KK Mart -- Why the anger towards the Chinese community...

Does Umno want to destroy KK Mart?...

When Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh told his friends at KK Mart to find another business, you have to ask yourself why doesn’t he care about “the livelihood of workers - most of whom are Malay Muslims” that hypermarket boss head Ameer Ali Mydin thinks would be in jeopardy if Akmal continues with his reckless religious agenda.

You have to ask yourself why Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan would write a piece warning people not to be sympathetic to KK Mart and its vendor by describing the former’s business practices as “questionable”. “Business practices” imply a history of behaviour and so far neither Akmal nor his supporters can point to anything that KK Mart has done which would invite such political or religious opprobrium.

Hasan said it was yet to be determined if this act was done maliciously or in ignorance. Indeed, we have to ask ourselves why KK Mart or its vendor would subject itself to such acts as doxxing, police investigations, and online harassment just to sell garments with the word Allah on them. We have to ask ourselves why a business which caters to a large Muslim clientele would risk their bottom line selling garments which would offend.

The elites in Umno have no real idea what it takes to grow a business like KK Mart or what it means to employ people and ensure their sensitivities are taken into account. And can anyone make the argument that non-Malays are ignorant of the sensitivities of Muslims in this country? For decades we have been told what the sensitivities of the Muslims are. For decades we have been warned not to trespass into the religious domains of the majority.

The political system is predicated on non-Muslims knowing and understanding the religious sensitivities of the majority. So Hasan would have us believe that the owners of KK Mart either deliberately or in ignorance sold socks with the word Allah on them. Hasan also said this is not a partisan or racial issue but a religious one. Since race and religion are not mutually exclusive for the majority community in this country, he cannot make this qualification.

How much anger?

The fact that Akmal has said he would risk anything including position and power to defend Islam and that Umno (no matter who their friends are) would always defend Islam - this is a racial issue because Umno claims to be the sole defender of race and religion.

As reported in the press, Zaid Ibrahim said there must be limits to your anger. “First, you asked the Chinese trader to apologise, and they did. Then, you revoked the factory licence, and they are now out of business. Then you said the boycott would continue.” So, the question becomes how much is your anger towards the Chinese community? Zaid also said, “No one should use God to break the law, incite hatred, and destroy businesses.”

If people have a phobia about Islam as a state religion in this country, it is because policies that disenfranchise them are done in the name of Islam. It is not hidden. Political and religious operatives use it as a selling point. And we non-Muslims cannot fight back because to do so would mean, you guessed it, that we were Islamophobic or worse, invite sanctions from the state.

Even Muslims who speak up against fascist dogma are targeted by the state, to make an example of them. I have no idea why Umno would want to see KK Mart close shop. I have no idea why they think this would work in reaffirming their position as the sole defenders of bangsa (race) and agama (religion).

Electoral support

Enjoying the spotlight, Akmal likes to behave as though he is speaking for the majority community. But is he really? Umno is haemorrhaging Malay support. Perikatan Nasional has got the Malay popular vote and its provocateurs have gained traction with the Malay majority, especially young Malays. So if Akmal thinks that his shenanigans really carry weight with them, he may well be in for a rude surprise. Don’t get me wrong. They may very well support his ideas but this may not translate to electoral support.

Akmal has made it clear that nothing but the total destruction of KK Mart would satisfy him. And believe me, if his friends at KK Mart find another business, you can bet your last ringgit that Akmal would be there not satisfied but wanting more payback. And what does the prime minister think of Umno wanting to destroy a viable business which hires many Malay-Muslims? Does he really think that Umno, a partner in his government acting this way, is going to burnish his racial and religious credentials?

Does he really think that stoking religious sentiment on a business which is beneficial to the Malay-Muslim community is going to enable his economic agenda? What exactly is the play here? Destroy KK Mart and then attempt to build back a successful business using the machinery of government? How did Low Yat 2 work out?

Zaid said that a rampaging Umno must be stopped but the problem here is that this government so far has enabled the rampaging Umno and the non-Malays have been cowed into thinking that disrupting the apple cart would open the gates of Putrajaya to PN. So the question then becomes why does Umno want to destroy KK Mart and why is the prime minister allowing the party to do so? Mohamad is right about one thing. Malaysia is at a pivotal juncture. - S.Thayaparan,mk

Meanwhile, KK Mart and one of its former suppliers are expected to be charged today (26/3/2024) with causing religious offence, in connection to the controversial socks bearing the word Allah. Malaysiakini was made to understand that besides the two companies, the charges would be levelled against two individuals from KK Mart and three from supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.

