Lim Kit Siang Gets Suspended And More Controversies From The 13th Parliament Session

Malaysia has been dealing with some very worrying and controversial issues of late.
Therefore, when the much awaited final parliament sitting for 2015 started on Monday, in just a matter of 3 days, the MPs managed to bring up almost all the pressing, unresolved problems the country has been plagued with.

Here are 9 highlights from the parliament sessions so far:

1. Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang is suspended for 6 months from parliament for his alleged remark accusing Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin of misusing his powers as the speaker during 1MDB debates

DAP Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang
Image via Malay Mail Online

The motion had noted that Lim had accused Pandikar of abusing his power and "sabotaging" the investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) on Monday during the debate on the appointment of the new Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman. The motion also said Lim had called Pandikar a "dictator" and that he had politicised his position as the chair of the lower house of Parliament. "The accusations by The Honourable Gelang Patah is very serious and is an insult to the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat and it is also an insult to the Dewan Rakyat proceedings," read the motion.

        themalaysianinsider.com

2. Former Malaysian premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad is slapped with three investigation papers under criminal defamation

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Image via Greater Malaysia

The probes under Section 500 of the Penal Code follow two police reports in Klang and one in Jinjang against the former premier."(The other two reports) will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor for review and further instructions after the investigation is complete," he said in a written parliamentary reply.Zahid was responding to a query from Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) on the outcome of police investigations on Mahathir following his increasingly aggressive efforts to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar previously said Mahathir was being investigated for criminal defamation for accusing Umno of corruption during the Bersih 4 rally.

        malaysiakini.com

3. The parliament has so far rejected 7 questions by MPs on all issues related to 1MDB and PM Najib Razak

Image via The Malaysian Insider

Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) had his two questions rejected. The first was whether 1MDB accounts had been frozen in Switzerland and Hong Kong, and if the government would be cooperating with the probe there.His second question was regarding the US Justice Department's reported corruption probe on 1MDB. This was rejected on grounds that questions were based on statements made in the press are there not allowed in the House.The other question that was spiked was to ask the prime minister whether his lawyers Hafarizam Wan and Aisha Mubarak were being paid by the government for representing him in his pending lawsuit against the WSJ. A question by Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah (Amanah-Kuala Terengganu) on whether the federal government, through the Terengganu Investment Authority, had wanted to use Terengganu's oil as collateral was also rejected in chambers.

4. The government will shed light on all questions related to the RM2.6 billion issue and 1MDB state fund scandal that PM Najib is allegedly involved in

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak
Image via The Telegraph

The government will also answer questions related to the alleged missing US$993 million payment from 1MDB to International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC)."This question will be answered together with similar questions at a date to be determined later, during this parliamentary session," Azalina said in a written reply.She was responding to a question from Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) addressed to Najib on the source of the RM2.6 billion donation, how was it spent and how much balance is left.

        malaysiakini.com

5. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin has requested for an official list of MPs that want Najib to step down as PM

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia
Image via The Malay Mail

"If they can give me a list, say more than 90 or 100 names, then I can pressure the Government that there must be debate," he told reporters at Parliament lobby on Wednesday.On Monday, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Pakatan Harapan had agreed to retract Hee Loy Sian’s (PKR-PJ Selatan) motion of no confidence again Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to allow her to submit a fresh motion.However, on Tuesday, Pandikar reminded Dr Wan Azizah that her application may not fulfil Standing Orders which required 14 days notice before the start of Parliament proceedings.

        thestar.com.my

6. Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz is grateful that the foreign media covered the Bersih 4 so extensively that the ministry can now save funds for tourism promotions

Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz
Image via Malaysiakini

"I want to thank CNN, Al Jazeera and BBC for broadcasting every hour on the Bersih rally for two days."They protested against the prime minister, but we got advertising worth billions (of ringgit)," he told the House."I can save billions in advertisement by promoting a healthy demonstration," he said, to the laughter of the ruling coalition MPs who cheered him.

        malaysiakini.com

7. Ministry's plan to hire English teachers from India to improve local English language skills will be materialised soon

The declining English language standards in the country resulted with the government plan's to start hiring English teachers from India to start teaching in local schools
Image via School Advisor

Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan said the teachers would be placed in several rural schools across the country, including ‘hot spot’ schools to help raise competency level of local English teachers in line with the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI) policy.Kamalanathan said with the SISC+ programme teachers would be made aware of effective teaching practices and ways of managing the classrooms more efficiently.In reply to Che Mohamad Zulkifly’s question on quality status of education nationwide with the first wave of the Malaysia Education Blueprint (PPPM) 2015 coming to an end, Kamalanathan said there were some encouraging early achievements.

        malaysiakini.com

8. DAP's Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo and Segambut's Lim Lip Eng were kicked out from the parliamentary session for disrespecting speaker Pandikar Amin

Image via Teresa Kok

Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) was the first to be shown the exit for interfering with parliamentary proceedings, when he stood up to enquire why his emergency motion on toll hikes had been rejected.Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia then booted Gobind Singh Deo for offending him when the DAP-Puchong MP attempted to defend Lim.

        malaysiakini.com

Gobind Singh Deo
Image via The Malaysian Insider

When Gobind stood up, Pandikar explained that both motions were not urgent and could be debated during the budget.Gobind rebutted, saying the speaker had to be honest. "You have to honest and clear in the decisions you make," he said, angering Pandikar.

        malaysiakini.com

9. MARA still does not have answers on the untimely cancellation of sponsorship for students from Taylor's College

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Mulia
Image via The Malaysian Insider

Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri skirted round a query on the real reason why Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has stopped sponsoring students to study at Taylor's University.Instead, Ismail's written reply to Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping) listed how many students the council has sponsored thus far.  "For your information, up till September 2015, 521 students sponsored by Mara have studied under various courses at Taylor's University in many fields including foundation programmes, bachelor degrees, masters and other programmes.On Sept 21, Ismail said Mara will no longer sponsor future students to Taylor's. He said there were multiple reasons for this, but did not list them.

Meanwhile, Budget 2016 will be my tabled tomorrow evening. In September, PM Najib urged Malaysians to drop their ideas and suggestions for this budget:

                Najib Wants To Know What Malaysians Want From Budget 2016

In his enthusiasm on realizing his promises for reform, PM Najib Razak is continuing with his initiative of collectin...

Read the full story


Wanita Amalkan Diet Suku Suku Separuh, 2 Minggu Dah Hilang 3KG. KKM Pun Sarankan Diet Ini!

Masuk tahun baru ini, antara azam yang sering kita dengar adalah ingin kurus atau mendapatkan berat badan idaman

Sebenarnya, saban tahun kita dapat lihat ramai orang yang berkongsi kejayaan mereka menguruskan badan di media sosial. Selain itu, mereka juga tidak lokek berkongsi tips dan teknik yang digunakan bagi mendapatkan bentuk badan ideal. Bagaimanapun, ada juga yang suka mengambil jalan mudah untuk menguruskan badan hingga memakan diri sendiri. Memanglah dapat apa yang dihajati akan tetapi muncul pula penyakit lain yang semestinya menyusahkan di kemudian hari.

Image via Giphy

Pernahkah anda dengar mengenai diet suku suku separuh?

Diet suku suku separuh ini adalah mengenai pengambilan makanan yang dibahagikan kepada tiga bahagian mengikut namanya. Sukatannya adalah nasi putih yang diambil sedikit diikuti dengan protein atau karbohidrat dan juga sayur-sayuran. Bukan itu sahaja, konsep diet ini juga dipercayai sangat bagus untuk diamalkan oleh semua orang dan tidak tertakluk kepada mereka yang ingin menguruskan badan sahaja. Memetik kenyataan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, dengan mengamalkan konsep ini, seseorang dapat mengelakkan masalah obesiti yang akan membawa pelbagai penyakit tidak berjangkit yang semakin menular dalam kalangan rakyat.

Gambar sekadar hiasan.
Image via Hello Doktor

Seorang pengguna Twitter dikenali sebagai Detox Glow berkongsi tentang diet suku suku separuh yang baru diamalkannya

DIET SUKU SUKU SEPARUHSusah eh nak jaga makan. Sebenarnya tak susah kalau dipraktikkan dari sekarang.Kita pun tengah berjinak-jinak dengan diet seimbang ni. Nasi tetap makan cuma kecikkan portion. Kalau dulu nasi menimbun lauk seciput je. Pastu kuah banjir pic.twitter.com/nechxPt3fC— BabyBurnAngels (@Detox_Glow) January 5, 2020

Ok kita share tips diet suku ni dengan lebih terperinci. Nasi 1/2 cup ala besar penumbok gitu Setiap meal wajib selitkan salah satu protein (ayam, telur, daging, ikan)— BabyBurnAngels (@Detox_Glow) January 5, 2020

 Lagi afdal kalau protein tu dikukus, panggang atau rebus kalau takde pilihan amik je lauk mana tanpa kuah (kuah tu yg jahat byk garam selalunya) Minum air kosong je lagi bagus takde kalori— BabyBurnAngels (@Detox_Glow) January 5, 2020

 Sedap pulak lauk mak masak nak tambahlah. Boleh. Tambah lauk je nasi tak perlu. Ratah je mcm tak biasa pulak.Buatlah setip hari sepanjang masa (semoga istiqamah) gabungkan sekali dengan workout sikit dan baby burn. Fuhhh memang pantas lemak berlari mencicit.— BabyBurnAngels (@Detox_Glow) January 5, 2020

Setakat artikel ini ditulis, perkongsiannya itu telah mendapat 2.3 ribu ulang kicau dan lebih 3 ribu tanda suka.

