Audit Forensik 1MDB -Terima Kasih Muhyiddin

A Kadir Jasin

UPDATE- 11 Mac, 1MDB simpan RM4 bilion di Singapura dan "salahkan" Bank Negara.

PARLIAMENT The balance US$1.103 billion that 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had invested in a Cayman Islands fund has been brought back but is being kept in a Singaporean bank, the government said.

In a written answer to Tony Pua (DAP-Petaling Jaya Utara), the Finance Ministry said that the amount, equivalent to over RM4 billion, is being parked at the BSI Bank Limited Singapore (BSI Singapore).

“The decision to use a bank in Singapore was done in order to smoothen the transaction as there are regulations from Bank Negara that transactions above RM50 million needs its approval,” it said.

 

My question is, do we have to bring back our own money from abroad through a bank in Singapore and not directly to our own banks?

 

 Is Bank Negara that stupid to make capital flow into the country difficult or somebody is using Bank Negara as a punching bag?

ORIGINAL POST  

KEMUNCULAN (Datuk Seri) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sebagai pembela utama Perdana Menteri, (Datuk Seri) Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, dalam kontroversi 1Malaysia Development Berhad tidak memeranjatkan.

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Menteri Dalam Negeri merangkap Naib Presiden (1) Umno itu memerlukan Mohd Najib dalam krisis yang dihadapinya sekarang berkaitan suratnya kepada Biro Penyiasatan Pusat Amerika Syarikat (FBI) mengenai orang disyaki Paul Phua Wen Seng.

Ahmad Zahid dilaporkan menuduh pihak-pihak yang mempertikaikan urus niaga syarikat pelaburan strategik kerajaan itu sebagai bermotifkan politik. Beliau menyokong kenyataan bosnya, (Datuk Seri) Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, Rabu lalu bahawa penerangan 1MDB dan juruaudit luarnya, Deloitte, tidak mendedahkan sebarang penyelewengan dan kepincangan urus niaga.

Ahmad Zahid tuduh pengkritik 1MDB bermotif politik

Tetapi dua hari selepas itu, ketua nombor dua beliau, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin mengeluarkan kenyataan yang berbeza dan tegas.

Menurut laporan Bernama, beliau mahu audit forensik dilakukan ke atas 1MDB sejak penubuhannya (pada tahun 2009) dan Jawatankuasa Akaun Awam Parlimen (PAC) menyiasat 1MBD serta-merta tanpa menunggu laporan Ketua Juruaudit Negara. (Baca di sini).

Alhamdulillah, itulah kaedah yang tepat. Isu 1MDB memerlukan “forensic auditing” macam doktor menyiasat sejarah pesakit atau membedah mayat.  Terima kasih Muhyiddin dan hendaknya janganlah Ahmad Zahid menuduh tindakan Timbalan Presiden Umno itu bermotif politik!

Jawapan kepada tindakan Muhyiddin mudah saja. Apa yang dikatakan taklimat oleh Arul Kanda Kandasamy yang baru beberapa minggu menjadi Presiden dan Pengarah Eksekutif Kumpulan 1MDB dan juruaudit luar 1MDB, Deloitte semestinya amat terhad.

Muhyiddin mahu audit forensik ke atas 1MDB

Arul Kanda hanya berhak bercakap dan bertanggungjawab kepada apa yang beliau ketahui dan lakukan sejak mengambil alih teraju 1MDB pada 5 Januari lalu manakala Deloitte hanya untuk jangka waktu menjadi juruaudit luar 1MDB mulai Disember 2013.

Anggota Kabinet yang faham undang-undang dan peraturan tentulah tidak puas hati dengan maklumat terhad itu sedangkan mereka diminta turut bertanggungjawab terhadap syarikat itu. Mereka tentunya tidak mahu dituduh bersubahat kemudian hari.

Orang putih kata, splitting hair. Bayangkan bagaimana susah hendak membelah sehelai rambut. Mungkin benar akaun 1MDB bagi tempoh singkat diaudit oleh Deloitte memenuhi piawaian perakaunan yang digunakan di negara kita. Kalau tidak, masakan Deloitte berani mengesahkannya. Cuma adakah pengesahan itu bersyarat (qualified) atau tanpa syarat (unqualified). Kalau bersyarat, ertinya ada perkara yang tidak dapat disahkan oleh juruaudit luar.

