Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today By Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos We have heard of the word “snowballing” before.  Those who have played with snow know if you let a small snowball roll down a slope, more likely than not, it gets bigger.  An unresolved problem may get bigger or a situation that is not controlled may become worse. This is called the snowball effect.  There were initially queries about 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). There were answers given in the press and even on national television by 1MDB and the authorities.  However, parties with vested interests and an “evil agenda”, to use the words of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, manipulate the genuine concern of some Malaysians and snowballed the simple matter into an effort to thwart the peaceful practice of democracy.  Suddenly, the nation is being attacked surreptitiously, unknown to the ordinary citizens, as events seemingly innocently unfo...

As published on Malay Mail's backpage today PETALING JAYA - RM59,843,126 to be exact. That was the amount spent on preparing athletes and paying coaches for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games since 2011, as revealed in Parliament on Monday. Sadly, the national contingent returned with only six gold medals - their worst performance in 20 years. It was a far cry from their 12-gold medal haul during the previous edition in New Delhi, India four years ago. A bulk of the amount - RM23,022,542 - was spent on overseas competitions while RM17,511,993 were spent on allowances for coaches and athletes. "The figures were revealed during the Parliament's question and answer session and later given in writing," said Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching. The poor performance at the Games in August, was followed by another pathetic outing at the Asian Games two months later. The 276-strong national contingent only delivered five golds, 14 silvers and 14 bronzes at the Asiad. S...

The nation will gear up for the 13th General Elections after the Parliament was dissolved as per Prime Minister Najib Razak's live speech at 11.30am. The Election Commission will meet before they announce the polling date which many believe will be later this month. During his speech, Najib pacified fears of those in Lahad Datu, encouraging them to vote and that security in their area will be closely monitored by the security forces. Today also marks Najib's fourth year in office, having succeeded Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2009. For the build-up and reaction to this morning's announcement, visit here . HD says: Let the games begin.