Apology after THE Apology!

                   V for victory : Rocky with his lawyer Jahaberdeen (L) after the settlement today

The long drawn legal battle between journo/blogger  Datuk Ahirudin Attan and four ex-NSTP executives came to an end today.  


*NSTP, the publication, was initially a party in the above suit but withdrew their case in 2010.   

The defamation suit against me was filed by the New Straits Times Press and its 4 top executives then in January 2007. It made headlines as the world's first case involving a newspaper and its journalists against a blogger. The NSTP dropped the suit against me two Ramadans ago and this morning, I'm happy to report to you, the 4 individuals, all of whom are no longer with the NSTP, dropped the suit against me after I've agreed to what the High Court tags as Enclosure 44.

In a nutshell, I've agreed apologize "for the considerable distress, embarrassment and inconvenience caused to the plaintiffs" as a result of some of the things I'd written about them on my blog.

Both parties agreed that there will be no order as to costs. - Rocky's Bru


It was learned that Rocky's 'apology' 'for the considerable distress, embarrassment and da..da..da.. comes ONLY after taking into consideration Datuk Seri Kalimullah Maseerul Hassan's earlier APOLOGY to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Jan, 2012.

** One of the main point of contention was the 'LIAR' tag pasted on one of the plaintiff.

Businessman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan has apologised to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for any embarrassment caused by his article written on 11 June 2006 in the New Sunday Times with regards to the then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s meeting with Dr Mahathir in Japan.

He also unreservedly withdraws and retracts all allegations he had made in the said article.

With the apology and retraction, Dr Mahathir is vindicated.

The apology was part of the mutual consent recorded at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today between Kalimullah and Matthias Chang in which both parties reached an amicable settlement over a RM50 million defamation suit filed by the former on Chang.

--- Kalimullah apologises to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ... 5 years later

AirAsia - Now and Then

Please find below an Air Asia 'Press Release' which was released in 2004 when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was the Prime Minister and Air Asia was the '4th floor boys' National Airlines. 


The snakey and sneaky language of the Press Release, especially the part on the Minister's concern about misleading advertisements, is rather perplexing. But then again this Press Release was released when the country was under the clutches of the 4th floor. 


Would the Najib Razak Government tolerate such nonsense?  


Charles Moreira, who reminded me (via his comment) of this infamous  Press Release is not confident that the Government wouldn't. 

Charles F Moreira said... Government didn't have the balls before, will it have now? 
  

Press Releases


6 January 2004


AirAsia and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Malaysia Resolve Issue of “Misleading” Advertisements


The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Malaysia has given AirAsia the “go ahead” to continue with its advertisements of low fares following a meeting held between AirAsia’s Management team with the ministry headed by its Director General of Enforcement, Abdullah Nawawi Mohamad. 


The decision was given at a meeting held as a fact finding mission, following reports on the airline’s “misleading” advertisements.


Speaking today after the meeting, AirAsia’s Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Pahamin A. Rajab said, 


“We are happy that we can put this issue aside and move forward. 

We would like to thank the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and the Malaysian Government for resolving the issue quickly and allowing us to focus on our business. 


We will set–up meetings with officials from the Ministry of Cultural Arts and Tourism, to discuss ways of collaboration to grow tourism and the low fare travel market in Malaysia.


The ministry has acknowledged that there were no issues on the misinterpretation of the advertisements placed by AirAsia and that it (the advertisements) has no intention to mislead. 


The ministry has however pointed out that confusion may have arisen due to lack of understanding of the advertisements, particularly by first time flyers with AirAsia who are not familiar with the airline’s unique and innovative concept.


The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin have also commented that AirAsia should explain its low fare scheme to consumers as the concept is still relatively new.


“We welcome the minister’s suggestion and have planned for road shows to reach out to more people and explain our low fares concept. We will continue to advertise our low fares as practiced previously,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia.


He further continues, “It is always a low fare when you book a seat on AirAsia, no matter if you get a RM 1.99 fare or any other fare. 


Our lowest fare represents as much as 80% savings and the highest fare is still 20% lower compared to other full service airlines. 


We understand that some people, mostly first timers on our flights, may not be familiar with the concept; hence we will continue our PR efforts to educate the public on this matter.”


AirAsia’s advertisements are similar to those used by other low fares foreign airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir and Virgin Blue, which are governed by stricter advertising guidelines in their respective countries.

For full press release click: http://www5.airasia.com/site/en/pressRelease.jsp?id=2e7ec73f-c0a8c85d-177e6b40-34fe65ea

Godfather says ...

You go to the AirAsia website, and if you are not careful, you will -

1. Pay for baggage
2. Pay for seat allocation
3. Pay for travel insurance

These are designed so that you must click "cancel" and not the other way round. Then if you pay by credit card, they charge you a convenience fee. What convenience ? You go to their counter to pay cash, and the price you get is much higher than the internet price.