Pembabitan Arul Kanda dalam 1MDB amat terhad

Ahmad Zahid boleh bantu penyiasatan kerana beliau seorang usahawan dan eksekutif perniagaan yang cukup berpengalaman. Sebagai bekas usahawan dan eksekutif korporat yang berjaya dan pernah menjadi ketua pegawai eksekutif Kretam Berhad, sebuah syarikat umum yang disenaraikan di Bursa Malaysia, beliau tentu tahu laporan dan akaun tahunan hanya memuatkan fakta dan perangkaan asas. Ia tidak mendedahkan modus operandi syarikat atas alasan ia rahsia perniagaan (trade secret).

Saya harap Ahmad Zahid gunakan kepakaran beliau sebagai bekas eksekutif OCBC, Pengerusi Bank Simpanan Nasional, eksekutif kanan PNB/ASN, pengarah eksekutif Scandinavian Motors Sdn Bhd, pengerusi Tekala Corporation Berhad, pengerusi Seng Hup Berhad, pengerusi Ramatex Berhad dan pengerusi Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad bagi melakukan pencerahan terhadap kekusutan 1MDB dan bukan sekadar membuat kenyataan politik murahan.

Bukan Semua Melayu Jahil

Orang yang tidak tahu apa-apa mengenai perniagaan, perakaunan, modus operandi urus niaga dan rahsia perniagaan tentulah akan terangguk-angguk mengiakan hujah Ahmad Zahid dan ahli Kabinet yang sependapat dengan beliau, apatah lagi kalau mereka ahli dan penyokong tegar Umno.

Tetapi hari ini, hatta di kalangan orang Melayu dan orang Umno pun ramai yang berniaga, menjadi eksekutif korporat, juruaudit dan pensyarah ekonomi. Jadi mereka boleh bezakan antara pasir dan permata.

Natijahnya, pemimpin Umno janganlah sangka semua Melayu “bangang” (meminjam istilah Perdana Menteri) dalam hal ekonomi dan perniagaan maka boleh diperkotak-katikkan.

Umno perlu belajar agar lebih pandai berkomunikasi dengan Melayu yang makin cerdik. Adalah kesilapan besar bagi Umno memajukan orang Melayu melalui pelajaran dan ekonomi, tetapi berkomunikasi secara dangkal kerana menyangka orang Melayu semuanya ikut cakap dan percaya omongan mereka.

Sekadar anggota kabinet kelas ayam dan ekonomi kangkung, saya rasa adalah amat sukar bagi Umno kembali meyakinkan majoriti orang Melayu dan mengembalikan keyakinan orang bukan Melayu untuk menyokong Umno dan Barisan Nasional.

Umumnya, pengkritik dan penganalisis bukan sekadar mempertikaikan akaun 1MDB. Mereka juga mengkritik dan menganalisis perkara-perkara yang tidak dijelaskan dalam laporan dan akaunnya – mungkin atas alasan rahsia perniagaan.

Antara yang dipersoalkan adalah hutang-piutangnya yang sangat besar (melebihi RM40 bilion), pengaliran modal, pembelian aset yang melebihi harga pasaran, pembawakeluaran modal untuk dilaburkan di Cayman Islands, kesukarannya membayar balik hutang kepada bank-bank tempatan, dakwaan pembabitan “billionaire” T Ananda Krishnan menyelesaikan hutangnya dan paksaan ke atas syarikat pelaburan berkaitan kerajaan (GLIC) memberi pinjaman kepada 1MDB dengan membeli bon/sukuk yang dikeluarkannya dan pembabitan pihak-pihak misteri seperti Jho Low dan PetroSaudi.

Kalau tugas Ketua Juruaudit Negara sekadar “verify” (mengesahkan) akaun lMDB, ia tidak lebih daripada “rubber stamp”. Tetapi sekiranya KJN diberi kuasa khas atau beliau sendiri berani mengambil inisiatif melakukan “forensic auditing” barulah ada harapan kita menjejaki “money trail” untuk mengetahui siapa buat apa dan dapat apa.

Penyelesaian Ala Idris Jala?

Penyelesaian masalah hutang dan kerugian 1MDB pun bukanlah sekadar memperlondehan aset (asset tripping) ala (Datuk Seri) Idris Jala.

Idris Jala petah berhujah. Untuk itu saya tabik spring kepada beliau. Bagi mengatasi masalah kerugian dan kehabisan modal MAS, beliau menjual asetnya dengan melabelkannya “asset unbundling”. Realitinya kalau setakat memjual harta yang orang lain buat untuk buat keuntungan luar biasa, siapa pun boleh. Tetapi apa yang terjadi kepada MAS selepas Idris Jala londehkan asetnya?

