Shocking that former Umno leader mastermind of red shirt rally says Kit Siang

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider It is shocking that a former Umno leader is the main organiser of the controversial red-shirt rally on September 16, says Lim Kit Siang. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, September 13, 2015.It is shocking that a former top Umno leader is the main organiser of the controversial red-shirt rally on September 16, said Lim Kit Siang, who claimed that the Malay party is sponsoring the gathering.

The DAP parliamentary leader questioned how former Malacca Chief Minister Senator Tan Sri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam could be the mastermind of the rally, whose critics say has sparked fears it could create communal  tensions.

“It is simply shocking and outrageous that a former top vote-getter as Umno Vice President, one-time aspirant for Prime Minister ... could be so insensitive as to be the mastermind behind the Sept. 16 rally, repudiating the very import and meaning of Malaysia Day.”

Lim said the rally in Kuala Lumpur would seriously undermine the unity, integrity and cause of Malaysia at such a fragile period in the country’s history.

“In fact, rally by Umno or to be more exact the forces (of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak) may be the first step to cause the disintegration of Malaysia,” Lim said in a statement today. – September 13, 2015.

MORE TO COME

Minister says #Merah169 rally a ‘great success’, downplays racial insults, unrest

© Provided by The Malay Mail Online The crowd chants at the rally at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, September 16, 2015.KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 ― Umno minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan declared the #Merah169 rally yesterday a “great success despite incidents where racial insults were hurled at reporters and riot police firing water cannons at unruly protesters.

Abdul Rahman downplayed these incidents, saying that it was “nothing” compared to what occurred during last month's Bersih 4 rally.

“The rally is a great success, the reds have proven they can do it much better than Bersih.

“Although I am personally not very fond of rallies, but today nothing untoward happened,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

“Bersih rally (participants) brought out brooms, recited funeral prayers and stomped on pictures of leaders,” Abdul Rahman explain, referring to the incident where Bersih 4 participants stomped on pictures of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

“(Racial insults, use of water cannons), it is nothing compared to what Bersih did.

“Perhaps the police used water cannons because they thought things would get out of control, I do not want to second-guess the police here,” the Kota Belud MP added.

Late into the rally police said were attended by as many as 50,000 people, Federal Reserve Unit officers used water cannons on protesters trying to force their way past a security cordon at Petaling Street.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday criticised unruliness at the #Merah169 rally, saying that police should investigate the incident that marred an otherwise uneventful protest.

The prime minister did not specify the incident in question, but was likely referring to the Petaling Street flare-up.

“Was informed that the rally in KL ended peacefully except for an incident. Polis Diraja Malaysia ( Royal Malaysia Police ) should

investigate. It should not have happened. All must abide by police instructions,” Najib wrote on Facebook today.

The Petaling Street incident was not the only clash between  protesters and police, however, as #Merah169 attendees earlier charged police lines repeatedly along Jalan Bukit Bintang in an attempt to reach the Low Yat Plaza shopping mall.

Thousands of red shirted people were bussed into the federal capital yesterday for the rally officially called “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” or the United People’s Assembly, but which caused concern among traders in the city centre and ethnic Chinese business leaders.

The protest was also marred by sporadic outbreaks of racism, with one attendee recorded calling a reporter “Crazy Chinese pig”, among other insults.

The rally, said to be in support of Najib’s leadership, was to counter last month’s mammoth two-day Bersih 4 gathering calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

The ruling Malay party has insisted that it does not endorse the event, which has also been alternately called “Himpunan Maruah Melayu”, but did not prohibit its members from participating in the demonstration organised by martial arts group Pesaka.

What did the ‘red shirt’ rally achieve, ask social media users

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider The organisers of the 'red shirt' rally may think that they have achieved their aim of showing Malay strength and unity, but on social media, some Malaysians are questioning if there is any positive from today's…The organisers of the "red shirt" rally may think that they have achieved their aim of showing Malay strength and unity, but on social media, some Malaysians are questioning if there are any positives from yesterday's gathering.

Many took to microblogging site Twitter and compared yesterday's rally to the peaceful 34-hour Bersih 4 gathering held just before the National Day last month.

They pointed out that unlike the Bersih rally, today's Himpuan Rakyat Bersatu gathering by a coalition of Malay non-governmental organisations saw the riot police spray chemical-laced water on a group of rowdy rally goers who had attempted to breach the police barricades to gain access to Petaling Street.

Dev with Twitter handle @Devtoopark32 said: "No body ever challenged 'Hak Melayu' all we ever want is clean election," he said in reference to one of Bersih's demands.

Twitter user Nor, who uses the handle @hidayahS, wondered if yesterday's gathering was a showcase of the nation's future leaders.

"I'm not siding Bersih 4 nor #Himpun16 or whatever. All I'm wondering is that is yesterday's rally shows a good example to future leaders? Think," she said in using the hashtag for the red shirts rally.

Organisers had estimated that about 250,000 people turned up for the rally, but police estimates put it at 35,000.

Another Twitter user, Johan Hulaimi with the Twitter handle @th1eves said: "#Himpun16 is over. So what have we learned? Nothing absolutely nothing".

