The High Court here set three days from Sept 19 to hear former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo's defamation suit against Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim.
Senior assistant registrar Syajaratudur Abd Rahman set the dates in her chambers on Monday.
The case is set for hearing before Justice Dr Badariah Sahamid.
Dr Mohamad Khir, in his suit, filed in January last year, claimed that Ng had tried to tarnish his image through a statement, including in the media, about the ownership of a bungalow.
Ng, in his statement of defence, claimed that he had conditional justification to expose any abuse of power by the former mentri besar.
He denied that the statement was defamatory, either in fact or in law.
Ng also said that the statement was a fair comment made in the public's interest and was factually true.
On July 6, 2009, the DAP assemblyman claimed that Dr Mohamad Khir had spent about RM24mil to buy a bungalow in Section 7 here when his income was estimated at only RM576,000 a year, or a total of RM4.6mil, in the eight years that he had held office.
Dr Mohamad Khir denied the allegation and said that the bungalow cost only RM3.5mil and was bought with a 30-year bank loan.
Reported by Bernama
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Police Inspector and Shoplot Owner Jailed for bribery and Abetment
Jan 14, 2011 - A police inspector and a shoplot owner were each sentenced to two years in jail and fined RM15,000 by the Sessions Court for bribery and abetment.
Sessions judge Abu Bakar Katar ruled that the prosecution had proven its case against both Insp V. Vijayan, 31, and Anthony Michael Joseph, 43, beyond reasonable doubt.
Insp Vijayan had earlier pleaded not guilty to having agreed to accept a RM3,000 bribe from shoplot tenant S. Ganeswaran as an inducement not to take action against him for allegedly hiring two Indian nationals without work permits at a food stall on Aug 20, 2004.
The inspector, an investigating officer at the Brickfields police station since Oct 1, 2000, faced another charge of abetting his friend Anthony in committing corruption for a similar matter at a petrol station that same day.
Anthony, who pleaded not guilty to abetting Insp Vijayan, who had agreed to the bribe, had also been charged with receiving RM3,000 from Ganeswaran for the same matter at a car park on the same day.
In pleading for leniency, lawyer V. Aravindhashan asked the court to consider that Insp Vijayan’s career in the police force had been ruined and that he was remorseful while Anthony had only been the “middle man”.
Reported By The Star
Sessions judge Abu Bakar Katar ruled that the prosecution had proven its case against both Insp V. Vijayan, 31, and Anthony Michael Joseph, 43, beyond reasonable doubt.
Insp Vijayan had earlier pleaded not guilty to having agreed to accept a RM3,000 bribe from shoplot tenant S. Ganeswaran as an inducement not to take action against him for allegedly hiring two Indian nationals without work permits at a food stall on Aug 20, 2004.
The inspector, an investigating officer at the Brickfields police station since Oct 1, 2000, faced another charge of abetting his friend Anthony in committing corruption for a similar matter at a petrol station that same day.
Anthony, who pleaded not guilty to abetting Insp Vijayan, who had agreed to the bribe, had also been charged with receiving RM3,000 from Ganeswaran for the same matter at a car park on the same day.
In pleading for leniency, lawyer V. Aravindhashan asked the court to consider that Insp Vijayan’s career in the police force had been ruined and that he was remorseful while Anthony had only been the “middle man”.
Reported By The Star
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sultan Ordered Suspension of Khir Toyo's Title
SHAH ALAM: The Datuk Seri title of former Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was suspended by the Selangor Sultan and not surrendered voluntarily, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi clarified Thursday.
The former MB's statement that he had voluntarily returned his title was not true, Mohd Khusrin said when contacted, adding that the decision to suspend the title was made by the Sultan and relayed to Dr Mohd Khir after the royal council's meeting Wednesday.
According to Mohd Khusrin, the suspension would be until the case pending against Dr Mohd Khir was settled.
"If he is found guilty, the title will be revoked. If he is not guilty, it will be returned to him," he added.
Meanwhile, in a response posted in his blog, Dr Mohd Khir maintained he had volunteered to surrender his title.
