Concerned citizens lodge MACC report alleging wrongdoings by SC officials, MACC studying NGO report

 Group alleges corrupt practices by top Securities Commission (SC) officials

Potential probe ahead: A view of the SC building in Kuala Lumpur. Rakyat Malaysia Prihatin has cited three cases of alleged wrongdoing by high-ranking SC officials.

PETALING JAYA: A group has come forward to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) alleging corrupt practices by high-ranking Securities Commission (SC) officials.

` The non-governmental organisation calling itself Rakyat Malaysia Prihatin claimed to have evidence of alleged wrongdoings that also involved politicians holding top government posts.

` “I want the MACC to investigate this matter immediately. We do not want the integrity and image of the SC to be tarnished due to such cases,” an unnamed representative of the group told Utusan Malaysia after lodging the report with MACC in Putrajaya at about 4.30pm on Sunday (Jan 9).

` The representative cited three cases, the first involving a relative of a senior SC management official who was allegedly given a top post in a company.

` The company in question was being investigated by the SC with the appointment being an alleged inducement to cover up the company’s wrongdoings.

` “There is also a case involving conflict of interest, where a SC board member is alleged to be holding shares worth RM28.2mil in a company which has a working relationship with the commission.

` “The third case involves high-ranking SC officials taking bribes to close cases involving insider trading by public-listed companies,” the representative claimed.

` The group said it was acting as "concerned rakyat" who wanted to ensure that government agencies are clean and not corruptly used for personal gain.

` It then added that it would provide the MACC with proof of the wrongdoings once investigations begin.

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MACC studying NGO report

`

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is going through a report lodged by a non-governmental organisation against the Securities Commission (SC).A senior official confirmed that the report was lodged on Sunday by a group calling itself Rakyat Malaysia Prihatin.

` The NGO has alleged that there are corrupt practices by high-ranking SC officials.

` It also claimed to have evidence of alleged wrongdoings that involved politicians holding top government posts.

` “Yes, we have received the report. MACC officers are going through it before we decide to open investigation papers or not,” said the official when contacted.

` This, the official added, was the procedure each time a report was lodged.

` To a question, the official said it was not unusual to have people wanting to lodge reports to MACC on weekends or public holidays.

` “It has been done before. We have officers on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said the official.Several attempts were made to contact the NGO members for comment yesterday.The Star managed to get hold of the contact number of its representative, but the phone was answered by a person who claimed that he was not the person this reporter was looking for.

` On Sunday night, Utusan Malaysia reported about the NGO going to the MACC.“I want the MACC to investigate this matter immediately. We do not want the integrity and image of the SC to be tarnished due to such cases,” an unnamed representative of the group was quoted as saying after lodging the report with MACC in Putrajaya at about 4.30pm on Sunday.

` He cited three cases, the first involving a relative of a senior SC management official who was allegedly given a top post in a company.

` The company in question was being investigated by the SC with the appointment being an alleged inducement to cover up the company’s wrongdoings.

` “There is also a case involving conflict of interest, where a SC board member is alleged to be holding shares worth RM28.2mil in a company which has a working relationship with the commission.

` “The third case involves high- ranking SC

`officials taking bribes to close cases involving insider trading by public-listed companies,” the representative claimed. The group said it was acting as “concerned rakyat” who wanted to ensure that government agencies were clean and not used for personal gain.It also said it would provide the MACC with proof of the wrongdoings once investigations began.

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Chang'e-5 in-situ data proves presence of water on moon

 

Picture of the cube-shaped "mystery hut" taken by Yutu-2 rover. Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Aerospace Control Center

 

Data acquired by the lander of China's Chang'e-5 lunar probe has provided the first-ever evidence of the in-situ detection of water on the moon, indicating that there is as much as 120 parts per million of water (as hydroxyl and/or H2O) in the lunar regolith. Space analysts said Sunday that this fresh discovery of a key resource on the moon is great news for humanity's endeavor to build and operate research stations and even migration to Mars.

` A joint research team led by Lin Yangting and Lin Honglei from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made observations of the water signals in reflectance spectral data from the lunar surface collected by the Chang'e-5 lander, and their study was published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary open-access scientific journal run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, on Saturday.

