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UMNO MPs pledge their support for Abdullah

2008-05-20T14:50:00.002+08:00

Source: www.nst.com.my

More than 50 UMNO Members of Parliament pledged their support for party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a five-minute meeting at Parliament House today.

Sri Gading MP Datuk Mohamad Aziz spoke to reporters on behalf of the MPs.

Conspicuously missing was the Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir. The meeting ended with a round of applause for Abdullah.

Penang CM: Review cases decided by Eusoff Chin and Ahmad Fairuz

2008-05-18T05:44:00.000+08:00

Source: www.thestar.com.my

PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has called for an immediate review of cases, which had been decided by former Chief Justices Tun Eusoff Chin and Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim. He said the review would be the most appropriate redress or remedy to restore the independence and integrity of the country's judiciary and to uphold the rule of law.

Lim said the focus of the probe, if the Attorney-General (AG) ordered for one, should be mainly on Eusoff and Ahmad Fairuz because as judges, they carried a higher responsibility.

He said he was one of those affected by the decisions made by these judges, referring to his 18-month jail term for sedition in 1998 and publishing false news for complaining that the AG did not prosecute former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik for alleged statutory rape.

Lim was asked to comment on the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which held there was evidence that lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Manson, Eusoff, Ahmad Fairuz and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad were involved in a conspiracy to manipulate the appointment of judges.

On Friday, the Cabinet directed the AG's Chambers to institute immediate investigations into all allegations against the individuals identified in the report.

Lim said people whose lives had been affected by the decisions made Eusoff and Ahmad Fairuz had the right to demand for the cases to be reviewed.

"Justice must not only be seen to be done but in this case, justice has to be done,'' he told reporters after presenting rice aid to 2,013 welfare aid recipients at the Caring Society Complex Saturday.

The state also distributed free rice to 1,149 recipients at the Southwest district office, 1,333 at the North Seberang Prai district welfare office, 1,809 at Dewan Yayasan Aman SMK Penanti in Bukit Mertajam in Central Seberang Prai and 1,338 at Dewan Serbaguna Jawi in South Seberang Prai.

The state had allocated RM130,000 for the programme and had purchased the rice at a lower price of RM16 per sack.

Lingam video clip: Commission's report: Laws may have been broken, says Zaid

2008-05-18T05:38:00.002+08:00

Source: www.nst.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: The cabinet has ordered the attorney-general to immediately direct agencies to investigate allegations levelled against six prominent individuals identified in the Lingam video clip.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the six were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, retired chief justices Tun Mohd Eusoff Chin and Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan and prominent lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam.

The six were among the 21 witnesses who gave evidence before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.

The clip basically shows Lingam engaged in a conversation over judicial appointments with Ahmad Fairuz.

During the 17-day hearing between Jan 14 and Feb 15, the public was privy to some explosive revelations.
Zaid, who is the de facto law minister, said the government took into account the findings of the commission which had identified and decided that the 14-minute recording in the clip was authentic and recommended that appropriate action be taken against individuals identified and were said to have committed certain offences.

"Following these findings, there is a possibility that offences against the law have been committed as stipulated in the commission's report," he told a news conference to announce that the government had decided to make the commission's report public.

The five-man inquiry panel, led by former chief judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor, in its report said there was sufficient cause to invoke the Sedition Act 1948, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1961, the Legal Profession Act 1976, the Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Penal Code against some of the principal individuals involved.

"We do not discount the possibility of other laws being contravened," the report stated

The commission said the findings have, at the very least, provided the catalyst for further investigations so that, it hoped, there would be complete transparency and full accountability.

"This is absolutely essential if we are to wipe out once and for all the stain of that remark once made by justice N.H. Chan in reference to the judiciary that 'Something is rotten in the State of Denmark'," said the report.

Zaid said the government took into account the findings of the commission which had identified and decided that the recording in the clip was authentic.

He said the report and recommendations were information and as such an investigation must be carried out.

Zaid said the cabinet urged the public, including the media, to allow the investigation process to proceed uninterrupted without undue pressure or any prejudice against any individuals identified in the report.\

Johor Umno Youth: Non-Malay membership proposed

2008-04-21T00:39:00.002+08:00

Source: The Star

JOHOR BAHRU: Among the feedback gathered by the state Umno Youth from its grassroots was one that suggested revisiting the idea that the party should be open to non-Malay membership.

The division has been collecting suggestions from the grassroots that members hope the leadership will look into before the party branch elections begin in July.

Johor Umno Youth chief Razali Ibrahim said that there were 149 suggestions over how the party could move forward after the heavy losses in the March 8 general election.

“Everything you can imagine, from the most rational to the most extreme, was discussed,” he told reporters after an eight-hour meeting here on Sunday.

Razali said that the suggestions included revisiting the vision of Datuk Onn Jaafar who had called for Umno party membership to be open to all Malayans (then) and for the party to be renamed the United Malayans National Organisation.

“In his time, his vision could not be accepted, but maybe the suggestion can be received in this new political landscape,” said Razali.

He however was quick to point out that the suggestions mooted were not the stand taken by Johor Umno Youth, but that of the grassroots.

He also said that the grassroots perceived that the rakyat (citizenry) was disillusioned with what was reported in the mainstream media and turned to alternative sources like bloggers for news.

“They said that the mainstream media is the only channel through which the Government can get its messages across to the people, but asked what could be done if the people don't read newspapers or watch mainstream television stations,” he said.

Razali said that the grassroots were now waiting and watching closely the direction the top party leadership would take in response to their suggestions and views.

He said that the 149 suggestions from the meeting would be forwarded to Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman within a week.

Not proper to question Malay rights, Nik Aziz tells Ong and Karpal Singh

2008-04-21T00:35:00.001+08:00

Source: Bernama

PASIR PUTEH, SUN: Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat says it was not proper for the MCA and DAP to question Islamic-oriented Malay rights.

He said such rights were provided for in the Federal Constitution, hence they should not be raised.

"But PAS will reject the rights if they are solely for Malay interests,” he told reporters after opening an ice factory, here today.

He was responding to the statements by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and DAP chairman Karpal Singh that questioned the speech which touched on Malay dominance by Kelantan prince, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, at a seminar in Kuala Lumpur on April 12.

