 1.5 acres to LTH for a reported RM188 million. “Is this how Tabung Haji spends the money of the public that it is entrusted with? Contributors hope their savings with Tabung Haji is managed for their benefit, but these funds are being used to save 1MDB that has lost billions of ringgit. “This plan must be cancelled immediately,” Dr Mahathir wrote on his personal blog today. He then reminded LTH that its funds were the savings of Muslims planning to perform their Haj, and do not belong to the board members to do as they choose. “It is depressing when these funds are used to bail out 1MDB’s debts,” he added. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-tells-tabung-haji-to-nix-1mdb-land-buy-now#sthash.1f9FeZC1.dpuf
Tabung Haji chief also 1MDB director, Umno man points out Friday May 8, 2015 05:02 PM GMT+8
Conflict of interest? Tabung Haji MD sits on 1MDB boardConflict of interest? Tabung Haji MD sits on 1MDB board. Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah further questioned the RM188.5 million sale of 1MDB land in the Tun Razak Exchange to the Muslim pilgrim fund, saying that Tabung Haji is meant to invest only in Shariah-compliant businesses. “Isn’t Tabung Haji CEO TS Ismee Ismail on the 1MDB board of directors: isn’t there a conflict of interest here,” Saifuddin wrote on Facebook today.
1MDB lists Ismee as one of six people on its board of directors. On Wednesday, news began surfacing that LTH was buying two parcels of land from 1MDB, purportedly for nearly RM800 million. LTH chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim immediately denied this, before the board confirmed the deal next day albeit for one parcel at RM188 million instead of two as initially believed based on documents leaked by an anonymous blog. The confirmation has prompted bipartisan calls from lawmakers and private groups for LTH to explain the “high-risk” transaction.
Earlier today, PKR lawmaker Rafizi Ramli pointed out that 1MDB coincidentally has interest payment worth RM188.5 million due soon on one of its loans. .......... http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-chief-also-1mdb-director-umno-man-points-out#sthash.dPgpaowa.dpuf
Can’t stay on backfoot, Muhyiddin says of attacks on 1MDB Friday May 8, 201510:25 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Putrajaya must be proactive over attacks on 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and not only react to criticism over the state investment fund, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. According to him, the results of the Rompin and Permatang Pauh by-elections have exposed Putrajaya’s weakness in handling the allegations over 1MDB as well as criticism against the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “In the rakyat’s view, the defensive attitude is not helping in the long term. An offensive stance is to be ready to answer the people,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama today. “This means every issue raised that affects the public and is brought to the government’s attention must be managed as soon as possible… whether it is an answer or improvement.” - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cant-stay-on-backfoot-muhyiddin-says-of-attacks-on-1mdb#sthash.7Wx7tud2.dpuf
7 May 2015: Tabung Haji CEO confirms one 1MDB land deal after denial by the fund board's Chairman Abdul Azeez. Whistleblower report of purchase of land plots from 1MDB at unreasonably high price. Quit over 1MDB land denial, PAS tells Azeez.
Quit over 1MDB land denial, PAS tells Azeez by Malaysiakini 5:48PM May 7, 2015; PAS vice-president Husam Musa wants Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim to resign after denying on Twitter late last night that the pilgrimage fund bought Tun Razak Exchange land
.........Based on this and Johan's statement, it can be deduced that Tabung Haji confirmed the purchase of only Plot 1, for about RM2,779 per square feet.... The blog claims that 1MDB had supposedly bought the land from the government earlier for only RM90 per square feet, but 2012 reports showed that the land was bought for RM74.20 per square foot.......Husam said Johan's claim that the purchase is based on market price is questionable as it is multiple times what 1MDB paid....."This is the simple business model of 1MDB - the father sells to the son at a cheap price, and then forces his son-in-law to buy from his son at a higher price. Where does all the profit go?" Tuan Ibrahim asked. He raised concern that next in 1MDB's sights are agencies like Lembaga Zakat, Employee Provident Fund or Felda. He said these agencies may be next to be forced to pick up the assets 1MDB got for a song, at inflated prices.......The Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) also demanded the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter. "We view this seriously. It can affect savings of Muslims who intend to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam (the haj)," said Abim president Amidi Manan in a statement......... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/297549
Tabung Haji admits to land deal with 1MDB BY RAM ANAND Published: 7 May 2015 1:38 PM; Pilgrims fund Tabung Haji confirmed that it had bought a parcel of land from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) project after its chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim denied any such deal a day earlier. In a statement emailed to the The Malaysian Insider today, Tabung Haji chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Johan Abdullah said that the fund had invested in a piece of land with the plan of building a residential tower, at the price of RM188.5 million. It denied however that it had bought a second parcel of land from 1MDB at TRX as alleged in a blog yesterday. "Leakages of proposal papers are not proof of approved investment decisions," Johan said in his statement.,,,1MDB currently sits on an RM42 billion debt and is facing a cash flow problem ..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tabung-haji-admits-to-land-deal-with-1mdb#sthash.dGQvk0Qg.dpuf
Tabung Haji: No land deal with 1MDB by rahmah ghazali Updated: Thursday May 7, 2015 MYT 12:29:24 PM PETALING JAYA: Tabung Haji has denied a whistleblower report alleging that the pilgrimage fund has purchased plots of land owned by debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) at an unreasonably high price. “Wrong. TH will release a statement as soon as possible,” the pilgrimage fund chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (pic) posted said in response to a Twitter user on Wednesday night. Social media was abuzz when a blog called The Benchmark released a set of documents on May 5, purportedly detailing the proposed purchase of two plots of land at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) – one for RM194mil at RM2,860 per sq ft, and the other for RM578mil at RM3,900 per sq ft..... The blog, claimed that it had received confirmation from “little birds” in Tabung Haji, saying that it was a “fast-track deal” which had received government approval in less than two weeks and that the money had been paid to 1MDB in full. The blog also claimed that 1MDB was believed to have been awarded the large track of government-owned TRX land in Jalan Tun Razak at a cheap rate of RM60 per sq ft. It claimed that 1MDB was also believed to have paid a slightly higher rate of about RM90 per sq ft for the Sungai Besi RMAF airport/base land.... When contacted, Abdul Azeez’s special officer said the Baling MP was still at a meeting and was not available for comments. “A statement will be released soon,” he said....
picture: Chairman of Tabung Haji / Pilgrim's Fund, the notable multi-lingual Tamil-speaking MP for Baling (heated debate in Parlimen Malaysia between MP Azeez and another MP in Tamil language has been well noted)
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/05/07/Tabung-Haji-1MDB-no-land-deal/6 May 2015: Merdeka Center - Majority of voters lack awareness and comprehension of 1MDB controversy, PM's approval rating slips to 44%
Majority of voters lack awareness and comprehension of 1MDB controversy; BANGI, 17 Apr 2015 –A survey carried as a collaboration between BFM Radio and the Merdeka Center among voters in Peninsular Malaysia found that a very large majority (69%) of voters were not fully aware what the 1MDB controversy was all about. The survey found vast majorities of low income voters, who made the majority of voters and those who had no internet access reported lacking awareness about the issue. Press release: http://www.merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/1-news-release?download=157:news-release-bfm-1mdb-issue-opinion-poll; Full report: http://www.merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/2-researches?download=156:national-poll-march-2015-1mdb-final
Merdeka Center - PM's approval rating slips to 44%; report here, http://merdeka.org/v4/index.php/downloads/category/2-researches?download=153:january-2015-national-poll-approval-rating-top-issues
29 April 2015: Sarawak Report - Investigators Conclude 1MDB “Cheated” And “Made False Document” to Bank Negara, Deutsche Bank And Others EXCLUSIVE and Jho Low’s Contact At Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Is Removed From His Posts! Dr M roadshow against PM Najib, Najib's "no surrender" speech; 1MDB-DuSable 50MW solar farm to get tariff hike? Previous tariff "was deemed simply to low for the project to be feasible" - The Edge; DuSable run by key Obama fund raiser.
Investigators Conclude 1MDB “Cheated” And “Made False Document” to Bank Negara, Deutsche Bank And Others EXCLUSIVE, 29 Apr 2015; Investigators into the Malaysian development fund 1MDB’s 2009 joint venture with the company PetroSaudi International have concluded that the partnership lied to its banks and Bank Negara Malaysia by confirming that the company Good Star Limited was a 100% subsidiary. In fact Good Star Limited is a third party concern, controlled by the businessman friend of the Prime Minister, Jho Low, whom we have shown was secretly directing the fund’s investment decisions. It leads to possible charges of “cheating”, write the investigators in a document in our possession.......Money was not used for intended purposes in violation of FEA rules.....Why did the banks fail to report suspicious transaction reports? ...Zurich branch of RBS Coutts under scrutiny – how come it did not file a suspicious transaction report on Good Star and did it check the beneficial owner of the account? While the investigators largely appear to exonerate the banks involved in these transactions, including 1MDB’s bank Deutsche Bank, on the basis that it appears they were misled by 1MDB’s managers, they nevertheless query the banks’ failure to flag up suspicious transactions .....Action by the regulators...... Malaysia’s regulators have decided in the light of these investigations to approach the Swiss authorities in order to confirm that the money did indeed arrive in the Good Star account in RBS Coutts Zurich. .....False document....The papers also throw up a second accusation of possible falsification of documents by 1MDB....Action or Inaction?
Yet, despite these investigations and recommendations by the authorities both within Malaysia and Singapore, the Finance Minister cum Prime Minister last night dismissed the entire series of documented revelations about 1MDB as “wild allegations ..... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/investigators-conclude-1mdb-cheated-and-made-false-document-to-bank-negara-deutsche-bank-and-others-exclusive/
Good Star Connection – Jho Low’s Contact At Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Is Removed From His Posts! Sarawak Report, 26 Apr 2015; Over the past few days it has emerged that Khadem al Qubaisi, the man identified by this blog as Jho Low’s key contact at Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Aabar Investments, has been removed from the majority of his posts. Until a few days ago al Qubaisi was one of the most senior public executives in the Arab state. He was the Chief Executive and Board Member of the major sovereign wealth fund International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), as well as the Chairman of its subsidiary companies Aabar Investments and Arabtec. However, it was reported on Wednesday that Mr al Qubaisi has suddenly stepped down from his role as Chairman at IPIC, which followed on from earlier news that he had also stepped down from his Chairmanship of Arabtec a few days before. Then on Thursday it emerged that Khadem al Qubaisi had also been removed as Chairman of Aabar Properties, which is a subsidiary of Aabar Investments, the company closely involved with 1MDB and Jho Low in a number of well-publicised recent ventures. News reports are speculating whether the departure from Aabar Properties and also the parent company IPIC means that Mr Al Qubaisi has also been replaced in his position at Aabar Investments as well....
Dr M roadshow vs Najib TV show - As predicted, Dr Mahathir Mohamad has embarked on Phase II of his campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak - the roadshow.
- KiniNews: Full speech | Dr Mahathir - 'Bicara Negarawan: You Are Not Alone' forum; http://www.kinitv.com/video/17991O8
- KiniNews: Mahathir: He's worse than Pak Lah, Najib must go; http://www.kinitv.com/video/17156O8
- KiniNews: Mahathir: Sirul didn't kill anyone when he was my bodyguard; http://www.kinitv.com/video/17153O8
Country bigger than PM's 'Bugis pinisi', says Kadir; Following Najib Abdul Razak's 'no surrender' speech yesterday, veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin reminded the prime minister that Malaysia is no mere Bugis ship.... "It wouldn't matter (if it sank) if Malaysia is just a Bugis pinisi, but our independence is far bigger and far grander than a wooden, two-masted Bugis pinisi. "Or are the ambitions and aspirations that the prime minister speak of just like a Bugis pinisi?" wrote the former New Straits Times Sdn Bhd group editor-in-chief in his blog. A pinisi is a sailing ship that originated from Indonesia. Its name and design are both derived from that of a 16th century Dutch pinnace.