CARMENC. with the Twitter handle @senoritaciie expressed her sadness over incendiary remarks made by some leaders at the gathering, especially since Malaysia is celebrating its 52nd birthday today.

"Today's the independence day of our beloved country but racism flooding through the streets of kl," she wrote.

Another user, Izwan , who tweeted at @izwanshahmin said : "Selesainya #Himpun16 Apa gunanya bila ia menggangu gugat perpaduan yg sedia ada, malah menimbulkan syak wasangka antara rakyat Malaysia". (The gathering is over. What's the point when it threatens existing unity, worse it causes suspicion among Malaysians.)

Francis Jerry, meanwhile, took a swipe at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) which had presented a RM65,000 clean-up bill to Bersih 4 organiser, electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0.

He asked if they would be presenting a similar bill to the "red shirt" rally organisers.

"Will DBKL charge red shirt organiser for cleaning cost?," he tweeted at @Francis_Jerry76.

Another Twitter user CR7 @HaHaLALA99 said it was "funny" that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had found the gathering peaceful when in fact, the police were forced to use chemical-laced water cannons against some stubborn rally goers.

"Kelakar Najib terharu himpunn baju merah #himpun16 #redshirt paling aman. FRU dok sembur air kat peserta, tu panggil aman? Bersih ada kena? (Funny that Najib was touched that the red shirt rally was very peaceful. FRU had sprayed water at the partipants, you call that peaceful? Did Bersih experience that?).

Despite the brickbats, today's rally also found its supporters.

Shakirim Hassan, who tweets at @KienzHassan, said he supported the participants.

"Walaupn x pergi perhimpunan td atas komitmen lain, hati ini tetap bersama2 gelombang merah (Although I didn't attend the gathering due to other commitments, but the heart is with the red wave)," he said using the hashtag #melayubersatu! #himpun16  #Malaysia.

Fadhlur Rahman ,with Twitter handle @RamuNik, said yesterday's rally was a success.

"#himpun16 sangat berjaya. Walaupun pavilion sekalipun main entrance guarded by police, none of shop recorded loss today. (#Himpun16 was very successful. Although Pavilion's main entrance was guarded by police, none of the shops recorded any losses today)," he said in reference to an upmarket mall in Jalan Bukit Bintang.

#Merah169 leader blames DAP, opposition for Petaling Street flare-up

'Rally was to divert attention'

© Provided by The Malay Mail Online A participant holds an anti-DAP sign as rally-goers gather at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, September 16, 2015. — Picture by Choo Choo MayA leader of the #Merah169 rally yesterday claimed that provocation by DAP and opposition parties caused rally-goers to try and force their way into Petaling Street, prompting police to fire water cannons on the crowd.

Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, whose Coalition of Malay NGOS is behind the “Red Shirt” aspect of the rally, further claimed that participants were given strict instructions not to enter the area known as “Chinatown”, but were angered by the purported provocation.

He also denied that those who sought to break through a security cordon were from his group, despite police informing him that some had admitted affiliation.

“Before this, there has been provocation by Pakatan Rakyat, by DAP. A few statements have been made by the opposition leaders almost every day,” he told reporters after the rally ended.

“This red T-shirt can be bought anywhere, it can be made anywhere. The red shirts cannot be used as proof that they are from our group,” he said.

He further insisted that the rally was meant to be a peaceful show of Malay solidarity.

Water cannons were fired at the large grouping of red-shirted protesters earlier this evening at Petaling Street after several negotiations between the police and demonstrators failed to result in the crowd dispersing.

#Merah169 organisers earlier struggled to contain the crowd who were attempting to break through a police line barricading Petaling Street, pleading with attendees not to behave “like the Chinese in DAP”.

Thousands of red-shirted people were bussed into the federal capital this morning to take part in a rally officially called “Himpunan Rakyat

Bersatu” or the United People’s Assembly, but which drew concern among traders in the city centre and ethnic Chinese business leaders.

The protest was also marred by sporadic outbreaks of racism, with one attendee recorded calling a reporter “Crazy Chinese pig”, among other insults.

The rally, said to be in support of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership, was to counter to last month’s two-day Bersih 4 gathering calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

The ruling Malay party has insisted that it does not endorse the event, which has also been alternately called “Himpunan Maruah Melayu”, but has not prohibited its members from participating in today’s demonstration organised by martial arts group Pesaka. 

Rally was Umno’s ploy to divert attention from scandals linked to Najib, says PAS

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider The 'red shirt' rally in Kuala Lumpur today, where some of the prostesters carried banners and placards with racially-tinged messages, was not an act which represented Malays, but Umno, says PAS deputy…The 'red shirt' rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, where some of the prostesters carried banners and placards with racially-tinged messages, was not an act which represented Malays, but Umno, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said.

In a statement released yesterday evening, Tuan Ibrahim urged Malaysians not to react to the rally, saying that any reaction would mean that the organisers have succeeded in diverting attention from recent financial scandals surrounding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"Don't let their plot to divert your attention succeed," he said.