The two leaders regarded the speech as way out of royal line and trying to drag the monarchy institution into the country’s politics.

In relation to the issue, Nik Aziz, who is also PAS’ spiritual leader, said the party could not support Malays who themselves rejected Islamic interests.

"It’s better to be friends with the Chinese and Indian Muslims who are loyal to the religion,” he said.

Nik Aziz said the country’s sovereignty must be protected but must be based truly on the struggle for Islam by the Malays.

On another matter, Nik Aziz said he hoped the federal government would proceed with the development projects planned before the March 8 general election.

These projects include the road construction from Kota Baharu to Kuala Krai as the state government has already approved the land acquisition for the project.

However, Nik Aziz hopes the state government will be given the power to appoint more reliable contractors for the projects.

Police report filed against BN members

2008-03-25T01:47:00.002+08:00

Source: www.thestar.com.my

KUALA TERENGGANU: PKR’s national youth wing has lodged a police report against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and 23 Barisan state assemblymen.

The wing’s national deputy chief Fariz Musa and five opposition party members lodged the police report at 4.45pm at the district police station here on Monday, alleging that the Barisan members had made treasonous statements against the Yang DiPertuan Agong, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu.

Fariz claimed the report was made based on statements made by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and 22 assemblymen in two Malay dailies on March 24.

He claimed the statements were contemptuous and disrespectful of the monarchy.

Siapa dituduh binatang? Sultan?

2008-03-25T01:37:00.005+08:00

Sumber: www.harakahdaily.net

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Mac (Hrkh) - Perdana Menteri (PM) yang dituntut berundur, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mesti menjelaskan siapakah yang dimaksudkan binatang dalam sepanduk tunjuk perasaan penyokong-penyokong Ketua Perhubungan Umno Terengganu, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

Sepanduk itu tertulis "Kami nak Idris, natang".

"PM, TPM (Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak), Idris dan 23 Adun yang dilaporkan dikurung oleh Idris untuk memastikan mereka menyokong cita-citanya menjadi Menteri Besar (MB) kini dilihat sebagai pihak yang bertanggungjawab merestui sepanduk di dalam demonstrasi penyokong-penyokong Idris Jusoh itu.

"Siapa dituduh binatang? Sultan (Terengganu)?" tanya beliau.

Sambil menyifatkan perbuatan itu lebih buruk dari kebiadaban dan sifat kurang ajar, Mahfuz mengingatkan Perdana Menteri dan penyokong-penyokongnya bahawa merekalah yang dituduh sebagai pihak yang bertanggungjawab dengan sepanduk itu.

"Tunjuk perasaan itu menyokong Idris. Idris adalah kehendak PM (untuk menjadi MB). TPM pula hanya ikut sahaja kehendak PM sebab beliau kini didakwa terlalu takut kepada PM.

"Sebab itulah saya diberitahu sudah bertebaran SMS di sana sini yang menuduh PM, TPM, Idris serta 23 Adun tersebut yang 'buat' sepanduk itu," kata beliau.

Polis tidak cari?

Mahfuz menuntut pihak polis bertindak segera ke atas sesiapa sahaja yang terlibat dengan sepanduk itu yang turut ditayangkan dalam laporan berita sebuah stesen TV tempatan semalam.

"Tahun lalu, ketika polis menuduh pembangkang mengadakan perhimpunan haram di Batu Burok, sibuk sangat mereka mencari siapa membakar jalur gemilang untuk menutup perbuatan mereka menembak rakyat yang tidak bersenjata dengan peluru hidup.

"Kenapa tidak cari siapa yang buat dan pamer sepanduk-sepanduk yang dilihat menghina Sultan itu? Amboi, bukan main lembut dan mesra Ketua Polis Terengganu memberi nasihat," kata beliau.

Bernama melaporkan, Ketua Polis Terengganu Datuk Ayub Yaakob menasihati pihak-pihak yang terlibat dalam kemelut berhubung pelantikan Menteri Besar Terengganu agar tidak menghadiri atau terlibat dalam mana-mana perhimpunan haram.

Ayob terkenal berikutan tindakan polis menggunakan peluru hidup menembak rakyat yang dituduh menghadiri perhimpunan haram di Batu Buruk tahun lalu.

Kedegilan

Sambil menyifatkan apa yang berlaku itu adalah akibat kedegilan Abdullah untuk melantik Idris sebagai MB sehingga mengetepikan perubahan dan keamanan di Terengganu, Mahfuz meminta rakyat Terengganu membuat lebih banyak laporan polis ke atas Abdullah, Najib serta 23 wakil rakyat Barisan Nasional (BN) yang terlibat.

Malaysiakini melaporkan, petang tadi, Angkatan Muda KeADILan (AMK) membuat laporan terhadap PM, TPM serta 23 wakil rakyat Barisan Nasional (BN) yang didakwanya "bersikap biadap dan menderhaka" kepada Sultan Terengganu.

Laporan tersebut dibuat oleh Timbalan Ketua AMK pusat, Fariz Musa, di ibu pejabat polis daerah Kuala Terengganu jam 4.30 petang tadi.

"Lebih banyak laporan polis ke atas mereka perlu dibuat kerana apa yang berlaku itu mencabar kedaulatan undang-undang dan keluluhuran perlembagaan.

"Rakyat tidak boleh biarkan perbuatan itu, nanti Umno dan BN akan pijak lagi kedaulatan undang-undang dan keluluhuran perlembagaan. Selepas (dibuat laporan polis) itu, rakyat boleh tengok sendiri apa polis buat," katanya.

Kurang ajar

Sebuah akhbar harian hari ini melaporkan Ketua Umno Bahagian Cheras, Datuk Syed Ali Al- Habshee berkata, tindakan Umno Terengganu yang menentang secara terang-terangan pilihan Majlis Penasihat Pemangku Raja (MPPR) itu secara tidak langsung mencerminkan sikap biadap mereka yang tidak menghormati kedaulatan kesultanan Melayu.

"Kalau kita ada masalah kita kena duduk berbincang, sultan adalah kedaulatan orang Melayu, saya khuatir rakyat hilang kepercayaan.

"Bukan dengan cara macam ini (bantah), kurang ajar dengan Sultan," katanya.

