The news about the reduction in Najib Razak’s sentence has ingnited reactions in social media and messaging apps. Aliran released the following statement this morning:
Aliran is appalled and deeply disappointed by the Pardon’s Board’s decision to recommend a halving of corruption convict Najib Razak’s prison term from 12 years to six years and a reduction of his fine from RM210m to RM50m.
Judging by the reaction across social media and messaging platforms, this concern is shared by many others in Malaysia and overseas.
We urge the Pardons Board to make public the grounds for its decisions and the factors that influenced its leniency towards Najib.
We note that Najib has never publicly expressed regret or remorse for his wrongdoing.
In a review of his Federal Court’s conviction, another panel of the Federal Court noted that the earlier panel had considered 94 grounds of appeal, written submissions and previous lower court decisions which had heard Najib’s case.
They concluded, by a 4-1 majority, that there was no merit for a review of the previous courts’ decision to convict and sentence Najib.
“The applicant contends that his right has been breached,” the Federal Court judges said. “However, here, it is clear that the applicant is the author of his own misfortune. We do not see any reason to review any decision of the earlier panel of the Federal Court.”
Given this, the public reaction and the international scrutiny this case has received, the Pardons Board needs to make public the grounds for its recommendations for Najib’s sentence to be commuted.
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We are also concerned about the implications of this decision on the government’s anti-corruption drive, especially its investigations against other high-profile figures and their family members.
READ MORE:The making of Man on the Run
Many are also wondering what message this decision sends to others – judges presiding in future cases involving high-profile figures, would-be white-collar criminals, prisoners serving sentences for corruption and theft, and investors deciding whether Malaysia is a secure place to do business.
What does it mean when a person who has caused the country so much harm and debt – with ordinary people ultimately having to bear the losses – comes away with a reduced sentence? What does this mean to other prisoners who have committed lesser crimes but have to endure their full sentences?
Indeed, the entire system of administration of justice is now under the spotlight.
Aliran executive committee
3 February 2024
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The “elites” will get away with a slap on the wrist whilst the poor will be imprisoned for stealing food …
This has become a trend in this country and it is so so sad …
Billions stolen from our nation’s coffers and yet these robber barons and their children clamour to “seek justice” ….
what a joke!
It is said trillions have been stolen from our National coffers in one form of corruption or other, over the years, probably since the late seventies. What was missing was the strong will to get it all back and put the corruptors in prison.
Criminals can be punished and pardoned.
There is hope for charged criminals in Malaysia.
Not the will but it is the 2Rs. Always the 2Rs. The solution and problem is always that
According to GFI website dated 2017 May,
-Illicit outflow of money over 2005-2014 was between $287b (RM1.24 trillion) and $431b (RM1.86 trillion), 8-12% of inward trade
-Illicit inflow over the same period was US$287b to US$466b, 8-13% of outward trade.
So, the mention of trillions is not too far off. BNM issued a statement refuting this somewhat, but GFI rejected, saying their own estimates were conservative.
Indeed. Imagine a country with so much of resources, not forgetting the oil being pumped up from our ground, has now a national debt of about 1.6 trillion accumulated over the years, moving along with a sick economy and poor currency.
Can see any bright light over the horizon?
Happy Long Long Way!
Heng! Ong! Huat!
Have a Prosperous Year of the Dragon
Nice and cute dragon at Armenian Park.
Go there sure can absorb Ong vibes!
The 2024 Miao Hui celebration will take place on Feb 18, 2024 on the ninth day of the Chinese lunar calendar at the heritage precinct of George Town from 4pm to 11pm.
50% discount Madani Special Promotion 2.2
The disclosure of details related to the pardon proceedings is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the consistent application of legal standards to all citizens.
All traffic summons must now be given 50% discount to be fair.
Can also extend rebate to water tariff and electric bill for one month at least to appease angry rakyat.
