Damning the Bakun dam (source: Malaysiakini)

Malaysiakini reported on 30 Aug, 2008 in "Bakun dam comes under fire", that according to the Auditor-General’s Report 2007, the cost of the controversial Bakun dam has escalated from RM4.5 billion to RM7.5 Billion. So far, RM3.91 billion has already been spent on the project.

Some of the "weaknesses" highlighted by the Auditor-General’s Report are:

- an additional RM708 million was approved for construction of the main dam even though contractually it should be borne by the contractor

- completion date of the main dam is supposed to be in Sept 2007 but is now extended to June 2010

- delay in completion of the main dam has resulted in compensation claims by other affected contractors to the tune of RM510.8 million. RM100 million has already been approved for payment as compensation to these companies

It was also reported in The Star, "A-G’s report: Costly delay on Bakun dam project", that one of the electro-mechanical works contractors, BEM 1-C Contract Consortium, seeking compensation of RM349.46 million had yet to sign a contract with SHSB (Sarawak Hydro Sdn Bhd the 100% government-owned company now responsible for building the dam). Not only that, M317.64mil in deposit and progress payment have already been paid to this contractor even though the contract is yet to be signed!

"Weaknesses" seems too polite a term to be used for such gross negligence and incompetence exhibited in handling the project. No privately owned company would have tolerated such mismanagement. Heads would have rolled long before it reaches this point. However, the sole shareholder of SHSB is the government and ultimately the funds come from taxpayers and it seems like when it comes to taxpayers' money there is no accountability for mismanagement. Various parties seem to treat the source of the funds as a bottomless honeypot which they can draw from endlessly with impunity.

It is also shocking that while SHSB is quick to offer compensation to contractors affected by delays caused by another contractor, it is not so forthcoming when it comes to the 10,000 indigenous people who were displaced by the Bakun dam project (the area affected is equivalent to the size of Singapore). As of December 2007, some of the affected residents of the Bakun area have yet to received full compensation and RM46.28mil is yet to be paid to them.

Illegal money destined for Permatang Pauh?

RM16m scandal in HK: Report lodged against Sabah CM Lee Way Loon and Rahmah Ghazali Aug 22, 2008 - Malaysiakini Four DAP leaders today lodged a police report against Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman for allegedly being involved in a RM16 million smuggling scandal following the arrest of his foster brother in Hong Kong last week. "It does not matter if Musa has denied his involvement and the Permatang Pauh by-election is going on, the police and the ACA should proceed with the investigation against him,” DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said. Kota Kinabalu MP Dr Hiew King Chiew, Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Jimmy Wong together with party stalwarts Kit Siang and Lim Lip Eng lodged the report at Dang Wangi police station at 11.30 this morning. DAP's police report was based on a Malaysia Today report which said Musa's foster brother, Michael Chia, had been arrested on his way to Kuala Lumpur carrying RM16 million cash in a bag, purportedly for use in Barisan Nasional's Permatang Pauh by-election campaign. “According to a reliable source in the Hong Kong police and Interpol, they had been keeping an eye on Micheal for the past three years. In the end, he was caught red-handed with Singaporean currency worth RM16 million placed in his suitcase,” web-portal Malaysia Today said. The report also said Michael had pleaded with the police to release him as the money belonged to Musa and he was only the 'agent' smuggling in the money. “Musa was fuming about Michael's arrest and worried he would be arrested as well. To add insult to injury, Musa's bank accounts in Hong Kong were frozen immediately,” the report added. ‘Is the money illegal?’ Kit Siang, who is also MP for Ipoh Timur, urged police to act swiftly against the chief minister and emulate the Anti-Corruption Agency's action against Perak executive councillors who were recently arrested for alleged graft. He said apart from the police, the ACA as an independent body should also take a hand in the case. Kota Kinabalu MP Hiew also raised doubts about the source of the money – where it came from and what it was actually meant for. “The police and ACA should investigate where the money came from and what it is for. Does it come from any illegal way?” questioned Hiew, adding that the latest allegation against Musa would tarnish the image of Sabahans. “We always say the Sabahans are poor, but then we have a report saying the chief minister owned RM16 million, this will definitely give a bad impression from the people in the peninsula on us,” said Hiew. Lip Eng, DAP parliamentarian for Segambut, also suggested the police held Musa’s passport so as to be fair to the recently arrested Perak excos, whose travel documents were impounded. ...source http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88361

Perak exco duo to sue ACA

Perak exco duo: Retract articles and apologise or we’ll sue media and ACA BY CHRISTINA KOH and CLARA CHOOI August 23, 2008 - The Star IPOH: The two Perak state executive councillors who were detained for alleged graft have given the Anti-Corruption Agency and the media 24 hours to apologise or face a RM100mil defamation suit. Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi and Changkat Jering assemblyman Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu demanded the apology and retraction of the news articles related to their arrests at a press conference at the State Secretariat here yesterday. Earlier, Jamaluddin was released at the state ACA office here on bail of RM20,000 at 10.30am after his remand expired. He promptly joined his fellow exco members at their weekly meeting at the State Secretariat. On Tuesday, Mohd Osman and four others were picked up by the ACA for alleged graft involving a proposed housing project in Seri Iskandar worth RM180mil. They were released on similar bails on Thursday after the High Court shortened the remand period. Jamaluddin was arrested on Wednesday when he gave a statement at the ACA office. Mohd Osman said he was shocked when he saw the reports in the media with pictures of him handcuffed. “This has caused much embarrassment for my mother, my wife, my children and all my family members in Malaysia and Singapore,” he said, adding that the statement issued by the ACA headquarters in Putrajaya was grossly distorted for it had alleged that both of them were involved in rasuah seks (sexual favours). Mohd Osman refuted the reports that he and the others were arrested at a hotel here. “It actually happened at Kluang Station (restaurant). I did not know there was a hotel there. The media reports also made it seem like Jamaluddin and I are sex maniacs,” said Mohd Osman. Jamaluddin said if the ACA and the media did not apologise and retract their reports, they would file their defamation suits by Monday. Meanwhile, the case took an interesting turn with revelations that unknown persons “planted cash” just before Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin were arrested. It is learnt that Mohd Osman had been having tea with some friends at the restaurant when an “attractive and small-sized woman” came with another man and sat with the group. A source said the woman who was carrying a black bag placed it on the table. Minutes later, ACA officials arrived to make the arrests. Perak ACA director Samsiah Abu Bakar had earlier said the bag, containing the RM100,000 in cash, had been in Mohd Osman’s possession when the arrests were made. Perak senior exco Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham said the media was wrong to name and display the faces of both Jamaluddin and Mohd Osman. He also questioned the need to handcuff them when they had cooperated with the authorities. ...source

Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds III

The following is a letter addressed to Mahathir found on SUSAN LOONE’s blog which is worth sharing widely.