"This is not the action of Malays, but of Umno, who we are trying to defeat in GE14, in order to stop the continuous damage to national integration."

He urged Malaysians to be calm and not to share or spread the "racial messages" that were displayed on banners and placards at the rally.

The rally was organised as a counter to the Bersih 4 gathering two weeks ago, and also to preserve Malay dignity.

"Their motives are clear because there was not a single mention about the RM2.6 billion donation, the falling value of ringgit or the problems faced by the rakyat," Tuan Ibrahim said, referring to the funds which were credited to the prime minister's personal bank accounts from a Middle East donor.

PAS refused to participate in the red shirt rally. It also did not participate in the Bersih 4 gathering held during the recent Merdeka weekend. – September 16, 2015.

Najib revels in Sabah support during Malaysia Day celebration

Delhi hospitals struggle with dengue overload

© Provided by The Malay Mail Online Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the government is targeting a 90 per cent local work force in three years in an effort to stabilise the teaching force in Sabah and Sarawak. — Reuters picAddressing a sea of red-clad Sabahans at the historic Padang Merdeka here last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak revelled in the support of one of Barisan Nasional’s so-called “fixed deposit” states.

Arriving to loud applause from the estimated 15,000 attendees gathered around the field and surrounding streets of the state capital, the prime minister held up the crowd as evidence of the backing that his administration enjoyed.

“Look, international media, the Sabahans support the Malaysian government,” he said to loud cheers of “Hidup” from the crowd.

“I didn’t see genies, I didn’t see ghosts, I saw people. Serious, enthusiastic and wearing the colour red who support the Barisan Nasional government,” he said.

The crowd were mostly clad in red T-shirts with the words “Saya Sokong Datuk Seri Najib (I support Datuk Seri Najib)” were believed to be from Umno divisions from all over the state, and were toting flags and banners proclaiming their support for the party and the leader.

Kota Kinabalu has been flooded by the presence of red-shirted supporters since 6.00am, many of whom were believed to have been ferried from other districts.

The gathering coincided with the “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” held in Kuala Lumpur today in support of the Najib administration.

Sabah is considered a vote bank for the ruling Barisan Nasional, contributing a significant number of federal seats that keeps the coalition in power.

Najib said that he was thankful for the support in the state and it was only right to look after their welfare and make sure no group was left behind.

He announced that the Pan Borneo Highway mega-project in Sabah that will begin early next year would connect major cities in Sabah and Sarawak and about RM20 billion in projects, with all contacts being awarded to local Sabahan companies and contractors.

In comparing it to West Malaysia’s North-South Expressway, he said will open up opportunities for development and improving inter-city communication and close the development and socio-economic gap.

He added that the decision of the people and leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to get together with the peninsula and form Malaysia 52 years ago has benefitted the nation as a whole.

The Proclamation of Malaysia was announced in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu 52 years ago, with Najib’s father, Tun Abdul Razak, present in what was then still called Jesselton.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Sarawak state assembly Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today took part in

a commemorative signing ceremony to signify the formation of Malaysia over half a decade ago.

Kevin Morais lauded as a dedicated DPP and keen to help junior officers, say colleagues

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Deputy public prosecutor Kevin Anthony Morais disappeared on September 4 and his family are upset over the slow pace of investigations. – Internet pic, September 15, 2015.Shocked at the news of the tragic death of deputy public prosecutor Kevin Anthony Morais, his colleagues and court officials have described him as a conscientious, hardworking and down-to-earth person.

 Former head of prosecution in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Datuk Abdul Razak Musa said Morais was a dedicated and hardworking officer.

"He was ever so helpful to impart his legal knowledge and experience to junior officers," said Razak, adding that Morais was his deputy for seven years before he went on promotion to Kota Baru in 2013.

Razak said Morais never gave up even though the prosecution had an uphill task to prove their case.

"It bothers me why anyone would want to take his life as Kevin also held to the belief that work is worship," he added.

Morais, who was seconded to the MACC for 10 years until last year, served as the deputy head of appellate and trial division in the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Manoj Kurup who was Morais's immediate boss, also said the late DPP was a fine, dedicated, hardworking officer who would go out his way to help fellow officers, no matter how burdened he was.

"He will be sadly and sorely missed," Manoj told The Malaysian Insider in a sms reply.

Lawyer M. Kulasegaran said Morais was a righteous, straightforward man and brooked no nonsense.

"He was a strict person on the bench but tampered justice with mercy to accused persons," said the lawyer who first appeared before Morais when the latter was a young magistrate in Sungai Siput and Lenggong courts in 1985.  Kulasegaran, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, recalled an incident where his clients were acquitted of rioting by Morais.  "He gave us a good hearing and the accused were impressed with how he carried himself on the bench," he said.

Kulasegaran said they later sent a thank you card to Morais after the lawyer refused to meet the magistrate to convey their gratitude due to ethics governing lawyers.

He said Morais, 55, was later promoted to deputy registrar in the Ipoh High Court where he also doubled up as a research officer for a judge.

"He was a helpful administrator to lawyers and was an asset to the judge in executing his judicial duties," he said.

Retired police officer Jude Pereira described Morais as a humble person and soft spoken.

