Half a Billion Ringgit! The Turnover On Taib’s Latest Foreign Property Venture

Sarawak Report

Sarawak Report can reveal that the turnover on the Taib family’s latest foreign property venture in the UK has been over half a billion ringgit (100 million pounds sterling) so far and it is still rising.

The Ridgeford Properties development in Bolsover Street, Central London, which comprises several flats, has now sold most of the units in its current 2nd stage of development for a price totalling £98,145,182 (RM537,000,000), according to research by the Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fund into the UK property register.

Some of the most expensive penthouse flats are yet to have been sold, meaning that the final sum will go well over the hundred million pounds mark.

Taib’s son escapes contempt charge

Ahmad Fadli KC 

Sarawak governor’s son Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib today escaped contempt of court proceedings brought by his former wife Shahnaz A Majid.

Syariah High Court judge Azzeman Omar delivered his verdict after hearing Bekir’s explanation.

This follows the court’s order for Bekir to pay more than RM900,000 as interim child maintenance for the couple’s only son.

“The court accepts the justification of the respondent and the committal application (for contempt of court) is rejected,” Justice Azzeman said.

Taib to relinquish interests in commercial enterprise?

Anna Chidambar

The High Court’s advice to Sarawak Governor Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to relinquish all his commercial interests is seen as an indirect acknowledgement of his involvement in commercial enterprise and thus a small victory for those opposing his appointment.

This advice was made by Sabah High Court judge Chew Soo Ho when dismissing an ex-parte application on Feb 27 by Padungan state assemblyman Wong King Wei for an injunction to stop Taib from accepting his appointment as the governor.

Low: ‘People-sanctioned’ Taib is rightful governor

Lawrence Yong

Governance and Transparency Minister Paul Low said today that he saw no reason to stop Abdul Taib Mahmud from becoming state governor after 33 years as chief minister, despite allegations against him for corruption and abuse of power.

In the week before he resigned as Sarawak’s chief minister, two NGOs and a news weekly alleged that he had used his position to enrich his family. Taib has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Low also said that he sided with the GE13 voters, who found no fault with Taib.

Taib knew united Sabah, S’wak dangerous to Umno

Zainnal Ajamain

With one single bold announcement Taib Mahmud turned Malaysian politics on its head and broke the hidden agenda to “isolate” Sabah from Sarawak.

Taib Mahmud set the “benchmark”, to paraphrase Sabah’s Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, for his brave rejection of Umno from Sarawak and to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Within days of his bold announcement at the PBB Supreme Council meeting last month, political players, observers and analysts knew a historic moment had occured in Borneo.

Wretched Umno, Mustapha and Taib

Zainnal Ajamain

Never in the history of Malaysia has a head of a state acknowledged that Umno is NOT as good as it advertises itself to be.

Taib Mahmud stepped down as the Chief Minister of Sarawak after holding the reign for 33 long years. He outlasted Mahathir Mohammad, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, by more than a decade.

His length as CM speaks volumes of the politician who stayed in office longer than any other leaders in Malaysia and his insight into Umno’s character.

Taib’s family in 400 firms worth billions, says The Edge Weekly

Ho Wah Foon

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who has just stepped down as Sarawak chief minister and become the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (state governor), had led the state imperiously for 33 years; and during these years, his family members have amassed billions of wealth.Ruling with a tight fist, Taib had allowed his immediate and extended families to control 400 companies in every sector in Malaysia and hold overseas assets worth more than RM800 million in four countries, according to the 8-page special cover story in The Edge Weekly.

Under the state constitution, the Chief Minister shall not hold any office of profit and shall not actively engage in any commercial enterprise, but according to the research findings of The Edge Weekly Taib might have broken this state law while he was ruling Sarawak.

Is return of the prodigal son coincidental?

Winston Way

First public appearance of Taib’s son, Sulaiman, has spawned rumours of him standing in Balingian.

Prodigal son, Sulaiman ‘s unexpected presence on Friday to welcome his father Taib Mahmud’s return from Kuala Lumpur as Sarawak’s new Governor has fired up the rumour mill here.

Speculations are divided over whether his return is linked to Balingian or the Taib business empire.