By Jayashanker Rajagopal SUSAN LOONE’s blog - 1 April 2008 Dear Tun Dr Mahathir, My first impression when I read your letter – Dr M speaks up on Rulers and politicians – The Sun 28/3/08 – was - wow, what an irony. Perhaps the irony of all ironies. The jury’s out, and you still want to justify yourself before the masses. What does it take, for you to admit, the role you played in bringing Malaysia to the depressing state that it is today - politically, socially, morally and economically? (Though the recent GE has at least offered hope- nevertheless the road ahead is still long). What does it take for you to admit, YOUR faults? The lame excuses offered in your letter – Even other accusations against me, including the dismissal of judges, were not my doing and I do not feel obliged to apologise. Ask the Tribunal to apologise. Really Tun, and you would have us to believe that you were just a passive by-stander when this nation’s bastion of justice was being flushed down into a black hole? In any event, why moot the notion of an apology, unless something wrong was committed? If yes, why did you, as the paramount leader, do nothing? To clear its good name, the Government should get credible foreign agencies to do… investigation. This, coming from an individual who bedevilled foreigners in his days. In any event, can they also pull out files from your time in office? Of course, if such an imaginary course of action was ever possible, I can just picture your response – “ I can’t remember”, or “it’s my prerogative”…. “I am aware that people are looking into possible misdeeds by me during my 22 years …..So far they have not found anything”. Well Tun, perhaps it’s because these “people” haven’t gone very far yet….but then, what do you think the VK Lingam tape episode is all about? Tun – are you really upset because of Badawi’s ineptness, or are you acting that way because Badawi cancelled your pet projects, and as a result, your cronies couldn’t get a hold of the hand-me-downs which you would have promised them during your reign? What kind of road show are you putting up here? To get sympathy from the masses? Wouldn’t it be easier if you just apologised? I sincerely doubt, as do many Malaysians, that this re-birth of Malaysia would have been possible if you were still in power today. Here you are, a trigger happy man when it concerns Badawi and his ilk. However, convenient ignorance is the order of the day when it comes to your own misdeeds of the past. Alas, for these things that you whack Badawi for, bear very much, the finger prints that you had left in your 22 years of being the nation’s Chief Executive. Many are critical of Badawi at this point, and rightly so. But was it Badawi who created the rot? Or did he inherit it before he himself went on to tinker with it? How could he have created it, in the four short years that he ruled? And yet Tun, you would aver to have us believe, that you are as innocent as a blue-eyed, sweet-dimpled baby in the evolution of all things wrong in Malaysia. Let me list it out:- * The rot of the Judiciary * The muzzled and impotent mass media * The demonising of a valid Opposition and the tactical use of the May 13 fear to augment it. * The suppression of basic civil rights - it wasn’t Badawi who started the practice of gassing the nation’s people who exercised their right to peaceful public demonstrations. * The ISA and Operasi Lallang. * The use of racial politics to rule and divide. * The corruption that is the civil service today. * The loss of billions of ringgits - this practice too, wasn’t started by Badawi, even though he certainly raised the bar! Let’s recap :- MAS, UEM, MRCB, Renong, Proton, Perwaja, Bank Bumi, the E-Village, Paya Indah Wetlands, MSC, Cyber-jaya, the Putrajaya development which today, is a certified loss, the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the purchase of MAS shares by EPF at higher than market price, the so-called “paper” loss of billions through FOREX & Tin Futures Trading, the rise of money politics in UMNO and BN, toll concessions that burden the rakyat, lop-sided agreements with Independent Power Producers, the issuance of APs, the mis-allocation of Bumi shares/contracts/scholarships etc. to relatives of Ministers and leacherous hop-on political riders, extravagant projects that provide nothing more than gloss when measuring national achievements, and so on and so forth. And just where do we conclude this list? You were definitely better than Badawi at controlling various situations in the country; but fear and an iron fisted approach was the lead course of action, in order to make it work. You are the consummate political chess grandmaster - a political Bobby Fischer, if you like - gifted with an impecable sense of timing. As it is, you are still trying to maneuver what little pawns you could find on the board today - albeit limited in your moves - very much like a Bobby Fischer coming out of retirement. Where does the buck stop? When Watergate was uncovered, it went all the way to Nixon, and the President took responsibility, as Chief Executive, and resigned. But you, dear Tun, despite clear, irrefutable evidences that lead all the way to your door step, still plead innocence, or amnesia, or powerlessness, or “its-my-prerogative” type of response. Where did Badawi and the UMNO - ites of today obtain their “ilham” to carry on business as usual? Wasn’t it you, who confronted the Rulers on their powers and later went on to curtail it - seen through the Constitutional Crisis of the 80s? So why is there so much of fuss when it comes to the drama that unfolded in Terengganu the past couple of days? Didn’t you create this constitutional ambiguity? If you were still in office, we wouldn’t have had this much freedom in voicing our opinions today. And I would be hauled by the Special Branch for daring to suggest these issues. Let’s give Badawi that much credit, please! Do you think that Malaysians are so naive so as to think that the various branches of the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Police were acting on their own volition without following the operating guidelines “established” by Putrajaya during your time? Let me give a you piece of advice - Malaysians are a forgiving lot, really. And all you have to do to earn that justifiable measure of respect on your epitaph is to apologise. I think no one is going to get vindictive if you do that - sincerely. Remember, Nixon did get his pardon. In any event, all this was your dilemma to begin with.

Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds II

More Malaysians dismiss Mahathir's call for Badawi to resign.

On Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign vox populi - Malaysiakini 12 Mar 2008 TS Su: I totally disagree with Dr M’s call for Pak Lah to resign. The people did not vote to get rid of BN, much less Pak Lah. They want BN to stay in power and continue to rule, albeit, without a two-thirds majority. The point is to ‘teach’ BN, and in particular, Umno, a lesson. To stop them from being arrogant and corrupt. Many BN politicians are. They treated our country like their own backyard. The people can feel their corrupt practices, but few can prove. The people prefer Pak Lah to Najib any day. Pak Lah has allowed the corrupt cases such as VK Lingam tape to surface. He allowed mass rallies during the election, which we never had under Dr M’s administration. Now, this reduced majority for BN is actually a mandate for Pak Lah to eliminate corruption and arrogance among the BN leaders. He should get rid of those leaders. If he does not, the BN won’t be a ruling party anymore come next election. ***** Mr Positive: Dr M left Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a technically bankrupt country after his ‘global warming’ project in Brazil incurred the wrath and ‘financial attack’ by you-know-who in 1997/8. The resultant bad economic situation in Malaysia sprouted discontent and dissension among the populace especially the Indians and Chinese. The election results reflect the sentiments of the rakyat. Therefore, the present PM is not to be blamed. The facts point to the former ‘big mouth’ premier who brought the country to its pinnacle and downfall. Things could be a lot worse. Syabas Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for winning this election. ***** Bigben: We should be grateful to Abdullah for allowing dissenting views and allowing a free and fair election. This would not have happened with that hypocrite Mahathir. ***** Loh: I would like to say that instead of blaming Abdullah for BN's failure, Mahathir should admit that BN itself is has been a failed proposition since the very beginning and made worse during his tenure, and that the people have simply now woken up and said ‘enough is enough’. Malaysia has survived BN's rule still intact not because of the brilliance of it's leaders like Mahathir seems to believe, nor Abdullah, but because of the resilience of the rakyat who have worked hard and contributed to the nation despite BN. So perhaps instead of pointing the finger at Abdullah for destroying BN, he should take some of the credit himself. ***** Jason Khaw: PM Abdullah Badawi has contributed to the nation’s maturing process by allowing freer discussions on sensitive topics. He has allowed people to discuss and think. Only wished it had happened sooner and changes were made quicker. Now, Abdullah's government and a stronger opposition, will truly test our ability to really grow-up and I think this combination is the right one for all our people. Let's evaluate the whole process with a balanced view. Dr M's comments are unfair, as far as I am concerned. When I read it, it sounded like a description of the government he had once ruled himself. ***** A Patriot: Tun Dr Mahathir, I remember you recently said that you were confident that BN would obtain two-thirds majority. You were wrong! I think you have been wrong in the past about many things and you are still getting it wrong. I am so shocked that you still want BN and Najib around. Of course you want them around, this is part of your legacy. You are not really interested in the welfare of our country, but your own name and pride. So leave the administration of our country to the new generation. Don’t try to meddle anymore, you are a ‘has been’.You are retired so stay retired. ***** Jimmy Wong: What Mahathir is trying to do now is disturbing and is already beginning to darken the horizon of a new dawn in the political landscape following the vote for change by Malaysians. Mahathir is rallying his cronies and sycophants to blame the outcome of the election solely on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He is hijacking the Malaysian voice that clamoured for a change from the race-based, crony, authoritarian politics of BN that Mahathir had spawned all these years. For all Malaysians committed to not allowing this kind of politics to pollute Malaysian politics and society, let's be vigilant. The next big challenge for Malaysian netizens is to expose such vestiges of Mahathirism and expunge it from Malaysian politics, culture and society. Onward with the struggle for real change. Enough-lah, Mahathir: Can Mahathir come to terms and confess once and for all that all the corruption, lack of transparency, poor governance, unequal treatment of citizens, the manipulated judiciary, the Umno hegemony etc all started and was perpetrated by him during his reign? The only difference is that TDM is super-crafty and able to sweep issues under the carpet. And issues are not the only things he sweeps - he concocts baseless lies to put away his challengers. Tun Mahathir, stop manipulating with immediate effect. We don't need your fabrications to achieve only your manipulated ends. ***** Korrupt-ajar: Yes, yes, yes. l fully agree with Dr Mahathir that PM Abdullah should resign to take full responsibility for BN's poor polls showing. But, wait a minute, isn't this the same arrogant BN which Mahathir led and misused to systematically destroy and corrupt the various institutions of democracy? Therefore, before resigning, PM Abdullah should now do the right thing by charging Mahathir for misuse of public funds, cronyism, corruption and blatant abuse of powers. ***** Paramount Consolidated: I totally disagree with Mahathir's call for Pak Lah to step down. Mahathir's cronies are the biggest losers this time around. Mahathir has no shame. Pak Lah was God-send and did right things by going against Mahathir’s many mega projects. It is best for Pak Lah to remain than to let Najib come up what with his his unexplained lifestyle, alleged corruption in the submarine deal and others. Pak Lah is our best PM ever with his humble and liberal concepts and as such the rakyat should respect his Wisdom. ***** HL: Who is Mahathir to ask Abdullah to resign? Wasn't Mahathir the person who created the monster Malaysia Corrupted Inc.during his 22-year reign? Abdullah just so happened to be continuing his legacy. Why is he so unhappy with that? During Mahathir's 22 years of governance, there were many many occassions when many of us would have liked to stand up and heckle him loudly to resign. Abdullah gave us a voice. Gave back to us some of our freedom and dignity. My hats off to Abdullah and company. You have your place in history. Rest assured, quite different from that of Mahathir's. You can make a comeback. Do not worry. ***** E LIM: At this point, Pak Lah should be given a fair chance to lead for another term. Pak Lah should not be blamed for outcome of the results for after all he inherited a great deal of ‘challenges’ to deal with. Dr M should stop making snide remarks or degrading comments about Pak Lah if he honestly cares about our country. Unless they are sincere positive feedback for the good