SLANDEROUS ACCUSATIONS – 9 MP PROJECTS AWARDED to Close RELATIVES – PM Abdullah; CHALLENGE: Put them in WRITING, ACTION will be TAKEN
In an angry tone pointing his finger he stated that “They have given the impressions that I have deceived the ‘rakyat’, that I have announced RM15 billion 9MP projects which have already been awarded to others. This is slanderous. If they are daring enough they should put it in black and white and we will take action”
INSERT: Interviewer, Chairman of Bernama
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will explain about various allegations pertaining him, his son-in-law and daughter in a special one hour interview – SEMMUKA Perdana Menteri – to be aired on TV3,
Here is an excerpt and a challenge to the accusers
Speaking to National News Agency Bernama’s Chairman, Datuk Anuar Zaini. Datuk Seri Abdullah also responded to allegations that several 9Malaysia Plan projects have been awarded to certain people including to those related to him.
In an angry tone he stated that “They have given the impressions that I have deceived the ‘rakyat’, that I have announced RM15 billion 9MP projects which have already been awarded to others. This is slanderous. If they are daring enough they should put it in black and white and we will take action”
Other topics covered will be Proton’s car Maker and its future .. no more bail out no more ..
So make a date tonight. It will be in Bahasa
And more update when details are out.
##########################UPDATE1: Interview: Initial report from Bernama, time stamped
Abdullah Keeps Silence To Avoid Discord With Dr M;
Instead, he said, it was better for the issues raised by Dr Mahathir be answered by the relevant ministers as they were more knowledgeable in their respective portfolios.
"I chose to keep silence because I do not want to quarrel with Tun in the newspapers. Tun himself had said in a statement he made, he felt hurt because he did not get the information he wanted. He hopes to be informed. If the PM does not speak, let the ministers speak."
Abdullah said this when interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 tonight.
The prime minister said as the issues raised by Dr Mahathir had something to do with the government, it was appropriate for the relevant ministers to reply to all the questions raised.
"It is the people who want to know what is happening. This is what is being done and it is true the Cabinet ministers prefer if I don't talk," he said.
Abdullah said many supported his decision to keep silence to avoid confusion that might affect relations between him and Dr Mahathir.
"Many people feel if I don't talk is better. Many people told me not to talk, (it will) cause confusion. Don't. Allowing the ministers to answer is enough," he added.
.. more to come and read on........... from Reuters
Malaysia PM denies nepotism, fends off Mahathir
Updated : 07-08-2006 Media : Reuters; Story By : Jalil Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi used national television on Monday to deny accusations of nepotism and to defend his squeaky-clean image, which has come under heavy attack by his predecessor.
After months of turning the other cheek, refusing to respond directly to criticism by former leader Mahathir Mohamad, the premier finally answered some of the most sensitive allegations.
Abdullah denied that his businessman son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, 38, and son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, 30, had profited from government favours or abused their connections.
"I don't want to quarrel with Tun Mahathir," Abdullah said in the 40-minute interview to be aired later on Monday. Tun is Mahathir's honorific title, the highest in Malaysian society.
"Kamal' has never abused his ties with me. Eighty percent of his business is from overseas," Abdullah said in the interview with TV3, excerpts of which were made available to Reuters.
"He is not involved with other local firms or government concessions. He has never asked help from the government or anything that required a bail-out for him."
Once the unchallenged "Mr Clean" of Malaysian politics, Abdullah and his cabinet have ended up facing the same kind of allegations that haunted Mahathir during his 22-year reign.
The irony is that Mahathir himself is leading the charge.
Mahathir, who at 81 years of age still has a sharp tongue and an acid wit, feels betrayed by Abdullah's decision to shelve some state projects that were proposed by the previous government. He says he wants answers, not Abdullah's downfall, but his attacks threaten to erode Abdullah's authority within the ruling party.
Mahathir has accused Abdullah's government of lacking "guts" and selling out Malaysian sovereignty. He has also lately attacked the business dealings of Abdullah's family members.
'MY STYLE IS DIFFERENT'
Kamaluddin was one of
Son-in-law Khairy owns a minor stake in investment bank ECM Libra (ECML.KL: Quote, Profile, Research) and is deputy leader of the youth wing of the main ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation, which is headed by Abdullah.
Abdullah rejected any suggestions of nepotism, telling TV3 that his conscience was clear.
On Khairy, Abdullah said: "He bought shares to become a partner in ECM Libra...I knew he took a loan for that purpose. There is no proof that he seized government projects."
A devout Muslim, Abdullah recited some Koranic verses during the interview, part of his new tactic to respond personally to Mahathir's allegations. A nationwide roadshow is on the cards.
