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A RACE-BASED BOYCOTT IS A WAR THAT NOBODY WINS. It is a LOSE-LOSE situation.
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Star
Thursday February 12, 2015 MYT 10:04:53 PM
Ismail Sabri again says he regrets “boycott” statement
PETALING JAYA: Twelve days after the controversy erupted, Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated that he regretted his “boycott Chinese businesses” comments on Facebook in a statement late Thursday.
“My comments have gone viral. I regret the statement had led to racial sentiments,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said he did not intend to create any racial tension and polarization because his intention when making the comment was clearly intended to traders who are still reluctant to lower the price of goods, irrespective of race.
—
Star
Friday February 13, 2015 MYT 12:21:31 AM
Liow: Accept Ismail Sabri’s statement of regret and move on
PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he accepted the statement of regret from Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over the latter’s remarks on boycotting Chinese businesses.
…
Here is the full statement:
“On the issue of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri’s call to boycott Chinese traders, I have made clear MCA’s stand at Cabinet this week and the Cabinet had instructed Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri to issue a press statement to take responsibility for his controversial Facebook post in order to end this issue.
“I respect the collective decision of YAB Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Razak and the Cabinet that we need to provide closure on this issue. As my colleague, Dato’ Sri Ismail has officially issued a statement of regret, and as a member of Cabinet, I take note of his statement of regret and hope that this matter is put to rest and we shall move on
…
After minister’s racial boycott call, anti-Chinese products Facebook page gains new life
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 ― A minister’s controversial call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders is gathering steam online, with a Facebook page targeting products and businesses ostensibly owned by members of the community gaining renewed attention.
Named “Boikot Barangan Cina DAP ORI” or BBCD, the page also repeats minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s linking of Chinese firms to federal opposition party DAP, and liberally uses pictures of the party’s leaders in posters calling for the boycott.
The page also advances the minister’s call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders who refused to lower prices, and called for an avoidance of products as long as they were Chinese owned and in favour of Malay and Acehnese alternatives, many of which are owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.
On it, it lists product and services purportedly owned by Chinese businessmen, and provided alternative “Malay brands” for Malay consumers to choose from.
Some brands identified as Chinese owned and to be boycotted include The Star, F&N, Yeo’s, Ayam, Planta, Anchor, and Naturel.
“Malay” brands that the community should support are tycoon Syed Mokhtar’s MPH bookstore chain as well as his Bernas rice brands and Gardenia bakery products, Felda-owned Aliff and Saji, and Sime Darby items, among others.
One picture featured rice brands that have logos of mosques that were crossed out , with the page administrator claiming: “Any food item that is marked with the image of mosques on the packaging is Chinese owned.”
…
The administrator also advised Malay consumers to only purchase “Chinese products” when left with no choice, and even then, only from Malay-owned stores.
“If you can’t find these Malay products, you may also buy Chinese goods on the basis of need but make sure to buy from Malay/Achehnese. At least your money also aids Muslims. Eventually your money may reach the Malays too,” it added.
Besides rice and vermicelli, the page also lists “Malay” condensed milk, sardine, cooking oil and margarine brands.
BBCD also sought to “expose” Chinese-owned businesses that it said were masquerading as Malay brands by using Malay models.
On Monday, Ismail took to Facebook to urge Malays to boycott Chinese businesses for failing to reduce prices despite falling fuel prices.
However, the Prime Minister’s Department came to Ismail’s defence saying his Facebook comment was not directed at any ethnic groups.
Dear PM, your citizens are not illiterate
He also seems to take a direct aim at a business entity – Old Town White Coffee to be precise – insinuating that a DAP politician holds shares in the company.
There is no denial about the existence of the writings.
PM’s leniency will hurt BN, warns Ex-MCA VP
Former MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu has warned that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s decision to let cabinet member Ismail Sabri Yaakob off the hook for his ‘boycott the Chinese’ remark would hurt BN politically.
“Our kind-hearted PM has allowed him to get away unscathed with not even the slightest form of reprimand nor punishment
…
“This is the telling sign of a lethargic administration and being detached from the right minded general public.
“(In being) unconvincingly lenient to an errant minister, it is sad to say, BN will pay a hefty political price in time to come,” said Gan in a press release yesterday.
