Jeroen Hertzberger scored a hat-trick to help last edition silver medallist Netherlands spank a hapless Malaysia 7-0 in a lopsided opening Pool D encounter at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Saturday.&nbsp;

Asian Games silver medallist Malaysia, coached by legendary Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, were expected to produce a fight but the world number 4 Netherlands turned out to be a much superior opponent.

Besides Hertzberger (11th, 29th, 60th minutes), Mirco Pruijser (21st), Mink van der Weerden (35th), Robbert Kemperman and Thierry Brinkman (57th) were the other goal scorers for the three-time champions.

Also Read | <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-hockey-world-cup-2018-netherlands-vs-malaysia-180681">As it happened: Netherlands 7-0 Malaysia</a>

The Dutch, who are eyeing a fourth World Cup title, turned out to be too hot for Malaysia to handle as they toyed with the opposition defence and scored goals at will on a miserable night for their Asian rival.

The Netherlands created chances at will and if not for the veteran Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam's heroics, the margin of defeat could have been bigger for the Asian side.

Subramaniam hardly got any help from his defenders and was forced to make numerous saves.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
🏑 | POTM | <a href="https://twitter.com/jeroenhertz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeroenhertz</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/oranjehockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@oranjehockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha2018</a> 
🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEDvMAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEDvMAS</a> 🇲🇾 <a href="https://t.co/Gp7UtngW1p">pic.twitter.com/Gp7UtngW1p</a>
— Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sports_odisha/status/1068854548238761984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">🏑 | POTM | <a href="https://twitter.com/jeroenhertz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeroenhertz</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/oranjehockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@oranjehockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha2018</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEDvMAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEDvMAS</a> 🇲🇾 <a href="https://t.co/Gp7UtngW1p">pic.twitter.com/Gp7UtngW1p</a>&mdash; Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sports_odisha/status/1068854548238761984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It was a horrendous display from the Malaysians in all departments of the game. There was hardly any co-ordination between their defenders, midfielders and forwards, which helped the Dutch to snatch the ball whenever they wanted, before going for the kill.

The gap in quality between the two sides can be gauged from the fact that Netherlands had 29 shots at the goal as against Malaysia's just three.&nbsp;

Placed in the 'pool of death' because of the presence of three former champions in Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan, it could be a herculean task for a demolarised

Malaysia to make a comeback in the tournament after Saturday's heavy defeat.

Malaysia will next play Pakistan on December 5, while the Netherlands will be up against Germany.&nbsp;

Jeroen Hertzberger scored a hat-trick to help last edition silver medallist Netherlands spank a hapless Malaysia 7-0 in a lopsided opening Pool D encounter at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Saturday.

Jeroen Hertzberger scored a hat-trick to help last edition silver medallist Netherlands spank a hapless Malaysia 7-0 in a lopsided opening Pool D encounter at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup here on Saturday. Asian Games silver medallist Malaysia, coached by legendary Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, were expected to produce a fight but the world number 4 Netherlands turned out to be a much superior opponent. Besides Hertzberger (11th, 29th, 60th minutes), Mirco Pruijser (21st), Mink van der Weerden (35th), Robbert Kemperman and Thierry Brinkman (57th) were the other goal scorers for the three-time champions. Also Read | As it happened: Netherlands 7-0 Malaysia The Dutch, who are eyeing a fourth World Cup title, turned out to be too hot for Malaysia to handle as they toyed with the opposition defence and scored goals at will on a miserable night for their Asian rival. The Netherlands created chances at will and if not for the veteran Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam's heroics, the margin of defeat could have been bigger for the Asian side. Subramaniam hardly got any help from his defenders and was forced to make numerous saves. 🏑 | POTM | @jeroenhertz | @oranjehockey #HWC2018 #Odisha2018 🇳🇱 #NEDvMAS 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/Gp7UtngW1p — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) December 1, 2018 src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"> × It was a horrendous display from the Malaysians in all departments of the game. There was hardly any co-ordination between their defenders, midfielders and forwards, which helped the Dutch to snatch the ball whenever they wanted, before going for the kill. The gap in quality between the two sides can be gauged from the fact that Netherlands had 29 shots at the goal as against Malaysia's just three. Placed in the 'pool of death' because of the presence of three former champions in Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan, it could be a herculean task for a demolarised Malaysia to make a comeback in the tournament after Saturday's heavy defeat. Malaysia will next play Pakistan on December 5, while the Netherlands will be up against Germany.

Jeroen Hertzberger scores hat-trick as Netherlands vanquish Malaysia 7-0

Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur.

The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area.

"We have been asking for police protection for more than two months, we have given the police hundreds of reports that we are being threatened by the developer. But they (police) have refused. Even lately, we went and gave reports asking for police protection but they never gave us any protection," said Suresh Ramji, temple spokesperson.

At the centre of the feud is a 2014 consent judgement according to which the temple, which stands on a land acquired by a developer, will be relocated three kilometres away from the present location. The company which purchased the land had reportedly agreed to pay for the construction of a new temple.

The deal was to be executed by November 22 this year. When calls to move the temple by the new owner of the land did not work, the developer decided to use force against Hindu worshippers.

Nearly two dozen cars were damaged and many people were injured in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/21-arrested-over-riot-in-malaysia-hindu-temple-attack-179844">violence on Monday and Tuesday</a>. The police has so far arrested 30 people in connection with the violence.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has now stepped in, calling for peace and harmony. But he made it clear that the federal government has no authority to acquire the land on which the temple stands.

"Land is a state matter, we have no right (to take over the land). We have rights only with regards to the riots,"&nbsp; he said.

To prevent such an incident in the future, the Malaysian government will pass a new resolution to make it compulsory for a permit to be obtained before a house of worship is built.

Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur. The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area.

Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur. The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area. "We have been asking for police protection for more than two months, we have given the police hundreds of reports that we are being threatened by the developer. But they (police) have refused. Even lately, we went and gave reports asking for police protection but they never gave us any protection," said Suresh Ramji, temple spokesperson. At the centre of the feud is a 2014 consent judgement according to which the temple, which stands on a land acquired by a developer, will be relocated three kilometres away from the present location. The company which purchased the land had reportedly agreed to pay for the construction of a new temple. The deal was to be executed by November 22 this year. When calls to move the temple by the new owner of the land did not work, the developer decided to use force against Hindu worshippers. Nearly two dozen cars were damaged and many people were injured in the violence on Monday and Tuesday. The police has so far arrested 30 people in connection with the violence. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has now stepped in, calling for peace and harmony. But he made it clear that the federal government has no authority to acquire the land on which the temple stands. "Land is a state matter, we have no right (to take over the land). We have rights only with regards to the riots," he said. To prevent such an incident in the future, the Malaysian government will pass a new resolution to make it compulsory for a permit to be obtained before a house of worship is built.

Malaysia temple row: PM Mahathir steps in after rioting over relocation

India is a closed chapter now for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysian-head-coach-roelant-oltmans-look-to-aim-for-podium-finish-179487">Roelant Oltmans</a> but the legendary Dutch coach said more than hurt he was surprised by the way he was unceremoniously shown the door by Hockey India, especially after investing his time in the country for nearly five years.

Oltmans came to India as High Performance Director in 2013 and played an instrumental role in reviving Indian hockey before taking up the position of men's team's chief coach.

Oltmans' association with Indian hockey for nearly five years came to an end in September last year after he was sacked by the national federation for lack of results.

"I was not hurt (about the sudden sacking). That is part of our coaching job but I must admit I was surprised," the 64-year-old master tactician told PTI in an exclusive interview here.

"There are certain moments people take decisions and you need to accept the decisions the way they are," said Oltmans, who is here as the head coach of Malaysian team participating in the World Cup.

During his time as a High Performance Director in India, Oltmans strengthened the grassroot level besides working with all the national teams, be it junior or senior, men or women.

He also worked with the domestic coaches, including current India chief coach Harendra Singh, and played a key role in restructuring the game in the country.

Some former players have even said that Indian hockey is currently reaping rewards for Oltmans' labour.

"I worked here (in India) for 5 years with a lot of pleasure. I enjoyed my stay here. India has a rich hockey history and I am satisfied that I could contribute something to Indian hockey's rebirth," Oltmans said.

"I am happy to see that Indian hockey in this period has grown. This is a new team with new group of people. I have worked with a lot of these players. I hope the best for India apart from one game (against his own team Malaysia if they face each other in knockout stages)."

Asked about India's podium chances at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">World Cup</a>, Oltmans said: "I said it before that the winner of the World Cup will come from the top six teams of the world at the moment." 
India are currently ranked fifth in the world.

After the India sojourn, Oltmans was with Pakistan team on a two-year contract but resigned barely four months into the job.

After the Asian Games, Oltmans took over as Malaysia coach for a two-year tenure with an aim to help the side qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Malaysia missed a golden chance to seal their Olympic berth after losing to Japan in the final at the Asian Games earlier this year but the Dutchman said that episode, which he was not part of, is history now.

"Of course, it was a big disappointment but that is history now. We can't change history but we can change the future and that is what we will try here. The boys have talked about what went wrong there, but many things were right or else we won't be there in the final of the Asian Games," he said.

Malaysia are placed in what can be termed as pool of death at the ongoing World Cup alongside three former champion sides -- Pakistan, Germany and Netherlands -- in Pool D.

"We have set very simple targets. First is to survive in this pool of death. That's the challenge and we take it as a challenge. How we survive, it doesn't matter. Then, we will reset our goals for the next phase," Oltmans said.

He also feels that his knowledge about India and familiar weather conditions will help Malaysia in the World Cup.

"All the 16 teams are well prepared. Of course, it helps us that we are coming from Asia. We did not have to travel too much. We are used to weather conditions in this time of the year. But these are minor advantages because every team has prepared themselves to make sure they are the best and this is what World Cup is about," Oltmans signed off.

India is a closed chapter now for Roelant Oltmans but the legendary Dutch coach said more than hurt he was surprised by the way he was unceremoniously shown the door by Hockey India, especially after investing his time in the country for nearly five years.

India is a closed chapter now for Roelant Oltmans but the legendary Dutch coach said more than hurt he was surprised by the way he was unceremoniously shown the door by Hockey India, especially after investing his time in the country for nearly five years. Oltmans came to India as High Performance Director in 2013 and played an instrumental role in reviving Indian hockey before taking up the position of men's team's chief coach. Oltmans' association with Indian hockey for nearly five years came to an end in September last year after he was sacked by the national federation for lack of results. "I was not hurt (about the sudden sacking). That is part of our coaching job but I must admit I was surprised," the 64-year-old master tactician told PTI in an exclusive interview here. "There are certain moments people take decisions and you need to accept the decisions the way they are," said Oltmans, who is here as the head coach of Malaysian team participating in the World Cup. During his time as a High Performance Director in India, Oltmans strengthened the grassroot level besides working with all the national teams, be it junior or senior, men or women. He also worked with the domestic coaches, including current India chief coach Harendra Singh, and played a key role in restructuring the game in the country. Some former players have even said that Indian hockey is currently reaping rewards for Oltmans' labour. "I worked here (in India) for 5 years with a lot of pleasure. I enjoyed my stay here. India has a rich hockey history and I am satisfied that I could contribute something to Indian hockey's rebirth," Oltmans said. "I am happy to see that Indian hockey in this period has grown. This is a new team with new group of people. I have worked with a lot of these players. I hope the best for India apart from one game (against his own team Malaysia if they face each other in knockout stages)." Asked about India's podium chances at the World Cup, Oltmans said: "I said it before that the winner of the World Cup will come from the top six teams of the world at the moment." India are currently ranked fifth in the world. After the India sojourn, Oltmans was with Pakistan team on a two-year contract but resigned barely four months into the job. After the Asian Games, Oltmans took over as Malaysia coach for a two-year tenure with an aim to help the side qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Malaysia missed a golden chance to seal their Olympic berth after losing to Japan in the final at the Asian Games earlier this year but the Dutchman said that episode, which he was not part of, is history now. "Of course, it was a big disappointment but that is history now. We can't change history but we can change the future and that is what we will try here. The boys have talked about what went wrong there, but many things were right or else we won't be there in the final of the Asian Games," he said. Malaysia are placed in what can be termed as pool of death at the ongoing World Cup alongside three former champion sides -- Pakistan, Germany and Netherlands -- in Pool D. "We have set very simple targets. First is to survive in this pool of death. That's the challenge and we take it as a challenge. How we survive, it doesn't matter. Then, we will reset our goals for the next phase," Oltmans said. He also feels that his knowledge about India and familiar weather conditions will help Malaysia in the World Cup. "All the 16 teams are well prepared. Of course, it helps us that we are coming from Asia. We did not have to travel too much. We are used to weather conditions in this time of the year. But these are minor advantages because every team has prepared themselves to make sure they are the best and this is what World Cup is about," Oltmans signed off.

