30 October 2024
-
Special Randau
1. The facts of the case are very clear, 1mdb money went into Najib's account. According to Iswardy - Najib admitted that money went into his account, but did not know where the money came from. Najib used the money for personal purposes. At the same time Najib claimed the money was a donation from the Arab King. But this claim failed to prove. The defense stage will begin on December 2, 2024.
2. Tun Mahathir urges Sarawak to help poor states. But the Premier of Sarawak claims that the state is the only one with high incomes, the income of Sarawak households is still low. Therefore I try to develop rural areas - said Abang Johari Openg. The question is why Sarawak's high income is not used to improve the economy of the rural people or is used to build rural infrastructure. Is it only the political elite and toukeh balak who have high incomes?
----------------------------
Iswardy Morni, Malaysian Political Analyst.
High Court's Verdict: Najib Razak Must Answer for 1MDB Scandal as Defense Begins
Today the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib Razak to defend himself - on all 25 charges he faced. That is 21 charges of money laundering and 4 charges of misuse of power involving funds of 1mdb rm2.3 billion. The court ruled that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case after calling 50 witnesses and the trial lasted for five years. Iswardy explained that the prosecution succeeded in showing the close relationship between Najib and Jho Low, the testimony of the witnesses was consistent and the witnesses had no motive to trap Najib who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Najib's main lawyer - Mohammad Shafie Abdullah said - for now his side seems to be a total loser, not even 1 point was given to us. This is an extraordinary history throughout my time as a brilliant lawyer. Iswardy emphasized that- this is not a matter of a brilliant lawyer or not. It is closely related to the facts of the case. The money goes into Najib's account. Najib admitted that it was his account, but he said that he did not know it was 1mdb money. Najib claimed that the money was a donation from the Arab King. Iswardy said that illegal funds going into the account and used for personal purposes is anoffence. Because the chronology of the trial is simple and because the facts of the case are clear, it is easy for the judge to make a decision. Asked why Anwar easily forgives Najib and is this PM Anwar's effort to strengthen UmNo which will also help PH win in the next General Election?. Iswardy thought that was too far. Anwar forgave Najib because he admitted his guilt. Anwar did not absolve Najib of all the charges and crimes he committed. According to Iswardy, if Najib is convicted of several more cases that will be tried. The total cumulative sentence that will be imposed on Najib may be hundreds of years. At that time, Najib was too old to be in politics. The judge set December 2, 2024 for the defense phase hearing.
----------------------------------------
Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist
Drafting Malaysia's Climate Future: National Climate Change Bill Opens for Public Feedback
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES) is currently drafting a National Climate Change Bill and seeking public feedback on its proposal. This Bill aims to establish laws for Malaysia to effectively address climate change, moving beyond mere compliance with Malaysia's commitment under the Paris Agreement. The focus will be on reducing greenhouse gas emissions within economic and developmental processes, while also empowering relevant ministries to regulate industrial emissions to combat climate change.
Though Malaysia's contribution to global emissions is relatively low, the country remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Therefore, this Bill will be instrumental in creating policies that enable the government to proactively address emerging environmental challenges. Key aspects include frameworks for carbon trading, as Malaysia currently lacks legislation to regulate carbon trading practices.
-----------------------
Jeffrey Ngui from MUDA Sarawak
Sarawak’s Billion-Ringgit Revenue vs. Rural Development Gaps
Jeffrey Ngui criticized Tun M's statement suggesting that the Sarawak government should assist poorer states for development. Tun M stated that Kedah has only a 700 million revenue compared to Sarawak, which is recognized as a high-income state by the World Bank.
Jeff Ngui questioned Tun M, asking whether, since becoming Malaysia's Prime Minister in the 1980s and again during PH's administration, Tun M has genuinely prioritized Sarawak's development. While Sarawak is indeed a high-income state, the reality is that Sarawakians, especially those in rural areas, still lack development on par with the state's billion-ringgit revenue. This is because GPS has not fully focused on the development of the people.