Friday, January 16, 2015

Davos Trip and Drawn Battle Lines


A Kadir Jasin

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LET us hope and pray that when the Prime Minister, Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland in the next few days he will get some answers to our worsening economic situation.

We need urgent answers to the widening effects of falling crude oil prices on our economy, on the national budget, which I am told is being reworked, on the exchange rates of the ringgit, the prices of goods and servives and, not the least, on our sovereign rating.

From the snowy Davos, the PM will fly to London to meet Malaysian students there. This is what I am told various unofficial sources, including a blogger friend who is extremely friendly towards the PM. These days, bloggers can be a very useful source of information.

After the PM’s controversial golfing trip to Hawaii during last month’s banjir besar followed by an “unofficial” travel to Bangkok, the curiosity about his penchant for overseas travel has increased, more so now when the country is facing a slew of problems.

Having heard of the PM’s possible trip to Davos and London plus the fact that bloggers are included in his entourage, I sent the following SMS to two regular contacts in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO):

“Apologies. Need confirmation: 1. PM attending wef, davos.When? 2. PM going to London. When and for what? 3. Some bloggers are travelling with him. 4. Is the PM travelling with tudm vip jet and which type? And 5. A person by the name of Mujibur rahman?? appointed new media adviser to pm. Thank you.”

One of them replied: “When PM leaves for official or working visit, a statement will be issued by wisma putra prior to the visit.” The other did not.

Can Mohd Najib seek answers in Davos?
My training as a journalist says I have to compare notes and have as many sources as possible. So I sent the following SMS to a pro-government blogger:

“Hang ok ka? Ada member kata hang pi London dng pm. Enjoy. Tk.” [Are you ok? A friend says you are going to London with the PM. Enjoy. Tq.]

He replied: “Ha ha ha okay saja Dato. Bukan pi dengan PM pun. Tapi ada join program dia kat sana.” [Ha ha ha I am okay. Not going with PM. But joining his programme there.] 

I responded: “Ok. Prog apa? Bila. Ni budak2 blogger bagi tau. Depa jaki tak boleh ikut.Tk.” [Ok. What’s the programme? The bloggers told me. They are jealous they couldn’t follow. Tq.]

He replied: “Saya pergi 22-28. Program PM dengan student di sana jika tak silap. PM dari WEF Davos. Orang nak bawa saya ikutlah Dato, bukan saya minta. Blogger mana yang marah tu?” [I am going 22-28 (Jan). PM’s programme with the students there if I am not mistaken. PM from WEF Davos. People want to bring me along I follow Dato, I did not ask. Which bloggers are angry?]

I am quoting these exchanges to illustrate two things. One, the type of response people like me can expect from the PMO and two the growing importance of pro-government bloggers despite being labelled “bangang” (stupid) by the PM.

Attack On Dr M and Daim

In the meantime attacks in the mainstream media on (Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad, (Tun) Daim Zainuddin and other critics of the PM appear to be gaining momentum.

Apart from enlisting Umno people in their efforts to silence the critics, the mainstream Umno-linked newspapers and TV stations continue to quote the opposition parties.

A couple of months ago they started to attack Daim and about a month ago the attacks spread to Dr Mahathir. They were too systematic to be the work of individual reporters and editors chasing after news. They appear to be working in concert and orchestrated by someone outside the media.

Daim said he knew the person and the cyberspace is abazz with talks that a new person outside the media circle has emerged as the new media and propaganda “adviser” to the PM.

A senior mainstream newspaper editor sent me the following SMS: “Assalam Tok Kadir. Siapa dia orang bernama H------ R----- yang dikatakan terlalu rapat dengan PM dan berupaya memberitahu kepala2 media prima dan utusan yang apa perku di spin?” [Assalam Tok Kadir. Who is this person by the name H------ R----- who is said to so close to the PM and is able to tell the heads of Media Prima and Utusan what they should spin?”]

I dare not publish the name of the alleged person and his link to the PM because I have no corroborated information about him. My query on the matter addressed to the two PMO contacts have not been answered.

But I believe I had come across a person by that name many years ago when I was frequenting Raju Restaurant in PJ. I am no longer a regular there. I was “priced-out”.

Daim Hits Out at Umno Media

On his part, Daim had issued a press statement which he addressed to Bernama, the New Straits Times Group and Utusan, the contents of which had since been picked up by several news portals. Let us see if Utusan and NSTP newspapers will publish it.