They would be charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code with hurting the religious feelings of others.This is punishable with up to one year in jail, a fine, or both.Additionally, it is understood that those from Xin Jian Chang would be charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code for abetment. Section 109 states that the punishment for abetting a crime, unless specified, will be the same as the actual offence. The charges will be made at the Shah Alam Sessions Court. - mk

Mampukah Anwar jadi PM dua penggal?...

Kata Setiausaha Agung PKR Saifuddin Nasution Ismail dia mengimpikan Anwar Ibrahim akan jadi perdana menteri dua penggal. Walaupun Anwar pernah sakit bahu dan belakang, tetapi kedudukan PM itu kini tiptop.  Bukan sahaja Saifuddin mengimpikan demikian, malahan semua orang yang berjuang berdekad-dekad untuk meletakkan Anwar dikerusi nombor satu itu berharap demikian.

Semua orang tidak mahu melihat kalau Anwar jadi PM hanya untuk satu penggal. Sebab itu usaha untuk menggugat dan menjatuhnya oleh pembangkang dan konspirator baru kita tentang habis-habisan. Dan saya sendiri secara peribadi sudah berpuas hati kerana Anwar sudah jadi PM, tetapi mengharap lebih daripada itu. Sebelum ini saya mahu dan puas kalau Anwar jadi PM walaupun sehari. Dalam cerminan saya Anwar mempunyai kualiti tersendiri sebagai perdana menteri dalam konteks Malaysia. Itu menjadikan saya gila kepadanya.

Saifuddin menyuarakan hal itu ketika berbicara dalam podcast bersama Khairy Jamaluddin. 

Namun sungguh pun demikian, berkobarnya harapan kita semua, khususnya pendokong refomrasi dan puak politik baru, ia bukan hal yang mudah untuk memastikan Anwar akan memimpin sampai dua penggal. Saking banyaknya perubahan dan pembaharuan yang dilaksanakan, termasuk keyakinkan memulihkan ekonomi negara dalam tempoh setahun ini, begitu juga kian bertambah cemuhan dan serangan terhadapnya. 

Anwar dilihat sebagai perdana menteri yang dicabar dari sebelum jadi PM hingga sesudah jadi PM. Inilah keunikan yang ada kepadanya.Perkara ini perlu disedari oleh semua orang dan menjadi mustak untuk dilihat oleh Saifuddin sebagai setiausaha agung parti dan semua pimpinan parti disemua peringkat. Dengan menyandarkan impian dan harapan itu tidak memadai tanpa usaha ke arah mencapaikan impian itu. Perlu diketahui banyak hambatan, kelemahan yang seperti tidak dapat diatasi bagi menjamin Anwar akan menjadi PM sehingga dua penggal. 

Obses untuk membina majukan negara, seakan terlupa untuk mengatasi dan menangani serangan dan halangan. Anwar kini seperti kancil yang dilepaskan dalam hutan rimba menghadapi predator bersendirian.Seperkara yang patut diterima oleh semua pihak baik parti dan juga Anwar sendiri, peka dan mempedulikan kepada kritikan konstruktif yang disampaikan dari masa ke semasa, termasuk dalam media sosial. Ada kala kritikan dan teguran baik kepada parti, kerajaan dan individu lebih tulus dan ikhlas daripada teguran dibuat dalam mesyuarat atau majlis rasmi. 

Insya-Allah apa diimpikan Saifuddin itu akan menjadi kenyataan kalau segala kelemahan parti, pentadbiran kerajaan berjalan lancar dan akhlak pemimpin para pembantunya elok dan senantiasa menunjukan penampilan yang menyakinkan.Mungkin Saifuddin sendiri mengetahui kelemahan-kelemahan yang ada, yang boleh membantutkan impian untuk melihat Anwar jadi PM selama dua penggal atau lebih, cuma sedikit kelewehan untuk mengatasinya. - MSO.

 For all eternity’ may the Israelis never sleep again...

cheers.

Tolak sukan komanwel..too many 'buayas' around...

 

Malaysia 'no' to 2026 C'wealth Games...

The cabinet meeting today has turned down an offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia citing financial and economic reasons. The Youth and Sports Ministry, which announced the decision in a press release, said the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) offer of £100 million (RM603 million) is not enough to host the large-scale event.

In addition, the economic benefits of hosting the event could not be ascertained given the short timeframe. “The Madani government thanks the CGF for offering (Malaysia) to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “However, the government wants to focus on sports development and the people’s welfare and well-being at this time,” the ministry said.

Speaking at a press conference in Angkasapuri, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said there was no external pressure that had influenced the government’s decision. “That was not a factor at all. Actually, a lot of it has to do with ringgit and sen. When we assess the viability of hosting the games. 