Harap-harap “asset stripping” bukanlah model yang akan Arul Kanda laksanakan. Sekadar jual tanah atau buat usaha sama, mudahlah. 1MDB banyak mendapat tanah murah daripada kerajaan di Kuala Lumpur – tapak TRX di Jalan Tun Razak dan tapak Pangkalan TUDM di Sungai Besi. Anehnya, apabila membeli aset swasta seperti penjana elektrik bebas (IPP) dan tanah di Pulau Pinang 1MDB bayar harga tinggi.

Ramai tauke-tauke hartanah yang licik macam (Tan Sri) Liew Kee Sin (Eco World) dan (Tan Sri) Desmond Lim Siew Choon (Pavilion Reit) – sekadar contoh sahaja – yang pastinya berminat membeli atau menjadi rakan kongsi 1MDB.

Bagi yang tidak tahu, Desmond Lim terbabit dengan penswastaan tapak Sekolah Menengah Perempuan Bukit Bintang yang dimajukannya menjadi The Pavilion. Tentu beliau amat berminat dengan tanah 1MDB. Malah ada laporan sejak tahun 2010 lagi yang mengatakan beliau berminat berkongsi dengan 1MDB.

Liew pula menjadi terkenal seantero dunia kerana berkongsi dengan Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) majukan SP Setia. Setelah keluar dari SP Setia beliau menyertai Eco World. Baru-baru ini UDA ambil Eco World sebagai rakan kongsi majukan tanah Penjara Pudu. Liew juga tentu berminat “menyelamatkan” 1MDB.

DBKL dan Syarikat Perumahan Negara pun buat macam itu juga apabila mereka mengambil YTL sebagai rakan kongsi dan peneraju projek Pantai HillPark atau macam Ananda lakukan dengan penswastaan padang lumba kuda Jalan Ampang. Beliau “memodalkan” tapak itu dan jual sahamnya kepada Petronas bagi mendirikan KLCC.

Kalau 1MDB benar-benar syarikat pelaburan strategik ia tentulah mempunyai “business model” yang cukup unggul, berdarjat dan mengatasi kaedah perniagaan biasa. Ia sewajibnya membantu kerajaan dan negara menjana kekayaan baru, bukan membeli aset yang sedia ada seperti IPP atau bersaing dalam sektor hartanah yang sudah pun diceburi oleh syarikat GLC lain dan sedang mengalami lebihan bekalan yang teruk.

Bukan Semua Bermotif Politik

Masalah dan kontroversi 1MDB tidak selesai semata-mata kerana Kabinet tidak mengesan sebarang perbuatan salah setelah mendengar taklimat 1MDB dan Deloitte.

Deloitte baru setahun jadi juruaudit 1MDB

Dan bukan semua pengkritik dan penganalisis yang mempersoalkan modus operandi dan kerahsiaan (secrecy) 1MDB bermotif politik.

Yang bermotif politik adalah pembangkang yang sememangnya mahu menjatuhkan kerajaan Umno/BN dan orang Umno/BN sendiri yang tidak mahu diperdaya atau dituduh bersubahat dalam hal 1MDB.

Yang lainnya adalah pemerhati dan penganalisis yang faham selok-belok perniagaan dan nampak banyak isu luar biasa dan mencurigakan mengenai 1MDB.

Mereka tahu masalah 1MDB kalau tidak dibongkar dan diatasi boleh mencetuskan wabak sistemik yang sangat buruk ke atas ekonomi, fiskal, perbankan dan mata wang negara.

Wallahuaklam.

Auditor-General To "Verify" 1MDB's Accounts

A Kadir Jasin

A WEEK after an unconfirmed report that the Cabinet had rejected an RM3-billion “rescue package” for 1Malaysian Development Berhad, a decision was made at its weekly meeting today to order the Auditor-General to verify the accounts of debt-ridden state-owned strategic investment company.

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A statement by Prime Minister's Office this evening said the Prime Minister, (Datuk Seri) Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, had ordered the Auditor-General to verify 1MDB’s accounts “although no wrongdoing has been found in the company.”

The statement said this was decided at the Cabinet meeting, where 1MDB's management and its external auditors, Deloitte, were called to brief the ministers.

It added that the Auditor General’s report would be passed, for transparent inspection, to the Public Accounts Committee, which is fully bipartisan and reflects Parliament’s composition.

Mohd Najib: “If any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception.”

