NST Online: Topnews

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 05:50 PM PDT

MACC hit by red tape in Taib probe

2011/06/11
By Lee Shi-Ian
shiianlee@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is being probed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for alleged abuse of power in his position as Sarawak
chief minister.

A source familiar with the case revealed that investigations began at the end of last year following several reports against Taib, including allegedly possessing properties in excess of his emolument and alleged abuse of power as the CM.

Senior MACC officers declined to reveal the exact nature of investigations against Taib, saying it would be improper and would jeopardise their work.

"Investigations are being hampered by the fact that many transactions were carried out abroad and there are problems obtaining the necessary documents and information from foreign agencies," one source said.

The Sarawak MACC is conducting investigations into the properties owned by Taib in the state and elsewhere in the country.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed had confirmed on Thursday that Taib was being probed over allegations of corruption.

Taib was also being investigated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) after the President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, passed the matter to them.

Finma normally investigates cases of money laundering in Switzerland, with emphasis on fighting corruption and the restitution of embezzled funds to respective countries.

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MACC hit by red tape in Taib probe

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Sepandai-pandai tupai melompat akhirnya jatuh ketanah juga.

Selama tidak kurang daripada 30tahun sebagai CM Sarawak Taib berhadapan dan dalam keadaan yang paling getir dalam hidupnya.

Jika benar semua sakwasangka itu Taib akan berundur dalam semua hal tanpa akan dikenang budi oleh orang sarawak tetapi rakus.

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Faster way to scan fingerprints

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 11:31 AM PDT

2011/06/10
By Sim Bak Heng
news@nst.com.my

JOHOR BARU: Visitors to Malaysia coming through the Causeway and the second link will be assured of faster immigration clearance from today as they no longer have to alight their vehicles to have their fingers scanned under the biometric fingerprint scanning system.

They just have to sit back in their vehicles as the scanners at the Immigration booths could be extended to reach the hand of every passenger and driver for them to have their fingers scanned while Immigration officers on duty will verify and stamp their passports as usual.

Immigration personnel have been working around the clock this week to extend the cables connecting every scanner and computer system by 1.7 metres to enable them to be pulled out to reach every vehicle.

Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad said the hassle-free measure would significantly reduce the time needed for Immigration clearance.

To facilitate the process, Immigration officer will be stationed outside each booth to supervise the scanning process and assist visitors who are new to the system.

"These are among the proactive measures we have adopted in preparation for a possible influx of visitors during the weekends and public holidays. It will be implemented from today."

The security system is being implemented at 96 entry points natiowide from June 1 to curb transboundary crime and terrorist threats.

Previously, foreigners only had to have their passports stamped to enter Malaysia.

Last weekend, the system was too slow to cope with the influx of visitors from Singapore in conjunction with the republic's school holidays.

This slowed down immigration clearance at both the checkpoints at the Sultan Iskandar Building at the Causeway and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the second link.

The long and slow traffic leading to the checkpoints from Singapore, disrupted travelling and holiday plans of many Singaporeans and other visitors.

However, immigration clearance at both entry points was reported to be stable during weekdays.

Alias said the fingerprint scanning system had been upgraded to expedite the scanning process.

"For long term measure, we would like to advise foreigners to apply for the Malaysia automated clearance system at any Immigration office for faster Immigration clearance.

"Under the system, foreigners only have to scan their index fingers during the first visit to the country. For subsequent entry, they only need to have their passports stamped."

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Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Jumaat, 10 Jun 2011