Ismail and Liow all smiles at KLIA http://bit.ly/1zbGBKi
Say cheese! Ismail and Liow all smiles at KLIA
This afternoon, 165 MCA Youth divisions had demanded Ismail Sabri Yaakob to apologise over his remark concerning Chinese traders.
But later, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai and the agriculture and agro-based industries minister share a laugh while waiting for the arrival of Indonesian president Joko Widodo at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
A photograph of this was posted by Ismail on his Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Also in the gleeful snapshot was Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who defended Ismail.
“With (Hishamuddin) and (Liow) welcoming the the arrival of Indonesia president Joko Widodo. Hehe,” read the tweet.
Liow, however, chose to exercise caution, opting to upload a photograph of himself with the Indonesian president instead on his Twitter account.
…
This was asked on 6 February 2015:
Here is the answer:
Star
Wednesday February 11, 2015 MYT 5:11:32 PM
Power tariffs reduced from March 1
PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to reduce the electricity tariff with the imbalance cost pass-through (ICPT) of 2.25sen/ kWh beginning March 1.
The reduced tariff are for users consuming 300kW/h and more monthly.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pic) said consumers can expect a saving of between RM13.50 and RM45 on their monthly bills.
The reduced tariffs are valid till June 30.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/02/11/Power-tariffs-reduced/
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THE “BRAINLESS MINISTER”
In interviews by Malaysiakini, several traders’ bluntly called Ismail the “brainless minister” when asked to comment onhis call to boycott Chinese businesses for not reducing prices when the price of petroleum has fallen.
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PRICES IN MALAYSIA: THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED
Malaysian Insider
Are businesses profiteering from low oil prices?
One big factor that came with low oil prices was a weak ringgit, which meant that manufacturers and suppliers would need to pay more for imported raw materials and goods.
Today, the ringgit was trading at RM3.56 to the US dollar. A few weeks ago it had fallen to about RM3.60 to the greenback, its lowest in six years.
The ringgit’s value, said Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) chief executive Datuk Paul Selvaraj, was a big determinant in final store prices.
“Most of our food is imported. I asked a retailer how much of his goods are imported. He laughed and said how much is left that is local?” said Selavaj, when describing one of the groups’ surveys among retailers.
“Import costs are a big factor. What a retailer gets today from the importer goes directly to the shelves,” said Selvaraj.
…
In a brief email, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) also said the ringgit’s depreciation had caused the cost of raw materials such as milk solids and meat to increase sharply.
…
Another factor is the price of electricity, which has not come down even though the price of fuels for power generation – natural gas, liquefied natural gas and coal – has fallen.
…
And then there are also unequal market conditions, such as monopolies for certain goods and materials.
Licensing restrictions to import can create monopolies, said Selvaraj. This could lead to price fixing among those involved in the monopoly.
According to the International Trade and Industry Ministry’s (Miti) website, there are more than 30 items which required an import licence.
The list includes rice, sugar, wheat flour, milk, steel and iron products, cars, motorcycles, construction machinery and helmets.
…
When The Malaysian Insider asked the FMM, whose members included food and consumer goods manufacturers, to respond to allegations of profiteering, this is its response: “There are many elements/variables affecting price increase/reduction of manufactured goods.
“The entire supply chain has to be factored in, from the cost of raw materials, energy, logistics, packaging, financing, to foreign exchange rates.
“However, our members will always explore all avenues to manage costs for optimum production and improve productivity and we are committed to pass on cost savings to customers by way of price reduction where feasible.” – February 9, 2015.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/are-businesses-profiteering-from-low-oil-prices
—-
In interviews by Malaysiakini, several traders’ bluntly called Ismail the “brainless minister” when asked to comment on the latter’s Facebook statement calling for the Malays to boycott Chinese businessmen for allegedly refusing to lower prices.
Malaysiakini
8:34AM Feb 9, 2015
‘I’d rather have hudud than deal with Ismail’
One week after minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s controversial “boycott Chinese traders” remark, Chinese traders are still fuming over the racial remark.
When asked, some even said they would rather have hudud law than have to deal with people like the Umno agriculture and agro-based industries minister.