"Kita marah apabila DAP memulaukan keputusan Istana Perak, malah, kita memaki-hamun DAP kerana menderhaka kepada Sultan tetapi di Terengganu keadaan terbalik pula, Umno Terengganu sanggup menentang Sultan yang juga merupakan Yang di-Pertuan Agong secara terbuka," katanya lagi.

Akhbar tersebut juga melaporkan, rakyat Terengganu mahu semua pihak menerima dan menghormati keputusan MPPR yang melantik Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Kijal, Datuk Ahmad Said, 51, sebagai Menteri Besar Terengganu yang baru.

Tinjauan akhbar itu di sekitar Kuala Terengganu mendapati, rakyat berpendapat, keputusan yang dibuat oleh MPPR perlu diterima bagi mengelak dituduh menderhaka kepada istana.

"Kita sebagai rakyat Terengganu perlu menerima keputusan yang dibuat oleh MPPR kerana jika tidak ikut, kita seperti menderhaka kepada sultan," akhbar itu memetik seorang peniaga buah, Zainal Abidin, sebagai berkata. (Gambar penunjuk perasaan membawa sepanduk yang tertulis "Kami nak Idris, natang" boleh dilihat di sini)

Raja of Perlis breaks silence, says some parties took advantage of MB impasse

2008-03-20T02:32:00.000+08:00

ARAU, 19 March - The Raja of Perlis today made the unprecedented gesture of speaking frankly about the recent crisis over the tussle for the mentri besar’s post. In breaking his silence, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail said the events leading to the appointment of the menteri besar should be regarded as a lesson for future events. The Perlis Ruler said the events which led to the appointment of Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu were “out of the ordinary.”

"In these past days, there was an unusual event which occurred in Perlis. It was a change in which the elected representatives and assemblymen did not give a vote of confidence for the previous menteri besar. This matter had confused the laymen. But for those who knew and understood the law, it was a simple matter."

"Now, that matter has become history. We cannot change the past. But I hope in the future, every government officer would hold closely and respect the constitution. If not, the country and state would be in chaos," he said after witnessing the swearing-in of seven state executive council members in Istana Arau. He was speaking off the cuff despite having a prepared text with him during the 11.30am ceremony.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin regretted that there were parties who took advantage of the supposed confusion over the matter. "There were some who had used certain parties, including the newspapers, for their own benefit,” he said. “The appointment was done according to Perlis' constitution, and was based on the constitutional monarchy principle.”

Md Isa was appointed on Monday. The ceremony was witnessed by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, former state secretary Datuk Ismail Othman and state legal advisor Abdul Rasid Sudin.

Nevertheless, the Raja of Perlis thanked former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and his previous Exco members for leading the state government during the past four years.

On the state's development, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin urged the people to continually better themselves and not rely on subsidies while urging for more development of job opportunities.

"I don't want Perlis to be known as only suitable for pensioners. Many migrate to bigger towns due to the absence of jobs here. I hope the new leadership would look into this."

The ruler urged all Exco members and the other assemblymen to focus on developing the state, advising them to fulfill their obligations as elected representatives of the people.

On development, the Raja of Perlis urged the new state leadership to set up a think tank for education and solving the people's problems.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin would also seek help from Universiti Sains Malaysia, of which he is the chancellor to develop the think tank.

The state government was also urged to utilise expertise from two universities- Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Universiti Teknologi Mara, Arau - to develop the think tank.

Khir Toyo offers to quit as state Umno liaison chief

2008-03-20T02:25:00.000+08:00

Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo is set to quit as Selangor Umno liaison chief, according to sources.

He made his offer to resign Wednesday and the matter will be discussed at a liaison committee meeting tonight, the sources said.

Selangor Barisan Nasional was handed a shocking defeat in the March 8 polls, with the Opposition taking 30 of 56 state seats it contested to form the state governmment. Dr Khir did however retain his Sungai Panjang state seat.

It was the first time since Independence that the Opposition had taken the country’s most developed state.

After the election, DAP lodged a police report against Dr Khir for allegedly signing a contract on behalf of the Selangor Government with Puncak Niaga Holdings a day before polling.

Pandamaran assemblyman Ronnie Liu claimed in the report that once the state government had been dissolved, Dr Khir was not allowed to sign any contract on behalf of the state government.

Recently-appointed Selangor MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the new state government would review the deal.

Razaleigh to challenge Abdullah for Umno presidency, cites need to 'heal' party

2008-03-20T02:17:00.000+08:00

MP for Gua Musang Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has made public his intent to challenge Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the presidency. He has offered himself to lead Umno to “heal the party”, which he described to be "in a bad way.”

While acknowledging that his advancing age might be used against him, the 71-year-old former Finance Minister, who held the Gua Musang parliamentary seat since 1969, expressed willingness to take up the challenge if he was given the opportunity.

Tengku Razaleigh, who challenged but lost to then Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the 1987 party elections, said he was “young” then and ever ready to challenge anyone with his ideas.

“I still have ideas, I am still brave because I am independent and I don’t depend on anyone. If my service is still needed and my strength can still be used, I am offering myself to work for the rakyat,” he told a press conference here today. “Even though I am old but I am still strong. If there are enough nominations for me to contest in the Umno election, I will give my service if I am needed.”

The Gua Musang Umno division chief, who described Umno’s defeat in the recent general election as the most painful and horrible moment in his political career, said he would call for a special meeting in his division tomorrow to discuss his proposal for the party to hold a special meeting to discuss the defeat.

Tengku Razaleigh had recently distributed letters to all Umno divisions and branch heads, urging them to utilise a section in the party’s constitution to call for a special Umno EGM on May 11, the party’s anniversary, to discuss the dismal polls performance.

He felt the meeting should be held before the annual general meeting in August to “avoid confusion.”

“I felt the general assembly has to deal with lots of issues, so let us have this special meeting to discuss the election results. I hope the other Umno divisions will consider this. This can be done according to the party’s constitution and it is an abnormal thing. We need to discuss this defeat. Haven’t the Umno members realise we’ve lost five states? Are they still sleeping?”

On the desire of the five opposition-led state government’s desire to do away the National Economic Policy, Tengku Razaleigh said the topic was questioned because some quarters tasked with implementing the policy had “abused their powers to the point of raising ire of both commoners and Umno members.”

