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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Police record statement from Malaysian Bar Council President
- ‘Aunty Bersih’ promises to show polls reform panel how to fix system
- Political freedom would threaten peace and unity, says UiTM's VC
- States eye harsher laws for Muslim gays
- Karpal wants open inquiry on Saiful-DPP love affair
- Anwar like a chameleon, says Tee Yong
- RM10m cattle condo was an investment, says Khairy
- Anwar just placating civil servants — Abdul Karim
- Karpal quizzed on PM choice
- Cops open new probe on Anwar’s Datuk T report
- Poll outcome rests on bread and butter, survey finds
- MCA says no to overseas voting
- Koh Ready To Give Up Penang BN Chairmanship To Other Component Parties
- Najib better liked than Anwar, PKR survey shows
- MACC raids Petronas over alleged graft among key employees
| Police record statement from Malaysian Bar Council President Posted: 11 Nov 2011 05:47 AM PST (Bernama) - The police have recorded a statement from Malaysian Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee in connection with the banned '2011 Seksualiti Merdeka' program. The statement was recorded at 3.20pm, at the Duta Court police station here today. Later, Lim told reporters he was called up by the police to answer questions over the council's involvement in the program. He said, as the council was listed as one of the organizers of Seksualiti Merdeka, the police wanted to know who its organizers were, and the council's role, among others. The program, which was held for the fourth time since 2008, was scheduled to have begun from Nov 2 until Nov 13, but was discontinued by the organizers when there was strong opposition from various groups as it was alleged to promote the rights of lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transsexuals in the country. In the interest of public order, the police have banned functions organized by any group relating to the 'Seksualiti Merdeka' program.
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| ‘Aunty Bersih’ promises to show polls reform panel how to fix system Posted: 11 Nov 2011 12:57 AM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Annie Ooi Siew Lan, the retired teacher dubbed "Aunty Bersih", challenged today the polls review panel's sincerity to electoral reform and vowed to show it her list of how to fix the system in the next seven days.
The slight, skinny 65-year-old became an accidental icon when she was pictured battling chemical-laced water cannons and tear gas shot by the police into the locked-down capital city to join in the Bersih 2.0 march on July 9 for cleaner elections.  File photo of Ooi during the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2011. To this, she cited as examples nurses, doctors, soldiers and policemen on duty on polling day. "We don't want any more corruption," said the short-haired woman dressed in a pale yellow top reminiscent of the Bersih T-shirt she wore on July 9. The coalition of 62 civil societies has adopted yellow as its colour. The nine-man PSC appeared perplexed by Ooi's statement. Its chair, Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, explained that it was the panel's aim and asked her for suggestions, which appeared to vex Ooi. "There are eight demands out there. Loud and clear. I've no need to repeat them," she said, referring to Bersih 2.0's list of demands. "Cakap pun tak dengar, ada yang dengar pun tak bertindak, apa lagi? Susahkah ini keadilan? [What's the point of speaking further, those who hear don't act, what else is there? Is justice so difficult?]" she asked. When Kangar MP Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad ventured to reply that it was because those who qualified to vote did not do so, Ooi shot back: "Why is it so hard? Why so long and hard [to register voters]?" "You want solutions? Solutions to what?" she pushed the panel to answer before promising to return in seven days with her list of practical solutions to carry out electoral reform. "If the sick can't go to the voting stations, can't you do something about it?" she asked, her voice rising as with her temper. "I speak for the voiceless. What you're asking from me is solutions. I'm just a simple, simple, simple person," she cried out, prompting Ongkili to plead with her to calm down. Bersih 2.0 has been pushing the Election Commission to carry out eight steps they claim can be carried out immediately and will improve the electoral system before the next national polls are held, widely expected to be called early next year.