Kongsinya lagi, dia juga berjaya mengurangkan berat badan sebanyak 3kg dalam tempoh singkat

So far kita dah amalkan lebih kurang 2 minggu lebih. Kalau dalam kg dah kurang 3kg. Kalau inch ada bahagian yang dah kurang 2inch. Yippeee! #babyburn #halalfatburner #mandipeluhkawkaw— BabyBurnAngels (@Detox_Glow) January 5, 2020

Susulan itu, ramai yang memuji perkongsian tersebut malah ada juga yang telah melakukannya tanpa sedar

Nice!— Zamri Mohamed Noordin (@pkddn07) January 6, 2020

 pic.twitter.com/iLPf1TrK76— ≠ (@adamfaiqar) January 6, 2020

Start esok jom yang @HaziraHamdan— IzzullAdam (@IzzullAdam17) January 5, 2020

Selama ini i makan makanan sihat and diet rupanya, Patut lah I tak naik berat badan—   (@masturasufian) January 6, 2020

Wah! Kepada mereka yang masih tercari-cari diet yang sesuai tu, mungkin ini adalah jawapan yang anda cari.

Image via Giphy

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Did You Know Petai Ice Cream Is A Thing? This TikTok Will Show You How To Make It

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

Pistachio, mint chocolate chip, and pandan are probably what come to mind when you're asked to name green ice cream flavours.
But what if we told you, there's a new and probably the least-expected green flavour defying the laws of ice cream sweetness?

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing our newest contender in the green ice cream category: petai or stink bean ice cream.And the best part? It's actually quite easy to make yourself.TikTok user @zamaiskrim, known for her tutorials on how to make homemade ice cream using simple ingredients, posted a video on 5 February on how to make this unusually-flavoured confection. The video has garnered 975,000 views and 50,000 likes since being published.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

Her step-by-step instructions involve a mixture of water, corn starch, milk, sugar, Ovallete (a baking stabiliser), green food colouring, and of course, 10 pieces of petai. The concoction was left to rest in the freezer for five hours before she scooped it onto a wafer cone.It's as simple as that!

"I love petai, but maybe not petai ice cream" — Malaysians shared mixed feelings in the comment section of the tutorial

Many viewers shared sentiments of disgust and intrigue toward the video, some expressing that they were curious as to how the ice cream would actually taste. Even fans of petai had their reservations toward the ice cream.One user thought she was joking with the title."I thought she was just joking about putting petai in, then she actually put 10 pieces in [the mixture]," the user wrote.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

Some users jokingly suggested that she make more savoury ice cream flavours, ranging from belacan to the Kelantanese anchovy sauce budu, the fermented durian condiment tempoyak, and even soy sauce.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

One user suggested, "Make asam pedas ice cream tomorrow."

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

Some requested shrimp sambal- and stingray- flavoured ice cream.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

One user asked for anchovy ice cream.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

A curious commenter asked if the petai ice cream can be pickled.

Image via @zamaiskrim (TikTok)

Would you ever try petai ice cream? Or have you had weirder flavours before? Let us know!
Watch the full petai ice cream tutorial here:

  @zamaiskrim Jom kita buat Aiskrim Petai hari ni #aiskrim #carabuataiskrim #aiskrimviral #aiskrimmalaysia  Dj Cere Bebek - Eang Selan

Malaysia isn't the only country with experimental ice cream flavours. In Japan, they have crab-flavoured ice cream and it looks pretty damn crab-ulous:

                Japan Is Now Selling Crab Ice Cream. You Decide If It's Crab-Tastic Or Absolutely Claw-Ful

Warning: Crab-by puns up ahead.

Read the full story

McDonald's China previously released coriander and chilli oil ice cream:

                McDonald's China Introduces Coriander Ice Cream And It Kinda Looks Tasty

My heart says 'yes' but my mind says 'no'.

Read the full story

                McDonald's China Releases Chilli Oil Ice Cream. Yay Or Nay?

Hot and cold.

Read the full story


Digital Currency Is Not Legal Tender In Malaysia, Says Bank Negara

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has reiterated its stand that digital currencies are not legal tender in Malaysia

Image via BNM

"The public is reminded that digital currencies are not legal tender in Malaysia," it said in a report by The Star Online. BNM first made its stand against digital currencies like bitcoin in 2014.

BNM has advised the public to be cautious when investing in digital currencies as they will not be protected by existing banking laws, in the case of any dispute or losses

Image via The Sun

"These include risks arising from high volatility in prices, the lack of deep markets and vulnerabilities to a cyberattack which can lead to significant losses," it added.Earlier this year, bitcoin's worth fell USD11,000 (RM44,900) when it suffered a temporary outage due to a cyberattack.

The central bank revealed it is currently setting up a new policy to prevent money laundering and financing risks associated with the use of digital currencies like bitcoin

Image via Coingecko

“The proposed policy sets out the legal obligations, requirements, and standards that digital currency exchangers - which will be defined under the first schedule of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) - must carry out as reporting institutions," it said.To increase transparency, a digital currency exchanger must declare its details to BNM as a reporting institution. Failure to do so may subject the exchange to enforcement provided under AMLA.However, BNM added that the draft regulations are not an authorisation or endorsement of any entities involved in the provision of digital currency exchange services.

BNM governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim said last month that the bank had begun work on the regulatory structure for digital currencies

Image via theSunDaily

"We need to prepare ourselves, as according to many pundits, digital currencies will become the new norm. The advent of digital currencies as some have forecast, will mark the beginning of a new era in the financial sector. As authorities, we cannot be oblivious to these developments," Muhammad was quoted as saying by Bernama.

What do you think? Should BNM recognise digital currencies as legal payments in Malaysia? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Still can't grasp your head around this digital currency phenomena? Here's a quick rundown:

                Bitcoin And Cryptocurrencies: What The Craze Is All About And Why I’m Hooked

Even if you don't love Bitcoin & cryptocurrencies, you should probably know about them. Here's why.

Read the full story


[PHOTO] Creative Malaysian Guy Lets His Imagination Run Wild With Movie Posters

Jaemy Choong is your regular Malaysian Instagrammer, except that he does the most creative things with movie poster postcards

Image via Jaemy Choong

Jaemy has been spotted posting photos of movie poster postcards with a twist

Image via Jaemy Choong

Using his smartphone camera, he perfectly blends characters in movie poster artworks with real life

Image via Jaemy Choong

Jaemy uses things lying around the house to complete the missing body parts of movie characters

Image via Jaemy Choong

He plays around with props to give the movie characters a different persona

Image via Jaemy Choong

He also mixes characters from different movies to create unexpected renditions that would have made good parodies

Image via Jaemy Choong

What if E.T.'s father was actually Darth Vader?

Image via Jaemy Choong

Jaemy takes a lot of care in the placement of every element in his photo to make it look as seamless as possible

Image via Jaemy Choong

He changes the entire mood of a movie poster by altering small details, such as a raised eyebrows and a lifted leg

Image via Jaemy Choong

Jaemy always seem to have an extra pair of hands to assist him

Image via Jaemy Choong

And he never fails to surprise us with his creativity and quirkiness

Image via Jaemy Choong

One of his earliest works was Disney's Maleficient poster

Image via Jaemy Choong

Jaemy Choong's latest series of movie poster postcards was a tribute to the late Robin Williams whom he said had fuelled his imagination in life

Image via Jaemy Choong

Image via Jaemy Choong

Image via Jaemy Choong

Image via Jaemy Choong

For more of Jaemy Choong's wacky imagination, follow @jaemyc on Instagram

Image via Jaemy Choong


Akibat Selalu Diminta Kekasih Pakai 'Contact Lenses', Gadis Ini Derita Radang Mata

Bagi pasangan yang bercinta, anda pasti mahukan kelihatan cantik dan bergaya bila setiap kali keluar dating bukan?

Itu sudah menjadi lumrah bagi setiap pasangan, memakai pakaian yang kemas dan cantik merupakan salah satu bonus untuk memikat hati si dia.Malah, bagi perempuan make up juga amat penting jika mereka mahu keluar bersama pasangan. Namun, ada juga yang memilih untuk kelihatan natural saja.Lain pula dengan kisah yang terjadi kepada seorang gadis ini apabila bekas teman lelakinya meminta dia untuk memakai contact lenses setiap kali mereka keluar dating bersama.

Gambar sekadar hiasan.
Image via Sunway Medical

Terpaksa tanggung sakit seorang diri lepas ditinggalkan kekasih

Menerusi video yang tular di aplikasi TikTok, gadis berkenaan telah menunjukkan matanya mengalami radang yang teruk kerana bekas teman lelakinya itu suka melihat dirinya memakai kanta lekap semasa keluar bersama.Gadis berkenaan juga menceritakan, selepas kejadian itu berlaku kepadanya dia mula menyedari bahawa bekas teman lelakinya itu tidak mahu mengharungi waktu susah bersama dirinya.

  @memeylketot ##fyp sakit hmm  Astaghfirullah (Robbal Baroya) - Islamic Qasidah

Bekas teman lelaki tak ikhlas sayang, hanya beria bila nampak dalam keadaan cantik

Malah, dia juga memberitahu bahawa teman lelakinya itu bukanlah seorang yang ikhlas dan menerima kekurangan dirinya.Difahamkan, bekas teman lelakinya itu hanya akan menyukai dan menyayangi dirinya sekiranya dia mengenakan solekan pada wajah."Bila aku mekap, aku cantik baru nampak kesungguhan kau sayang aku," tulisnya.

Sementara itu, video berkenaan telah mendapat perhatian warganet yang membanjiri dengan reaksi mereka dan mendoakan agar dia cepat sembuh

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Image via @memeylketot (TikTok)

Takutnya sampai jadi macam tu sekali. Semoga sis cepat sembuh :)

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Tired Of Spending CNY In Malaysia? Jom Makan Angin At These 5 Breathtaking Destinations

This Spotlight is sponsored by Klook.

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! Wouldn't it be great if you could go somewhere with the fam instead of the usual reunion?

Image via GIPHY

Klook is kicking off Chinese New Year with ong savings

Enjoy 8% off ALL travel activities on Klook as part of their site-wide Chinese New Year promotion. With no minimum purchase, the choices are endless!