Abdullah's government has also embarked on a heavy spending spree, prompting speculation that he no longer has the political will to end the costly Mahathir era of mega state projects.
One of his first acts after gaining power from Mahathir in late 2003 was to shelve a major rail project.
But Abdullah recently unveiled some mega projects of his own, including a 15 billion ringgit development plan for southern Johor state. His government is also studying a proposal for a 8 billion ringgit bullet-train between
Abdullah asked Malaysians, increasingly impatient with him after securing a big reform mandate in 2004 elections, not to compare his style with Mahathir.
"This is like playing football, hardly ten minutes and people have punished me. I'm just warming up and raising the tempo," he said. "My style is different from Tun Mahathir...But I've never deviated from my long-term goal. I know where I am going."
____
from
http://www.malaysiakini.com
PM goes on air to defend son, son-in-law Aug 7, 06 9:24pm
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has vehemently defended his son and son-in-law against allegations that the duo have derived political and business benefits from his position as prime minister.
Abdullah, who is also finance minister, said in an interview aired over private television station TV3 tonight that his son, Kamaluddin, had never abused his position as the premier's son to gain advantage in his business dealings.
He also said his son had never sought help from him and pointed out that Kamaluddin ran his gas and oil company, Scomi Group Bhd, on his own. Abdullah added that more than 80 percent of the company's businesses were conducted abroad because his son felt that it was difficult to do so in the country due to his father's position.
"Although his businesses are linked to petroleum but he has never asked any help from the government," said Abdullah in a 45-minute interview with national news agency Bernama chairperson Mohd Annuar Zaini.
The premier also stressed that although Kamaluddin successfully bid for a project from state-owned oil company Petronas, but compared with other foreign companies, what his son had obtained was "very little".
Abdullah revealed that Kamaluddin had recently took over a Singaporean company which owned 188 ships and the investment was to allow Kamaluddin's company to transport coal.
When asked whether Kamaluddin has any involvement in the recently-approved
Over the past few years, Kamaluddin has become one of the top Malay business tycoons in the country.
Not power behind throne
Meanwhile, Abdullah once again brushed away claims that his famous son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin - who is married to his daughter, Nori – was the power behind the throne.
"It was not easy to become a prime minister, I will not hand over my power (so easily) to him," he said. Abdullah said Khairy, who had worked for him as one of his advisers, was at that time responsible in providing his opinions on matters involving the government.
"(However), whether to accept it or not it's my decision. Subsequently, Khairy decided not to work for me anymore and he purchased some shares in a company and become a shareholder.
"He applied loans to buy some small amount of shares in ECM-Libra," the premier said in reference to the 31-year-old Khairy's RM9.2 million stake in the boutique investment advisory group.
He said when Khairy joined Umno Youth, the movement chief Hishamuddin Hussein had asked him - as Umno president - not to 'intervene' in the matter relating to the
Khairy won the Umno Youth's No 2 post uncontested in the party's election in September 2004. Abdullah stressed Khairy had proven his capability in the Youth wing.
When asked how did he differentiate the relationship between him and Khairy as father-in-law and son-in-law, as party leader, finance minister and businessman, Abdullah said this depended on what capacity Khairy was meeting
him.
He said sometimes Khairy meet him as an Umno Youth leader but he never make demands from him in a "threatening way". When there are matters concerning business, Khairy had never asked him to approve certain projects.
"Because he knew I will never approve (the projects)," said the premier. However, the approved merger of ECM Libra with Avenue Capital Resources Berhad, a Finance Ministry-linked company, has raised many eyebrows.
Abdullah said he would not rule out the possibility of his son-in-law was being 'used' by certain individuals who thought Khairy could help them. ____
http://www.sun2surf.com
Abdullah: I kept silence to avoid discord with DrM Updated: 08:40PM Mon, 07 Aug 2006 (Given advanced copy)
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said tonight (Aug 7, 2006) he
kept silence from replying to allegations by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on several government decisions because he wanted to avoid misunderstanding with the former prime minister.
Instead, he said, it was better for the issues raised by Mahathir be answered by the relevant ministers as they were more knowledgeable in the respective portfolios.
"I chose to keep silence because I do not want to quarrel with Tun in the newspapers. Tun himself had said in a statement he made, he felt hurt because he did not get the information he wanted. He hopes to be informed. If the PM does not speak, let the ministers speak."
Abdullah said this when interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 tonight.
The prime minister said as the issues raised by Mahathir had something to do with the government, it was appropriate for the relevant ministers to reply to all the questions raised.