Of the two sons – the other is Mahmud Bekir – Sulaiman was his father’s ‘chosen one’ until he went AWOL in 2010 following his mother’s death.

Taib: When the Devil wins

James Chai

There was a slight pause called by Najib between Taib Mahmud’s resignation as Chief Minister of Sarawak and his accession as the Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) of Sarawak.

The delay gave us some hope. Would Najib take this opportunity to cut off the “untouchable” Taib Mahmud once and for all and take this benefiting political token, or will he concede (yet again)?

This was not much of a surprise. Najib never dared anyway.

“I’ve got things in proper sequence” – Taib

How Taib’s family could have hidden their wealth

The Edge

The family of Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud may have used a number of exempt private companies (EPCs) to hide their wealth from public scrutiny, according to the financial weekly The Edge Malaysia.

This is because EPCs are exempted from submitting its balance sheet when filing its annual returns to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).

Typically, according to the report, these EPCs linked to Taib’s family would invest in other companies, numbering at over 400 involving a wide range of industries.

“When the EPC receives dividends from its subsidiaries… the money trail disappears because EPCs are not required to file their financials.

TIME MAGAZINE THREATENED? ‘Halt all negative comments against PM Najib’

wfol.tv

Time Magazine, which came under scrutiny last week for an article depicting the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Najib Razak apparent failure to deal with race relations and growing religious intolerance, will have to watch its columns.

The international weekly is said to be under ongoing scrutiny, with the matter of the article written by Zoher Abdoolcarim still under investigation by a unit tasked to monitor foreign publications at the Home Ministry.

A source said a handler at the ministry is preparing a report that will be submitted to the Ketua Setiausaha (Chief Secretary) of the ministry, soon and it is only then a decision will be taken on Time article.

Balingian by-election barometer to gauge PKR’s strength in next state election – Baru

The Borneo Post

The Balingian by-election will be an interesting barometer to gauge  PKR strength in the next state general election.

State PKR chief Baru Bian said the Balingian by-election will determine whether there was support for the change in guard (of the state Barisan Nasional leaders) and secondly it can gauge the change in the support of the people for the present government, especially in the context of the rising cost of living.

“The increase in the price of goods will be the main issue and we will be taking the issue to the ground and it will be very interesting,” he told reporters at a press conference after the party’s state liaison committee’s final meeting here yesterday.

Balingian: Who’s the secret Melanau graduate?

Alan Ting

Political observers believe that PBB will likely field a Melanau-Christian as part of the traditional arrangement inherited by the party from its predecessor Barjasa.

Following Taib Mahmud’s retirement from active politics, the predominantly Melanau based Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Balingian has become the focus of political pundits.

With the dust settled on who will be replacing Abdul Taib as the Chief Minister, all eyes are now on Balingian that could serve as the proving ground for the new chief minister and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Adenan Satem.

In Balingian by-election, Pakatan to gauge support for change of guards in Sarawak

DESMOND DAVIDSON

With the dismal performance in the 2011 state election still fresh in their minds, PKR Sarawak is realistic but hopeful when it comes to their chances in the soon-to-be-called by-election for Balingian, a coastal Malay-Melanau majority state seat.

“We admit and we concede we are the underdogs,” state PKR chief Baru Bian (pic) told a media conference after chairing the party’s state leadership meeting in Kuching, today.

“(The Balingian seat) is probably one of the toughest Barisan Nasional seats (to win).

‘Taib must answer for sins of corruption’

FMT

It is bewildering for the MACC to claim that there is no evidence of corruption and abuse of power by the former Sarawak CM, says C4 director Cynthia Gabriel.

Former Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud should be cleared of his sins of corruption by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) before being appointed as Sarawak’s Governor.

Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) director Cynthia Gabriel quoted several ‘sordid tales of corruption’ such as the Japan transport scandal in 2007 and the Gunung Munung Park scandal.

Taib Plans To Commission A Better Reputation

Sarawak Report

Taib has grabbed the Governorship, but now he is worrying about his reputation.

In his outgoing speech as Chief Minister he chose to focus on the international bad publicity over his destruction of the rainforest; his rolling out of oil palm plantations and his self-enrichment in the process.

Clearly, this matter has spoiled his promotion party and it is preoccupying his mind.