"I am shocked at the way he was murdered," said Pereira who was a prosecuting officer before Morais in Sungai Siput in 1985.  Pereira, who came into prominence as the investigating officer in the sodomy case of former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Morais was very measured in imposing punishment on accused persons.

"He decided jail terms, fine or whipping on the facts and circumstances of the case," he added.

Pereira, who retired from the police force two years ago, said Morais was conscientious and had all the attributes of a judge, lawyer and prosecutor.

Pereira and Morais were also neighbours in Taman Eden in Ipoh.

"I knew his parents and brother Richard quite well but Kevin finally moved to Kuala Lumpur after the mother passed away a few years ago," he said.

Deputy Public Prosecutor K. Mangaikarasi, a subordinate of Morais in the AGC, said her boss even went to the extent of preparing draft submissions for junior prosecutors handling difficult and delicate appeals.

Yesterday morning, 12 days after Morais was reported missing, police confirmed that he was murdered after human remains were found in a concrete-filled drum in USJ 1, Subang Jaya.

The police said seven people, including a military doctor, were arrested on Tuesday, and the main suspect had led them to the site where Morais's remains were found.

Federal CID director Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh said the murder was believed to be related to a corruption case in the Shah Alam court that Morais was prosecuting, as the main suspect was involved in the case.

Rally was Umno’s ploy to divert attention from scandals linked to Najib, says PAS

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider The 'red shirt' rally in Kuala Lumpur today, where some of the prostesters carried banners and placards with racially-tinged messages, was not an act which represented Malays, but Umno, says PAS deputy…The 'red shirt' rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, where some of the prostesters carried banners and placards with racially-tinged messages, was not an act which represented Malays, but Umno, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said.

In a statement released yesterday evening, Tuan Ibrahim urged Malaysians not to react to the rally, saying that any reaction would mean that the organisers have succeeded in diverting attention from recent financial scandals surrounding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"Don't let their plot to divert your attention succeed," he said.

"This is not the action of Malays, but of Umno, who we are trying to defeat in GE14, in order to stop the continuous damage to national integration."

He urged Malaysians to be calm and not to share or spread the "racial messages" that were displayed on banners and placards at the rally.

The rally was organised as a counter to the Bersih 4 gathering two weeks ago, and also to preserve Malay dignity.

"Their motives are clear because there was not a single mention about the RM2.6 billion donation, the falling value of ringgit or the problems faced by the rakyat," Tuan Ibrahim said, referring to the funds which were credited to the prime minister's personal bank accounts from a Middle East donor.

PAS refused to participate in the red shirt rally. It also did not participate in the Bersih 4 gathering held during the recent Merdeka weekend. – September 16, 2015.

Don’t celebrate Malaysia Day with racist rally, says Muhyiddin

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says those who wish to fight for the honour of the Malays should use the right channels, not rallies. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, September 15, 2015.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has spoken out against the “red shirt” rally to be held Wednesday, saying that Malaysia Day should not be tarnished by marches or gatherings that could be deemed racial.

The Umno deputy president said that those who wished to fight for the honour of the Malays should use the right channels, such as through Umno.

“Don’t let Malaysia Day be celebrated by marches or gatherings that can be interpreted as racist, regardless of their motives.

“Doubtless, the September 16 rally has courted negative perception from society, whether in terms of its objectives or how it is organised,” Muhyiddin said in a statement on Facebook today.

His stance contrasts with Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has yet to criticise the rally despite MIC and MCA’s public objections to it.

Najib, who is also prime minister, had said that Umno would not prevent members from joining the rally, although he stopped short of endorsing it.

“I personally want to advise those quarters to take wise steps when deciding on any event, gathering or March on Malaysia Day,” said Muhyiddin.“This is so that Malaysia Day celebrations are not marred by incidents that could create strife and enmity between the races.”

He said while an individual’s right to assemble should be respected, the nation’s security as well harmony between the races was also important.

The former deputy prime minister added that the government must be more responsive to the demands and aspirations of the people, and urged Putrajaya to boost integrity in administration.

“I believe that if our country was governed efficiently and responsibly, Malaysia would return to the right track to achieving its vision of becoming a united, high-income nation.”

He said the trust of the people, business community, and local and foreign investors had towards the country would erode should the wealth be mismanaged due to “misappropriation, leakages and breach of trust”.

Muhyiddin also urged the federal government to give heads of Sabah and Sarawak government departments some power to approve and monitor critical development projects in their states.

He said this would ensure development projects were approved more quickly and improve their monitoring.

Malaysia Day is a public holiday commemorating the nation’s formation in 1963. 

A martial arts group – National Federation of Silat Associations (Pesaka) – is organising the “red shirt” rally, also known as “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

The rally is reportedly to counter Bersih 4 last month, where the majority of participants were non-Malays.

After initially declaring it illegal, police have now allowed the rally to go on after organisers obtained permission from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to use Padang Merbok for the gathering. – September 15, 2015.