"It is the people who want to know what is happening. This is what is being done and it is true the Cabinet ministers prefer if I don't talk," he said.
Abdullah said many supported his decision to keep silence to avoid confusion that might affect relations between him and Mahathir.
"Many people feel if I don't talk is better. Many people told me not totalk, (it will) cause confusion. Don't. Allowing the ministers to answer is enough," he added.
End… Most of these news agencies are given advanced copy to avoid translation problems and their account are very similar but NO photos!
Update
Govt Ready To Spend To Stimulate National Economy – Abdullah ;
The Prime Minister said the RM15 billion allocation to finance 880 infrastructure projects announced under the ninth plan was the result of expenditure control measures all this while aided by higher contributions from Petronas.
"We have the money and we can take it out. Previously, when I took over the country's administration, the deficit was quite high and if it is left unchecked, it will continue to rise and bring about negative implications.
"So, time was given to address matters relating to the deficit, but we succeeded...I managed to reduce the deficit.
"From year to year, it was successfully reduced," he said in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3. Abdullah was interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, said contractors from all classes would benefit from big and small infrastructure projects.
"There are tenders for the RM15 billion that we want to spend. Through tenders, all will have the opportunities to get contracts," he said.
Abdullah said implementation of projects would also stimulate the construction sector that had slowed down currently.
On the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he said it was the foundation to achieve Vision 2020.
He said: "My plan is towards Vision 2020. So, there must be approaches implemented from now till 2020. Meaning 9MP, 10MP, 11MP. What I've said is the core," he said.
To ensure all projects planned were implemented successfully, Abdullah gave an assurance he and Cabinet ministers would monitor every project.
"We have ministers, they have to implement the projects. If they cannot, we'll replace them with others. That is what I want. The policies and strategies have been determined," he said.
Abdullah said implementation of all development projects would take into consideration all groups of society irrespective of race.
"We want to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010 at the latest, irrespective of race. That's definite. That policy has never change.
"But among the poor, many are Malays. So, when many are Malays, we give attention to them. It seems that's the only way," he said, explaining a perception as though the government only gave priority to developing the Malays.
He said as Prime Minister of the Barisan Nasional government comprising all all races in the country, he gave an assurance that no race would be sidelined from the country's mainstream development.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
UPDATE 3 ; 23.20pm Aug 7 06
Kamaluddin, Khairy Never Get Govt Projects, Says Abdullah;
Abdullah said since becoming Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Kamaluddin and Khairy never bused the family ties to get government projects.
"Kamal (Kamaluddin) never misused his relations with me. Kamal was never involved in local companies or concessions. No. He never asked any help from the government. Never in anything that needs bail-out," said Abdullah, who took over the country's leadership from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the end of 2003.
Abdullah said this in a 40-minute interview with Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 Monday night.
Kamaluddin is the biggest shareholder in the oil and gas services company Scomi Group while Khairy owns a small interests in the investment bank ECM Libra Bhd.
Abdullah said Kamaluddin had to find projects overseas because he did not want to linked with his father.
"If people ask why go overseas, he (Kamaluddin) will say father (Abdullah) is the prime minister, it's difficult to earn a living locally. His contracts, his business, 80 per cent are from overseas. That is his livelihood," he said.
Abdullah also quashed rumours that Scomi had been awarded the monorail project in
On Khairy, he said his son-in-law took a loan to buy shares in ECM Libra.
"But, to say he grabbed projects, I've no evidence with me that Khairy has taken government projects," he said, adding that Khairy never met him to ask for projects.
Abdullah said he never interfered in his son-in-law's political career and Khairy's position as Umno Youth deputy chief was an elected post by the movement.
"I am being frank. I don't know if (Umno Youth chief) Hishammuddin (Tun Hussein) is angry with me. Hishammuddin says "the Youth has decided, I have decided, I want to nominate Khairy for Youth deputy head, Pah Lah don't disturb, this is Youth affairs," he added.
UPDATE 4 – AUG
Don't Accuse Without Proof Or Face Consequences, Says Abdullah ;
The Prime Minister said the allegations levelled at his administration had portrayed a picture as though he had cheated the people.
"This is slander, if they are sincere, write a letter, be brave because you are telling the truth. Tell us and we will take action. I want them to prove how, what information, where he got the information from. I want them. If they cannot produce (evidence), then they should face the consequences," he said.
Abdullah said this in an interview with Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in a 40-minute programme "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" aired by TV3 Monday night.
Numerous accusations were made against the Government via the Internet, questioning Abdullah's credibility to lead the nation including by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The latest allegation was that the RM15 billion worth of projects announced under the Ninth
Abdullah said besides him, those who made the allegations could also write it to the police, Anti-Corruption Agency or other agencies.