"I readily accept the suspension as I had written to the Sultan's private secretary (Datuk Munir Bani) in December, expressing my intent to temporarily return the title until my case is over," Dr Mohd Khir said.
When contacted, Dr Mohd Khir said he had written to Munir on Dec 7 and to the Sultan on Dec 10, through Munir's office.
He said he had written to secure the palace's permission to temporarily return the title as he did not have the authority to suspend it himself.
He said as he was not at the royal council's meeting, he was not in a position to say whether or not his letter had influenced the decision to suspend his title.
"I was only informed that His Highness the Sultan and the royal council had suspended my title and I assumed it this must be due to my letter," Dr Mohd Khir said.
He said Mohd Khusrin should have conferred with Munir before making the statement.
"I don't have to lie about these things," he added.
On Wednesday, the Sungai Panjang assemblyman said the policy for title-holders to surrender their titles if charged in court was made during his tenure as MB.
"Given this, it is the right and honorable thing for me to return the title to the palace.
"I wrote a letter to the palace on this matter last month," he added.
Dr Mohd Khir had said he was surrending the title "temporarily", pending the disposal of his graft trial.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, was charged on Dec 6 in the Sessions Court here with accepting two plots of land in Section 7 here for RM3.5mil, when the said lots were bought by Ditamas Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Shamsuddin Haryoni for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin, 52, was also charged with abetting in the deal of the property on May 29, 2007.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Returns 'Datuk Seri' Title
Reported By The Star
The former MB's statement that he had voluntarily returned his title was not true, Mohd Khusrin said when contacted, adding that the decision to suspend the title was made by the Sultan and relayed to Dr Mohd Khir after the royal council's meeting Wednesday.
According to Mohd Khusrin, the suspension would be until the case pending against Dr Mohd Khir was settled.
"If he is found guilty, the title will be revoked. If he is not guilty, it will be returned to him," he added.
Meanwhile, in a response posted in his blog, Dr Mohd Khir maintained he had volunteered to surrender his title.
"I readily accept the suspension as I had written to the Sultan's private secretary (Datuk Munir Bani) in December, expressing my intent to temporarily return the title until my case is over," Dr Mohd Khir said.
When contacted, Dr Mohd Khir said he had written to Munir on Dec 7 and to the Sultan on Dec 10, through Munir's office.
He said he had written to secure the palace's permission to temporarily return the title as he did not have the authority to suspend it himself.
He said as he was not at the royal council's meeting, he was not in a position to say whether or not his letter had influenced the decision to suspend his title.
"I was only informed that His Highness the Sultan and the royal council had suspended my title and I assumed it this must be due to my letter," Dr Mohd Khir said.
He said Mohd Khusrin should have conferred with Munir before making the statement.
"I don't have to lie about these things," he added.
On Wednesday, the Sungai Panjang assemblyman said the policy for title-holders to surrender their titles if charged in court was made during his tenure as MB.
"Given this, it is the right and honorable thing for me to return the title to the palace.
"I wrote a letter to the palace on this matter last month," he added.
Dr Mohd Khir had said he was surrending the title "temporarily", pending the disposal of his graft trial.
Dr Mohd Khir, 45, was charged on Dec 6 in the Sessions Court here with accepting two plots of land in Section 7 here for RM3.5mil, when the said lots were bought by Ditamas Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Shamsuddin Haryoni for RM6.5mil.
Shamsuddin, 52, was also charged with abetting in the deal of the property on May 29, 2007.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Returns 'Datuk Seri' Title
Reported By The Star
Khir Toyo Returns 'Datuk Seri' Title
SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said he had returned the Selangor State Award which carries the title 'Dato Seri' temporarily.
Dr Mohamad Khir wrote in his blog, http://www.drkhir.com, today that he decided to return the title after he was charged in court for corruption involving two lots of land and a luxury house at Section 7, here.
He said that in mid-December last year, he had sent a letter to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to return the state award, Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (S.P.M.S), which carries the title Dato Seri, temporarily.
"Today, the (Selangor) Royal Council had consented to the return of the award.