How much is the saman compare to billions? Saman are kachang only
UMNO Youth’s kidding politics is neither surprising nor envious. And it lacks the moral to now raise an issue when UMNO was the Govt for years and it had all the space and time to do something. It is a crying shame that the raw end of this game had already drained the common man of his rights. When Tengku Maimun pointed out of a frustrated judiciary that has no say in charges being withdrawn, it shows the deep anguish. The judiciary has no say in such matters. Neither do the rakyat.
problem is “my” country and can do as like. Outspoken are few and
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/02/02/my-unlikely-mentor-in-social-justice-and-rule-of-law/
” Based on my experience as a serving judge, I can say in all honesty that, in modern Malaysia, the claim that there is a separation of powers between the executive, the legislature and the courts is nothing but a myth.”
where are the independants? Tell us and we vote them
Najib’s unexplained sentence reduction hurts investor confidence, says think tank head
Unfortunately many Malaysians do not understand how the world economics work. Investment is key to our GDP.
Clare Rewcastle Brown, who highlighted the 1MDB scandal sentenced to jail, whilst Najib is pardon and sentence reduced? Has Jho Low been charged in court yet?
https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/clare-rewcastle-brown-who-highlighted.html?m=1
Rewcastle said she was not notified in advance nor given the opportunity to defend herself in court. Her lawyers have already requested the ruling be set aside by a higher court on violations of the criminal procedure code.
“I’m afraid this is malicious, it is politically motivated. And I see it as revenge for my public interest journalism. I think there are a lot of very powerful and wealthy people in Malaysia who are revengeful that I identified the corruption of 1MDB”.
The First-Ever Autonomous Rapid Transit Trackless Tram In Putrajaya, Malaysia!
When can we see this tram in Penang?
Increase in fuel price with targeted subsidy will force many to take public transportation.
So far, have not heard the ruling government mention how they will deliver the targeted subsidy to the targeted individuals. Have you?
Already warned you. The time come just be ready to pay more. Meantime go check with PADU what category you are in.
Where in the world one has to pay less? Ukraine, Gaza War and Yemen blockage expect to go up. If not we burn more coal to pay less now but more in future. Only thing helps if country is rich. But here, we gorek and now is poor
Why check with PADU if subsidy is only meant for targeted individuals like those in the B40 and lower M40 category? You have any idea how they are going to deliver the subsidy to the targeted individuals?
In what form is it going to be? Government lorries going around house to house suppling rice bags and whole chickens?
If I can’t afford, I will simply cut my expenditure. If I can do it, many of our Rakyat will do so too. What is the actual reason for setting up PADU?
Everyday most Malaysians stuck in traffic jam to and fro working place – productivity lost! Time could could have been used to generate more income or spend time with family!
Traffic jam – burning more fuel; more $$$. World temp raising and more destruction to crops. Less crops, less food and ignite more inflation.
You may not get fuel subsidy and soon you will kpkb here complain this and that. Suggest you downgrade to lower capacity car to ease the pain.
Have always driven a lower capacity car. Makes economic sense plus parking space. Have never driven a higher capacity car. It makes no economic sense plus expensive. For the rich it should be alright.
Do I sense some envy here from Zeb about the rich?
What does your Indah water bill says for the first six months of this year compared to last year and the years before last? Wait for other utility bills. It is their way of thanking you for your clueless support.
I don’t think Zeb is envy of the rich who do not need fuel subsidy for their big cars. He is merely advising those who cannot afford to downgrade to smaller cars as complaining will not solve their problem.
Lower capacity can carry a few. Your, time USS Enterprise always ask Scotty for more power. If is 1 or 2 persons, better take public transport. Senior, you can seel, feel and touch the discount and then you no complain but praise
Better meet up with old trishaw friends and chat good times for a 80 plus Senior
With 50B gone and mana malu boss not willing to $$$ on Penang transport, still want subsidies? Gomen print $$$ to build new intrastructures and to maintain new ones. Kbkb when water break down.
See ART can operate smoothly if there are no adjacent cars or lorries. How about fares? With travel cards and scanners, it speed up the movement of passengers. Otherwise they have to queue up to pay to the driver.
May 10 — Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is facing a new lawsuit for the receipt of luxury goods worth nearly US$350 million (RM1.65 billion) through misappropriated funds of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and 10 other subsidiaries.