“The length of time needed and the costs, they were seen to be particularly prohibitive,” said the communications minister. “It is not because of pressure from any other external group. It was really looking at whether it will be viable or not,” he said. Malaysia had previously hosted the games in 1998.

The 2026 games were originally slated to be held in the Australian state of Victoria in March of that year but it withdrew its bid in July last year after finding the cost of holding the games had doubled from its initial estimates to AU$6.865 billion (RM21.22 billion).

This is despite having to pay AU$380 million (RM1.17 billion) as a settlement for scrapping the games. The CGF has since been looking for a new home for the games. According to the Youth and Sports Ministry, a CGF delegation held a briefing for its minister Hannah Yeoh and Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan on Feb 5 to discuss holding the games in Malaysia. - mk

Horrific Close Up Footage of Israel Killing Civilians.Israel does not see Palestinians 

as Human. Watch how they intentionally targeted civilians for fun.This is a War Crime...

cheers.

Hashim : 2026 C'wealth Games could be an “election Games”...

I told Hannah Yeoh Malaysia should 

not host 2026 Commonwealth Games....

General (Rtd) Tun Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali said he told Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh that Malaysia should not host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Hashim, who was the former chairman of Sukom Ninety Eight Berhad (Sukom 98), also revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had, in 1994, approved the company set up to organise the 1998 Commonwealth Games, but could not enjoy the multisport event after he was sacked from the government on Sept 2, and arrested by police on Sept 20, a day before the closing ceremony. The 1998 edition was from Sept 11-21.

Hashim also did not discount the possibility that the bid to host the 2026 Games was an “election gimmick”, as the 16th General Election could be held late 2026 or early 2027. “I met Hannah (Yeoh) late last year to discuss the staging of the 2027 SEA Games. We discussed many topics including the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” said Hashim, when met at his residence in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, yesterday.

“The Games (at that time) was without a host, and I told her Malaysia shouldn’t host it as two years is not enough time to put everything in place, and it will be too expensive. “Moreover, Malaysia is hosting the 2027 SEA Games. It is not wise to host back-to-back events.” However, neither Hashim nor his secretary could remember the exact date of the meeting.

On March 16, Anwar said the decision on whether or not Malaysia will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, could be finalised this week. Yeoh, earlier today, said the Cabinet will discuss the matter in detail on March 22.

“Do we want to host the Games for the sake of hosting it? The rakyat is struggling to put food on the table. Can we afford to spend money on the Games?” asked Hashim. “To me, the Commonwealth Games is not as relevant now as it was back in 1998. Since we are already committed to hosting the SEA Games, we should focus on that.”

Victoria, Australia was supposed to host the 2026 Games but it withdrew in July 2023 as the Games’ budget had skyrocketed to almost A$7 billion (RM21.69 billion) – double the anticipated economic benefits. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has since held talks with several countries about becoming the new host.

On March 11, the Olympic Council of Malaysia said that the CGF had offered the country the opportunity to replace Victoria, as host. CGF is offering £100 million (RM602 million) to support the local delivery and legacy planning. It will collect A$380 million (RM1.17 billion) from Victoria as a penalty for withdrawing as host.

Hashim was surprised that CGF only offered Malaysia an investment of £100 million. “Why can’t we get the full amount Victoria is paying if they want us to host the Games?” he asked. “We should also ask why the Australians turned down the job. Even if we get the RM1.17 billion penalty (imposed on Australia), can it cover the cost of hosting the Games in 2026?”

He added several cities had suffered economically after hosting the Commonwealth Games. Birmingham City Council, in England, became bankrupt after ignoring advice not to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Advisors warned that Birmingham did not have the financial capacity to host a significant international sporting event in 2022 and advised council managers to concentrate on the city’s budgetary issues.

Hashim added that besides Birmingham, New Delhi also faced a number of issues when it hosted the 2010 edition. Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympic Association from 1996 to 2012, spent 10 months in jail – from April 2011 to January 2012 – on corruption charges related to his chairmanship of Delhi 2010. “So, as you can see, it is not easy hosting the Games,” he said.

Hashim felt that the 2026 Commonwealth Games could be an “election Games”. “I have a feeling the government wants to call for an election after the Games,” said Hashim. “But what happens if our athletes do not win as many gold medals (10) as they did in 1998? If you solve the rising cost of living, the chances of the people voting back the current government is higher.”

As for the 2027 SEA Games, Hashim said he told Yeoh that it would be wise for the government to form a company to run it. “Hannah is a hardworking minister who listens to people before making a decision,” he said. “I advised her to form a private company like Sukom Ninety Eight Bhd to run the 2027 SEA Games, as the government should not run the Games. It should be a company formed by the government. “Get a non-politician to be chairman, to run it, and follow the structure on how to raise money to fund the Games. That should be the way forward for all the events we want to host.”