“The discrimination should not have happened as the NEP was a trust for the rakyat,” he said. “The policy is not meant solely for a group of people but the rakyat should view its overall objective which is to bring unity to the country. I support the policy in principle but I feel that it should be continued to remain as it was formulated back then.”

Raja Nazrin dikurnia putera

2008-03-15T11:29:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR - Pemangku Raja Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah dan Raja Puan Besar, Tuanku Zara Salim semalam telah dikurniakan seorang putera.

Menurut Setiausaha Sulit Sultan Perak, Kolonel Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamad Nor, putera kepada pasangan diraja itu dilahirkan di Hospital Pakar Damansara di sini pukul 10 pagi semalam. "Tuanku Zara dan putera- nya itu berada dalam keadaan sihat walafiat," kata Abdul Rahim.

Sementara itu, tinjauan di hospital berkenaan pada sebelah petang mendapati, sanak-saudara dan kenalan pasangan diraja itu tidak putus-putus menyampaikan ucapan tahniah.

Difahamkan, tiada sebarang pelawat dibenarkan melawat baginda dan laluan di sepanjang tingkat tiga di hospital berkenaan dikawal.

Pihak media pula hanya dibenarkan berkumpul di pekarangan lobi saja.

Tepat pukul 2 petang, Raja Nazrin Shah dan ayahandanya, Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah dan Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun serta kaum kerabat lain muncul di pekarangan lobi hospital sambil diiringi oleh Pengarah Perubatan hospital itu, Datuk Dr. Azizi Omar dan Pakar Neonatologi, Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin.

Sebelum beredar, Raja Nazrin Shah yang kelihatan ceria dilihat sempat bersalam-salaman dengan Musa sebagai tanda ucapan terima kasih.

Raja Nazrin orders 31 coalition signatures agreeing to cooperate, Nizar as MB

2008-03-13T18:21:00.000+08:00

IPOH: The Regent of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah, dismayed at the squabbling over the formation of the DAP-PKR-Pas coalition state government, has postponed the swearing-in of Pas’ Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as Perak Mentri Besar until the three parties get their act together.

In a meeting with Nizar and the other two MB nominees, Ngeh Koo Ham of the DAP and PKR’s Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi at Istana Kinta in Ipoh, Raja Nazrin instructed them to collect the signatures of all 31 assemblymen under the coalition to state that they:

* agree to work together and cooperate under the coalition government; and,

* also agree to Nizar as the collective choice as Mentri Besar.

The meeting at Istana Kinta unfolded at 2.30pm while VIPs were arriving as the swearing-in at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. By 4.45pm, after Raja Nazrin issued his instruction, all guests left Istana Iskandariah after receiving word that the swearing-in was definitely postponed till tomorrow.

Although Nizar’s appointment provoked a disapproving outburst from DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang yesterday, the palace insisted that Nizar was the apt choice, given that the coalition had given their three names for the Sultan of Perak to make the selection. Lim had earlier instructed all the 18 DAP state assemblymen in Perak to stay away from the ceremony as he did not agree to the selection of the PAS representative as the Menteri Besar. Lim later apologised and retracted his statement.

Haggling on who should be in the Exco compelled more negotiations into late afternoon. In a statement revealing Raja Nazrin’s instruction, Ngeh denied that the postponement was due to the PKR's threat to pull out of the coalition because they didn't get their Exco seat allocation.

Later, the postponement was announced by Comptroller of the Royal Household at the Istana Iskandariah, Datuk Seri Raja Mansor Raja Razman.

Meanwhile, Istana Kinta said in a statement to Bernama that the postponement was in view of the latest development that showed that the DAP, PKR and PAS had not reached a strong consensus in forming the coalition government. The statement, signed by the Private Secretary to the Sultan of Perak, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamad Nor, said Raja Dr Nazrin Shah had ordered that the swearing-in ceremony be postponed.

“In the light of recent developments, it appears to his Royal Highness The Regent of Perak Darul Ridzwan, that there are some uncertainties as to whether the three parties, DAP, PKR, PAS are able to work together to form a coalition, and form a stable government. As a consequence, His Royal Highness The Regent of Perak Darul Ridzwan has directed that the appointment and swearing in ceremony of the Menteri Besar scheduled for this afternoon be postponed.” However, the statement did not indicate when the ceremony would be held.

Here is the blow-by-blow account on the drama as it unfolded today:

11.42am: The DAP apologises for its statement yesterday that the party’s CEC protested the appointment of Perak Pas secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Menteri Besar

2.16pm: Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham announces that representatives from all political parties in the Perak coalition government will attend Nizar’s swearing-in

2.30pm: Nizar, Ngeh and Jamaluddin in a meeting with Perak Regent Raja Nazrin Shah, presumably about the confusion on who should have been Mentri Besar and also the line-up for the State Exco

2.45pm: PKR issues a statement saying it won't take part in the administration if the Exco composition is not reconsidered though it accepts the decision to appoint Nizar as Mentri Besar

3:05pm: Ngeh clarifies in a statement the confusion behind the appointment of the new Perak Menteri Besar but gave the assurance that the new coalition state government would stay united and agree to a collective leadership.

3.30pm: The Raja di-Hilir arrives at the Istana Iskandariah. Police have cordoned the area. No one is allowed into the compound. Only Bernama and RTM is permitted to cover the swearing in while other members of the media have to sweat it out outside the palace while waiting for developments. A crowd of 100 has gathered at the roundabout outside the Istana Iskandariah

3.45pm: Former Mentri Besar Datuk Tajol Rosli arrives at Istana Iskandariah in a Toyota Fortunner

3.55pm: Nizar, Ngeh and Jamaluddin leave Istana Kinta but refuse to speak to the media. It is assumed that they are going to Istana Iskandariah

4:15pm: The media has got word that the swearing-in may be postponed till tomorrow but no official confirmation has been given.

4.45pm: The swearing-in has been definitely postponed till tomorrow due to haggling over the Exco line-up. DAP, PKR and Pas cannot agree on the composition after DAP, after conceding the MB's post to Pas, is now demanding a lion's share of the Exco seats. Both DAP and PKR state leaders have retreated to their respective headquarters in Ipoh to deliberate on the issue.