Red Shirt’ group demands Putrajaya warn Chinese not to mock Malays

© Provided by The Malay Mail Online Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos said the government must warn ‘Chinese with DAP ideologies’ not to insult Malay leaders and Islam. — File picKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Putrajaya must issue a warning to “Chinese with DAP ideologies” not to insult Malay leaders and to respect Islam as religion of the federation, said the Coalition of Malay NGOs as part of eight demands it will submit during a public rally tomorrow.

Other demands included in its manifesto are for Putrajaya to take action against traitors of the country who try to dispute the government’s credibility and to re-enact the Internal Security Act (ISA).

“I don’t know if this is the same as the manifesto of the ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’ organisers, but this is what the 250 Malay NGOs who support this demonstration have discussed and agreed to stand for,” Datuk Jamal Md Yunos who heads the group said today.

The manifesto will also demand for the government to ensure that no more illegal assemblies like Bersih 4 take place.

Jamal later clarified his group was only participating in the “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” (United People’s Rally) organised by the Pesaka Malay martial arts group.

He added, however, that his group’s movement was called “Himpunan Maruah Melayu” (Malay Dignity Rally), after Pesaka previously disavowed the name.

“But to me, the name is not important. And the main title is up to the organisers. But we are 250 Malay NGOs here to show our support,” he told reporters when asked about the confusion over the rally names.

“Our march is to show the solidarity among Malays, who have all this while been ridiculed and been made fun of by our friends who are also Malaysian in nationality, which are the DAP Chinese, to the point where we cannot take it anymore as we are squeezed and our leaders are blamed and insulted,” he said.

Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu is organised by Malay martial arts organisation Pesaka, led by former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and is set to be a 12-hour demonstration.

The rally initially called on Malays to unite and counter the purportedly Chinese-dominated Bersih 4 rally on August 29 and 30, but has since been promoted as a gathering of the people without taking into account their racial background.

Mohd Ali has also disavowed the use of red T-shirts by attendees, in a bid to distance his organisation from the “Red Shirt” group that previously caused concern over its racially-tinged warnings.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall yesterday approved the use of Padang Merbok as the venue for the rally, following which, the Home Ministry had declared the demonstration legal and the police announcing that it would facilitate the event.

Abducted DPP in jovial mood at last meeting, says ex-colleague

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Deputy public prosecutor Anthony Kevin Morais is believed to have been abducted and had applied for

early retirement, says a former colleague. – Internet pic, September 12, 2015.Deputy public prosecutor Anthony Kevin Morais, who is believed to have been abducted, was in a jovial mood when he appeared in court two weeks ago to conduct a trial, his former colleague said.

"I did not notice anything amiss or bothering Kevin. He was his usual self that day," said S. Devanandan who is now in private practice.

Devanandan is in the legal team representing former Sime Darby Bhd chief executive officer Ahmad Zubair @ Ahmad Zubir Murshid, who is charged with criminal breach of trust.

Morais was prosecuting the case which was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. He was with the MACC for 10 years from 2004.

Devanandan said this was one of the few cases Morais continued to handle despite having returned to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) last year.

Morais is currently the deputy head of appellate and trial division.

Devanandan, who left the AGC in 2011, described Morais as a simple and harmless person.

"My former colleagues in the AGC and I are quite puzzled why anyone would abduct him," he told The Malaysian Insider.

He said at another previous meeting in the courts this year, Morais expressed disappointment when his application to go on optional retirement was not approved.

"He was a bit down initially but has moved on," he said, adding that he believed that Morais was retained in the AGC as his expertise and experience was still needed.

Asked whether a reward should be offered to anyone who could provide information on the whereabouts of Morais, Devanandan said: "Usually such offer should come from the family”.

He said police would have made some headway in their investigation like checking incoming and outgoing calls over Morais's mobile phone.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said investigators have reclassified thecase as abduction.

Morais was reported missing last Friday after he left his Menara Duta residence in Kuala Lumpur for work in Putrajaya.

Sources said Morais left home about 9am, driving a government-issued vehicle, a grey Proton Perdana bearing the registration WA6264Q. 

On Sunday, a burnt car was found in Hutan Melintang, Perak, fuelling suspicion that it might belong to the missing DPP.

Morais's brother, Richard, believes that someone went through a lot of trouble to make sure he would not be found.

Richard told The Star that it was perplexing why anyone would go to the trouble of burning a car found in Hutan Melintang and scraping off the engine number, if indeed the car was Kevin’s.

Chemists have yet to identify the burnt car as that of Kevin’s.

“Why would anyone go to so much trouble to file off the chassis and engine numbers?” the daily quoted Richard as saying. – September 12, 2015.

Tengku Adnan: No permit for "red-shirt" rally

© Provided by The Star Online

KUALA LUMPUR: No permits will be issued for street demonstrations for the Sept 16 “red-shirts” rally, said Federal Territories minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor(pix).

"As far as the rally is concerned, we may consider if it is held in a contained place,” said Tengku Adnan.

He added that he has instructed Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz to not issue permits to those who want to do street demonstrations.

Speaking during Volunteer Malaysia 2015 at the Sultan Sulaiman Club here, Tengku Adnan said the rally participants would not be allowed to use Dataran Merdeka.