I was surprised by sudden ouster as India coach: Roelant Oltmans

At least 21 people were&nbsp;arrested on Tuesday after&nbsp;a riot broke out amid a dispute over the relocation of an Indian temple outside Kuala Lumpur.

Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor said 21 people were detained and will be investigated for rioting with weapons and arson.

He added&nbsp;that nearly two dozen vehicles were torched but the situation is under control.

The riot&nbsp;began on early Monday morning after a group of intruders attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in central Selangor state's Subang Jaya township. Another group of men retaliated early Tuesday morning by vandalising the office of property developer MCT Berhad near the temple.

Around 700 anti-riot personnel were deployed to maintain peace in the&nbsp;area.

Members of the temple told local media that men were armed with weapons such as knives and they asked devotees to leave the temple because the land was reportedly&nbsp;owned by One City Development.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the investigation behind the&nbsp;riot is underway and also warned the public to not make any statements that could raise racial disharmony and hurt national security.

At least 21 people were arrested on Tuesday after a riot broke out amid a dispute over the relocation of an Indian temple outside Kuala Lumpur. Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor said 21 people were detained and will be investigated for rioting with weapons and arson.

At least 21 people were arrested on Tuesday after a riot broke out amid a dispute over the relocation of an Indian temple outside Kuala Lumpur. Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor said 21 people were detained and will be investigated for rioting with weapons and arson. He added that nearly two dozen vehicles were torched but the situation is under control. The riot began on early Monday morning after a group of intruders attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in central Selangor state's Subang Jaya township. Another group of men retaliated early Tuesday morning by vandalising the office of property developer MCT Berhad near the temple. Around 700 anti-riot personnel were deployed to maintain peace in the area. Members of the temple told local media that men were armed with weapons such as knives and they asked devotees to leave the temple because the land was reportedly owned by One City Development. Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the investigation behind the riot is underway and also warned the public to not make any statements that could raise racial disharmony and hurt national security.

21 arrested over riot in Malaysia Hindu temple attack

Watch: WION Gravitas, 27th November, 2018

WION Gravitas: Armed intruders attack Hindu devotees in Malaysia

Malaysia police arrests 21 attackers for Hindu temple relocation unrest

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Imran Khan was given an official welcome at the Dataran Perdana where he was greeted on arrival by Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at 9.40am Wednesday (November 21).

Prime Minister Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Radio Pakistan reported.

This is Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia after assuming office in August.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad will have a tete-a-tete, followed by the delegation-level talks, the Foreign Office said.

The two countries enjoy warm brotherly relations founded in mutual respect friendship and understanding reinforced by strong cultural and religious affinities, the Foreign Office said in a statement last week.

Mr Khan's visit "would provide an opportunity to further cement the existing friendly and cordial bilateral relations by enhancing economic, trade and commercial ties, for our mutual benefit," the statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package. Imran Khan was given an official welcome at the Dataran Perdana where he was greeted on arrival by Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at 9.40am Wednesday (November 21). Prime Minister Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Radio Pakistan reported. This is Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia after assuming office in August. Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad will have a tete-a-tete, followed by the delegation-level talks, the Foreign Office said. The two countries enjoy warm brotherly relations founded in mutual respect friendship and understanding reinforced by strong cultural and religious affinities, the Foreign Office said in a statement last week. Mr Khan's visit "would provide an opportunity to further cement the existing friendly and cordial bilateral relations by enhancing economic, trade and commercial ties, for our mutual benefit," the statement said. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in Malaysia on two-day official visit; likely to seek aid

Pakistan is keen to learn from the vast experience of Malaysia's veteran Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad how he transformed the country's economy, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday.

Khan, who is on a two-day official visit here, said one of the main reasons he has made a trip to Malaysia is out of his admiration for Mahathir.

Mahathir, 93, Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, staged a spectacular comeback to politics in May this year, becoming the world's oldest head of government.&nbsp;

"We look upon you as a statesman, someone who has transformed this country.&nbsp;

"We have followed Malaysia's progress, especially since Dr Mahathir came into office, and my party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) wants to learn from your experience how you transformed the economy and developed it, raised the per capita income, the Gross Domestic Product," he said at a joint press conference with Mahathir, the official Bernama news agency quoted Khan as saying.

The 66-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said that as both he and Mahathir came to power with a mandate from the people on an anti-corruption platform, Pakistan and Malaysia face similar situations in terms of unprecedented debt.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rP6j_lrmduE" width="560"></iframe>

"We want to talk to you (Dr Mahathir) about dealing with the crisis and how to come out of it and I am very pleased with the morning discourse," Khan said, referring to their bilateral meeting earlier.

Khan also invited Mahathir as the chief guest on the Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23 next year, Pakistani media reports said.

Earlier, after the delegation meeting, Mahathir and Khan also witnessed the signing of an agreement by the governments of Malaysia and Pakistan on the partial abolition of visa for travel between the two countries for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Prime Minister Khan also visited the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, becoming the first foreign leader to tour the office since the inception of the entity 51 years ago.

He was received by MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull, who also briefed the Pakistani leader on MACC's operations.

"This is the first time in (the MACC) history that a (foreign) prime minister has paid a visit to the MACC," Mohd Shukri said to reporters after Imran Khan's visit.

He said Khan asked whether the MACC had set any (monetary) threshold for initiating an investigation, and he explained that the agency would conduct an investigation even if the value involved was only Ringgit 5 (Rs 85).

He said the prime minister had also asked whether the MACC had the power to investigate judges or military personnel, and he replied that the country's laws applied to all and were "impartial", Bernama reported.

Mohd Shukri said the MACC proposed that Pakistan send officials to undergo training with the MACC.

"In Pakistan, there is a body which investigates corruption known as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under the Ministry of Justice. They (NAB) are not the same as us, but they want to learn from us," he said.

The visit to Malaysia is Khan's fourth official visit to any foreign country after becoming prime minister. Before this, he has visited Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates to seek bailout packages amid a mounting balance of payments crisis confronting Pakistan.&nbsp;

Khan was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and other senior officials.&nbsp;

Pakistan is keen to learn from the vast experience of Malaysia's veteran Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad how he transformed the country's economy, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday.

Pakistan is keen to learn from the vast experience of Malaysia's veteran Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad how he transformed the country's economy, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday. Khan, who is on a two-day official visit here, said one of the main reasons he has made a trip to Malaysia is out of his admiration for Mahathir. Mahathir, 93, Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, staged a spectacular comeback to politics in May this year, becoming the world's oldest head of government. "We look upon you as a statesman, someone who has transformed this country. "We have followed Malaysia's progress, especially since Dr Mahathir came into office, and my party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) wants to learn from your experience how you transformed the economy and developed it, raised the per capita income, the Gross Domestic Product," he said at a joint press conference with Mahathir, the official Bernama news agency quoted Khan as saying. The 66-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said that as both he and Mahathir came to power with a mandate from the people on an anti-corruption platform, Pakistan and Malaysia face similar situations in terms of unprecedented debt. "We want to talk to you (Dr Mahathir) about dealing with the crisis and how to come out of it and I am very pleased with the morning discourse," Khan said, referring to their bilateral meeting earlier. Khan also invited Mahathir as the chief guest on the Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23 next year, Pakistani media reports said. Earlier, after the delegation meeting, Mahathir and Khan also witnessed the signing of an agreement by the governments of Malaysia and Pakistan on the partial abolition of visa for travel between the two countries for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Prime Minister Khan also visited the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, becoming the first foreign leader to tour the office since the inception of the entity 51 years ago. He was received by MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull, who also briefed the Pakistani leader on MACC's operations. "This is the first time in (the MACC) history that a (foreign) prime minister has paid a visit to the MACC," Mohd Shukri said to reporters after Imran Khan's visit. He said Khan asked whether the MACC had set any (monetary) threshold for initiating an investigation, and he explained that the agency would conduct an investigation even if the value involved was only Ringgit 5 (Rs 85). He said the prime minister had also asked whether the MACC had the power to investigate judges or military personnel, and he replied that the country's laws applied to all and were "impartial", Bernama reported. Mohd Shukri said the MACC proposed that Pakistan send officials to undergo training with the MACC. "In Pakistan, there is a body which investigates corruption known as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under the Ministry of Justice. They (NAB) are not the same as us, but they want to learn from us," he said. The visit to Malaysia is Khan's fourth official visit to any foreign country after becoming prime minister. Before this, he has visited Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates to seek bailout packages amid a mounting balance of payments crisis confronting Pakistan. Khan was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and other senior officials.

How did you transform your economy? Imran Khan asks Malaysia PM

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reached Malaysia on a two-day visit. During his interaction with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Khan mentioned about long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia adding that he was "pleased with the morning discourse" with PM Mahathir. Khan said that Pakistan can learn how to tap tourism potential from Malaysia.&nbsp;

"We exchanged views about trade, a particular interest for Pakistan is we have this huge untapped tourism potential and Malaysia has developed tourism resorts which we really want to have (in) place in Pakistan because we have tourism sports but we don't have resorts," Imran Khan said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister welcomed Imran Khan and said that Pakistan and Malaysia have similar internal problems. He added that both the leaders "discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Pakistan and Malaysia had a long relationship and mostly there has been a closer relationship and we have also been trading with each other. But we find that we have some internal problems which are similar within Malaysia and Pakistan and I had a four-eyed meeting with the Prime Minister. We discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," the Malaysian Prime Minister stated.

Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-arrives-in-malaysia-on-two-day-official-visit-likely-to-seek-monetary-aid-178514">Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia</a> where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Prime Minister Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Radio Pakistan reported.

This is Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia after assuming office in August.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reached Malaysia on a two-day visit. During his interaction with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Khan mentioned about long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia adding that he was "pleased with the morning discourse" with PM Mahathir.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reached Malaysia on a two-day visit. During his interaction with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Khan mentioned about long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia adding that he was "pleased with the morning discourse" with PM Mahathir. Khan said that Pakistan can learn how to tap tourism potential from Malaysia. "We exchanged views about trade, a particular interest for Pakistan is we have this huge untapped tourism potential and Malaysia has developed tourism resorts which we really want to have (in) place in Pakistan because we have tourism sports but we don't have resorts," Imran Khan said. The Malaysian Prime Minister welcomed Imran Khan and said that Pakistan and Malaysia have similar internal problems. He added that both the leaders "discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," news agency Reuters reported. "Pakistan and Malaysia had a long relationship and mostly there has been a closer relationship and we have also been trading with each other. But we find that we have some internal problems which are similar within Malaysia and Pakistan and I had a four-eyed meeting with the Prime Minister. We discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," the Malaysian Prime Minister stated. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia where he is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package. Prime Minister Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Radio Pakistan reported. This is Khan's first bilateral visit to Malaysia after assuming office in August. (With inputs from Reuters)

Imran Khan says Pakistan could learn to tap tourism potential from Malaysia

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Asian&nbsp;leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.

Malaysian Prime Mahathir Mohamad told a business forum ahead of the summmit in Singapore that other developed countries would take a cue from the United States and China if their tit-for-tat tariff war is allowed to spiral.

"The trade tension between the two world powers is bound to create a domino effect that will affect trade reactions and will be a reason for other developed countries to adopt protective measures against developing countries, including the ASEAN countries," Mahathir said, referring to the 10-nation Association of Southeast&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;Nations (ASEAN).

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang - for a second day - struck a conciliatory note on the trade spat, saying he was hopeful that the two sides will find a way to prevent it escalating further.