4.55pm: Ngeh issues statement that Raja Nazri has instructed the coalition to collect the signatures of all 31 DAP-PKR-Pas assemblymen agreeing to work together under a coalition government and that Nizar is the collective choice as Mentri Besar. Ngeh also denies that postponement is due to PKR's threat to pull out of the coalition because they didn't get their Exco seat allocation

5.10pm: Tajol Rosli and Raja di-Hilir and their wives leave Istana Iskandariah. The media also calls it a day.

Suggestion: New TV Station for Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Perak & Selangor???

2008-03-13T15:42:00.001+08:00

It's obvious that the 'new government' of the said 5 States needs to start an effort to setup a new TV Station, and take over/restructure the current state radio station, in order to convey the right & perfect information to all of Malaysians, at least the 'rakyat' the said 5 States.

Apology to Perak Sultan and Regent - No offence intended

2008-03-13T15:12:00.001+08:00

Sources: http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/03/13/apology-to-perak-sultan-and-regent-no-offence-intended/#comments
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 13th, 2008 at 10: 13.56 and is filed under DAP

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My three-paragraph statement at 7 pm last night that the DAP Central Executive Committee emergency meeting on 9th March had not given approval for a PAS Mentri Besar to head a Perak coalition state government was not made out of disrespect to the Perak Sultan and Regent both whom I have always held in the highest regard and I apologise for any offence caused. The statement was on the party position at the time.

There have been further discussions and developments on the matter in the hours after the statement. Announcements of the latest position will be made.

No DAP CEC mandate for PAS Menteri Besar in Perak

2008-03-13T02:22:00.001+08:00

Sources: http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/03/12/no-dap-cec-mandate-for-pas-menteri-besar-in-perak/#comments
was posted on Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

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The decision to appoint a PAS Assemblyman Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak Mentri Besar has caused shock and consternation to DAP leaders, members and supporters.

The DAP Central Executive Committee, at its emergency meeting in Penang on Sunday, 9th March 2008, had given approval for the formation of a Perak coalition government comprising 18 DAP Assembly members, seven PKR Assemblymen and six PAS Assemblymen.

DAP is prepared to accept DAP chairman and Assemblyman for Sitiawan Ngeh Koo Ham or PKR Behrang Assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi as Perak Mentri Besar.

As the appointment of PAS Assemblyman for Pasir Panjang Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak Mentri Besar representing the third and smallest political party in the proposed coalition has not received the mandate of the CEC, DAP Perak Assemblymen will stay away from the swearing-in ceremony for Perak Mentri Besar scheduled tomorrow (13th March 2008).

Pas' Nizar is new Perak MB, historic two deputy MBs post created

2008-03-13T02:18:00.000+08:00

Perak Pas secretary and Pasir Panjang assemblyman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin will take his oath before Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah tomorrow as the new Mentri Besar. For the first time in Perak’s history, the posts of deputy Menteri Besar I and II were created, allowing for a balanced representation of all the three major races.

Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham, who is Sitiawan also assemblyman and Beruas MP, will be appointed as deputy Mentri Besar 1. It is believed that a Parti Keadilan Rakyat state assemblyman will be appointed as deputy Menteri Besar 11 and represent the Indian community. PKR has seven state assemblyman with Hutan Melintang assemblyman S. Kesavan being the only Indian who defeated National MIC Women deputy chief S. Thangasvari.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Istana Iskandariah In Kuala Kangsar at 4pm, 13th March 2008.

Speaking to reporters at Istana Kinta here today, Mohammad Nizar pledged that the coalition government's commitment in serving the people and called upon supporters to accept the appointment wholeheartedly.

"The Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah has expressed his wish for a smooth transition of power and we hope the rakyat will ignore baseless rumours and allegations going around,” he said. "We will do our best in the interests of the people and hope to perform better than the previous government.”

Meanwhile, Ngeh said the name of the second deputy Menteri Besar would be announced after the swearing-in ceremony. "We will hold a meeting on this matter tonight and also decide on the possible Exco line-up," he said.

The three-party coalition, on Tuesday, had submitted the names of three candidates -- one each from DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Pas -- to Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak for consideration for appointment as Mentri besar.

Apart from Mohammad Nizar and Ngeh, state PKR treasurer and Behrang assemblyman Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi was also included in the list. In the March 8 general election, DAP secured the highest number of state seats with 18, followed by PKR with seven and Pas with six in the 59-seat state assembly.

BN leaders express support for Abdullah to continue to lead Government

2008-03-10T04:24:00.000+08:00

A long line of leaders from Barisan Nasional component parties, including Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, called on Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to express their support for him to continue leading the government.

Component party chiefs including MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu also called on Abdullah to express their continued support as the coalition chief.

Among Umno leaders who called on Abdullah were Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Wanita chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Puteri head Datuk Noraini Ahmad, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, FT Umno chief Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Abdullah will be having an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 6pm to inform the king that Barisan Nasional had won the general elections and that he was ready to form the gov ernment.

He is expected to be sworn in at 10am, 10th March '08.

Barisan Nasional wins federal government but opposition takes five states

2008-03-09T13:20:00.001+08:00

The Barisan Nasional will form the next Government as it has won more than half the parliamentary seats.

However, the coalition suffered some of the greatest defeats in its history. Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in accepting the results, said this was clear proof of democracy at work in the country.

Among the results yesterday were:

The Barisan lost Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor,
PAS strengthened grip on Kelantan,
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting won in their seats,
Among ministers who lost their seats were Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin,
Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon lost to Dr P. Ramasamy in the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat.

Meanwhile, party leaders urged for calm and police have banned all victory celebrations.

Batal guna dakwat, SPR permainkan rakyat

2008-03-05T09:10:00.001+08:00

Tindakan Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) membatalkan penggunaan tanda dakwat kekal di kuku atau jari tangan pengundi pada pilihan raya umum ke-12 ini menunjukkan suruhanjaya ini tidak berwibawa dan mempermainkan rakyat.

Ahli Jawatankuasa Bersih, Mohamad Sabu menegaskan ekoran tindakan SPR itu,sudah tiba masanya Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Rashid Abdul Rahman meletak jawatan.