…
“Disappointed” and “upset” are among the terms Persatuan Pemborong Barangan Logam (Metal Traders Association) Malaysia president Low Cheng Ho used to describe the general sentiment of Chinese traders.
…
He also said having to deal with the Umno minister is worse than having Islamic party PAS’ hudud law.
“I would rather have hudud law than Ismail Sabri,” he said.
This is because PAS, unlike Umno that has repeatedly made racial attacks, is friendly to the Chinese community, he explained.
“Other than hudud law, which is not good, other (PAS policies) are fair to the Chinese,” he added.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288698
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Malaysiakini
9:31PM Feb 8, 2015
Minister to meet traders on prices of goods
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek will meet with producers, wholesalers and suppliers at his ministry on Tuesday to discuss on reducing the price of goods.
He said the representatives of 50 big companies including supermarket and hypermarket chain operators would attend the meeting to get feedback pertaining to public calls for the price of goods to be lowered following the drop in oil price.
“At the meeting, I will give the actual picture of the situation with regard to price of goods. Perhaps there is also some public misperception of this issue. That is why I need to explain to those attending the upcoming meeting.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288694
…
…
…
International Medical University (IMU) – An Introduction
IHH Healthcare Q2 net profit up 33.4% to RM209.1mil
KUALA LUMPUR: IHH Healthcare Bhd’s second quarter ended June 30, 2014 net profit rose 33.4% to RM209.1mil from RM156.75mil a year ago.
In a statement to Bursa Malaysia on Thursday, the healthcare group said its revenue rose 11% to RM1.865bil from RM1.68bil a year ago.
…
For its first half year, the group’s net profit rose 29.6% to RM368.15mil from RM284.03mil a year ago while revenue was up 9.6% to RM3.622bil from RM3.304bil a year ago.
The group said its second quarter revenue increased due to an on-year growth in patient volume and revenue intensity of existing operations and the commencement of operations of Acibadem Atakent Hospital and Pantai Hospital Manjung in January 2014 and May 2014 respectively.
Energy, transportation costs must be brought down: businesses
Translated by DOMINIC LOH
Sin Chew Daily
PETALNG JAYA, Feb 3 (Sin Chew Daily) — Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Datuk Lim Kok Cheong said the government’s simple theory was that prices of all merchandise should fall with the lower fuel prices. But, if electricity tariffs and transportation costs, which benefit directly from the lower fuel prices, do not go down, how do we expect businesses to lower their goods prices?
“The government always puts the blame on businesses for refusing to lower their prices. As a matter of fact, there is an oversupply in the market now and there is no way for businesses to mark up their prices deliberately.”
Electricity tariffs too high
He said electricity tariffs have very broad-based impact and to control inflation, it is imperative that the government bring down the tariffs first.
Lower electricity tariffs could cut production cost. Lim said the government allowed TNB to increase electricity tariffs by 16% early last year due to rising fuel cost. However, prices of LNG, petroleum and coal all fell during the second half of 2014 but the government did not ask TNB to lower the tariffs such that TNB made a whopping RM200 million “bonanza.”
“It is essential for the government to bring down electricity cost as soon as possible so that businesses could also lower their prices.”
…
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Datuk Saw Choo Boon said the association’s members would be able to lower their prices if production costs such as labor, raw materials and energy cost get cheaper.
He told Sin Chew Daily energy cost mainly came from electricity tariffs and gas while transportation cost from petrol and diesel took up a relatively small percentage.
“Energy cost takes up about 5-10% of a manufacturer’s production cost. The energy cost of some manufacturers such as pottery, chemicals and cement plants could be as high as 10-20%!”
Ismail Sabri says no ties with Facebook page urging boycott of Chinese goods
KELANA JAYA, Feb 6 ― Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said it was consumers’ right to snub businesses and force traders to lower prices, but stopped short of defending a Facebook page that called for a boycott of Chinese-owned brands.
The agriculture and agro-based industries minister who this week urged Malays to boycott Chinese traders also said he was not involved in the Facebook page that has taken up his message for consumers to pressure businesses to drop their prices.
“The details of what they want to do and what items they want to boycott is not from me anymore.