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| Political freedom would threaten peace and unity, says UiTM's VC Posted: 11 Nov 2011 12:42 AM PST
(Bernama) - There is no necessity to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) because politicking will only split the students, said Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar. He said the university was not in favour of the proposed amendment to the UUCA as political freedom would only threaten peace and the unity of Malay and bumiputra students in the university. "My wards (UiTM students) are peaceful and in harmony in their struggle for knowledge to become a useful human being. "What is important is that all of us are united and not divided," he told a press conference. He was commenting on the proposal by several groups who wanted the UUCA to be amended to give space and freedom to the university students to be involved in politics. Sahol Hamid said currently, the students had been given an opportunity to express their views and opinions through the associations and campus elections that were being held, and these were sufficient for them. "In fact, I personally have my own Facebook account which is used to contact the UiTM students directly. "They can make whatever complaints to me and appropriate action will be taken," he said adding that Malay politics these days would lead to division instead of unity.
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| States eye harsher laws for Muslim gays Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:45 PM PST
(REUTERS) - Two states are set to change their Islamic laws to punish Muslims who engage in homosexuality, raising the prospect of gay Muslims being punished twice and stoking concerns about rising intolerance towards same-gender relationships. Homosexuality is punishable by law by caning and up to 20 years in jail, but the legal amendments planned by Pahang and Malacca religious authorities would give the state governments additional ammunition. If the proposed changes came into force, a Muslim homosexual could be punished under both federal and state religious charges, meaning that jail terms could run consecutively and result in longer time. Analysts said the proposed amendments hinted at an increasing intolerance towards homosexuality and could erode support for the government among the majority ethnic Malays, who are Muslims by birth. "The irony of the situation is that the overwhelming majority of gay people in this country are Malays," said James Chin, a political analyst at Monash University. "When they have these laws to target non-mainstream sexual minorities, they are actually targeting their own people." Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state would review its Islamic law provisions to allow Muslim gays and lesbians to be tried in court and punished by a jail term or a fine to deter homosexuality. "So many people like to promote human rights, even up to the point they want to allow lesbian activities and homosexuality," Ali told Reuters. "In Islam, we cannot do all this. It is against Islamic law," he said, adding that Muslim homosexuals would also be required to attend counselling. Ali, who is also Malacca Islamic Religious Department chairman, said the proposed penalties would also apply to those who supported homosexuality even if they did not practise it. "We want to put it in the enactment so that we can enforce it and bring them to our sharia (Islamic law) court. Then we can charge them for promoting or supporting these illegal activities." Yesterday, the top cleric in Pahang was quoted in The Star newspaper as saying the state would also amend its Islamic laws to allow for action against homosexual-related activities. "Islam prohibits deviant sexual orientation or behaviour," Abdul Rahman Osman was quoted as saying. "Appropriate action should be taken to address these problems. We fear that this abnormal behaviour will be regarded as a norm." Religion is within the respective states' purview and the authorities do not need federal government approval to effect legislative changes. Last week, organisers were forced to cancel the annual sexuality rights Seksualiti Merdeka festival in Kuala Lumpur after police threatened to crack down on the event, saying it could create widespread unease and public disorder. About 60 per cent of the country's population of 28 million are Muslims, and Islamic law tenets are used as an official yardstick for the behaviour of followers. Still, Muslims often throng bars serving alcohol in Kuala Lumpur. Extramarital sex is frowned upon and same-gender relationships often draw criticism although the rise of alternative media channels has bred a greater openness in debates about homosexuality. But public discussions involving sexuality often assume a conservative veneer. Films and music are also heavily censored to remove explicit content, and homosexuals and transvestites complain of professional and social discrimination.