"Agenda yang dibawa SPR bukan lagi sebagai sebuah badan bebas dan bukan lagi bertaraf suruhanjaya. Jika beberapa hari sebelum penamaan calon, kita dikejutkan dengan setem duti diwajibkan bagi setiap borang pencalonan, tetapi pada hari pencalonan, diumumkan setem duti tersebut tidak diwajibkan.

"Dan hari ini timbul pula penggunaan tanda dakwat tidak akan dilaksanakan. Jika tiada undang-undang mengenai penggunaan ini, SPR mesti membawa perkara ini untuk pindaan undang-undang di Parlimen,"katanya sewaktu dihubungi Harakhdaily malam tadi.

Mohamad yang juga Naib Presiden PAS turut mempersoalkan, jika selama ini kerajaan boleh pinda perlembagaan untuk lanjutkan tempoh Pengerusi SPR, undang-undang bagi penggunaan dakwat kekal ini juga seharusnya dapat dilaksanakan.

Sementara itu, Setiausaha Jabatan Pilihan Raya PAS Pusat, Wan Nik Yusuff berkata, PAS sudah menjangkakan daripada awal, kerajaan tidak akan bersetuju dengan pandangan pembangkang berhubung dengan penggunaan tanda dakwat kekal ini.

Katanya untuk meredakan 'mood ' pihak pembangkang, SPR mengambil langkah awal kononnya bersetuju untuk melaksanakan penggunaan dakwat kekal.

Katanya SPR juga membuat keputusan tersebut tanpa merujuk keputusan kerajaan, yang mana sebarang peraturan mengikut tatacara pengundian mesti mendapat kelulusan kabinet.

"Apabila SPR membuat maklum balas bagi hak pembangkang, PAS sudah menjangkakan daripada awal, tidak mudah bagi BN untuk menerima. Sebelum ini, pelbagai alasan yang diberikan bahawa perkara ini sukar dilaksanakn termasuk dari segi syarak.

"Ini kerana, di sebalik pelaksanaan dakwat kekal ini akan mematikan beberapa strategi kotor BN,"katanya.

Tambahan pula katanya, buku Peraturan Pilihan raya yang diedarkan untuk persiapan Pilihan Raya Umum ke-12 ini, tidak terdapat apa-apa pindaan pada Seksyen 19. Melalui peraturan tersebut, mengesahkan SPR tidak akan berusaha untuk meminda atau memasukkan penggunaan dakwat celup jari atau titik dakwat di kuku.

Katanya, menurut SPR sekiranya penggunaan dakwat celup jari atau titik dakwat di kuku ini dilaksanakan, bermakna tatacara pengundian akan bermula dengan pengesahan kad pengenalan dan nama pemilih dalam buku daftar oleh kerani pertama. Seterusnya kerani kedua akan menjalankan titik dakwat pada jari. Langkah seterusnya kerani ketiga akan memberi kertas undi dan menindik kertas undi untuk dipangkah. Akhir sekali pengundi akan memasukkan kertas undi ke dalam tong disediakan.

Bagaimanapun katanya, prosedur ini tidak terdapat dalam Seksyen 19 Peraturan Pilihan raya. Jika penggunaan dakwat celup jari atau titik dakwat di kuku ingin dilaksanakan, Seksyen 19 ini harus jelas.

Dalam pada itu jelas Wan Nik, pihaknya juga telah 'tercium bau' melalui pihak tertentu yang melaporkan terdapat beberapa 'broker tertentu' yang dilantik oleh pihak Umno untuk mengundi lebih daripada sekali.

"Langkah paling selamat untuk mereka mengundi lebih daripada sekali ialah tiada apa-apa tanda dakwat pada jari pengundi. Atas hujah Umno ghairah ingin menawan Kelantan, perjalanan pilihan raya ini dikawal melalui dakwat,"katanya.

Katanya lagi, sungguh pun penggunaan tanda dakwat kekal di kuku atau jari tangan pengundi tidak dilaksanakan, PAS bersedia menghadapi segala kemungkinan yang berlaku.

Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman ketika mengumumkan perkara itu menyatakan keputusan itu dibuat pada mesyuarat berasaskan nasihat dari segi perundangan serta aspek ketenteraman dan keselamatan awam.

Alasan yang diberikan SPR penggunaan dakwat kekal itu perlu dibatalkan kerana hasil daripada siasatan terhadap laporan yang dibuat kepada pihak polis, yang mengesahkan terdapat pihak-pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab telah membeli dakwat dari luar negara bagi menjalankan aktiviti memujuk dan menyogok orang yang kurang faham mengenai penggunaan dakwat itu untuk dicalit sebelum hari mengundi.

Sebelum ini, pada 13 Ogos 2007 SPR telah memutuskan akan menggunakan tanda dakwat di kuku atau jari tangan pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Abdul Rashid sewaktu pengumuman tersebut menyatakan SPR membuat keputusan untuk menggunakan dakwat khas dari India , yang sukar dipadamkan untuk beberapa hari, adalah selaras dengan kenyataan Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan yang membenarkan penggunaannya yang tidak melanggar hukum syarak. Penggunaan tanda dakwat kekal merupakan salah satu daripada tuntutan Gabungan Pilihan Bersih dan Adil (Bersih) untuk menghalang pengundian berganda.

SPR batal tanda dakwat

2008-03-05T09:04:00.002+08:00

Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) membatalkan penggunaan dakwat khas bagi menanda kuku atau jari pengundi pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 Sabtu ini atas faktor perundangan, ketenteraman dan keselamatan awam.

Keputusan itu dibuat selepas SPR menerima laporan daripada Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) berhubung empat individu yang dikatakan sudah membeli dakwat khas dari luar negara untuk dicalit pada kuku pengundi sebelum hari pengundian.

Empat kes berasingan itu dilaporkan antara 16 hingga 21 Februari lalu, iaitu dua kes di Perlis serta masing-masing satu kes di Kedah dan Kelantan. Kes yang diklasifikasikan sebagai cubaan menipu oleh empat lelaki berusia antara 33 tahun hingga 40-an itu sedang disiasat polis.

Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, berkata SPR memandang serius beberapa masalah undang-undang, ketenteraman dan keselamatan awam yang dikenal pasti boleh berlaku jika cadangan menggunakan dakwat khas dilaksanakan.