The PMO statement suggests that the power over 1MDB is no longer the exclusive of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet appears to be taking a direct collective responsibility.

This could be useful for the Prime Minister. He now shifts part of the responsibility for 1MDB to the Cabinet. What started off as his one-man show is now collective burden of the Cabinet.

The Deepak-Bank Rakyat Scandal

In an unrelated development, former Agriculture Minister, (Tan Sri) Sanusi Junid, launched a book titled "Membongkar Skandal Deepak & Bank Rakyat" (Exposing the Deepak & Bank Rakyat Scandal) in Petaling Jaya.

The book was authored by writer/blogger Shahbudin Husin based on interviews with the former Bank Rakyat’s Chairman, (Tan Sri) Sabbaruddin Chik.

Shahbudin, Sanusi and Sabbaruddin at the launch

In his address, Sanusi said never in the history of Umno that a former Secretary General was insulted and shamed like was done to Sabbaruddin. Both Sanusi and Sabbarauddin had served as Umno Secretary General.
Shahbudin exposed the role played by carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan and Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (Datuk Seri) Hasan Malek in the scandal. The former was given “an easy loan” of RM32 million plus by the cooperative bank, allegedly at Hasan’s behest.

Sabbaruddin’s term as Chairman of the bank was not extended although Bank Negara had approved an extension after he objected to the alleged interference by Hasan in Deepak’s loan application.

The book also exposed the once close relationship between the carpet trader and Prime Minister’s wife, (Datin Seri Paduka) Rosmah Mansor. However, after a fallout, Deepak publish an online expose on Rosmah entitled “The Black Rose” with a promise of a follow up.

There wasn’t a follow-up. Instead Deepak’s business problems involving an Umno Wanita leader, Raja Ropiaah, was sorted out and he went on to receive the Bank Rakyat loan.

Wallahuaklam.

Bahaya Apabila PM Hilang Jalan Cerita

A Kadir Jasin

PEMBAHAS “berasiam” dalam komen kepada tampalan bertajuk “A Cabinet Snub For 1MDB?” antara lain, berkata:

“Nampaknya telah disebut secara jelas siapa yang membiayai pengajian anak-anak almarhumTun Abdul Razak. Utusan Malaysia hari ini menyiarkan laporan bahawa arwah Tan Sri Mohamed Noah (Beirut) sebagai datuk (sebelah ibu) kepada merekalah yang menanggung semuanya. Disebut juga kaitannya dengan mendiang Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong dan Genting.

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Beliau menambah: “....telah beberapa kali juga jasa baik DAKJ dipohon untuk mengulas mengenai yayasan berkenaan sebelum isu pewarisan ini menjadi hangat. Sebagai orang lama yang terlibat dalam kewartawanan DAKJ pasti mempunyai maklumat lebih banyak mengenai yayasan berkenaan. Dedah fakta takkan nak kena saman kot. Kalau saman pun gerenti yang kena saman tidak kalah. Boleh kan.”

Terima kasih. Selain “berasiam”, beberapa orang pembahas lain turut menyebut mengenai (Tan Sri) Mohamad Noah Omar. Sebagai jawapan, sila 

pertimbangkan hujah dan fakta berikut:

1. Siapa yang membiayai pendidikan Perdana Menteri, (Datuk Seri) Mohd Najib Abdul Razak bukanlah isunya. Tidak ada siapa pun yang bertanya atau mempersoalkan pembiayaan pendidikan Mohd Najib.

2. Yang menjadi isu dan pertikaian ialah dakwaan mengenai gaya hidup mewah yang dipamerkan oleh Mohd Najib, isterinya (Datin Seri Paduka) Rosmah Mansor dan anak tirinya, Riza Abdul Aziz – anak Rosmah dengan suami pertamanya.

3. Turut dipersoalkan adalah hubungan mereka bertiga dengan orang misteri Jho Taek Low dan dakwaan hubungan sulit Jho Low dengan 1Malaysia Development Berhad seperti yang dilaporkan oleh akhbar New York Times pada 8 Feb lalu.

4. Antara lain, NYT memetik seorang jurucakap Pejabat Perdana Menteri (PMO) sebagai berkata  “…neither any money spent on travel, nor any jewellery purchases, nor the alleged contents of any safes are unusual for a person of the prime minister’s position, responsibilities and legacy family assets.” (“…sama ada mana-mana wang yang digunakan untuk perjalanan atau barang kemas, atau dakwaan kandungan mana-mana peti besi adalah bukan luar biasa bagi mana-mana orang yang sama kedudukan dengan perdana menteri, tanggungjawab dan harta peninggalan keluarga.”