Here are 5 sightseeing ideas you can try out this Chinese New Year:

1. Soak in the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and its surrounding areas in Honshu, Japan

Image via Klook

Taking you to the finest spots in the area, the Mount Fuji Day Tour is an awesome opportunity to see one of the most iconic natural wonders of Japan. You'll also get to visit the picturesque eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai, formed from the melted ice of Mount Fuji itself! When it's a little cold out, you'll get to warm up with a nice hot cup of matcha tea, which will be served during your visit to Lake Kawaguchi. To end the day, you'll get to do some shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets, where you'll be able to satisfy all your retail needs at discounted prices.Here are the details:Date: From now until 19 March 2020Location: Honshu, JapanPrice: RM248 (Adults), RM209 (Children aged 5-11 years old)Inclusive of: Chinese-speaking and English-speaking tour guide, matcha experience fee, bus fee, and highway tollsClick here to book your Mount Fuji day tour now!

2. Go on a day tour from Nami Island to 'Petite France', the 'Garden of Morning Calm', and experience the Gangchon Rail Bike in Gangwon Province, South Korea

Image via Klook

Depending on which package you choose, you'll be able to see some of the most serene sights that South Korea has to offer. Nami Island was famously used as the setting of hit Korean drama, 'Winter Sonata'. Perhaps, you can also go looking for your Korean oppa there as well. ;)Petite France on the other hand is a theme park made to look like a typical French village. Complete with traditional French architecture, you'll feel like you've left South Korea entirely. If you're looking to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, the Garden of Morning Calm is the perfect place to be. For those who want to sweat it out a little, the Gangchon Rail Bike will really get your heart racing, without all the intensities of a traditional workout. Here are the details:Date: Year-roundLocation: Gangwon Province, South KoreaPrice: Starting from RM164 (Adults), RM136 (Children aged 3 to 11 years old)Inclusive of: Roundtrip bus transport, professional tour guide, and lunch (vegetarian option available)Click here to book your day trip now!

3. Explore the truly unique markets of Bangkok, Thailand

Image via Klook

Take a tour of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, the two most popular floating markets in Bangok. Weave through a maze of vendors selling all sorts of things, from delicious boat noodles to traditional handicrafts, you'll find something (or a lot of things) to fill your tummy and bring back home. For something even more unique, you'll even get to watch a train pass through the middle of a bustling market at the Maeklong Railway. Here are the details:Date: Year-roundLocation: Bangkok, ThailandPrice: RM107Inclusive of: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean-speaking tour guide, and air-conditioned transfersClick here to book your day tour now!

4. Take a stroll down the shoreline of Nusa Penida and swim in its clear blue waters in Bali, Indonesia

Image via Klook

The island of Nusa Penida is a must-see if you're ever in Bali. With its dazzlingly-blue water, impressively-tall cliffs, and abundance of natural beauty, you'll find that this place is filled with tonnes of photo spots, worthy enough to show off to your followers on Instagram.There are three snorkelling sites to choose from - Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, and Gamut Bay, each with its own natural beauties. Here are the details:Date: Year-roundLocation: Bali, IndonesiaPrice: Starting from RM154.69Inclusive of: English-speaking tour guide, hotel pick-up, optional private tour, and roundtrip transfers to BaliClick here to book your tour now!

5. Cruise through the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay and explore the stunning Thien Cung Cave in Vietnam

Image via Klook

Make your way through an epic landscape of limestone pillars and tiny islets on a traditional junk boat. With plenty of seafood aboard, you won't have to worry about lunch either! Though it's nice to explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay on a junk boat, it's even nicer to go where YOU want to go. With a kayak tour in open waters, now you can.If that isn't enough for you, you can even explore Thien Cung Cave, also known as the 'Heavenly Cave'. It's said that the cave used to be the ancient residence of the Dragon King and his beautiful bride. Legend has it that their wedding was held in the cave itself, with guests consisting of gods, genies, fairies, and other dragons. Here are the details:Date: Year-roundLocation: Quang Ninh Province, VietnamPrice: RM159 (Adults), RM126.39 (Children aged 4 to 8 years old)Inclusive of: English-speaking tour guide, hotel pick-up (in Old Quarter area only), and junk boat river cruiseClick here to book your day tour now.

With promo code 'MAKANANGIN8', you'll be able to get 8% off* on ALL travel activities on Klook!

Image via Klook

Book all your travel activities the hassle-free way. Thanks to Klook, important things like transportation and even portable Wi-Fi are all covered. Your only job is to enjoy your holiday!*Discount capped at RM88.

If that isn't enough, you can also get 50% off on selected activities every Friday until 31 January 2020

Promo codes for three different activities will be released every Friday at 12pm, allowing you to take advantage of 50% discounts on tickets to places Lotte World, JR Kansai Pass, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and more! Promo code redemptions are limited to one ticket per person and to the first 100 checkouts.

So, where will you be heading this Chinese New Year? :D

To keep up to date with the latest deals and promotions, follow Klook on Instagram. Alternatively, you can also check out their official Facebook page!

Read more #lifestyle stories on SAYS:

                Netizens Cannot Stop Talking About This Chinese-Indian Couple's Stunning Wedding

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Apparently it's even good for your posture!

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5 Affordable Online Bookstores You Need In Your Life To Keep Expanding Your To-Read List

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

It's sad to hear that Book Depository will be shutting down soon, but that doesn't mean there aren't alternatives

Image via GIPHY

Here are five affordable online bookstores you might wanna check out for your next book haul:

1. Bookurve

Image via Bookurve

Bookurve has been going strong as an online bookstore since 2012. Their mission is to cater to readers' needs while providing a great book-browsing experience.The online bookstore sells both new and secondhand books. New books are priced around RM35 to RM200, and secondhand books range between RM10 and RM150, depending on their condition. Some books are sold in bundles.Bookurve also has a 'Trade-In' programme, where customers can trade in their old books to be refurbished and sold on the website in exchange for Green points or Cash points. Green points allow customers to purchase secondhand books on the website at a 50% discount, whereas Cash points allow customers to purchase new and secondhand books with the accumulated points.Visit the website here.

2. Chaplang Store

Image via @chaplangstore (Instagram)

Secondhand books in Chaplang Store restock almost every day, with a new selection up for grabs almost every 20 minutes. The books on the page are not organised according to category, and are sold on a 'first come, first serve' basis. But don't worry! The kind owner of the book store assures that they sometimes restock the same book, so you might still get another chance to buy it if you've miss out the first time. Prices of the books range from RM5 to up to RM90, with some books being sold in bundles. Occasionally, Chaplang Store has a special promotion at their physical store in Klang, where customers can purchase books at RM10 per kg. Visit their Instagram page here.

3. The Sleepy Cat Bookshop

Image via The Sleepy Cat Bookshop

A bookstore with a mission to save books from landfills, The Sleepy Cat Bookshop has a very wide selection of secondhand books that are preserved in great condition. Everything from your crime fiction needs to books you need to complete your memoir collection, you can find them here.The Sleepy Cat Bookshop is highly recommended due to their affordable prices, and because of their adorable mascot and guardian of their book collection, Boba the cat.Prices of the books range between RM7 and RM40. The bookstore is accessible via their website and Instagram page.

4. Bookaholics Anonymous

Image via Bookaholics Anonymous

Bookaholics Anonymous started off as a book-crossing (leaving books in public spaces for people to read, keep, and pass on) programme, but after the pandemic hit, the team switched to becoming an affordable online bookstore, selling secondhand books while also giving out books for free.Bookaholics Anonymous prices their books between RM15 and RM150, depending on the condition. Books that are rare, such as first-press books, can go up to RM500. Proceeds from the sales are directed to international charities the bookstore is collaborating with.Bookaholics Anonymous is accessible via their website and Instagram page.

5. Books n Bobs

Image via Books n Bobs

Books n Bobs began in 2016 as a Facebook shop by Rachel, who had a combined passion of reading and book shopping. When it first opened, Books n Bobs barely had 100 books for sale. Since then, their stock has expanded to over 23,000 books listed on their website.The bookstore sells both new and secondhand books. The books in stock are thoroughly checked and their conditions are graded according toBooks n Bobs' internal guidelines.Books n Bobs carries all genres, from Asian Literature and History to picture books for kids. The books are decently priced based on their condition, with some priced below RM20 and others going up to RM100.Visit the website here.

We've got some book recommendations for you if you're planning to go on a book shopping spree:

                This Thriller Novel Requires You To Cut Up It's Pages To Solve A 1930s Murder Mystery

If you're an Agatha Christie or a 'Cluedo' fan, you might wanna get a copy.

Read the full story

                7 Engrossing Malaysian Novels To Add To Your Reading List

From 'pelesit' buddies to a pontianak with teenage problems, these novels will definitely be a good addition to your ...

Read the full story

                8 Coffee Table Books You Should Get That Won't Just Collect Dust At Home

From poetry to cooking, there is something for everyone.

Read the full story

                12 Malaysian Children's Books That Every Parent Should Get For Their Child

Even adults can learn a thing or two from these stories.

Read the full story


Lee Kuan Yew On Race-Based Politics And Why It Will Destroy Our Society

Hailed by former US President Barack Obama as "one of the great strategists of Asian affairs," Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, who governed the Southeast Asian country for three decades, was "an agnostic," he told in an interview with Seth Mydans of New York Times and IHT back in September 2010

In the interview, Lee Kuan Yew spoke at length about his regrets, things he wished he could achieve but couldn't, about the ills of race-based politics and creating a cohesive society for all. His first regret was "having been turfed out of Malaysia," he said.It gravely pained him, the separation from Malaysia; so much so that at the time when speaking about the declaration, he couldn't go on:

×

"I think if the Tunku had kept us together, what we did in Singapore, had Malaysia accepted a multiracial base for their society, much of what we've achieved in Singapore would be achieved in Malaysia," Lee Kuan Yew narrated to Seth, adding that although "not as much (as Singapore) because it's (Malaysia) a much broader base."Singapore broke away from Malaysia and gained independence in the year 1965.About half a century ago, Singapore was an island without any natural resources to call its own. Since then, it has pulled off an absolutely dramatic transformation."We would have improved inter-racial relations and an improved holistic situation."Now we have a very polarised Malaysia," he said."Malays, Chinese and Indians in separate schools, living separate lives and not really getting on with one another. You read them.  That's bad for us as close neighbours."