"Proses pengundian serta ketenteraman dan keselamatan awam tidak boleh sekali-kali dikompromi. SPR amat dukacita atas keputusan yang dibuat ini.

"Namun begitu, demi menunaikan kewajipan dan tanggungjawabnya dalam menjamin kelancaran proses pengundian, dan demi ketenteraman dan keselamatan awam, SPR perlu mengambil keputusan tegas dan muktamad ini," katanya pada sidang media di Pusat Media SPR di sini, semalam.

Turut hadir, Peguam Negara, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail dan Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

Musa berkata, siasatan awal polis mendapati pihak yang terbabit cuba menimbulkan kekeliruan ketika pilihan raya ini dan disebabkan itu polis menghantar laporan kepada (SPR) bagi mereka menimbangkan penggunaannya, Sabtu ini.

"Kami mengklasifikasikan kes ini sebagai cubaan menipu dan Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Perdagangan sedang menyiasat," katanya.

SPR sebelum ini mengumumkan cadangan menggunakan dakwat khas dari India itu untuk menanda kuku atau jari pengundi bagi mengelak penipuan pada pilihan raya umum. Tanda dakwat itu bagaimanapun tidak terpakai bagi pengundi pos yang perlu membuat pelbagai pengisytiharan bagi menentukan kesahihannya.

Tanda dakwat berwarna hitam yang membabitkan kos kurang RM1 juta itu bertujuan memuaskan hati semua pihak berikutan pelbagai desakan oleh parti politik selepas pilihan raya umum 2004, supaya SPR menyekat perbuatan yang dianggap sebagai penipuan dalam proses pengundian.

Abdul Rashid berkata, kegiatan itu (mengecat kuku) dikesan berlaku terutama di kawasan luar bandar dan pedalaman bagi menimbulkan kekeliruan dan syak wasangka mengenai status pengundi berkenaan.

"Mereka ini mungkin dianggap sebagai telah mengundi apabila datang pada hari pengundian. Selain itu, kemungkinan ada pengundi yang terpedaya itu tidak keluar mengundi kerana takut dianggap telah melakukan kesalahan.

"Jika pengundi itu hadir mengundi, sudah tentu akan timbul keraguan di kalangan ejen calon dan petugas SPR mengenai status mereka. Ini boleh menyebabkan tercetusnya kekecohan di tempat mengundi yang mungkin sukar dikawal jika berlaku secara berleluasa," katanya.

Beliau berkata, pembatalan itu juga disebabkan peruntukan undang-undang perlu digubal bagi mengadakan peruntukan yang membenarkan pengundi yang kukunya dicalit dan pengundi yang enggan berbuat demikian, diberikan kertas undi.

Jika tanda dakwat itu hendak diperkenalkan, ia tidak boleh menjejaskan hak pengundi untuk mengundi selaras Perkara 119 Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang bermakna hak pemilih berdaftar tidak boleh dinafikan kecuali jika pemilih berdaftar itu hilang kelayakan untuk mengundi mengikut undang-undang.

"Peruntukan undang-undang yang perlu digubal didapati tidak akan mencapai maksud asal SPR memperkenalkan penggunaan tanda dakwat itu. Berdasarkan cadangan asalnya, seseorang yang kukunya telah dicalit dengan dakwat tidak boleh diberi kertas undi.

"Dari sudut praktiknya, jika SPR masih perlu memberikan kertas undi kepada pengundi sedemikian, kaedah tersebut tidak akan membawa makna atau memberi kesan positif, malah berpotensi besar menimbulkan perselisihan faham serta pertengkaran dan pergaduhan di tempat mengundi," katanya.

Siri Iklan Pilihanraya: Ubah Gaya Hidup

2008-03-04T12:54:00.003+08:00

Siri Iklan Pilihanraya: RomPAKLAH

2008-03-04T12:53:00.002+08:00

Siri Iklan Pilihanraya: Setem YB

2008-03-04T12:52:00.002+08:00

Siri Iklan Pilihanraya: YB vs Blogger

2008-03-04T12:48:00.003+08:00

Presiden PAS diarak lima ribu penyokong

2008-02-25T08:58:00.003+08:00

MARANG, 24 Feb - Presiden PAS, Dato' Seri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang ditentang oleh Setiausaha Politik Menteri Besar Terengganu, Dato' Dr Ahmad Ramzi Mohamad Zubir bagi kerusi Parlimen Marang.

Di kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri Rhu Rendang, beliau ditentang oleh Ketua Pemuda Umno Bahagian Marang, Razali Idris.

Pengumuman dibuat oleh Pegawai Pengurus Pilihan Raya di Pejabat Daerah Marang sebentar tadi.

Bagi kerusi Dun Alur Limbat, Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Pilihan Raya PAS Pusat, Dato' Mustafa Ali, yang juga Pesuruhjaya PAS Terengganu, ditentang Alias Abdullah.

Di Bukit Payung, Naib Ketua Dewan Pemuda PAS Terengganu, Ustaz Mohd Nor Hamzah ditentang calon BN oleh Zaidi Muda.

Manakala AJK PAS Kawasan Marang, Mohd Draman menjadi calon PAS di Dun Pengkalan Berangan ditentang oleh Yahya Khatib Mohamad.

Pengundian akan diadakan 8 Mac depan.

Sebelum itu, rombongan calon PAS diarak kira-kira 5 ribu penyokong yang berhimpun sejak 7.30 pagi di Markas Besar MTD Rhu Rendang di Kampung Kijing dekat sini.

Calon-calon BN diiringi sekitar 500 orang penyokong sahaja. Parlimen Marang mempunyai 74,813 pengundi.

Pada PRU ke-11 tahun 2004, Ustaz Hadi yang menjadi Ahli Parlimen Marang sejak tahun 1990, tewas kepada Dato' Abdul Rahman Bakar dengan hanya 163 undi sahaja.

Kali ini, Rahman yang juga Ketua Umno Bahagian Marang diketepikan oleh Pengerusi Perhubungan Umno negeri Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh.

Turut diketepikan dari senarai calon BN adalah Ketua Umno Bahagian Kuala Terenganu, Dato' Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, Dato' Tengku Putera Tengku Awang (Hulu Terengganu) dan Dato' Rosli Mat Hassan (Dungun).