"The return of the title is to avoid the state award from being tainted by any embarrassment during the trial (on the case)," he said.
Dr Mohamad Khir, who is also the State Assemblyman for Sungai Panjang, said following the return of the title, all media and programme organisers must drop the title Datuk Seri and instead use the name Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo only.
In December last year, Dr Mohamad Khir, 45, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge that he had obtained for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45, a valuable item in return for two lots of land and a bungalow No. 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Section 7, Shah Alam, from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through its director, Shamsuddin Hayroni, at a price of RM3.5 million, whereas the real estate was purchased by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 at a price of RM6.5 million.
Dr Mohamad Khir succeeded Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar as the 13th Selangor Menteri Besar from August 2000 until February 2008.
He had also stepped down as the Opposition Leader in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on Dec 8.
Previous News : Khir Toyo's corruption Trial To Start in June
Reported By The Malay Mail
Dr Mohamad Khir wrote in his blog, http://www.drkhir.com, today that he decided to return the title after he was charged in court for corruption involving two lots of land and a luxury house at Section 7, here.
He said that in mid-December last year, he had sent a letter to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to return the state award, Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (S.P.M.S), which carries the title Dato Seri, temporarily.
"Today, the (Selangor) Royal Council had consented to the return of the award.
"The return of the title is to avoid the state award from being tainted by any embarrassment during the trial (on the case)," he said.
Dr Mohamad Khir, who is also the State Assemblyman for Sungai Panjang, said following the return of the title, all media and programme organisers must drop the title Datuk Seri and instead use the name Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo only.
In December last year, Dr Mohamad Khir, 45, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge that he had obtained for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45, a valuable item in return for two lots of land and a bungalow No. 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Section 7, Shah Alam, from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through its director, Shamsuddin Hayroni, at a price of RM3.5 million, whereas the real estate was purchased by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 at a price of RM6.5 million.
Dr Mohamad Khir succeeded Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar as the 13th Selangor Menteri Besar from August 2000 until February 2008.
He had also stepped down as the Opposition Leader in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on Dec 8.
Previous News : Khir Toyo's corruption Trial To Start in June
Reported By The Malay Mail
Khir Toyo's corruption Trial To Start in June
Shah Alam, Jan 6 - The corruption trial of former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Hayroni has been fixed for hearing from June 6 to 24.
Justice Mohtarudin Baki has also granted the prosecution's request to transfer both cases to the High Court here.
On Dec 6, Dr Khir was charged at a Sessions Court here with land fraud involving two plots of land and a house in Shah Alam worth millions of ringgit.
He is charged with the intentional purchase of the said properties below market value from Shamsuddin in 2007.
Dr Khir, 45, was alleged to have committed the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, when he obtained for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik the two plots of land and house from Shamsuddin at RM 3.5mil.
Ditamas had initially bought the two plots of land and the house on Dec 23, 2004, for a sum of RM6.5mil.
Meanwhile, Shamsuddin is charged under Sections 109 and 165 of the Penal Code with abetting Dr Khir in the fraud.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Charge Not Show or Gimmick
Source By klik4malaysia
Khir Toyo Charge Not Show or Gimmick
PUTRAJAYA: The prosecution of former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo for land fraud is not a case of selective prosecution or a gimmick by the Government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Thursday.
Najib said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had scrutinised the facts of the case in detail before reporting it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), which then decided there were enough grounds to take the case to court.
He said the prosecution was result of the work carried out by two independent bodies, the MACC and the AGC, and they had followed all the necessary processes before taking the case to court.
"We are not using the prosecution as a gimmick. How is it a sandiwara (sideshow) if he (Dr Khir) has been charged?
"This is what happens when a curruption case is turned into political issue. They want to slam the Government by making it look as though we are not serious (in fighting corruption), we are covering up or we are conducting selective prosecution," he told press conference here after witnessing the signing of a pledge to combat corruption by five bodies representing businesses.