` Scientists said in the published work that water on the moon "is mostly attributed to solar wind implantation."

` Before this, many orbital observations and sample measurements completed over the past decade have found evidence of the presence of water (as hydroxyl and/or H2O) on the moon. However, no in-situ measurements were previously conducted on the lunar surface. The Chang'e in-situ measurement filled this gap.

` Song Zhongping, a space analyst and TV commentator, told the Global Times the existence of water could support human survival on the moon and help generate fuel for spacecraft such as rockets.

` That would mean the moon's resources could facilitate humanity's exploration of deeper space. The moon could also be a great springboard for human migration to Mars, Song pointed out.

` Carrying some two kilograms of lunar samples, China's Chang'e-5 safely landed at a designated landing site in Siziwang Banner of North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on December 17, 2020, marking a full victory for the first lunar sample return mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission in 1976.

` Lin said that the Chang'e-6 and -7 missions will continue to search for water on the moon, and their studies would lay the ground for future missions' scientific goals.

` Wu Yanhua, a deputy administrator with the China National Space Administration (CNSA), recently disclosed that state authorities have approved the fourth phase of China's lunar missions, which will include new Chang'e-6, -7 and -8 missions, which are expected to be carried out in the next decade.

` China plans to launch the Chang'e-7 probe to the lunar South Pole first, which will be followed by the Chang'e-6 for a sampling and return mission from the lunar South Pole.

` Chang'e-8, the last piece of the fourth phase, will construct a primary form of the International Lunar Research Station.

` Meanwhile, the Global Times learned from the CNSA that the Chang'e-4's rover Yutu-2 had trekked more than 1,000 meters on the moon's surface as of Thursday.

` According to mission insiders, the cube-shaped "mystery hut" on the far side of the moon the rover spotted last month has turned out to be a rabbit-like rock. On the 38th moon day of the moon expedition, Yutu-2 advanced right toward the rock to see it up close.

` After getting closer and getting some perspective, and with the guidance of the ground supporting team, the rover was able to reveal the object's true nature with the full-color camera onboard.

` The Yutu-2 and Chang'e-4 lander took pictures of each other on January 11, 2019, marking the full success of the mission, and the latest stage of the rover took place just before the third anniversary of that epic feat.

` Many netizens commented online that it was such a sweet and romantic moment, that China's "jade rabbit" rover could finally meet its mate on the moon. 

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Core of corruption, anti-corruption agency corrupt?

Who watches the watchers? The country’s anti-corruption agency has taken a battering of late with some of its officers arrested for corruption.­ — Filepic/The Star

` Our country seems to be adept at scripting headlines for all the wrong reasons.

` IT looks like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is at its lowest ebb. The agency’s image is in tatters, and in the eyes of the public, an impression has been formed.

` Malaysians expect an enforcement agency fighting graft to be whiter than white, with exacting standards of accountability, transparency and ethics.

` If the MACC can’t deliver that, then how can the public expect the agency to execute its responsibilities and tasks?

` Perception is everything. The timing of the controversy involving its chief, Tan Sri Azam Baki, couldn’t be worse for the agency because trust and confidence in our institutions have eroded badly.

` Just last week, an MACC senior enforcer was charged with misappropriating US$6.4mil (RM25.1mil) seized by the commission four years ago. Shahrum Nizham Baharuddin pleaded not guilty.

` He was accused of criminal breach of trust (CBT) with monies entrusted to him at the MACC special action branch chief’s room in 2019.

` It was reported that former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation director-general Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid tried to reclaim US$6mil (RM25.2mil) in cash that was confiscated from a Cyberjaya apartment after she was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in her CBT case. She claimed that a portion of the cash was missing and was replaced with counterfeit notes.

` Last month, two more MACC officers were arrested in connection with a heist at a businessman’s house in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, involving RM700,000. Before that, two other MACC personnel were arrested and remanded over the case.

` And now, Azam has found himself in the news for the wrong reasons. He is under investigation by the Securities Commission for his statement that his brother had used his name to purchase shares in 2015.

` Azam had made this claim following allegations that he had interests and shareholding in several companies. The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang subsequently cleared him, saying the board was satisfied with Azam’s explanation.