Yesterday while launching the annual reports of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Najib invoked his Bugis heritage by stating that Bugis seafarers never surrender and neither would he and his administration despite "facing a raft of hurdles and attacks". "The Bugis way is that, a vessel taken to sea cannot abandon its journey. "Even if a tidal wave hits, breaking the rudder and tearing the sail, and even if a thousand vessels are swallowed by the ocean, it is more honourable to stay and fight than to turn back home," he said.
It was likely that Najib was alluding to the constant attacks on his leadership by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad...... https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/296814
26 April 2015: Sarawak Report - Out of a total of at least USD$1.93 billion that Sarawak Report calculates was lent to PetroSaudi we now see that USD$1.19 billion went to Good Star Limited; Dr M takes attack against PM Najib to KL grassroots
Hundreds back Dr M during biting speech on Najib BY ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH Published: 25 April 2015 7:00 PM; More than 1,000 people, including civil servants and civil society leaders, showed that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was not "alone" when they cheered the former prime minister on in his two-hour meet-the-people session at a club in Kuala Lumpur this morning. This was the first time Dr Mahathir took his attacks against Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the grassroots level, after earlier lampooning the prime minister in his blog and urging him to leave office. The shouts and cheers from the crowd which had gathered as early as 8.30am began as Dr Mahathir stepped out of his vehicle at the K Klub and continued as he walked the 50m aisle to the stage.... He was flanked by controversial lecturer Dr Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, and Datuk Ibrahim Ali, president of Perkasa, the Malay rights group which co-hosted the forum. Also spotted were former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, and former health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, who is part of the G25 group.He spoke for an hour about the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), businessman Jho Low, his respect for Tun Abdul Razak, Najib's daughter's lavish wedding reception and many more that left the crowd dazed. They were responsive to his speech, cheering every time he called for Najib to step down as prime minister and laughing at his wit and sarcasm. The crowd also could not wait to begin asking him questions on the issues he had raised about Najib, his administration and policies that have not set well with the people, including about the goods and services tax. This was evident with the number of those who clamoured to the microphone, hoping for a chance to address the influential former premier and hear him answer their query. One man asked Dr Mahathir what he thought of the GST, which the government had introduced as a solution to its depleting funds. "I think they should just abolish it," Dr Mahathir replied. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hundreds-back-dr-m-during-biting-speech-on-najib#sthash.1pbovjes.dpuf
Further USD$330 million Went Straight To Jho Low’s Good Star Limited From 1MDB! NEW EXCLUSIVE; New documents obtained by Sarawak Report show that in 2011 the company Good Star Limited, which is controlled by the businessman friend of the Finance Minister, Jho Low, received the entirety of a further USD$330 million ‘loan’ that had been authorised by the development fund 1MDB, supposedly in favour of its former joint venture partner PetroSaudi International......The money was transferred in four separate tranches in the form of USD currency ($30 million + $65 million + $110 million + $125 million) straight into Good Star Limited’s RBS Coutts, Zurich account. Yet approval had only been granted by the regulators for 1MDB to lend the money to 1MDB PetroSaudi Limited (BVI) on the basis that it was to “finance on-going overseas investment in the oil and gas sector”. There was no mention made of the company Good Star in the 1MDB application and neither was approval granted for the money to be sent to Good Star.
Nevertheless all four of the payments totalling $330 million from two separate banks in Malaysia went straight to Good Star Limited, according to the documents we hold. ..........Most shockingly, the investigation has further established that the USD$330 million, which was sent to Good Star was officially reported to Malaysia’s Bank Negara as having been paid to the PetroSaudi company 1MDB PetroSaudi. All such large foreign payment transactions need under Malaysian regulations to be the subject of a so-called ITIS Report [International Transactions Information System]. Under this report it was stated that the money had gone to PetroSaudi’s parent company’s account. .....The question now is who was responsible for providing this misleading information that Good Star Limited was a subsidiary company of PetroSaudi International? Also, why did none of the banks involved in any of these transactions ever see fit to file a suspicious transaction report?..... There is also a growing incredulity as to how USD$1.103 billion can still be remaining from this ill fated PetroSaudi investment and sitting in a BSI bank account in Singapore as the Finance Ministry is currently claiming?.........Out of a total of at least USD$1.93 billion that Sarawak Report calculates was lent to PetroSaudi we now see that USD$1.19 billion went to Good Star Limited....
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/further-usd330-million-went-straight-to-jho-lows-good-star-from-1mdb-new-exclusive/
Despite Dr M’s attacks, analysts say BN far from vulnerable under Najib BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY Sunday April 26, 201507:07 AM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-dr-ms-attacks-analysts-say-bn-far-from-vulnerable-under-najib#sthash.LUCzUrIH.dpuf
Dr M asks Najib: Are you sure you’re not alone? By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Saturday April 25, 201512:53 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-asks-najib-are-you-sure-youre-not-alone#sthash.zfvJu1BR.dpuf
Dr M trains guns on Najib’s daughter’s wedding, highlights extravagance By SYED JAYMAL ZAHIID Saturday April 25, 201501:13 PM GMT+8 - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-trains-guns-on-najibs-daughters-wedding-highlights-extravagance#sthash.S4tFlIDY.dpuf
24 April 2015: Mahathir says 1MDB has to explain RM27 billion not accounted for, says "total loss incurred by the government is about RM25 billion," asks for explanation of false bank documents; 1MDB declined to present at Invest Malaysia - Nazir Razak; Sarawak Report - new evidence US$500 million transferred from Goodstar RBS Coutts Zurich account to a Jho Low-linked account at BSI Bank Singapore and asks "how has 1MDB managed to retrieve it all back with interest?"
Half A Billion USD Was Transferred From Good Star To Jho Low’s BSI Singapore Account! MAJOR EXCLUSIVE, 23 Apr 2015; Sarawak Report has new exclusive evidence that over USD$500 million was transferred from Good Star LImited’s account at RBH Coutts in Zurich into an account belonging to the controversial businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) at BSI Bank in Singapore…. http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/half-a-billion-usd-was-transferred-from-good-star-to-jho-lows-bsi-singapore-account-major-exclusive/
1MDB declined Invest Malaysia invitation Posted on 24 April 2015 - 05:41am; KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), whose fortunes have been partly blamed for contributing to the fall in the ringgit and negative investor sentiment, declined to participate in Invest Malaysia 2015 this year. The 11th Invest Malaysia institutional investor conference, which opened yesterday, is organised by Bursa Malaysia Bhd in collaboration with CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. The annual event looks every year to showcase Malaysia's most investable companies. This year, 51 companies were represented. CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said it invited 1MDB but the state-owned investment firm turned down the invitation......... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1394605
Dr M fires more salvo at Najib, questions 1MDB finances Sathesh Raj, Astro Awani | Updated: April 24, 2015 (First published on: April 24, 2015 07:32 MYT) Corruption is not something uncommon in governments,however, they involve relatively small amount of money - MAHATHIR; KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest blog posting touched on the issue of management of government finances which he said should be governed by laws, rules and regulations. Its expenditure has to conform to the proposals set out in its budget plans. He added Governments can lose money through bad investments. "We would know where the money is lost. But when huge sums of money disappear, then those entrusted with its management must answer for the disappearance. "Disappearance is different from just losing. Disappearance is about money lost which cannot be traced. This can be because of corruption or theft," as written by Dr Mahathir in his blog. He questioned how 1MDB, a company with RM1 million capital with no assets could borrow 42,000 times its capital with no collaterals.......... Despite being a guarantor, Dr Mahathir also questioned why the operation of 1MDB is not overseen by government officers responsible for the management of government funds..... He said 1MDB started off wrong even from the beginning.
“It started off as an off-budget and it was not put before the Parliament. The money was borrowed. So it is not sovereign wealth but sovereign debt,” he said.... In the blog, Dr Mahathir also broke down the investments of 1MDB:
- Purchase of Tanjong Energy (now known as Powertek Energy Sdn Bhd) from Ananda Krishnan for RM 8.5 billion.
- Purchase of Genting Sanyen Power (now known as Kuala Langat Power Plant) for RM 2.3 billion.
- Purchase of Jimah Energy for RM 1.2 billion.
- Purchase of 70 acres of land in Jalan Tun Razak for RM320 million i.e: RM64.00 psf.
- Purchase of 495 acres of land in the former Sungai Besi TUDM airport (now known as Bandar Malaysia) about RM 363.5 million i.e: at RM 91.00 psf.
- Purchase of 234 acres land in Air Itam in Penang RM 1.38 billion i.e: at RM135.00 psf.
He said the investments and purchases known so far add up to RM14.7 billion and that there is about RM27 billion that needs to be explained. “Where is the rest of the money?” he asked adding that 1MDB is not getting any returns from its investments. He said the total loss incurred by the government is about RM25 billion. .... Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/dr-m-fires-more-salvo-najib-questions-1mdb-finances-58532?cp
Answer claims of false documents, says Dr M by desiree tresa gasper Updated: Friday April 24, 2015 MYT 8:03:35 AM; KUALA LUMPUR: The Government needs to explain the alleged “false documents” provided by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) in relation to its US$1.1bil (RM3.99bil) overseas investments that had been redeemed from a fund management firm and kept in a Singapore bank. Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was the Government’s responsibility to provide an answer. “Our Government says the money is in Singapore and the Singapore side says there is no money there. There is definitely no money in Malaysia, so where is the money?” he questioned. Speaking to reporters after delivering a special address on social media as part of the World Bloggers and Social Media summit yesterday, Dr Mahathir said it was unacceptable that the authorities had no answer to the allegations. Earlier this week, whistle-blower website Sarawak Report claimed it had been passed “disturbing evidence” showing that the Singapore branch of BSI Bank had dismissed as “false bank statements” documents supplied by 1MDB in relation to its redemption of investments from the fund management firm, Brazen Sky Limited.........http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/24/Answer-claims-of-false-documents-says-Dr-M/
22 April 2015: 1MDB Presented False Documents Say BSI Singapore - Sarawak Report
1MDB Presented False Documents Say BSI Singapore! EXCLUSIVE, 22 APR 2015; Sarawak Report has been passed disturbing evidence, showing that BSI Bank has dismissed documents supplied by 1MDB relating to its Brazen Sky Limited account in Singapore, saying they are false bank statements. Sarawak Report has been passed disturbing evidence, showing that BSI Bank has dismissed documents supplied by 1MDB relating to its Brazen Sky Limited account in Singapore, saying they are false bank statements. The documents were supplied to various authorities by 1MDB’s CEO Arul Kanda and purported to show Brazen Sky’s statement of account in November 2014. However, the Swiss private bank has told the Singapore authorities that the document did not originate from them and does not represent a true account of the assets of the 1MDB subsidiary.
On March 13th this information was reported back to Malaysia. Two days earlier, on March 11th, the Minister of Finance (Prime Minister Najib Razak) had issued a Parliamentary reply to questions from the opposition DAP MP Tony Pua, confirming that the remaining $1.103 billion had already been “redeemed” from Brazen Sky’s alleged off shore fund in the Cayman Islands and stating that it was now being “kept in US currency” at BSI Bank Limited, Singapore. However, separate insider information gained in Singapore has corroborated that there is no actual cash in the relevant Brazan Sky Limited account. “The account merely contains ‘paper assets”, explained a source “the true value of which cannot be determined”..........http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/1mdb-presented-false-documents-say-bsi-singapore-exclusive/
22 April 2015: 1MDB-DuSable 50MW solar farm to get tariff hike? Previous tariff "was deemed simply to low for the project to be feasible" - The Edge; DuSable run by key Obama fund raiser.
