Archive - 15 July 2019

Body of heroic tour guide found in Mulu's Deer Cave

Body of heroic tour guide found in Mulu's Deer Cave

He saved eight tourists during a flash flood in a cave in Gunung Mulu National Park.
Show me the money, says Dr M of GST money reported 'not missing' by PAC

Show me the money, says Dr M of GST money reported 'not missing' by PAC

The RM19.4bil would only be deemed 'not missing' if the funds concerned are recovered.
Robots to install telescopes to peer into cosmos from the moon

Robots to install telescopes to peer into cosmos from the moon

The work underscores Nasa's plan to establish a lasting presence on the moon in the new space race, unlike the fleeting Apollo missions that came before.
Alliance Bank says not guilty of union-busting

Alliance Bank says not guilty of union-busting

It adds the apex court also did not rule that the bank had broken any law.
32.6m - estimated population of M'sia in 2019

32.6m - estimated population of M'sia in 2019

Chief statistician says of the total, 29.4m are Malaysian citizens and 3.2m are non-citizens.
Following PKR’s lead, Bersatu to open voting to all members

Following PKR’s lead, Bersatu to open voting to all members

Mahathir says Bersatu would hold a special meeting to amend the party constitution.
AGC rejects Hafarizam's representation over money laundering charges

AGC rejects Hafarizam's representation over money laundering charges

DPP says an application to transfer the case to the High Court would be filed later.
RM1b seized from Chinese company over pipeline project, says Mahathir

RM1b seized from Chinese company over pipeline project, says Mahathir

'I don't see why the Chinese would feel unhappy because we are not taking back money for what they have done.'
Dr M: If palace had intervened, we’ll void Johor’s youth age decision

Dr M: If palace had intervened, we’ll void Johor’s youth age decision

PM says the Johor palace has no business interfering in the federal government’s decisions.
‘Go to Tg Rambutan’ – Dr M responds to ‘Bersatu was Kit Siang’s idea’ claim

‘Go to Tg Rambutan’ – Dr M responds to ‘Bersatu was Kit Siang’s idea’ claim

This after ex-Bersatu veep claims she saw the DAP stalwart pitch the Bersatu idea to Mahathir.
'Customs DG admitted they wilfully delayed processing GST refund claims'

'Customs DG admitted they wilfully delayed processing GST refund claims'

PAC REPORT | The dept was concerned about the lack of funds to pay off the claims, says Subromaniam.
Audit Dept reprimands three Kelantan gov't agencies

Audit Dept reprimands three Kelantan gov't agencies

AUDIT REPORT | It says the state's affordable home programme has failed to meet its objectives.
Sale and purchase agreement for Bandar Malaysia project to be inked soon

Sale and purchase agreement for Bandar Malaysia project to be inked soon

Finance minister says the government is negotiating with the developer to finalise the terms of the agreement.
Pakatan Harapan open to PAS joining coalition - Mukhriz

Pakatan Harapan open to PAS joining coalition - Mukhriz

Bersatu deputy president says any effort to unite the ummah is a good move.
Khazanah turns profit after selling Saudi power, water stake

Khazanah turns profit after selling Saudi power, water stake

Wealth fund says it has achieved commercial objectives of its investment in M'sian Shoaiba Consortium.
Education Ministry urged to assess second phase of 1BestariNet

Education Ministry urged to assess second phase of 1BestariNet

AUDIT REPORT | Auditor-general finds that its implementation was not comprehensive.
Treasury sec-gen: I do not think the RM19.4b was stolen

Treasury sec-gen: I do not think the RM19.4b was stolen

He also says there is sufficient revenue from GST collection to pay off the RM19.4 billion in supposedly delayed GST refunds.
After Felda remarks, Chef Wan's restaurant marinates in negative reviews

After Felda remarks, Chef Wan's restaurant marinates in negative reviews

They think all Malaysians are as stupid as them to swallow that 's***', retaliates the celebrity chef.
Government to table new Procurement Bill next July

Government to table new Procurement Bill next July

The move will ensure transparency in governmental expenditure, says finance minister.
Audit Dept terms Guan Eng, Customs' RM19.4b claim as inaccurate

Audit Dept terms Guan Eng, Customs' RM19.4b claim as inaccurate

PAC REPORT | The Audit Department tells the PAC that it is not on the same page with the finance minister.
Academy of Sciences yet to return unused RM31.6m to gov't

Academy of Sciences yet to return unused RM31.6m to gov't

AUDIT REPORT | Auditor-general recommends that the Science Ministry reclaim the unused funds from the academy.

MOF denies ordering seizure of US$240m from CPP account

MOF denies ordering seizure of US$240m from CPP account

Guan Eng says questions on the reported seizure should be directed to the relevant agency.