` But, of course, it didn’t end there. It would be surprising if Azam and Abu Zahar expected it to because it’s naïve of them to underestimate Malaysians, who are generally in a foul mood.

` Surely both know that every securities account opened with a central depository must be in the name of the beneficial owner of the deposited securities, or in the name of an authorised nominee.

` While Azam is understandably furious at the controversy, it’s difficult to be certain if his threat of legal retribution against those responsible will help him.

` He has said “there were efforts by individuals with personal interests or with a bad agenda against the MACC”, saying “we have identified who they are and what their agenda is”.

` Granted, that while there will be individuals or groups with political motives, many ordinary Malaysians are also asking the same questions, and they certainly have no interests.

` Azam may not have to answer directly to the people, but it would definitely be incorrect for him to say that he is only answerable to the advisory board.

` It would also not be wise for him to be so dismissive of the people’s sentiments and give the impression of high-handedness and intimidation.

` It could be ignorance on Azam’s part that led to him allowing his brother, Nasir, to use his account to buy shares on the open market without realising that he had committed an offence.

` But it would be erroneous for him to say that he owes no one any explanation because he is the top MACC chief – surely, by virtue of his position and the agency he serves, Azam is accountable.

` Basically, the people want to know why Nasir needed to use his brother’s account when he has his own.

` Surely Malaysians are reasonable and rational enough to accept convincing explanations.

` There are no rules that say civil servants can’t trade in shares, and if he can invest in the stock market with good supporting documents, there’s no reason to doubt it.

` Likewise, Nasir needs to prove he has sufficient financial means to purchase these shares on the open market and explain why he had to use his brother’s account.

` Malaysians are furious because public figures, whether political or government, have failed badly in terms of trust and integrity. So much so that we have adopted a cynical view of politicians.

` The perception is that the rot of corruption has set at the core. It’s now so entrenched that it has become a culture and an expected way of doing business. Greed has seeped into every crevice of morality, and all this has damaged Malaysia’s cost of doing business and sense of competitiveness.

` Outside Malaysia, we are looked upon as a corrupt country where the rich and powerful can get away with just about anything.

` Worse, those who aren’t familiar with our British-modelled legal system think that convicted persons can walk around freely.

` That is simply because they have not exhausted their appeals avenue. Unlike the US system, they don’t go to jail immediately.

` It doesn’t help that the leadership has chosen to remain silent over many contentious issues when public and government figures fail miserably, such as the mishandling of crises like the recent floods.

` No one seems to take responsibility, and no one has been shown the exit for their utter incompetence.

` In fact, when the public writes complaint letters to the media, to the help desks or even sends e-mails to government websites, the missives often go unanswered, leaving them frustrated.

` Here’s some advice to our leaders: Put your ear to the ground and hear the loud rumblings and grumblings. They’re thunderous!

Wong Chun Wai

Wai Wong Chun Wai Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

` https://twitter.com/chunwai09 http://www.wongchunwai.com/

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CHINESE STYLE EXERCISES: Ping Shuai Gong (平甩功), Arm-Swinging Qigong, Energy Bagua

 

 

Ping Shuai Gong - Swing Hands Exercise(平甩功)

 

 

` Ping Shuay Qong Ping Shuai Gong English

`

Arm Swing Exercise

 

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Ping Shuai Gong - Swing Hands Exercise is a wonderful Qi Gong with powerful healing ability. I normally recommend to my patients with all sorts of issues, like pains, numbness, weight loss, cold hands...Actually it even help to fight with cancers. 

Instead of filming a new video for Ping Shuai Gong, I just use this excellent video already in Youtube as demonstration. Copyright belong to the original video owner.

` Here are the steps of this exercise: (平甩功)

` 1.Make sure your feet stand well the same width as your shoulder and equal weight on right and left foot, so the whole body including your back will be balanced

` 2. Before you begin, close your eyes for seconds and let go all the negative feelings, eg. Afraid, anxiety, nervous, angry, worry, etc. Keep “peaceful mind” while you are doing this exercise. If you are doing great, you can clear your mind by just counting how many you have got or you can be as concentrate as no thoughts in your brain.