“Chinese new villages were British-designed concentration camps” Kua Kia Soong dd 13 Feb 2024 4:24PM
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/opinion/100970/chinese-new-villages-were-british-designed-concentration-camps-kua-kia-soong
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“Indeed, this segment of history lacks any heritage value and reflects poorly on the Chinese community, depicting them as collaborators, sympathizers, and supporters of the MCP. It is unrelated to race, despite arguments claiming otherwise.
Today, these CNVs have transformed into residential areas, where those who can afford it have constructed single-story bungalows on their own plots of land. The barbed wires that once surrounded the CNVs and the sentry towers manned by armed guards, ready to shoot any escapees, are gone.
Is his story. Many forget or even do not know. You know how they remove or twist his story. They are pa nai at that.
Furthermore, some individuals argue that there are economic benefits associated with UNESCO listing. Are members of the Chinese community so desperate that they would sacrifice their dignity in order to gain economic advantages from such a dark chapter in CNV’s history?”
“UNESCO recognition proposal carries economic advantages,” says Ramasamy
By Bernie Yeo dd 21 hours ago
https://focusmalaysia.my/unesco-recognition-proposal-carries-economic-advantages-says-ramasamy/
cOPY AND paste. kids can do that. Senior to do the same?
There is a English proverb that says, ” Curiosity killed the cat “. Am sure the certain someone can do a simple experiment and find out if he can get a reduced sentence and less fine if he wants an answer to that. ( he he )
No wonder we are soft on those doing big wrong doings. The person who bomb someone and flee to down under is walking free and has not extradited back. Too expensive to feed him in prison?
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/11/umno-open-to-discuss-chinese-new-villages-with-nga/
“designating the Chinese new villages in Selangor as a Unesco world heritage site in recognition of their cultural and historical significance since their establishment 76 years ago.”
>>> They were established during the post-war era as settlements for the Chinese communities in Malaysia, but over time, they have transitioned into regular residential areas, have they not?
So, what significant heritage value or historical significance do they hold ? What significant living difference is there between the Chinese living in the new villages and else where in our Nation. Believe even other communities are living in it now.
Rakyat – Senior – once you says you do not want to see high rise and new buildings. With UNESCO on new villages, your wish comes true. They are his, her and our story about the emergency. People go to Vietnam and can see the tunnels, US planes and tanks captured by VCs. Similarly, they can see wooden houses built in late 1940s to 50s. Are you really a Senior as you claimed as I am interested in his story?
Some residents in New Village would not want UNESCO recognition as there will be lots of conditions imposed: cannot anyhow modify their homes, cannot operate new activities etc… Anyway UMNO has helped to end any controversy.
Same with Penang UNESCO. They can’t build up. Old buildings difficult to maintain and difficult to get skilled workmen.
So, is it all a political drama to drown one, a more significant controversy by creating another non significant controversy by these 2 political parties?
https://focusmalaysia.my/rpk-reveals-his-so-called-biggest-hoax-in-umnos-history/
https://focusmalaysia.my/why-the-obsession-with-colonial-rather-than-ancient-heritage-sites/
SS quit MUDA [presidency] and could now join Gerakan as seen in his CNY visit to Gerakan open house?
“Group urges government to recognise ‘shadow cabinet’”
by FMT Reporters dd 10 Feb 2024, 4:13pm
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/10/group-urges-government-to-recognise-shadow-cabinet/
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RM5,000 for what? Most if not all are already getting their salaries, allowances and other perks. Just do it under volunteerism. It should be good enough.
Meantime, what is happening to the ‘SG4’ initiative and how are the 4 states improving under the Opposition? There don’t seem to be much news highlights on its progress.
“UMNO doesn’t give face to DAP, slams UNESCO heritage site proposal for Chinese new villages” by By FocusM dd 2 hours ago https://focusmalaysia.my/umno-doesnt-give-face-to-dap-slams-unesco-heritage-site-proposal-for-chinese-new-villages/ ======== So, DAP people, how now ? UMNO says no can do. They are your coalition members. Earlier, when joining the PH coalition, they were supportive like adik beradik. But now ? Gives meaning to the phrase, ” In Politics there are No Permanent Enemies or Permanent Friends ” which actually goes to show how self serving politicians can be, hence a new phrase was born, ” Rakyat Jaga Rakyat “. Not to worry much DAP people, when… Read more »
why dont you orso question Dumno? They asked for discount and show their 2Rs. You support them and you think their demands are reasonable? You said Malaysia is multi racial but we live like two?