Cancel 1MDB’s power deals instead of raising tariffs, Pua urges Putrajaya Wednesday April 22, 201509:12 AM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 ― DAP MP Tony Pua urged Putrajaya today to cancel all the power plant concessions awarded to 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) instead of allowing the debt-laden firm to profit from Malaysians by raising electricity tariffs. Pua, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for criticising 1MDB's power deals, noted that according to a report on Monday in The Edge Financial Daily, the Energy Commission has already approved an increase in tariff for 1MDB's 50MW solar power plant from 41 sen per kWh to 50 sen per kWh. “That represents a whopping 22 per cent hike in electricity tariffs within a year after the project has been awarded via direct negotiations,” the Petaling Jaya Utara lawmaker said in a statement here. The power supply, he warned, will be sold to Tenaga Nasional, which will in turn transfer the cost burden to consumers. Pua also agreed with his DAP colleague Dr Ong Kian Ming who had pointed out on Monday that the 50 sen tariff is higher than the 49 sen awarded recently to other smaller solar power farms between 10MW and 30MW. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cancel-1mdbs-power-deals-instead-of-raising-tariffs-pua-urges-putrajaya#sthash.Qvg3N0ut.dpuf
Background:
- 1MDB plans giant solar farm Monday, 5 May 2014; PETALING JAYA: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is believed to have formed a 60:20:20 joint venture to undertake the country’s largest 50MW solar farm in Kedah. Sources said 1MDB would be taking a 60% stake, with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) taking a 20% stake and the remaining 20% believed to be taken by its technology provider, a US-based company..... http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/05/05/1MDB-plans-giant-solar-farm-It-is-believed-to-have-formed-a-joint-venture-with-TNB-and-a-US-firm-fo/?style=biz
- 1MDB and US firm in solar tie-up Wednesday, 23 April 2014 By: LEONG HUNG YEE; PETALING JAYA: US private equity firm DuSable Capital Management LLC and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) will work together on the country’s largest 50MW solar farm in Kedah. “DuSable will be the investment adviser to a private equity fund in which 1MDB will be a limited partner. The private equity fund and 1MDB are working together jointly to invest in a solar energy project in Malaysia,” according to documents filed with the US Department of Justice. Further to that, 1MDB would reimburse costs incurred by DuSable arising from the development of the project and associated activities, the filing said. “While the bulk of DuSable’s activities will relate to the development of the project, one aspect of DuSable’s activities will be to communicate with US Government officials to encourage the US Government to provide non-financial support for a Malaysian solar energy project. “There is no formal agreement specifying such communications or activities,” DuSable said in the document........ http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/04/23/1MDB-and-US-firm-in-solar-tieup-Both-parties-will-jointly-invest-in-countrys-largest-50MW-solar-farm/?style=biz
- DuSable to manage 1MDB solar 25 04 2014; 1 Malaysia Development (1MDB) has reached an agreement with DuSable Capital Management for it to to act as an investment manager for 1MDB's 50MW solar project in Kedah, Malaysia. DuSable, a US private equity firm, will act as investment adviser to a private equity fund... https://ijglobal.com/pf-archive/article/3334639/dusable-to-manage-1mdb-solar
- Solar plant deal expected to be signed during Obama’s visit next month By: RISEN JAYASEELAN, LEONG HUNG YEE Monday, 17 March 2014; PETALING JAYA: The mega solar power plant being initiated by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has secured a tariff rate of somewhere between 40 sen to 46 sen per kWh. The rates are lower than existing tariff for electricity generated by solar plants. However it cannot be determined if that is the best rate with present technology because it is learnt that it is a directly negotiated exercise. The planned 50MW solar farm to be built in Kedah, was the result of a via a “direct negotiation” with the Government, sources said. It will also become by far the largest in the country. Sources said the relevant parties were working to put this agreement together in time for it to be announced during the United States President Barack Obama planned visit Malaysia next month.... http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/03/17/Solar-plant-agreement-expected-to-be-signed-during-Obamas-visit-next-month/?style=biz
- Frank White, Jr. Founder & CEO; White is the Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of DuSable Capital Management and oversees all investments, investor relations, and operations at DuSable. Prior to founding DuSable, Mr. White founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Advanced Concepts, Inc. Under his leadership, the technology company evolved into a leading supplier of engineering and IT support services to the Federal Government. ACI ranked amongst the Mid-Atlantic’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Businesses for eight-consecutive years. Mr. White has previously been recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Mr. White was the National Vice-Chair of President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign and served as a Co-Chair for President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration Committee as well.... http://www.dusablecapital.com/team/
- Obama Fundraiser Said to Seek $1 Billion for Private Fund 'By'Miles Weiss 12:00 PM HKT October 10, 2013; Oct. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama’s top individual fundraiser, a former technology executive who collected millions of dollars for the president, is seeking as much as $1 billion for a private-equity fund that will invest in infrastructure and renewable energy, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Frank White Jr. has teamed up with two other Obama backers, Shomik Dutta and two-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Prakazrel Michel, to establish a Washington-based money-management firm called DuSable Capital Management LLC, according to a regulatory filing. DuSable plans to raise $500 million to $1 billion, said the person, who requested anonymity because the details are private. White’s new firm joins a small group of money managers founded by former political figures and public officials, who have sought to parlay their connections to invest in industries that rely on direct or indirect government support. The biggest among them is Carlyle Group LP, the buyout firm that got its start buying defense companies after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Monument Capital Group LLC and Darby Overseas Partners Ltd., both based in Washington, were also founded by former high-ranking officials....... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-10/obama-fundraiser-said-to-seek-1-billion-for-private-fund
19 April 2015: Jho Low speaks to Euromoney
Jho says it ain’t so: Malaysian tycoon denies role in 1MDB ‘heist of the century’ /Euromoney magazine
http://www.euromoney.com/Article/3442824/Category/8224/ChannelPage/0/Jho-says-it-aint-so-Malaysian-tycoon-denies-role-in-1MDB-heist-of-the-century.html
12 April 2015: Singapore branch of RBS Coutts used in 1MDB transfers too, Monetary Authority of Singapore also reportedly confirmed it was contacting the “relevant financial institutions”
Report: Singapore-based bank tied to US$20m wire for 1MDB partner’s founder Friday April 10, 201501:56 PM GMT+8; KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 ― Another Singapore-based bank has been identified as having been used to channel US$20 million (RM72.8 million) to a businessman who founded an investment firm that partnered the debt-laden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)..... Singapore’s Business Times (BT) reported today documents showing the September 2009 fund transfer from a bank account under “Acme Time Limited” to Saudi national Tarek Obaid.
BT reported that Tarek’s firm PetroSaudi International (PSI) had entered into a joint-venture deal with the state-owned 1MDB worth US$ 2.5 billion (RM9.1 billion)....... The business paper said British bank RBS Coutts ― whose Singapore branch was used by “Acme Time Limited” for the wiring of the US$20 million ― declined to comment on this matter............The Monetary Authority of Singapore also reportedly confirmed it was contacting the “relevant financial institutions” in the country, but did not give further details due to “confidentiality considerations”...... This week, Najib dismissed claims that 1MDB was facing bankruptcy, saying in a parliamentary reply that 1MDB had already repaid a RM2 billion loan to Maybank and RHB The inability of 1MDB to meet its loan payments previously had fuelled speculation that the firm was struggling with cash flow issues and unable to service its debt........http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/report-singapore-based-bank-tied-to-us20m-wire-for-1mdb-partners-founder#sthash.RMoNiyr2.dpuf
5 April 2015: ex-PM Mahathir calls on PM Najib to resign over 1MDB, Khairy Jamaluddin says PN Najib must answer Dr M's queries
Khairy says Najib must answer queries by Dr M by p. aruna Updated: Saturday April 4, 2015 MYT 1:52:37 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has to answer all the queries raised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Referring to the statement posted on the former prime minister's blog, chedet.cc on Thursday, Khairy said ignoring these questions was not an option.... Among the accusations were those involving the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Sharibuu, the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, and the purchase of a private jet for VVIP use. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/04/Khairy-Najib-must-answer-Tun-M-questions/
Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad Calls on Prime Minister Najib Razak to Resign - Former Malaysian leader’s comments follow clash with Najib over management of troubled 1MDB national investment fund By James Hookway April 4, 2015 9:16 a.m. ET; Six years ago, Malaysia’s former leader, Mahathir Mohamad, played a pivotal role in bringing down a prime minister. Now he is attempting to do it again, demanding Saturday that Prime Minister Najib Razak resign as the political fallout surrounding a troubled sovereign investment fund grows.... Dr. Mahathir, a former physician who ruled Malaysia for 22 years until he retired in 2003, has been attacking Mr. Najib for weeks over the problems at 1Malaysia Development Bhd, or 1MDB, which has more than $11 billion in debts and is now relying on government cash injections. Last month, Dr. Mahathir called for a police investigation into how the fund is managed.
A bit of history:
Daim cautioned Najib over 1MDB, says source By Khairie Hisyam 8:35AM Mar 17, 2015
KINIBIZ Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin had advised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be careful when 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) came into being in 2009, said a source.
According to the source, Daim first learned of the controversial outfit when it was the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), intended to be a sovereign wealth fund to promote the economic interests of the state. “He was asked to offer his opinion on it by the Agong,” said the source, who asked for anonymity in order to preserve relationships. TIA was set up in end-February 2009 after then deputy prime minister Najib announced its formation three days before the 2009 by-election in Kuala Terengganu, held after the passing of incumbent member of parliament Razali Ismail. To kick things off, TIA quickly raised some RM5 billion in a Putrajaya-guaranteed bond issue. However after the funds were raised, the federal government took over the entity and renamed it 1MDB months after TIA was formed in 2009.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/292217
4 April 2015: Sarawak Report says only 5% of KWAP's RM4 billion loaned to 1MDB can be accounted for by investment in Mongolian Gobi Coal & Energy
Mongolian Mystery Over More Missing Millions From 1MDB -A Sarawak Report Special Investigation; 2 Apr 2015; Last week the Finance Minister made a formal response to opposition MP Tony Pua’s persistent questioning about where the RM4 billion borrowed from Malaysia’s pension fund had been invested…However, our subsequent calculations show that at a maximum his answer only appears to have accounted for around 5% of the money, which he stated was invested in a Mongolian company, Gobi Coal & Energy Shockingly, further research has now revealed that while the Finance Minister implied to Mr Pua that SRC owned 50% of this Mongolian company, it now turns out that another Chinese company in fact claims to be the largest owner – and it only holds a 14% share!... The RM3.81 billion in question had been borrowed from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Persaraan (KWAP) in 2011/12 by a company called SRC International Sdn Bhd, which was a subsidiary of the scandal torn development fund 1MDB at the time. It has subsequently been taken over directly by the Ministry of Finance.........
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/04/mongolian-mystery-over-more-missing-millions-from-1mdb/
1 April 2015: Are Edge, TMI arrests ‘revenge’ for 1MDB reportage, MRT line rerouting a bid to ‘benefit’ 1MDB asks DAP
Are Edge, TMI arrests ‘revenge’ for 1MDB reportage, asks DAP Published: 1 April 2015 8:56 AM - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/are-edge-tmi-arrests-revenge-for-1mdb-reports-asks-dap#sthash.yXnLPoQd.dpuf
MRT line rerouting a bid to ‘benefit’ 1MDB, claims DAP MP; - KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — The realignment of the second Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) route to a new township on land owned by 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) shows Putrajaya is trying to favour the debt-ridden state investment firm, a DAP lawmaker said today.
Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said the Singapore's Sunday Times report yesterday on the rerouting of the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya route from the Cheras and Pandan suburbs to the Bandar Malaysia township, which has yet to be constructed, will “significantly” benefit 1MDB.