“Malay” brands that should be supported are MPH bookstores, Bernas rice brands, Gardenia products, Felda-owned Aliff and Saji & Sime Darby.
…
Some brands identified as Chinese owned and to be boycotted include The Star, F&N, Yeo’s, Ayam, Planta, Anchor, and Naturel.
After minister’s racial boycott call, anti-Chinese products Facebook page gains new life
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 ― A minister’s controversial call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders is gathering steam online, with a Facebook page targeting products and businesses ostensibly owned by members of the community gaining renewed attention.
Named “Boikot Barangan Cina DAP ORI” or BBCD, the page also repeats minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s linking of Chinese firms to federal opposition party DAP, and liberally uses pictures of the party’s leaders in posters calling for the boycott.
The page also advances the minister’s call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders who refused to lower prices, and called for an avoidance of products as long as they were Chinese owned and in favour of Malay and Acehnese alternatives, many of which are owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.
On it, it lists product and services purportedly owned by Chinese businessmen, and provided alternative “Malay brands” for Malay consumers to choose from.
Some brands identified as Chinese owned and to be boycotted include The Star, F&N, Yeo’s, Ayam, Planta, Anchor, and Naturel.
“Malay” brands that the community should support are tycoon Syed Mokhtar’s MPH bookstore chain as well as his Bernas rice brands and Gardenia bakery products, Felda-owned Aliff and Saji, and Sime Darby items, among others.
One picture featured rice brands that have logos of mosques that were crossed out , with the page administrator claiming: “Any food item that is marked with the image of mosques on the packaging is Chinese owned.”
…
The administrator also advised Malay consumers to only purchase “Chinese products” when left with no choice, and even then, only from Malay-owned stores.
“If you can’t find these Malay products, you may also buy Chinese goods on the basis of need but make sure to buy from Malay/Achehnese. At least your money also aids Muslims. Eventually your money may reach the Malays too,” it added.
Besides rice and vermicelli, the page also lists “Malay” condensed milk, sardine, cooking oil and margarine brands.
BBCD also sought to “expose” Chinese-owned businesses that it said were masquerading as Malay brands by using Malay models.
On Monday, Ismail took to Facebook to urge Malays to boycott Chinese businesses for failing to reduce prices despite falling fuel prices.
However, the Prime Minister’s Department came to Ismail’s defence saying his Facebook comment was not directed at any ethnic groups.
Dear PM, your citizens are not illiterate
He also seems to take a direct aim at a business entity – Old Town White Coffee to be precise – insinuating that a DAP politician holds shares in the company.
There is no denial about the existence of the writings.
PM’s leniency will hurt BN, warns Ex-MCA VP
Former MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu has warned that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s decision to let cabinet member Ismail Sabri Yaakob off the hook for his ‘boycott the Chinese’ remark would hurt BN politically.
“Our kind-hearted PM has allowed him to get away unscathed with not even the slightest form of reprimand nor punishment
…
“This is the telling sign of a lethargic administration and being detached from the right minded general public.
“(In being) unconvincingly lenient to an errant minister, it is sad to say, BN will pay a hefty political price in time to come,” said Gan in a press release yesterday.
Ismail and Liow all smiles at KLIA http://bit.ly/1zbGBKi
Say cheese! Ismail and Liow all smiles at KLIA
This afternoon, 165 MCA Youth divisions had demanded Ismail Sabri Yaakob to apologise over his remark concerning Chinese traders.
But later, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai and the agriculture and agro-based industries minister share a laugh while waiting for the arrival of Indonesian president Joko Widodo at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
A photograph of this was posted by Ismail on his Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Also in the gleeful snapshot was Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who defended Ismail.
“With (Hishamuddin) and (Liow) welcoming the the arrival of Indonesia president Joko Widodo. Hehe,” read the tweet.
Liow, however, chose to exercise caution, opting to upload a photograph of himself with the Indonesian president instead on his Twitter account.
Di Majlis Sambutan Ketibaan TYT Presiden Joko Widodo, Presiden Republik Indonesia & Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, ptg tadi
Surprise turn of events: Malaysian PM @NajibRazak defends Minister’s racist Facebook remarks http://tdy.sg/1EFyptY
Ismail Sabri’s boycott call was directed at all traders, not to specific ethnicities: Najib
KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Najib Razak today (Feb 4) said a federal minister’s call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders was directed at all businesses that refused to lower prices and not those belonging to specific races.