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| Karpal wants open inquiry on Saiful-DPP love affair Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:32 PM PST
Anwar's counsel Karpal Singh says the AG's clearance raised more questions than answers and that there should be an independent inquiry into the alleged affair. (Free Malaysia Today) - The allegation of an affair between deputy public prosecutor Farah Azlina Latif and Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan cries out for an open inquiry and should not have been investigated and closed by the Attorney-General's Chambers, veteran lawyer Karpal Singh said today. Responding to the findings of the Attorney-General's Chambers in clearing the two from having an affair, Karpal said the Attorney- General cannot be judge and jury in his own cause. "It is elementary that there should been an independent investigation by a body with no affinity to the Attorney-General's Chambers. The position cries out for transparency," he said in a statement today. He added that the findings of the AG Chambers raised more questions than answers. Farah Azlina was part of the prosecution team in Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial while Saiful is the alleged victim. Yesterday, in response to Karpal's question in Parliament on the matter, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Razak said the AG's Chambers had probed the matter and found that the allegation to be "baseless" and that there was no "concrete evidence" to suggest of a love affair. Following the allegation, Nazri said Farah Azlina was removed from the prosecution team to prevent any further allegations of impropriety and to maintain the prosecution's credibility. Karpal, who is Anwar's leading lawyer in the case, however, was not satisfied with the explanation given by Nazri on the alleged affair. No public denial He noted that there had been no public denial by both Saiful and Farah Azlina on the affair. Neither have they denied in court under oath despite the opportunity being there, he added. He also asked as to why Farah Azlina was reassigned to a different section within the AG's Chambers if there was no basis to the allegation. "Why should she have been punished through this move if she was innocent of any impropriety?" asked Karpal. He said that if an affair between the pair existed, then questions arise as to their criminal culpability in a Syariah Court.
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| Anwar like a chameleon, says Tee Yong Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:55 PM PST
(The Star) - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a political chameleon who changes his stand when facing different crowds, said MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong. Chua said the Opposition Leader had openly supported the implementation of hudud law in Kelantan in September but in November, he backpedalled to a Chinese crowd in Selangor by saying that hudud law was not part of Pakatan Rakyat's policy. He said Anwar's backing of hudud law and for PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat was made only to cater to the large Muslim population. "This is where we see his political chameleon ways' in full play. There is no sincerity in his words at all," Chua said in a statement yesterday. To gain the support of the urban Chinese community and leaders of 65 Chinese associations and guilds at a function in Subang Jaya on Nov 8, Anwar had stated that Pakatan would not implement hudud law, Chua added. He said that if PKR or DAP were genuine in ensuring that hudud law would not be enacted as a federal policy, Pakatan should spell it out clearly in its Buku Jingga or Orange Book. "Such recourse is more so pertinent in view of PAS' backing for the Orange Book," he said. Chua said Anwar and other PKR leaders had fervently denied Pakatan's plan to reduce the number of civil servants when it was revealed by DAP MP Tony Pua but they did not demonstrate the same enthusiasm in pushing back PAS' plan to implement hudud law in Kelantan, despite concerns and condemnation by Malaysians. "This clearly shows the double-standard treatment by Anwar and the lack of courage by PKR to challenge PAS, even if it means putting the interest of non-Muslims at risk. "What's more, should Pakatan come to power, there would be no guarantee that the implementation of hudud law nationwide could be stopped by either Anwar or DAP leaders," he said.
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| RM10m cattle condo was an investment, says Khairy Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:18 PM PST
By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider Khairy Jamaluddin savaged PKR today for claiming corruption in the purchase of a RM10 million Bangsar condominium by a federally-funded cattle project owned by a minister's family. The Umno Youth chief claimed the condo was bought as an investment when the National Meat and Livestocks Corporation (NMLC), a company wholly-owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil's family, found itself with excess funds. Khairy, who has appeared as Shahrizat's staunch defender over the National Feedlot Centre controversy, said NMLC was left with surplus funds that when the government ran out of funds to develop satellite cattle farms. It then decided on real estate investment as a means to put the excess liquidity to work. He did not, however, say if the company was authorised to make the property investment. "Should they have left the money in the current account, which does not have a high yield, while waiting for the satellite farms or should they have invested the money while waiting," said Khairy. "The management made a decision that the best return on investment would have been from real estate." Khairy added that the condo has since been rented out and also appreciated in value since it was purchased. He did not, however, specify the rental yield. Many real estate experts have concluded that Kuala Lumpur is facing a glut of luxury properties, with rental yields falling as much as 50 per cent in some cases. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said yesterday the luxury apartment at One Menerung, Bangsar, was recorded by NFC, a cattle farming project managed by the minister's family, as part of a RM83 million "loan" to NMLC. Today, Khairy also slammed PKR strategic director Rafizi Rami and accused him of lying when the latter said beef from the feedlot project was sold only to elite restaurants. According to the Rembau MP, beef from the project was also sold to Carrefour, Giant and wet markets.