So how does Lee assess his own satisfaction with what he has achieved and what didn't work?

Lee on the campaign trail in 1958.
Image via BBC

Lee said that the greatest satisfaction he had was (that) "my colleagues and I, (who) were of that generation who were turfed out of Malaysia (and) suffered two years under a racial policy, decided that we will go the other way.""We will not as a majority squeeze the minority... We made quite sure whatever your race, language or religion, you are an equal citizen and we'll drum that into the people.""And I think our Chinese understand and today we have an integrated society. Our Malays are English-educated, they're no longer like the Malays in Malaysia and you can see there are some still wearing headscarves but very modern looking," Lee said.

Commuters walk inside the Raffles Place MRT station during rush hour at the central business district area in Singapore.
Image via Getty Images/Yahoo

But when Seth points out that it doesn't sound like a regret to him

Lee clarifies by saying that "the regret is (that) there's such a narrow base to build this enormous edifice, so I've got to tell the next generation, please do not take for granted what's been built."He makes the point that "people should not come to believe that what's built is permanent", because then "it will come tumbling down and you will never get a second chance."

Speaking on race-based politics and how it can destroy society as a whole, Lee beautifully expresses that "if you chose the easy way to Muslim votes and switch to racial politics, this society is finished"

"The easiest way to get majority vote is a vote for me, we're Chinese, they're Indians, they're Malays. Our society will be ripped apart," he said, adding that "If you do not have a cohesive society, you cannot make progress."When Seth probes him by asking if that's a concern that the younger generation doesn't realise as much as it should, Lee responds by saying that he believes "they have come to believe that this is a natural state of affairs, and they can take liberties with it. They think you can put it on auto-pilot. I know that is never so."We've crafted a set of very intricate rules, no housing blocks shall have more than a percentage of so many Chinese, so many per cent Malays, Indians."All are thoroughly mixed. Your neighbours are Indians, Malays. You go to the same shopping malls, you go to the same schools, the same playing fields, you go up and down the same lifts. We cannot allow segregation."

Image via Dollars and Sense

When Seth points out there are people who think that Singapore may lighten up a little after his demise, that the rules will become a little looser and that might be something that's a concern to him

Lee responded by saying that, "No, you can go looser where it's not (about) race, language and religion because those are deeply gut issues and it will surface the moment you start playing on them. It's inevitable, but on other areas, policies, right or wrong, a disparity of opportunities, rich and poor, will go ahead. But don't play the race, language, religion (card). We've got here, we've become cohesive, keep it that way."Explaining why they didn't keep Chinese as a majority language and adopted English as their working language, Lee said that Chinese "will split the population.""(English) is equal for everybody, and it's given us the progress because we're connected to the world," he said, adding that "if you want to keep your Malay, or your Chinese, or your Tamil, Urdu or whatever, do that as a second language, not equal to your first language. It's up to you, how high a standard you want to achieve."

Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore, at an interview at the Istana in Singapore in 2008.
Image via The Malaysian Insider

Lee, whose tenure in office from 1959 to 1990 made him the world's longest-serving Prime Minister in history, died on 23 Mar 2015

In the interview back then, he had said that his final verdict will not be in the obituaries.Instead, it will be "when the PhD students dig out the archives, read my old papers, assess what my enemies have said, sift the evidence and seek the truth."I'm not saying that everything I did was right, but everything I did was for an honourable purpose. I had to do some nasty things, locking fellows up without trial.""For the greater good?" probes Seth, to which Lee responds, saying: "Well, yes, because otherwise they are running around and causing havoc playing on Chinese language and culture, and accusing me of destroying Chinese education."

People lining the streets as the gun carriage carrying LKY's body makes its way to Parliament House.
Image via The Straits Times

Explaining further, Lee said that those who question him today weren't around when the Communists were running the show

"They do not believe in the democratic process. They don't believe in one man, one vote. They believe in one bullet, one vote. They had killer squads. But they at the same time had a united front exploiting the democratic game. It gave them cover."But my job was to make sure that they did not succeed. Sometimes you just got to lock the leaders up. They are confusing the people," he said."The reality is that if you allow these people to work up animosity against the government because it's keeping down the Chinese language, because we've promoted English, keeping down Chinese culture because you've allowed English literature, and we suppress our Chinese values and the Chinese language, the Chinese press, well, you will break up the society."They harp on these things when they know they are not true. They know that if you actually do in Chinese language and culture, the Chinese will riot and the society must break up," he told the New York Times' correspondent.

When asked if leadership is a constant battle, Lee had this to say:

"In a multiracial situation like this, it is."Malaysia took the different line; Malaysians saw it as a Malay country, all others are lodgers, 'orang tumpangan', and they the Bumiputras, sons of the soil, run the show."So the Sultans, the Chief Justice and judges, generals, police commissioner, the whole hierarchy is Malay. All the big contracts for Malays. Malay is the language of the schools although it does not get them into modern knowledge."So the Chinese build and find their own independent schools to teach Chinese, the Tamils create their own Tamil schools, which do not get them jobs."It's the most unhappy situation."

Image via Mothership

Earlier this week, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the formation of a new race-based political party:

                Dr Mahathir Announces New 'Independent' Malay Party

"We are not breaking away from anyone. We are freeing ourselves from everyone."

Read the full story


Bersih Declares Overnight Rally On Merdeka Eve To Demand Najib's Resignation

Rahman Dahlan threatens to dump rubbish in front of Bersih HQ if they hold another rally

Image via The Malay Mail Online

"I am very sure the RM65,000 bill won't cause a dent to Bersih's massive and millions of funding and their continued refusal to pay only shows they have taken the donors for a ride."If Bersih refuses to pay, next time Bersih holds another illegal demonstration in Kuala Lumpur, perhaps I should dump the rubbish in front of their office," Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said in a statement.

        themalaysianinsider.com

In other news, Bersih has finally received the cleaning bill after the initial one was sent to the wrong address

Image via Twitter @bersih2

Image via Twitter @bersih2

The electoral watchdog dressed up the front gates of their headquarters to ensure that officials were able to find them in subsequent attempts to send the cleaning bill.

Image via BERSIH 2.0 [OFFICIAL]'s Facebook

On 4 September, Rahman Dahlan tweeted a photo of the wrong "Bersih office" which he said was "locked and unattended"

Image via Twitter @mandeepkarpall

4 SEPT: UMNO Youth Chief wants Malays to hold street demo to counter "Chinese" Bersih 4 rally

Image via Koh Jun Lin / Malaysiakini

"We realise the relationship between races is eroding recently because of the attitude of the Chinese, who are communistic in their ideology, and have openly rejected Malays, bumiputera and Islam openly on social media using their language," said Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Mohd Razlan Rafii."This was why so many Chinese youths dared to demonstrate on the streets simply to ensure that the government will fall."If that is what they want, then perhaps it is time for Malays and bumiputera to hit the streets to demand back their rights on this soil," he added.

        malaysiakini.com

Meanwhile, 7 key individuals of Bersih 2.0 have had their statements recorded by the police at the Bukit Aman federal HQ this morning. They are being investigated under Sections 120, 124C and 141 of the Penal Code.

Image via Nazir Sufari / The Malaysian Insider

Section 120 of the Penal Code deals with the concealment of plans to commit an offence, while Section 141 criminalises unlawful assemblies.However, the most serious offence cited against the seven falls under Section 124C, which deals with "attempt to commit activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy" and carries a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment upon conviction.Apart from Maria, the others called for questioning are Bersih deputy chairperson Sarajun Hoda Abdul Hassan, treasurer Masjaliza Hamzah, steering committee members Farhana Abdul Halim and Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, and secretariat members Mandeep Singh and Adam Adli Abdul Halim.

        malaysiakini.com

Chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah also remarked on Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan's RM65k cleaning bill threat, saying that it is ridiculous and will be challenged by Bersih. She also demanded to know if organisers of other rallies or events are being sent cleaning bills too.

"We have to wait until they give us the bill and then we will fight them in court. We will challenge it," she told reporters after being questioned by police over the rally."I would like to know in other events, do they do the same thing to other organisers? It is also DBKL's responsibility to clean up the streets anyway. How are you going to charge us for somebody sitting on the pavement? How are you going to prove it? These are ridiculous charges," she added.

        themalaysianinsider.com

2 SEPT: IGP: Tun M will be called up for questioning over his involvement with Bersih 4

Image via The Malaysian Insider

“We will investigate everyone... including Tun Mahathir. We will call him for questioning. He had given a speech and made an accusation. We want to know from where did he get all this information. Among the accusations made were that UMNO division chiefs had been bribed. So we want more information on this,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

        todayonline.com

Khalid also said that Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali as well as other prominent leaders who attended the rally will be probed and investigated as well

"I have said before, 'berani buat, berani tanggung' (be responsible for your actions). They break the law at their pleasure. It is better not to have the law then," he said.Besides probing speeches made during the rally, Khalid said police are also probing those who stepped on a photo of Najib and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. Those who brought effigies brought to the rally are also under investigation

        malaysiakini.com

Image via Jamie Ang / Yahoo Newsroom

1 SEPT: Police to investigate seven key individuals for their involvement in Bersih 4 rally

Image via Yusof Mat Isa / The Malay Mail Online

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page today (31 August), Bersih said that seven individuals - chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah, Sarajun Hoda, Masjaliza Hamzah, Farhana Halim, Fadiah Nadwa, Mandeep Singh, and student activist Adam Adli - will be investigated by the police and are required to be present at Bukit Aman at 10.30am tomorrow.