The statement was issued by the Prime Minister’s Office following a post-Cabinet meeting today.
“The Cabinet was informed that Ismail Sabri’s remarks regarding price of goods was directed at all traders, not those of certain ethnicities,” Mr Najib said, adding that the minister meant consumers should use their power to force traders to lower prices.
“As such, any disputes that may lead to racial polarisation in the country should not be extended as these will only bring detriment to all.”
The prime minister said the Cabinet also urged traders to be responsible and considerate when bringing prices in line with the reduction in fuel prices and allow consumers to benefit.
http://www.todayonline.com/world/ismail-sabris-racial-boycott-directed-all-traders-najib
Ismail: ‘No reason’ for me to apologise http://bit.ly/1KapuAL @IsmailSabri60
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70 Umno division heads to gather in Putrajaya in support of Ismail Sabri
More than 70 Umno division heads are expected to gather in Putrajaya today as more support pour in for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is embroiled in a controversy after urging Malays to boycott Chinese businesses which did not lower their prices despite the drop in petrol prices.
Quoting sources, Sinar Harian said the gathering was to support the agriculture and agro-based industry minister’s remark that consumers should be united in putting pressure on traders to reduce the prices of goods.
“We will gather in solidarity with Ismail as he faces attacks from those who misunderstood him,” the source said.
“So far, more than 60 divisions have confirmed their support and we will be together on this.”
Sinar Harian said that as of 7am today, it had received confirmation that at least 70 division heads have pledged their commitments to attend the impromptu gathering.
Yesterday, Ismail had gone to the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur where a group of his supporters, mostly from Umno, had staged a small demonstration to show solidarity with him since he came under fire for his boycott call which he had posted on his Facebook account.
He said he was ready to be questioned by police and was waiting for them to set the date to record his statement.
Wednesday February 4, 2015 MYT 11:40:52 AM
Police summon Ismail Sabri over Facebook posting
KUALA LUMPUR: Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been summoned to the nearest police station over his Facebook posting calling for a boycott of Chinese traders.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Ismail would have his statement recorded on Wednesday evening.
“We have summoned him and he has agreed to give his full cooperation.
“However, we are setting up for a meeting with him in the evening after the cabinet meeting has ended,” he said.
Khalid added that those from MCA, Gerakan and DAP who had lodged police reports in response to the post would also be called up to settle the matter amicably.
“We will try to resolve the issue among them. I urge all parties not to prolong the matter,” he said at the launch of police college’s smart library on Wednesday.
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Terima kasih Pemuda UMNO Lembah Pantai yang turut memberikan sokongan kepada DS Ismail Sabri.
Seramai kira-kira 100 orang pemuda dan mantan pemuda Umno hadir ke Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) hari ini bagi menunjukkan solidariti terhadap Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.Bagus lah didikan UMNO pemuda2 ini akan menjadi racist suatu hari nanti. — with Megat Jaffar, Cabang Petaling Jaya Selatan, Didi Lim and 40 others.
…
Malay Mail Oline
Je suis Ismail Sabri? Minister finds solace online after call for racial boycott
Screen capture of the facebook page titled ‘We are all Ismail Sabri’.
…
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has found burgeoning support online for his call for Malays to boycott Chinese traders, with a Facebook page backing his provocative suggestion gaining nearly 4,160 likes in the hours after it was set up yesterday.
The page, titled “We are all Ismail Sabri”, described itself as assisting the agriculture and agro-based industries minister in “lobbying and boycotting stubborn traders who do not reduce the price of goods”.
It has been posting photos with quotes encouraging Ismail as well as press statements of groups defending the minister, using hashtags #Kita1Hati (We are of one heart), #TurunHargaBarang (Reduce price of goods) and #KamiSemuaIsmailSabri (We are all Ismail Sabri), taking an apparent leaf from the #jesuischarlie campaign launched after the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris last month.