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| Anwar just placating civil servants — Abdul Karim Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:14 PM PST
(Borneo Post) - KUCHING: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was just trying to cool the situation down when he said Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had scrapped its intention to reduce the number of civil servants if it ruled the country. Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said civil servants were very angry with the proposal by DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua, and Anwar was just trying to cool them down. "When he (Anwar) disagreed with the proposal, it is just to cool down the anger of the civil servants towards DAP and PR," Abdul Karim said when contacted yesterday. He was asked on Anwar's online comment on Tuesday that PR had scrapped the proposal to reduce the number of the 1.2 million civil servants if it wins the general election, as earlier proposed by Pua. Abdul Karim, who is chief political secretary to the Chief Minister, said DAP's contention to reduce the number of civil servants was an insult to all civil servants, be they at the federal or state levels. The proposal, Abdul Karim said, also reflected how ignorant DAP was about the role of the civil servants in transforming the country to become vibrant. "Bumiputeras in the civil service should be able to see DAP's real agenda. They just don't have any love for the Bumiputeras," the Asajaya assemblyman said. Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the contradicting statements by Anwar and Pua indicated "the nature of their uncertain "To me, this is one of the few different opinions that surface from PR leaders and I believe there will be more contradicting opinions in the future," Dr Rundi said when contacted. The Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) also said the statement reflected how low PR thought of civil servants, adding that civil servants had done so much to bring the country to what it was today. Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing said he was not surprised at the contradicting statements by Anwar and Pua, adding that differences in opinion would always happen as they seem to politicise every policy. "I just hope Malaysians will see through all these before casting their votes," the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president said. |
| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:12 PM PST
(The Star) - The MCA has taken Karpal Singh to task over a statement by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be prime minister should the Pakatan Rakyat alliance take over the Federal Government. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said he wanted to know if Karpal, the DAP national chairman, would support and stand by Lim's statement that the PKR adviser would be the prime minister. "Since Lim has expressed his views, we want to find out if Karpal and PAS are united in their views as well. "I recall that, not long ago, Karpal had wanted Anwar to resign as Opposition Leader," Dr Chua said after launching the 39th students' excellence award of SJK(C) Ai Chun here on Wednesday. He was earlier asked whether he thought non-Muslims should first convert to Islam if they wanted to be deputy prime minister should Pakatan administer the country. The question followed reports quoting Anwar that a Chinese could be considered for the deputy prime minister's spot should Pakatan take over the Government. Dr Chua said Anwar made the remarks because the Chinese are under the impression there will be a Chinese deputy prime minister under a Pakatan-ruled Government. "So, now I want to know if there is such a thing. Or, do non-Muslims need to convert in order to become deputy prime minister?" he asked, adding that if no proper explanation was given, it could be just another publicity stunt and more political spinning. Dr Chua also asked the DAP to clarify if hudud law being pursued by PAS would affect non-Muslims. "If the answer is no, we need to know why? Because, in order to implement hudud, there would be amendments to the Constitution." In his speech, Dr Chua said the MCA would continue to suggest to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister ways to improve Chinese schools. He added that the party was doing its best to bring up issues faced by Chinese schools to the nation's leaders to find effective solutions.