“Mandarin orange sellers struggle to clear stock despite lower prices”
By New Straits Times dd February 8, 2024 @ 10:53pm
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1011335/mandarin-orange-sellers-struggle-clear-stock-despite-lower-prices
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Despite it being a once a year affair (CNY), our Rakyat are being careful and are only buying what is needed. Neither the ruling nor the opposition knows what to do about our sick economy and our sick currency despite their lofty talks for the last 100 plus days.
And this has been going on ever since our budget went into deficit and the allocation for cost stated going upwards, and allocation for national development started going downwards.
our econ is always in deficit. Tell us how we get 1 Trillion debt and your boss malu can have 50B and one pass away with 1B shares. Others can have their $$$ in overseas account. You have any bright solutions?
“INTERACTIVE: Reforming Malaysia’s ballooning civil service pensions”
by Diyana Pfordten dd Thursday, 08 Feb 2024 8:00 AM MYT
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/08/interactive-reforming-malaysias-ballooning-civil-service-pensions
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https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/08/rafizis-civil-service-remarks-at-odds-with-govts-plans-says-ex-deputy-minister/
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https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/05/dont-jump-on-bloated-civil-service-bandwagon-says-rafizi/
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/05/why-putrajaya-has-no-choice-but-to-shake-up-public-pension-say-economists/115779
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thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/24/govt-to-foot-some-rm120bil-in-pension-payments-if-new-salary-scheme-not-introduced-says-zahid
Copy and paste here and there. That is all? What you see in the bloated Civil Service? Ah, you agree they come to work to tell rakyat to wear like a model – GET SMART?
Ah Senior, you support and praise the civil servants. now you kbkb. They spend time to tell you to wear Smart. that is what you praise them. Get Smart like in the TV show
>>> Is this pension policy for real or maybe just a political drama put forward to divert Rakyat’s attention to another episode that is currently taking place, in the form of, justice or justification or justify, judicatory, judicature or simply justness. Also lets’ not forget that we are becoming an aging society. Keep paying out in pension but nothing much is coming in. The Government’s yearly budgeting tells us Rakyat the nature of our Nation’s financial health. It has been ailing for a long time. Since the nineties … maybe much earlier than nineties. BMF comes to mind. We have… Read more »
ah senior, in past, you praise civil service and rakyat must kowtow to them and follow them Wear Smart. Now you kbkb. Balloning service to tell us to GET SMART to get something to do?
So, if this pension policy is for real, it will be a good start in nursing our ailing financial health, back healthy. This is just one. There are more, much much more to be done.
As for the economic minister’s claims, probably just playing politics. So, now what has happened to that, ” Toe the Party Line” or the short ” Party Discipline” party policy? Is it meant to be applied to certain people only?
There are some independents from G25. Siti for example is outspoken but readers here prefer PKRs. As with Jaya, although from Socialist, readers want PKRs.
Siti Kasim seen as liberal … so rejected by Muslim majority.
Too many conservatives. They follow statutes inscribe in stones and not in the heart. Inscribe in stones means more regulations. In heart means in principles
Principles are not tangible, difficult to demonstrate as it is not behavioural. Create prohibitions to ‘protect’ principles is visible actions, can exert power and control on uneducated people.
Gravity is not tangible only the result of you ignore it. We can’t create all laws to cover as we may still miss some of them. Things happen set a precedent. In religion, they set principles but man corrupt them with all kind of laws. Jesus said love covers all things. If there is love, we need not all those statures to be inscribe in stones.
They have the commandments in stones. The Pharisees started to impose their standards onto others and some of o it open to see how holy. If there is love principle, commandments become redundant.
It is keadilan. Maybe the black eye now has grown cataract or glaucoma and see justice.