“The sudden realignment of Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya route for MRT2 only goes to show that Putrajaya will go to the ends of the earth to bailout 1MDB,” Pua said in a statement.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mrt-line-rerouting-a-bid-to-benefit-1mdb-claims-dap-mp#sthash.vgDoKsQe.dpuf
26 March 2015: Conflicting explanations from PM Najib's administration about 1MDB - the RM2 billion did come from Ananda Krishnana/Tanjong-linked private investors for a refinancing / rollover but earlier answer was that this came from the Cayman Island funds
Now Putrajaya says Tanjong Energy helped 1MDB pay RM2 billion debt BY EILEEN NG Published: 25 March 2015 7:44 PM; Putrajaya now has another version as to how 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) settled its RM2 billion debt last month, saying that tycoon T. Ananda Krishan's Tanjong Energy Holdings had arranged for help to pay off the sum. Just two weeks ago, the Finance Ministry in a parliamentary written reply had stated that the government-owned strategic investment firm had used its own Cayman Island funds to settle the RM2 billion debt.
Today, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said Tanjong had roped in private investors to come up with the money. He said the RM2 billion was a form of refinancing or rollover. "Tanjong arranged from private investors to come up with the RM2 billion, with the principal to be paid in 15 months, with the interest to be paid in six months.
"There is no exchange risk. The loan is given by private investors, it is not from Tanjong," ...... In his earlier parliamentary reply to Tian Chua (PKR – Batu), the Finance Ministry said 1MDB’s RM2 billion loan was settled in early February from its Caymans funds and not reportedly with billionaire Ananda's help. "Regarding the loan which 1MDB allegedly received from millionaire Ananda Krishnan, the report is not true," the ministry said in its written reply in mid-March.
.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-says-tanjong-energy-holdings-was-to-help-pay-off-1mdb-debt#sthash.3ltAaU0f.dpuf
24 March 2015: Malaysia and Singapore central banks eye 1MDB probe, and Fitch downgrade possibility for Malaysia; Sarawak Report blasts KPMG Malaysia and finds KPMG Global says the network is merely "brand sharing", Najib clears Jho Low (and economic saboteurs...)
Note: PM Najib announces that Jho Low is cleared and so are economic saboteurs. KL circles have noted these moves to take the heat off issues that can evolve in uncertain ways.
Singapore's central bank in touch with Malaysia on 1MDB probe Updated: Tuesday March 24, 2015 MYT 8:39:22 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's central bank said on Tuesday it was in touch with Malaysia's regulators over its investigation into state fund 1MDB. "We are committed to assist within the full ambit of our laws," said the Monetary Authority of Singapore in a statement to Reuters, adding it could not provide more details as investigations in Malaysia were ongoing.
The body was responding to questions about whether it had been approached by Malaysia to help with investigations into 1MDB. 1MDB redeemed US$1.1bil (RM4bil) from the Cayman Islands and subsequently parked it into BSI Bank Limited Singapore, a local unit of Swiss asset manager BSI.
The company, a property-to-energy group whose advisory board is chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, is facing criticism over its huge debt and alleged financial mismanagement.http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/24/1MDB-sing-probe/
1MDB: BNM to uphold areas under its purview 23 March 2015 @ 11:31 AM KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will uphold areas under its purview and legislation that it operates in with regards to the audit and investigation being carried out on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). “As the central bank, we will uphold whatever that is under our purview under the legislation that we operate, and this is important. We are accountable for it,” BNM Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said today. She said this in an exclusive interview on CNBC when asked on the audit being carried out on the government-owned strategic development company. Asked if she personally believed the audit outcome should be made public, she said: “I think (that is) the intention ..... everyone is waiting to see the outcome of the investigation that is taking place.”
On the possibility of Fitch Ratings downgrading Malaysia’s credit rating, among others, due to 1MDB’s debt obligation, the Governor said:“We have stress test on individual borrowers and individual institutions and the system as a whole and we can categorically say that our financial institutions may have their profitability affected but they remain sound and solid. “They remain well capitalised above the minimum requirement. That much we can say.” .... http://www.nst.com.my/node/77587
Don’t Ask Us! – KPMG Global’s Astonishing Response on 1MDB, For weeks the mantra of the chairman of 1MDB’s governing Advisory Board (Malaysia’s Prime Minister) has been that the management of the fund has been ‘cleared’, because the accounts were ‘forensically’ audited by international accountancy firms of global standing…. Following this expose, the Sydney-based Malaysian investigative financial journalist, Ganesh Sahathevan, directly challenged the Global Chairman of the company, John Veihmeyer, to give his response to the allegations.
Sahathevan asked whether KPMG Global had been aware of any of the transactions relating to 1MDB outlined in the expose? He added that: “much of what has been reported was in the public domain since at least 2014, and hence there is also the question of why the Global Board took no action despite that fact?” The rapid response Sahathevan received from KPMG merits reading in full, because it puts paid to any assumptions that a local branch of this ‘global network’ of accountancy firms can be relied upon to maintain any sort of acceptable standard laid down by a central authority.
The General Counsel (top lawyer) for Mr Veihmeyer states that the corporate headquarters has no involvement in the matter, because the KPMG network represents nothing more than a ‘Swiss Cooperative’ of happy Helvetic brand sharers.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/dont-ask-us-kpmg-globals-astonishing-response-on-1mdb/
KPMG – Auditors Or Fraudsters? Joint Venture was 'verified' by local KPMG boss. Sarawak Report has uncovered evidence, which indicates the supposedly independent auditors KPMG helped ‘cook the books’ at 1MDB, while auditing the fund’s initial accounts for the period ending March 2010. Unacceptable and unethical practices included actively conspiring to back date documents referred to in the audit report, as well as intervening to retrospectively alter agreements, which had been previously signed by 1MDB. Reviewing this evidence, DAP opposition spokesman Tony Pua told Sarawak Report that it clearly demonstrates that KPMG had worked to assist 1MDB in deliberately hiding the details of its initial joint venture agreement with the company PetroSaudi ... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/kpmg-auditors-or-fraudsters/
Najib “Clears Jho Low”? Further Emails Raise Further Questions We are assured that Jho Low was simply not involved. The Prime Minister’s Office’s key blog of the moment, The Rakyat Post, sought to put all concerns to rest yesterday over 1MDB. It reported that the Prime Minister had “cleared” Jho Low and was able to “explain” to the public that “all decisions and dealings of 1MDB was done by the management and board of directors”. It leaves the Malaysian public wondering why the Prime Minister has at the same time called an enquiry to look into the considerable body of evidence that has already been published, which shows the exact opposite? And it also leaves people wondering what is the point of an enquiry when the outcome has already been thus announced by the person who commissioned it? http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/najib-clears-jho-low-further-emails-raise-further-questions/
15 March 2015: Sarawak Report's Clare Rewcastle Brown calls PM Najib order for PAC to examine 1MDB a classic move to "bury a controversial issue" and urges pressure to be kept up, Khairy supports Petrosaudi's rebuttal, RM950 million "is not a bail out"
Sarawak Report editor calls order to examine 1MDB accounts a ‘classic move’ BY ANISAH SHUKRY Published: 15 March 2015 4:50 PM; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's orders for the National Audit Department to examine 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) accounts is a classic move by any politician to bury a controversial issue, Clare Rewcastle Brown said today.
The editor of whistleblower site Sarawak Report today urged the public to thwart such a move by maintaining pressure on the entire scandal. "It seems to me that it's a classic move to kick this into the grass. An inquiry you can control and takes ages is a politician's fallback method when they have a really awkward scandal that they need to keep a lid on for as long as possible," Rewcastle Brown told the "1MDB: The Ultimate LOW Down" forum in Crystal Crown Hotel via online video-conference on Skype. She predicted that the government would subsequently refuse to respond to any further questions raised on 1MDB until the audit was completed, while at the same time exerting influence onto the entire inquiry to ensure a favourable outcome.... "It's not just a Malaysian recourse, I can think of British examples where that happened. I think pressure should be kept up. Because people who have been acting the way they did should be exposed and appropriate people should resign." .... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-report-editor-calls-order-to-examine-1mdb-accounts-a-classic-move#sthash.TUJpFhEU.dpuf
Petrosaudi's rebuttal should put matter to rest: Khairy Last updated on 14 March 2015 - 07:16pm
GEORGE TOWN: PetroSaudi International's rebuttal to online criticisms over its previous joint venture with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should have put the allegations against the Malaysian strategic development company to rest, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.
"I hope the clarification is true as it can help diffuse allegations over 1MDB transactions with PetroSaudi (a Saudi-based oil exploration and services company)," he told reporters after closing the Balik Pulau Mountain Bike Jamboree here today. PetroSaudi, in a statement yesterday, said any suggestion of wrongdoing in the online allegations about the partnership were simply false as all the capital invested by 1MDB had been returned with profits. http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1354836
Minister: RM950mil is not a bailout for 1MDB by ivan loh and Updated: Sunday March 15, 2015 MYT 7:40:05 AM; IPOH: Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah says the Government’s injection of RM950mil in standby credit for 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) does not in any way constitute a bailout, as being claimed by certain quarters. “A bailout is when a company has failed and the government comes in (to help) ... this is not a failed organisation,” he said. “It is facing a short-term cash flow problem. The company relied on debts to generate projects which are moving very fast. “If we look at its financial statement of March 2013, it made profits. It only made losses in March last year,” he said after attending a Chinese New Year open house organised by pomelo growers in Tambun yesterday.
13 March 2015: Rafizi warns pensions at risk due to Rm4 billion KWAP loan to 1MDB subsidiary to buy Mongolian mines and more; Dr Mahathir writes 29 points of concern on 1MDB and heavy traffic blocks his blog; Gov't admits RM950mil 'standby credit' for 1MDB; PAC - Armed Forces purchases must undergo audit
RM4bil KWAP loan to 1MDB stokes possible suit By Ram Anand 12:18PM Mar 12, 2015
PKR secretary-general and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli might nudge pensioners to initiate a civil suit against their fund, Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP) for "careless investment". He said this was to be considered as there are scarce answers as to the RM4 billion that KWAP had loaned to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a finance ministry-owned company..... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291766
- Explain KWAP’s RM4b loan for coal mines, 1MDB’s new CEO told BY BOO SU-LYN Published: January 13, 2015 01:32 PM Latest Update: January 14, 2015 11:44 am; PETALING JAYA, Jan 13 — New on the job as he is, 1 Malaysia Development Berhad’s (1MDB) chief executive Arul Kanda Kandasamy must explain the RM4 billion borrowed by a former subsidiary from the Retirement Fund (Incorporated) or KWAP to purchase stakes in a Mongolian coal mine company or face a lawsuit, PKR’s Rafizi Ramli said today. The PKR vice-president noted that no news on any coal mines have emerged since business paper Business Times reported last May that KWAP, Malaysia’s second-biggest pension fund, had lent RM4 billion to then-1MDB subsidiary SRC International in 2011 to buy initially coal mines from Gobi Coal & Energy.... http://m.themalaymailonline.com/money/article/explain-kwaps-rm4b-loan-for-coal-mines-1mdbs-new-ceo-told#sthash.PXozeBR0.dpuf
- Pensions at risk because of loan to 1MDB subsidiary, warns Rafizi BY LEE SHI-IAN Published: 28 November 2014 8:59 AM; Civil servants should heed the controversies surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) as one of its subsidiaries has not been able to service a RM4 billion loan taken from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pencen (KWAP) which pays government pensions, opposition lawmaker Rafizi Ramli said. "In case civil servants are dismissing the 1MDB controversy, they should know that their pensions are paid by KWAP," Rafizi said. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pensions-at-risk-because-of-loan-to-1mdb-subsidiary-warns-lawmaker#sthash.rianeeHg.dpuf
Tun Mahathir's blog up and running again Najiah Najib, Astro Awani | Updated: March 13, 2015
http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/tun-mahathirs-blog-and-running-again-14708?cp
Dr Mahathir’s blog taken down temporarily due to ‘unusually high traffic’: aide Published: 8:10 PM, March 13, 2015; KUALA LUMPUR — Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s popular blog is now accessible intermittently, three hours after it was suspended due to what was described as “high traffic volume”.... http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dr-mahathirs-blog-taken-down-temporarily-due-unusually-high-traffic-aide
Chedet – 1MDB 11 hours ago - UMNO telah mengadakan majlis penerangan tertutup yang dihadiri oleh sebahagian dari Ketua-Ketua Bahagian pada 8 Mac. Keputusan majlis mengikut akhbar ialah menyokong penuh Presiden parti. 2. Tidak diketahui tentang penjelasan oleh Presiden berkenaan kontroversi 1MDB, yang sedang ... 28. What is needed is not a regular audit the books of accounts. What is needed is a forensic investigation by police allegations made against several people involved with the management of 1MDB money .... 29. If this is not done and done as soon as possible, support of the people, which had already declined in the 2008 Election and 2013 will decline again. BN will likely lose in 2018, even though UMNO leaders support, admire and are satisfied with the explanation made (recently by Najib). Remember the votes of UMNO alone is not enough to win elections..... chedet.cc/?p=1613
'1MDB, Rosmah will torpedo BN in GE14' Malaysiakini 6:37PM Mar 13, 2015; The blazing controversies surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the lifestyle of the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor will cost BN votes in the next general election. Umno-linked blogger Shahbudin Husin said this was the topic of discussion with the former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a meeting with him yesterday. It is unclear if anybody else accompanied Shahbudin.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291949?google_editors_picks=true
Gov't admits RM950mil 'standby credit' for 1MDB By Ram Anand and Zikri Kamarulzaman 11:39AM Mar 12, 2015; PARLIAMENT The government has admitted to setting aside RM950 million in "standby credit" for 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), following reports that it has infused RM1 billion into the state owned firm.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291758
Nur Jazlan: Armed Forces purchases must undergo audit Updated: Friday March 13, 2015 MYT 6:37:07 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough audit of procurement procedures of the Armed Forces is needed to avoid abuse of power, leakage, misappropriation of funds and corruption, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed. He said this followed the arrest of several navy personnel by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a special operation recently. "The National Audit Department needs to carry out an audit on the procurement procedures of ATM's three wings (Army, Navy, Airforce) to ensure and maintain the respectable image of the security forces....