The statement reads: “I refer to the recent statements by some PKR politicians pressuring MACC to speed up its investigations into my banking business overseas.

“MACC is an independent body that makes its own decision without interference from anybody. I stand ready to support and cooperate with MACC in its investigation.

"Whilst I understand the motivation of these PKR politicians as they know not much other than politics and making baseless allegations, I am quite surprised with the attention given to them by the government-friendly media.

"TV3 which would not give 2 minutes of air time to Pakatan, has aired the PKR press conference no less than 3 times. The NST and Utusan have also carried these news.

"I am aware of who is behind this sudden attention on me. If you don’t like the message, kill the messenger.

"I hope that all these groups will leave the MACC alone to do its work.

“Thank you.”

The Battle Lines Drawn

In a separate development, the PM met Dr Mahathir the latter’s residence at The Mines in Seri Kembangan, Selangor on last Dec. 13 and they had dinner.

They talked about a number of issues including the 1MDB of which PM is adviser. Sources said PM was shaken by the discussion on the company.

Curiously, attacks on Dr Mahathir by pro-PM bloggers and the Umno-liked mainstream media started soon after that meeting, alleging, among other things, that the former PM was putting pressure on Mohd Najib to revive the crooked bridge project “to satisfy his ego”.

I am not sure if attacks on Dr Mahathir and Daim are the work of this mysterious new adviser to the PM or are concerted efforts by the entire pro-PM propaganda machine to burnish his image by maligning his critics. What I am more certain is the battle lines between the PM and his detractors could have been drawn!

Wallahuaklam.

27 comments:

izad12 said...

if it was indeed true that najib was shaken by the discussion on 1mdb,it just goes to show that najib was clueless about the predicament 1mdb is in right now.

that certainly says a lot about him and his style of administration...

Md Radzi said...

Datuk do you mean HABIBUL RAHMAN?? One nasty piece of work.

JMS said...

DAKJ,

Pro-Najib propaganda directed against TDM, Daim and those who appear to be aligned to them have increased in intensity and tenacity.

I'm not at all surprised those bloggers who have been labelled as 'bangang' have also played a major role in this JUST to continue surviving on the monthly retainers and other rewards.

But what makes me wonder is whether Najib himself is fully aware such strategy is counter-productive and that he is being led to a cliff.

Nizam said...

Suspen jer citer ni dah macam thriller movies which always will win by the hero. In this famous "real & true" story guess who is the hero & who is the crook?

I choose Dr.M & Daim as hero, you guys guess who is the BIG CROOK & the gang?

Hahaha...

nick said...

Dato, let me answer the last part for you:

It is the work of the entire proPM propaganda machine. Words spread that he is going to fight to stay on with all his might. Petronas is going to be sucked dry for this.

dt rahman pekan said...

salam dato.
I had some ideas on how umno/bn can regain penang n d 2/3 majority in d next ge.i was adviced 2 meet a gentleman by d same name.we disagreed on strategies n when I tried 2 convey d general urban malays feeling 2wards d first family especially flom he quickly cut me off.if yr info is correct n we r referring 2 d same gentleman, than I believ it wil spell disaster 4 umno/bn.

Pakcik said...

Clash of Titans on the horizon..

A KADIR JASIN said...

Esteemed debaters and visitors,

1. PM maybe the adviser of 1MDB, but there's a strong possibility that he's not on the ball and some people are playing ball with him.

2. Great mystery. Where has the high flier Jho Lo gone to? He appears to have disappear into thin air.

3. Lo and behold in came Arul Kanda Kandasamy the Executive Vice President, Head of Investment Banking Group and Head of Corporate Finance Division, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Is he being sent by his Arab bosses to rescue their investments in 1MDB?

4. Police and MACC reports have been made against 1MDB. Will these agencies know and dare to investigate without fear or favour?

5. If they don't, 1MDB will continue to be investigated and tried in the court of public opinion.

5. Amidst the dust, the smog and the fog, a mysterious figure in the shape of reclusive T. Ananda Krishnan appears like the mythical phoenix "offering" to rescue 1MDB via its proposed IPO.

6. The media reported that the country's second richest man is in talks with 1MDB to become a cornerstone investor in its long-delayed US$3-billion power IPO.