He agreed with a suggestion that Malaysia should develop a handbook in organising major sports events. Hashim added if Malaysia wants to host another multisport event, it should consider the Asian Games in 2038. “That is 14 years away. The economy should be better by then and it would give us more time to prepare,” he said. -  Graig Nunis

Meanwhile, General (Rtd) Tun Mohamed Hashim Mohd Ali claims Sukom Ninety Eight Bhd’s accounts should have been in the black. The only reason it showed a loss was because he was only given a month to close the books in 2004. The ex-chairman of Sukom Ninety Eight Bhd, the company formed to run the 1998 Commonwealth Games, added “millions of ringgit were still floating around” when he was ordered to close the company’s accounts.

Asked why he didn’t object, Hashim said he raised his concerns and pleaded for more time. “I was asked to close the books in 2004. When I said I needed six more months, I was told, ‘No, close it now’,” Hashim told Twentytwo13 at his residence in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, on March 17.

“I said ‘Look, we have millions (of ringgit) still floating around’. But the (then) Youth and Sports Ministry officials told me I had to close the books. I had a month to do so.” Hashim said if he had been granted the time he had asked for, Sukom 98 would have shown a profit.

In 2004, then Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced that Sukom Ninety Eight Berhad had finally closed its accounts, posting a loss of RM11.6 million.

However, in 2010, Sukom 98 executive chairman, Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusuf, revealed that the company couldn’t close the accounts as they had pending court cases and required more time to settle its debts.

“There should have been a surplus, a profit, not a loss,” said Hashim, fondly known as Freddie. “But I don’t know where the money went.” Hashim said his plan, which he had put in writing, was for any surplus money or profit to be given to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). “But OCM didn’t get anything,” he lamented.

Hashim,is not in favour of Malaysia stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, said if the country were to go ahead with the idea, it has to do so without using taxpayers’ money. The Cabinet will decide on Friday if Malaysia should replace Victoria, Australia, as host of the 2026 edition. - Graig Nunis

Walaun bukan tahu apa...

.

Walaun baca tajuk je kemain melompat. Aku tengok kat komen, tiba-tiba ramai puji YDP Agong. Padahal baru je keji secara berjemaah sebelum ni. Dia baca peruntukan, terus dia ingat peruntukan untuk ahli parlimen. Dasar walaun yang memang tak mahu baca sebelum komen. Tu yang tersasar.

YDP Agong cakap soal peruntukan pembangunan. Yang YDP Agong tekankan ialah agar setiap ibu negeri membangun secara saksama. Jadi tak adalah rakyat berterusan berhijrah dari desa ke kota.Tuanku tak sentuh pun pasal peruntukan ahli parlimen tu. Perasan je lebih walaun ni. Derhaka dengan Sultan lepas tu nak Sultan bela MP dia.

Kesian walaun. Bermatian dia perjuangkan peruntukan untuk MP dia. Dia ingat kalau MP dia dapat duit tu, dia boleh tumpang ke? Hahaha... Walaun cerita macam tak kenal lebai lagi pulak. - Raja Gelap II 

Tanah rizab Melayu di Kedah lebih 100 tahun kini di tukar 

nama kepada orang bukan melayu tanpa pengetahuan...

Terbaik dari Menteri Undang2 Azalina 

sampai speaker pun konfius...

Tapi walaupun cakap PMX pi makan angin...

PMX Top Trending World Wide...

cheers.

A triple somersault wearing a sarong in C'wealth Games 2026?...

 

Dark truths on '98 C'wealth Games emerge...

From 2002, I penned more than a dozen commentaries requesting for the accounts of the 1998 Commonwealth Games to be made public. But those responsible, including the bigwigs at Sukom Ninety Eight Berhad (Sukom 98 Bhd) ignored the calls, pretended not to have read them, or felt it was too much “trouble” to engage with me. Throwback at C'wealth Games 1998 K.Lumpur.

But credit must go to Azalina Othman Said, who upon becoming the sports minister, spoke to me and instructed her officers to produce the documents. But they could only show me the annual filings to the then Registrar of Companies (now Companies Commission) because the organisers were Sukom 98 Bhd, incorporated under the Companies Act.

The gullible media reported that “the accounts have been closed” and a letter to Malaysiakini even praised Azalina for her efforts. The audited statement of accounts, which was closed at the end of 2002, saw the company posting a loss of RM11.6 million.

Azalina Othman Said

“We have finished with one chapter – that is the closing of the accounts. Sukom will now have to deal with how to settle it and where to raise the money. Of the RM11.6 million, a total of RM11.4 million is owed to the government,” The Star quoted Azalina as saying.