JKR paid twice for ECER land acquisition - audit report

JKR paid twice for ECER land acquisition - audit report

AUDIT REPORT | The department had taken steps to get a refund, but the money has not been collected.

Malaria afflicting Kuala Lipis Orang Asli not life-threatening

Malaria afflicting Kuala Lipis Orang Asli not life-threatening

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says the outbreak affecting 15 Orang Asli was a mild version.

Najib insists GST refunds done by the book, PAC can't find proof

Najib insists GST refunds done by the book, PAC can't find proof

PAC REPORT | Both Najib and Irwan Serigar said that the GST Act was adhered to.

Johor state gov't to meet youth groups on age cap issue

Johor state gov't to meet youth groups on age cap issue

Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the state remains committed to capping 'youth' at 40.

Wild animals are not pets

Wild animals are not pets

LETTER | Several incidents have highlighted a disturbing trend of individuals keeping wildlife as pets.

Irwan: Gov't needs prioritised over legitimate GST refund claims

Irwan: Gov't needs prioritised over legitimate GST refund claims

PAC REPORT | Former Treasury sec-gen told the PAC that the gov't's operating expenditure was put first.

Almost RM50m went into Najib's account in 2014, High Court hears

Almost RM50m went into Najib's account in 2014, High Court hears

NAJIB TRIAL | The purposes of some of the fund transfers were stated as 'loan', AmBank unit manager says.
WTO complaint against EU palm oil curb to be filed by November

WTO complaint against EU palm oil curb to be filed by November

UPDATED 5.28PM | Related documents are now with the Attorney-General's Chambers, says Teresa Kok.
Expulsion of non-Malay press from Umno meet a 'technical error'

Expulsion of non-Malay press from Umno meet a 'technical error'

It was intended to be a closed-door meet, but request to media was worded unsuitably, says Ismail Sabri.
What does he know, KJ pans Umno veteran's 'Bossku a youth magnet' claim

What does he know, KJ pans Umno veteran's 'Bossku a youth magnet' claim

Tajuddin Abdul Rahman defends ex-PM's appointment as BN adviser based on his popularity among youths.

Routing GST funds into different account a breach of law, says AG

Routing GST funds into different account a breach of law, says AG

Tommy Thomas also argues that it is a radical departure from Parliament's intentions.

Anwar's meet with fishermen on PSR slammed as 'sandiwara'

Anwar's meet with fishermen on PSR slammed as 'sandiwara'

Gerakan claims there is a lack of sincerity in what the PKR president said during the meeting.

Najib should check his facts on Robert Kuok, Nazri says

Najib should check his facts on Robert Kuok, Nazri says

UPDATED 2.32PM | He also stresses that his criticisms of the tycoon have nothing to do with MCA's waning support.

Trade minister: Drastic 73pct increase to FDI in Q1 2019

Trade minister: Drastic 73pct increase to FDI in Q1 2019

UPDATED 4PM | PARLIAMENT | Malaysia recorded RM29.3 billion in approved FDI, says Darrell Leiking.

Haziq, five others remanded for 'distributing obscene material'

Haziq, five others remanded for 'distributing obscene material'

Federal CID chief Huzir Mohamed says the suspects have been remanded for six days to facilitate investigations.
GST refunds were misused, full stop

GST refunds were misused, full stop

MP SPEAKS | 'Najib and past gov't enjoyed interest-free capital at taxpayers' expense.'

GST refunds 'robbed': Opposition refers Guan Eng to rights committee

GST refunds 'robbed': Opposition refers Guan Eng to rights committee

PARLIAMENT | After PAC report tabled, Ismail Sabri claims the finance minister had misled the Dewan.

Eminent activist to speak on relevance of Gandhi in modern times

Eminent activist to speak on relevance of Gandhi in modern times

Anwar Fazal says he will focus on non-violence and trusteeship during lecture in conjunction with famed Indian activist's 150th birthday. 

PAC report: GST revenue went to wrong account but 'no money lost'

PAC report: GST revenue went to wrong account but 'no money lost'

PAC REPORT | This had led to delays in GST refunds and is possibly a violation of the law.
Undi18: Malaysia's historic constitutional amendment to give voice to youth

Undi18: Malaysia's historic constitutional amendment to give voice to youth

MP SPEAKS | If the bill is passed, there will be about 3.8 million youths eligible to vote in the next general election.

Apandi sues Kit Siang for RM10m over 1MDB remarks

Apandi sues Kit Siang for RM10m over 1MDB remarks

Among others, the ex-AG claims the DAP veteran's remarks implied he 'aided and abetted' the scandal.

Former Pantai Manis rep exits Bersatu, rejoins Umno

Former Pantai Manis rep exits Bersatu, rejoins Umno

Abdul Rahim Ismail says he is 'politically paralysed' after being left out from the divisional committee.