our Malaysia, Dr M should just focus on enjoying his retired life. So, now that the people of Malaysia have said their piece', let's give Pak Lah at least another chance to lead Malaysia with his key mission being to eradicate or if required, amputate all the rotten ills. Allah be with Pak Lah and may Pak Lah look to his Allah for leadership. ***** Ragunathan: I wish to make a clarion call to the prime minister not to step down. To be fair to the man, it is his brand of democracy that worked for the Malaysian electorate. Leaving aside the missteps, one must put things into perspective. Mahathir's call for him to step down reeks of a dastardly move to come back into the political scene and wield his influence through the back door. I doubt very much if Mahathir would have the maturity to accept the will of the people they declared on March 8. Pak Lah should not step down, but take decisive measures to prevent people with selective memories from making any come-back, and reviving projects that benefit no one but their legion of cronies. El Mark: What's all this about Pak Lah resigning? Pak Lah did not 'engineer' himself to be a PM. He was plucked and placed there. One cannot really blame him solely for what has transpired. I am sure Pak lah is now more aware and learning and will change his 'choir and repertoire'. And, with a new team in the government and with better advice, he’ll do better. Give the old chap a chance, he been thru' only a term. Let's evolve for a better Malaysia hand-in-hand but not emotionally. ***** Sandra K: Dr M has always been making a lot of noise - very unproductive. Just imagine, if it was him, and not Pak Lah who was the PM, what would have happened with this outstanding win by the opposition? Most likely, locking everyone up under ISA (I Simply Arrest!) Pak Lah was at least a gentleman, in accepting defeat, with his comment that this was how democracy works. Maybe Dr M should just leave the new government alone to do their work - I believe they do not need his interference, nor his scalding remarks. Tanpa Kepala: As far as I'm concerned Dr M is nothing but a hypocrite. He would certainly not have resigned had this happened to him. Although I consider Pak Lah and BN as the enemies of the people, I must say that, at least, with the current administration we see an improvement in media transparency. This could not have happened with Dr M at the helm. ***** Michelle Lim: The poor result for BN at the 12th general election is not Pak Lah's fault alone. It is a cumulative problem that Pak Lah took over since he came on board. All the BN leaders should rise up and give their support to our PM during this hard time. They should sit down and revisit all their policies and makr sure that they are fair and just to everyone in the country.And I really hope that others would rise up and tell Dr M to keep quiet! ***** M Lim: I feel the defeat of Barisan should not be solely blamed on our PM. The whole unfairness thing started from Dr Mahathir's time. Unfortunately, our PM inherited this and has to pay for it. I believe our PM Abdullah is a good man. He has done a lot for us like looking into daily problems. Times have changed. If Dr M was still in power today, Barisan would still have faced this exact defeat as people today are more educated and want their rights to be heard. So, don't just blame our PM. I believe our PM is a good man. ***** Kam Noris: Dear Pak Lah, no matter what, please do not step down. It’s not your fault anyway. ***** Puru: There is a lot of unfair blame on Pak Lah. Let us face it, it his openness (compared to the previous administration) allowed the people to voice their opinion. Take all the marches - do you think this would have happened in the past? I see him like the Gorbachev of Russia. He is setting the pace for reform and taking a hell of beating for it. In some ways, we need to be grateful that he allowed democracy in the country. ***** Alvin Lau: I strongly feel that Abdullah should not lose faith in himself and step down as suggested by all. This is not the true reflection of a credible leader. So, he has now been sworn in as the new PM. While I am not a fan of his, he has been entrusted to run the country (again) even if he is anything but useful. I must say that the damage has now been done, so who better to get it resolved apart from himself? If this will be his last chance to redeem himself, he must ensure his new term in the office is being run as clean as possible. Take out the rats, if it means all of them, put his personal pride and interests aside, and start working with all parties on all fronts to rise the country once again. Because you are the PM, you are the one person who can now make a difference. ***** Lilian Tan: When Dr M declared that Pak Lah should take 100% of the responsibility for Barisan's appalling performance in this election, a friend of mine declared that he was a fine one to talk. Barisan's rot set in a long time ago and Dr. M played a big role in accelerating it during his tenure. However, we should be very thankful that the voters' massive turnaround happened on Pak Lah's watch and not on Dr M's. Pak Lah is weak, ineffectual and a pathological promise-breaker, but he conceded defeat and sincerely asked that there be no trouble or violence in the streets. That there have been no ugly incidents of riots, homes burned down, people hurt or killed in the election aftermath is something we can be thankful for and proud of. I am not so sure that Dr M – legendary for his oppressive, vindictive character – would have responded likewise. ***** Lim Swee Bin: Speaking up for Pak lah, shall we never, ever forget he inherited a rotten legacy left him by his predecessor. All the things critically wrong today in our country were put in place during that long reign of 23 years, including the latest judiciary joke. There wouldn't be a March 8 and today without our present prime minister. He allowed freedom of speech like we never had for nearly a quarter of a century. He allowed an alternative press and he allowed peaceful demonstrations. He allowed competitors to roam free. He allowed us to have our say. Instead of vilifying him, let’s salute him for having the courage to let that happen. Pak Lah may not be a warrior but he has shown this greatness as a leader, in facing seeming collapse and in sticking around for the resurrection. ***** PL: It is time that Tun Mahathir gracefully retire and concentrate on his coming memoirs. Abdullah may be weak but he is not beaten. Malaysians still love him. As far as Malaysia is concerned, he was indeed a gentleman. He admitted gracefully his defeat and asked the IGP to ensure the graceful transition of power in the five states. Would you, Tun, have done the same? I don’t think so. ***** Woody Ooi: I agree that Pak Lah should go to make way for others, but not for Najib who has serious moral and integrity problems. Perhaps Shahrir Samad. To be objectively fair, the rot in system did not happen over the last four years, but cumulated over the past 22 years during Dr M’s stewardship. Perhaps Dr M should shut up and apologise instead to BN and the people of Malaysia.

Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds

It may be easy for Mahathir to forget the numerous misdeeds committed during his 22 years of iron-fisted rule.

However, Malaysians must never forget. They must never forget that many of the problems facing the country today originated from his administration of the country.

For Mahathir to come out to blame Badawi for "destroying" BN, the day after the momentous 2008 elections is totally uncalled for. His outburst is certainly not for the interest of the country nor even for the interest of UMNO or BN. Malaysian should never be fooled by what he or his sycophants say.

The following is a sample of what Malaysians think of Mahathir.

Dedicated to Dr M - The People’s Parliament January 31, 2008 (Although this was posted before the elections it is a fitting "dedication") Too late, Dr M, too late. Too late to cover up your dark deeds by blaming the Badawi administration. How I had wished, when you were in your hospital bed in IJN recuperating, that you would do the decent thing - repent and admit all the wrongs you had done towards this nation and its people, all too numerous to enumerate here. True repentance would have led you to speak the truth at the VK Lingam session, would have caused you to open up and apologise and attempt to make things right, would have been medicine for this suffering nation. But you did not. True repentance means you are willing to do all that it takes to undo the harm you caused. But you are not. Your selective amnesia is so you. Some people say your performance before the Royal Commission was vintage Dr M. I say it was wastage. You wasted a great moment where you could have helped expose the truth. You chose self-preservation instead. Why complain and condemn BN now, Dr M? You were their best teacher and they were ready pupils to emulate your ways. So, Dr M, leave the affairs of this nation to others. Sit in your armchair, think of your deeds and sing this song dedicated to you to the tune of ‘I Started A Joke’. I started the rot That sent this nation crumbling But I wouldn’t see That the rot was in me. I took all the power And had the nation crying But I didn’t care That my rule was unfair. I started it all Caused all this mess And people had less But I, I’m on my throne I don’t care two hoots I can go it alone. I’ve started a scheme That’ll make you want me back A pity you can’t see That Malaysia needs me.

Should Pak Lah quit? Are you insane? Hell NO! - blog.thestar.com.my Posted by: aput83 Tuesday, March 11, 2008 I like Pak Lah as a person. He's a genial old man with a wicked sense of humor. When I saw him announce the simple majority win, I almost felt sad. Almost. Then suddenly I get news that the grumpy old retired ex-PM has already started criticizing him, going so far as demanding him to step down. And, oddly enough, there are those who actually agree with Tun M. Are you kidding me? Do people not know why the Opposition could never have gotten their win if Mahathir was still Prime Minister? Do you think the EC would have been under as much pressure to make sure the elections were fair? Do people actually think that if Tun M was still Prime Minister, we would not see another Ops Lallang, with all the Opposition leaders being rallied and locked up? Do you think BERSIH and HINDRAF would actually get any attention at all? I have respect for Tun M, but this is one time he should just shut up. He ruled with an iron fist, misleading the non-Malays into thinking that he was on their side, when he never did anything of the sort. I think we all should be thankful to Pak Lah for actually allowing the Opposition to prove themselves in 5 years to the people in 5 states. True, he is not the best example of good leadership in terms of winning elections, but he has proven himself to be a gracious, humble, accepting and transparent leader, which I have never yet managed to see in my lifetime. Which is more than I can say for that grumpy, old, begrudging predecessor of his.

'Operasi Lallang 2' on Sunday if Dr M was still PM - Malaysiakini Letter Abdullah Junid Mar 11, 08 5:52pm I refer to the Malaysiakini report Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign. Well, well, well, now! Look which pot we have calling the kettle black. Our ‘beloved’ retired - though I'm sure he wish he wasn't - ex-prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad is accusing Pak Lah of destroying the Barisan Nasional and asking him to step down. I laughed so loud, I almost fell out of my chair. Dear Tun, Pak Lah did not destroy the BN. He just inherited the destruction process you had started during your 22-year dictatorship. The corruption, the arrogance, the obscene megaprojects towering over slums populated by hard-done-by Malaysians, the brutal treatment of those who had an opinion contrary to yours - these are all things that were your legacy. The thoroughly discredited judiciary, the instant-billionaire children of ‘Umno royalty’ - including your own - these are all your legacies. The cronies who looted the country's treasury, the constant purges of Umno opponents, the shameful beating up of your most feared opponent - these are all part of what history will remember you for. In fact, we all know what would have happened to leading opposition figures this past Sunday if you had still been prime minister. It would have been Operasi Lalang II. Let's go back a bit further. It was your agitation during the late 1960s that played a big role in putting Malaysia on the racist path that has led to today's overwhelming problems. The sheer arrogance of the man. Not only did he decide personally who would succeed him, but he even decided who would succeed his successor. Now that the prospects of his blue-eyed boy Najib look shaky, he's crying foul. Well, cry me a river! Mahathir's sycophants drool over his supposed charisma. But the fact is, he's been nothing more than a lifelong opportunist who could always sense which way the wind was turning, and then used his oratorical and political machinations to take advantage of them. Well, it looks like age hasn't diminished his ability to smell an opportunity. He knows Pak Lah is at his weakest now, and he has pounced right out of the gate to try and get his boy Najib installed in Putrajaya. Trouble is, he still needs to learn that loyalty in Umno is as fleeting as the post you hold. If he thinks Najib will be his hamba, he's sadly out of touch. But I'm sure many Malaysians wish Mahathir nothing less than a long, long life - long enough for him to be around and watching when Anwar Ibrahim takes the oath of office as Prime Minister.

Whatever it is, don't listen to Mahathir - Malaysiakini Letter Al Tugauw Mar 11, 08 5:40pm I refer to the Malaysiakini report Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign Before anyone gives any credence at all to anything that Dr Mahathir Mohamad may say, I would just like to say a few words of caution. I am quite sure that Mahathir knows that it all started when he went against Tunku Abdul Rahman (who was until then by his (Tunku’s) own admission ‘the happiest Prime Minister in the world’). That was what they wanted after all, power and money. It was not just him alone, but a whole group within Umno at the time who went by the name of the ‘Contras’ and who supposedly advocated an anti-Chinese stand (but nevertheless all had some Chinese tow kay or another behind them). Even today with their Hidup Melayu! while at the same time siphoning off as much money as they can through sheer abuse of their positions, both within and outside of government. This marked the real start of money politics in Umno and Umno's foray into business and the corporate sector - so that not very long after the implementation of the NEP, the first victim of Umno’s greed was the very bank set up to ‘help’ bumiputeras, Bank Bumiputra. Many other scandals involving enormous waste of government funds and mismanagement followed, all of which could be covered up under the guise of the NEP and through control of all mass media. Mahathir himself and his Umno (also MCA and MIC) cronies who got rich from all the money which they siphoned out of the system through sheer abuse of the NEP - and which was partly used to place him in power to take over as PM and to keep him there for 22 years, as well as to keep the BN in power for so long under Umno - are largely to blame for all these abuses. Abdullah and Najib, who followed that lead and as inheritors of that systemic abuse are also responsible as serial abusers themselves. The evidence is clear - if only ACA was given a free hand to investigate. It really does not matter whether Abdullah stays on or is replaced by Najib, as Mahathir wants. We all know that Mahathir is a man with his own agenda - national interest certainly being not a part of it. If they have not learnt their lesson and continue to abuse their positions, that will certainly be the death knell of Umno and the BN with it. Then again, perhaps that will be better for this country. Mahathir talks as if things would have beeen different under him or perhaps even under Najib (and the BN would not have lost so badly) and that Abdullah's arrogance and misplaced faith in his son-in-law was to blame. Perhaps this may be true, but that is the system which they inherited from Mahathir (and of course continued to abuse). I doubt if Abdullah's arrogance could out-do Mahathir's anytime. All I can say now is that if Umno and the BN and their leadership and members do not undertake the necessary self-reform at the federal level, they can expect to be overthrown in the next general elections. However, if Sabah and Sarawak desert the BN now, which they should, the people will not have to wait for the next general elections for at least some hope of reform to begin so that all Malaysians can get on with life under more just, equitable and fairer conditions instead of letting all these elites continue to bleed the country dry while the rest of us and the country's resources pay for it. Whatever it is, don't listen to Mahathir.