"I still hope we can hold talks based on mutual respect, balance and mutual benefits to resolve the issue. There are no winners in a trade war," Li said before his meeting with the ASEAN leaders.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Singapore meetings instead of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly panned existing multilateral trade pacts as unfair and has railed against China over intellectual property theft, entry barriers to American businesses and a yawning U..trade gap.

It was not clear if Li and Pence would meet separately on the sidelines in Singapore, which would be a prelude to a summit scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month in Buenos Aires.

Before he arrived in Singapore on Monday, Li said China would further open its economy in the face of rising protectionism, though he did not refer directly to China's bruising trade war with the United States.

"RIVAL BLOCS"

Mahathir, a veteran strongman of the region who in May returned to the prime minister's office he had occupied for 22 years, told reporters that the United States is "a colonial power" that uses "economic pressure to cow people".

In his speech, he said "the rise of trade protectionism, resurgent nationalistic movements and inward-looking policies" seemed to be emerging even among ASEAN nations.

That was echoed by summit host Singaporean Prime Lee Hsien Loong, who told a welcome ceremony for his ASEAN counterparts that "the international order is at a turning point".

"The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability has come under stress," he said, adding that it was unclear if the international order would break up into rival blocs.

Returning to the theme as the leaders sat down to dinner, he said: "Countries are becoming insular, retreating from multilateralism and globalisation, which has been the cornerstone of ASEAN peace and stability."

China's Li is expected to rally support at the Singapore meetings for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade pact that will encompass more than a third of the world’s GDP.

"Free trade has, in some aspects, prevented war effectively," he said in a speech on Tuesday. "We are willing to negotiate with all sides to push ahead with free trade internationally, and we're also willing to discuss a fairer system."

The RCEP agreement includes 16 countries, including ASEAN nations, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but not the United States.

The draft of a statement to be issued by RCEP nations later in the week, which was reviewed by Reuters, said the group would instruct "ministers and negotiators to work toward the full conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2019".

SOUTH CHINA SEA DEAL

Li said that Beijing hoped a consultation with Southeast&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;nations on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea would be completed in three years, and that such an deal would bolster free trade.

China and ASEAN agreed in August on a working text to continue long drawn-out negotiations over the code of conduct.

Some ASEAN members and China have overlapping claims to islands in the sea, one of the world's busiest waterways. For years, they have been discussing a pact to prevent an escalation of disputes.

"It is China's hope that the COC (code of conduct) consultation will be finished in three years time so that it will contribute to enduring peace and stability in the South China Sea," Li said. "China and ASEAN countries will benefit in that process, it will also be conducive to free trade and go on to serve the interests of other parties."

Last week, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis urged their Chinese counterparts to halt militarisation of the South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US&nbsp;warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Asian leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.

Asian leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries. Malaysian Prime Mahathir Mohamad told a business forum ahead of the summmit in Singapore that other developed countries would take a cue from the United States and China if their tit-for-tat tariff war is allowed to spiral. "The trade tension between the two world powers is bound to create a domino effect that will affect trade reactions and will be a reason for other developed countries to adopt protective measures against developing countries, including the ASEAN countries," Mahathir said, referring to the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Chinese Premier Li Keqiang - for a second day - struck a conciliatory note on the trade spat, saying he was hopeful that the two sides will find a way to prevent it escalating further. "I still hope we can hold talks based on mutual respect, balance and mutual benefits to resolve the issue. There are no winners in a trade war," Li said before his meeting with the ASEAN leaders. US Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Singapore meetings instead of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly panned existing multilateral trade pacts as unfair and has railed against China over intellectual property theft, entry barriers to American businesses and a yawning U..trade gap. It was not clear if Li and Pence would meet separately on the sidelines in Singapore, which would be a prelude to a summit scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month in Buenos Aires. Before he arrived in Singapore on Monday, Li said China would further open its economy in the face of rising protectionism, though he did not refer directly to China's bruising trade war with the United States. "RIVAL BLOCS" Mahathir, a veteran strongman of the region who in May returned to the prime minister's office he had occupied for 22 years, told reporters that the United States is "a colonial power" that uses "economic pressure to cow people". In his speech, he said "the rise of trade protectionism, resurgent nationalistic movements and inward-looking policies" seemed to be emerging even among ASEAN nations. That was echoed by summit host Singaporean Prime Lee Hsien Loong, who told a welcome ceremony for his ASEAN counterparts that "the international order is at a turning point". "The existing free, open and rules-based multilateral system which has underpinned ASEAN's growth and stability has come under stress," he said, adding that it was unclear if the international order would break up into rival blocs. Returning to the theme as the leaders sat down to dinner, he said: "Countries are becoming insular, retreating from multilateralism and globalisation, which has been the cornerstone of ASEAN peace and stability." China's Li is expected to rally support at the Singapore meetings for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade pact that will encompass more than a third of the world’s GDP. "Free trade has, in some aspects, prevented war effectively," he said in a speech on Tuesday. "We are willing to negotiate with all sides to push ahead with free trade internationally, and we're also willing to discuss a fairer system." The RCEP agreement includes 16 countries, including ASEAN nations, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but not the United States. The draft of a statement to be issued by RCEP nations later in the week, which was reviewed by Reuters, said the group would instruct "ministers and negotiators to work toward the full conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2019". SOUTH CHINA SEA DEAL Li said that Beijing hoped a consultation with Southeast Asian nations on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea would be completed in three years, and that such an deal would bolster free trade. China and ASEAN agreed in August on a working text to continue long drawn-out negotiations over the code of conduct. Some ASEAN members and China have overlapping claims to islands in the sea, one of the world's busiest waterways. For years, they have been discussing a pact to prevent an escalation of disputes. "It is China's hope that the COC (code of conduct) consultation will be finished in three years time so that it will contribute to enduring peace and stability in the South China Sea," Li said. "China and ASEAN countries will benefit in that process, it will also be conducive to free trade and go on to serve the interests of other parties." Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis urged their Chinese counterparts to halt militarisation of the South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Warnings of a 'domino effect' of protectionism as Asian leaders meet

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her.

Mahathir Mohamad, 93, said he was "very disappointed" by Suu Kyi's failure to defend the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority driven from Myanmar in their hundreds of thousands last year by an army campaign that UN investigators say amounted to genocide.

Mahathir made his remarks less than an hour before standing alongside Suu Kyi for a stoney-faced photo shoot at the start of the ASEAN regional summit in Singapore, the kind of diplomatic gathering where she was once feted by contemporaries as a beacon of democracy.

"Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," Mahathir told reporters in a reference to Suu Kyi's long years of house arrest under Myanmar's military junta.

"But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added.

Suu Kyi has failed to clearly condemn Myanmar's army for its crackdown and has instead cast doubt on the veracity of Rohingya testimony of atrocities.

Mahathir, the outspoken leader of Malaysia -- a majority Muslim country -- also appealed to Myanmar to accept Rohingya as citizens.

"When Malaysia became independent in 1957, we had people of foreign origin.... but we accepted all of them," he said.&nbsp;

"They are now citizens, they play a full role in the politics of the country, they are free they are not detained because of race or any thing like that."

Myanmar insists the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh despite many living for generations in western Rakhine state and has long denied them basic rights and liberties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Rohingya crisis has dulled the diplomatic niceties that traditionally govern gatherings of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is meeting in Singapore this week.

The bloc tends to shy away from any direct criticism of each other and promote consensus diplomacy.

But Mahathir has been much more willing to break with those diplomatic traditions.

Defenders of Suu Kyi say she has little control over Myanmar's military in a country where the generals still have huge political power and independence.

But critics say her failure to use her huge domestic appeal to publicly castigate the generals or push for protection of the Rohingya makes her complicit.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's arrival in Singapore came a day after Amnesty International stripped her of its top award over her "indifference" to the atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya.&nbsp;

The first stage of a long-delayed and deeply controversial plan to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is due to start on Thursday - despite widespread opposition from rights groups to any&nbsp;forced return.&nbsp;

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her.

Aung San Suu Kyi's response to the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims is "indefensible", Malaysia's leader said Tuesday in a withering criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate shortly before sharing a stage with her. Mahathir Mohamad, 93, said he was "very disappointed" by Suu Kyi's failure to defend the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority driven from Myanmar in their hundreds of thousands last year by an army campaign that UN investigators say amounted to genocide. Mahathir made his remarks less than an hour before standing alongside Suu Kyi for a stoney-faced photo shoot at the start of the ASEAN regional summit in Singapore, the kind of diplomatic gathering where she was once feted by contemporaries as a beacon of democracy. "Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," Mahathir told reporters in a reference to Suu Kyi's long years of house arrest under Myanmar's military junta. "But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added. Suu Kyi has failed to clearly condemn Myanmar's army for its crackdown and has instead cast doubt on the veracity of Rohingya testimony of atrocities. Mahathir, the outspoken leader of Malaysia -- a majority Muslim country -- also appealed to Myanmar to accept Rohingya as citizens. "When Malaysia became independent in 1957, we had people of foreign origin.... but we accepted all of them," he said. "They are now citizens, they play a full role in the politics of the country, they are free they are not detained because of race or any thing like that." Myanmar insists the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh despite many living for generations in western Rakhine state and has long denied them basic rights and liberties. The Rohingya crisis has dulled the diplomatic niceties that traditionally govern gatherings of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is meeting in Singapore this week. The bloc tends to shy away from any direct criticism of each other and promote consensus diplomacy. But Mahathir has been much more willing to break with those diplomatic traditions. Defenders of Suu Kyi say she has little control over Myanmar's military in a country where the generals still have huge political power and independence. But critics say her failure to use her huge domestic appeal to publicly castigate the generals or push for protection of the Rohingya makes her complicit. Suu Kyi's arrival in Singapore came a day after Amnesty International stripped her of its top award over her "indifference" to the atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya. The first stage of a long-delayed and deeply controversial plan to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is due to start on Thursday - despite widespread opposition from rights groups to any forced return.

Suu Kyi stance on Rohingya 'indefensible': Malaysia PM

Goldman Sachs "cheated" Malaysia, leader Mahathir Mohamad said, after two former bankers from the Wall Street titan were charged over a scandal that allegedly saw billions looted from state coffers.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department unveiled criminal charges this month against ex-Goldman bankers Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa, accusing them of working with a Malaysian financier to launder huge sums allegedly stolen from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

They are accused of involvement in a sophisticated fraud linked to former leader Najib Razak, allegations that played a big factor in the shock defeat of his long-ruling government at polls in May.&nbsp;

In an interview with broadcaster CNBC, Prime Minister Mahathir said that "obviously we've been cheated", when asked about Goldman's dealings in Malaysia.&nbsp;

"There is evidence that Goldman Sachs has done things which are wrong," said the 93-year-old, who is in his second stint as premier after coming out of retirement to take on Najib, his former protege.

Asked about Goldman's compliance controls -- which are supposed to monitor and prevent risky behaviour at the bank -- Mahathir responded: "It does not work very well."

Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Leissner and Ng have been charged with money-laundering and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to hire Goldman for lucrative consulting contracts.&nbsp;

Goldman underwrote US $6.5 billion of bonds issued by 1MDB but US authorities allege that more than US $2.7 billion was siphoned off.&nbsp;

Goldman earned US $600 million in fees for the bond issue.

Leissner pleaded guilty and has agreed to pay US $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. Ng has been arrested in Malaysia.

Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho was also charged by the DoJ. Low, allegedly a central figure in looting 1MDB, remains at large.

Goldman Sachs has not been charged over the scandal but its shares fell heavily this week after Malaysia's finance minister said he wanted a full refund of fees paid to the bank.

In a further blow to the bank's image, it has emerged that former chief Lloyd Blankfein met with Low at a private reception in a New York hotel in 2009.

Goldman Sachs "cheated" Malaysia, leader Mahathir Mohamad said, after two former bankers from the Wall Street titan were charged over a scandal that allegedly saw billions looted from state coffers.