Breaking News:Polis akan menyiasat 7 individu untuk Himpunan BERSIH 4.1) Maria Chin Abdullah 2) Sarajun Hoda 3)...Posted by BERSIH 2.0 [OFFICIAL] on Monday, 31 August 2015

1 SEPT, 1.00PM: We will send a RM65,000 cleaning bill to Bersih, says Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan

Image via SAYS

"I advise Bersih chair Maria Chin Abdullah to not spend all of the RM1.5 million in Bersih 4.0 donation because we will send her the bill this week. This is not including the damages of public property by rally supporters. I leave it to City Hall to deal with that," the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister said.

        nst.com.my

Bersih raised more than RM2 million in donations and sales of T-shirts prior to the rally which attracted 100,000 people.

        malaysiakini.com

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) also plans to seek damages from Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah after they are done collecting evidence of any damage to public property due to the 2-day rally

The Malaysian Insider reports that Mayor Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said Bersih 2.0 had been notified of this before the weekend rally in the capital took place. He said DBKL would not bear the cost to repair any damage to public property as a result of the tens of thousands taking part in the rally nor would DBKL foot the cleaning bill."We need to collect evidence before we seek damages from Maria Chin Abdullah (Bersih 2.0 chairperson). There were areas affected, namely in terms of garbage and landscaping plants.," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Bersih 4 organisers place the number of participants at about 500,000 throughout the 34-hour rally, saying that "the rakyat has overcome fear and intimidation" in calling for institutional reforms

Image via Judith Yeoh / SAYS

"The total number of people who participated in Bersih 4, for the entire 34 hours, is estimated at 500,000," Bersih secretariat head Maria Chin Abdullah said at a press conference today.

        malaysiakini.com

“This is a loud and clear show of support for our demands," she added. “The rakyat has overcome fear and intimidation, and has proven that the call for institutional reform crosses all barriers.”

        freemalaysiatoday.com

29 AUG: Bersih 4 T-shirts are not illegal, says former Federal Court judge

Former Federal Court judge, Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram
Image via The Malaysian Insider

Bersih 4's yellow T-shirt does not come within the definition of "publication" in the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and rally goers would not flout the law wearing it, a retired Federal Court judge said. Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, however, said  participants could flout the law for carrying rally materials like placards or pamphlets with Bersih 4 printed on them. "Publication must be either in the form of print or electronic media in permanent or temporary form," he told The Malaysian Insider.

        themalaysianinsider.com

Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said that online news sites reporting on Bersih will not be blocked

Communications and Multimedia minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak
Image via Malaysia Today

"So the question of preventing media from doing their job should not arise," Salleh added, responding to a question on whether MCMC's move to block websites with information on Bersih 4 would amount to stopping their media from carrying out its duties.

        themalaysianinsider.com

Two websites have been blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) so far, namely the official Bersih 2.0 page and a website affiliated with Bersih 2.0, Global Bersih.

28 AUG: Home Ministry: It's now illegal to wear yellow Bersih 4 T-shirts

Image via Boo Su-Lyn / The Malay Mail Online

It is now illegal to wear a Bersih 4 T-shirt after the government this evening officially gazetted them as "undesirable" items in an executive order that was uploaded on the Attorney-General's Chamber's website this evening.According to the order issued by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, any yellow clothing which carried the word 'Bersih 4' and any printed material and pamphlet which leads to Bersih 4 are now illegal.The materials were included into a schedule of prohibited items.

        malaysiakini.com

Image via Malaysiakini

28 AUG, 7.00PM: MCMC blocks Bersih's official website just a day before the rally

Image via FinanceTwitter

After its warning yesterday, Bersih’s website has reportedly been blocked from Internet access. This was confirmed by Communication and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak who added that among the websites blocked were http://bersih.org and http://globalbersih.org.

        malaysiakini.com

The MCMC in its statement yesterday stated that it would block any websitesor news portals found to be promoting, disseminating information and encouraging the public to participate in the illegal rally as such action could be detrimental to the country.Salleh said the MCMC was in the midst of monitoring news portals to ensure that they would not commit the same offences."So far, no news portal was found to be promoting the rally, just more on reporting, so there was no violation of law...there's no reason for news portal operators to be worried," he said.

        themalaymailonline.com

28 AUG, 12.30PM: Kit Siang says minister should ensure phone signals are not jammed during Bersih 4.0

Image via KL Coconuts

DAP Parliamentary Leader and Gelang Patah MP, Lim Kit Siang, warned Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak to ensure that there was no jamming of phone signals. “He should ensure that telecommunication providers expand their capacity by at least twenty-fold in anticipation of at least half-a-million people armed with cell phones for the Bersih 4 rallies.”He was commenting on Salleh pledging that Putrajaya will not jam telecommunication towers during the Bersih 4 rallies as that would otherwise block communication among participants.In the internet and information era, the people expect Salleh not only to ensure that cell phone signals during the Bersih 4 rallies are not jammed and rendered unserviceable, but for the telcos to greatly increase their capacities many fold, he reiterated.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Lim also expressed his shock that Armed Forces Chief Zulkifeli Mohd Zin raised the possibility of his men intervening in the Bersih 4 rallies this weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching should Putrajaya declare a state of emergency. “It’s most shocking and irresponsible that Zulkifeli is talking about military intervention. The military wants to take over the role of the police which should be handling the Bersih 4 rallies.”

        malaysia-today.net

Armed Forces say they would intervene in Bersih 4  if government declares Emergency

Chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.
Image via The Star

The military will intervene in the Bersih 4 rally this weekend if the government declares a state of emergency, said Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief Zulkifeli Mohd Zin."ATM will only intervene in the rally if the government declares a state of emergency. If the situation is categorised as a threat to public order, we will take over the role of the police in containing the situation," he was quoted as saying by The Star Online.

        malaysiakini.com

Zulkifeli also said that the armed forces had to take preventive measures if necessary as there were concerns that massive street rallies could "turn into state of emergency due to certain reasons". He cited the recent bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, as a situation in which there were "people who take advantage of the situation".

        themalaysianinsider.com

For now, Zulkifeli said the military will not be deployed for the planned rally on Aug 29 and 30 but pointed out that they were trained to deal with rallies that get out of hand."It doesn't mean we haven't been carrying out training with the police to maintain public order. "We need to ensure that we are always prepared, skilled and efficient in our duties should the government declare a state of emergency," he was quoted as saying.

        malaysiakini.com

The rally will run from 2pm this Saturday until midnight on Sunday. In Kuala Lumpur, it will be held on the streets around Dataran Merdeka. Protesters in Sabah and Sarawak will also gather in their state capitals, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, respectively.

        themalaysianinsider.com

MCMC: Websites with Bersih 4 information will be blocked for "threatening national stability"

Announcement block websites with information on Bersih 4 on MCMC's Facebook Page
Image via The Malaysian Insider

Malaysia's Internet regulator has moved to block websites that promote and spread information about this weekend's Bersih 4 rally, as support for the 34-hour street gathering appears to grow. A notice posted on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Facebook page said the decision was made to block websites that "promote, spread information and encourage people to join the Bersih 4 demonstration", on grounds that this will "threaten national stability".

        themalaysianinsider.com

Just a few days ago, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said that MCMC has no plans to block websites or social media during Bersih 4 rally

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak
Image via The Rakyat Post

MCMC's announcement today follows the Home Ministry's declaration that Bersih 4 was "illegal" and its continuous labelling of the rally as an "illegal rally". It said that based on the ministry's statement, Bersih was "tarnishing the country's image". It also said that Bersih is spreading information and propaganda that is causing "anxiety" among the people and can pose a threat to public order, security, economic prosperity and sovereignty of the state."MCMC would like to remind the people to be careful in sharing any information in social media or websites, especially information that can contravene with Malaysia's laws," it said.

        themalaysianinsider.com

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan claims that "anarchists" are joining the Bersih rally in an attempt to attempt to provoke the police into using force against protesters

Image via Free Malaysia Today

"The provocation will be so that police can be blamed when force is used on participants of the illegal rally so as to incite hatred on the authorities and government," he said in a statement today.Nur Jazlan likened this to the Bersih 3.0 rally in 2012, where police responded with fury towards the end of the rally when some protesters, purportedly on the instructions of political leaders, breached the barricade at Dataran Merdeka."I see similarities with the Bersih rally in 2012 where the participation of opposition political parties ruined the rally's goal of a peaceful assembly after there were disturbances.""What the illegal rally organisers claim to be freedom of assembly and noble intention are merely lies as it has been proven to have been perpetrated by the opposition," he said.Nur Jazlan also urged the public not to participate in the protest."I hope the people will not be fooled into joining the Bersih 4 illegal rally as the likelihood of disturbances is high as we do not know the background of the participants who may comprise groups who are out to take advantage and create chaos."

        malaysiakini.com

27 AUG: Bersih to reorganise plans due to road closures for Merdeka Day preparations

Image via Bernama

Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah said the organisation would talk to the police on managing the rally.“We have informed the police that the 34-hour rally will go on. We are also working with them as we are not sure which of the 18 points are off-limits and how they’re going to implement the road blocks,” she told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police district headquarters after meeting the OCPD Asst Comm Zainol Samah yesterday.

        thestar.com.my

Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah also said that rally participants will not disrupt Merdeka Day preparations as they will only gather around the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka, not within

Image via Saw Siow Feng / The Malay Mail Online

“This (Bersih 4) is the people’s way of celebrating National Day by calling for a change and for us to reform. We do not need permission to spend the night in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka, but we are cooperating with the police to ensure the rally is peaceful. We are not doing this because we want to be difficult, but we want to see change, accountability, integrity and transparency in this country. We will disperse peacefully on the eve of National Day,” she added.  Queried over the organiser’s promises that the rally would proceed peacefully, she said those attending the rally did not need violence.  “But if there are those who want to cause violence, we have told the police that they should be arrested,” she said, adding that everyone, including rally participants and the police, should take responsibility to make sure that the event remained peaceful.

        thestar.com.my

26 AUG: "It's clear-cut. Bersih 4.0 rally is illegal," says ACP Zainol

Image via Malaysiakini

The police on Wednesday reiterated its stand that the Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 and 30 is illegal and action will be taken against the organisers.Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Zainol Samah said after a meeting with Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah that the organisers have not adhered to existing laws requiring them to get the permission for the use of Dataran Merdeka.