5. Media massa bebas dan atas talian terperanjat dengan kenyataan itu yang seolah-olah memberi gambaran bahawa bapa beliau, Allahyarham (Tun) Abdul Razak Hussein meninggalkan harta pusaka yang banyak.

6. Empat orang adik beradik Mohd Najib - (Datuk) Johari, (Datuk) Nizam, (Datuk) Nazim and (Datuk Seri) Nazir -mengeluarkan kenyataan pada 24 Feb menyesali hujah Pejabat Perdana Menteri itu. Mereka berkata: “Kami amat bimbang yang beberapa berita dan tampalan sejak akhir-akhir ini telah menimbulkan spekulasi mengenai bentuk dan jumlah harta yang ayahanda kami, Tun Abdul Razak, tinggalkan.

"Kami ingin menyatakan secara bertulis bahawa Tun Abdul Razak adalah seorang yang sangat berprinsip dan dikenali oleh semua orang yang akrab dengan beliau sebagai sangat berjimat cermat dan berintegriti tinggi, dan sebarang kenyataan atau kesimpulan yang bercanggah dengannya adalah bohong dan menyeleweng daripada memori, sumbangan beliau serta pengorbanan beliau kepada negara.

“Kami mengutuk sesiapa saja yang menodai memori beliau biar apa sekali pun motifnya.”

7. Kenyataan Pejabat Perdana Menteri itu telah menyebabkan sesetengah pihak, khususnya yang tidak mengenali Abdul Razak, mempersoalkan integriti beliau sebagai Perdana Menteri yang telus dan bebas rasuah.

8. Lima hari kemudian, pada 1 Mac, Berita Harian dan Utusan Malaysia sekonyong-konyong menyiarkan kenyataan Mohd Najib memuji sifat jimat-cermat dan integriti bapanya.

9. Sebelum itu boleh dikatakan semua anggota media arus perdana membakulsampahkan kenyataan empat adik-beradik Mohd Najib mengenai hal yang sama. Hanya media bebas dan media atas talian saja memberikan ruang kepada mereka.

10. Kata Mohd Najib, bapanya tidak pernah terlibat dengan amalan rasuah sama ada dalam politik atau ketika dalam perkhidmatan awam. Utusan juga melaporkan yang Mohamad Noah membiayai pendidikan Mohd Najib adik-beradik.

11. Malangnya, apabila nama Mohamad Noah diseret ke dalam isu harta pusaka peninggalan yang didakwa memanfaatkan Mohd Najib maka timbullah pula persoalan mengenai siapa Mohamad Noah dan apakah punca kekayaan beliau.

12. Orang yang mengenali Mohamad Noah, yang nama jolokannya Noah Beirut, akan mengingati beliau sebagai bapa kepada dua wanita yang mengahwini dua Perdana Menteri Malaysia – (Tun) Rahah mengahwini Abdul Razak dan Allahyarhamah (Tun) Suhaila mengahwini Allahyarham (Tun) Hussein Onn.

13. Dalam dunia politik, beliau diingati sebagai antara pengasas Umno dan Speaker Dewan Rakyat.

14. Tetapi pembabitan dalam perniagaanlah yang menjadikan beliau istimewa dan kontroversial. Beliau adalah rakan kongsi “Raja Judi” Malaysia, mendiang (Tan Sri) Lim Goh Tong. Mohamad Noah dan Lim mengasaskan projek kasino tunggal Malaysia di Genting Highlands pada tahun 1965.

Tiga Sahabat: Tunku Abdul Rahman, Noad dan Lim

15. Lim, dalam memoirnya “My Story” antara lain, berkata: “On April 27, 1965, Tan Sri Haji Mohd Noah and I set up a private company called Genting Highlands Sdn Berhad. Between the years 1965 and 1970, we made applications to the Pahang and Selangor Governments for 4,940 hectares and 1,110 hectares of freehold land respectively.” (Pada 27 April 1965, Tan Sri Haji Mohd Noah dan saya menubuhkan syarikat persendirian bernama Genting Highlands Sdn Bhd. Antara tahun 1965 dan 1970 kami memohon kepada kerajaan Pahang dan Selangor bagi mendapatkan masing-masing 4,940 hektar dan 1,110 hektar tanah pegangan bebas.)