"If the organisers want to use Padang Merbok or other stadiums, they must submit an application. But we will not allow them to use Dataran Merdeka,” he said

Tengku Adnan added the organisers must follow rules set by the government, saying that demonstrations at Bukit Bintang or Chow Kit could not be allowed.

He said that he believed police would investigate the matter further.

"We saw what happened at the Bersih rally. It is not the culture of Malaysians to wipe pictures of leaders using brooms, spit or step on these pictures,” said Tengku Adnan.

For Najib, it’s either saving himself or Umno, say observers

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak has to tread lightly at today’s party meeting after his decision to remove deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal…Whether or not Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or leaders get sacked today at the party's highly anticipated Supreme Council meeting, the reality is that Umno is already a deeply divided party.The only difference is today’s meeting will determine whether the split in the country’s largest party could worsen, say veterans and observers.

This was since the main causes of the party’s rift were the scandals of president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his decision to remove Muhyiddin from the Cabinet in July, said Umno veteran Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin.

“Why should he be worried that the party would be more divided?” Zainuddin said when asked whether Muhyiddin’s possible sacking from the party would worsen the rifts in Umno.

“Getting rid of Muhyiddin from the Cabinet has already divided the party,” said Zainuddin, a former information minister and a staunch critic of Najib’s leadership.

Talk is rife, despite denials by senior party leaders, that Muhyiddin and four other Umno leaders will be removed from the party for being critical of Najib and the latter’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

Najib dropped Muhyiddin as deputy prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle in July, a move criticised by the party’s grassroots members. Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, an Umno vice-president, was also dropped for the same reason.

A message circulating on WhatsApp claims that Muhyiddin and Shafie, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Datuk Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Datuk Hamidah Osman and Datuk Jumat Idris will be axed from Umno in today's meeting.

Political analyst Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani predicted that Muhyiddin’s sacking would create a large wave of opposition internally towards Najib.

“Even now we are seeing the impact… the opposition towards Najib from the grassroots is actually quite strong.”

Zainuddin said if Muhyiddin lost his party post, Najib risked further angering his party members who were already upset with Muhyiddin and Shafie’s removal from the Cabinet.

He said other senior Umno leaders, who were also in Cabinet, have called for no action against Muhyiddin and Shafie despite the two’s continued criticism of 1MDB. These leaders are party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Ummo Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

“If Najib goes ahead and sacks (Muhyiddin and Shafie), then it means he is also going against the wishes of people who are close to him.”

Party vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi weighed in on the subject yesterday and dismissed talk that Muhyiddin and Shafied would be given the boot.

"I was never informed and there is no discussion about any dismissals.

"So, please do not raise suspicion and speculate on the matter," he told reporters at a press conference in Putrajaya.

Aziz, who is supposedly on the axed list, said he does not believe that Najib would go through with it.

“As long as I’ve known the president, he is not one for controversies or confrontations. I don’t believe that he will agree with other council members who want the deputy and vice-president sacked.

“If they still decide to sack us, then it means the council is disconnected with the grassroots and the public. But I don’t think the council is that crazy because this involves the deputy and the vice-president.”

Instead, Aziz hoped the meeting today would find ways to bridge the differences between the president and his deputy so that work on winning the next general election could begin.

Former Johor Umno vice-chief Datuk Khairul Anuar Rahmat said the council needed to think of the party’s future and not just the survival of individual leaders.

“The council needs to think of the impact and consequences of their decisions as this is the main party of the Malay community and it has to be an umbrella for all Malaysians.”

Azizuddin, of Universiti Utara Malaysia, said the best approach for Najib would be not to do anything controversial during the meeting.

“The best and safe way out is by making peace.” – September 9, 2015.

Abu Dhabi alleges US$1.4 billion from 1MDB missing, says WSJ

Malays denounce Chinese in racially tinged Malaysia rally

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider A subsidiary of UAE state firm International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) was supposed to have received US$1.4 billion from 1MDB, but there was no such payments recorded in IPIC's financial statements…

An Abu Dhabi state investment fund has alleged that a US$1.4 billion (RM6.02 billion) payment from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to one of its subsidiaries is missing, The Wall Street Journal reports today.

International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC), a United Arab Emirates state investment vehicle, had guaranteed the US$3.5 billion in bonds that 1MDB issued to finance the purchase of power plants in 2012.

In return, IPIC had the option to buy a 49% stake in the power plants as well as collateral for the bond.

According to the auditor-general’s draft report, 1MDB made a collateral payment of US$1.4 billion which went to Aabar Investments PJS, a subsidiary of IPIC, said WSJ in its report highlighting the missing money.

IPIC’s consolidated financial statements, however, show no reference to the receipt of the payment.

Quoting sources, WSJ said neither IPIC nor Aabar received the money and have no knowledge where the funds have gone.

The allegation over the missing US$1.4 billion comes at a politically sensitive time as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also finance minister and chairman of 1MDB's advisory board, comes under scrutiny for accepting RM2.6 billion from a Middle Eastern donor. The money was deposited into his private bank accounts ahead of the 13th general election in 2013.