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| Cops open new probe on Anwar’s Datuk T report Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:43 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - The police are now probing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for allegedly providing false information when questioned about the "Datuk T" sex video, a move PKR says is politically motivated. The probe was opened after investigating officer, DSP Shanmugan Moorthy, lodged a police report claiming Anwar had knowingly given him false information, an offence under Section 182 of the Penal Code. The crime is punishable by a six-month jail term or a fine of RM2,000. The new police investigation is expected to pile pressure on the opposition leader, who has steadfastly denied being the man seen having sex with a purported prostitute in the video. The video was shown to the media in April by former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim – collectively known as Datuk T. PKR today claimed that the probe was yet another politically-motivated attack on Anwar, who is also the party's de facto leader. "This is a very disturbing new development," PKR vice president N. Surendran told reporters at the party's headquarters here today. "What we see here is the start of a new political trial against the federal opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim." Surendran said he had no doubt Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) were colluding with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General (A-G) to bring down Anwar, "just as they were behind the persecution in 1998 and... in 2008". "They are all in it together. They are planning it together," he said, adding that the police should end the probe immediately. PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli said the probe appeared to be an attempt by BN to distract Malaysians from the ongoing controversy over the National Feedlot Centre (NFC), linked to Umno vice president Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil. He pointed out that it was odd the police decided to bring up the issue now even though Shanmugan lodged his report on September 28.
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| Poll outcome rests on bread and butter, survey finds Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:26 PM PST
By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider The rising cost of living remains the battleground issue in the next general election for undecided voters who make up a fifth of the electorate, a new internal PKR poll shows. This was in contrast to Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) supporters who saw Bumiputera rights and greater government transparency as key issues respectively. Fence sitters who make up 21 per cent of the electorate were more likely to be Chinese-speaking women aged 30 to 39 from Johor, according the survey results obtained by The Malaysian Insider. The report also found that bread-and-butter issues would be the number one factor in deciding how Malaysians voted on polling day (24 per cent), followed by government transparency (18 per cent) and upholding Bumiputera rights (13 per cent). Voters were overwhelmingly dissatisfied with BN's performance on cost of living issues, citing the high price of petrol (68 per cent), road tolls (68 per cent), food and groceries (67 per cent), and the gap between rich and poor (67 per cent). They also highlighted inadequate wage levels (65 per cent), housing affordability (59 per cent) and the country's overall economic management (52 per cent) as particular concerns. But voters were not convinced that PR would do better, with more Malaysians placing greater faith in BN's ability to tackle cost of living issues. Between 34 and 40 per cent of voters polled said the ruling coalition could better address issues ranging from the wealth gap to housing affordability, compared to 19 to 25 per cent for PR.
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| MCA says no to overseas voting Posted: 10 Nov 2011 12:40 PM PST
By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider Malaysians abroad are not qualified to vote because they are "out of touch" with the current state of affairs in the country, MCA told Parliament's polls reform panel today. The ruling Barisan Nasional's (BN) Chinese party said its research showed most Malaysians outside the country only received information from questionable news sources, which it said may not reflect the "true situation" ongoing in the country. "The future of Malaysia should be determined by those who have faith and still remained in the country," Datuk Ei Kim Hock, a member of the MCA central committee who headed the party's team told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reform today.
