Friday, February 5, 2016

Pain in his ass do escape happens in Najib’s firewall


Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the government is willing to engage with employers before revising the new levy for foreign workers. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 6, 2016.
‘Wonder’ is one of those simple words we think we know the meaning of, till we begin to articulate what it really means to us. We could say that wonder is present when we experience a powerful moment of awe, with its combination of dread and excitement, after which one seems to have anew perception and appreciation of life.We might agree it arises from our natural, inborn curiosity about life, increasing our capacity to be enthusiastic explorers of the outer physical world through our senses, as well as of the inner world of the emotions and spirit through slowing down and reflection.Or we might describe it as the capacity to remain aware and present to the delights of small things that easily go unnoticed, and to do this with undiluted joy. Much like when we were children.Wonder isn’t something we do, but something that happens to us; we can’t force it — but by remaining open to it, we find it is actually in some way cultivable — because having a sense of wonder for grownups is actually a choice.t is consciously being open, and responding to what seems miraculous and often inexplicable. It is also looking at reality, with its beauty as well as its flaws, and deciding it is precious and meaningful. When we say, “I wonder…,” it implies we don’t really know. So, the stepping-off point to rediscover wonder is to give ourselves permission to be fresh, new learners or rediscoverers. What triggers wonder in us is all around us, every moment.
Pain in his ass
Datuk Seri Najib Razak, fresh from being declared innocent a day earlier in the RM2.6 billion 'donation' saga, leaves the Parliament building today. Former leader Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has described the decision by the A-G yesterday as a 'judgment'. – AFP pic, January 27, 2016.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak can use all the power he has at home to muzzle his officials in Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency, the Auditor-General, Bank Negara Malaysia and threaten or charge his detractors and critics Din Merican @UCusing the Sedition Act and the Multimedia and Communications Commission.  But there is one thing he should know and that is, he has no influence whatsoever with the Swiss and Singapore authorities.

Switzerland and Singapore are global financial centers with solid reputation for  their commitment to the Rule of Law, integrity and probity, good governance, and professionalism. It is immaterial whether our authorities will cooperate with their regulators, they will proceed with their investigations.

I don’t know who Najib Razak’s friends are in Saudi Arabia, but I sure want a few.

Who wouldn’t covet a pal or two willing to toss you $700 million as a “gift,” no strings attached? That’s at least the Malaysian prime minister’s story, and he’s sticking to it. Politicians overseas, meanwhile, would sure love to have Najib’s electorate. Since the Wall Street Journal broke news of his good fortune, Najib has displayed a fatalistic willingness to take an entire economy down so he can stay in office. And his party harbors little fear of losing power.

There’s the “Twilight Zone” and there’s the “Malaysia Zone,” and just try discerning the difference. Najib-gate grew even more surreal last week when Malaysia’s attorney general suddenly cleared him of criminal or corruption charges. In a hastily-arranged press conference, Mohamed Apandi Ali said Najib had returned all but $61 million of that “donation” from the Saudi royal family. Somehow, Apandi kept a straight face as he declared the matter closed.Continue reading below



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