The bodies are the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce, Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Najib was commenting on claims by the Opposition that Dr Khir's prosecution was no more than a gimmick by the Government ahead of the next general election.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Pleads Not Guilty Over Mansion Land Deal
Reported By The Star
Najib said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had scrutinised the facts of the case in detail before reporting it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), which then decided there were enough grounds to take the case to court.
He said the prosecution was result of the work carried out by two independent bodies, the MACC and the AGC, and they had followed all the necessary processes before taking the case to court.
"We are not using the prosecution as a gimmick. How is it a sandiwara (sideshow) if he (Dr Khir) has been charged?
"This is what happens when a curruption case is turned into political issue. They want to slam the Government by making it look as though we are not serious (in fighting corruption), we are covering up or we are conducting selective prosecution," he told press conference here after witnessing the signing of a pledge to combat corruption by five bodies representing businesses.
The bodies are the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce, Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Najib was commenting on claims by the Opposition that Dr Khir's prosecution was no more than a gimmick by the Government ahead of the next general election.
Previous News : Khir Toyo Pleads Not Guilty Over Mansion Land Deal
Reported By The Star
Khir Toyo Pleads Not Guilty Over Mansion Land Deal
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has been charged with accepting two land lots for RM3.5mil when the said lots were bought by Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni for RM6.5mil.
Dr Khir is alleged to have accepted the two lots from Shamsuddin on May 29, 2007. The lots were bought by Shamsuddin in 2004.
Shamsuddin is charged with abetting Dr Khir in the deal.
Both pleaded not guilty before Sessions judge Azhaniz Teh Azman Teh.
According to the charge sheet, Dr Khir, 45, is alleged to have obtained for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik the two plots of land and a house at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Shah Alam, from Ditamas through Ditamas director Shamsuddin at the price of RM3.5mil when in fact the lots were bought by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 at the price of RM6.5mil.
He is charged with committing the offence at the Selangor Mentri Besar's official residence on May 29, 2007.
The charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code carries a two-year jail term, fine or both.
Dr Khir, who is Sungai Panjang assemblyman and Selangor opposition leader, arrived at the Sessions Court here at about 11.25am accompanied by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers.
Bail has been set at RM750,000 each. The prosecution has applied for the case to be transferred to the High Court.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail commended the MACC for a thorough investigation into the case and the prosecution would be calling about 16 witnesses.
"The full force of law would be used to protect witnesses and ensure no interference in the case," Gani told a press conference later.
Critics claimed that the mansion which was built on the land costs about RM24mil but Khir has maintained that it was worth RM3.5mil.
Reported By The Star
No Need to Stop KTM's Ticketing Revamp During MACC Probe
Jan 13, 2011 - There is no need to stop the revamping process of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) ticketing system despite it being probed by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha told reporters this after visiting the Department of Civil Aviation office in Sepang near here on Thursday.
The probe by MACC into the awarding of the tender, said to be worth RM100mil, involves the revamp of its ticketing system at all 56 KTM Komuter stations in the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan
The ministry had pledged to cooperate fully with the MACC in its ongoing probe into alleged tender award irregularities in the railway company.
Reported by The Star
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha told reporters this after visiting the Department of Civil Aviation office in Sepang near here on Thursday.
The probe by MACC into the awarding of the tender, said to be worth RM100mil, involves the revamp of its ticketing system at all 56 KTM Komuter stations in the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan
The ministry had pledged to cooperate fully with the MACC in its ongoing probe into alleged tender award irregularities in the railway company.
Reported by The Star
Inspector Gets 2 Years Jail, Fine for Bribery
Jan 13, 2011 - A police inspector and a self-employed man have been sentenced to two years in jail each for bribery and abetment.
Inspector V. Vijayan, 31, and Anthony Michael Joseph, 43, were also fined by a Sessions Court here.
Each was fined RM30,000 in default of eight months jail.
Sessions Court judge Abu Bakar Katar ruled that the prosecution had proven the case against both men beyond reasonable doubt.
Reported by TheStar
Inspector V. Vijayan, 31, and Anthony Michael Joseph, 43, were also fined by a Sessions Court here.
Each was fined RM30,000 in default of eight months jail.