Goldman Sachs "cheated" Malaysia, leader Mahathir Mohamad said, after two former bankers from the Wall Street titan were charged over a scandal that allegedly saw billions looted from state coffers. The US Justice Department unveiled criminal charges this month against ex-Goldman bankers Tim Leissner and Ng Chong Hwa, accusing them of working with a Malaysian financier to launder huge sums allegedly stolen from Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. They are accused of involvement in a sophisticated fraud linked to former leader Najib Razak, allegations that played a big factor in the shock defeat of his long-ruling government at polls in May. In an interview with broadcaster CNBC, Prime Minister Mahathir said that "obviously we've been cheated", when asked about Goldman's dealings in Malaysia. "There is evidence that Goldman Sachs has done things which are wrong," said the 93-year-old, who is in his second stint as premier after coming out of retirement to take on Najib, his former protege. Asked about Goldman's compliance controls -- which are supposed to monitor and prevent risky behaviour at the bank -- Mahathir responded: "It does not work very well." Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Leissner and Ng have been charged with money-laundering and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to hire Goldman for lucrative consulting contracts. Goldman underwrote US $6.5 billion of bonds issued by 1MDB but US authorities allege that more than US $2.7 billion was siphoned off. Goldman earned US $600 million in fees for the bond issue. Leissner pleaded guilty and has agreed to pay US $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. Ng has been arrested in Malaysia. Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho was also charged by the DoJ. Low, allegedly a central figure in looting 1MDB, remains at large. Goldman Sachs has not been charged over the scandal but its shares fell heavily this week after Malaysia's finance minister said he wanted a full refund of fees paid to the bank. In a further blow to the bank's image, it has emerged that former chief Lloyd Blankfein met with Low at a private reception in a New York hotel in 2009.

Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs 'cheated' Malaysia: PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito.

The 93-year-old, who is on his third trip to Japan since taking office in May, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, traditionally conferred on politicians, former prime ministers, ministers, diplomats and judges at the Imperial palace and directly from the Emperor.

Other foreign statesmen to receive the prize included Singapore's founding father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, and India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It was expected to be the last award ceremony conducted by Akihito before he abdicates on April 30, 2019.

After the ceremony, Mahathir sat down for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The pair reportedly discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, as well as various investments and regional issues.

Mahathir later told media he felt honoured to receive the award, and added that he is looking to enhance his "Look East" policy, which aims to strengthen ties with east Asia, with the cooperation of Japan, particularly in the field of education.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito. The 93-year-old, who is on his third trip to Japan since taking office in May, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, traditionally conferred on politicians, former prime ministers, ministers, diplomats and judges at the Imperial palace and directly from the Emperor. Other foreign statesmen to receive the prize included Singapore's founding father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, and India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It was expected to be the last award ceremony conducted by Akihito before he abdicates on April 30, 2019. After the ceremony, Mahathir sat down for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The pair reportedly discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, as well as various investments and regional issues. Mahathir later told media he felt honoured to receive the award, and added that he is looking to enhance his "Look East" policy, which aims to strengthen ties with east Asia, with the cooperation of Japan, particularly in the field of education.

Malaysia's Mahathir visits Tokyo, meets Japan's Emperor and PM Abe

Malaysia's anti-graft agency said Monday that the former leader of a timber-rich eastern state has been arrested and will face corruption charges amid a widening crackdown on abuse by officials.

The agency said Musa Aman, the former chief minister of Sabah state on Borneo island, was detained at its office and would be brought to court later Monday to face several corruption charges. It didn't give details.

Local media reported the charges against Musa, 67, involved timber concessions.

A lawyer for Musa could not immediately be reached for comment. Musa was Sabah's chief minister since 2003 until the ouster of scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak's government in May's general elections. He is the latest high-ranking official to be prosecuted.

Najib, his wife, his former deputy and two other ex-senior officials have been so far been charged with corruption and the government has warned that more may be hauled to court.

Najib has accused the new government of seeking political vengeance.

Malaysia's anti-graft agency said Monday that the former leader of a timber-rich eastern state has been arrested and will face corruption charges amid a widening crackdown on abuse by officials.

Malaysia's anti-graft agency said Monday that the former leader of a timber-rich eastern state has been arrested and will face corruption charges amid a widening crackdown on abuse by officials. The agency said Musa Aman, the former chief minister of Sabah state on Borneo island, was detained at its office and would be brought to court later Monday to face several corruption charges. It didn't give details. Local media reported the charges against Musa, 67, involved timber concessions. A lawyer for Musa could not immediately be reached for comment. Musa was Sabah's chief minister since 2003 until the ouster of scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak's government in May's general elections. He is the latest high-ranking official to be prosecuted. Najib, his wife, his former deputy and two other ex-senior officials have been so far been charged with corruption and the government has warned that more may be hauled to court. Najib has accused the new government of seeking political vengeance.

Former Malaysian state chief detained, faces graft charges

US officials unveiled criminal indictments Thursday against an intermediary to scandal-plagued Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and a former Goldman Sachs banker involved in an elaborate alleged bribery scheme.

They are the first US criminal charges in the case which spawned investigations around the world.

The US Department of Justice arrested former Goldman Sachs banker Ng Chong Hwa in Malaysia on Thursday, while the 1MDB intermediary, Low Taek Jho, remains at large, officials said in a press release.

Another ex-Goldman official, Tim Leissner, pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains.

The 1MDB scandal has roiled politics in Malaysia, leading to criminal charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The men were charged with conspiring to launder billions of dollars from 1 Malaysia Development Berhad, a sovereign wealth fund set up for development of the country, and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Ng was also charged with conspiring to violate the internal controls at Goldman Sachs, which underwrote about $6.5 billion in bonds issued by 1MDB, the US government said.

The funds were intended "for the benefit of the Malaysian people" but more than $2.7 billion went to kickbacks and bribes, according to the charges.

Goldman Sachs, which garnered $600 million in fees and revenues from three 1MDB bond transactions detailed in the indictments, has said previously it is cooperating with the probe. A Goldman Sachs spokesman did not have immediate comment Thursday.

Goldman Sachs wasn't named in the DOJ criminal documents, but was referred to as "financial institution #1." The DOJ filings say Ng and Leissner repeatedly circumvented Goldman's oversight tools for countering fraud, adding that the "business culture" at the firm, "particularly in Southeast Asia, was highly focused on consummating deals, at times prioritizing this goal ahead of the proper operation of its compliance functions," according to the Low-Ng indictment.

Under one scheme involving a 2012 "Project Magnolia" bond offering by 1MDB, Low allegedly told the ex-Goldman bankers they needed to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to guarantee that the transaction went through.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes were subsequently paid to officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. After the bond transaction was executed, more than $500 million of the bond proceeds were misappropriated into shell companies controlled by Low, Leissner, Ng and other co-conspirators, the government alleged.

Some of the funds went to finance the movie, "The Wolf of Wall Street," a 2013 Oscar-nominated film about Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who was sent to prison for fraud, the government said.

Ng and Leissner's efforts in the scheme dated to 2009, when they began cultivating a relationship with Low, who allegedly "worked as an intermediary in relation to 1MDB and other foreign government officials" but did not hold a formal position at 1MDB and was never employed by the government. A DOJ press release refers to him as a "Malaysian financier."

Ng, a managing director at Goldman, and Leissner, who worked as Southeast Asia chairman and managing director at Goldman, sought on three occasions to make Low a formal client, but were rebuffed because officials in the compliance group had "concerns" about the source of the person's wealth and deemed he would not be a "suitable" client.

As the bond offerings proceeded, the two men concealed Low's involvement from officials in the compliance and intelligence groups at Goldman Sachs.

The transactions were structured as bond deals "rather than other forms of financing, because doing so generated much higher revenues and fees for (Goldman Sachs), improved the bank's reputational standing in both the Southeast Asian region and globally and provided Leissner and other bankers with increased remuneration and professional prestige, even though the bond financing was more expensive for 1MDB," the DOJ said in the criminal information document.

Leissner is free on a $20 million bond and pleaded guilty before a US judge in August, in Brooklyn Federal Court, a Justice Department spokesman said. He is cooperating with DOJ investigators, reported The Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. Lawyers representing Low and Leissner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Low is being represented by Marc Kasowitz, according to a DOJ spokesman. Kasowitz is an attorney who has long represented US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

US officials unveiled criminal indictments Thursday against an intermediary to scandal-plagued Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and a former Goldman Sachs banker involved in an elaborate alleged bribery scheme.

US officials unveiled criminal indictments Thursday against an intermediary to scandal-plagued Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB and a former Goldman Sachs banker involved in an elaborate alleged bribery scheme. They are the first US criminal charges in the case which spawned investigations around the world. The US Department of Justice arrested former Goldman Sachs banker Ng Chong Hwa in Malaysia on Thursday, while the 1MDB intermediary, Low Taek Jho, remains at large, officials said in a press release. Another ex-Goldman official, Tim Leissner, pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $43.7 million in restitution of ill-gotten gains. The 1MDB scandal has roiled politics in Malaysia, leading to criminal charges against former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The men were charged with conspiring to launder billions of dollars from 1 Malaysia Development Berhad, a sovereign wealth fund set up for development of the country, and conspiring to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Ng was also charged with conspiring to violate the internal controls at Goldman Sachs, which underwrote about $6.5 billion in bonds issued by 1MDB, the US government said. The funds were intended "for the benefit of the Malaysian people" but more than $2.7 billion went to kickbacks and bribes, according to the charges. Goldman Sachs, which garnered $600 million in fees and revenues from three 1MDB bond transactions detailed in the indictments, has said previously it is cooperating with the probe. A Goldman Sachs spokesman did not have immediate comment Thursday. Goldman Sachs wasn't named in the DOJ criminal documents, but was referred to as "financial institution #1." The DOJ filings say Ng and Leissner repeatedly circumvented Goldman's oversight tools for countering fraud, adding that the "business culture" at the firm, "particularly in Southeast Asia, was highly focused on consummating deals, at times prioritizing this goal ahead of the proper operation of its compliance functions," according to the Low-Ng indictment. Under one scheme involving a 2012 "Project Magnolia" bond offering by 1MDB, Low allegedly told the ex-Goldman bankers they needed to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi to guarantee that the transaction went through. Hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes were subsequently paid to officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. After the bond transaction was executed, more than $500 million of the bond proceeds were misappropriated into shell companies controlled by Low, Leissner, Ng and other co-conspirators, the government alleged. Some of the funds went to finance the movie, "The Wolf of Wall Street," a 2013 Oscar-nominated film about Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who was sent to prison for fraud, the government said. Ng and Leissner's efforts in the scheme dated to 2009, when they began cultivating a relationship with Low, who allegedly "worked as an intermediary in relation to 1MDB and other foreign government officials" but did not hold a formal position at 1MDB and was never employed by the government. A DOJ press release refers to him as a "Malaysian financier." Ng, a managing director at Goldman, and Leissner, who worked as Southeast Asia chairman and managing director at Goldman, sought on three occasions to make Low a formal client, but were rebuffed because officials in the compliance group had "concerns" about the source of the person's wealth and deemed he would not be a "suitable" client. As the bond offerings proceeded, the two men concealed Low's involvement from officials in the compliance and intelligence groups at Goldman Sachs. The transactions were structured as bond deals "rather than other forms of financing, because doing so generated much higher revenues and fees for (Goldman Sachs), improved the bank's reputational standing in both the Southeast Asian region and globally and provided Leissner and other bankers with increased remuneration and professional prestige, even though the bond financing was more expensive for 1MDB," the DOJ said in the criminal information document. Leissner is free on a $20 million bond and pleaded guilty before a US judge in August, in Brooklyn Federal Court, a Justice Department spokesman said. He is cooperating with DOJ investigators, reported The Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. Lawyers representing Low and Leissner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Low is being represented by Marc Kasowitz, according to a DOJ spokesman. Kasowitz is an attorney who has long represented US President Donald Trump.

US charges ex-Goldman bankers with crimes related to Malaysian investment fund scandal

Najib acknowledged in an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East. He added that he was unaware of the laundering of millions of dollars through offshore bank accounts around the world while he was the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Najib, who is now facing 38 charges related to corruption, had launched the 1MDB sovereign fund just three months after taking office as Prime Minister in 2009. The initiative aimed to invest in energy, real estate, and other industries.

There are currently six ongoing investigations around the world for corruption related to 1MDB, according to Mary Ann Jolley, who conducted the interview posted on Saturday.