8. Hmm...something puzzling. Did Ananda not sell his power assets to 1MDB for a hefty gain?

9. The Star reported: "1MDB got its foot into the power sector in a RM8.5-bil deal which saw the company acquiring Ananda’s power generation business, Tanjong Energy Holdings Sdn Bhd, now known as Powertek Energy Sdn Bhd, in May 2012."

10. Or could Ananda be coming in via the proposed IPO to "rescue" the above deal, which some sources say has not been fully honoured by 1MDB?

11. The Star noted: "An investment by Krishnan would be a major boost for cash-strapped 1MDB, both in funding and inspiring confidence among other potential initial public offering investors. With Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak chairing its advisory board and criticism of 1MDB’s strategy mounting, the firm needs funds from the IPO to cut a debt pile of nearly US$12 billion and to expand business."

12. Are we seeing Arul Kanda and Ananda as the knights in shining armor rescuing the distress damsel or are they the players in the corporate games that we will never truly comprehend?

Wallahuaklam.

Thank you.

Lizara said...

I think I'm reading horror story... Too bad it's true story.

nick said...

Dato...while we are all bz looking at 1mdb, we must not overlook khazanah and other glcs. The crooks are everywhere...

Praxis said...

What answers one gets depends on the resolution level. If we are looking from a higher perspectives then answers will be different.

Agree inflation, sovereign rating among key problems.

People like to keep busy thinking they are attending to their weaknesses, until catastrophe strikes them.

If the attacks started after meeting Dr Mahathir, how holy can one's motives be?

Pray we will have the will and strength to enter into a new order and not descend to chaos.

nick said...

Dato', you should SMS your blogger friend again and say: "Gotcha!" on behalf of Tun Daim. Hahaha....

JMS said...

DAKJ,

Your question as per para 12 interests me.

When Mohd Hazem was the CEO, Ananda was as quiet as a mouse. Perhaps there was something brewing yet to come to public knowledge.

But not long after Arul Kanda has replaced Hazem, Ananda has suddenly resurfaced expressing his interest in the IPO.

Is this a case of birds of a feather flock together or a mere coincidence?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hamid said...

Yes, Habibul Rahman the dirty hand behind the scene. He stopped so low to use the Opposition to achieve his agenda. He is involved in the Fuel... company that was stopped by the government.

pon said...

Dato

utusan nak bayar gaji pekerja pun terpaksa pakai loan facilities bank. so dont be surprise utusan terpaksa attack TDM and TDZ...

A KADIR JASIN said...

1. Debater Hamid said: "Yes, Habibul Rahman the dirty hand behind the scene. He stopped so low to use the Opposition to achieve his agenda. He is involved in the Fuel... company that was stopped by the government."

2. Cannot be. If his company "was stopped by the government" surely he would be upset and not support the government.

3. As I said I am not "confirming" his name because my SMS on that subject to two PMO operators - one media and another politics - receives no response.

4. Sdr JMS, as for Ananda's offer to become a cornerstone investor in the floatation of 1MDB's power assets, I am not surprised at all. AK is an expert at market making. IPOs and taking companies private are his forte.

5. If his involvement in Petronas and the privatization of the Selangor Turf are any indication, he could end up being not only a cornerstone investor in 1MDB's Power but potentially also its driver.

6. Anonymous debater who wrote about 1MDB paying off Maybank and RHB please resend with a name. Pseudonym is acceptable. I love to publish the info.

7. Debater Nick, Khazanah reported an improved year last year. Of course there are crooks and rogue officer everywhere. They are in minority and we should be serious in dealing their wrongdoings.

Thank you.

Hamid said...

Datuk,

Sorry it was stopped by the Cabinet when Tan Sri Muhydin was chairing it. Of course, when Najib was away. This fella Habibul Rahman has been dropping PM,s name every where he goes. He is one of those advisors that is killing Najib.

Regards

shoothim said...

I am so glad someone finally have the guts to shove it nicely to the old man and his midget.

Well done Najib!!!

Joe Black said...

Allowing the likes of 1MDB which is a Sovereign Fund to be run by inexperienced and untested Malay Managers is akin to Memberi Bunga Kepada Kera... Malay leaders are experts at screwing up the image of Malay Managers at the behest of those excellent ones.

With Ananda and Arul involved...they might as well give it it to the MIC.

Unknown said...

Aslkum DAKJ

Sudah semakin jelas bahawa ramai di kalangan org Melayu syok sendiri.