"I want them to explain how can they say such things because these are all lies. They want to insult the government, they want to insult me. How can this be," he said.
The Prime Minister said those who spread slanders actually have malicious intentions to belittle him and probably they have certain agenda.
On claims that he was slow in making decisions, Abdullah admitted that he needed time because every decision he makes would have an impact on the country and people.
"There are times I must be careful. One thing I realise since becoming prime minister is that whatever I do, be it good or bad, many people will feel the consequences.
"If it is bad, the consequences are serious. If it is good, thank God, but what worries me is that if it is wrong, becomes bad, many people will suffer and face hardship, this is what I fear," he said.
Asked on his attitude considered to be too soft, Abdullah said he preferred to be a respected leader than one who is feared by the people as opined by the famous political scientist Nicolo Machiavelli.
"I don't believe. As a Muslim, Machiavelli's approach should be practised. Cannot. We cannot legitimise anything to achieve what we want. I do not hold to this philosophy," he said.
According to him, adopting a soft or harsh attitude was not an important thing to be a leader but more importantly is to uphold the truth and justice.
"If what is done is the truth and fair, then there lies the firmness in the decision. There is no need to be "gung ho". I am used to make decisions and some among them are difficult for me. There is no need to show off. That's my style," he said.
Abdullah said he always monitored the running of the government including the actions by Cabinet ministers and reprimand them when necessary.
"I reprimand them during the Cabinet meeting, over the telephone. That's my way of reprimanding people, while in the car, I'll telephone them," he added.
Abdullah Replies Frankly To Allegations Against Him ;
In a 40-minute special interview aired by TV3 Monday night, Abdullah, among others, admitted it was difficult for him to be "Mr Nice Guy", as this had given rise to all sorts of allegations against him.
He said every decision he made, though it took time, was made very carefully, giving credence to the truth and fairness for the good of all Malaysians, regardless of race.
"There are times I have to be very careful... One thing I realise since I became Prime Minister, I know whatever decision I make, be it good or bad, many people will feel the impact.
"If I made a bad decision, the consequences will be bad. If there is a good impact on the people, I thank God for it.
"But what worries me is that if it turns out to be wrong... not good, a lot of people will suffer and face hardship... this is what I am afraid of," he said in an interview with Bernama chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini on "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 Monday night.
Abdullah also gave a lengthy reply to deny all allegations on his son Kamaluddin who allegedly benefited as the son of the prime minister and his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, who allegedly influenced every decision made by Abdullah.
Khairy is above - Explaining to the UMNO youths"People say all my decisions are influenced by Khairy. Where's Khairy? After suffering for umpteen years in politics, how difficult to become the prime minister, and then hand over power to him. How can?" he said.
On Kamaluddin, Abdullah said his son's businesses are mostly overseas and he was never involved in local companies or concessions offered by the government.
"(Kamaluddin) never asked help from the government, he never got involved in anything that requires bail-out... never," he said.
Asked on talk that the
On why he was silent when former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made stinging attacks on him and his administration, Abdullah said he did not want to use the media as the platform to quarrel with his predecessor.
Moreover, he said, the questions and issues raised by Dr Mahathir were directed to the Government and should be replied by the ministers concerned who know their field better.
"My cabinet preferred me not to talk. And many people feel it's better I don't talk. Many people told me Pak Lah you don't talk. Then it will become messy. Don't. Allowing the ministers to reply was good enough," he said.
Abdullah also said he did not like to discuss his family matters though they have also become victims to the accusations of irresponsible parties.
"I know my children are not involved in the things that certain people have accused. Now, since you (Annuar) have asked me, I have to answer," he said.
Asked on talk that his leadership was "soft and weak", he said it was not his style to be a "gung ho" or to show-off.
"Please be patient... I am like what people say in a football match, not even 10 minutes of play, people want to punish me... How can? Wait for me to warm-up, pick up tempo and move," he said.
Abdullah said though his leadership style was different from that of Dr Mahathir's, he never deviated from the real goal -- to achieve Vision 2020 -- which would definitely be achieved in its own way after taking into account the circumstances.
He said he also held to his principle to be a respected leader rather than follow the philosophy of the famous political scientist Nicolo Machiavelli who held to the concept of a feared leader by the people.
He said he wants to lead the country like his marriage to his late wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, filled with love, sincerity and fairness.
"This is my principle which I will hold dearly," he added.
for the FULL TEXT of 30 Q & A of INTERVIEW & message to SAVE PROTON Goto:
posted by multidimid at 2:24 AM
1 Comments:
"..... put it in black and white and we will take action” implying something?
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