"Almost in 90% of the country, you can smoke. So, it doesn't make sense, and it is a waste of taxpayers' money to designate smoking zones.”

"What is of vital importance is for all Malaysians to acknowledge that very serious crimes have been committed by top leaders of the previous administration and shamefully abetted by top government officials.”

"The decision is effective Jan 3, 2020 and Dr Mahathir will assume the post until a new education minister is appointed," the PMO said in a statement today.

The commission was levied against the RM523 million selling price of the yacht.

The decision stems from the failure of Titanium Hallmark to pay the balance of the total disposal consideration for the seven plots of land. 

The outlet, which always has a long queue at night, was shut down by MBPP on Wednesday (Jan 8) around 8pm during an inspection on food outlets in George Town.

This startling admission by Najib contradicts his earlier repeated assertions that he was only in contact with former SRC International Sdn Bhd managing director Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, and Datuk Azlin Alias — his deceased former private secretary, about the issuing of cheques.

Najib had previously testified that the gift was purchased for the wife of Qatar's ex-prime minister Sheikh Hamad Jassim Jaber Al Thani.

Releasing the tape now and discussing in public in a media release is in fact subjudice. It is in fact contempt. Was the MACC trying to influence and subjudice the ongoing trial?”

“Don’t just expose it to make waves and to create a sensation. Investigations must be done and actions must be taken. Or else people will not believe it.”