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/13/PAC-says-armed-forces-procurement-must-undergo-audit/
Table white paper on 1MDB issue in Parliament - Husam Musa Azyyati Ahmad, Astro Awani | Updated: March 09, 2015; KUALA LUMPUR: PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa proposes for a white paper to be tabled in Parliament to debate the issue of funds management in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/table-white-paper-1mdb-issue-parliament-husam-musa-55322?cp
1MDB: Najib must explain talks of new cash injection - Rafizi Astro Awani | Updated: March 11, 2015... http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/1mdb-najib-must-explain-talks-new-cash-injection-rafizi-55433?cp
12 March 2015: SCMP - Jho Low denies money laundering and fraud, claiming all allegations are politically motivated... SCMP notes head of Citic Group is an advisor to 1MDB (alongside Bernard Arnaut, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and another luxury goods sector person, Ashvin Valiram, is a director); 1MDB's US$1 billion from Cayman is now parked in Singapore
'I've nothing to hide': Malaysia's Jho Low breaks silence to deny money laundering allegations - Analyst says wealth fund probe is 'potentially the biggest financial scandal in Malaysian history' by Toh Han Shih UPDATED : Thursday, 12 March, 2015, 3:41pm; Low Taek Jho, chief executive officer of Jynwel Capital, a Hong Kong investment advisory company, has denied all allegations of money laundering and fraud against him, claiming they are politically motivated, in a saga that analysts say could erupt into potentially Malaysia’s biggest financial scandal since the 1990s.
“I feel I’m a victim of the cross-fire of Malaysian politics, which is getting more polarised. I’m a target,” Low told the Post from his office in Hong Kong.... "Business decisions by 1MDB are ultimately decided and approved in accordance to their corporate governance framework, which is the management, board and shareholder. So why politicise and try to blame it all on me when I have no decision-making authority?” he said....1MDB, which comes under Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, has 42 billion Ringgit (HK$87.8 billion) of debt. In February, 1MDB bonds effectively declined to junk status, when investors demanded a 441 basis point premium over similar securities.
“Some leading Malaysian financial institutions will not touch 1MDB with a long pole. Some officials at leading Malaysian financial institutions have expressed their reservations about 1MDB in private,” the analyst said... Najib, who is also Malaysia’s finance minister and chairman of the board of advisers of 1MDB, said there will be no cover-up if any person is found to have committed fraud related to 1MDB, reported Singapore's The Straits Times on March 9. Chang Zhenming, chairman and president of Citic Group, a major Chinese state-owned enterprise listed in Hong Kong, is also an advisor to 1MDB, according to 1MDB’s website....
1MDB - Governance - Board of Directors - http://www.1mdb.com.my/governance/board-of-directors
- YBHG TAN SRI DATO' SERI LODIN WOK KAMARUDDIN - Chairman
- ARUL KANDA - President and Group Executive Director
- MOHD HAZEM ABD RAHMAN - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
- YBHG DATUK SHAHROL AZRAL IBRAHIM HALMI -Datuk Shahrol has over 13 years of experience in IT Transformation, IT Integration, Service-Oriented Architecture and complex system implementations involving large government-linked entities, government agencies as well as local, regional and global financial institutions. He has led key projects in Malaysia, including a multi-year transformation programme at the Employees Provident Fund as well as planning and executing the merger of Sime Darby, Guthrie and Golden Hope to form Synergy Drive, the world's biggest plantation company. He was also the Executive Partner of Accenture and Managing Director of the Public Service Group of Accenture Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Datuk Shahrol is currently PEMANDU’s Director of Oil, Gas & Energy and Financial Services’ National Key Economic Areas (NKEA), as well as handling the Government’s Role in Business Strategic Reform Initiative (SRI). He is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), an agency to promote, catalyse and transform the oil and gas services and manufacturing sector to become stronger entities in the industry. Datuk Shahrol was the founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 1MDB. Datuk Shahrol graduated from Stanford University in the United States of America
- YBHG TAN SRI DATO’ PADUKA ISMEE ISMAIL - Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Ismee is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lembaga Tabung Haji, the national pilgrim fund board.
- YBHG TAN SRI DATO' ONG GIM HUAT
- ASHVIN J.VALIRAM
Veteran newsman questions rationale of parking 1MDB funds in Singapore Published: 11 March 2015 7:53 PM; Veteran journalist Datuk A. Kadir Jasin has questioned Putrajaya's decision to park US$1.103 billion of 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) funds in Singapore, asking if Bank Negara was "stupid" enough to make it difficult to bring the money back directly from the Cayman Islands.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/veteran-newsman-questions-rationale-of-parking-1mdb-funds-in-singapore#sthash.G6Pdh4rl.dpuf
Najib: RM4bil of 1MDB Cayman Islands funds parked in Singapore by dina murad Updated: Wednesday March 11, 2015 MYT 6:19:02 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: About RM4bil of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)'s investment funds in the Cayman Islands was transferred to a Singaporean Bank to ease the facilitation of transactions, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. "The remaining US$1.103bil (RM4.08bil) of 1MDB's investment funds managed by the Cayman Monetory Autority has been redeemed in cash and is kept in US currency by the BSI Bank Limited Singapore (BSI Singapore)," said the Finance Minister in a written reply to a question raised by Tony Pua (PKR-Petaling Jaya Utara) in the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday. "The decision to use a bank in Singapore is to ease the facilitation of fund withdrawals as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) regulations state its approval is needed for every transaction exceeding RM50mil," replied Najib, who is also Prime Minister.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/11/Najib-1MDB-Caymans-funds-in-Singapore/
12 March 2015: 1MDB critics say enough grounds to charge Jho Low and 1MDB officers; Hishamuddin is top pick as future PM (post Najib and Muhyiddin)
Enough grounds to charge Jho Low, 1MDB officers with CBT, cheating, say anti-graft activists BY SHERIDAN MAHAVERA Published: 11 March 2015 9:00 AM; There is enough evidence on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to investigate and charge its officers and business partners with criminal breach of trust (CBT) and cheating without having to wait for the Auditor-General's (A-G) probe to be completed, anti-graft activists said. They said the numerous leaked documents and emails about 1MDB's joint venture with PetroSaudi International have already been revealed on the Internet, by lawmakers and in media reports, and could be used as the basis of police investigations. In particular, the joint-venture where US$700 million was allegedly siphoned off from 1MDB to businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, had elements of false representation and negligence which could be factors contributing to CBT, anti-graft campaigner and opposition politician Rafizi Ramli said.... If these were already evident, there was no need to wait for the A-G's probe, Cynthia Gabriel, the co-founder of the Centre for Combating Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said..... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/enough-grounds-to-charge-jho-low-1mdb-officers-with-cbt-cheating-say-anti-g#sthash.qBcWwmIQ.dpuf
More on the UMNO factional fight here: http://khoryuleng.blogspot.com/2015/01/umnobn-fractures-manifests-in-media.html
9 March 2015: Iskandar and SCORE, Middle East investors, Jho Low, Taib Mahmud of Sarawak and 1MDB...... The Edge business investigative journalism reveals RM 400 million Iskandar land flip deal profits for Jho Low upset former Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud business interests; likely resulting in subsequent 1MDB deals, linked to Jho Low and Taib business interests - worth reading! (below links to Jho Low claims through his lawyers that PM/FM Najib okays fast track without Bank Negara)
The Edge Malaysia reports in its 9 March 2015 issue on role of Jho Low in attracting Mid East investors to Iskandar and SCORE / Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy economic corridors in mid 2000s. These foreign investment hopes flopped with the 2007-2009 Global Financial Crisis. Jho Low's big profits from his Iskandar quick land flip reported to have apparently angered Taib Mahmud business interests; also not happy with with Jho Low's big spending plans implemented for RHB sale moneys. Then, The Edge Malaysia reports that these business problems then saw Jho Low turn to 1MDB for complex business deals and apparently help turn around Taib Mahmud business issues by tapping on the new sovereign wealth fund / development fund. In recent days, Jho Low statement is widely reported as stopping his earlier denials of his role in 1MDB (major expose of purported documents via whistleblower Sarawak Report). Jho Low claims through his lawyers that PMNajib approved fast tracking of deals to apparently diminish Bank Negara role...
9 March 2015: 160 UMNO division heads, at an important Sunday meeting, are reported by Malaysiakini to be satisfied with PM Najib's explanations. Meanwhile the 1MDB crisis heightens: Jho Low statement claiming PM/FM Najib gave approval to keep Bank Negara "in the dark," DPM Muhyiddin says no 1MDB public fund bailout and warns 1MDB board to explain dealings, The Edge asks questions of 1MDB former CEO Shahrol, opposition urges PM Najib to step down from 1MDB position to avoid problems in investigations. Mahathir urges external auditors to review billions spent in overseas investments by Felda, EPF, Tabung Haji, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and PETRONAS.