It also posted photos from a press conference by former Umno Youth members who came out to attack Ismail’s critics yesterday, during which a number of supporters held placards saying “We are all Ismail Sabri #Kita1Hati”.
Umno Youth’s new media unit chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz told Malay Mail Online that the page was started by a group of people including him with the aim of supporting the under-fire Ismail.
“His suggestion for consumers to use their power and influence to boycott and punish errant traders has strong basis,” said Tun Faisal.
Other Facebook users have also written messages of encouragement to the minister on the page, lauding his courage for stating “facts” and the “truth”.
…
“It’s nothing racist, it’s all about realising a crystal clear point. Our economy is not in a balanced equation, as in petrol price decreased but consumer goods prices remain.”
…
“Continue your fight, Datuk. Do not once be a wilting keris. Datuk is up there, thanks to the two-thirds majority belief of Malay villagers, not MCA or DAP Chinese,” said another user called Amizan Mohd, in Malay.
—
HE ATTACKED OLD TOWN WHITE COFFEE.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, “Just look at Old Town White Coffee… They are suspicious… but still Malays are not boycotting (the company). Moreover, the company is owned by the Ngeh family (of) Perak DAP, which are anti-Islam.”
He said this in claiming that Chinese businesses have suspect halal certifications and yet Malays do not boycott them.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/28811
…
We only serve halal food and beverages, says OldTown White Coffee – The Edge Markets http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/we-only-serve-halal-food-and-
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 3): Caught up in a storm following an alleged racist statement from a Cabinet minister, OldTown White Coffee (
Financial Dashboard) insisted that the food and beverages served in all their outlets are halal.
OldTown Berhad chairman Datuk Dr Ahmed Tasir said the accusation that they are non-halal is not true and was made by an individual or individuals who are misinformed.
Ahmed said the Halal certification is a very thorough and rigorous process and in order to maintain this certification, all equipment, ingredients, suppliers and cleaning procedures must meet the halal requirements set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
“Our central kitchens continue to meet Jakim’s halal requirements,” Ahmed said in a statement.
—
**ANNOUNCEMENT**
We would like to inform you of a series of allegations about Oldtown White Coffee that have surfaced online, virally through email and the steps we are taking to rectify the situation.
On 12th December, we discovered an email which was being circulated bearing the subject matter, “Rosmah Now Owns Ipoh Old Town Kopitiam” alleging that Rosmah Mansor, the wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia has bought over our Company. This same email also called for a boycott of our brand.
These allegations are untrue. We believe these issues are politically motivated. As a public listed company, we have no interest in politics, and the public is welcome to search our status on the official website of Bursa Malaysia (http://www.bursamalaysia.com/…/list-of-compan…/main-market/…) which lists Oldtown Berhad as a Company on the Main Market. Our mission is to serve our customers better and improve the quality of our products.
Thus, we have taken the following actions to set the record straight:
1. We have written directly to one of the persons’ who was circulating this email and he has since circulated another email stating that his earlier forwarded information is incorrect.
2. We are collaborating with Cyber Security Malaysia and the MCMC Complaints Bureau to clarify the online allegations, and will prosecute any parties found to defame Oldtown White Coffee.
3. We will post relevant information on our website clarifying the status of our public listed company, to clarify any doubts the members of the public may have.
If you have any further concerns, please feel free to us via email at wecare@oldtown.com.my. Thank you very much for your time and please enjoy your future visit to Oldtown White Coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/OldTownWhiteCoffeeMalaysia?fref=nf
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A word of wisdom from the IGP.
Star
Tuesday February 3, 2015 MYT 11:43:11 AM
IGP: “Boycott business” comments hurt racial harmony, so stop it
KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar wants all parties to stop making statements on boycotting businesses over the price hike issue.
On his Twitter @KBAB51 page, Khalid said the statements could disrupt racial harmony in the country.
“Boycott issue, @PDRMsia ask all parties to immediately exercise restraint in making public statements. It hurts our racial harmony,” he said.
…
Khalid has also issued a statement that police would be calling Ismail Sabri to record his statement on the issue. – Bernama
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WHY AREN’T WE SURPRISED?
1:59PM Feb 2, 2015
Malays urged to boycott Chinese businesses
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged Malays to shun Chinese businesses to compel them to lower prices.