As usual, he blamed “malicious attacks” by NGOs and he called on Malaysia’s “envoys” to repair his reputation across the globe.

Then he came out with some claims that have produced gasps and astonished laughter.

A surprise presence and puzzling absence

Winston Way

Taib Mahmud’s triumphant return to Sarawak as the new governor was marked by his son, Sulaiman’s first public appearance in years, and the non-attendance by a former CM contender

Controversy-ridden Abdul Taib Mahmud arrived here last night as Sarawak’s new governor and was greeted by a 500-strong waiting crowd including family members, the state Cabinet and senior government officials.

Earlier yesterday, Taib received his instrument of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Taib sworn in as Sarawak’s seventh governor

Bernama

After signing the instrument of appointment, Taib took his oath before chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum at the state legislative assembly

Abdul Taib Mahmud, who stepped down as chief minister of Sarawak after almost 33 years in office yesterday, was sworn in as the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak today, marking another historical milestone for the state.

The ceremony began at 11.00am with Adenan Satem, who succeeded him as the new chief minister, reading the instrument of appointment, which was presented to Taib by Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Taib sworn in as Sarawak governor in Kuching

Bernama

Abdul Taib Mahmud, who stepped down as Sarawak chief minister after almost 33 years in office yesterday, was sworn in as the new Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak today in Kuching.

The ceremony began at 11am with Adenan Satem, who succeeded him as the new chief minister, reading the instrument of appointment, which was presented to Taib by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

After signing the instrument of appointment, Taib took his oath of office before Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum at the State Legislative Assembly building here in the presence of Adenan.

Taib is new Sarawak Governor

Bernama

He succeeds Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng whose term of office ended yesterday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, today presented Taib Mahmud with the instrument of appointment as the new Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, at the Istana Negara here.

The ceremony took place at the Small Throne Hall and was witnessed by Prime Minister  Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister  Muhyiddin Yassin and the new Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem.

Ex-CM Taib is now Sarawak governor

Bernama

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah today presented Abdul Taib Mahmud with the instrument of appointment as the new Yang di-Pertua Negri of Sarawak at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

The ceremony took place at the Small Throne Hall and was witnessed by Prime Minister Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the new Sarawak Chief Minister, Adenan Satem.

Abdul Taib – who stepped down as the Sarawak CM effective today after almost 33 years in office – takes office tomorrow as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negri of Sarawak, succeeding Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng whose term of office ended today.

Protests held against ‘governor’ Taib

Dukau Papau

Several protests were held in Kuching this morning against Abdul Taib Mahmud becoming Sarawak’s governor.

They were a curtain raiser to a bigger rally to be staged tomorrow in front of the old court house in the state capital, which stands across the river where the swearing-in ceremony would be held.

Organised by civil society movements, the protests comprised small groups armed with banners and posters.

All eyes on Taib’s possible successor in PBB stronghold Balingian

Anna Chidambar

Will Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud exert his influence over the choice of the PBB candidate to contest the Balingian state seat he is expected to vacate tomorrow?

Academicians well versed in Sarawak’s political scene think so. They believe that the PBB candidate would likely be a blood relation or at least, favoured by the outgoing Sarawak chief minister in order to ensure continuation of his legacy.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) historian Dr Suffian Mansor said: “Balingian has been a BN-PBB stronghold for over 40 years and has never fallen into the hands of the opposition. When Taib took over the seat in 2001, his popularity vote was over 90%.”

Sarawak Speaker accepts Taib’s resignation

Winston Way

Incoming CM Adenan Satem will be deciding whether or not to have a by-election in Balingian constituency.

Chief Minister Taib Mahmud has resigned as assemblyman for Balingian.

This was confirmed today by  Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar during a press coneference.

Asfia said the letter was dated Feb 26 and is effective from tomorrow.

Najib urged to delay Taib’s appoinment

Taufik

New corruption questions have emerged over the role of Taib Mahmud and son in a waste disposal deal with German firm

The evidence is piling up against soon-to-be governor, Taib Mahmud.

In a last ditch attempt to thwart Taib’s ascent to the ‘throne’, UK-based Global Witness, which was responsible for an incriminating covert video on business dealings by the Taib family, has released documents of more corrupt practices.