Resign as finance minister during 1MDB probe, PAS veep tells Najib Published: 9 March 2015 5:37 PM; PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa today has urged Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down as finance minister during the investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) finances. He said Najib should also resign as the chair of 1MDB's advisory board pending the outcome of the probe by the Auditor-General's Department. "I urge Najib to vacate his current post in 1MDB and as finance minister, until the investigation is complete to avoid complications," he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. .... Earlier, Husam lodged a police report urging authorities to investigate Najib over a deal made between 2009 and 2010 amounting to US$1 billion (RM3.6 billion) in a joint venture between 1MDB and PetroSaudi International. His call echoed that of DAP national political education director Liew Chin Tong, who on Saturday, had urged Najib to step down as finance minister to facilitate a transparent and independent investigation into 1MDB's finances. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/resign-as-finance-minister-during-1mdb-probe-pas-veep-tells-najib#sthash.WJE553X1.dpuf
Police form special task-force to investigate reports lodged over 1MDB By HANI SHAMIRA SHAHRUDIN - 9 March 2015 @ 8:55 PM; KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General has formed a special task-force to investigate police reports lodged over 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issues. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the task force had been set up last week. “The task-force, comprising the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Attorney-General Chamber will be investigating the police reports made,” he said at a press conference at Royal Malaysia Police College in Cheras, here .... http://www.nst.com.my/node/75658
Umno now more solid than his time, says a cynical Dr Mahathir BY MOHD FARHAN DARWIS Published: 9 March 2015 7:20 PM; Former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said Umno was far stronger and stable than when he led the country’s largest Malay party. A cynical Dr Mahathir said that during his time, Umno did not have red shirts, like those worn by the 170 division chiefs who had attended a closed-door briefing on Sunday with current party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "I saw all red shirts. Red is a sign they support. The prime minister must meet the Umno members, that is the work of the prime minister, “ he said cynically after a Perdana Leadership event in Putrajaya today.... Najib had told the division chiefs that the company's accounts had gone through a forensic audit by accounting firm Deloitte Malaysia, which found no traces of fraud, cheating and misappropriation of funds in the company's accounts. – March 9, 2015. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/umno-now-more-solid-than-his-time-says-a-cynical-dr-mahathir#sthash.JkaDTKlY.dpuf
Sarawak Report - Jho Low Claimed The “PM/ FM” Gave Approval To Keep Bank Negara In The Dark On 1MDB Loan 7 Mar 2015; The lawyers for Jho Low, the London firm Schillings have now finally issued a statement on behalf of the tycoon, in response to questions from the news agency AFP. The widely reported response acknowledges that Low was “consulted” on the PetroSaudi joint venture deal with Malaysia’s 1MDB development fund, “but has never been involved in criminal acts with respect to this transaction”... This latest statement contrasts with earlier claims by Jho Low’s spokespeople ... correspondence shows that Jho Low, who took an authoritative role in the negotiations, was insisting to colleagues that the Central Bank should not be informed of the loan, because it would cause “unnecessary delays”. This claim appears to confirm that the Prime Minister was fully engaged in these negotiations and had personally signed the loan by 1MDB to PetroSaudi, without having passed it by the Bank Negara. It also appears to confirm that Jho Low was acting as the interface between the Prime Minister/ Finance Minister on such matters with PetroSaudi.... Of even more concern is an apparent decision by Jho Low together with the “FM who is also PM” to leave the Bank Negara in the dark about the loan. This was despite the anxious and repeated requests by PetroSaudi’s own lawyers for a “letter of comfort” to confirm that the bank had given its approval, which they insisted was legally required....
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/03/jho-low-claimed-the-pm-fm-gave-authority-to-keep-bank-negara-in-the-dark-on-1mdb-loan/
Jho Low claims Najib okayed 1MDB’s US$500 million loan to PetroSaudi, says Sarawak Report Published: 8 March 2015 10:15 AM; In his bid to speed up 1MDB's US$500 million loan to PetroSaudi International (PetroSaudi) in 2010, businessman Low Taek Jho had allegedly attempted to bypass Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) by claiming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had approved the loan, whistleblower site Sarawak Report said today. Jho Low allegedly told PetroSaudi that BNM's approval for the loan was not needed as it would cause unnecessary "delays", said Sarawak Report, citing email transactions between the figures involved in the deal. In a purported conversation between Low and PetroSaudi director Patrick Mahony on BlackBerry Messenger in 2010, the businessman had said "Ministry of finance has approved (the loan). Not bnm because we don't think bnm needed." .... Low also claimed that the "pm who is also FM" had signed off the loan itself, despite Mahony's repeated requests for an official explanation as to why the BNM's approval was unnecessary... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/jho-low-claims-najib-okayed-1mdbs-us500-million-loan-to-petrosaudi-says-sar#sthash.v00L46c8.dpuf
All smiles at PM's meeting with Umno division heads By Ram Anand 7:27PM Mar 8, 2015
There were no fireworks in Umno president Najib Abdul Razak’s closed door meeting with the party’s 160 division chiefs at the Putra World Trade Centre today, with all division chiefs reporting that they were “satisfied” and “happy” with Najib’s dress to the delegates....
Political observers note: DPM Muhyiddin and about 60 UMNO divisions not there?
Umno chiefs satisfied with PM's 1MDB explanation By Ram Anand 7:39PM Mar 8, 2015
The 160 Umno division chiefs are satisfied with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's explanation on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which had been attracting plenty of attention lately, delegates have said.... http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/291348?google_editors_picks=true
No bailout of 1MDB using public funds, says Muhyiddi By Gho Chee Yuan / theedgemarkets.com | March 6, 2015 : 10:48 PM MYT; UPDATE: KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has come out to say that public funds should not be used to bail out debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).... In a statement issued this evening, he said 1MDB's board of directors must explain some of the state-owned strategic investment fund's dealings that have appeared not to give any long-term benefits to the company or the government.
"The 1MDB board must also bear responsibility and be prepared to face legal action if the verification (by the Auditor-General) revealed that there was negligence or impropriety involved in 1MDB dealings," he added.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/no-bailout-1mdb-using-public-funds-says-muhyiddin?google_editors_picks=true
Former 1MDB CEO faces impropriety allegations on PetroSaudi JV By theedgemarkets.com / theedgemarkets.com | March 7, 2015 : 9:42 AM MYT; KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 7): 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) former CEO Datuk Shahrol Halmi may have to face impropriety allegations involving the government's 100%-owned entity's multi-billion ringgit joint venture (JV) with PetroSaudi International.... The Edge Malaysia business and investment weekly (Edge Weekly) reported in its latest March 9-15 issue that Shahrol might not have adequate knowledge of the deal when he approved 1MDB's US$1 billion (RM3.48 billion at the then exchange rate) investment for a 40% stake in JV firm 1MDB PetroSaudi Ltd in September 2009.... "Datuk Shahrol Halmi was the CEO of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) from March 23, 2009, and was the principal person running the company until he stepped down in March 2013. He is currently with the Prime Minister’s Department and remains on the 1MDB board.... "It was during his time as CEO that 1MDB entered into a number of investments and transactions that are now the subject of accusations of impropriety. The Edge believes that Shahrol should be accorded the right to address some of these issues and allegations in the light of the evidence presented by Sarawak Report and also emails and documents sighted by The Edge, which we believe to be genuine," Edge Weekly wrote.... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/former-1mdb-ceo-faces-impropriety-allegations-petrosaudi-jv?google_editors_picks=true
Shahrol, why did 1MDB pay Good Star and why did you follow Jho Low’s instructions BY THE EDGE MALAYSIA Published: 8 March 2015 8:59 AM 1Malaysia Development Bhd entered into a number of investments and transactions linked to companies acting as proxy for Jho Low. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 8, 2015.Datuk Shahrol Halmi was the CEO of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) from March 23, 2009, and was the principal person running the company until he stepped down in March 2013. He is currently with the Prime Minister’s Department and remains on the 1MDB board. It was during his time as CEO that 1MDB entered into a number of investments and transactions that are now the subject of accusations of impropriety. The Edge believes that Shahrol should be accorded the right to address some of these issues and allegations in the light of the evidence presented by Sarawak Report and also emails and documents sighted by The Edge, which we believe to be genuine. We, therefore, present here some facts about what took place and hope Shahrol will answer all the questions arising from them.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/shahrol-why-did-1mdb-pay-good-star-and-why-did-you-follow-jho-lows-instruct#sthash.00fctK7m.dpuf
Najib should step down to ensure transparency in 1MDB investigations, says DAP Published: 7 March 2015 4:24 PM; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should step down as finance minister to facilitate a transparent and independent investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) finances, said a DAP lawmaker. DAP national political education director Liew Chin Tong said the onus is now on the Cabinet to demand that Najib resign as finance minister to allow for a full and independent investigation into the controversial government-owned sovereign investment fund. Najib chairs the 1MDB advisory board.... "I have repeatedly called for a full-time finance minister to steer the Malaysian economy forward in a time of crisis and a possible recession," he said, adding that Muhyiddin’s statement last night was sufficient ground for Najib's removal from the post... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-should-step-down-to-ensure-transparency-in-1mdb-investigations-says-d#sthash.tYimsc1I.dpuf
Felda chairman’s son quizzed on London luxury hotel buy Published: 7 March 2015 5:09 PM; Felda's overseas buying spree was raised by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier this year, when he urged Putrajaya to appoint external auditors for all its agencies to allay public concerns about the billions being spent on investments across the world. "We see entities such as Felda, EPF, Tabung Haji spending billions in acquiring foreign properties while others such as MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd) and Petronas have bought shares in airports and Canadian ventures also involving huge sums of money," the former PM had written in his blog.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/felda-chairmans-son-quizzed-on-london-luxury-hotel-buy#sthash.ATeX0UAr.dpuf
1 March 2015: Sarawak Report releases alleged documents on PetroSaud-1MDB deal, points out Obama talk of Malaysia "vibrant entrepreneurship" while an Obama key fundraiser is involved in a relatively higher cost 1MDB solar plant in Kedah
HEIST OF THE CENTURY – How Jho Low Used PetroSaudi As “A Front” To Siphon Billions Out Of 1MDB! 28 FEB 2015; Together with London’s Sunday Times newspaper, Sarawak Report has completed an in-depth investigation into the trail of the missing billions at the heart of Malaysia’s 1MDB…. WORLD EXCLUSIVE http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/heist-of-the-century-how-jho-low-used-petrosaudi-as-a-front-to-siphon-billions-out-of-1mdb-world-exclusive/
Obama Needs A Longer Spoon To Dine With Najib Razak - 25 SEP 2014; Obama fundraiser’s link with 1MDB; Nevertheless, recent investment news reveals that President Obama’s own key fundraiser, Frank White, has indeed joined with IMDB in its latest grandiose and eye-wateringly expensive power project, funded by public borrowing and, of course, sanctioned by the fund’s Advisory Board Chairman, the PM and Finance Minister, Najib Razak.... The project in question is the so-called 1MDB Solar Sdn Bhd’s solar photovoltaic (solar PV) plant in Kedah, projected to create 50MW of power, thanks to a handy power purchase agreement with the government, fixed behind closed doors as usual....For example, the cost of this IMDB solar power project has been valued at RM1billion. Yet, observers have begun pointing out that the Norwegians are building a plant in Ghana for the same capacity at an estimated less than a third of the cost, at around RM300million.
.... Mr Obama himself who agreed to ratify the 1MDB solar project during Najib’s recent trip to the United States and then to promote Malaysia’s “vibrant entrepreneurship” in his speech to the UN so soon after! http://www.sarawakreport.org/2014/09/obama-needs-a-longer-spoon-to-dine-with-najib-razak/
The December 2014 Obama - Najib golf game in Hawai...
