Azam can be jailed if he defaults on PSC subpoena

Iskandar Puteri Member of Parliament Lim Kit Siang reminded that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki could be jailed if he refused to attend the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) for Agencies under the Prime Minister's Department.

This is after the PSC called Azam to attend its meeting next Wednesday regarding the alleged share ownership which sparked controversy.

"Azam could be jailed for contempt of parliament if he defies a parliamentary subpoena to appear before the PSC for Agencies under the Prime Minister's Department on January 19 to clear himself of conflict of interest allegations," Lim said in a statement.

Before being called before the PSC, Azam said he was only accountable to the MACC's advisory board.

"Azam flattered himself when he said he was only responsible to the MACC Anti -Corruption Advisory Board when he had a higher responsibility to parliament and Malaysians to be honest and trustworthy as the MACC chief commissioner," Lim said.

He said the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act 1952 was very clear stating that parliament could punish someone who disobeyed the PSC.

"Azam should not test the power of parliament to punish him for insulting parliament if he defies the PSC subpoena for Agencies under the Prime Minister's Department to appear next Wednesday to clear himself of alleged conflict of interest," the DAP MP said.

Who is leading the investigation?

Lim also questioned who in the MACC led the investigation into Azam after the Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that an investigation was underway.

Azam came to the attention of the ownership of 1,930,000 shares in Gets Global Berhad (formerly KBES Berhad) on April 30, 2015 worth around RM772,000 at the time.

Its stake in Gets Global Berhad dropped to 1,029,500 as at 31 March 2016, valued at around RM340,000 at the time.

He also held 2,156,000 warrants in Excel Force MSC Berhad in March 2016.

Azam's ownership of the shares in 2015 and 2016 raises the question of whether it is commensurate with his income as a civil servant.

In a special press conference on Jan 5, Azam did not deny ownership of the shares but claimed that it was bought by his brother using his trading account. The shares were transferred to his brother.

North Korea calls US sanctions a "provocation" and threatens strong response

North Korea's state media reported Friday that North Korea has defended its missile tests as its legitimate right to self-defense, citing the Foreign Ministry as saying the United States is deliberately escalating the situation with new sanctions.

A ministry spokesman said in a statement published by the official Korean Central News Agency that North Korea's recent development of a "new type of weapon" was part of its efforts to modernize its national defense capabilities, and was not aimed at any specific country or undermine the security of neighbors.

"The US accusation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) legitimately exercising the right to self-defense is a clear provocation and resembles the logic of gangsters," the statement added.

The statement warned of a "stronger reaction" if the United States adopted a confrontational approach.

On Wednesday, the administration of US President Joe Biden imposed its first sanctions on North Korea's weapons programs following a series of missile launches by Pyongyang, including two last week.

It also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against a number of North Korean individuals and entities accused of violating Council resolutions that prevent North Korea from developing missiles and nuclear weapons.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the United States had made it clear that it had no hostile intent toward North Korea and was ready to engage in talks with it without preconditions.

The North's foreign ministry said that while Washington may talk about diplomacy and dialogue, its actions indicate that it "remains immersed in its policy of isolating and stifling" North Korea.

"The United States is deliberately escalating the situation, even by enforcing unilateral sanctions, without only referring (North Korea's) just activities to the United Nations Security Council," the statement added.

Pfizer applies for corona medication

Second case for mildly ill people, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

The Japanese subsidiary of Pfizer, a major US pharmaceutical company, announced on the 14th that it has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval of the new coronavirus infectious drug "Paxlobido". If approved, it will be the second drug that can be used by mildly ill patients, following "Mornupiravir" developed by Merck, a major US pharmaceutical company. Pfizer aims for special approval to expedite the examination. The government has a basic agreement with the company to secure 2 million people.

As the infection of the Omicron strain spreads, the medicine for mildly ill people is expected to be a "trump card for the people to live with peace of mind" (Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Shigeyuki Goto). As a result of clinical trials, Paxrovid was more effective in preventing hospitalization and death than molnupiravir.