But how much did the government give in grants? How much was collected from other sources? They were never made public.I persevered with a continuous barrage of questions for Hashim Mohd Ali, the executive chairperson of Sukom 98 and CEO Manap Ibrahim. None were forthcoming.

Given the scandal that engulfed the bids made for the football World Cup at that time, I wrote: “It is pertinent to reiterate that every bid for any event – not necessarily football or sports – comes under heavy scrutiny.

“Even the slightest deviations from the norm is likely to be examined with a fine-tooth comb and every scribe worth his salt is likely to dig and dig every bid.”

Hashim Mohd Ali

Real cost of ‘98 Games...

Yesterday, Hashim broke his 26-year silence by giving us a hint on how much the games cost the government. In opposing plans to host the 2026 Games, he said: “We were given a RM1 million grant from the government to set up Sukom 98 Bhd, and we had four years to prepare for it. We looked for sponsorship and did not rely on government funds.

“Mastercard gave us a US$5 million sponsorship while Malaysian Airlines sponsored air tickets to be shared by athletes and officials of the 69 Commonwealth countries. It was a big deal back then.”

But what he did not tell us is that the government spent millions on the 88,000-seater national stadium, the aquatic centre, and the hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. What about the upgrades of the velodrome, sports fields, and other amenities?

The then deputy sports minister Loke Yuen Yow told Parliament that preliminary estimates found the games would generate about RM38 million in ticket sales. Organisers forecast a profit of around RM5 million.

However, Hashim seems to have selective memory and omitted details of income and expenditure. How much did it cost to make the thousands of colourful blazers for officials and delegates? How much was spent on hotel suites for those classified as VIPs and VVIPs? What about other sources of income including minor sponsors, car number plates, sale of apparel, and souvenirs?

Carlsberg controversy...

The most glaring omission is that it had to pay a brewery after signing a sponsorship deal. In response to demands from religious quarters, the government banned Carlsberg’s sponsorship of the games - just two months before it began. The cabinet decreed that all traces of Carlsberg must be removed, but Carlsberg was faced with a sizeable logistical task.

Fleets of buses and taxis proclaiming the company’s sponsorship, banners in shops, and of course, it was advertised on thousands of litres of tinned and bottled beer (collector’s items of these paraphernalia are still available on Carousel).

BBC reported that the organisers were also facing trouble - they would have to repay £800,000 (RM5.6 million at the time) of sponsorship money and could be facing a £1 million bill from distributors for cleaning up the mess.

BBC said: “Malaysia is the first Asian nation to hold the games, and the organisers were already facing financial problems because of the region’s economic slowdown. Budgets for the opening and closing ceremonies have been slashed.” There was also a protracted dispute with the ticketing agent that went to court.

Gymnast attire...

Why bring up these episodes and dark history? There’s danger at every turn. If we decide to host the games, will the government ban leotards and swimsuits to appease the “Green Wave” and show its green is brighter than the other side?

How do you do a triple somersault wearing a sarong or would a female athlete dive into a pool wearing a house coat? Be warned. The drums of godly augmentation have already started beating.

As it is, PAS-led Terengganu has banned female gymnasts from participating in the Sukma Games since 2019, citing concerns about their attire not adhering to syariah standards. Gymnasts have pulled out, but does anyone care?

Such misogynistic edicts will certainly resurface and once again, Malaysia will be making the headlines the world over for the wrong reasons. Additionally, will athletes from countries that did not condemn the atrocities of Israel be harassed? Do we still want to consider being the host? - R.Nadeswaran

Hashim Mohd Ali is a brother-in-law of Mahathir. Being the executive chairperson of SUKOM 98, he was responsible for overseeing the preparation of the Commonwealth Games.However, the snail pace of the preparations upset the then Minster of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Sabbaruddin Chik. The frustrated minister lambasted at Hashim who shed tears when he (Hashim) later tried to explain the situation.The minister left office soon after the games, in early 1999 for reason best known to him and Mahathir. - SRMan

Should we still entertain the idea of hosting, especially in the wake of the scandalous 1998 Commonwealth Games? Nades has succinctly outlined persistent concerns surrounding Sukom. Despite its prestige, it remains a costly endeavor, with financial transparency akin to the MH370 mystery.The aftermath resembles messy clean-ups post-ceremonies, as initial excitement wanes, leaving neglect for handling the aftermath. The image of officials opening stadium doors for free entry to bolster televised event crowds is undeniably embarrassing.Now, with a cadre of inexperienced leaders, including the OCM and its non-sportsman President, pushing for Malaysia to host the 2026 Games, it appears history may repeat itself with costly missteps. One can only hope they learn from past errors. - drkam