According to the Strait Times, probes into the alleged scandal are being conducted in countries like the United States, Singapore, Switzerland and Malaysia, and others.

Najib further distanced himself from any wrongdoings related to the fund, while stating that his "conscience is clear" during the interview. "I would not receive a single cent from sources connected with 1MDB because if it's 1MDB I would know right away it would not be the right thing to do," he said.

Strait Times reported that the former Prime Minister walked out of the interview, owing to questions put forth by Jolley pertaining to Jho Low, a Malaysian financer with links to Najib, and Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian national, who was murdered in 2006.

"We are supposed to talk about the economy. You are going too much about this. I do not want to talk too much about it," Najib said.

He also accused the news broadcaster that they "weren't being fair" to him.

Najib further denied knowing the source of the USD 681 million that he has alleged was a gift from a Saudi royal. He also stated that his wife did not accept the USD 27 million pink diamond pendant which he said was a gift from Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

The United States' Department of Justice had reported that around USD 4.5 billion was embezzled from the 1MDB funds by high-ranking Malaysian officials.

Najib acknowledged in an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East. He added that he was unaware of the laundering of millions of dollars through offshore bank accounts around the world while he was the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Najib acknowledged in an interview with Al Jazeera's 101 East. He added that he was unaware of the laundering of millions of dollars through offshore bank accounts around the world while he was the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Najib, who is now facing 38 charges related to corruption, had launched the 1MDB sovereign fund just three months after taking office as Prime Minister in 2009. The initiative aimed to invest in energy, real estate, and other industries. There are currently six ongoing investigations around the world for corruption related to 1MDB, according to Mary Ann Jolley, who conducted the interview posted on Saturday. According to the Strait Times, probes into the alleged scandal are being conducted in countries like the United States, Singapore, Switzerland and Malaysia, and others. Najib further distanced himself from any wrongdoings related to the fund, while stating that his "conscience is clear" during the interview. "I would not receive a single cent from sources connected with 1MDB because if it's 1MDB I would know right away it would not be the right thing to do," he said. Strait Times reported that the former Prime Minister walked out of the interview, owing to questions put forth by Jolley pertaining to Jho Low, a Malaysian financer with links to Najib, and Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian national, who was murdered in 2006. "We are supposed to talk about the economy. You are going too much about this. I do not want to talk too much about it," Najib said. He also accused the news broadcaster that they "weren't being fair" to him. Najib further denied knowing the source of the USD 681 million that he has alleged was a gift from a Saudi royal. He also stated that his wife did not accept the USD 27 million pink diamond pendant which he said was a gift from Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. The United States' Department of Justice had reported that around USD 4.5 billion was embezzled from the 1MDB funds by high-ranking Malaysian officials.

My conscience is clear: Malaysian ex-PM on 1MDB scandal

Malaysia's former leader Najib Razak and an ally were Thursday charged with allegedly looting $1.6 billion of public money, the latest accusations against figures from the scandal-plagued old regime.

Najib has now been hit with 38 charges since losing power, most of them related to allegations that he and his cronies plundered vast sums from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

The scandal played a major part in prompting voters to oust his coalition at elections in May after six decades in power and elect a reformist alliance headed by Mahathir Mohamad.

Najib was jointly charged in a Kuala Lumpur court with ex-senior finance ministry official, Mohamad Irwan Serigar Abdullah, with six counts of criminal breach of trust.

They denied all the charges.

The crimes involved 6.6 billion ringgit ($1.6 billion) of public money and allegedly took place between December 2016 and December 2017. Each charge is punishable by up to 20 years in jail.&nbsp;

Local media reported that some of the money was used to pay debts owed by 1MDB to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund IPIC.&nbsp;

The Malaysian fund slid into a massive debt hole as huge sums of money were allegedly stolen and used to buy everything from a super-yacht to high-end real estate and pricey artworks.&nbsp;

The US Department of Justice, which is seeking to seize assets allegedly bought with looted 1MDB money in America, alleges that a total of $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund.

Another key Najib ally, former spy chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid, is expected to be charged in court later Thursday.

The former prime minister's luxury-loving wife, Rosmah Mansor, and the new leader of his party and long-time lieutenant, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, have also been arrested and charged.

Malaysia's former leader Najib Razak and an ally were Thursday charged with allegedly looting $1.6 billion of public money, the latest accusations against figures from the scandal-plagued old regime.

Malaysia's former leader Najib Razak and an ally were Thursday charged with allegedly looting $1.6 billion of public money, the latest accusations against figures from the scandal-plagued old regime. Najib has now been hit with 38 charges since losing power, most of them related to allegations that he and his cronies plundered vast sums from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The scandal played a major part in prompting voters to oust his coalition at elections in May after six decades in power and elect a reformist alliance headed by Mahathir Mohamad. Najib was jointly charged in a Kuala Lumpur court with ex-senior finance ministry official, Mohamad Irwan Serigar Abdullah, with six counts of criminal breach of trust. They denied all the charges. The crimes involved 6.6 billion ringgit ($1.6 billion) of public money and allegedly took place between December 2016 and December 2017. Each charge is punishable by up to 20 years in jail. Local media reported that some of the money was used to pay debts owed by 1MDB to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund IPIC. The Malaysian fund slid into a massive debt hole as huge sums of money were allegedly stolen and used to buy everything from a super-yacht to high-end real estate and pricey artworks. The US Department of Justice, which is seeking to seize assets allegedly bought with looted 1MDB money in America, alleges that a total of $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund. Another key Najib ally, former spy chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid, is expected to be charged in court later Thursday. The former prime minister's luxury-loving wife, Rosmah Mansor, and the new leader of his party and long-time lieutenant, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, have also been arrested and charged.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib Razak and ally charged in $1.6 billion graft case

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south.&nbsp;

Thailand's mainly Muslim southern region bordering Malaysia has been in the grips of a low-level but bloody insurgency for more than a decade, as ethnic Malay militants battle the Buddhist-majority state for greater autonomy.

The insurgency has seen almost 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- killed since 2004, although the death toll in 2017 was the lowest in 13 years amid a tighter security operation.

Malaysia has long acted as a facilitator for brokering peace talks between the Thai government and Mara Patani, an umbrella group that claims to be a political wing representing the shadowy network of rebel fighters clashing with state forces.

But the talks have stalled in the past year, and both countries recently appointed new representatives to lead the delicate negotiation process.&nbsp;

Mahathir's visit is "expected to add momentum to the southern Thailand peace dialogue process", Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday 
On Wednesday 93-year-old Mahathir will meet with junta head Prayut Chan-O-Cha before a joint press conference.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security advisor to Thailand's deputy prime minister, told AFP that Malaysia's role was essential in ensuring "peace and stability" in the restive southern states.&nbsp;

"This gives us hope to move the peace process forward," he said. "We need Malaysia as a facilitator."&nbsp;

But analysts of the Deep South conflict remain sceptical of moves to jumpstart fractious talks months before expected elections in February.

"Mara Patani said they are not going to come to the table until there is a democratically elected government in Thailand," Don Pathan, a Thailand-based independent analyst, told AFP.&nbsp;

"Most importantly, the BRN, the group that controls virtually all the combatants on the ground, are not part of the dialogue."

The BRN, or Barisan Revolusi Nasional, is believed to oversee most fighters but has long refused to talk barring international mediation -- which the Thai government has consistently rejected.

Thailand's three southernmost provinces were colonised over a century ago.

But the majority Malay Muslim population have long chafed under Bangkok's rule. 
Rights groups have accused both the insurgents and security forces of widespread human rights abuses in the region.

How far talks go depends not on Malaysia, but on the Thai military which has "dragged its feet" on the process, said Paul Chambers of Naresuan University, an expert on the conflict.

"The fact that the talks have fallen off could mean that the junta has seen them more as a public relations stunt than as a sincere endeavour."&nbsp;

Mahathir's visit to Thailand will be the first for the statesman since he swept to a surprise victory in the country's national poll in May.

He will also meet with members of the Malaysian diaspora on Thursday, followed by a public lecture at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University on the two countries' relationship.&nbsp;

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south.

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south. Thailand's mainly Muslim southern region bordering Malaysia has been in the grips of a low-level but bloody insurgency for more than a decade, as ethnic Malay militants battle the Buddhist-majority state for greater autonomy. The insurgency has seen almost 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- killed since 2004, although the death toll in 2017 was the lowest in 13 years amid a tighter security operation. Malaysia has long acted as a facilitator for brokering peace talks between the Thai government and Mara Patani, an umbrella group that claims to be a political wing representing the shadowy network of rebel fighters clashing with state forces. But the talks have stalled in the past year, and both countries recently appointed new representatives to lead the delicate negotiation process. Mahathir's visit is "expected to add momentum to the southern Thailand peace dialogue process", Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday On Wednesday 93-year-old Mahathir will meet with junta head Prayut Chan-O-Cha before a joint press conference. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security advisor to Thailand's deputy prime minister, told AFP that Malaysia's role was essential in ensuring "peace and stability" in the restive southern states. "This gives us hope to move the peace process forward," he said. "We need Malaysia as a facilitator." But analysts of the Deep South conflict remain sceptical of moves to jumpstart fractious talks months before expected elections in February. "Mara Patani said they are not going to come to the table until there is a democratically elected government in Thailand," Don Pathan, a Thailand-based independent analyst, told AFP. "Most importantly, the BRN, the group that controls virtually all the combatants on the ground, are not part of the dialogue." The BRN, or Barisan Revolusi Nasional, is believed to oversee most fighters but has long refused to talk barring international mediation -- which the Thai government has consistently rejected. Thailand's three southernmost provinces were colonised over a century ago. But the majority Malay Muslim population have long chafed under Bangkok's rule. Rights groups have accused both the insurgents and security forces of widespread human rights abuses in the region. How far talks go depends not on Malaysia, but on the Thai military which has "dragged its feet" on the process, said Paul Chambers of Naresuan University, an expert on the conflict. "The fact that the talks have fallen off could mean that the junta has seen them more as a public relations stunt than as a sincere endeavour." Mahathir's visit to Thailand will be the first for the statesman since he swept to a surprise victory in the country's national poll in May. He will also meet with members of the Malaysian diaspora on Thursday, followed by a public lecture at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University on the two countries' relationship.

Deep south conflict tops agenda as Malaysian PM visits Thailand

&nbsp;Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was charged on Friday with 45 criminal offences including money laundering and graft, the state news agency reported, amid a widening crackdown on corruption.

Ahmad Zahid leads the opposition as president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the once-powerful party that ruled Malaysia for 60 years before being ousted in a shock general election defeat in May.

He is the latest former high-ranking official to be charged for suspected graft, as authorities ramp up investigations into how billions of dollars allegedly went missing from state coffers.

Ahmad Zahid was brought to a Kuala Lumpur court and charged with 10 counts of criminal breach of trust and eight counts of abuse of power involving sums totalling 42 million ringgit (US $10 million), the Bernama news agency reported.

He was also charged with 27 counts of laundering about 72 million ringgit (US $17.3 million).

Each charge carries lengthy jail terms of up to 20 years, with fines of up to five times the value of the illegal transactions, for the money laundering and abuse of power offences.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges, Bernama said.

Ahmad Zahid, also a former home minister, was accused of using his position to receive bribes in exchange for helping companies win contracts for ministry projects, the news agency reported.

In one case, he was alleged to have accepted 6 million ringgit (US $1.4 million) from an official of a company that had secured a five-year government contract to supply 12.5 million electronic chips for Malaysian passports.

He was also accused of misusing funds from his family-run charity foundation, Bernama said.

Ahmad Zahid had earlier denied allegations of using the foundation's funds to settle credit card debts for himself and his wife, saying the payments had been made in error by an aide.

The charges against Ahmad Zahid are not related to a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that led to the former ruling coalition's shock election defeat in May.

US&nbsp;authorities say more than US $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB, and nearly US $700 million from the fund was diverted into the personal bank accounts of ex-premier Najib Razak.

Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, face multiple money laundering and corruption charges linked to 1MDB. They have pleaded not guilty, with Najib's trial slated to begin next year.

Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was charged on Friday with 45 criminal offences including money laundering and graft, the state news agency reported, amid a widening crackdown on corruption.

Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was charged on Friday with 45 criminal offences including money laundering and graft, the state news agency reported, amid a widening crackdown on corruption. Ahmad Zahid leads the opposition as president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the once-powerful party that ruled Malaysia for 60 years before being ousted in a shock general election defeat in May. He is the latest former high-ranking official to be charged for suspected graft, as authorities ramp up investigations into how billions of dollars allegedly went missing from state coffers. Ahmad Zahid was brought to a Kuala Lumpur court and charged with 10 counts of criminal breach of trust and eight counts of abuse of power involving sums totalling 42 million ringgit (US $10 million), the Bernama news agency reported. He was also charged with 27 counts of laundering about 72 million ringgit (US $17.3 million). Each charge carries lengthy jail terms of up to 20 years, with fines of up to five times the value of the illegal transactions, for the money laundering and abuse of power offences. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, Bernama said. Ahmad Zahid, also a former home minister, was accused of using his position to receive bribes in exchange for helping companies win contracts for ministry projects, the news agency reported. In one case, he was alleged to have accepted 6 million ringgit (US $1.4 million) from an official of a company that had secured a five-year government contract to supply 12.5 million electronic chips for Malaysian passports. He was also accused of misusing funds from his family-run charity foundation, Bernama said. Ahmad Zahid had earlier denied allegations of using the foundation's funds to settle credit card debts for himself and his wife, saying the payments had been made in error by an aide. The charges against Ahmad Zahid are not related to a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that led to the former ruling coalition's shock election defeat in May. US authorities say more than US $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB, and nearly US $700 million from the fund was diverted into the personal bank accounts of ex-premier Najib Razak. Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, face multiple money laundering and corruption charges linked to 1MDB. They have pleaded not guilty, with Najib's trial slated to begin next year.

Malaysian ex-deputy PM charged with money laundering, graft

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection.

Winning the seat was a key requirement for Anwar to succeed 93-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who jailed his former protege and heir apparent on sodomy and corruption charges in 1998 when their relationship soured.

Mahathir returned to the premiership this year after a shock election win, saying he would stay in power for only two years before handing the reins to Anwar.

Figures from the Election Commission showed Anwar got more than 71 percent of the total votes cast in a seven-way contest -- which included a former aide who lodged the sodomy charges that landed Anwar in prison for a second time in 2014.

"I am happy with the results. Allah bless us all," Anwar, 71, said after the victory, which marks the charismatic politician's stunning political comeback from prison to parliament.

Anwar was in prison when he forged an unlikely alliance with Mahathir in a bid to unseat then-prime minister Najib Razak, who had called elections for May amid massive corruption allegations.

Anwar said late Saturday he told Mahathir about the win and the prime minister was "pleased with the result".

'Influential leader'

"In parliament, I will focus on assisting our MPs to embark on carrying out effective reforms," he declared.

But James Chin, a Malaysia specialist at the University of Tasmania, said he expects Anwar to be appointed to the cabinet soon.

"A person like Anwar cannot be a backbencher for long. He has to be in the cabinet," Chin told AFP.

"I can guarantee you that people will now be calling this government the Mahathir-Anwar administration, a throwback to the 1980s."

Underscoring the drama of Saturday's vote, one of Anwar's six challengers was Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the ex-aide who had accused him of sodomy, still illegal in the largely Muslim country. Saiful got only 82 votes.

Polls opened under cloudy skies at 8am (0000 GMT) and closed nine and a half hours later in the sleepy southern coastal town of Port Dickson, home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community that has traditionally been one of Anwar's pillars of support.

"We are voting for the next premier. We need an influential leader to bring long-overdue progress to Port Dickson," said 60-year-old voter Lee Tian Hock.

"This morning, I prayed to Allah for a big win for Anwar," retired truck driver Mat Taib, a member of the country's ethnic Malay majority, told AFP.

"I want him to be our eighth prime minister."

As Anwar hugged his wife and partymates, dozens of supporters erupted into shouts of "Reformasi" -- his battle cry while in opposition -- after he was declared winner.

Charismatic politician

There had been little doubt the charismatic politician would win the seat, which was vacated after a member of the ruling coalition stepped down to pave the way for Anwar's return.

But he campaigned hard to secure the multi-racial constituency, promising voters development, clean government and a boost to local tourism.

Anwar did not discuss the sodomy accusations on the campaign trail. He has always maintained the charges were trumped up to derail his political career.&nbsp;

But he has campaigned doggedly on the multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1MDB, which led to dozens of corruption charges against former leader Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor.&nbsp;

Both face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in jail in a scandal that saw Najib's coalition lose office for the first time since the country declared independence from Britain in 1957.

Political heavyweights including Mahathir have campaigned for Anwar during a comeback that was unthinkable even six months ago.

The duo went onstage together at one campaign event, prompting wild cheers from supporters.

After he was dumped as finance minister and jailed in the 1990s, Anwar led a reformist opposition movement while fighting to overturn his convictions.

Mahathir, his mentor turned tormentor and now ally, came back from retirement to lead the Alliance of Hope coalition that won power in May.

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection.

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection. Winning the seat was a key requirement for Anwar to succeed 93-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who jailed his former protege and heir apparent on sodomy and corruption charges in 1998 when their relationship soured. Mahathir returned to the premiership this year after a shock election win, saying he would stay in power for only two years before handing the reins to Anwar. Figures from the Election Commission showed Anwar got more than 71 percent of the total votes cast in a seven-way contest -- which included a former aide who lodged the sodomy charges that landed Anwar in prison for a second time in 2014. "I am happy with the results. Allah bless us all," Anwar, 71, said after the victory, which marks the charismatic politician's stunning political comeback from prison to parliament. Anwar was in prison when he forged an unlikely alliance with Mahathir in a bid to unseat then-prime minister Najib Razak, who had called elections for May amid massive corruption allegations. Anwar said late Saturday he told Mahathir about the win and the prime minister was "pleased with the result". 'Influential leader' "In parliament, I will focus on assisting our MPs to embark on carrying out effective reforms," he declared. But James Chin, a Malaysia specialist at the University of Tasmania, said he expects Anwar to be appointed to the cabinet soon. "A person like Anwar cannot be a backbencher for long. He has to be in the cabinet," Chin told AFP. "I can guarantee you that people will now be calling this government the Mahathir-Anwar administration, a throwback to the 1980s." Underscoring the drama of Saturday's vote, one of Anwar's six challengers was Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the ex-aide who had accused him of sodomy, still illegal in the largely Muslim country. Saiful got only 82 votes. Polls opened under cloudy skies at 8am (0000 GMT) and closed nine and a half hours later in the sleepy southern coastal town of Port Dickson, home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community that has traditionally been one of Anwar's pillars of support. "We are voting for the next premier. We need an influential leader to bring long-overdue progress to Port Dickson," said 60-year-old voter Lee Tian Hock. "This morning, I prayed to Allah for a big win for Anwar," retired truck driver Mat Taib, a member of the country's ethnic Malay majority, told AFP. "I want him to be our eighth prime minister." As Anwar hugged his wife and partymates, dozens of supporters erupted into shouts of "Reformasi" -- his battle cry while in opposition -- after he was declared winner. Charismatic politician There had been little doubt the charismatic politician would win the seat, which was vacated after a member of the ruling coalition stepped down to pave the way for Anwar's return. But he campaigned hard to secure the multi-racial constituency, promising voters development, clean government and a boost to local tourism. Anwar did not discuss the sodomy accusations on the campaign trail. He has always maintained the charges were trumped up to derail his political career. But he has campaigned doggedly on the multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1MDB, which led to dozens of corruption charges against former leader Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor. Both face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in jail in a scandal that saw Najib's coalition lose office for the first time since the country declared independence from Britain in 1957. Political heavyweights including Mahathir have campaigned for Anwar during a comeback that was unthinkable even six months ago. The duo went onstage together at one campaign event, prompting wild cheers from supporters. After he was dumped as finance minister and jailed in the 1990s, Anwar led a reformist opposition movement while fighting to overturn his convictions. Mahathir, his mentor turned tormentor and now ally, came back from retirement to lead the Alliance of Hope coalition that won power in May.

Malaysia's Anwar returns to frontline politics in big poll win

Malaysia has freed from detention 11 ethnic Uighur Muslims who fled to the southeast Asian nation after a Thai jailbreak last year, and sent them to Turkey, their lawyer said on Thursday, in disregard of China's request to hand them to Beijing.

The move is likely to strain ties with China, already tested since Mahathir Mohamad became prime minister after a stunning election victory in May and cancelled more than $20 billion worth of projects awarded to Chinese companies.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904">China says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904"> seeks to 'disturb' Xinjiang policies</a>

Prosecutors in Muslim-majority Malaysia dropped charges against the Uighurs on humanitarian grounds and they arrived in Turkey after flying out of Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, their lawyer, Fahmi Moin, said.

"The charges were withdrawn because the attorney general's chambers agreed to the (appeal) from our side," he told Reuters.

Malaysia's immigration department, home ministry and the attorney general's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The men were detained and charged with illegally entering Malaysia after last November's daring prison break, by punching holes in a prison wall and using blankets as ladders.

In February, Reuters reported that Malaysia was under great pressure from China to deport the men there, citing sources. Some Western missions sought to dissuade it from sending them to China, which has been accused of persecuting Uighurs.

Beijing accuses separatist extremists among the Uighur minority of plotting attacks on China's Han majority in the restive far western region of Xinjiang and elsewhere.

China has been accused of rights abuses in Xinjiang, torture of Uighur detainees and tight controls on their religion and culture. It denies wrongdoing.

Over the years, hundreds, possibly thousands, of Uighurs have escaped the unrest by travelling clandestinely via Southeast Asia to Turkey.

The Uighurs in Malaysia were part of a group of more than 200 detained in Thailand in 2014.

Although they identified themselves as Turkish citizens and asked to be sent to Turkey, more than 100 were forcibly returned to China in July 2015, sparking international condemnation.

In February, Malaysia said it was considering China's request to extradite the 11 men. In the past, it has sent some detained Uighurs to China.

Their detention came as Malaysia drew closer to China under former prime minister Najib Razak, but 93-year-old Mahathir, in his second stint as premier, has been vocal in backing Muslim communities against persecution.

He recently criticised Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of neighbouring Myanmar, over the Nobel peace laureate's handling of the Rohingya crisis, saying, "We don't really support her anymore."

Malaysia has freed from detention 11 ethnic Uighur Muslims who fled to the southeast Asian nation after a Thai jailbreak last year, and sent them to Turkey, their lawyer said on Thursday, in disregard of China's request to hand them to Beijing.

Malaysia has freed from detention 11 ethnic Uighur Muslims who fled to the southeast Asian nation after a Thai jailbreak last year, and sent them to Turkey, their lawyer said on Thursday, in disregard of China's request to hand them to Beijing. The move is likely to strain ties with China, already tested since Mahathir Mohamad became prime minister after a stunning election victory in May and cancelled more than $20 billion worth of projects awarded to Chinese companies. Also read: China says US seeks to 'disturb' Xinjiang policies Prosecutors in Muslim-majority Malaysia dropped charges against the Uighurs on humanitarian grounds and they arrived in Turkey after flying out of Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, their lawyer, Fahmi Moin, said. "The charges were withdrawn because the attorney general's chambers agreed to the (appeal) from our side," he told Reuters. Malaysia's immigration department, home ministry and the attorney general's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The men were detained and charged with illegally entering Malaysia after last November's daring prison break, by punching holes in a prison wall and using blankets as ladders. In February, Reuters reported that Malaysia was under great pressure from China to deport the men there, citing sources. Some Western missions sought to dissuade it from sending them to China, which has been accused of persecuting Uighurs. Beijing accuses separatist extremists among the Uighur minority of plotting attacks on China's Han majority in the restive far western region of Xinjiang and elsewhere. China has been accused of rights abuses in Xinjiang, torture of Uighur detainees and tight controls on their religion and culture. It denies wrongdoing. Over the years, hundreds, possibly thousands, of Uighurs have escaped the unrest by travelling clandestinely via Southeast Asia to Turkey. The Uighurs in Malaysia were part of a group of more than 200 detained in Thailand in 2014. Although they identified themselves as Turkish citizens and asked to be sent to Turkey, more than 100 were forcibly returned to China in July 2015, sparking international condemnation. In February, Malaysia said it was considering China's request to extradite the 11 men. In the past, it has sent some detained Uighurs to China. Their detention came as Malaysia drew closer to China under former prime minister Najib Razak, but 93-year-old Mahathir, in his second stint as premier, has been vocal in backing Muslim communities against persecution. He recently criticised Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of neighbouring Myanmar, over the Nobel peace laureate's handling of the Rohingya crisis, saying, "We don't really support her anymore."