` 3. Raise your arms as high as your shoulder; your palms face the ground and fingers hanging down naturally. Keep relaxing and swinging your arms back and forth. No need to use extra strength for the swinging because that will cause you or your muscles tense. Try to relax of your whole body and not to tense any parts of the muscles as well as loosen your shoulder.

` 4. Remember after every fourth swing your arms back and forth, you need to bend your knee (“bounce” down and up not exactly “bend”) at the fifth swing your arms back and forth to make your legs straight up and keep going to do the next four swings of your arms.

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Billed RM695,598 for electricity; beware of illegal cryptocurrency/Bitcoin mining operations

 Billed RM695,598 for electricity

`Huge bill: Wu (left) and Ch'ng showing the police report and a letter from TNB during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur - LOY LAY PHON/The Star

` Bitcoin mining op suspected behind shockingly high power usage

 KUALA LUMPUR: An elderly man was shocked when he received a notice from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) claiming that he owed nearly RM700,000 for electricity usage.

` Wu Tuan Chiang, 71, said TNB claimed that the meter of the shoplot he had rented out had been tampered with.

` “I have been renting out the shoplot at Bandar Puteri Puchong to an IT solutions company since 2019, and the company was supposedly registered in Ipoh, Perak.

` “On Dec 16, TNB sent me the notice claiming that the meter had been tampered with, and they were claiming RM695,598.10 in electricity charges,” he told reporters at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department yesterday.

` He said they suspected that the shoplot had been used in a bitcoin mining operation.

` “I have been trying to contact the tenant since Dec 16 last year but to no avail thus far.

` “When I visited the property, it had already been cleaned out,” he said, adding that he had lodged a police report on the matter.

` Meanwhile Ch’ng Yi Quan, 24, said he received a letter on Dec 22 claiming he owned a TNB account for an address at Teluk Panglima Garang.

` “They claimed that the meter at this address had also been tampered with, and were demanding RM77,033.25 in electricity charges.

` “The only problem here is that I have never registered any shoplot for electricity,” Ch’ng said, adding that he suspected someone had misused his personal details to register for electricity supply.

` He claimed that he lost his identity card last year, and suspected that the person who found it had used it for this.

` MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said they received 10 similar cases so far involving at least Rm1.75mil in losses.

` “In some of these cases, the syndicates use bogus real estate agents to secure the tenancy so that they cannot be traced.

` “Our advice is that all landlords must be proactive in ensuring their property is used for only legitimate business.

` “They must also only deal with registered real estate agents,” he said, adding that they would contact TNB in order to hold a dialogue on the matter.

` His legal adviser, Datuk Theng Book, said TNB meter readers must be alert and thoroughly check meters monthly.

` “It does not make sense that they read these meters every month, but only detect meter tampering after long periods of time,” he said.

Beware of illegal cryptocurrency/ Bitcoin mining operations

IPOH: Premises suspected to be running illegal cryptocurrency mining operations and stealing electricity should be reported to the police, says Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mior Wahid Faridalathrash.

` These mining operations could usually be identified by the exhaust fan installed at the back of the building, he said.

` “It is part of the cooling system for their mining machines,” he added.

` The police held two joint operations over the past week in Manjung on premises found to be stealing electricity and running illegal cryptocurrency mining activities.

` A Malaysian man was arrested last Wednesday with equipment worth RM3.5mil being seized, while a second operation saw equipment worth about RM1.6mil being seized.

` Police checked 122 premises with 46 of them found to be running these mining activities.

` Comm Mior Faridalathrash said cryptocurrency mining operations would typically take place in densely-populated areas or near industrial zones where electricity consumption was high, to conceal their activity.

` “If they operate in areas that do not have a lot of activity, it would alert Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

` “TNB is able to detect such operations if there is abnormally high usage of electricity,” he told reporters yesterday after attending the state police contingent’s monthly gathering at the Police Air Wing unit training base here.

` Comm Mior Faridalathrash said building owners renting out their premises should be aware of their tenants’ activities to ensure no law was being broken.

` “We are working closely with TNB to curtail these operations that are stealing electricity and disrupting other users,” he said.

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