Citizen Nades, thank you for keeping this issue open, which the government is adamant at hiding it under a concrete block, not a carpet, for reasons we are all aware. Any honest administration would have submitted the full accounts to Parliament, and learnt some lessons from it. - Verum Deco

In 1998, when Malaysia held it's first Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, DSAI was removed from all positions in government and imprisoned. Great Britain was entirely silent over the treatment of DSAI. Then, Labour Party PM, Tony Blair, refused to interfere with the Mahathir Administration, and forged on to allow the Games to be held. If anyone could even remember as that far behind, the Mahathir Administration and UMNO cohorts instituted media blackout (those days only print and cable TV and radio operators, social media was basically non-existent) and those persons or individuals giving out or selling any media in relations to the arrest of DSAI, were apprehended and prosecuted.Basically, what Nades wrote back then (even) had any effect or sustenance about the misappropriation of the Commonwealth Games. - Kamsiah Haidar

For goodness sake. Malaysia is already in trillion ringgit of debts. Please do not add more debts for our future generations to bear. Honestly, whenever Malaysia holds international events of such magnitude, there is lack of accountability. It breeds corruption. - Hope

The debt trap of 2026 C'wealth Games – Malaysia 

a sucker if bails out Australia as new host...

Malaysia is being offered £100 million pounds to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. That looks like a jackpot given on a silver platter. Even the Taylor Swift’s just concluded exclusive concert in Singapore in the Southeast Asian leg of her Eras Tour looked lame compared to this international sports event involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

If the Taylormania’s six-day performance, which saw more than 300,000 fans from across the Southeast Asia made their way to Singapore, could contribute S$500 million economic benefits to the tiny island, what more the Commonwealth Games? And Malaysia is already looking at the mouth-watering incentive of almost RM600 million before anything needs to be done.

But there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Before the government of Anwar Ibrahim hastily accepts the offer, it should understand why the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) generously offer the money. The £100 million of “financial and strategic support” was an offer to any potential host as part of the Australia withdrawal settlement. That means the Aussie was no longer interested.

The Australian state of Victoria decided last July to withdraw as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to rising costs. The event, scheduled for March 17-29, 2026, saw the hosting costs skyrocketing from the initial projection of A$2.6 billion (about RM8 billion) to A$7 billion (RM21.8 billion). In fact, Victoria’s government agreed to pay A$380 million for breach of contract.

If indeed the international multi-sport event is so profitable in the first place, or at least could generate a bigger economic impact than Taylor Swift’s concert, it doesn’t make sense for Victoria to cancel it. Within hours of Victoria’s announcement, the neighbouring state of New South Wales – whose state capital Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympic Games – said it would not take over.

The best part was when other Australian states, with the exception of Queensland, poured cold water on hosting the event too. At a very conservative estimate, an Australian independent financial analysis determined the event would cost US$3.5 billion (£2.75 billion; RM16.5 billion), with the economic benefit only amounting to US$1.2 billion (£1 billion; RM5.6 billion).

In short, all analysis agreed that the Commonwealth Games would cost a significant amount of money and provide very little return on that investment. Agreed with Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews to pull out of the event, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said – “The Commonwealth Games aren’t what they used to be and as a result of that they don’t provide the return on investment”.

The fact that Victoria  was more than happy to cut loss and pay compensation to the tune of A$380 (RM1.2 billion) should provide enough reasons for Malaysia to also avoid the games like a plague. However, don’t underestimate this Southeast Asia country’s stupidity. After all, this is the same nation dumb enough to import radioactive waste from Australia when the Aussie did not want the toxic materials in its backyard.

Already, clueless Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia, was incredibly excited about the prospect of hosting the game that Australia rejects. He said – “With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude”.

The incompetent Mohamad Norza brags- “The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country. It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games. To this end, the CGF and CGA Malaysia have offered an attractive proposal to the Government of Malaysia.”

Exactly what type of world-class facilities that he was referring to after more than 25 years since Malaysia last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1998? It’s just 18 years since Melbourne, Victoria last hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games, where Queen Elizabeth opened the event for the first time on Australian soil. Yet, Victoria still needed to spend up to A$7 billion (RM21.8 billion) for the 2026 games.

Malaysia is well known for its “first class infrastructure, third world mentality”, contributing to poor maintenance of new facilities. If even Australia had to face an escalation of costs, what more Malaysia, a country infamous for not only cost overrun in every single project, but also has the tendency of at least tripling the initial costs due to massive corruption?

At best, Malaysia may need to spend between US$3.5 billion (RM16.5 billion) and A$7 billion (RM21.8 billion). At worst, Anwar administration could see the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games balloon to A$21 billion (RM64.8 billion) as a result of corruption. It’s not like you just need to spend some money on minor renovation or repair works or printing marketing banners.