Golf game with Obama for diplomatic relations, says Najib Updated: Saturday December 27, 2014 MYT 10:40:23 PM ; KOTA BARU: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday explained that his golf game with United States president Barack Obama in Hawaii recently did not mean that he deliberately ignored the flood faced by the country as politicised by certain groups. On the contrary, the Prime Minister said the game had been planned much earlier on the principle of establishing diplomatic ties with world leaders for Malaysia's benefit. In addition, he said, the invitation had been extended during Obama's visit to this country in April, and it was difficult to decline the invitation as it had been planned for much earlier in the schedules of both leaders.... http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/12/27/Najib-Gold-Obama/
source: Google search image page screen shot
28 Feb 2015: Cabinet rejects proposal for RM3 billion cash injection for 1MDB with majority of ministers against it says Malaysian Insider
Cabinet rejects RM3 billion for 1MDB as debt repayment options narrow BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 27 February 2015 6:59 AM The Malaysian Insider understands a majority of ministers at this week's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday did not approve the minutes of the previous week's meeting for the amount. "The Cabinet rejected the proposed RM3 billion cash injection for 1MDB," a source told The Malaysian Insider in Kuala Lumpur last night. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cabinet-rejects-rm3-billion-for-1mdb-as-debt-repayment-options-narrow#sthash.ouJLYvBT.dpuf
24 February 2015: 1MDB bonds trade like junk as investors weigh wind-down - Bloomberg
1MDB bonds trade like junk as investors weigh wind-down Published on Feb 24, 2015 7:57 AM;
SINGAPORE (Bloomberg) - 1Malaysia Development Bhd.'s bonds are trading like junk as investors seek greater clarity over the state investment fund's plans to wind down and sell off assets. Investors are demanding a 439 basis-point premium over similar maturity Treasuries to hold the Kuala Lumpur-based company's securities, compared with an average of 415 for speculative-grade quasi-sovereign notes in the region, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. index shows. Its US$3 billion of 4.4 per cent notes due 2023 closed at 86.72 cents on the dollar on Feb. 16, a record low. They traded at 87.62 cents on Monday. 1MDB said last week it won't undertake any new investments after it sets up separate entities for property projects and raises cash from selling its power business. The group settled a RM2 billion loan Feb. 13, after two repayment deadline extensions sparked concern a default may trigger cross defaults on its some RM49 billion of total debt. The group will need to show progress in asset sales and avoid fire-sale prices to regain market confidence, Phillip Capital Management said. "The problem is they have a lot of assets that aren't generating enough cash flow to service their debt," said Ang Kok Heng, the fund manager's Kuala Lumpur-based chief investment officer. "Going forward, there will be other bonds due for payments or maturity. These could be new pressure points." - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/economy/story/1mdb-bonds-trade-junk-investors-weigh-wind-down-20150224#sthash.2B3OUboh.dpuf
22 February 2015: Sarawak Report reveals alleged copy of 1MDB deal with PetroSaudi with US$700 million debt from PetroSaudi's parent to be repaid on day one of the JV; 1MDB's Arul rebuts saying PetroSaudi deal made US$488 million profit
The Dodgy USD$700,000,000 Loan Deal At The Heart Of 1MDB’s Mega Debt Crisis EXCLUSIVE 18 Feb 2015; Sarawak Report has obtained exclusive access to a copy of the controversial 1MDB Joint Venture Agreement, completed on 28th September 2009 between Malaysia’s so-called development fund, 1MDB (One Malaysia Development Berhad) and the company PetroSaudi.
The 26 page document, which has till now been kept secret, was signed by 1MDB’s then Managing Director, Shahrol Halmi and PetroSaudi Managing Director, Tarek Obaid.... Despite 1MDB’s servers having been wiped before Christmas the copy was passed to Sarawak Report by a concerned insider just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was controversially jailed last week.... What the document reveals is that the Prime Minister and his advisors at 1MDB (believed to include the playboy tycoon Jho Low) paid USD$1billion of borrowed public money into a venture that already carried a $700,000,000 debt in the form of a loan from PetroSaudi’s parent company to the subsidiary that was entering into the joint venture, PetroSaudi Holdings (Caymans) Limited.... Crucially, under the terms of the joint venture, agreed to by 1MDB, the Malaysian development fund had committed to pay back this whopping great loan to the parent company, PetroSaudi International, on day one of the joint venture!
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/the-dodgy-700000000m-loan-deal-at-the-heart-of-1mdbs-mega-debt-crisis-exclusive/
IMDB chief says PetroSaudi deal made RM1.8 billion in profits Published: 21 February 2015 7:31 PM; Troubled sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) today claimed that a joint venture with a Saudi Arabian company six years ago, which critics claimed were shady, had earned it a profit of US$488 million (RM1.78 billion). In a statement on the company’s website, 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy also claimed that the money it had invested in the venture had been converted into Murabaha notes when the plan did not go through. Earlier reports claimed that 1MDB had put US$1 billion into the deal with PetroSaudi International, a company with an allegedly sketchy track record. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/imdb-chief-says-petrosaudi-deal-made-rm1.8-billion-in-profits#sthash.yudiW2CJ.dpuf
18 February 2015: More Jho Low linkages with 1MDB - director Ong business partner of Jho Low's father
1MDB director Ong is business partner of Jho Low’s father BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 16 February 2015 3:23 PM ; 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) non-executive director Tan Sri Ong Gim Huat is not just a friend, but also a business partner of 30 years of Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng. Low is the father of Jho Low or Low Taek Jho, who is said to have influence over the operations of debt-laden 1MDB, the controversial sovereign wealth fund owned by the Ministry of Finance. Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) documents show that Ong and Low are directors and shareholders of Wonder Bay Sdn Bhd, a Penang based property development company. - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-director-ong-is-business-partner-of-jho-lows-father#sthash.1Qi0leBa.dpuf
13 February 2015: "1MDB clouds PETRONAS $7 billion debt proposal" - Bloomberg, 1MDB gets Ananda Krishnan loan six days "before bankers triggered a default," Sarawak Report says 1MDB staffers report puzzling PC and server wipe at end Dec 2014 with result "few records left," Dr Mahathir has been criticizing 1MDB and calling for independent audit; 1MDB had funded RM218,000/month retainer To Tony Blair
1MDB Mess Clouds Petronas $7 Billion Debt Proposal; 'By' Christopher Langner and Elffie Chew 12:00 AM AWST February 13, 2015; (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia’s national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd is paying for troubles at a state investment fund.... The yield premium on Petronas’s 2022 U.S. dollar-denominated debt over Treasuries has surged 54 basis points in the last six months after the government said it wasn’t liable for 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s debt and the fund missed a loan payment. That was unfortunate timing for Petronas, which is planning its first dollar bond in five years to raise as much as $7 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.... The cost of insuring Malaysian sovereign debt reached a 16-month high on Jan. 13, one week after local media reported 1MDB’s missed payment, and is up 27 basis points since Dec. 31. Fitch Ratings said last month it may downgrade Asia’s only net crude exporter, citing plunging oil prices and “uncertainty” surrounding finances of the investment fund, whose advisory board is headed by Prime Minister Najib Razak.... “The 1MDB mess is being factored into the spreads for Malaysia and there aren’t that many bonds in which you can express that view,” said Dilip Parameswaran, the Hong Kong-based head of independent advisory firm Asia Investment Advisors Ltd. “That, mixed with lower oil prices and a potential downgrade of the sovereign, are all weighing on Petronas.” ... 1MDB has its origins in Terengganu Investment Authority, which was created in 2009 to invest oil royalties from the state of Terengganu. When Najib became prime minister that year, it was renamed 1MDB, became a national entity and its funding source became government-backed debt instead of oil income.... In response to questions from opposition lawmakers, the government said Oct. 29 that it wasn’t liable for 1MDB’s debts if the company went bankrupt. The premium over U.S. Treasuries paid by 1MDB bonds due 2023 climbed 47 basis points over the following seven trading days.... The investment fund failed to repay a 2 billion ringgit loan due in December, Edge Financial Daily reported Jan. 6. The spread on the 2023 notes soared 115 basis points in two days to 417 basis points. It had widened to a record 430 basis points on Feb. 12.... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-12/1mdb-mess-clouds-petronas-7-billion-debt-proposal-asean-credit
1MDB repays RM2 billion loan after Ananda Krishnan bailout, say sources BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER Published: 13 February 2015 7:00 AM; Malaysia's debt-heavy strategic investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) settled a RM2 billion loan yesterday with money from billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, six days before bankers triggered a default, say sources. The Malaysian Insider understands from bankers familiar with the matter that the banks involved received the money yesterday evening, hours after Ananda was said to have agreed to the bailout. The payment is a last-minute reprieve for 1MDB – a cross between a sovereign fund and a private investment firm wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance. Its debt woes were seen as pressuring the ringgit and Malaysia's sovereign credit rating...."The money has come in. It was an Ananda bailout," said a source familiar with the matter...http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/1mdb-repays-rm2-billion-loan-after-ananda-krishnan-bailout-say-sources#sthash.NjueD5GA.dpuf
Computers And Servers All WIPED At 1MDB - Concerned staff at 1MDB have confided that all computers and records at the troubled fund were recently called in and wiped. They say this includes not only personal computers belonging to staff but also the mainframe servers as well!
The order came as a surprise move by management, according to sources and it happened just before Christmas. Staff were contacted directly by phone or in person and told to take their computers immediately to the IT section in order to be wiped.... None of the instructions were delivered by text or email, leaving little record of the blitz, which took place in the space of just a few hours.... The result is that there are few records left available to show what has been going on at the beleaguered fund and this is widely believed amongst staff to be the reason.... Experts have told Sarawak report that the excuse of a hacking attempt is indeed rarely a credible reason for wiping information from servers... It makes absolutely no sense to wipe servers to protect against hacking or online attacks. Instead you would either take these severs offline altogether until the issue was resolved or step up security. When Sony was hacked recently they didn’t wipe all their servers.... This snap decision to expunge all past records and emails from all staff computers and handheld devices as well as the organisations mainframe computers will inevitably raise questions about whether management were trying to conceal potentially embarrassing information before the handover.... http://www.sarawakreport.org/2015/02/computers-and-servers-all-wiped-at-1mdb/
Leaders without people's support should step down, says Dr M Last updated on 13 February 2015 - 01:26am by Vathani Panirchellvum; ....Mahathir expressed his disappointment over certain issues such as the existence of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)... "We should not have 1MDB at all, how is it national wealth if you borrow money? If you borrowed money from the chettiars, would you consider yourself rich? No! Because that is a loan!" he quipped.... When asked about Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishnan coming to 1MDB's aid by loaning money, Mahathir said that changed little, only instead of owing the banks now it is Ananda Krishnan.... "The whole thing is now a controversy and berserabut (very messy)! They should come clean and have an independent audit done. All governmental bodies should have independent audits done," he said.... "I didn't do this (independent audits) when I was a Prime Minister because I was not criticized as much!" he quipped.... Though he hinted that the present leader should step down, he said he did not know who should replace him.... http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1328787
Something is ‘rotten’ in Malaysia, says Dr Mahathir Published: 10 February 2015 9:11 PM; KUALA LUMPUR — There is something “rotten” in Malaysia, and those who dare to voice out their concerns are being demonised by the government for it, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today (Feb 10)... He said he, too, had become a victim of false accusation simply because he had criticised the government in the past..... “Critics are being demonised by the mainstream media, by certain individuals and politicians who had lost. Critics risk their property being seized and auctioned, they may be bankrupted,” wrote Dr Mahathir on his blog, chedet.cc which was uploaded this evening.... http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/something-is-rotten-in-malaysia-says-dr-mahathir
1MDB Funded RM218,000 Per Month Retainer To Tony Blair! 8 Nov 2014; This post is also available in: Iban, Malay; London’s Sunday Times newspaper has published a front page story revealing that the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was hired by PetroSaudi International for RM218,000 ($65,000) a month, plus a 2% ‘success fee’ on transactions.
The controversial company was itself funded by a billion plus dollar loan from the Malaysian Development Fund 1MDB and has provided no other evidence of substantial income for that period.