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| Koh Ready To Give Up Penang BN Chairmanship To Other Component Parties Posted: 10 Nov 2011 12:31 PM PST (Bernama) - Gerakan President Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he has always been ready to give up the chairmanship of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Penang to a person who is acceptable by other BN component parties. "The candidate must acceptable by other component parties and can lead them together," he told the media after his address at the National Unity conference in Subang Jaya near here yesterday. Koh said the appointment of the state BN chairman was the right of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who is also BN chairman. "I am saying that if there is a need to hand over...there is no problem. "So wait, if there are any announcements, I will give my views and also other component parties will give their views...it is process of consultation. "When I became Penang Chief Minister and then took over as state BN chairman in 1990, rumours said I would only last for 100 days...so from that day I was already prepared," he said. "The National Unity Department now actively trainx mediator from different groups and religions so that they will have greater understanding and make less conflicts in terms of views and practices," he said. Koh said the National Unity conference was a unique show of patriotism with four young politicians setting aside their differences to meet with young Malaysians at a conference aimed at finding ways to foster greater empathy and unity in Malaysia. Organised by Yayasan 1Malaysia and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) the conference featured prominent MPs including Khairy Jamaluddin (BN), Teo Nie Ching (DAP), Masiung Banah (BN Sabah) and Yusmadi Yusoff (PKR) as speakers while participants comprised young working adults, university students, representatives from NGOs and the media. |
| Najib better liked than Anwar, PKR survey shows Posted: 10 Nov 2011 11:53 AM PST
By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Najib Razak is more popular than Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but is seen as more indecisive and a poorer communicator, a PKR internal poll has found. The prime minister was seen positively by 53 per cent of voters compared to 38 per cent who gave him the thumbs-down, according to the survey obtained by The Malaysian Insider. Much of Najib's support came from the Malay community, where he was well-regarded by 71 per cent of those polled (net positive 46 points), compared to 34 per cent of Chinese voters (net negative 18 points). Voters in the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Johor were more likely to back the Umno president (61 per cent), followed by those in Perak (52 per cent), Selangor (49 per cent) and Kuala Lumpur (47 per cent). In contrast, Anwar scored just a 40 per cent approval rating, with 48 per cent saying they disapproved of the de facto PKR chief. Only 32 per cent of Malay voters said they favoured the former Umno number two compared to 61 per cent that did not. Female voters, in particular, did not like Anwar, with 53 per cent saying they disapproved of him (net negative 21 points), compared to an approval rating of 47 per cent among male voters (net positive two points). Malay women especially saw Anwar in poor light, with 69 per cent saying they viewed him poorly compared to just 24 per cent who did not. Chinese voters, on the other hand, were slightly more likely to back Anwar, with 43 per cent saying they approved of him, a net positive of two points. He was better regarded in PKR-led Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (44 per cent) than in Perak (38 per cent) and Johor (35 per cent). Anwar was most popular among those aged 40 and above (43 per cent) while Najib was best liked in the 30-39 age group (55 per cent). While the opposition leader was almost equally popular among graduates and non-graduates — 42 and 40 per cent respectively — the prime minister found more favour with non-degree holders (61 per cent versus 49 per cent).
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| MACC raids Petronas over alleged graft among key employees Posted: 10 Nov 2011 11:51 AM PST By Jahabar Sadiq, The Malaysian Insider Anti-graft officials raided national oil giant Petronas in the past weeks after receiving tip-offs of alleged corruption by project consultants working on exploration and production efforts in Malaysian waters, sources said. The Malaysian Insider understands that files have been carted away and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials briefed Datuk Seri Najib Razak before he left for the hajj last week. The prime minister returned to Malaysia yesterday. "The MACC investigators have gone in as there have been many complaints of some seeking gifts in return for making recommendations for contracts," a source told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity. Another source confirmed the investigation into the national oil company, saying the MACC has informed Najib and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The MACC does not confirm investigations for fear of jeopardising their work. Industry sources said corruption has become rampant over the years as Petronas has been giving out a host of contracts for its various operations, including the new push for marginal oil fields. But they did not identify which section of Petronas was being investigated by the MACC. "There's a lot of money to be made in long-term contracts. It's a bit less for spot contracts," one source said, adding middle-men and subcontractors frequent the oil giant's headquarters in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to buy and deliver pricey gifts including brand-name items such as bags for Petronas officials. "It's not uncommon. Everyone knows the game," he added. Another source said the Petronas management has had various meetings to discuss allegations of graft among its employees, who are among the best paid in Malaysia with perks including attractive housing loans, medical benefits and other incentives. "They used to be among the best and honest but there are so many contracts these days and taking a cut is easy and very tempting," he said, adding some Petronas officials have been seen to be living way beyond their means. "There is a lot of gossip and backbiting. Some contractors have complained they have to pay up to be considered for jobs. So it's not surprising that the MACC is here," said the source. He pointed out the management has been working on stamping out corruption, which has been identified as National Key Result Area (NKRA) by the Najib administration. The MACC recorded the most arrests related to graft last year, nabbing 944 people, of which more than 400 were bribe givers.
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