Sessions Court judge Abu Bakar Katar ruled that the prosecution had proven the case against both men beyond reasonable doubt.
Reported by TheStar
Sime GM Faces More Charges, Senior Exec Slapped With Three counts of Bribery
Jan 13, 2011 - Former Sime Darby Engineering Sdn Bhd senior operations general manager Mohd Zaki Othman has been further slapped with three counts of bribery at two separate Sessions Courts – two charges here and one at Shah Alam.
The two charges here involved watches worth RM92,980 and the one at Shah Alam involved imported furniture worth RM30,600.
Mohd Zaki, 48, pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
On Jan 3, Mohd Zaki claimed trial to two counts of corruption involving furniture and a Rolex watch worth RM55,300 at the Johor Baru Sessions Court.
In the two charges here before Sessions Court judge Rozilah Salleh yesterday, he claimed trial to asking for a bribe in the form of a watch worth RM32,980 from a contractor as payment to assist his oil and gas engineering company in obtaining a letter of award for a sub-contract project.
He was alleged to have committed the offence at The Hour Glass Sdn Bhd premises in Jalan Sultan Ismail here between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on March 13, 2009.
Mohd Zaki faces a second charge of having agreed to accept a bribe in the form of a RM60,000 watch from the same contractor to assist in the approval and expedite the progress payment of a contractor’s claim at the same place at 10am on May 15, 2009.
In the third charge before judge Mat Ghani Abdullah in Shah Alam, he claimed trial to demanding a set of imported furniture worth RM30,600 from an oil and gas company contractor as payment to obtain a letter of intent for a project costing RM23,901,959.
He allegedly committed the offence at the Europe Asia Sdn Bhd furniture shop at Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, on Nov 28, 2007.
Yesterday, the court here allowed an application by Deputy Public Prosecutor Hizween Azleena Othman Kamal for the court to issue a gag order to bar the media from publishing the name and particulars of the complainant and his company on grounds to protect him under the Witness Protection Act.
Pleading for a low bail, his lawyer T. Vijaya Sandran said Mohd Zaki was jobless when his service was terminated last month.
Rozilah set bail at RM20,000 and set Feb 11 for mention pending prosecution making a joint trial application and supply of documents.
At the Shah Alam court, defence council Vijaya Sandran asked for a low bail as Mohd Zaki had already posted a RM20,000 bail at the Kuala Lumpur court for his two other graft charges.
Mat Ghani granted bail at RM10,000 and moved the case to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to be heard with the other charges.
Reported By The Star
Previous News : Sime Exec Claims Trial Over RM200,000 Bribe Charge
The two charges here involved watches worth RM92,980 and the one at Shah Alam involved imported furniture worth RM30,600.
Mohd Zaki, 48, pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
On Jan 3, Mohd Zaki claimed trial to two counts of corruption involving furniture and a Rolex watch worth RM55,300 at the Johor Baru Sessions Court.
In the two charges here before Sessions Court judge Rozilah Salleh yesterday, he claimed trial to asking for a bribe in the form of a watch worth RM32,980 from a contractor as payment to assist his oil and gas engineering company in obtaining a letter of award for a sub-contract project.
He was alleged to have committed the offence at The Hour Glass Sdn Bhd premises in Jalan Sultan Ismail here between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on March 13, 2009.
Mohd Zaki faces a second charge of having agreed to accept a bribe in the form of a RM60,000 watch from the same contractor to assist in the approval and expedite the progress payment of a contractor’s claim at the same place at 10am on May 15, 2009.
In the third charge before judge Mat Ghani Abdullah in Shah Alam, he claimed trial to demanding a set of imported furniture worth RM30,600 from an oil and gas company contractor as payment to obtain a letter of intent for a project costing RM23,901,959.
He allegedly committed the offence at the Europe Asia Sdn Bhd furniture shop at Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, on Nov 28, 2007.
Yesterday, the court here allowed an application by Deputy Public Prosecutor Hizween Azleena Othman Kamal for the court to issue a gag order to bar the media from publishing the name and particulars of the complainant and his company on grounds to protect him under the Witness Protection Act.