Mereka dgn membabi buta dah lebih 5 abad sokong UMNO kerana termakan kempen ketuanan Melayu melalui UMNO. Bukan melalui PAS. Bukan jugak PKR.

Melayu lupa dizaman Najib toke2 India dan Cina la tuan sebenar. Dengan kebodohan dan kecurangan PM dulu kini dan...

Kemanakah perginya wang KWSP, KWAP, LTAT, PETRONAS, TH, PNB dan KHAZANAH NASIONAL selama ini?

Kalaulah tabung2 di atas kukuh sebagaimana selalu diwar2 MAP, tentulah PM Melayu yg sepatutnya tuan dinegara ni tidak perlu melutut kpd Ananda Krishnan untuk menyelamatkan penyenarian saham IMDB yg dah berkali2 tertunda.

Tertunda? Tentulah bersebab. Bukan semua ketua2 di Bursa dan SC tu boleh dipulas telinga untuk meluluskan IPO , IMDB dalam keadaan IMDB dipertikai keuntungannya.

Dan kalaulah IMDB memang hebat sangat untungnya kenapa tiada pelabur asing yg berebut2 mau melangan IPOnya. Atau kenapa tak di srnaraikan di bursa saham New York je. Barulah ada klas kata ketuanan Melayu glokal yg sering diwar2 Najib.

Dua tahun lalu gara2 termakan kempen tuan2 Melayu UMNO, ramai peneroka Felda yg melangan IPO FGV merana dan menderita.

Tabung2 spt KWSP TH dan PNB tentulah terjerepuk dgn kerugian atas kertas berbillion rgt bila harga saham FGV merudum dari 4.55 kepada sekitar 2 rgt sesaham.

Harta rakyat yg mana lagi mau dijual oleh pentadbiran Najib selepas FGV?

Sayangnya masih ramai Melayu percaya bahawa mereka masih tuan.

rakyat biasa said...

Artikel yg hanya mendedahkan kelemahan saudara kadir sendiri di khalayak umum.

sindiran yg dibuat lebih mendedahkan peribadi saudara kadir sendiri yg ( maaf cakap )kebudak-budakan dan tidak matang .

Jika benar segala tuduhan saudara kenapa tidak dibuat laporan polis untuk mendapat kebenaran?

Jawapannya sebab = fitnah,sangkaan buruk semata2.

bat8 said...

Tuan Umar Abdul Aziz

Terima kasih diatas huraian yang amat diatas. Itulah yang saya perjuangkan dan selalu sampaikan sejak mula mengenali blog DAKJ. Namun, s3ringkali dipandang sepi atau dituduh oleh penyokong tgar UMNO dengan label-label.

Terima kasih tuan. Saya masih tidak berputus asa. At same time mempersiapkan diri dan keluarga menghadapi ketika apabila dinasour utopia cipntaan jatuh berkecai menghempok dan memusnahkan kita orang-orang.melayu.

anti-Dap said...

Umar Abdul Aziz, ko ni merapu apa? Tengok Kelantan jela.. Habes balak digondol oleh Dap. Kerajaan suci Pas tu wakpe? Takkan senyap je kot...

wanitabukittinggi said...

Datuk..

Persepsi saya mengenai pelaburan 1MDB seperti orang putih kata " a deal gone wrong."
Kalau saya salah Datuk tolong betulkan.

Kalau apa yang diperkatakan oleh Tun Dr Mahathir tu betul iaitu 1MDB dan PetroSaudi telah terlibat dalam pelaburan "hedge funds" , pihak kerajaan harus memberi penjelasan.
Adakah 1MDB secara sedar terjebak dalam pelaburan sedemekian untuk dapat untung cepat?
Kalau jawapan kepada soalan diatas adalah "Ya"...saya tak hairan kalau Tun marah.

Betulkah PetroSaudi dipunyai oleh kerajaan Arab Saudi?
Maka dengan sebab itu 1MDB berani memberi pinjaman kepada PetroSaudi untuk melabur di Cayman Islands?

Saya tidak tahu siapa yang benar dan siapa yang salah dalam cerita 1MDB ini. Tapi sudah sampai masanya PM Najib berterus terang kepada Tun Dr Mahathir mengenai transaksi di Cayman Islands.

Sekarang senario dimata umum seumpama Tun Dr Mahathir menjalankan tugas Anwar dan Lim Kit Siang.

