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Budget carrier pulls plug, minister shocked
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Budget carrier pulls plug, minister shocked
Goldman Sachs vs M’sia in UK
Orang Asli tribe turn to cops over fashion show
Budget carrier pulls plug, minister shocked
Barely a year after its maiden flight, MYAirline Sdn Bhd abruptly suspended its operations. In a 5.30am media statement, the budget carrier said it was folding its wings due to “significant financial pressures”.
Passengers who waited in the wee hours of the morning to catch their flights were greeted by empty MyAirline counters.
The Transport Ministry and Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) were caught by surprise, much to Anthony Loke’s chagrin.
“We only knew of this (their decision to cease operations) late last night and by 6am, they had suspended all operations.
“Mavcom was not even informed (of the matter),” the livid transport minister told a media conference.
Loke had some choice words for the carrier, calling it irresponsible. He noted that some 125,000 people, including those who purchased flight tickets in advance, were affected.
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Goldman Sachs vs M’sia in UK
Goldman Sachs Group has filed legal action against Malaysia in a United Kingdom court in relation to the settlement agreement linked to the bank’s role in the 1MDB affair.
According to a spokesperson, the group filed the arbitration because the Malaysian government “violated its obligations to appropriately credit assets against the guarantee provided by Goldman Sachs in our settlement agreement and to recover other assets.”
However, the government has denied the allegations.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said the allegations have “mischaracterised the conduct of Putrajaya.”
“The AGC, on behalf of the government of Malaysia, will prepare its response within the confines of the law and reiterate that the interest of the Malaysian people is paramount,” it added.
On the other hand, the special taskforce to recover 1MDB assets said it was “surprised” by Goldman Sachs’ “premature” move to initiate arbitration proceedings against Malaysia.
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Orang Asli tribe turn to cops over fashion show
The Mah Meri Orang Asli community have filed a police report over fashion designer Anuar Zainal’s new collection which saw topless male models wearing their ritual masks.
Village chairperson Azman Sap alleged the collection called “Mah Meri x Anuar Zainal” mocked the tribe’s ancient tradition.
The collection, showcased in a fashion show in conjunction with the CIMB Artober festival on Oct 8, received backlash from several quarters, with some accusing Anuar of cultural appropriation.
Defending his collection, the designer said it was aimed at generating income for the Orang Asli tribe.
Anuar said he wanted to dignify the increasingly marginalised and deprived Mah Meri community by taking inspiration from the culture, as it is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
“Maybe a few (quarters) felt sensitive when a certain culture is given a touch of fashion. They should admit that such efforts are important to uplift their economy in the world of modernisation,” he added.
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Views that matter
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By Francis Paul Siah |
 | By Lutfi Hakim Ariff |
Other news that matter
In an interview with Malaysiakini, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek acknowledges that expectations are high. However, she said “every small victory and every good improvement is a reformasi”.
In a rare show of solidarity, both government and opposition MPs contributed to the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine to support the Palestinian cause.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Treasury staff “who did not go home, postponed visiting their ailing fathers, and celebrating their children’s birthdays” to prepare the national budget, economic report, and fiscal outlook.
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