Pleading for a low bail, his lawyer T. Vijaya Sandran said Mohd Zaki was jobless when his service was terminated last month.
Rozilah set bail at RM20,000 and set Feb 11 for mention pending prosecution making a joint trial application and supply of documents.
At the Shah Alam court, defence council Vijaya Sandran asked for a low bail as Mohd Zaki had already posted a RM20,000 bail at the Kuala Lumpur court for his two other graft charges.
Mat Ghani granted bail at RM10,000 and moved the case to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to be heard with the other charges.
Reported By The Star
Previous News : Sime Exec Claims Trial Over RM200,000 Bribe Charge
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
MACC : Probe on AG Will Continue
jan 12, 2011 - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will continue investigations into allegations made against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.
"The panel agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to determine the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG," the commission’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel secretariat said in a statement today.
The decision was made after the panel held a dialogue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on MACC’s commitment to step up the fight against corruption.
An online portal had made allegations pertaining to Abdul Gani’s relationship with former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, Shahidan Shafie, particularly in relation to a haj pilgrimage with his family.
The portal asked what part Abdul Gani had played in omitting to charge Tajudin for the RM8 billion in losses the national carrier recorded during his tenure.
According to the secretariat, the panel had discussed yesterday a statement made by its chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam on Jan 4, after Abdul Gani had met with the panel and board members.
Points raised at the meeting include that Navaratnam’s statement touched only on Abdul Gani’s explanation on expenses incurred during his pilgrimage; and that it was Navaratnam’s personal judgment when he said the panel had generally accepted Abdul Gani’s explanation as satisfactory.
The meeting yesterday was attended by Navaratnam, Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Rahman Embong, Dr Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid, Prof Dr Ishak Tambi Kechik, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Anis Yusal Yusoff and Tan Sri Robert Phang.
Navaratnam’s statement had attracted the criticism of fellow panel member Phang, who has been relentless in determining the truth of the allegations.
Urging the MACC to continue its probe into the allegations, Phang had said Navaratnam’s unilateral statement breached the confidentiality of the meeting and was far from the truth.
His views were shared by Ishak, who was reportedly of the view that it was improper for Navaratnam to voice a personal opinion publicly while purporting to represent the panel.
MACC Anti-Corruption advisory board member Tan Sri Simon Sipaun had also said the authority should proceed with the investigations.
Reported By The Sun Daily
"The panel agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to determine the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG," the commission’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel secretariat said in a statement today.
The decision was made after the panel held a dialogue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on MACC’s commitment to step up the fight against corruption.
An online portal had made allegations pertaining to Abdul Gani’s relationship with former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, Shahidan Shafie, particularly in relation to a haj pilgrimage with his family.
The portal asked what part Abdul Gani had played in omitting to charge Tajudin for the RM8 billion in losses the national carrier recorded during his tenure.
According to the secretariat, the panel had discussed yesterday a statement made by its chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam on Jan 4, after Abdul Gani had met with the panel and board members.
Points raised at the meeting include that Navaratnam’s statement touched only on Abdul Gani’s explanation on expenses incurred during his pilgrimage; and that it was Navaratnam’s personal judgment when he said the panel had generally accepted Abdul Gani’s explanation as satisfactory.
The meeting yesterday was attended by Navaratnam, Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Rahman Embong, Dr Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid, Prof Dr Ishak Tambi Kechik, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Anis Yusal Yusoff and Tan Sri Robert Phang.
Navaratnam’s statement had attracted the criticism of fellow panel member Phang, who has been relentless in determining the truth of the allegations.
Urging the MACC to continue its probe into the allegations, Phang had said Navaratnam’s unilateral statement breached the confidentiality of the meeting and was far from the truth.
His views were shared by Ishak, who was reportedly of the view that it was improper for Navaratnam to voice a personal opinion publicly while purporting to represent the panel.
MACC Anti-Corruption advisory board member Tan Sri Simon Sipaun had also said the authority should proceed with the investigations.