Defying China, Malaysia releases Uighur detainees

Malaysia's cabinet has agreed to abolish the death penalty, a senior minister said Thursday, with more than 1,200 people on death row set to win a reprieve following a groundswell of opposition to capital punishment.

Capital punishment is currently mandatory for murder, kidnapping, possession of firearms and drug trafficking, among other crimes, and is carried out by hanging -- a legacy of British colonial rule.

Communications and multimedia minister Gobind Singh Deo confirmed the cabinet had resolved to end the death penalty.

"I hope the law will be amended soon," he told AFP.

The government decided to scrap capital punishment because the Malaysian public had shown they were against the death penalty, Gobind said.

Government minister Liew Vui Keong said earlier Thursday there would be a moratorium on executions for inmates currently on death row, according to local media.

"Since we are abolishing the sentence, all executions should not be carried out," the Star newspaper quoted him as saying.

Liew said the amended law would be put before parliament next Monday.

The moratorium on the death penalty would save, among others, two women accused of assassinating the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il last year.

A Malaysian court last year ruled the case could proceed against Indonesian national Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong of Vietnam after Kim Jong Nam's murder at Kuala Lumpur Airport.&nbsp;

Australian citizen Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, who was found guilty of drug smuggling by an appeals court in May, will also win a reprieve.

The 54-year-old grandmother was arrested in December 2014 after she was found in possession of 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine while passing through Kuala Lumpur on a flight from Shanghai to Melbourne.

'Barbarous, cruel'

In April last year, human rights group Amnesty International ranked Malaysia 10th in the use of death penalty among the 23 countries that carried out capital punishment in 2016.

Between 2007 and 2017, 35 individuals were hanged, the New Straits Times newspaper said.

A total of 1,267 prisoners are on death row, making up 2.7 per cent of the 60,000-strong prison population.

The decision was welcomed by rights advocates, who said there was never any proof that mandatory death sentences deterred offenders from violent or drug-related crimes.

"The death penalty is barbarous, and unimaginably cruel," N. Surendran, an advisor with the Lawyers for Liberty rights group, said in a statement.

Once capital punishment is scrapped, Malaysia will have the moral authority to fight for the lives of Malaysians facing death sentences abroad, he added.

Neighbouring Singapore, also a former British colony, maintains the death penalty for certain crimes such as murder and drug trafficking.

Only 23 countries retain the death penalty, with China believed to be the "world's top executioner", according to Amnesty International in its report last month on capital punishment in 2017.

There were 993 executions recorded in 2017 in 23 countries, but Amnesty's numbers do not include the "thousands" it says are believed to have been executed in China, which classifies this information as a state secret.

Excluding China, Amnesty says Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan -- in that order -- carried out 84 percent of all executions in 2017.

Malaysia's cabinet has agreed to abolish the death penalty, a senior minister said Thursday, with more than 1,200 people on death row set to win a reprieve following a groundswell of opposition to capital punishment.

Malaysia's cabinet has agreed to abolish the death penalty, a senior minister said Thursday, with more than 1,200 people on death row set to win a reprieve following a groundswell of opposition to capital punishment. Capital punishment is currently mandatory for murder, kidnapping, possession of firearms and drug trafficking, among other crimes, and is carried out by hanging -- a legacy of British colonial rule. Communications and multimedia minister Gobind Singh Deo confirmed the cabinet had resolved to end the death penalty. "I hope the law will be amended soon," he told AFP. The government decided to scrap capital punishment because the Malaysian public had shown they were against the death penalty, Gobind said. Government minister Liew Vui Keong said earlier Thursday there would be a moratorium on executions for inmates currently on death row, according to local media. "Since we are abolishing the sentence, all executions should not be carried out," the Star newspaper quoted him as saying. Liew said the amended law would be put before parliament next Monday. The moratorium on the death penalty would save, among others, two women accused of assassinating the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il last year. A Malaysian court last year ruled the case could proceed against Indonesian national Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong of Vietnam after Kim Jong Nam's murder at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Australian citizen Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, who was found guilty of drug smuggling by an appeals court in May, will also win a reprieve. The 54-year-old grandmother was arrested in December 2014 after she was found in possession of 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine while passing through Kuala Lumpur on a flight from Shanghai to Melbourne. 'Barbarous, cruel' In April last year, human rights group Amnesty International ranked Malaysia 10th in the use of death penalty among the 23 countries that carried out capital punishment in 2016. Between 2007 and 2017, 35 individuals were hanged, the New Straits Times newspaper said. A total of 1,267 prisoners are on death row, making up 2.7 per cent of the 60,000-strong prison population. The decision was welcomed by rights advocates, who said there was never any proof that mandatory death sentences deterred offenders from violent or drug-related crimes. "The death penalty is barbarous, and unimaginably cruel," N. Surendran, an advisor with the Lawyers for Liberty rights group, said in a statement. Once capital punishment is scrapped, Malaysia will have the moral authority to fight for the lives of Malaysians facing death sentences abroad, he added. Neighbouring Singapore, also a former British colony, maintains the death penalty for certain crimes such as murder and drug trafficking. Only 23 countries retain the death penalty, with China believed to be the "world's top executioner", according to Amnesty International in its report last month on capital punishment in 2017. There were 993 executions recorded in 2017 in 23 countries, but Amnesty's numbers do not include the "thousands" it says are believed to have been executed in China, which classifies this information as a state secret. Excluding China, Amnesty says Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan -- in that order -- carried out 84 percent of all executions in 2017.

Malaysia to abolish death penalty

Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday the government plans to new tax measures to help raise funds to pay off national debts that have snowballed due to corruption under the previous government.

Lim said it will take the government three years to resolve its fiscal woes due to more than 1 trillion ringgit ($ 240.5 billion) in debt and another 35 billion ringgit ($ 8.4 billion) in newly discovered unpaid tax refunds that were not disclosed by the previous government.

"Fiscal consolidation will not be achieved easily, and we must be willing to expect some pain and even offer some sacrifice. We would need 3 years to resolve the fiscal issues," Lim told an economic forum.&nbsp;

He didn't give details of the tax measures but said these will be announced in the 2019 federal budget that will be unveiled November 2.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told the forum the fiscal problems have turned Malaysia from an Asian tiger into a "small kitten."&nbsp;

"It is going to be tough for the government because it inherited a country that is completely disoriented," said Mahathir, who was elected a second time to become the world's oldest leader at 93.&nbsp;

"We may have to devise new taxes in order to have the money to pay our debts. Of course, the other thing we can do is to sell our assets."&nbsp;

Anger over massive corruption at the 1MDB state investment fund prompted Mahathir who led Malaysia for 22 years until 2003 to make a political comeback and turn on his former party.&nbsp;

Mahathir's alliance won a stunning victory in May 9 elections to oust scandal-tainted former Prime Minister Najib Razak, ushering in the country's first change of power since independence from Britain in 1957.

The country's huge debt is partly due to losses from the 1MDB fund set up by Najib that led voters to abandon him, and sparked investigations in the US and several other countries.&nbsp;

US investigators say Najib's associates stole and laundered at least $ 4.5 billion from the fund.

Najib and his wife Rosmah have been charged with multiple counts of corruption and money laundering linked to 1MDB, after Mahathir reopened investigations into the fund that were suppressed during Najib's rule.&nbsp;

The couple have both pled not guilty and Najib has accused the government of seeking political vengeance against his family.

The new government has reviewed large infrastructure projects, including Chinese investment, to cut costs. It also is seeking ways to bolster revenues to pay off debts and plug deficits expected after it scrapped an unpopular goods and services tax.

Lim said the government may sell its equity in state-owned companies to raise funds but will aim to strike a balance between fiscal consolidation and ensuring productive spending and investment.

"While it is imperative for the government to be prudent with our expenditure, we are equally cognizant that we must not fall into the austerity trap. What we want is merely to get a bigger bang for the buck," Lim said at the forum.

Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday the government plans to new tax measures to help raise funds to pay off national debts that have snowballed due to corruption under the previous government.

Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday the government plans to new tax measures to help raise funds to pay off national debts that have snowballed due to corruption under the previous government. Lim said it will take the government three years to resolve its fiscal woes due to more than 1 trillion ringgit ($ 240.5 billion) in debt and another 35 billion ringgit ($ 8.4 billion) in newly discovered unpaid tax refunds that were not disclosed by the previous government. "Fiscal consolidation will not be achieved easily, and we must be willing to expect some pain and even offer some sacrifice. We would need 3 years to resolve the fiscal issues," Lim told an economic forum. He didn't give details of the tax measures but said these will be announced in the 2019 federal budget that will be unveiled November 2. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told the forum the fiscal problems have turned Malaysia from an Asian tiger into a "small kitten." "It is going to be tough for the government because it inherited a country that is completely disoriented," said Mahathir, who was elected a second time to become the world's oldest leader at 93. "We may have to devise new taxes in order to have the money to pay our debts. Of course, the other thing we can do is to sell our assets." Anger over massive corruption at the 1MDB state investment fund prompted Mahathir who led Malaysia for 22 years until 2003 to make a political comeback and turn on his former party. Mahathir's alliance won a stunning victory in May 9 elections to oust scandal-tainted former Prime Minister Najib Razak, ushering in the country's first change of power since independence from Britain in 1957. The country's huge debt is partly due to losses from the 1MDB fund set up by Najib that led voters to abandon him, and sparked investigations in the US and several other countries. US investigators say Najib's associates stole and laundered at least $ 4.5 billion from the fund. Najib and his wife Rosmah have been charged with multiple counts of corruption and money laundering linked to 1MDB, after Mahathir reopened investigations into the fund that were suppressed during Najib's rule. The couple have both pled not guilty and Najib has accused the government of seeking political vengeance against his family. The new government has reviewed large infrastructure projects, including Chinese investment, to cut costs. It also is seeking ways to bolster revenues to pay off debts and plug deficits expected after it scrapped an unpopular goods and services tax. Lim said the government may sell its equity in state-owned companies to raise funds but will aim to strike a balance between fiscal consolidation and ensuring productive spending and investment. "While it is imperative for the government to be prudent with our expenditure, we are equally cognizant that we must not fall into the austerity trap. What we want is merely to get a bigger bang for the buck," Lim said at the forum.

Malaysia plans new taxes to help pay off snowballing debt

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/factbox-rosmah-mansor-former-first-lady-malaysia-169343">Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister</a> Najib Razak appeared in the court on Thursday to face money laundering charges in a corruption scandal at the 1MDB state investment fund.

The former first lady who was detained by Malaysia's anti-graft agency on Wednesday has been slapped with RM2 billion for the bail. In addition to this, the court has also ordered her to surrender her passport and to not to interfere with the political witness in the case.&nbsp;

Out of the total bail amount the court has asked&nbsp;Mansor to pay RM500,000 amount today, while the remaining will be paid by October 11.

The 66-year-old pleaded not guilty to 17 charges of money laundering.

Lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that Rosmah "had approached a witness with a request to give a statement in her favour".

Rosmah who entered the court with a smile was also accompanied by her husband Najib Razak.

Najib appeared at the court building for the management of his own corruption trial over the 1MDB scandal.

He has pleaded not guilty and accused the government of seeking political vengeance.

Last Wednesday, anti-graft investigators spent nearly 13 hours recording Rosmah's statement as part of their inquiry into 1MDB. 
 
The couple's world has been turned upside down since Najib lost the May election to his one-time mentor Mahathir Mohamad, who swiftly reopened a probe into 1MDB.