Then when you go to the airport, they charge you a fee to check in manually. Those who can't read, pay an extra RM 10 for the check in service. 

AirAsia has been misleading people for over 10 years. They are too big for this government to regulate.

Godfather

*
Received the above comment for my previous posting 'Australia nails 'extraordinary' AirAsia'.

The posting was about the Australian consumer watchdog, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's lawsuit against AirAsia filed in the Federal Court in Melbourne.

The Commission claimed that fares sold on AirAsia's website failed to display the actual cost of traveling incurred by AirAsia passengers.

What Godfather says above rings the bell here in Malaysia. If it's true then heads must roll ... or is AirAsia somewhat special just because they 'help bring in the tourists'?

This could be our newly minted (MYCC) Malaysia Competition Commission's first BIGFISH.


p/s Tak kan MYCC tak berani kot!  ACCC's charge is very CLEAR.

Australia nails 'extraordinary' AirAsia

Australian regulator files lawsuit against AirAsia

SYDNEY — AirAsia was slapped with a lawsuit by Australian regulators accusing the Asian budget carrier of failing to disclose the full price of fares on its website.

The Malaysia-based airline, which flies international services out of Australia from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth, with Sydney to be added from April, was named in documents lodged at the Federal Court in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the country's consumer watchdog, claims some fares sold on AirAsia's website do not display prices inclusive of all taxes, duties, fees and other charges.

"Businesses that choose to advertise a part of the price of a particular product or service must also prominently specify a single total price," it said in a media release.

The regulator alleged the fares relate to flights from Melbourne to cities including London, New Delhi, and Hangzhou in China, from the Gold Coast to Ho Chi Minh City and from Perth to places such as Taipei and Phuket in Thailand.

The matter is listed to be heard on March 2 with the watchdog seeking an injunction "to restrain AirAsia from engaging in misleading conduct in the future".

It also wants a court order "that AirAsia publish corrective notices on its websites regarding the conduct".

AirAsia could not immediately be reached for comment. - AFP

It appears that the Australians have managed to pin AirAsia for the airlines' 'cheap' antics. 

Basically the Australians are telling AirAsia and its high-flying owners to STOP CHEATING the public via misleading advertisements.

Those well versed in laws that protect consumer rights say, the Australian lawsuit against AirAsia may just be the beginning of a fiery year of the Dragon for the 'cheap' airline.

Sources in the industry say - "regulatory bodies, from at least three other nations, are expected to file similar if not more serious lawsuits against 'a cheap airline' that has been hoodwinking air travelers who opt for budget air travel" - (hopefully it is not AirAsia) 

AirAsia's critics are also saying that the impending lawsuits against the airline and its owners are the main reason for the recent shift of operations from Europe/UK towards Australia. 

It seems that the Australians are ahead of their Western counterparts and had been waiting for the catch. 

What about our Malaysian regulatory bodies? 

It's OK for greedy business entities to cheat us, just because we are Malaysians? 

p/s AirAsia is giving Malaysia a bad name! .... and I wonder why AFP couldn't reach the often publicity crazy/savy owners of AirAsia for immediate comments.

Kudos to Auditor General - NFC assets frozen

All National Feedlot Corporation's assets frozen, says PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak

PM says National Feedlot Corporation assets have been frozen; DPM and Agriculture Minister tasked with looking into direction of corporation - NST news alert


This is certainly a much awaited good news. We must take this opportunity to recall that the 'NFC being messy' issue was FIRST raised in the Auditor General's report which was tabled in Parliament. 

Thank you Tan Sri Amrin Buang ... for acting without fear or favor, in the best interest of Malaysia.


p/s Amrin Buang is certainly a winnable candidate! 

Kalimullah apologises to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ... 5 years later

Businessman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan has apologised to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for any embarrassment caused by his article written on 11 June 2006 in the New Sunday Times with regards to the then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s meeting with Dr Mahathir in Japan.

He also unreservedly withdraws and retracts all allegations he had made in the said article.

With the apology and retraction, Dr Mahathir is vindicated.

The apology was part of the mutual consent recorded at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today between Kalimullah and Matthias Chang in which both parties reached an amicable settlement over a RM50 million defamation suit filed by the former on Chang.

Chang on his part agreed to apologise to Kalimullah and ECM Libra for any embarrassment he had caused them and unreservedly withdraws and retracts all allegations made during a press conference on 13 June 2006.

In an immediate reaction Chang, former aide to Dr Mahathir, said he was glad that Kalimullah has agreed to apologise to Dr Mahathir.

“I am a nobody.  I don’t mind apologising to Kalimullah as long as Tun (Mahathir) is vindicated.

“From the start, the issue is not about me. It is about the allegations and embarrassment caused on Tun.” 