Reported By The Sun Daily
Former Officer Imprisoned For Agreeing to Accept Bribe Over Permit
Jan 12, 2011 - A former assistant district officer (DO) was jailed six months and fined RM20,000 at a Sessions Court here for agreeing to accept a bribe.
Judge Mat Ghani Abdullah found Norhanizatuazwin Samsuni, 30, guilty after ruling that the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt.
Norhanizatuazwin had allegedly agreed to accept a RM10,000 cheque from Syarikat Winmont Development Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Lau Kim Soo as part payment for her house at C-4-25, Rumah Pangsa, Kajang Impian on March 14, 2009.
Norhanizatuazwin was charged with committing the offence at the Trans Loyal Development Sdn Bhd office at No 45A, Jalan Bukit Mewah 11, Taman BukitMewah, Kajang while she was still the Hulu Langat assistant district officer at that time.
The payment was an inducement to assist Lau by approving a special permit dated Feb 5, 2009 to remove sand from a plot of land in Sungai Long, Kajang.
Norhanizatuazwin was initially charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009 but was acquitted and discharged on Oct 20 last year.
However, she was called to enter her defence on an alternative charge under the Penal Code instead.
Her lawyer K. Puspalingam asked for a light sentence saying his client was a single mother of a one-year-old child and also had to take care of her parents.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Sinti however requested for a heavy sentence to be meted out in the public’s interest.
Mat Ghani also ordered Norhanizatuazwin to be jailed five months if she failed to pay the fine.
However, he granted a stay of execution for the jail sentence pending an appeal.
Reported By The Star
Judge Mat Ghani Abdullah found Norhanizatuazwin Samsuni, 30, guilty after ruling that the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt.
Norhanizatuazwin had allegedly agreed to accept a RM10,000 cheque from Syarikat Winmont Development Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Lau Kim Soo as part payment for her house at C-4-25, Rumah Pangsa, Kajang Impian on March 14, 2009.
Norhanizatuazwin was charged with committing the offence at the Trans Loyal Development Sdn Bhd office at No 45A, Jalan Bukit Mewah 11, Taman BukitMewah, Kajang while she was still the Hulu Langat assistant district officer at that time.
The payment was an inducement to assist Lau by approving a special permit dated Feb 5, 2009 to remove sand from a plot of land in Sungai Long, Kajang.
Norhanizatuazwin was initially charged under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009 but was acquitted and discharged on Oct 20 last year.
However, she was called to enter her defence on an alternative charge under the Penal Code instead.
Her lawyer K. Puspalingam asked for a light sentence saying his client was a single mother of a one-year-old child and also had to take care of her parents.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Sinti however requested for a heavy sentence to be meted out in the public’s interest.
Mat Ghani also ordered Norhanizatuazwin to be jailed five months if she failed to pay the fine.
However, he granted a stay of execution for the jail sentence pending an appeal.
Reported By The Star
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
MACC Motorists Arrested Two Policemen for Bribery
Jan 11, 2011 - Two policemen were arrested for allegedly accepting RM800 bribe from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers who went undercover as motorists.
The two, a constable and a lance corporal, in their 20s, sustained minor injuries after they fell when struggling with the officers in the 1.30pm incident at Gurney Drive yesterday. Read more.....
The two, a constable and a lance corporal, in their 20s, sustained minor injuries after they fell when struggling with the officers in the 1.30pm incident at Gurney Drive yesterday. Read more.....
No improvements on Malaysia’s Corruption Ranking
After last year’s worse ever ranking for Malaysia in the CPI (Corruption Perception Index) by TI (Transparency International), this year sees Malaysia dropping slightly where TI announced that Malaysia has dropped from 4.5 out of 10 to 4.4 this year. In the index, 10 is the least corrupt and Malaysia remains at 56 among 178 countries, the same position as last year. The least corrupt countries in the list are Denmark, followed by New Zealand and Singapore who are all tied at the top. Read more..
Monday, January 10, 2011
Malaysia is the worst country in Asia-Pacific in Transparency International Corruption
Malaysia is the worst country in Asia-Pacific in Transparency International Corruption Perception Index in past 16 years since the start of the annual ranking in 1995.