Will defiant Taib ‘conform’ and kiss Agong’s hand?

Zainal Ajamain

The author says the act of Sabah and Sarawak Governors kissing the Agong’s hand is strictly taboo and the highest insult to the people of these states.

The Barisan Nasional-Umno government has been involved in mind control experiments since Malaysia was formed.

Aside from distorting history and imposing this version via schools, they are also using other less obvious ways such as  the “subliminal stimuli” technique.

The scientifcally proven technique  uses any sensory stimuli below individual threshold for conscious perception.

Did Taib hold Najib to ransom with Sarawak seats

Awang Abdillah

Sarawak with its 25 parliament seats helped BN get a simple majority in the last election and there are fears that Taib may withdraw the seats

Under the federal constitution the appointment of the Sarawak Yang DiPertua Negeri is vested in the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

As Prime Minister, the coveted post then is Najib Tun Razak’s trump card when dealing with the state government of Sarawak.

New graft allegations surface against Taib

Mkini

Fresh allegations of corruption against Abdul Taib Mahmud have surfaced, a day before he is slated to resign as chief minister of Sarawak.

The veteran politician, who has been hounded by a slew of allegations throughout his 33-year reign as chief minister, is expected to assume the post of Sarawak governor.

The latest allegations surround a company linked to his son Mahmud Abdul Bekir, that was purportedly used as a conduit to receive up to RM6.6 million in commissions for a waste disposal project involving a state government joint venture with a German firm.

‘After 33 years of Taib, S’wakians third poorest’

Aidila Razak

Sarawak PKR Youth have questioned how Sarawak is third on the list of states with the largest population of poor residents after 33 years of Abdul Taib Mahmud’s rule as chief minister.

Its representative Iswardy Morni said that this is despite having RM22 billion in the state reserves.

Citing Department of Statistics data, he said that although Sarawak is third behind Sabah and Kelantan, the absolute number of poor is much higher.

To Appoint Taib Is To Become Complicit In Corruption – Najib Should Delay

Sarawak Report

Taib has made clear that he expects to be appointed Governor tomorrow, with an audience scheduled to meet the Agong at the Istana Negara at 3pm.

He has informed people that he believes that this will elevate him to a similar status to the British Queen, dispensing advice and held in fond regard.

And, of course, he is making it clear he believes the position will offer him total immunity from any kind of prosecution over his 3 decades of kleptocracy in Sarawak.

Rights groups reveal documents alleging involvement of Taib, son in lucrative waste deal

ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH

Two international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today revealed documents which showed the involvement of outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (pic) and his son in a lucrative waste disposal agreement signed 15 years ago with a German firm.

The revelation, coming just two days before Taib is expected to take over as the Sarawak governor, contains more incriminating evidence of Taib’s alleged corruption and abuse of power, said the NGOs, Global Witness and The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4).

They said the documents disclosed that as part of the deal signed in 1998 between Trienekens and the state government, Trienekens engaged a local company – Sarawak Capital – owned by Taib’s eldest son, Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, to provide up to US$2 million (RM6.6 million) worth of “consultancy services”.

I would have retired in 2007, says Taib

Bernama

Outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (pic) today said he had planned to retire in 2007, but decided to hold back his decision due to two ‘S’ factors.

The two ‘S’ factors were a crisis faced by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and the formulation of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), a new development corridor in Sarawak which required precision planning to ensure its success, he disclosed.

“I wanted to retire way back. I had planned to retire in 2007 and I had the consensus of the leadership of PBB that I should groom (Tan Sri) Adenan Satem as my successor.

Taib finally ends 33-year tenure as CM

Bernama 

Abdul Taib Mahmud today ended his 33-year tenure as chief minister of Sarawak at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching, the state’s administrative building, in a sombre mood.

Tomorrow, Taib will have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Shah Mu’adzam at Istana Negara to receive his credentials to be Sarawak’s seventh yang di-pertua negeri.

In the brief but meaningful farewell, Taib and his wife, Ragad Kurdi Taib, who were accompanied by Sarawak deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu, minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Special Functions) Adenan Satem, who is also designated to be Sarawak’s fifth chief minister, and  state land development minister James Masing, were seen shaking hands with about 300 government staff at the building.