Ismail Sabri had made the comment through his Facebook page, but the post is not accessible publicly.
However, the post has been screencaptured and is in heavy circulation among pro-Umno blogs and social media, with many expressing support for the minister.
The Malaysian Insider reports that the minister has confirmed authoring the Facebook post.
…
Ismail Sabri also accused Chinese businesses of having suspect halal certifications, yet Malays are still patronising such establishments.
“Just look at Old Town White Coffee… They are suspicious… but still Malays are not boycotting (the company). Moreover, the company is owned by the Ngeh family (of) Perak DAP, which are anti-Islam.
“As long as Malays don’t change, the Chinese will take advantage and oppress the Malays,” he stressed.
It is believed that Ismail Sabri is referring to DAP’s Sitiawan assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham.
When contacted, Ngeh denied an interest in Old Town White Coffee and said he will issue a press release later.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288058
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“Just look at Old Town White Coffee… They are suspicious… but still Malays are not boycotting (the company). Moreover, the company is owned by the Ngeh family (of) Perak DAP, which are anti-Islam.”
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288114
—
Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had called on Malays, who form the majority in the country, to use their “power” to force the Chinese minority to cut prices.
“The majority of consumers are Malay, Chinese are a minority, if the Malays boycott their businesses, they will surely have no choice but to reduce their prices,” Ismail, who was the domestic trade and consumerism minister, said in a posting on his Facebook account, the Malaysian Insider reported. It said Ismail had confirmed to the newspaper that the statement was made by him.
—
UPDATE: #Malaysia police to take minister’s statement over ‘boycott Chinese businesses’ call http://bit.ly/16jBvFL
Malaysia’s agriculture minister will have to explain to the police his Facebook comments urging Malays to boycott Chinese businesses so as to force them to reduce prices in line with falling oil prices, news reports said on Monday.
…
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said later on Monday that the police would record a statement on the issue from Ismail, The Star reported. “The police will ensure that harmony between races is respected,” Khalid tweeted on his Twitter account.
—
6:57PM Feb 2, 2015
Malaysiakini
Old Town White Coffee denies any links to DAP
…
The Old Town White Coffee restaurant chain has denied having any links to DAP or its politicians, following allegations made by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In addition, it noted that is a publically listed company on Bursa Malaysia’s main board, and that none of its board members are active members of any political party.
“We would also like to clarify once again that Old Town White Coffee is not affiliated with any political party, or any politician as recently alleged by a certain public figure, nor does the company have any political interests,” the company’s chairperson, Ahmed Tasir, said in a statement today.
Previously, Ismail Sabri made a controversial Facebook posting urging for a boycott on Chinese Malaysian businesses, in which he made reference to Old Town.
“Just look at Old Town White Coffee… They are suspicious… but still Malays are not boycotting (the company). Moreover, the company is owned by the Ngeh family (of) Perak DAP, which are anti-Islam.
“As long as Malays don’t change, the Chinese will take advantage and oppress the Malays,” he pointed out.
He said this in claiming that Chinese businesses have suspect halal certifications and yet Malays do not boycott them.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288114
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Kula: Ismail Sabri’s rant marks a new nadir http://bit.ly/1BTduzX @mkula @IsmailSabri60
Agriculture Minister Ismail Sabri’s urging for a Malay boycott of Chinese businesses over the latter’s alleged refusal to lower prices in tandem with reduced fuel prices is the clearest sign yet of the extent of racial toxins infecting the country’s leadership, claims a DAP leader.
“Even if one looks at it charitably as an unintended error, one is forced to acknowledge that our climate is so suffused with racially toxic elements that a minister not previously known to dabble in race has submitted to the infection,” said MP for Ipoh Barat, M Kulssegaran.
“This is the clearest sign yet that what we have long viewed as a spreading affliction has now become a contagion,” added the DAP national vice-chair.
“The episode marks a new low in the any gauge of existing race relations,” said the lawyer.
“The truth is that most traders, be they Chinese, Indian or Malay, have not lowered prices consistent with the drop in fuel prices.
“Prices of goods in the market place are not so elastic that they fall with every plunge in the cost of fuel,” he commented.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/288107
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