16. Masalahnya, adakah perlu Mohd Najib dan media massa arus perdana yang menyokong beliau membangkitkan hal Mohamad Noah membiayai pendidikan cucu-cucunya kerana tidak dapat tidak orang yang mengetahui latar belakang Mohamad Noah akan mengaitkan beliau dengan lesen kasino?

17. Di manakah dan apakah peranan penasihat media, komunikasi, perang saraf dan pereka imej Mohd Najib yang begitu ramai dan tergolong di dalamnya seorang penasihat orang putih yang dicamkan sebagai Paul Stadlen.

18. Sejak akhir-akhir ini Stadlen menjadi bahan berita sensasi media atas talian kerana gaya hidupnya. Yang berminat boleh baca di sini.

19. Apakah semua ini ciri-ciri sokong membawa rebah dan harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi atau, lebih teruk daripada itu ia berupa petanda bahawa Perdana Menteri sedang kehilangan jalan cerita (plot)?

Wallahuaklam.

"Islamic State" (IS) Is Not Islam

A Kadir Jasin

 

THE so-called jihad that Islamic State (IS) extremists are unleashing on Muslims and non-Muslims is not jihad at all. It’s murder and barbarism.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had, among other things, instructed his soldiers that:

1. Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elder or sick person. (Abu Dawud)

2. Do not practice treachery or mutilation. (Al-Muwatta)

3. Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees. (Al-Muwatta)

(More here)

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For the benefit of those who want to know more – Muslims and non-Muslim – allow me to reproduce, in full, last Friday’s sermon of the National Mosque entitled “The Dangers of Religious Extremism" as follows:

Muslimin, May Allah’s blessings be on us,

On this blessed Friday and in this holy mosque, let us together increase our devotion to Allah SWT by vigorously implementing all his commandments and abstaining from all His prohibitions, surely the most honorable in the sight of Allah SWT is the most pious of us. The title of the Khutbah today is "The  Danger of Religious Extremists".

Muslimin, May Allah’s blessings be on us,

The noble Mimbar called on the congregation and all Muslims to let us build a community that loves the religion, race and country and together let us maintain peace and prosperity we enjoy today. Even though people of our country are made up of different races and religions but we must all be responsible and always ready and willing to sacrifice self-interest for the sake of religion and the country that we love. Mimbar would like to emphasize that one of the most important things that contribute to this situation is to the upholding of peace. Allah SWT says in Surah an-Nahl verse 112: Interpreted to mean: “And (regarding the unbelievers) Allah has made a parable about a city which was once safe and peaceful. Its provisions used to come in abundance from every quarter, but its people denied the favours of Allah. Therefore, Allah made it taste of hunger and fear closing on it on every side like a garment because of the evil which the people had been doing.”

Be assured that peace is a very important thing in human life, whether at the individual level or society, for the betterment of humanity. The history of human civilization has shown the effect of peace on global prosperity. Peace means that we are free from danger, crime, disasters and other bad things. These include peace of the nation, family, socio-economic and so on.

Thus, Islam balked at all movements that threaten peace in any form including those brought by religious extremists. The threat of religious extremism should be the concern of all parties because it involves public security. If this is not met, the country will fall into chaos. As a democratic country, we practise tolerance towards differences of views on religion, culture, race, politics, ideology, and others. But at the same time, citizens have no right to be extreme in their beliefs which could lead to acts of violence while trying to force others to accept their views. Remember the message of the Prophet Muhammad SAW in a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas RA where the Messenger of Allah said: “Be careful with religious extremists. The ancients had vanished, withdrawn due to religious extremism.” And  the Prophet SAW also said: “Do not troubled yourself (unneccerily) (in matters of religion). Surely people before you fell into destruction because of  their extreme attitude and troubled themselves (in religious matters). Their remnants are still to be found in places of worship.” (Narrated by at-Tabari). According to Prof Dr Abdul Muin Salim in his book “Fiqh al-Siasah”: “Creating an unstable atmosphere in a peaceful country is illegal. Deliberately creating an atmosphere of instability to harm to the public is haraam.”