        thestar.com.my

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah said despite being told at a meeting that the rally was unlawful, the organiser was adamant on proceeding with their plan to assemble in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka."It was the second meeting with the organiser where we listened to them about their plan on the rally. We also told them why the rally is unlawful. We told them that it's an unlawful rally because the organiser failed to obtain permission as stipulated in Section 11 of Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and there simply cannot be two assemblies on the day at the same time," Zainol said in a press conference at the district police headquarters.

        themalaysianinsider.com

He advised members of the public not to attend the rally planned for this weekend. "It is clear cut. The rally is illegal," he said.

        thestar.com.my

The ACP was, however, coy when asked whether arrests will be made soon to stop the rally from proceeding

"It all depends on the situation," he said. He also said that police will be monitoring the crowd at the rally.Bersih 4 rally is going to be held for a total of 34 hours, beginning from 2pm this Saturday until the end of Sunday, which is the eve of Merdeka, to demand institutional reforms and also the resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.Several major roads will be closed in stages starting today for the National Day 2015 rehearsals and celebration at Dataran Merdeka. Kuala Lumpur traffic police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said yesterday that the roads would be closed from 6am.

        themalaysianinsider.com

25 AUG: Bersih 4.0 deemed illegal by the Home Ministry

Image via Greater Malaysia

The planned Bersih 4 public gathering this weekend in the federal capital is deemed prohibited or illegal as the organisers have failed to meet a condition in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and apparently has caused uneasiness and worries among Malaysia's multi-racial citizens.

        malaysiakini.com

"The home ministry has investigated Bersih 4 and found that it is not a registered organisation. As such, the ministry is requesting the public not to attend the gathering on August 29 to 30 as it did not obtain the authorities' approval, and it is organised by the unregistered organisation," Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said today.He added in a statement that Bersih 4 organisation had spread propaganda to incite people in a negative way towards the ruling government by spreading leaflets which can cause harm. They have also casted a negative image towards the country, adding that it could even threaten public order and safety, economic prosperity, national sovereignty and racial harmony.

        themalaysianinsider.com

Are the police really using tasers to stun rowdy and violent Bersih protesters?

Image via The Oriental Daily

On 24 August, deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said protesters might be stunned with an electric charge if they riot, become violent or resist arrest."In any situation, the police will follow their standard operating procedure (SOP). If the situation needs to be controlled, police will use the tasers to stun the suspect, in line with their SOP," he said as reported by Oriental Daily.Rashid said police have a small number of tasers at the moment and those authorised to use them have undergone professional training.Police grade stun guns have a range of 35 feet. It fires two hooks, which then deliver severe jolts of electricity to temporarily incapacitate the target.

        malaysiakini.com

However, on 25 August, deputy IGP Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim disputed claims that the police will be using stun guns during the Bersih rally, explaining that they are actually part of the police force's future plans

Image via See Hua Online

"It has been proven by scientific and practical means that tasers can stun any mobs or criminals. In the future, we will be using more of such weapons," Noor Rashid said in a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur today.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh has also advised undergrads to stay away from getting involved in the upcoming Bersih rally, saying that if they do so, they risk facing action from the country's laws

Image via The Malaysian Insider

Idris said besides contravening the law, their participation in the Bersih gatherings would also smear the reputation of their higher learning institutions.

        theborneopost.com

“Don’t need (to participate)... this will not only inconvenience the public, but the traders too. Don’t listen to the allegations that our general elections are not clean. Actually, our elections never happened that way, and there had been Bersih (rallies) before,” he said after his visit to the Karangkraf Media Group’s complex in Shah Alam yesterday.

        themalaysianinsider.com

He also said that students found involved in the gatherings could face action under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 or under tbe country's other existing laws.Police have already advised the public not to take part in the Bersih 4 gatherings as they are deemed illegal for having not met the notice conditions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2013.

        malaysiakini.com

Meanwhile, Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah confirmed that 3 Catholic churches in KL will provide refuge to rally participants should they need to

Image via Syahirah Roslan / The Rakyat Post

The churches are The Cathedral of St John in Bukit Nanas, Church of St Anthony in Jalan Pudu and Church of our Lady of Fatima in Brickfields.

        themalaysianinsider.com

18 AUG: Maria Chin announces Bersih 4.0 rally will go on despite DBKL's no-go signal

Image via The Malaysian Insider

The Bersih 4.0 rally scheduled to take place between August 29-30 will go ahead as planned, said Bersih 2.0 Chairman Maria Chin Abdullah although Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has turned down its request to hold it at Dataran Merdeka. Maria said a change of venue to either Titiwangsa, Merdeka Stadium or the National Stadium as suggested by DBKL was “not possible” as the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, as organisers of the rally, had already announced the date and did not see any need to change it."What we want to emphasise is that before we even fixed the dates on August 29 and 30, we actually called up City Hall and they said there was no activity (to be held in Dataran Merdeka). But now they have decided to have activities,” she was quoted as saying.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Meanwhile KL Mayor Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said, “I have already informed them (Bersib 2.0) that Dataran Merdeka will be used for preparations and rehearsals. As for Padang Merbok, it will be used by the armed forces as a logistics area to place their vehicles in view of the Merdeka Day parade.”Given Maria’s refusal, he said the authorities would treat rally participants as “normal civilians” and cautioned, “They can go about it (the rally), but they cannot disturb other members of the public.”

        thestar.com.my

500 DBKL personnel to assist cops for Bersih 4.0

Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz
Image via The Star

Some 500 Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) personnel will be deployed to control traffic and ensure public safety during the Bersih 4.0 rally, which will clash with the National Day celebration preparations.Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said DBKL would assist the police in monitoring the situation especially on traffic, public safety and providing assets like road barriers.

        thestar.com.my

Mhd Amin noted that DBKL had briefed the organisers not to use Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbuk as rally locations and that had suggested the rally be held a week after the National Day celebration."However, during our meeting with the organisers this morning, they still insisted on holding the gathering on Aug 29 and 30...but it is understood that they will only gather at Dataran Merdeka," he said.Mhd Amin added that the participants also were not allowed to disrupt the "Sehati Sejiwa" concert and build tents or any other structures at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, from Aug 28 to 30."If they were found intruding at the Dataran Merdeka area, DBKL and police will take stern action against them," he said.

        bernama.com

17 AUG: IGP: Bersih 4.0 organisers are selfish and focused on toppling government

Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar
Image via Coffee Ticks

What is so bersih (clean) about Bersih 4.0? These are the sentiments of the Inspector-General of Police who has deemed the organisers of Bersih 4.0 as selfish and fuelled by an agenda to topple the government. According to Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, the name bersih was merely a rhetorical title, but in reality, the organisers did not dare to follow the rule of law. "They ask to clean this, clean that, but they themselves do not want to follow the law. They do not care about the interests of others, they only want to protect their rights of freely gathering at Sogo and so on, without taking into account the rights of taxi drivers and traders. When they hold rallies, all the shops have to close."

        thestar.com.my

“Political activities should be carried out in a gentlemanly manner, as there are seasons for it," Khalid said, referring to election season and the period after the process had been settled.    "I would like to send a reminder if this is their intention, the police will take preventive measures and I would like to remind Bersih organisers to be careful. If any individual or political party tries to topple the government without following the Constitution and the law, we will take action," he warned.

        malaysiakini.com

16 AUG: Anti-Bersih group protests to stop Bersih 4 rally

Image via Malaysiakini

About 100 people held a peaceful assembly organised by Gabungan NGO-NGO Malaysia (GNM) in front of a shopping complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here today to call on police to stop Bersih 4.0 assembly scheduled to be held on Aug 29 and 30.Its chairperson, Jamal Md Yunos said firm action should be taken as several previous Bersih assemblies affected the country's peace and jeopardized the image of the country in the eyes of foreign tourists."I am calling on police to take stern action against its organisers, especially its chairperson, Maria Chin Abdullah. I am calling on police to arrest and charge those involved as previous assemblies brought a host of problems," he said when speaking at the assembly in front of Sogo shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

        malaysiakini.com

14 AUG: No green-light for overnight rally yet as police refuse to acknowledge Bersih's application

Image via Astro Awani

“I had submitted a notice to the police today but Zainol refused to accept it until I complete the application by filling a few forms and documents for a ‘review’ to get permission,” Malaysiakini quoted Maria as telling journalists. Under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, a rally organiser must notify the officer in charge of the police district where the rally will be held 10 days before it takes place. However the police’s request for more information is something new.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Chin also requested for police on duty to refrain from violence such as assaulting and using tear gas on participants like in the previous rallies. However, she noted that the police remain "non-committal" on the issue, preferring to comment on anti-government slogans instead.