Stop attacking Abdullah, Dr M told - Malaysiakini Mar 11, 08 6:43pm The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) has told off former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for rebuking his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In a statement today, general secretary J Solomon said Mahathir should not be vindictive or hit out at Abdullah. “Stop being a traitor to our government and the people. The current situation in the country did not suddenly arise over the last 4-5 years,” he said. “It is years and years of pent-up frustration across the nation that has grown as a result of the ‘Mahazalim’ reign.” On Sunday, Mahathir had lashed out at Abdullah, after Barisan Nasional (BN) recorded its worst ever election results. Mahathir had led Umno and BN for 22 years before stepping down in October 2003. "My view is he has destroyed Umno, destroyed the BN and he has been responsible for this," Mahathir told reporters. "I think he should accept responsibility for this. He should accept 100 percent responsibility. I am sorry but I apparently made the wrong choice.” BN lost five states - Kelantan, Perak, Penang, Kedah and Selangor - to the opposition. It also lost its two-thirds grip on Parliament, winning only 140 of the 222 seats. Nube described the 12th general election as a true reflection of people’s power. “The result of the elections is proof of a clean and transparent election. There was no malice; otherwise the results would have been different,” the statement read. The union also advised those elected for the first time on the BN ticket to focus on fulfilling their promises to the people instead of making premature demands of Abdullah. Nube expressed its support for Abdullah’s ability to make the right decisions. “Let sour grapes whine in frustration while (Abdullah) works with the elected representatives in various states to build this nation for Malaysians. “We believe (Abdullah) is the best leader to unite and build Malaysia with the various state governments.” The union also said it hopes that those who won in the elections will ‘walk the talk’.

PKFZ scandal re-visited

The following is a video of the press conference held by Anwar Ibrahim where he revealed that former transport minister Dr Ling Liong Sik and his successor Chan Kong Choy had allegedly abused their powers by sending letters of support committing the government as a guarantor for any financial liabilities of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project. PKFZ scandal: Ling, Chan 'abused' powers Anwar's statement on the PKFZ scandal The Malaysian Government has yet to offer any explanation on the status of the Port Klang Free Zone project and to account for the huge cost overrun amounting to RM 3.5 billion. To cover the losses on this botched project, the Government announced it will extend a soft loan amounting to RM 4.681 billion to the Port Klang Authority “retroactively.” This affair is one of the many examples from the present administration that reveals conflict of interest, corruption and mismanagement involving politicians, business interests and public officials. Despite directives from the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, no explanation is yet forthcoming from the Chief Secretary to the Government. Not a single person has been held accountable for this fiasco. While the project’s finances are beyond salvaging, an independent and transparent audit would be necessary to hold those guilty of malfeasance to account and rebuild some credibility in the Ministry of Transport. Land Acquisition PKA purchased 1000 acres of Pulau Indah land from Kuala Dimensi Sdn Berhad at RM 25 per square foot for a total consideration of RM 1.8 billion (inclusive of interest). Kuala Dimensi made a capital gain of RM 993 million because it had purchased the land from Pulau Lumut Development Cooperative Berhad for only RM 95 million (at RM 3 per square foot). This lucrative deal involved UMNO and MCA politicians including the current UMNO Permanent Chairman, Tan Sri Dato Seri Haji Onn Ismail; UMNO Treasurer, Dato Seri Azim bin Mohamed Zabidi; MCA’s Dato Chor Chee Heung who is the Chairman of KPA and former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs; Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, Barisan Nasional MP for Bintulu and their associates. It is abundantly clear that the main losers from this land sale are the members of Pulau Lumut Development Cooperative Bhd. We can see the political promise to protect the poor and help the Malays remain unfulfilled and in its place the chosen few continue to amass untold wealth. It is strange that the then Minister of Transport saw fit to reject the Attorney-General’s view that the land could be acquired for “public purpose” under the Land Acquisition Act at RM 10 per square foot. Instead, the Ministry of Transport and the PKA preferred to transact the land purchase on a “willing buyer and willing seller” basis and a price of RM 25 per square foot.. It is now known that this basis had been agreed to in 2002 between the Ministry of Transport and KPA and Kuala Dimensi without approval of the Treasury or the Cabinet. Award of Contract I find it very strange that PKA appointed Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, the company that sold the land, the sole “turnkey contractor” for the Port Klang Free Zone project via the Land Development Agreement dated 27 February 2003. Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd in turn appointed Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd as the main subcontractor. These companies are either owned or controlled by Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing and Dato’ Abdul Azim bin Mohd Zabidi is a Director of Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd. There is a total lack of transparency in the procedure in the award of contracts by Port Klang Authority and the Ministry of Transport. Serious Violations of Financial Procedures and Abuse of Power It is a matter of public record that the former Minister of Transport, Tun Ling Liong Sik, assured the Government that the Port Klang Free Trade Zone project was feasible, self financing and would not require government funding. Why is there then a need to extend a “soft loan” amounting to RM 4.6 billion to Port Klang Authority? Is this not further evidence of the rot within the present administration? The Minister of Transport saw fit to issue four (4) “Letters of Support” to the lead arranger for the bond issues. Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik issued one dated 28 May 2003 and the other three by the present Minister, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy dated 23 April 2004, 8 December 2005 and 23 May 2006. These Letters committed the Government as Guarantor for any financial liabilities incurred by the Port Klang Authority for the Port Klang Free Zone project. It has been established that these Letters tantamount to guarantees as they contained words to the effect that “we shall at all times in the future ensure that PKA is in the position to meet (and do meet in full and on a timely basis) their liabilities in respect of the Repayment Amount for so long as an amount in respect of the Repayment amount remains outstanding…..” It is standard Government policy that The Ministry of Finance is the only government agency which has the authority to issue any form of guarantee on behalf of the Government and that this must be endorsed by the Cabinet. The issuance of the “Letter of Support” is in violation of the Government’s rules and procedures. Under my watch when I was Minister of Finance, such infractions were not allowed to happen. What was worse is that the Treasury was not aware of these letters until they were alerted by the lead arranger in December 2006. Based on the above, there is a strong basis to believe that Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy are complicit to the improprieties in issuing the “Letter of Support” which resulted in the Government having to bail out Port Klang Authority but exerting undue advantage to certain parties. These parties are also supported by the presence of UMNO stewards within their ranks. Call for Full and Independent Investigation I must state that I am shocked at the Abdullah administration’s continued disregard of mismanagement of public funded projects and basic tenets of good governance as well as the incompetence of public officials in their management of national projects. I, therefore, call for a full and independent investigative audit by a firm of professional auditors into the state of affairs of the Port Klang Free Trade Zone project. The audit should determine the extent of the Government’s liability, pinpoint existing weaknesses in the system of financial and accounting controls, and ascertain whether there is evidence of financial improprieties, misconduct, and corruption. I further suggest that the Government declassify all records pertaining to this matter and make it public together with the audit report after it has been tabled in parliament. I would like to repeat my earlier call for a Royal Commission to be established as well as getting the ACA and other relevant authorities to act and investigate without fear or favour on this matter. ANWAR IBRAHIM

