TMR

THE Cabinet is expected to discuss reports concerning fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho’s (picture) alleged application for a pardon from the United States (US) authorities at next week’s meeting.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the issue surfaced while the Cabinet meeting was in progress and was therefore not formally discussed.

“However, it will certainly be brought to the attention of the Cabinet next week,” he told a weekly press conference at Angkasapuri yesterday.

Fahmi, who is also the Madani Government spokesperson, was responding to questions on reports that Low, better known as Jho Low, had allegedly sought a pardon from US President Donald Trump, and whether the government planned to make any formal representation to the US authorities opposing such a move.

On whether the Malaysian government had received any formal notification from the US authorities regarding the alleged pardon request, he said the matter was not discussed during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. 

“I would like to ask members of the media to refer the matter either to the Home Minister or the Foreign Minister,” he said.

International media reported that Jho Low, the fugitive Malaysian financier accused by the US of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history, had sought a pardon from Trump.

Low, who was charged in 2018 but has evaded arrest, submitted a pardon application to the US Justice Department this year, according to a notice on the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) website. 

He was accused of being the architect of a scheme that siphoned at least US$4.5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

According to the DOJ website, the request for “Taek Jho Low” is to seek a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence”, with the status of his request listed as “pending”. — BERNAMA

The post Fahmi: Govt to discuss reports of Jho Low’s alleged us pardon bid next week appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with investigations into a government contract worth nearly RM1.1 billion.

Arriving at about 9.50 am alongside his legal team, Rafizi said he would submit an additional 28 pages of documentary evidence to the investigators.

“I am voluntarily giving an additional statement to assist the MACC investigation so it can be aligned with other evidence that was not covered during questioning last week.

“This evidence includes reports from the media itself because the collaboration with Arm Holdings was not done quietly behind closed doors like the 1MDB scandal, but instead was widely reported by the media, with statements and explanations from senior national leaders, including three other senior government leaders who were involved,” he told reporters before entering the MACC headquarters.

Rafizi said he hoped the additional statement and evidence would help MACC conduct a more comprehensive probe.

“I think after my statement today, it will help the MACC determine who else needs to be called.

“And with all the more comprehensive evidence, I am confident the MACC can conclude that, based on my questioning so far, there are no elements involving money or suspicious transactions,” he said.

Rafizi had previously spent four days giving statements to assist in the investigation.

Former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was previously reported as saying that investigations into the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor industry strategic partnership agreement between the Economy Ministry and the UK-based Arm Holdings were now in the final stages.

So far, 22 witnesses have been called, including political analyst Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai. Two more witnesses – one in Taiwan and another in Malaysia – are expected to be summoned.

The MACC opened its investigation paper on Feb 16 following complaints by three non-governmental organisations alleging that the agreement had been rushed and skewed, potentially exposing the government to financial risks. — BERNAMA

The post Rafizi voluntarily returns to MACC with additional evidence in RM1.1b probe appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUALA LUMPUR — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has granted an audience to renowned international actress and Melaka Tourism Friendship Ambassador, Datuk Fan Bingbing.

The lead actress of the film Mother Bhumi plays a role in promoting Malaysia through the international film industry.

According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, the audience with His Majesty took place at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor Bahru on Tuesday (May 12).

Also present were Mother Bhumi producer Wong Kew Soon, its director Chong Keat Aun, who has won various international awards, and Fan’s manager, Johor-born Jersey Chong.

Mother Bhumi is a Malaysian film featuring Fan, alongside Natalie Hsu (Hong Kong) and Bai Run-yin (Taiwan), as well as local cast members Pearlly Chua, Alvin Wong, Rithaudin and Pauline Tan.

Blending history, folklore and mystical beliefs deeply rooted in Kedah, the film, set in the late 1990s in a rural area near the Thai border, tells the story of a woman who works as a padi farmer by day and a bomoh by night.

The film has also earned international recognition and brought honour to Malaysia through its achievements on the global film stage, including at the Golden Horse Awards, Tokyo International Film Festival and Far East Film Festival. — BERNAMA

The post Sultan Ibrahim grants audience to actress Fan Bingbing appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — Local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have been urged to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their jurisdiction until the end of 2026.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (picture) said the move was a proactive effort by the MADANI Government to safeguard public welfare and assist hawkers and small traders currently coping with rising operating costs.

“This strategic move aims to ease the burden of operating costs faced by local hawkers and small traders, thus stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level,” he said in a statement today.

He said that the initiative could also help ensure the continuity of business operations, sustain job opportunities and strengthen the economic resilience of the local community.

“By providing this rental reduction, we are not only assisting small traders to stay afloat, but also helping to ensure the stability of prices of goods and services for consumers,” he said.

Nga said that the ministry would work closely with all PBTs to identify suitable implementation methods based on financial capabilities and local needs, to ensure public well-being and the urban economic ecosystem continued to be strengthened.

“The welfare of the people has always been a priority for the MADANI Government. We want to ensure that no group is left behind in national development and continues to benefit from the country’s economic growth,” he said.

Nga said that the move would also complement various ongoing efforts to assist the people and the small business community, including entrepreneurship assistance programmes, the provision of more conducive business facilities, the upgrading of food courts and public markets, and initiatives such as MyKiosk.

Last Tuesday, the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) urged PBTs and state governments nationwide to reduce rental rates for premises or shops under their jurisdiction with immediate effect.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the move was crucial in helping small traders, night market operators and micro-entrepreneurs cope with rising operating costs, which account for an average of between seven and 58 per cent of total business expenses.

“They are exposed to weak cash flow and often rely on a single source of income. Without intervention, the risk of business closures could increase significantly,” he said during the online briefing on the global supply crisis. — BERNAMA

The post PBTs urged to consider rental cuts until year-end appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.