Ask yourself this question – why did not other Commonwealth countries such as Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales or India quickly grab the opportunity abandoned by Australia? The primary reason Malaysia is being approached is because the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) could smell a sucker from miles away. The biggest problem is not merely the ROI (return on investment) alone.

With two years left before the games, Malaysia will certainly look like a bunch of clowns if it fails to upgrade the venue, getting sponsorship, providing infrastructure and whatnot. All eyes will be on this magnificent nation that foolishly and arrogantly thought it could do the job, only to be stripped of the rights to host after failing to meet promises, just like what happened to South Africa in 2015.

In 2015, the South African city of Durban was awarded the 2022 Games after the Canadian city of Edmonton withdrew, also citing cost concerns. But 2 years later, like Australia, South Africa’s sports minister threw in the towel and revealed the financial burden – “We gave it our best shot but we can’t go beyond. If the country says we don’t have this money, we can’t.”

To save the 2022 Games, Birmingham and the British government stepped in, pumping more than £560 million, in addition to another £190 million from the local council of the West Midlands city. Originally, Birmingham had been scheduled to host the 2026 Games, but the decision to bail out South Africa’s failure saw Victoria getting the job instead, which is now vacant again after Australia withdrew. Subsequently, the Birmingham city council went bankrupt.

Actually, Victoria was named the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in 2022 after Kuala Lumpur, Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton and Adelaide all pulled out from proposed bids because they were concerned about costs. Hence, should Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim decide to step in to bail out Victoria, he has to explain and justify the financial feasibility of such project.

Essentially, the debts of the British Empire Games will become a political baggage – even a scandal – that would engulf Anwar’s political career at a time when the country is struggling with the high cost of living and global economic uncertainties, not to mention the RM1.5 trillion national debts. Worse, unlike Olympic Games, the colonial origins of the Commonwealth Games have seen it losing its relevance and audiences.

Crucially, if Kuala Lumpur fails to deliver the 2026 Games as promised, which it will certainly do, the opposition parties will capitalize on the issue to hammer Anwar’s leadership and question his competency. With the next 16th General Election must be held by 2027, the risk is too high for Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan coalition to toy with the games. Even India had no interest to host it.

Alternatively, to reduce the costs and risks, Malaysia and Singapore could consider jointly host the games. However, Singapore appears not interested as it will only continue to pursue sporting events that are aligned to its “strategic interests”, and Commonwealth Games isn’t one of them. Unlike Malaysia, financial considerations were crucial to any decision-making process in Singapore, even though it has the money to splash. - FT

Why More Countries Should Back Out of Hosting Global Sporting Events

Bukan setakat mainkan sentimen agama, 

stokin pula kini telah dipolitikkan juga...

...dan masih dapat air camni ☝☝☝

Masa mengundi walaun cop semua pemimpin kerajaan pusat bangsat,haram,

tapi bila tersepit mau pula mohon pertolongan daripada pimpinan pusat...

cheers.

Commonwealth Games vs Swiftonomics mana lebih 'ong'...

 Rescuing C'wealth Games 2026,

a sheer waste of public money...

Sports commissioner Suhardi Alias has criticised an audacious proposal for Malaysia to rescue the Commonwealth Games by hosting the 2026 edition at short notice. He said the plan by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) was shocking, financially risky and short-sighted.

Suhardi, the first top Malaysian civil servant to oppose the move led by OCM president Norza Zakaria, said he was against wasting public funds for the unsound purpose. “Why do we want to be the saviour for the Games when Victoria dumped it, and nobody else wants it?” he said. Last week, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said the Cabinet will decide on the matter soon.

Yesterday, Norza announced that the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had offered Malaysia the opportunity to replace the Australian state of Victoria as host for the Games. The offer includes an investment of £100 million (RM602 million) to support the local delivery and legacy planning of the event.

Suhardi noted Victoria’s decision simply came down to hosting costs which had grown beyond expectations, with the government saying it could go as high as A$7 billion (RM21 billion). Kuala Lumpur was one of the original bidders for the 2026 games, along with Cardiff, Calgary, Edmonton and Adelaide, but pulled out due to concerns about costs.

Suhardi asked: “If Victoria had to pay A$380 million to the CGF for breach of contract, how much will Malaysia have to pay if we decide not to host the games after signing the contract? “A$380 million is more than RM1 billion. Is it worth it?

Suhardi said many were puzzled when the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) turned down an offer to host the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in 2026. “I wonder why there suddenly are certain people who are so adamant on the country hosting bigger events such as the Commonwealth Games,” he said. Norza is president of BAM and the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia.

