Khamis, 20 Februari 2014

Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim


As rich get richer, Mokhzani breaks into billionaires’ top 10

Posted: 19 Feb 2014 10:45 PM PST

TMMO

Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has finally joined the ranks of the country's top 10 richest people as the nation's magnates continue to widen the gap with the rest of Malaysia.

According to a new list of Malaysia's 40 richest tycoons released by the Malaysian Business magazine, the SapuraKencana Petroleum mogul added another RM1.59 billion to his coffers over the last year to raise his estimated wealth to RM4.22 billion — good enough for ninth place on the list.

In 2012, Mokhzani had emerged with about 15 per cent of SapuraKencana after his Kencana Petroluem Bhd merged with SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd. He later disposed of 90 million shares at for an estimated RM387 million.

Mokhzani relinquished his executive positions in SapuraKencana late last year and instead remains only as a non-executive director.

The two richest two Malaysians remain "sugar king" Tan Sri Robert Kuok (RM54 billion) and T. Ananda Krishnan (RM33 billion) by a wide margin, with the telecommunications and entertainment tycoon nearly twice as rich as third-placed Tan Sri Teh Hong Pow of Public Bank fame.

Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary was fifth richest with RM11 billion, while AmBank chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim capped off the top 10.

Berjaya's Tan Sri Vincent Tan foray into the English Premier League with Cardiff City also appears to be taking a toll on his bank balance, with the gaming magnate managing only 20th spot with his RM1.9 billion.

"One interesting fact is that since 2002, 81 tycoons have joined the 40 Richest Malaysians list

and out of that, 15 have managed to remain on it continuously," the magazine said in an accompanying release.

It added that there were now two more local billionaires, bringing the number to 33, while the combined wealth of the top 40 richest Malaysians weighed in at RM217.8 billion or some 11 per cent better than they had been in the previous year.

According to a previous list released by Forbes last year, Mokhzani was the 15th wealthiest person in Malaysia. Forbes also differed on Vincent Tan's net worth, listing him as the tenth richest man in the country.

Forbes is due to release an updated list next month.

Malaysian Business began tracking the worth of Malaysia's wealthiest people in 2002.

Pakatan Rakyat victory will spell end of Barisan, says Anwar

Posted: 19 Feb 2014 08:10 PM PST

TMI

A Pakatan Rakyat victory in the Kajang by-election scheduled is important to end the legacy of Umno and Barisan Nasional, says opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The de facto PKR leader, who is also the PR candidate in the by-election, said a victory on March 23 would answer all the doubts and questions raised by various quarters over his candidacy.

“If Selangor really succeeds and develops, provides the people with good services – that would be the perfect riposte to all the Pakatan critics and doubters.

“It will be a sign that the history of BN and Umno in Malaysia is coming to an end,” Anwar said.

Addressing about 300 supporters and residents in Sungai Sekamat, Kajang, last night, Anwar said nomination day was a long way away but the attacks against him had begun.

“Campaigning has not started, but I am insulted and assaulted daily,” he told the crowd.

Even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has waded into the fray, expressing his fears if Anwar is appointed the Selangor menteri besar.

Dr Mahathir has cast doubts on Anwar’s suitability as a leader, claiming that the Permatang Pauh MP had formed PKR to realise his ambition of becoming prime minister.

“Anwar is adaptable and capable of changing his colours to suit the circumstance,” Dr Mahathir said, referring to the former’s speech at a church last weekend.

However, Anwar said it was because of this attitude and honesty PKR supporters were still steadfastly supporting him despite the various obstacles that he had faced in his political career.

“Integrity and honesty is important. I retain the support of the people despite being insulted, mocked and jailed because the public feels I am a man of my word.

“Kelantan is not a rich state but the rakyat adore former menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat,” Anwar said.

“The people know that Nik Abdul Aziz does not use his position to enrich his family members nor did he take a single state share.”

Anwar took a swipe at Dr Mahathir and wondered how his son had become a billionaire if he did not abuse his position.

Business magazine Malaysian Business yesterday reported that Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir was listed among the top 10 richest individuals in Malaysia.

Mokhzani was listed ninth on the list with a total wealth of RM4.22 billion. He rose four spots compared with last year through his company, Sapura Kencana Petroleum.

Last year, Mokhzani had been ranked 13th with a total wealth of RM2.63 million, according to Malaysian Business.

Anwar praised the voters in Kajang for being more Internet-savvy compared with the voters in his Permatang Pauh constituency.

“Kajang’s unique trait is due to the strong Internet penetration in the area. Kajang residents follow more news on the Internet compared with mainstream television and newspapers.”