1MDB, a Finance Ministry-owned firm, is also under scrutiny after amassing RM42 billion debts since it began operations in 2009, as well as for its questionable deals.

Abu Dhabi is now trying to sever ties with 1MDB, said WSJ, and restructure IPIC which had provided funds to the Malaysian state investor.

The business journal said the dealings between the UAE and Malaysia “shine a rare light on the workings of sovereign-wealth funds, which have increased significantly in size and are backed by wealthy governments but often lack transparency”.

On July 2, WSJ reported that US$700 million (RM2.67 billion) was moved among government agencies, banks and entities linked to 1MDB, before ending up in Najib’s personal accounts in five separate deposits.

Najib has denied using the money for personal gains but the scandal has had political and economic fallouts.

More than 200,000 protesters took part in the Bersih 4 rally in August demanding Najib’s ouster, and the ringgit has fallen to a 17-year low, hitting 4.33 to the dollar yesterday. – September 9, 2015.

Malaysia-bashing at Singapore election rallies lost on young voters, say analysts

The Malaysian Insider

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Lee Hsien Loong, the Singapore prime minister who heads the ruling People's Action Party, with supporters during a lunchtime rally, yesterday. A recent Malaysia-bashing speech forced a PAP candidate to…

When a former Singapore minister recently stirred a mini diplomatic controversy by claiming the island-state's superiority over China and neighbouring Malaysia, few even raised an eyebrow.

At an election rally last Thursday, Lim Swee Say, a candidate for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), was espousing the virtues of being Singaporean by proclaiming how fortunate he was not to have ended up as a Chinese citizen had his parents not left China, or Malaysian, had Singapore not separated from Malaya in 1965.

“So I am thinking, if we didn’t separate in 1965, today you and I would be Malaysians, ‘heng’ (lucky) ah,” he said.

Lim later issued an apology, but he was certainly not the only government candidate to draw comparisons – and the inference of superiority – between Singapore and Malaysia, even though he was likely the least subtle.

“You have a divorced couple who talks about each other. This is normal. It cannot be avoided since you were married once,” said political analyst Dr James Chin, who is also director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania.

“The comparison (by Singapore) is always done in the economic arena, strength of the ringgit versus the Singapore dollar, growth rates and so on,” he said.

Dr Ooi Kee Beng, deputy director of Singapore's Yusof Ishak Institute, said the tendency to compare Singapore's fortunes with Malaysia originated from the need to build a strong sense of national pride and identity.

“There are several ways to work on nation-building, in trying to build a sense of pride and uniqueness in the Singaporean person,” said Ooi.

“One way is to be positive; emphasising Singaporeans’ hardwork, success and so on.

“The other way is by comparing, by saying we’re better than our neighbours. Unfortunately, even though they may not always be so explicit, many Singapore politicians still practise that kind of propaganda,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

While Lim's comments, which came during an election rally, were uncharacteristically candid, other PAP heavyweights have been equally comfortable in attempting to draw distinctions between the region’s richest country, and its economically inferior neighbour.

Last week, K. Shanmugan, Singapore's foreign affairs and law minister, subtly drew attention to the ringgit’s dismal performance against the strengthening Singapore dollar, in an otherwise non-related discussion about the state of Singapore’s low-wage earners.

During an online election debate hosted by sociopolitical site Inconvenient Questions, Shanmugan discussed the success of the Workfare scheme, introduced in 2007, as a programme where the government tops up the wages of low-income earners.

“Workfare goes up to $1,900 today. In Malaysia, a starting lawyer gets RM2,500. (So) Workfare covers up to RM5,700 in Malaysia,” he told panelists.

The subtle, and sometimes not so, inferences that Singapore’s leaders make about the country’s prosperity and safety had in the past worked to convince its people of the effectiveness of their government.

But analysts believe the younger crop of voters are no longer swayed by the same sentiments.

"Nowadays, I think this sort of comparisons, if any, don't quite resonate because people tend to focus on domestic issues," said political observer Dr Oh Ei Sun from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Ooi said the younger voters were more concerned with issues affecting their future, such as foreign immigration policies and a "fear that foreigners will come in and take what they believe is theirs".

“This kind of programming works better with the first and maybe second generation of Singaporeans. The young people are less concerned with a strong Singaporean identity than they are with issues that affect their quality of life,” he said.

“The problem is, some government politicians believe their own propaganda so much, that they keep repeating the same old arguments.

"If they don't adequately address the domestic issues that the voters are concerned with, they will surely stand to lose out."

A total of 2.46 voters will cast their ballots Friday, where for the first time in Singapore's history, all 89 seats will be contested.

While it is almost a given that the party will continue to win the majority of seats in Friday's election, analysts believe PAP will face fierce competition in several key seats. – September 9, 2015.

Scorn for Najib’s call for Budget 2016 ideas on Twitter, Facebook

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s attempt to solicit feedback on suggestions for Budget 2016 has resulted in brickbats on social media. – The Malaysian Insider pic, September 12, 2015.A request for suggestions and ideas for Budget 2016 has drawn a torrent of criticism against Datuk Seri Najib Razak as well as calls for his resignation, as social media users vent their frustrations over alleged financial scandals implicating the prime minister.