Muslimin, May Allah’s blessings be on us,

The issue is why there are still people who adhere to the principle of religious extremism? According to Prof Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi in his book “Danger of Extremism” cited several reasons. First, obsessed and too rigid with their opinion. Second, they like to do things the hard way and force others to do so. Third, being extreme at the wrong place. Fourth: harsh and violent. First, thinking bad about others and sixth, the tendency to brand others as disbelievers. Therefore, as Muslims who believe (in God) we must reject all excuses for being extreme (because) extremism threatens the safety and security of the country. Be assured, that all forms of struggle to maintain peace and security are a part of worship in the path of Allah SWT. We must realize and remember in our heart and soul, we should protect and maintain peace that we have today because it is priceless and (for which) that our brothers in other countries are longing. This is the time that all the Muslims in the country must be united (and use) our capabilities to reject any attempt by any party that tries to destroy peace. Allah SWT says in Surah al-Anaam verse 82: Interpreted to mean: “Those who have attained to faith and have not obscured their belief with wrongdoing (by polytheism) - it is they who shall be secure, since it is they who are on the right path. ”

Muslimin, May Allah’s blessings be on us,

According to history, our country has been faced with a series of security threats, starting with communist terrorists during an emergency and the emergence of several militant groups such as Sabilillah military group, Nasir Ismail group, the al-Maunah and (several) more, all promoting violence and bloodshed. Today once again we are shocked by the threat to security by the movement (called) Daulah Islamiyah or (better) known as the Islamic State (IS). This group tries to spread its influence to recruit, especially the young people, to join their (brang) of jihad. According to reports, the spread of IS propaganda (and its recruitment exercise) in our country is widespread mainly through social media such as facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.

Observation shows that a small number of people in this country are interested to go to Syria and Iraq on the purportedly for jihad  and martyrdom. They kill anyone regardless Muslims or non-Muslims, they also legalize more aggressive actions and destruction of properties even involving the rights of their own brothers and sisters. Therefore, as Muslims, we should resist all attempts to spread the ideologu of this group. Believing in IS is contrary to the principles of Ahlu Sunnah  Waljamaah, teachings of Islam and true principles of jihad. Allah SWT has given this reminder in Surah Ali Imran verse 142:

Interpreted to mean: “Did you suppose that you would enter Paradise before Allah has known the men who fought hard and those who were steadfast (persevering in their struggle)?

Muslimin, May Allah’s blessings be on us,

Mimbar wants to emphasize, we must not become  Muslims who bring bad name to Islam. Let us not misinterpret the meaning of jihad that will cause Muslims to be seen in the eyes of the world as extremists and terrorists. What is certain is that Islam rejects all forms of violence and war instead is geared towards peace and universality of mankind. The actions of religious extremists who commit violence and destructions have caused the image of Islam to be tarnished. Muslims must find ways to introduce Islam to non-Muslims in order to convince then that Islam is a religion of peace and not of war.

As Muslims, we should enhance brotherhood and remember that our country's prosperity is the product of peace and tolerance among us. Let us strengthen our love for Allah SWT with a sincere struggle for the religion of Allah, Allah's laws and increase the good deeds so that we continue to fight for the sake of Allah SWT and fi-sabilillah. Ending the Khutbah this week, let us reflect the words of Allah in Surah al-Baqarah verse 190: Interpreted to mean: “And fight for the sake of (establishing and protecting the religion of) Allah those who fight against you, but do not commit aggression (by initiating the fight), for Allah does not love the aggressors.”

FOOTNOTE: Minor editing was made to provide clarity. I hope the above sermon will be a guide to all Muslims and will help our non-Muslim compatriots to understand the true meaning of Islam and the jihad.

Insya-Allah/God Willing.

A Cabinet Snub For 1MDB?

A Kadir Jasin

A BIG thanks and kudos to the Cabinet if indeed it had rejected a request by 1Malaysia Development Berhad for an RM3-billion financing from the government.

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Reports by online media said it had rejected the proposal at its weekly meeting on Wednesday by not approving the minutes of the previous week's meeting on the subject.

The Malaysian Insider news portal quoted sources as saying that the Cabinet rejected the proposed RM3-billion cash injection.

It quoted other unidentified sources as saying the rejection was a blow to the wholly-owned government strategic investment company.

I am yet to receive response to two SMS messages I sent to a minister and press secretary to a senior minister seeking confirmation on the Cabinet decision.

If the online media reports are true, the Cabinet action could be seen as signalling that the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Mohd Najib Abdul Razak no longer holds sway, at least not on the issue of 1MDB.

This is a huge setback for him. I would not, at this point, speculate that there is an emerging revolt against his leadership.

1MDB is his creation. He is the chairman of its advisory board. The company is owned by Finance Ministry and Mohd Najib is also its minister.

This could add further burden on the already beleaguered Prime Minister. Only weeks ago he gloated in a special TV3 interview about the soundness of 1MDB’s investment.

In a separate development, the chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament, (Datuk) Nur Jazlan Mohamed, has called upon the Auditor General's Department to carry out an immediate audit of 1MDB.