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2014/11/how-1mdbs-development-money-paid-tony-blair-rm218000pm/
9 February 2015: Jho Low and 1MDB on NY Times front page, 1MDB $2.4 billion sukuk called off?
Well Connected at Home, Young Malaysian Has an Appetite for New York By LOUISE STORY and STEPHANIE SAULFEB. 8, 2015; Mr. Low’s lavish spending has raised eyebrows and questions from Kuala Lumpur to New York, where he has made a boldface name for himself as a “whale” at clubs like the Pink Elephant and 1Oak. The New York Post once called him “the mystery man of city club scene,” adding, “Speculation is brewing over where Low is getting his money from.”.... One answer resides at least indirectly in his relationship, going back to his school days in London, with the family of Malaysia’s prime minister, Najib Razak. Mr. Low has played an important role in bringing Middle Eastern money into numerous deals involving the Malaysian government, and he helped set up, and has continued to advise, a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund that the prime minister oversees.... http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1
Malaysia's 1MDB calls off $2.4 bln sukuk for power project-sources By Praveen Menon and Yantoultra Ngui KUALA LUMPUR Sat Feb 7, 2015 1:26am EST; Feb 6 (Reuters) - Troubled state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has called off plans to sell up to 8.4 billion ringgit ($2.4 billion) of Islamic bonds, two people familiar with the issue told Reuters on Saturday.... The Islamic bond or sukuk had been earmarked to raise funds for the construction of a $3.6 billion green field 2,000 Megawatt coal-fired power plant, known as 3B, in the state of Negeri Sembilan.... "It (the sukuk issue) has been called off...they are not moving ahead with the exercise anymore," a banker familiar with the deal said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.... http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/07/malaysia-sukuk-1mdb-idUSL6N0VG2HT20150207
4 February 2015: Umno man lodges latest police report against 1MDB CEO; The Edge Malaysia finds blogger behind attacks on Dr M, Nazir and its owner Tong is pro-Jho Low (blogger now trying to hide his tracks), concludes that "it all has to do with criticism of 1MDB"
Umno man lodges latest police report against 1MDB CEO BY: G. SURACH UPDATED: Feb 2, 2015 11:10pm; Batu Kawan Umno division deputy chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan has lodged yet another police report against the country’s wealth sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) over its debt-ridden allegations.... Lodging a report against 1MDB chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy this time, Khairuddin said that this was due to a statement that the newly appointed CEO made after assuming the post.... Khairuddin said as such it would be inconceivable why 1MDB would not be able to pay up the large loan when it claimed that it had already redeemed such a huge amount of money from the registered fund.... “On top of it, 1MDB has also sought a RM2 billion loan from Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan to meet its loan obligations to the bank.... “With all these facts combined, it raises plenty of doubts and hence my decision to lodge this police report is to ascertain the truth,” he said.... Khairuddin, who is learnt to be the cousin of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been lodging several reports against 1MDB since December, including with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, calling for a “detailed and comprehensive” investigation against the company’s directors over allegations of mismanagement of its sovereign funds.... http://www.therakyatpost.com/
EXPOSED! Pro-Jho Low blogger behind attacks on Dr M, Nazir and Edge owner Tong By The Edge Malaysia / theedgemalaysia.com | February 3, 2015 : 6:53 PM MYT; THE anonymous blogger of malaysianexpose.wordpress.com behind the baseless attacks on Tong Kooi Ong and The Edge Media Group is also behind similar vicious onslaughts on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, while running other blogs which published complimentary articles on businessman Jho Low, investigations showed.... One common thread behind the attacks appears to be the fact that The Edge has been publishing exposes about state investment vehicle 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), while former prime minister Dr Mahathir has been openly critical of it, even saying it was unnecessary and should be shut.... The blogger did not just attack Dr Mahathir, but also his sons businessmen Tan Sri Mokzhani and Datuk Mirzan and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz. The blogger also attacked former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, who voiced reservations about 1MDB.... In the case of Nazir, his wife and children were also the subject of slander.... On the other hand, the Penang born 30-something Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, was involved in the setting up of the Terengganu Investment Authority (the precursor to 1MDB). He is said to still wield considerable influence at 1MDB because of his close relationship with the Abu Dhabi parties which have multi-billion ringgit dealings with the controversial debt-laden company owned by the Ministry of Finance.... Low, often seen at big spending parties with Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Leonardo Di Caprio, has business dealings with 1MDB, including a failed £1 billion (RM5.6 billion) bid for the UK hotel group Coroin Ltd in 2011. 1MDB had provided a letter of support for Low’s Wynton Group to buy Coroin which owns several hotels including Claridge's....1MDB has never explained why it provided the letter of support, which surfaced during a court case in London involving squabbling Coroin shareholders, to help Low.... The Edge Media Group in the past year published several exposes about the affairs of 1MDB, including 1MDB’s support for Low to buy Coroin and a RM1.38 billion land purchase in Penang, a week before the 2013 general election.... The anonymous blogger used the public display and user name ahrily90 and he wrote at the following blogs since mid-2014: kronismemahathir.wordpress.com politikukus.wordpress.com..... These two blogs have attacked Mahathir since July last year..... ahrily90 also wrote on two blog which targeted Nazir: kamibukanbodohtau.wordpress.com corruptednazirrazak.wordpress.com..... ahrily90 also wrote on three blogs which praised 1MDB and Jho Low: bisnes2malaysia.wordpress.com todayinbusiness.wordpress.com worldofcorporate.wordpress.com.... Various articles were written which described him as global investor and philanthropist through his Hong Kong firm Jynwel Capital Limited. These include US$20 million to save wild cats and US$50 million to a university cancer research centre.... todayinbusiness.wordpress.com and worldofcorporate.wordpress.com were taken down last week but what ahrily90 wrote can be seen in the Google cache of these blogs.... ahrily90 has changed his WordPress public display name and user names for the various blogs last week to julijulipeh, Pen Jingga, saberarturia18, and rahmanirwan74.... ahrily90 has also contributed articles at lowtaekjho.wordpress.com. This blog too has been deleted by its authors..... The person behind all these blogs has realised he has been discovered and is now trying to cover his tracks by repeatedly changing his public display and user names.... He is also trying to decouple the various blogs.... And it all has to do with criticism of 1MDB..... So who is paying him to do it?
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/exposed-pro-jho-low-blogger-behind-attacks-dr-m-nazir-and-edge-owner-tong?google_editors_picks=true
1 February 2015: Ananda Krishnan to help 1MDB on RM2 billion loan with local banks? Worries on Battersea project (with Sime Darby and EPF) as project chairman Liew exits for personal deals some question as conflicting
Ananda Krishnan to help 1MDB repay US$550mil loan: sources Friday, 30 January 2015
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's second richest man, Ananda Krishnan, will lend 1MDB RM2bil (US$550.96mil) to settle a loan to local banks, two people familiar with the matter said, helping pave the way for a US$3bil IPO by the state investor. The people, who declined to be identified, said Krishnan was currently negotiating the terms of the loan with the state firm. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Krishnan was in talks with 1MDB to become a cornerstone investor in the long-delayed US$3bil listing of its power assets, which is likely to take place in the first half of this year.
"It is just a plain loan for now. We don't know for certain how this will translate into an equity stake in 1MDB's power unit," one of the people said. 1MDB officials declined to comment. Officials at Krishnan's investment vehicle Usaha Tegas were also not immediately available to comment.....
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/01/30/Ananda-Krishnan-to-help-1MDB-repay-US$550mil-loan/?style=biz
This is a bit tangential to the SWF topic, but EPF is a major shareholder and Sime Darby a key Malaysia GLC involved too...
Will Liew exit derail Battersea? by Khairie Hisyam JANUARY 26, 2015 10:22 AM; One week ago it surfaced that Battersea project chairman Liew Kee Sin had tendered his resignation, apparently waiting for a response from the project’s shareholders. Liew’s resignation came a week after news of a joint venture deal worth £2.2 billion involving his private vehicle, Eco World Investment Co Ltd, with Irish developer Ballymore Group, to develop three residential projects in London. The deal will see Liew’s Eco World Investment, co-owned by his long-time right-hand man Voon Tin Yeow, form a joint venture company that will acquire three sites for the proposed projects from Ballymore for £428.7 million. Named Eco World Ballymore Holding Co Ltd, the company will be 75% owned by Eco World Investment with Ballymore owning the remaining 25%. Word of the personal deal, clearly in conflict with his position at Battersea, sparked concerns among the Battersea project’s shareholders, who told KiniBiz that there will be implications on Liew’s position. The shareholders of the Battersea project are property developer SP Setia and plantation-based conglomerate Sime Darby, both holding 40% interest each, as well as pension fund Employees Provident Fund (EPF) which holds the remaining 20%.... http://www.kinibiz.com/?p=138764
30 January 2015: Penang BPO projects in Batu Kawan and Bayan Baru, would be jointly developed with Temasek Holdings and Economic Development Innovations Singapore with GDV RM11.3 billion; 1MDB loan extension
1MDB Said to Seek Loan Extension Before $3 Billion Energy IPO 'By'Elffie Chew
4:33 PM BNT January 27, 2015 (Bloomberg) -- 1Malaysia Development Bhd. is planning to seek another one-month extension on a 2 billion ringgit ($554 million) loan to give it more time to sell a stake in its energy unit, two people familiar with the matter said.... The state-owned investment company needs more time to repay the debt as it’s still in discussions with billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, Malaysia’s second-richest person, said the people who asked not to be named as the process is private. Krishnan may excercize an option, granted when he sold energy assets to 1MDB in 2012, to buy part of the Edra Global Energy Bhd. unit, the people said. A spokesman for 1MDB declined to comment when contacted by phone.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-27/1mdb-seeks-loan-extension-before-3-billion-ipo-of-energy-assets
Penang sees RM5bil investments from 4 China MNCs listed in US By: DAVID TAN
Thursday, 29 January 2015; GEORGE TOWN: Penang will see some RM5bil worth of investments coming into the state in 2015 from four multinational corporations (MNCs) involved in electronic-based manufacturing activities.... investPenang director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said these were only initial investments that would materialise over the next 12 months.... Declining to name the companies, Lee said these could be China companies but public-listed in the United States..... Lee said the Penang International Technology Park and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) projects in Batu Kawan and Bayan Baru respectively, would be jointly developed with Temasek Holdings and Economic Development Innovations Singapore and due for completion in five to 10 years...... “The projects has a gross development value of RM11.3bil and will generate 25,000 to 30,000 jobs in the future,” Lee said..... http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/01/29/Penang-sees-RM5bil-initial-investments-investments-this-year-It-expects-forays-from-four-MNCs-from-C/?style=biz
15 December 2014: 1MDB worries erupt on UMNO rep's police report and Malaysia Cabinet meeting?
After months of news accumulating on 1MDB or 1 Malaysia Development Berhad in Malaysia business news (read The Edge Malaysia for the most details, http://www.theedgemarkets.com/en/content/search-results?query=1mdb; some of these points have been picked up by the political opposition), an intriguing development as an UMNO representative "broke ranks" to files a complaint against apparent controversies at the state-run sovereign wealth fund led by his party's leader, Prime Minister Najib. Issues relating to the sovereign wealth fund include the role of a jetset Malaysian financier, Jho Low (check out his name with Paris Hilton), Middle Eastern investor questions and queries about an unusually large commission earned by Goldman Sachs form a financing deal for 1MDB....
Khairuddin: Mentor Dr M not behind 1MDB report by Malaysiakini (subscription) - 56 minutes ago
Batu Kawan Umno deputy chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan was propelled into the limelight last week after he broke party ranks and lodged a police report against Putrajaya's controversial sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/283495
Husam: 1MDB Will Be The Undoing Of The PM; Datuk Husam Musa, SHAH ALAM - The Vice President of PAS, Husam Musa, predicts that the 1MDB scandal will be the undoing of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak Abdul Razak. Husam said that the police report made by the Batu Kawan Umno Deputy Chief, Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan, and the discussion of the scandal by the Cabinet chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is a development “which will bring about a huge impact”. “How could the confidential Cabinet discussion reach the media? Surely with specific intention..... http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/532761-husam-1mdb-will-be-the-undoing-of-the-pm.html
Background on cabinet meeting: Cabinet discussed 1MDB issue at this week’s meeting, say sources 12 Dec 2014; (Dec 12): The controversy-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was discussed at this week's Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after a minister brought up the issue, sources confirmed today. The country's second sovereign wealth fund has been under the spotlight for its debts and inability to submit accounts on time, attracting criticisms from opposition lawmakers and even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is away on an official visit to South Korea this week and did not attend the Cabinet ... http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/cabinet-discussed-1mdb-issue-week’s-meeting-say-sources
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