Despite the “1Malaysia People First Performance Now” slogan and the alphabet soup of GTP, NKRA, MKRA, SRIs, ETP etc and one Roadmap after another of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the National Integrity Plan of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad BadawiAbdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia is the worst country in the Asia-Pacific in Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in past 16 years since the start of the annual ranking in 1995. Read More.......
Despite the “1Malaysia People First Performance Now” slogan and the alphabet soup of GTP, NKRA, MKRA, SRIs, ETP etc and one Roadmap after another of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the National Integrity Plan of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad BadawiAbdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia is the worst country in the Asia-Pacific in Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in past 16 years since the start of the annual ranking in 1995. Read More.......
MACC Probes KTMB on Multi-Million Ringgit Contract
Jan 10, 2011 - Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is being investigated by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly awarding a multi-million ringgit contract to an "underqualified" company.
MACC investigation director Mustafar Ali confirmed a team of officers was sent to obtain some documents in connection with the allegation.
He, however, declined further comment when asked on investigations into the case.
“I can only confirm but that’s all I can say as the investigation is ongoing,” Mustafar told The Malay Mail this morning.
The contract was to handle a project said to be valued at close to RM100 million for revamping ticketing systems in all 56 KTM Komuter stations around the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan.
It was reported in an online news portal, a local company won the award with a RM85 million bid, even though there were lower bids by companies with more experience servicing the KTMB systems.
It was also mentioned in the article the technical evaluation processes were rigged to accommodate the capabilities of the selected company.
The portal said MACC raided the offices of KTMB on Dec 14 and confiscated key documents, understood to include the technical scoresheets.
The second was said to have been conducted last week to collect more evidence.
The online portal also mentioned that the tender notice was published and announced on Aug 3 last year and submissions were closed on Sept 29.
It was also mentioned that the KTMB technical team did not conduct any site visit or request for demonstrations by the bidder, as required.
There was no evaluation of the tenders of the five companies that were shortlisted.
The portal also said the two companies with existing projects involving the ticketing systems were rejected, although they had put in bids of RM69.8 million and RM72.6 million, respectively.
It is understood that the tender was awarded based on the policy of the 15 per cent bracket of the estimated budget of the project.
A RM100 million project would mean that the bracket would only enable companies with bids of 15 per cent above or below the budget being awarded the contract.
This automatically disqualified the previous two companies which offered lower bids even though they had more experience in the field.
Reported by The Malay Mail
MACC investigation director Mustafar Ali confirmed a team of officers was sent to obtain some documents in connection with the allegation.
He, however, declined further comment when asked on investigations into the case.
“I can only confirm but that’s all I can say as the investigation is ongoing,” Mustafar told The Malay Mail this morning.
The contract was to handle a project said to be valued at close to RM100 million for revamping ticketing systems in all 56 KTM Komuter stations around the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan.
It was reported in an online news portal, a local company won the award with a RM85 million bid, even though there were lower bids by companies with more experience servicing the KTMB systems.
It was also mentioned in the article the technical evaluation processes were rigged to accommodate the capabilities of the selected company.
The portal said MACC raided the offices of KTMB on Dec 14 and confiscated key documents, understood to include the technical scoresheets.
The second was said to have been conducted last week to collect more evidence.
The online portal also mentioned that the tender notice was published and announced on Aug 3 last year and submissions were closed on Sept 29.
It was also mentioned that the KTMB technical team did not conduct any site visit or request for demonstrations by the bidder, as required.
There was no evaluation of the tenders of the five companies that were shortlisted.
The portal also said the two companies with existing projects involving the ticketing systems were rejected, although they had put in bids of RM69.8 million and RM72.6 million, respectively.
It is understood that the tender was awarded based on the policy of the 15 per cent bracket of the estimated budget of the project.
A RM100 million project would mean that the bracket would only enable companies with bids of 15 per cent above or below the budget being awarded the contract.
This automatically disqualified the previous two companies which offered lower bids even though they had more experience in the field.
Reported by The Malay Mail
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