Royal Commission of Inquiry must be set up without delay

It is shocking to read about the serious allegations of judicial corruption revealed in the press conference held by Wee Choo Keong, secretary-general of the Malaysian Democratic Party on 18 November 2007.

These allegations have further implicated the lawyer appearing in the "Lingam video". They have now shown that other judges may also be involved in improprieties and the rot in the judiciary may be as extensive as claimed by various people. It is incredulous that the authorities have not taken any action on these allegations even though the police reports have been filed even before the emergence of the Lingam video. It seems like the statements made by various parties in the government about the Lingam video and the emphasis on establishing the authenticity of the video instead of verifying the truth of its contents are deliberate attempts to mislead the public.

These new allegations reinforce the urgent need for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry which thankfully has now been agreed upon by the government. However, it is of utmost importance that the members of this commission be carefully selected and they must be independent of any political influence and must be well-respected and impeccable for their integrity. The royal commission must also be given the widest possible terms of reference so that a proper and full inquiry into the state of the judiciary can be carried out.

Valuable time has already been lost by setting up the shackled 3-member Haidar panel by the deputy prime minister. For the confidence of Malaysians to be restored, the royal commission of inquiry must now be established without any further delay. Only then will the people believe that there is a sincere wish to investigate the alleged rot in the judiciary and that there will be no cover-up of any sort.

More details on the press conference held by Wee Choo Keong, secretary-general of the Malaysian Democratic Party where these allegations were revealed are available at this blog and in this Malaysiakini report "More allegations of judicial graft emerge".

The following is the video of the press conference.



(courtesy of Malaysiakini)

Quotable Quote:

"When I am asked what I thought, my usual reply is that I wouldn’t like to be tried by today’s judges, if I am innocent." - Former Lord President Tun Suffian

Crushing An Ant While White Elephant Runs Wild

The country's Cabinet seems to have terribly misplaced priorities. Instead of having an urgent meeting or meetings to discuss the RM 4.6 billion PKFZ fiasco which many are worried will be a gigantic white elephant requiring a government bailout, the cabinet instead had spent an inordinate amount of time discussing about the 6-minute rap video produced by a Malaysian student studying in Taiwan.

Those who have watched the video would recognise that Wee Meng Chee has spent a lot of time and effort to put together the video and has demonstrated his artistic talents and creativity in doing so. Although his choice of words, which may be vulgar sometimes, and the use of the national anthem and flag may not be proper, the video has succinctly capture the sentiments of a Malaysian youth like Wee. This is a mark of good art and this is the reason why the video is so popular as other Malaysians can identify with it.

Responsible leaders of a country should be asking why he has made this video and probe deeper into the message it carries. Are there truths depicted in the video which they should address? Is it the unfairness in education system which has caused the dissatisfactions in youths like Wee? Is it the corruption culture which has become so ingrained in our society that has caused the despair? Are there inefficiencies and poor attitute in the civil service which has caused frustration to people who have to deal with it?

Granted the video may have offended the sensibilities of some but for this Wee has already made a public apology to the government and Malaysians. Although some politicians in the BN have openly stated that his apology should be accepted, it seems like the cabinet has decided to pursue the matter and may take further action. Mohd Nazri stated that Wee "can be charged under the Sedition Act", that "we must allow the attorney-general to investigate and decide whether to take him to court," and will even consider extraditing Wee if he does not come back to Malaysia! Rais Yatim also wants the issue to be investigated to see whether the National Anthem Act has been violated.

Where were these righteous ministers when more blatant racial remarks and threatening gestures were made by other top UMNO politicians? Why were they so silent then? More recently, the ex-Mentri Besar of Selangor and UMNO Information Chief has also made remarks which can be considered seditious resulting in a police report been made against him by members of a NGO. Are these ministers going to "allow the attorney-general to investigate and decide whether to take him to court” in this case?

Instead of focussing on crushing and destroying the future of the young student, Wee, shouldn't the government be concentrating on the white elephant which the RM 4.6 billion PKFZ is in danger of becoming? This scandal has many dubious transactions some of which must be investigated by the police, ACA and the AG and the culprits brought to book. Malaysians have been waiting for an explanation and action but patience is wearing thin. Numerous reports on PKFZ have already appeared in the online media a few months earlier, police reports have been made by an Opposition member as early as 2004 and the mainstream print media has highlighted the story a week ago. However, we still do not have any answers from the country's leaders.

In response to the headline news "Disaster Zone" , the PM said that he wants the Transport Minister to report to him on this. On 15 Aug 2007, when queried by reporters the Transport Minister said a report has already been submitted to the PM. Now can we expect some answers soon?