Ng Joe Ee of Malaysia performs with the ribbon in the Apparatus final of the Rhythmic 

Gymnastics competition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England

Of money and athletes

Suhardi said the idea of Malaysia hosting the Commonwealth Games for the second time must be treated cautiously. He questioned whether the government would have enough time to study the financial implications with the quadrennial Games just two years away, and with the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur the following year.

“We have to also take into consideration the fate of the Birmingham city council, which organised the last Commonwealth Games. “The council ignored advice not to host the Games despite being in serious financial difficulties and declared bankrupt last year,” he said.

Suhardi pointed to the tasks ahead for Malaysia, which may include building a new Games village for the athletes and other new infrastructure, as well the need for heightened security. He said public opinion and expectations were equally important, as is the Malaysian athletes’ preparation and performance.

“The government must be sensitive to public opinion due to the fact that there are challenges in closing the accounts of the 1998 Commonwealth Games (Sukom 98) and the 2017 SEA Games. “It has to be transparent and public friendly. If we need a town hall to get public opinion before we decide, that will be better.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in asking the government to be prudent in their spending, reiterated that we have been having a fiscal deficit since 1998. “So is it a coincidence or post-Games collateral damage?”

Asked whether Malaysian athletes had enough time to put up a good performance at the 2026 Games, he said: “We got 10 gold medals, 14 silver and 12 bronze in 1998 after six years of preparation.” - FMT

The accounts of Sukom 98 have yet to be closed...

Please take note of the following observations from the report:

-The 1998 Games Accounts have still not been made public.

-The Olympic Council of Malaysia, led by Norza as President, recommended the bid.

-Interestingly, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), also presided over by Norza, decided not to host the 2026 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals.

-The decisions made by the "President" seem to follow a rather peculiar pattern. - Kamsiah Haider

Kantin sekolah : Lebai 

lagak nak jadi hero...

The Head of the Dewan Ulamak PAS Pusat, on the other hand, thought that it was unnecessary. In an official statement by Ustaz Dato Haji Ahmad Bin Yahaya, he said the instruction to keep the canteens operational will only create unnecessary polemic.

Ahmad also said that with the canteens remaining closed during Ramadan, the non-Muslim students will learn to appreciate the value and the importance of fasting, although they are not obliged to do so. He also highlighted that he is, in no way, stopping the non-Muslim students from eating during the day but he is merely educating them to respect those who are fasting in Ramadan.

Throughout my schooling from Standard One to Form Six, (7- 19 years of age), and during my University years too, I cannot recollect any time during the fasting months when all canteens or food stalls were closed (as a matter of directive). All the races interacted very well; we respected the Muslims who fasted and they respected us as well. - Only Truth

The main cause of national unity is due to PAS not vernacular school, at this age they are leveraging on race and religion to fan hatred amongst the different races for political gain, bunch of politicians with no remorse in causing disunity, this is another classic case how they stir up problems. - IndigoKiwi5280

I have been fasting since I was six years old, and I am now 76.During my time at school, the canteen was always open.There were no problems there. No one makes any noise. When one is fasting, one has no business visiting the canteen.So what’s the problem Lebai? - Harimau Kelantan 

Bila kantin buka walaun bising, bila depa

buka periuk nasi pukul 12tgh depa diam saja...

Arahan agar kantin sekolah perlu dibuka sepanjang bulan Ramadhan pun nak dijadikan isu dan polemik. Tak faham aku. Macam dah ketandusan isu sangat.Apa masalah kalau kantin sekolah dibuka pun? Murid sekolah, terutamanya tahap satu memang dah wajib puasa ke semuanya sampai nak tutup terus kantin? Ibadah puasa itu diwajibkan ke atas muslim saja. Orang bukan Muslim, terutamanya kanak-kanak, tak bolehlah dipaksa untuk turut sama berpuasa.Memang orang Islam Malaysia, mudahnya Melayu, tak kuat iman ke apa? Nampak orang makan pun dah rasa terliur dan serta merta nak batalkan puasa. Begitu?

Kalau anak tu puasa, takut anak tak tahan, beritahu dia jangan pergi ke kantin waktu rehat. Apa yang susah sangat? Bukan wajib pergi kantin pun masa rehat.Walaupun ramai murid lain yang makan dalam kelas. Murid yang puasa cikgu dia suruh pergi ke tempat lain masa murid yang tak puasa makan. Tak ada masalah. Tak payahlah nak jadikan benda ni isu. Perkara begini boleh buatkan orang bukan Islam semakin membenci Islam. Ini bukan jenis dakwah yang perlu kita bawa. - Raja Gelap II

An elderly couple break their fast over 

the rubble of their home in Gaza...

This is why US & its allies are banning TIKTOK...

More than 70% of homes in Gaza have been partially 

or completely destroyed by the Israeli aggression...

cheers.