Image via Choo Choy May / The Malaysian Insider

"We said that police on duty should be in their uniform and wear a name tag and their staff numbers. We do not want violence," she said.

        themalaysianinsider.com

“They (the police) did not promise they would not use tear gas. Still I have raised the issue (tear gas). At least they (the police) know what they should not do,” she explained. Police in turn told Maria that rally participants should not chant anti-government slogans, to which she replied that chanting was part and parcel of a rally. “The police cannot stop it. We will be very disappointed if the police take action against the participants (for chanting),” she said.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

13 AUG: Bersih 4.0 can go on, so long conditions are followed

Image via The Malay Mail

The Bersih 4.0 assembly expected to be held at several locations throughout the country on August 29 have been allowed to proceed so long as public order is not disrupted, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim.Noor Rashid said the assembly must not violate provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.“Should it be found to be disrupting the community, traffic or inciting the people to topple the government, we will act,” he told reporters

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Among the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is that the organiser must give at least 10 days notice or face a fine of RM10,000 for failure to comply. Based on the act, assemblies are prohibited within 50 metres of places of worship, power stations, petrol stations, transport terminals, kindergartens and schools.

        therakyatpost.com

11 AUG: Bersih committee confirms Dataran Merdeka and 5 meeting points for overnight rally

Image via The Malay Mail Online

“Members of the public are recommended to gather in five places before moving to Dataran Merdeka: Brickfields, Pasar Seni, Sogo, Masjid Negara and Dataran Maybank,” Maria Chin Abdullah, chair of the electoral watchdog said.“The Bersih 4 steering committee has decided to camp overnight at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, to push for the improvement of institutions as per Bersih 4’s five demands, which are clean elections, a clean government, the right to protest, strengthening parliamentary democracy and saving Malaysia’s economy,” she added.

        themalaymailonline.com

Its steering committee urged participants to bring amenities, such as sleeping bags, canvas sheets and portable tents, to spend the night there.

        malaysiakini.com

Members of the public are also invited to join the "Bersih 4 Challenge" to prepare for their participation in the rally

In the run-up to the rally, the Bersih steering committee urged members of the public to join its ‘Bersih 4 Challenge’, for participants to express their preparedness to join the Bersih 4 rally through photographs, including selfies, and challenge their friends to do the same.The pro-electoral reform coalition also expressed its gratitude to independent initiatives by its supporters to promote the rally, including through posters, tying yellow pieces of cloth to fences and other objects, and calls to motorists to drive with their headlights on in daytime.

        malaysiakini.com

7 AUG: 34 locations across the globe to unite for Bersih 4.0

Tentative list of locations
Image via Global Bersih

On the 29th of July, Global Bersih, a Geneva-based international NGO network of Malaysian diaspora residing around the world, launched a global solidarity movement in support of the recently announced Bersih 4.0 rally in Malaysia.Global Bersih stands by the principles of clean and fair procedures and process, and will respond to the recent developments by showing their presence across the globe on 29-30 August, and by demanding that the electoral process as well as the government, should be clean, fair and accountable.Today, the group released an updated tentative list of cities where Malaysians overseas will be participating in and organising solidarity events in conjunction with the two-day rally in Kuala Lumpur.If you are organising one in your city or want to get involved, do contact the group at [email protected] or send them PM on Facebook.

        facebook.com

Image via Hornbill

31 JULY: Ambiga might be arrested for threatening to depose Najib

Image via Malaysiakini

The police are considering arresting prominent rights activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan for allegedly threatening to depose Datuk Seri Najib Razak and National Human Rights Society (HAKAM) chief for allegedly calling on the public to take to the streets to topple Najib.“You cannot call for people to take the streets to oust the prime minister, that is wrong. We will not allow that,” Khalid said, adding that Ambiga will be investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code which deals with the offence of undermining parliamentary democracy.

        themalaymailonline.com

The country’s top cop noted that he had asked Ambiga to deny the claim after she allegedly made the statement on Twitter, and that “she did not deny” it. The police will also be calling in the reporter who quoted Ambiga for questioning, the IGP said. Contacted separately today, lawyer Latheefa Koya confirmed that the police will interview Ambiga at 3pm tomorrow at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

        malaysia-today.net

30 JULY: KL city police chief: Bersih 4 rally can proceed as long as laws are followed

Image via bestfbkl.blogspot.com

“They can do it as long as it is done according to and with respect to the law. We don't have a problem,” city police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said.

        themalaymailonline.com

The police will even help smoothen the process for participants if the group’s representatives go through the proper channels.“In fact we can help facilitate the rally if they write a letter in. As I said, just do it properly,” the senior policeman said.

        todayonline.com

Meanwhile, PAS has expressed that they are open to participating in the Bersih 4 rally, just like they did in the previous three

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan
Image via The Malaysian Insider

"We are open, we can talk with anybody. However, we only know about the rally from media reports,” PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said yesterday.Takiyuddin  said this when asked whether PAS would take part the rally, just as the Islamic party had done in the previous three mammoth Bersih rallies. However, the party would first like to discuss the details of the event with the organiser.

        malaysiakini.com

29 JULY: The 4th Bersih rally is a go! Earlier today, Bersih 2.0 announced that the Bersih 4 overnight rally will be held on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu from 29 August, 2pm to 30 August.

Image via BERSIH 2.0 [OFFICIAL]'s Facebook

The rally is expected to feature awareness campaign booths and lectures by prominent civil rights leaders.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said that the rally will centre on calling for PM Najib Razak's resignation over his dismal handling of the 1MDB issue, as well as to demand for "institutional reforms to be implemented so as to end prime-ministerial corruption"

Image via Seth Akmal / The Malaysian Insider

"All Malaysians are now paying a huge price for the RM42 billion scandal of 1MDB among other incidences of corruption, leakage and mismanagement."

        themalaysianinsider.com

“We invite all patriotic Malaysians to join the rally to demand for Najib to step down and institutional reforms to be implemented so as to end prime-ministerial corruption,” she said.

        themalaymailonline.com

"By a series of political moves on July 27 and 28, Najib has virtually ruled out all possibilities for truth on the 1MDB scandal to be unearthed and for the criminals to be brought to justice. Najib is taking every possible move to protect corruption. He arrogantly ignores the humble wish of Malaysians for integrity and justice. He has lost every ounce of legitimacy to stay in office," said Bersih.

        malaysiakini.com

Chin also pointed out that the removal of Abdul Gani Patail as attorney-general (AG) as well as the removal of certain ministers and the election of four Public Account Committee (PAC) members in the cabinet reshuffle show signs of a 1MDB cover-up and hence, triggered the call for a rally

She said replacing Gani, while he was in the midst of probing 1MDB as a member of a special government task force, was "meant as a warning signal to the other three agencies" in the team. She added that Gani's removal was being rejected or questioned by many parties who had doubts over its constitutionality. Another move to prevent the truth about 1MDB from being uncovered, Maria added, was the "co-optation" of four members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by promoting them into the government administration. "As PAC members cannot be holding executive positions, these appointments are Najib's unscrupulous plot to disable PAC, the only other public institution which is pursuing the 1MDB scandal with the support of the Auditor General's Office."

        themalaysianinsider.com

The coalition demands that the four following actions be carried out "restore public confidence" in 1MDB investigations:

    1. Najib to make public his bank account details, in particular, clarify if the AmBank accounts existed in his name and, if so, show the transaction details for the dates in question. 2. Najib to take leave as the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and all other public offices he holds pending investigation.3. Najib’s, his spouse’s and his children’s accounts to be frozen. 4. All findings of investigation by Bank Negara, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Police, and the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on 1MDB and related companies to be made public in the fastest time possible.

        bersih.org

Claiming that manipulate elections, power concentration at the Executive level, and repression of dissents are the cause of "corruption at the highest level in Malaysia", Bersih 2.0 also proposed 10 institutional reforms:

    1. Electoral reform.2. Making the Election Commission a constitutional party answerable to Parliament.3. Barring Prime Minister from simultaneously holding the office of Finance Minister.4. Parliamentary Reform.5. Making MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) answerable to Parliament.6. Separating Attorney General from the role of Public Prosecutor.7. Freedom of Information laws at Federal and State levels.8. Public declaration of Ministers and senior government servants’ assets.9. Repeal of/Amendments to draconian laws.10. Establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

        bersih.org

Chin added that no police permit will be required for the rally, but clarified that Bersih will have their own security arrangements in addition to informing the police about it

Image via Saeed Khan / AFP

“We expect the law enforcement authorities to cooperate with us and provide necessary security protection,” she said, adding that the organisers did not want to see a repeat of the violence that happened during the Bersih 3 rally.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

The cabinet reshuffle on 28 July saw Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin being dropped as deputy PM in favour of Dato' Seri Ahmad Zaidi:

                Johor UMNO leader claims Najib used WhatsApp to decide on Cabinet reshuffle

Muhyiddin had questioned the scandal surrounding 1MDB debts and WSJ's reports of money in Prime Minister Najib's pers...

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#GE15 Unofficial Result: KJ Is Falling Behind In Votes Against P Ramanan In Sungai Buloh

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

A fierce fight is currently going on between Barisan Nasional's (BN) Khairy Jamaluddin and Pakatan Harapan's (PH) Datuk R Ramanan for the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat

Earlier at 9.44pm today, 19 November, New Straits Times reported that Khairy was leading by 387 votes against Ramanan, with 2,584 votes and 2,197, respectively.However, according to Utusan Malaysia, Ramanan was leading with 6,183 votes, while Khairy received 5,260 votes at 10.05pm. The third in line was Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Mohd Ghazali Md Hamim with 2,941 votes.As of 10.48pm, REV Media Group's microsite for all things election MyUndi reported that Ramanan  received 7,672 votes, while Khairy received 6,917.

The votes are still being counted at publishing time. You can catch the live results at MyUndi here.

Get the latest political updates on SAYS here

Image via SAYS


'Mamak' In Australia Is Fined AUD300,000 For Deliberately Underpaying Workers

For the last few years, Malaysian food chain 'Mamak' in Australia has been a popular go-to restaurant for authentic, delicious Malaysian cuisine at affordable prices

Image via Mamak

However, it made headlines recently for the wrong reasons, as the Australian court has fined the operators AUD292,672 (RM898,610) for shortchanging its employees

Image via Mamak Haymarket

The Federal Court has found that the workers themselves were paying the price for the cheap eats, penalising the company and three of its directors nearly AUD300,000 for deliberately short-changing employees and using false records to disguise the underpayments.The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action against the business, which also has outlets in Chatswood and Melbourne, in January after discovering six employees – five were visa-holders from non-English speaking backgrounds – were collectively underpaid more than AUD87,000, earning as little as AUD11 an hour between February, 2012 and April, 2015.Judge Justin Smith found Mamak on Goulburn Street, Haymarket, conducted informal market research into pay rates on the black market and deliberately underpaid staff to maximise profit.

        businessinsider.com.au

The following is the breakdown of the fine handed out by Judge Smith:

Restaurant owners Lee Joon Hoe, Julian Lee and Alan Wing-Keung Au have been fined AUD36,992 (RM113,534), AUD35,360 (RM108,525) and AUD35,360 (RM108,525) respectively. Their company Mamak Pty Ltd was penalised AUD184,960 (RM567,671).

