You cannot put the blame entirely on the auditor, says a reader. The magnitude of the losses can only lead to one conclusion, intentional fraud.

Disgusted Director: I personally opined that Transmile's directors are to be fully responsible for the losses. You cannot put the blame entirely on external consultants such as the auditor. If there is no intention to 'cheat', obviously we don't get such a big mess. Mistakes only result in small dents on the accounts. The magnitude of the losses and the investigation can only lead to one conclusion, intentional fraud.

Thus, all the directors must be hauled up by Securities Commission, especially the chairman. In developed bourses like those in Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, the chairman is supposed to be the 'head' of all directors. If he doesn't care or know anything, he shouldn't be there to collect the benefits.

If you represent the shareholders and not involve in day-to-day operation, you are also equally responsible, you can't give excuses. You are supposed to ask, probe and satisfy yourself on the accounts and performance of the company. If you can't cope or just not good enough, then resign.

Corporate Malaysia is still a long way behind in terms of international standards. It's time, SC and authorities place the independent and non-executive directors on the same platform as the executive directors in terms of fines and prosecution. We need better quality directors instead of using PLCs (public-listed companies) and GLCs (government-linked companies) as "retirement homes" for ex-politicians, government servants and ex-ministers.

On Ctos serves demand letter on Kayveas

MS: Minister Kayveas is absolutely right in saying that Ctos should be banned and the banks ordered to get their credit information only through Bank Negara.

There is a lot of affected people who have been unable to obtain loans due to outdated information given to banks by Ctos. I am not blaming Ctos, they are in a (lucrative) business supported by nervous banks. They flourish because of a lack of credible credit databases.

It is high time Bank Negara implemented such a database instead of leaving banks to rely on such cavalier outfits. Especially given that the managing director of Ctos does not even begin to understand the problems he is causing to the general public. I know Ctos doesn't tell affected persons when they list them and refuse to entertain inputs from affected parties when they find out (from banks) they are listed on Ctos and offer updated their personal information.

Ham: Datuk Kayveas, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Ctos has by unauthorised means delivered a verdict of 'guilty forever'. If someone has settled his/her debts/dues, Ctos still do not take his/her name out.

If they are so diligent in putting the names on the list, they should be equally responsible in dropping them accordingly. And anyone whose name is there is not duty-bound to 'prove' to Ctos after matters with the bank have been settled. If Ctos is so efficient in collating names for profit reasons, they should equally follow up on resolved matters, at their own cost!

On Apostasy - no justification for Islam to change policy

TA Loh: I find what Abdul Rahman Abdul Talib said to be perplexing.

"There is no need to repeal the apostasy law as Islam is very clear on the issue of coercing others into adopting Islam. Just as Islam is tough on apostasy, so too is Islam tough on coercion (into Islam). Islamic governments are strictly prohibited in the coercion of others so much so that they are forced to adopt equality in their governmental policies. This is to avoid an economic and social condition whereby adopting Islam would serve as a convenient tool towards government aid and assistance. Such aid is viewed by Islam as a form of coercion."

Ten years ago, a good friend of mine contemplated marrying a Malay Muslim girl. He was a Chinese with no strong attachments to any religion. He said to me, "What's so bad about becoming a Muslim in this country? I'm securing a future for my generations to come. They will be eligible for the NEP."

I was flabbergasted at that time, but what he said was true. What Abdul Rahman said, however, is naive.

On Opposition muzzled - here's black and white proof

Ah Chong: This is a slap in the face for the Malaysian rakyat. The administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi shows that it is intolerant to opposition voices and that it does not see the need for checks and balance and transparency in the democratic life of the nation. It is an insult to the Malaysian people.

I would ask all Malaysians to boycott any newspaper, radio stations or television station who openly adhere to this ridiculous directive from the Communication and Multimedia Commission. We must show that the rakyat are not idiots who cannot differentiate propaganda from real news.

On Wraps stay over May 13 riots

YSM: As long as the masterminds of May13 are around, the ghost of May13 shall forever follow us. The confidential documents shall never be declassified. The BN survives by reminding us of the sensitivities of May 13. It shall always be there to haunt us and remind us of the fragility of Malaysia's unity.

This scar is painful but some would not have us forget it or find out the truth behind it.

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