Corruption accusations have dogged Najib for years, and came to a head in 2015, when the Wall Street Journal reported that nearly $700 million in 1MDB funds was diverted to his personal bank account.

Rosmah, 66, has long been in the public eye over her penchant for handbags, jewellery and shopping sprees.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak appeared in the court on Thursday to face money laundering charges in a corruption scandal at the 1MDB state investment fund.

Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak appeared in the court on Thursday to face money laundering charges in a corruption scandal at the 1MDB state investment fund. The former first lady who was detained by Malaysia's anti-graft agency on Wednesday has been slapped with RM2 billion for the bail. In addition to this, the court has also ordered her to surrender her passport and to not to interfere with the political witness in the case. Out of the total bail amount the court has asked Mansor to pay RM500,000 amount today, while the remaining will be paid by October 11. The 66-year-old pleaded not guilty to 17 charges of money laundering. Lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram told the court that Rosmah "had approached a witness with a request to give a statement in her favour". Rosmah who entered the court with a smile was also accompanied by her husband Najib Razak. Najib appeared at the court building for the management of his own corruption trial over the 1MDB scandal. He has pleaded not guilty and accused the government of seeking political vengeance. Last Wednesday, anti-graft investigators spent nearly 13 hours recording Rosmah's statement as part of their inquiry into 1MDB. The couple's world has been turned upside down since Najib lost the May election to his one-time mentor Mahathir Mohamad, who swiftly reopened a probe into 1MDB. Corruption accusations have dogged Najib for years, and came to a head in 2015, when the Wall Street Journal reported that nearly $700 million in 1MDB funds was diverted to his personal bank account. Rosmah, 66, has long been in the public eye over her penchant for handbags, jewellery and shopping sprees. (With inputs from agencies)

Wife of former Malaysian PM charged with money laundering

Six Malaysian rescue divers drowned in a freak accident while searching for a boy who had gone missing in a pool at an abandoned tin mine, emergency officials said Thursday.

The 17-year-old boy had gone missing Wednesday while fishing in the pool popular with anglers in the township of Puchong west of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, fire and rescue department director-general, said the divers encountered strong undercurrents that spun them around in the murky water.

Local police chief Abdul Aziz Ali said the spinning caused them to lose their diving gear. They were pulled out of the water after 30 minutes but by then they were already unconscious, he added.

Fire chief Mohammad described the death of six officers in one day as the "worst tragedy" to hit his department.

The search for the missing youth was continuing, he said.

Six Malaysian rescue divers drowned in a freak accident while searching for a boy who had gone missing in a pool at an abandoned tin mine, emergency officials said Thursday.

Six Malaysian rescue divers drowned in a freak accident while searching for a boy who had gone missing in a pool at an abandoned tin mine, emergency officials said Thursday. The 17-year-old boy had gone missing Wednesday while fishing in the pool popular with anglers in the township of Puchong west of the capital Kuala Lumpur. Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, fire and rescue department director-general, said the divers encountered strong undercurrents that spun them around in the murky water. Local police chief Abdul Aziz Ali said the spinning caused them to lose their diving gear. They were pulled out of the water after 30 minutes but by then they were already unconscious, he added. Fire chief Mohammad described the death of six officers in one day as the "worst tragedy" to hit his department. The search for the missing youth was continuing, he said.

Six Malaysian rescue divers drown in bid to save boy

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia.

Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China.

While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India.

Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries.

China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia.

To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries.&nbsp;

One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May.

The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule.&nbsp;

The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public.

Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. 
&nbsp; 
The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road.&nbsp;

Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability.

But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported.

Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing.

In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects.

Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap.

As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment. The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China. While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India. Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries. China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia. To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries. One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May. The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule. The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia. Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public. Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road. Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability. But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported. Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing. In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects. Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap. As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is South Asia losing faith in China? 

Malaysia's anti-graft agency arrested former first lady Rosmah Mansor on Wednesday and she will be charged with money laundering, her lawyer told Reuters.

Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, was detained after being questioned by the anti-graft agency, her lawyer, K Kumaraendran, said.

She will be charged on Thursday, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Last Wednesday, anti-graft investigators spent nearly 13 hours recording Rosmah's statement as part of their inquiry into 1MDB.

The couple's world has been turned upside down since Najib lost the May election to his one-time mentor Mahathir Mohamad, who swiftly reopened a probe into 1MDB.

Corruption accusations have dogged Najib for years, and came to a head in 2015, when the Wall Street Journal reported that nearly $700 million in 1MDB funds was diverted to his personal bank account.

Rosmah, 66, has long been in the public eye over her penchant for handbags, jewellery and shopping sprees.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Malaysia's anti-graft agency arrested former first lady Rosmah Mansor on Wednesday and she will be charged with money laundering, her lawyer told Reuters. Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, was detained after being questioned by the anti-graft agency, her lawyer, K Kumaraendran, said.

Malaysia's anti-graft agency arrested former first lady Rosmah Mansor on Wednesday and she will be charged with money laundering, her lawyer told Reuters. Rosmah, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, was detained after being questioned by the anti-graft agency, her lawyer, K Kumaraendran, said. She will be charged on Thursday, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. Last Wednesday, anti-graft investigators spent nearly 13 hours recording Rosmah's statement as part of their inquiry into 1MDB. The couple's world has been turned upside down since Najib lost the May election to his one-time mentor Mahathir Mohamad, who swiftly reopened a probe into 1MDB. Corruption accusations have dogged Najib for years, and came to a head in 2015, when the Wall Street Journal reported that nearly $700 million in 1MDB funds was diverted to his personal bank account. Rosmah, 66, has long been in the public eye over her penchant for handbags, jewellery and shopping sprees. (With inputs from Reuters)

Wife of former Malaysian PM Najib Razak arrested by anti-graft agency

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government, in power since May, has promised to raise the legal age of marriage to 18, provoking a backlash from some conservative Islamic leaders who argue that early marriage provides an answer to social ills like premarital sex and pregnancies out of wedlock.

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, urged Malaysian authorities to protect the rights of minors, particularly young girls.

Married underage girls were at higher risk of domestic violence, and are often denied the chance to pursue an education, she told reporters.

“By marrying them, you are denying these girls their basic human rights,” said de Boer-Buquicchio, who was on an eight-day visit to mostly-Muslim Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the legal minimum age for marriage under civil law for both genders is 18. However, girls can marry at 16 with the permission of their state’s chief minister, while Islamic law sets a 16-year minimum age for girls and allows even earlier marriages with the permission of the sharia court.

The UN official called on Malaysia to remove exemptions that allowed underage children to marry, saying "there can be no exceptions."

More than 5,000 applications for marriages involving minors were made at the sharia court between 2013 and 2017, government statistics show.

But many child marriages remained unreported, particularly among indigenous groups on Borneo, in Malaysia's east, de Boer-Buquicchio said.

"It is time to be firm," she said, adding that Malaysia's government should engage religious and customary leaders on the issue.

"The political will is there, but the question is how you can reach out to all the different entities.”

Last year, Malaysia passed a law on sexual offences against children but did not criminalize child marriage.

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl.

Malaysia should ban child marriage immediately, a United Nations human rights expert said on Monday, stepping into a controversy that has raged since reports in July that a 44-year-old Malaysian man had married an 11-year-old Thai girl. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government, in power since May, has promised to raise the legal age of marriage to 18, provoking a backlash from some conservative Islamic leaders who argue that early marriage provides an answer to social ills like premarital sex and pregnancies out of wedlock. Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, urged Malaysian authorities to protect the rights of minors, particularly young girls. Married underage girls were at higher risk of domestic violence, and are often denied the chance to pursue an education, she told reporters. “By marrying them, you are denying these girls their basic human rights,” said de Boer-Buquicchio, who was on an eight-day visit to mostly-Muslim Malaysia. In Malaysia, the legal minimum age for marriage under civil law for both genders is 18. However, girls can marry at 16 with the permission of their state’s chief minister, while Islamic law sets a 16-year minimum age for girls and allows even earlier marriages with the permission of the sharia court. The UN official called on Malaysia to remove exemptions that allowed underage children to marry, saying "there can be no exceptions." More than 5,000 applications for marriages involving minors were made at the sharia court between 2013 and 2017, government statistics show. But many child marriages remained unreported, particularly among indigenous groups on Borneo, in Malaysia's east, de Boer-Buquicchio said. "It is time to be firm," she said, adding that Malaysia's government should engage religious and customary leaders on the issue. "The political will is there, but the question is how you can reach out to all the different entities.” Last year, Malaysia passed a law on sexual offences against children but did not criminalize child marriage.

UN rights expert urges Malaysia to end child marriage

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister was Wednesday questioned for almost 13 hours by investigators probing the multi-billion-dollar scandal that helped topple her husband's government.

Rosmah Mansor, widely reviled in Malaysia due to her profligate spending on luxury goods and imperious manner, arrived at the anti-corruption agency before 10:00 am (0200 GMT).

Wearing a bright green dress and headscarf, the 66-year-old emerged close to 11:00 pm and was whisked away in a car. Officials are said to be in the final stages of investigating her over the alleged looting of state fund 1MDB and she could reportedly be charged soon.

It was the second time she had been questioned by the graft-fighting body since her husband Najib Razak's coalition was unexpectedly ousted from office at elections in May after six decades in power.&nbsp;

A major factor in the loss were allegations that Najib, his family and his cronies looted billions of dollars from 1MDB in an audacious fraud that stretched from Singapore to Switzerland.

Najib was last week hit with a barrage of money-laundering and abuse of power charges over the scandal. It is alleged that hundreds of millions of dollars ended up in his personal bank accounts. He denies any wrongdoing.

Rosmah's love of costly overseas shopping trips, designer handbags and jewellery made her a lightning rod for public anger, and fuelled suspicions that she benefited from the plundering of 1MDB.

After the election loss, a stash of cash, jewellery and hundreds of designer handbags worth as much as $273 million was seized from properties linked to Najib in raids around Kuala Lumpur.

Rosmah is often compared to Imelda Marcos, who left behind more than a thousand pairs of shoes after her husband, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted in 1986.

Najib's fall from grace has been swift since he lost power to a reformist alliance led by Mahathir Mohamad, 93, who is in his second stint as premier.

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister was Wednesday questioned for almost 13 hours by investigators probing the multi-billion-dollar scandal that helped topple her husband's government.

The luxury-loving wife of Malaysia's former prime minister was Wednesday questioned for almost 13 hours by investigators probing the multi-billion-dollar scandal that helped topple her husband's government. Rosmah Mansor, widely reviled in Malaysia due to her profligate spending on luxury goods and imperious manner, arrived at the anti-corruption agency before 10:00 am (0200 GMT). Wearing a bright green dress and headscarf, the 66-year-old emerged close to 11:00 pm and was whisked away in a car. Officials are said to be in the final stages of investigating her over the alleged looting of state fund 1MDB and she could reportedly be charged soon. It was the second time she had been questioned by the graft-fighting body since her husband Najib Razak's coalition was unexpectedly ousted from office at elections in May after six decades in power. A major factor in the loss were allegations that Najib, his family and his cronies looted billions of dollars from 1MDB in an audacious fraud that stretched from Singapore to Switzerland. Najib was last week hit with a barrage of money-laundering and abuse of power charges over the scandal. It is alleged that hundreds of millions of dollars ended up in his personal bank accounts. He denies any wrongdoing. Rosmah's love of costly overseas shopping trips, designer handbags and jewellery made her a lightning rod for public anger, and fuelled suspicions that she benefited from the plundering of 1MDB. After the election loss, a stash of cash, jewellery and hundreds of designer handbags worth as much as $273 million was seized from properties linked to Najib in raids around Kuala Lumpur. Rosmah is often compared to Imelda Marcos, who left behind more than a thousand pairs of shoes after her husband, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted in 1986. Najib's fall from grace has been swift since he lost power to a reformist alliance led by Mahathir Mohamad, 93, who is in his second stint as premier.

Malaysia ex-PM's wife quizzed for almost 13 hours in graft probe

malaysia

Malaysia, News on Malaysia, stories on Malaysia, articles on Malaysia, Malaysia stories at Wion, Malaysia news, Malaysia latest news