Kita tidak mahu lihat peribadi Tun Dr Mahathir ketika sisa-sisa hidupnya ditinta dengan dakwat merah semata-mata beliau dengar daripada sebelah pihak saja.
KIta dah faham sangat peribadi Tun...kalau beliau sudah nekad hendak membuat sesuatu beliau akan bertindak umpama bujur lalu melintang patah.

Saya berharap Datuk dan penasihat-penasihat Tun yang lain bersabar dan beri masa kepada PM Najib untuk membuat penjelasan samada secara belakang tirai atau didepan tirai.

Satu perkara lagi dikhabarkan dalam Utusan tempoh hari Tun Dr Mahathir akan mengadakan dialog bertajuk "Dilema Malaysia" pada 12 Februari ini.
Tak silap penganjur itu daripada Bersih. Saya pasti mereka hendak menggunakan Dr Mahahthir untuk menjatuhkan kerajaan.
Saya berharap sangatlah Datuk dan sahabat-sahabat Datuk menasihati Dr Mahathir tidak meneruskan rancangan ini.

Waullah hu'alam.

Unknown said...

sejak dari GE lepas PM Najib tahu bahawa media alam maya ini adalah penting..kerana dijadikan senjata PR meracuni fikiran rakyat marhien..dan sehingga sekarang ia masih belum boleh dikuasai cybertroopers barisan nasional..

ialah amat mudah apabila setiap inisiatif ketajaan hanya perlu dibangkang..dengan memberi alasan2 dan fakta2 mengarut..YB Rafizi tidak bersetuju dgn GST dan membandingkan GST dgn Income Tax..rakyat yg tak tau apa2 ni pon percaya yg GST ni mmg tak patut dilaksanakan dan ada yg beranggapan GST ni hanya mengenyangkan perut kroni..tp sy tau Datuk tak mcm tu..Datuk org bijak pandai..

kerana mudahnya kerja PR dgn hanya membangkang semua kerja2 kerajaan tanpa sedikit rasa ingin membantu membangunkan negara maka senanglah mereka berjaya dialam maya..

adalah tidak salah sekali sekalah memberi kritikan membina dan menambah baik idea atau perkara sedia ada..jgn kerja dok membangkang ja..tak tentu pasai plak tu..ingat,hidup tidaklah semudah itu dgn hanya membangkang..

Unknown said...

sejak dari GE lepas PM Najib tahu bahawa media alam maya ini adalah penting..kerana dijadikan senjata PR meracuni fikiran rakyat marhien..dan sehingga sekarang ia masih belum boleh dikuasai cybertroopers barisan nasional..

ialah amat mudah apabila setiap inisiatif ketajaan hanya perlu dibangkang..dengan memberi alasan2 dan fakta2 mengarut..YB Rafizi tidak bersetuju dgn GST dan membandingkan GST dgn Income Tax..rakyat yg tak tau apa2 ni pon percaya yg GST ni mmg tak patut dilaksanakan dan ada yg beranggapan GST ni hanya mengenyangkan perut kroni..tp sy tau Datuk tak mcm tu..Datuk org bijak pandai..

kerana mudahnya kerja PR dgn hanya membangkang semua kerja2 kerajaan tanpa sedikit rasa ingin membantu membangunkan negara maka senanglah mereka berjaya dialam maya..

adalah tidak salah sekali sekalah memberi kritikan membina dan menambah baik idea atau perkara sedia ada..jgn kerja dok membangkang ja..tak tentu pasai plak tu..ingat,hidup tidaklah semudah itu dgn hanya membangkang..

About Me

My photo
I was born in 1947 in Kedah. I came from a rice farming family. I have been a journalist since 1969. I am the Editor-in-Chief of magazine publishing company, Berita Publishing Sdn Bhd. I was Group Editor NST Sdn Bhd and Group Editor-in-Chief of NSTP Bhd between 1988 and 2000. I write fortnightly column “Other Thots” in the Malaysian Business magazine, Kunta Kinte Original in Berita Harian and A Kadir Jasin Bercerita in Dewan Masyarakat. Books: Biar Putih Tulang (1998), Other Thots – Opinions & Observations 1992-2001 (2001), The Wings of an Eagle (2003), Mencari Dugalia Huso (2006), Damned That Thots (2006), Blogger (2006), PRU 2008-Rakyat Sahut Cabaran (2008), Komedi & Tragedi-Latest in Contemporary Malaysian Politics (2009) and Membangun Bangsa dengan Pena (2009).