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the national minimum wage is currently AUD17.70/hour but the employees were paid less than AUD11/hour

"Not only did the respondents know that the employees were being paid less than their legal entitlements, but they also knew that their records were not kept in accordance with the law," Judge Smith was quoted as saying by Business Insider Australia.He also added that he wanted the severity of the penalties to act as a deterrent for other employers."The point here is that all of the respondents knew that there was an Award but deliberately chose to ignore it in order to maximise profit," he said.On top of the financial penalties, it was reported that Judge Smith has also ordered Mamak Pty Ltd to audit pay practices across all of its restaurants next year and to rectify any underpayments identified by commissioning a qualified professional.

Judge Smith further explained how restaurant operators conducted their own informal market research on pay rates on the black market

"They discovered that there were three approaches – the first were the star-rated restaurants which paid according to the Award, the second were medium restaurants that followed the Award half the time and the third included small restaurants that just paid illegal rates," he reportedly said. The judge found that 'Mamak' took the third approach.  "The fact that there are many restaurants in the industry that do not comply with their legal obligations does not exculpate the respondents in any way. In my view, it does the opposite," he added.

'Mamak' started in Australia from humble beginnings

Image via Mamak

According to its website, founders Alan, Clement and Julian, used to set up a market stall at Sydney's Chinatown Night Markets every Friday to hone their skills in making roti canai, teh tarik and authentic satay, all of which are now Mamak's signature dishes. Eventually, they opened their first restaurant in the heart of the Sydney central business district in 2007. Their business continued to flourish as they opened a second branch in Chatswood and the third in Melbourne on October 2010 and September 2012 respectively. Since then, 'Mamak' has received multiple awards from the likes of TripAdvisor, The Guardian, Time Out Melbourne and more.

Do you think this will deter other employers from underpaying their staffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!


Anda Tahu Tak Neelofa Ada Kembar Ratu Cantik Dunia? Serius Sekali Pandang Memang Sama!

Sekarang ni bila cakap je nama Neelofa, satu Malaysia kenal. Kalau dulu beliau popular, kini beliau sangat sangat sangat popular. Semuanya dek kerana drama 'Suri Hati Mr Pilot' yang tengah hot ditayangkan di Astro Ria sekarang.

Memang ramai dah lama menunggu kemunculan semula Neelofa dalam dunia lakonan. Boleh dikatakan sejak beliau 'berhijrah', kami tak nampak pun muka beliau berlakon di kaca TV. Sama ada tiada tawaran lakonan atau Neelofa sendiri tak ready kami pun tak tahu.

Image via Instagram @neelofa

Apa yang kami tahu drama 'Suri Hati Mr Pilot' ni memang tengah meletop-letop sekarang. Sana sini orang bercakap mengenainya. Mana tidaknya digandingkan pula dengan pelakon kacak, Fattah Amin, ramai yang mengatakan mereka kelihatan sangat serasi dan sepadan untuk memegang watak sebagai suami isteri.

Eh, eh tapi bukan pasal drama tersebut yang kami nak ceritakan. Kami nak cerita yang kami baru saja menjumpai kembar Neelofa. Sekali pandang, serius kami ingatkan Neelofa!

Sama kan?
Image via SAYS

Masa mula-mula nampak gambar ni, kami ingatkan beliau adalah Neelofa yang dulu sebelum berhijrah, rupa-rupanya anggapan kami salah. Beliau adalah Kylie Verzosa, atau nama penuhnya Kylie Fausto Verzosa iaitu Miss International 2016 yang berasal dari Filipina.

Kylie Verzosa atau lebih mesra dipanggil Kylie merupakan wanita keenam dari Filipina yang telah dinobatkan sebagai Miss International. Wah, orang-orang filipino ni memang cantik-cantik agaknya. Jom kita usha gambar beliau!

Image via Instagram @kylieverzosa

Image via Instagram @kylieverzosa

Image via Instagram @kylieverzosa

Tengoklah, kalau orang dah cantik pakai apa pun cantik. Betul tak?

Image via missosology.info

Image via Instagram @kylieverzosa

Image via stagram @kylieverzosa

Nak kata 100% sama tu memanglah tidak. Tetapi ada beberapa ketika wajahnya memang kelihatan mirip seperti Neelofa. Contohnya seperti di bawah:

Image via SAYS

Image via SAYS

Image via SAYS

Ironinya kalau anda nak tahu, Neelofa sendiri follow Kylie di Instagram. Mungkin Neelofa sendiri sedar yang beliau mempunyai kembar yang cantik di Filipino. Bagaimanapun, followers Neelofa di Instagram JAUH lebih ramai berbanding Kylie. Neelofa kini mempunyai lebih 3.7 milion followers, manakala Kylie mempunyai lebih kurang 223 ribu followers di Instagram.Bila dipecahkan melalui kiraan matematik, 223 ribu itu hanyalah 6% daripada 3.7 juta. Ternyata Neelofa jauh mendahului sebanyak 94%.Follow beliau dan stalk lah sekarang!Kylie Verzosa

Last but not least, nah jangan cakap akak tak payung! :P

Image via www.philnews.xyz

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Trending Di Twitter, Statement Pelajar Ini Tentang 'Islam' Undang Pelbagai Reaksi Netizen

Follow kami di Telegram, jadi antara yang terawal untuk dapatkan berita dan artikel-artikel menarik di SAYS Seismik.

Baru-baru ini, trending nama Sabrina di Twitter gara-gara sebuah video temu bual

Satu platform international yang dikenali sebagai BBC World Service dilihat menemu bual pelajar Malaysia yang sedang menuntut pelajaran di Korea kerana hobinya. Lihat video penuh itu di bawah:

"I like my hijab and I like dancing."How this young K-pop dancer from Malaysia deals with hate commentsMore on how K-pop conquered the world https://t.co/qR2LK84ua3 pic.twitter.com/topbD7Ujo8— BBC World Service (@bbcworldservice) May 10, 2022

Kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh pelajar tersebut dikecam ramai

Menerusi video berkenaan, kelihatan pelajar itu menjawab soalan temu bualnya bersama BBC World Service. Dia juga menerangkan hobinya yang suka menari itu. "I think I am doing the right thing""I think young hijabis should not be afraid to be confident with themselves", katanya. Perkara tersebut telah menimbulkan reaksi pelbagai netizen.

Image via @bbcworldservice (Twitter)

Image via @bbcworldservice (Twitter)

"You anggap itu hate comments but actually semua orang nak tolong you tahu what's silap yang you tak nampak" - Netizen

Susulan tularnya video itu yang kini meraih sehingga 894K tontonan, 5K retweets dan 4K likes di Twitter, rata-rata netizen turut memberikan reaksi terhadap statement tersebut. Berikut di bawah merupakan antara komen menarik daripada netizen di Twitter:

https://t.co/o6Wl3qVzAgEasiest Explanation To Muslim Girl Out There Who Just Cant Agree With The Quran — Obsecure  (@AinahasbullahC) May 12, 2022

You like dance. You can dance. No need to show your dance to the world then. Record yourself and show to your mahrams only, if you really want to show to people.— PinkyPatrick (@___pinkypatrick) May 11, 2022

They’re not hate comments. They’re calls for her to return to the path of Islam. Only she thinks she’s hated. Sabrina, kau kena tahu beza kutukan dan nasihat. Tapi kalau kau memang tak makan nasihat, memang apa yg kau baca tu semua kau rasa org kutuk kau.— sunroof  (@aterriblepoet) May 11, 2022

Salam sejahtera, guys.. Kalau anda ada cara untuk nasihat Cik Sabrina dengan lebih baik, cubalah. Cuba. Cuba buat dekat semua post dia. Sekurangnya ada sikit function kewujudan anda di media sosial ini. Kalau asyik kipas dia saja, bukan dapat ubah apa pun. pic.twitter.com/udPavVS51Y— sunroof  (@aterriblepoet) May 11, 2022

You’re not harming anyone but you’re risking people’s understanding of islam! Whats the point pakai tudung tp menari with sensual move like that? Shaking the butt but 404 not found— nora (@dyoguma) May 11, 2022

Showing hair Terkinja-kinja, pakai baju sexy tp pakai inner warna kulit ... Aku dh unfollow prmpuan ni. Mula2 minat la. Lama² lebih² plak dia— Endless (@Le_Sofea) May 11, 2022

Imma sinner too but i know if Allah say it’s haram, wtv you say it’s still haram miss girl. If you nak buat dosa, sukahati you cause we sin differently but pls don’t encourage ppl to do it. I know u wanna sounds cool but nothing’s haram can boost yr confident laa aiyo— Alayna  (@Sgarliy) May 11, 2022

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"Anything For Family" – Vin Diesel Lookalike Making Kunafa At Ramadan Bazaar Goes Viral

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Recently, a man went viral on TikTok for looking exactly like American actor Vin Diesel while selling kunafa at a Ramadan bazaar

In the TikTok posted by user @flamjars, the food vendor is seen handling orders while cooking Kunafa in a white shirt that looks incredibly similar to the one worn by Fast & Furious's main character, Dominic Toretto.Everything from the absence of hair, to the tough guy physique, the man who clearly resembles the iconic main character, is sending locals reeling with joy.

Image via On A White Shirt (Facebook)

The video has since garnered over three million views, with over 11,000 comments, mostly consisting of jokes and movie references

A user joked that Dominic Toretto had been hit by the rising cost of living just like the rest of us, causing him to open a kunafa stall to sustain his family's needs."Dominic Toretto has also been affected by the high cost of living... What a pity he has been forced to sell kunafa," wrote a user.

Image via TikTok

A user commented that this is no longer Fast & Furious. No, this is "Fasting & Furious".

Image via TikTok

"He's just earning extra money to modify his car guys," commented another.

Image via TikTok

A man even went as far as to say that he is the Malaysian version of the American actor by commenting, "All the best Vin Petrol Ron95 Malaysian version."

Image via TikTok

The kunafa chef turned TikTok celebrity operates his stall at the BBU Ramadan Bazaar in Johor Bahru

Address: Bazaar Ramadan BBU13, Jalan Padi Ria, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor

Image via TikTok

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits Times

Watch the TikTok here:

  @flamjars bro selling kunafa for family  Bandoleros - Don Omar

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