‘Don’t promote Taib till MACC clears him’

Lawrence Yong

Anti-graft watchdog Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has urged the government to delay making Abdul Taib Mahmud the Sarawak governor until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) clears him over a questionable deal.
 
C4’s directors have submitted a complaint to MACC today, based on allegations by NGO Global Witness that a company linked to Taib’s son Mahmud Abdul Bekir has been purportedly used as a conduit to receive up to RM6.6 million in commissions, for a waste disposal project involving a state government joint venture with a German firm.

DAP assemblyman fails in bid to stop Taib from becoming Sarawak governor

DESMOND DAVIDSON

DAP’s last-ditch effort to stop outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (pic) from being appointed as the next head of state failed, after the Kuching High Court today ruled that it had no jurisdiction over the appointment.

Judge Chew Soo Ho dismissed DAP Padungan state assemblyman Wong Kin Wei’s application for an ex parte injunction, saying that the appointment is at the sole discretion of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the court had no jurisdiction to interfere with the prerogative.

Taib is scheduled to have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Shah Mu’adzam tomorrow afternoon.

Malaysia, we have a problem, a serious graft problem

Cecilia Jeyanthi Victor

None other than Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself has conceded that corruption has always been a problem in Malaysia but he also qualified that the menace was under control during his tenure as prime minister.

The other two premiers after Mahathir had never openly admitted that corruption was a problem although Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi saw it fit to establish the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to replace the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) which was perceived as “toothless”. Abdullah’s action did the talking for him about graft in the country.

High fares for perilous rides

FMT Staff

Get a new operator for ferries between Marudi and Kuala Baram, says SAM

An environmental group has urged the government to revamp the ferry services across the Baram and Bakong rivers in Sarawak, saying the fares are too high and the safety features inadequate.

SM Mohamed Idris, president of Friends of Nature Malaysia (SAM), said in a media statement today that the government should consider calling for new tenders from other ferry operators.

EU groups warn of ‘consequences’

FMT Staff

If Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak allowed Taib Mahmud to become Governor it would mean he is “personally endorsing rampant corruption in the timber and palm oil sector in Sarawak” said BMF.

Europe-based NGOs want the European Union and the European Free Trade Association to halt trade talks with Malaysia if outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud is made a Governor.

Taib is scheduled to receive his credentials from the Yang DiPertuan Agung on Friday, after he steps down from his post as Sarawak’s CM.

Taib the untouchable

FMT

Can he go on thumbing his nose at his critics as well as the Putrajaya administration?

Environmentalists hate him, champions of native rights see him as an enemy, and advocates of good governance accuse him of corruption at a mind-boggling level. Yet none of these groups has greeted news of Taib Mahmud’s resignation with any measure of jubilation. We may see this as an indirect and perhaps grudging acknowledgment that Taib is a master politician, a recognition that leaving the Chief Minister’s seat, in his case, is not equal to surrendering political power.

Taib to vacate Balingian seat on Friday

Aidila Razak

Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud will vacate his Balingian state legislative assembly seat on Friday, thus resigning as chief minister after more than three decades.

According to Berita Harian, the vacation notice has been submitted to the legislative assembly Speaker Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.

Abdul Taib will be succeeded as chief minister by Adenan Satem (left), while Taib himself has been nominated by his party PBB to the post of state governor.

Sarawak Governor should be ‘Yang DiPertuan Negara’

Winston Way

With Sarawak preparing to receive its seventh governor later this week, the issue of his rightful title has surfaced.

A Sarawak NGO has called for the reinstatement of the original title for the governor which is ‘Tuan Yang Terutama Yang DiPertuan Negara’ as befitting the head of a country.

Sarawak Association for People’s Aspiration (Sapa) president Lina Soo reminded that Sarawak was an independent nation when it signed the Malaysia Agreement together with Sabah and Singapore.

No dominant policies during Taib’s 33 years as Sarawak CM?

Hazlan Zakaria

And now, the end is near, and Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud faces the final curtain. The outgoing Sarawak chief minister claimed that while in power, he did it his way, in sync with the famous line of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ most memorable hit, with no race dominant policies in his state.

But how true is his claim and how non-dominant his policies were, are open to question.