The fear is that some of the political parties which are rich can dangle some fat carrots to bait and hook some independent frogs. So, we Rakyat may need to choose and vote for the right qualified independent individuals with good moral background and simply not vote for any independent who comes forward to contest. The current Ruling parties have become untrustworthy. Their shenanigans are openly displayed for all to see. Also keep threatening freedom of speech while claiming they do not do so. We Rakyat know better. The ruling party is not made up of one single strong political… Read more »
Can you identify some of the independents and let us know to start? If no how to move forward?
This creates weakness and governing our Nation and the well being of our Rakyat becomes secondary and we Rakyat, our children’s future and our Nation ends up becoming something like the sacrificial lambs. The Opposition parties are no better and directionless. They don’t seem to be able to move forward and seems stuck in the 2R quicksand. Their only program so far that we Rakyat know of, has been the ‘SG4″ initiative. Has there been any growth, any progress on it? Anything? Nothing? Are the lives of the people of the 4 states better now? It looks like the ruling… Read more »
Penang’s first RM10 billion LRT line will see a cross-channel link in the form of a rail bridge from the island directly to Butterworth, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He said the bridge would cross the North Channel and end at Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai, where the ferry and bus terminals are located, and adjacent to the Butterworth KTM station.
As ah said, it is going to be an interesting year, this year 2024. Right from the start of the year, it is all action and drama from many a actors from the political arena. Since the foundation is weak, so will the building continue to wobble. If the current political parties hold on our nation’s politics is not broken we will continue to see all kinds of negative ‘shenanigans’ from our lack of morale, party bound politicians. Voting for qualified independent majority for Parliament and State Assembly could be the way forward for our Nation. It can begin from GE16 onwards… Read more »
who are the independent majority? so far what have they done? Silence and we vote them? Might as well vote Rakyat 888 and now downgrade to 8 only?
Less 8 less prosperous for rakyat.
Where got independent majority?
Majority are dependent – on freebies, goodies, rebate and subsidies in the name of tongkat NEP.
2024 – Year of dragon and Paris Olympic comes again. Plenty of action and to see.
Tomorrow the Super Bowl in US and the Africa Cup final
Diam, dont worry be happy. You can get discount and maybe rakyat can get too. Just like samen. Pay later more discount???
What discount for rakyat?
Menu Rahmah should not be upsized to Menu 50%!
You cant see the discount stated? Not enough be Boss aku, Mana malu boss and you get feel good for a big bar gain
Najib is seriously thinking about making a second application for a royal pardon, this time before the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/695569
Another discount means full pardon for him.
I don’t think so, especially so soon. Believe the lawyer could have made that statement just to agitate the Rakyat especially those who were and are opposing. Like rubbing it in.
Can say more on how it may not pan out, but that would touch on Royalty so ending here.
Just curious. Others will orso get reduced sentence and less fine?
Their leadership is talking about, ” Govt to focus on peace, culture while strengthening economy” while its coalition members and his ministers are busy talking about religious laws, UNESCO status for new villages, and whatnot. Meanwhile, judiciary and pardon issue has taken a backseat and the well being of our Nation and Rakyat has been pushed way way back to a corner. We Rakyat also wonder how the ministry is going to explain to the busload of tourist, how and why, for what purpose the CNV was created. Who were the people who were placed in the CNV, from where… Read more »
Aliran to join 3rd force bandwagon in next GE to get rid of klepto dinosaurs that have victimised Bolehland economy ?
Mr Anil can go to the streets of Penang (forget about fanciful new Gurney Richie playground that symbolises exploitative capitalism) to interview the public. For most Chinese, after the necessary CNY “bin cui” spending, after chap goh mei need to tighten the belts to prevent more outflow of precious savings.
Yap, cost of living are also going to go up further. Wonder how much more the increase for goods and services are going to be for this year.
As long as you support the war against people living under Israelis, cost will be very high. Now the plight of the Palestinians are made known. Gazians live in an open prison. All the entry points are controlled by Israelis in a small strip. Even the sea has the navy.
Gurney playground everyone syiok syiok now. Big crowd during CNY holiday to justify big money tender for phase 2 car park, food court, retail shops. Don’t complaint high pricings later because Gurney branding got class T20 category.