Home Ministry to decide on decriminalisation of drug addicts soon

Home Ministry to decide on decriminalisation of drug addicts soon

UPDATED 3.41PM | PARLIAMENT | Azis Jamman adds that his ministry is also discussing treatment and rehabilitation.
China's second quarter GDP growth at 27-year low

China's second quarter GDP growth at 27-year low

Stronger-than-expected gains in June factory output and retail sales offer signs of stabilisation.

The research and development driving our palm oil industry forward

The research and development driving our palm oil industry forward

Malaysia is at the forefront of palm oil research, establishing various organisations.
Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions for Russian defence purchase

Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions for Russian defence purchase

'Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground,' says the Turkish president.

Caged calls on the Home Ministry to work with IGP

Caged calls on the Home Ministry to work with IGP

LETTER | We want the ministry to back the IGP’s desire to reform the police force.

Majority of gov't bodies graded 'excellent' in financial management

Majority of gov't bodies graded 'excellent' in financial management

AUDIT REPORT | Auditor-general says that programmes were generally implemented according to procedures.

Bersatu to propose clause to postpone party elections

Bersatu to propose clause to postpone party elections

If approved, amendment will allow supreme council to postpone polls at all party levels.

Suhakam must probe custodial death of Nigerian student

Suhakam must probe custodial death of Nigerian student

LETTER | Ewansiha should have been released within hours, and not still be in detention for days.

Is allowing blacklisted PTPN borrowers to apply for loans a good thing?

Is allowing blacklisted PTPN borrowers to apply for loans a good thing?

Blacklisting on CCRIS should not be a deciding factor to reject housing loan applications from young workers.

Mitra programmes alone will not transform the Indian community

Mitra programmes alone will not transform the Indian community

LETTER | Waythamoorthy should stop misleading the community with false hope in education.

Agong departs for home after special visit to Saudi Arabia

Agong departs for home after special visit to Saudi Arabia

This was the Agong's inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

Crying shame that some BN leaders still trying to keep a lid on 1MDB

Crying shame that some BN leaders still trying to keep a lid on 1MDB

MP SPEAKS | The rest of the world is trying to get to the bottom of the heinous global scandal.

Yoursay: New M'sia must respect rights of original bumis

Yoursay: New M'sia must respect rights of original bumis

YOURSAY | 'Stop sweeping things under the carpet; it's already bulging.'

Nine killed as plane crashes during skydiving trip in Sweden

Nine killed as plane crashes during skydiving trip in Sweden

The small plane crashed on an island on the Ume river shortly after takeoff.

US firms may get nod to restart Huawei sales in 2-4 weeks - official

US firms may get nod to restart Huawei sales in 2-4 weeks - official

In 2018, Huawei spent an estimated US$11 billion buying components from US technology firms.

Trump to Democratic congresspersons: 'Go back' to where you came from

Trump to Democratic congresspersons: 'Go back' to where you came from

'The country I ‘come from,’ and the country we all swear to, is the US,' says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Yoursay: KJ is tainted by the company he keeps

Yoursay: KJ is tainted by the company he keeps

YOURSAY | 'They try to drain the swamp, but snakes just continue to breed and multiply happily.'

P vivax malaria outbreak in Orang Asli village in Kuala Lipis - source

P vivax malaria outbreak in Orang Asli village in Kuala Lipis - source

UPDATED 3.34PM | Health DG says four children among 15 villagers affected, and are in stable condition.

'I rejected millions to defect, why take bribes worth thousands now?'

'I rejected millions to defect, why take bribes worth thousands now?'

Perak exco member to report the case to PKR disciplinary committee, repeats denial of bribery allegations.

Johor DOE to shut down 18 illegal factories in Pasir Gudang

Johor DOE to shut down 18 illegal factories in Pasir Gudang

So far, authorities have inspected about 250 factories and issued 125 compounds for various offences.

Day 37: Court allows Najib to attend Dewan Rakyat for Undi 18 debate

Day 37: Court allows Najib to attend Dewan Rakyat for Undi 18 debate

LIVE | Malaysiakini brings you live reports from ex-PM Najib Abdul Razak's SRC International trial.
Can we trust the government to investigate anything?

Can we trust the government to investigate anything?

COMMENT | The system is the way it is because Malaysians do not really care, in any meaningful way, about the abuses of the system.

Nigerians tell of alleged ill-treatment by M'sian authorities

Nigerians tell of alleged ill-treatment by M'sian authorities

This comes after a PhD student was detained and died in custody five days later.

Nazri, Najib exchange fire, and 8 news from yesterday

Nazri, Najib exchange fire, and 8 news from yesterday

KINI ROUNDUP | Key headlines you may have missed yesterday.