He was reported as saying that audit should be made to determine the source of the RM2-billion 1MDB used to settle loans with the local banks (Maybank and RHB Capital), its proposed plan to borrow RM3-billion from the Treasury, its dealings with PetroSaudi International (PSI) and whether the money it parked in Cayman Islands has been brought home.

Meanwhile, Mohd Najib Razak is reported to be taking legal action against PAS party organ Harakahdaily over a report that linked his stepson, Riza Abdul Aziz, to 1MDB.

The Utusan Online reported that a letter of demand was handed over to Harakahdaily's managing editor Dr Rosli Yaakub yesterday. Mohd Najib was quoted as saying that he was suing to protect his family.

Wallahuaklam.

Expensive Hairdo vs The Memory of A Great Leader

A Kadir Jasin

ADMITTEDLY there have been many twists and turns in the planned implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) – not the least the possibility of widespread profiteering at the expense of the uninformed public.

You and I know that Malaysian traders are not the most scrupulous in the world. On the contrary they could be among the most unscrupulous.

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So I am not at all surprised that many people are worried about them taking advantage of GST to profiteer.

The last to join the chorus in expressing this sentiment is the wife of the Prime Minister, (Datin Seri Paduka) Rosmah Mansor.

She cited her hair treatment that had increased in price to RM1,200 per session at her residence and RM500 for tailoring a pair of baju kurung.

GST is taking toll on Rosmah hairdo

I leave it entirely to readers and debaters to make sense of the RM1,200-hairdo. You can credit her for speaking up on behalf of consumers or loath her for the hair raising price she paid for hair colouring.

This is what she was reported saying: “Now when I want to dye my hair at home, the hairdresser charges me RM1,200.

“Wow, that is expensive but they say the price is different in the store. It’s pricey because it is home service...

“They can charge three, four or five times the price citing ‘home service’.

“I am speaking on behalf of housewives. Bakti believes that home services must be subject to (pricing) guidelines.”

To put the RM1,200 hair treatment in perspective let us consider the following statistics:

1. Median income of people in Sarawak, Perak and Kedah RM1,200, Terengganu RM1,100 and Kelantan RM1,000.

2. The majority of ASB unitholders have an average investment of RM550.

3. Out of nearly eight million working Malaysians, the median salary for 2012 and 2011 had stagnated at RM1,500. The median household income was RM3,626. The median household income for the top 20% was RM9,796, the middle 40% (RM4,372) and the bottom 40% (RM1,852).

Late Tun Abdul Razak was Frugal

Then there is this thing about the Prime Minister Office’s statement to the New York Times that Mohd Najib received “healthy” inheritance from this family.

The NYT had quoted the PMO as saying that “…neither any money spent on travel, nor any jewellery purchases, nor the alleged contents of any safes are unusual for a person of the prime minister’s position, responsibilities and legacy family assets.”

Tun Abdul Razak a Frugal Man

This was in relations to the paper’s expose on the mysteriously wealth young Chinese Malaysian, Jho Taek Low son of Tan Sri Larry Low of Penang.

I had made two notations on this in the blog. In one I said, that the PMO’s statement could cast double on Abdul Razak’s integrity and give the impression that he was wealthy.

In another I quoted his former political aide as saying that the second Prime Minister did not die a wealthy man. He left behind two houses – one in Pekan and another in Kuala Lumpur.

Yesterday (Feb 24) Mohd Najib’s sibling namely (Datuk) Johari, (Datuk) Nizam, (Datuk) Nazim and (Datuk Seri) Nazir issued a statement saying:

"We are extremely concerned that some recent news articles and postings have given rise to speculation as to the nature and extent of the inheritance that our late father, Tun Abdul Razak, had left behind.

"We wish to put on record that Tun Abdul Razak was a highly principled man, well-known to all who knew him for his frugality and utmost integrity and any statement or inference to the contrary would be totally false and misleading to his memory and to his service and sacrifices for the nation.

"We take issue with anyone who taints his memory, whatever the motive.

"We would also like to add that our whole family is united on this issue."

Unless the PMO makes an about turn and deny ever making a statement to the NYT about Mohd Najib’s so-called inheritance, it stands accused of tainting the memory of that great man.

The PMO propaganda machine can do whatever it likes even at the expense of ethics and morality to protect the PM and his wife. But for it to dishonour and disrespect the memory of Tun Abdul Razak is an unpardonable sin.

Wallahuaklam.