In postings on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, Najib had invited the public to give feedback on the upcoming Budget, which will be tabled in Parliament on October 23, on his blog, najibrazak.com/bajet2016.

While there were many constructive comments on the microsite, which spanned 15 categories, as well as on his Facebook on how to tackle the high cost of living, many social media users also responded with sarcasm and criticism.

On Najib's Facebook, some highlighted the RM2.6 billion "donation" from an unknown Middle Eastern source deposited into his personal bank accounts.

Others expressed scepticism over the government's intention to use revenue from the goods and services tax (GST) for the welfare of the people, while some, in a possible reference to the RM2.6 billion, cheekily asked for “donations” to help their relatives and friends.

"Nak 100k Dato Sri. Nak bantu org kampong," Mikel Azzam said. (Want RM100,000 Datuk Seri, Want to help the rural folks.)

NTee Jym said: "Atau pinjam saya 50k nak berkahwin. ...pinjam je ….." (Or lend me RM50,000, want to get married... borrowing only).

Some were more straightforward, asking Najib about the RM2.6 billion, as did Muhamad Fauzi Ibrahim in his posting: "Duit 2.6 billion macam

mana?" (What about the RM2.6 billion?) while Eugene Looi asked when the money would be given to the people.

"Bila pula nak pulangkan Wang donation 2.6 billion tu kpd rakyat?" (When will the RM2.6 billion be returned to the people?)

Peter Lim asked if Najib had fulfilled all his previous promises.

"Janji dulu dah settle? Sekarang nak janji baru pulak?" (Have you fulfilled your previous promises? Now, you want to make new promises?)

The ringgit free fall is clearly in the mind of Nur Masri when she asked Najib to stem the decline of the Malaysian currency.

"Pulihkn matawang (Help the currency)," she said.

Kiran Rj said "free education" should be available to all.

There were also those who only used the hashtag #najibletakjwtanPM (Najib resign as PM) repeatedly.

Amid the brickbats, there were some who expressed support for Najib through the hashtag #Bajet2016 #SupportBN #SupportPM #SehatiSejiwa.

On Najib's Twitter account, most of his followers asked him to abolish the GST which Putrajaya rolled out in April, and also for him to step down.

"@NajibRazak saya cadangkan dato letak jawatan..bernas idea aku dokkk," said a user with the handle @uzairsadini. (@NajibRazak I propose that Datuk quit, isn't this a bright idea?)

@MohdSayutiOmar also asked Najib to explain the whereabouts of the RM2.6 billion.

"@NajibRazak sebelum minta cadangan jawab dulu ke mana lesapnya 2.6b." (@NajibRazak, before asking for suggestions, where is the RM2.6 billion?)

@Wnamierah_ said it was time for Najib to let go of power. "@NajibRazak sy cadangkan dato letak jawatan duk rumah jaga wife dgn duit derma tu. Yg lain dah takpe biar org lain pulak take over." (@NajibRazak, I suggest Datuk quit, stay at home and take care of your wife with the donated money. As for others, never mind, let other people take over.)

Nik Fahmi at @FahmiBDent asked the prime minister to explain the alleged scandals surrounding him.

"@NajibRazak DS nk menangkan hati rakyat? Come clean pasal 1MDB, 2.6bil, Altantuya Shaaribu etc. Rakyat dh muak sgt dgn drama UMNO. Ikhlas." (@NajibRazak Datuk Seri want to satisfy people? Come clean on 1MDB, RM2.6 billion, Altantuya Shaariibuu. The people are sick of Umno drama, Sincerely.)

hafiz @_hafiz simply told Najib to return the RM2.6 billion to the people.

"@NajibRazak return 2.6bil to rakyat."

A Twitter user Vamos using the handle @vamos32 was harsher, telling Najib to quit.

"@NajibRazak Cadangan saya letak jawatan. Beri laluan kpd mereka yg lebih layak utk jawatan ni. Negara ni dah jahanam di bawah kepimpinan DS. (@NajibRazak My suggestion is you quit. Make way to those more qualified for his post. This country has been condemned under your leadership).

Najib's blog is open to public feedback on Budget 2016 until September 15. – September 12, 2015.

Haze until end of the month

PETALING JAYA: The haze is expected to continue until the end of this month and the Meteorological Department will carry out cloud seeding if the Air Pollutant Index (API) goes beyond 100 for three consecutive days.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Madius Tangau said yesterday that the department, together with the air force, would conduct cloud seeding if the atmosphere and cloud situation were suitable.

“The increase in the number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan and the hot and dry season over the last few days had resulted in the severe haze in Sarawak and several states in the peninsula,” Madius said in a statement.

© Provided by The Star Online

The department has also issued poor visibility warning for ships travelling in the Strait of Malacca, Sarawak, Labuan and the west coast of Sabah.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the dry and haze season was expected to end with the start of the inter-monsoon season in October.

As of 11am yesterday, 17 areas had unhealthy air quality readings.

Among the worst were Port Klang which recorded an API of 164; Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur (157); Shah Alam (156); and Kuala Selangor (151).