In what was touted to be his last speech, Taib shot a barrage at Umno’s Malay supremacy policy, boasting that there is no place for dominant race policies in the multiracial state.

EU should freeze trade talks with Malaysia if Taib becomes governor, says NGO

TMi@BMF

A Swiss NGO is calling on European governments to freeze trade talks with Malaysia if Putrajaya continues to support outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s (pic) bid to become the state’s next Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

Bruno Manser Fund (BMF), one of Taib’s fiercest critics over corruption allegations, said Malaysia would have to face stern political consequences if it backed Taib as governor.

“We make it very clear that the Malaysian government will have to face political consequences if it backs Taib Mahmud, one of Southeast Asia’s most corrupt politicians, as governor of Sarawak,” it said in a statement today.

Summons filed to stop Taib becoming governor

Dukau Papau

Padungan assemblyperson Wong King Wei, who is also Sarawak DAP Youth chief, this afternoon filed a writ of summons in the High Court in Kuching seeking an order to restrain or prohibit Abdul Taib Mahmud from accepting the appointment of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.

Wong argues in the writ that Sarawak’s outgoing chief minister would be violating Article 2(2) of the state constitution should Taib assume the post of head of state.

“Alternatively, in the event Taib has accepted the appointment as Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, a declaration is being sought that he has violated Article 2(2) of the constitution of Sarawak and that he be removed from the office,” Wong said.

Assemblyman takes legal route to stop Taib becoming Sarawak governor

V. ANBALAGAN

A court action has been filed to stop outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Taib Mahmud from assuming the post of the governor of the state.

Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei filed a writ of summons in the Kuching High Court today to restrain Taib from accepting the appointment of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, the Malaysiakini news portal reported.

Wong, who is also Sarawak DAP Youth chief, said the writ stated Taib would be violating Article 2(2) of the State constitution should Taib accept the post of head of state.

Defer naming Sarawak governor, Rafizi tells Najib

Ram Anand

PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli has cautioned that Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud – if appointed governor – would exert influence similar to Dr Mahathir Mohamad as premier.

“Najib (Abdul Razak) already (faces) the trouble of Mahathir hassling him. He should pity whoever comes after Taib (as CM). He would not want another Mahathir,” Rafizi said today.

Since retiring in 2003, Mahathir has maintained a presence in government events and spoken out about the administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib.

If can’t nail Taib Mahmud, get his family for graft, PKR tells MACC

LEE SHI-IAN

If Malaysia’s anti-corruption watchdog cannot nail Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, then they should investigate his family members further, a PKR lawmaker said today.

PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli (pic) said today the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should probe the financial background of Taib’s family members, in particular, Taib’s brother, Onn Mahmud.

Disbelief over MACC’s inability to find proof of Taib power abuse

DESMOND DAVIDSON

Opposition lawmakers in Sarawak reacted with disbelief over a report that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) could not find any proof against outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for alleged abuse of power in the giving of large tracts of land and logging licences to his relatives.

“This is outrageous!” PKR Sarawak vice-chairman and its Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How (pic) said.

“Is MACC clearing Taib of any wrongdoing?” See asked, adding that he will meet with the anti-graft watchdog’s chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed.

So WHO Is The MACC Going To Arrest?

Sarawak Report

Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has made some key acknowledgements according to a recent interview with the Malaysian Insider.

The investigators have confirmed that huge tracts of land and concessions were handed to the family members of Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, making clear that a crime has been committed against the state.

They have gone further and informed the world that the signatories on the documents that illegally ceded these lands at a fraction of market price were two of Taib’s closest ministers and colleagues, Alfred Jabu and Awang Tengah.

Re-open Taib family timber bribery probe, Japan urged

Mkini

Whistleblower website Sarawak Report has urged Japanese tax authorities to re-open an investigation into alleged bribery involving a Japanese shipping cartel and a company linked to Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud’s family.

An investigation by Tokyo tax authorities in 2007 found that Japanese shipping companies had paid RM32 million in “kickbacks” to Hong Kong-based Regent Star, which owned by outgoing CM Taib’s brother, Onn Mahmud.

The payments were allegedly made in return for permits to ship timber from Sarawak to Japan.