If the government persists in its persecution of the young Malaysian student it will only reinforce the perception of an uncaring government insensitive to the problems facing its youths and people.

If the government maintains its deafening silence on the PKFZ affair, it will only confirm the suspicions that there will be a coverup of serious inproprieties and a major bailout using taxpayers money. Any talk of transparency, accountability and fight against corruption by the government will sound very hollow indeed.

Another scandal to cost country RM 4.6 billion

The Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) will cost a mind-boggling RM 4.6 billion. Since the Port Klang Authority (PKA) which owns the PKFZ is not in a financial position to pay for the costs, a government bailout seems to be on the cards and the taxpayers will ultimately be footing the bill. What is amazing is that early warning signs of problems and irregularities in the project including warnings from the auditor-general were not heeded.

As early as 2004, an Opposition member has lodged a police report over the land purchase by PKA. It does not look like there has been any investigations yet after 3 years. This is in contrast to the swift action they took to investigate a police report by Muhammad Muhammad Taib against Malaysia Today's Raja Petra Kamarudin within days.

Land Purchase

Area: 405 hectares
Cost: RM1.05 billion (RM25 per sq ft)
Seller: Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB)

The seller KDSB originally bought the land - farm land and mangrove swamps - from Pulau Lumut Development Cooperative Bhd (PLDCB) for a total of RM 95 million. KDSB sold the land to PKFZ in 2002 for RM1.05 billion making a handsome profit of RM955 million on the land sale alone. These raise a few questions.

What is the justification for the Selangor government to give 405 hectares of land to Pulau Lumut Development Cooperative Bhd (PLDCB) just a few years before it was approached by KDSB? What happened to the RM 95 million and what is it being used for now? According to this report, "Blood runs deep in troubled RM4.6b PKFZ", the present PLDCB chairperson is a Selangor executive councillor, Sementa state assembly person and is the head of the Kapar UMNO division.

Next, is the 10-fold increase in land price within a few years warranted? According to industry sources, the land should not cost more than RM17 - RM19 per square foot even with reclamation works and the provision of basic infrastructure. Without reclamation works the price should be lower. Did PKFZ tried to get the best price? Apparently not. The lawyer firm appointed to represent them in this billion dollar land purchase is the same lawyer acting for the seller KDSB! (According to the same report, the head of this lawyer firm happens to be the vice-chief of the Kapar Umno division). It seems like PKFZ is so anxious to buy the land that 2% of the purchase price was paid to KDSB on the same day the offer letter of purchase was issued - before getting the approval from PKA’s board of directors and before the purchase agreement was signed!

Development costs

Original estimate - RM 100 million
Final costs RM 3.6 billion
Developer: Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB)

According to a Business Times report on 11 August 2007 titled "RM4.6b white elephant?",

• "The Government initially approved a cost of RM100 million to develop PKFZ, after which any additional cost had to be approved first by the Ministry of Finance. However, Kuala Dimensi has flagged a RM3.6 billion in cost overruns since starting the project in 2003," said a source close to the matter.


• "How did they (PKA) decide to invest that amount (RM3.6 billion)? Why 512 warehouses? Did PKA conduct a feasibility study to determine what type of infrastructure would be required before starting construction? As it is, the take-up rate for space at PKFZ remains low," an industry source told Business Times.


• "For example, PTP will only develop the land in its Pelepas Free Zone when there is investment. "To date, the port has spent some RM300 million to develop infrastructure in Pelepas Free Zone which is similar in size to PKFZ," the source added.

It is not surprising that eight months after its completion, the PKFZ now resembles a ghost town, with only about a dozen tenants scattered about the site which has 512 warehouses and four blocks of 8-storey office complexes.

All those responsible for making the decisions to spend RM4.6 billion on PKFZ must be made accountable for the scandal. If there are improprieties which warrant investigations by the ACA or the police, they must be carried out immediately.

There should be no more bailout. PKA is a privatised entity which has exposed itself to the tremendous financial liabilities. It should resolve its own problems without the government and ultimately the taxpayers having to bear the cost of its imprudence. Malaysians are sick and tired of the series of bailouts in the past and will not tolerate another one mega-bailout!

On Corruption

(Excerpts from the inaugural lecture by Raja Nazrin on July 31 2007 to commemorate the legacy of Professor Syed Hussein Alatas)

Corruption is mankind's most deadly social disease. It is a disease than can undermine good governance, weaken institutional foundations, distort public policy, compromise the rule of law and constrain the economy. If not nipped in the bud, it is like a cancer whose deadly cells multiply rapidly and pervade the body politic. Once corruption becomes widespread, there is the danger that corrupt acts will no longer seem immoral and unlawful - just businessas usual. In Syed Hussein's terminology, it can even become 'an industry' in itself.

A society where corruption is rife is one where the actions of an unprincipled minority have detrimental consequences on the welfare of the majority. The interests of a minority override the interests of the majority. It curbs competitiveness to the detriment of economic and social development. It leads to tremendous misallocation of resources. The cost of doing business becomes unacceptably high. Investors shy away. Incomes fall. Jobs are lost, People suffer.

• The starting point is with the nation's leaders. Figures in authority must be chosen for their integrity first and qualifications second. They must take personal ownership in bringing out a decent social order, and they must be held accountable if they do not achieve it. Those with a chequered past or clear evidence of questionable morality shouldbe prevented from taking office. There should be zero tolerance for corrupt practices.


• There must also be concrete anti-corruption measures and management practices based on efficiency, transparencyand accountability. This is the second leg. Unnecessary and complex regulations and licensing requirements should be pared back or else simplified in order to discourage under the table deals. The award of contracts should be fairly and transparently administered. Oversight agencies and appeal processes should be in place to ensure that discretionary power is not abused. It goes without saying that an anti-corruption system must be functioning and effective.


• The third leg of good governance is the mobilisation of public opinion. Syed Hussein placed great store on the power of public outrage. He believed that if you awakened society's consciousness to the ills of corruption and gave cases of corruption widespread pubilicty, it would generate such an adverse reaction the the government would be forced to take action. Complaints and protests may be irksome, but they should be treated as welcome and constructive feedback.
  

Note: Fomatting has been modified for better readability on the web.

(text of the speech available at: Towards a decent social order for all Malaysians)