The High Court’s recorded statement on the settlement reads as follows:

By mutual consent the plaintiff and the defendant have reached an amicable settlement upon following terms:-

1) The defendant has unreservedly withdrawn and retracts all allegations against the plaintiff at the press conference held on 13 June 2006 and apologise to the plaintiff and ECM Libra for any embarrassment caused thereby;

2) And the plaintiff unreservedly withdraw and retracts all allegations made in respect of his article written on 11 June with regards to the then Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s meeting with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Japan and apologises to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for any embarrassment caused thereby;

3) No order to costs

p/s The LIE!

Believable but its not true ...

... like Anwar Ibrahim the drama king! 

PKR supporters are being fooled and hoodwinked exactly like shown in the video above. Would anyone believe if you say Barcelona's players were 'trained cheaters', without such video evidence?


Similarly, PKR and Pakatan Rakyat supporters should get out of their mental cocoon and look at the greater picture, or rather the true picture and study the evidence piled up against their Ketua Umum.


Like Barcelona, Anwar Ibrahim's drama is coming to and end and I hope genuine Malaysians who love this country could separate facts from fiction and not be fooled by a power crazy politician.


Surely the power crazy pact of politicians in Pakatan Rakyat, except for the likes of Datuk Dr Hassan Ali,  wouldn't bother about facts and the truth of the matter because all they want is the cosy seat of power in Putrajaya.


Just take a moment to think! Watch the video again if it could help.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink!

Monday D-Day for PAS

PAS’ Gombak assemblyman and Pakatan Rakyat Selangor state executive councilor Datuk Dr Hassan Ali’s message is so clear that even a standard six ‘graduate’ could understand it.

Basically the popular PAS leader just repeated what DAP chairman Karpal Singh stated two years ago, that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was ‘not fit’ to lead Pakatan Rakyat.

But Dr Hassan Ali’s statement is of greater significance as it comes days after Anwar admitted that Pakatan Rakyat would be naming his successor soon, when he becomes irrelevant to the Opposition pact. - Days before the court decides if Anwar is guilty of ‘unnatural sex’ with his aide.

Its public knowledge that a power struggle is in full gear within the loose political pact of Pas, PKR and DAP even before Anwar spoke about his replacement.

Dr Hassan Ali’s assertion that it would only be perfect for either Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang or spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to lead Pakatan Rakyat was certainly not a knee-jerk statement. It was the unstated agreement within PR, until recently.

Dr Hassan Ali’s stand that Pas members should not be wasting their time taking part in the planned ‘Free Anwar 901’ demonstration on the 9^th of Jan (Monday) was also not a knee-jerk statement. His stand just showed the inner feelings of PAS’ leaders.

Back to the issue of who next to lead Pakatan Rakyat to fill the gap when Anwar is removed, or removes himself?

There has been one too many sources who point at Anwar’ daughter Nurul Izzah, his blue-eyed boy Azmin Ali, his wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, PKR youth leader Shamsul Iskandar and even KITA president Datuk Zaid Ibrahim as the possible replacement leader. 

Umno’s Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who has been rather coy about his secret meetings with Pakatan leaders, also appears in the equation. 

In fact Ku Li appears to be the popular choice among DAP leaders who can’t possibly sit on the PR throne themselves.

Ironically none of the PR insiders even mentioned Nik Aziz or Hadi Awang, and Pas leaders are fully aware of this reality too.

It was understood that even some top PAS office bearers were not in favour of Hadi or Nik Aziz leading Pakatan Rakyat.

Thus the strong statement from the ‘ulamak’ in Pas, via Dr Hassan Ali, is worth pondering.

Barring the likes of Deputy president Mat Sabu and vice-president Mahfuz Omar, other leaders including the powerful Ulama council have basically agreed that the Islamic party should take the lead to save PR,  when the morally tainted Anwar is removed.

Pas taking the driver’s seat in Pakatan Rakyat could in fact be more beneficial to Pas than PR since their Islamic state = Welfare state compromise has put them in a political predicament.

Obviously none of the PKR and DAP leaders think that Pas is fit to lead Pakatan.

Even in the worst-case scenario they in PKR are willing to accept Ku Li, but not any of the Pas leaders.

So, it would be rather naïve for anyone especially Pakatan Rakyat leaders and supporters to assume that Dr Hassan Ali statement was his personal outburst.

It may well be a prelude to Pas issuing an ultimatum to PKR/DAP and the pro-Anwar faction within Pas itself.

Would Pas wait for the power brokers to announce Anwar Ibrahim’s successor and then decide on their next course of action or have they stated their case and given those PKR/DAP powerbrokers an ultimatum?

Again, sources are singing too many tunes but we should not be surprised if PAS quits Pakatan Rakyat should their president or spiritual leader is put in the same basket as Anwar Ibrahim - not fit to lead.

Certainly the picture would be clearer on Monday, after Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy saga comes to an end. 

Monday is D-Day for Pas, more than it is for Anwar Ibrahim!