Rahman ketika ditemui wartawan di pusat penamaan calon mengakui bahawa Umno bahagian itu berada dalam kucar-kacir kerana beliau diketepikan sebagai calon BN.

Bagaimanapun beliau menafikan berlakunya perpecahan dalam bahagian.

Rahman mengakui sehingga kini ramai ahli dan penyokong Umno memprotes tindakan Idris mengetepikan beliau.

Menurutnya bantahan berlaku bukan sahaja di Marang tetapi di seluruh negeri.

Katanya, beliau akan cuba memujuk para penyokongnya untuk menghentikan bantahan kerana bimbang ianya menjejaskan peluang calon BN di Marang.

Apa yang dibimbangkan katanya, ahli-ahli dan penyokong Umno seluruh negeri membuat 'silent protes' terhadap calon-calon BN.

Beliau bagaimanapun berkata, walaupun proses memujuk ahli untuk tidak menentang keputusan menggugurkannya amat perlahan, namun yakin ianya akan dapat di atasi.

Sehingga kini difahamkan penyokong-penyokong melemparkan pelbagai kecaman terhadap Idris yang didakwa membohongi Presiden Umno, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sehingga mengetepikan Rahman.

Azalina and Ghapur win for Barisan without contest again

2008-02-25T08:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional made a good start in the general election, taking seven parliamentary seats and two state seats uncontested on nomination day.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said retained her Pengerang seat uncontested for the second time, as did former Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh in Kalabakan.

PAS won a state seat without a fight when Wan Ubaidah Omar took Kijang in Kelantan after Barisan candidate Mustopha Ahmed was disqualified because he was an undischarged bankrupt.

In 2004, Barisan had a better start when it won 21 seats uncontested.

With the nomination process completed, the scramble for the 10.9 million Malaysian votes began almost immediately.

Many of the candidates went on a walkabout in their constituencies to meet voters and introduce themselves after their nominations were accepted. By evening, many had begun holding ceramah to woo their electorates.

A total of 1,109 nominations for 505 state seats and 479 for 222 parliamentary seats were accepted by the Election Commission.

In the last Parliament, which was dissolved on Feb 13, Barisan controlled 198 of the 219 seats, DAP had 12, PAS seven, PKR one and Independent one.

MCA No 2 may announce his decision on contest today

2008-02-21T09:52:00.002+08:00

With the MCA scheduled to announce its list of candidates tomorrow, speculation is rife that MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy is still unsure whether he would contest in the general election.

It is learnt that the Transport Minister is seriously considering withdrawing from the race for health reasons and that he had already conveyed his plans to party leaders.

Until 1.30 this morning, the Pahang politician was still huddled with his aides and supporters to talk about his plan but it is understood that he may announce his decision today.

He spent the late afternoon meeting with party members and attended a dinner at the Rasah New Village in Seremban but left no indication on the talk about his political future.

Chinese dailies reported on the front pages of their evening editions yesterday that Chan, who is the incumbent MP for Selayang, would withdraw from the polls on medical grounds.

Chan and party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting could not be reached for response to the speculation by the vernacular press.

Party sources said Chan had already conveyed his decision to the party leadership, adding that Chan had been told that “it is up to him to decide”.

They added that there was no need for Chan to rush to make a decision as the nominations would only be on Sunday and that “anything could happen between now and Sunday”.

A close friend of the former Universiti Pertanian Malaysia lecturer said Chan had talked about his wish to step down “for the past few months” but he had persuaded him to continue.

On Aug 29 last year, his press secretary Ng Kok Wai said in a statement that Chan had gone on a two-week leave due to health reasons.

The statement said he needed to go abroad for a medical check-up and consultation and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had approved the leave.

On Sept 12, he reported for work after the medical check-up in Australia, quashing rumours that he had resigned.

Chan said he managed to spend more time with his family while in Australia but declined to disclose details of his medical condition, saying it was “personal”.

Chan, 53, has been an MP for four terms. He was first elected as the Tanah Rata state assemblyman in 1986 and has served in various party capacities including MCA Youth chief and vice-president.

The Bentong-born Chan entered the political foray when he joined MCA at the age of 25. After a five-year stint as a university lecturer, Chan became political secretary to the late health minister and MCA vice-president Tan Sri Chan Siang Sun in 1986 and moved up the ladder until he became the present MCA deputy president.

BN Strategy for Election 2008

2008-02-21T09:47:00.002+08:00

Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman is staying put as menteri besar of Johor.Controversial Jasin MP Mohd Said Yusof, sometimes referred to as the “close-one eye” MP, was dropped.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who is staying on, dropped five out of eight MPs.The MIC dropped only two out of its nine MPs — vice-presidents Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar and Datuk S. Veerasingam — but changed 13 out of 19 of its state assemblymen after intense criticism that it had not done enough for the community.

Sweeping changes were also made in the line-up for state seats in Malacca: 50 per cent are new faces.In Kelantan, a fresh team led by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Awang Hussin will lead the charge to wrest the state from Pas after 18 years.

Awang Adek will be assisted by Datuk Alwi Che Ahmad. Both will only contest state seats.In a surprising move, PNB chief executive officer Tan Sri Hamad Kamal Piah is expected to contest the Pasir Putih parliamentary seat.

These are among the more significant changes appearing after the candidates’ list started trickling out yesterday. Over the next 48 hours, it will be known whether there are other major changes at federal level.Indications are that at state level, only Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon will be moving to federal level.

There is speculation that Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim may retire; but, senior Barisan Nasional officials think that major changes are more likely at federal level.

So far, three cabinet members are confirmed to be re-contesting — Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Abdullah Zin and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Fong Chan Onn. None has been dropped so far.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali, the subject of much speculation, is also staying put.Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam will be defending his state seat of Bukit Baru.

Conspicuously missing from the list was controversial Jasin MP Mohd Said Yusof. Former Serkam assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Hamzah will contest in his place.The MIC, under pressure from Indians over economic and welfare issues affecting the community, made a sweeping change in its list for state assembly seats: bringing in 13 new faces and retaining just six incumbents.

Those seeking re-election include Samy Vellu, its long-serving president who will defend the Sungai Siput seat for a ninth term.Till late yesterday, menteris besar and BN component party chiefs were still meeting Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to finalise their lists.

Regardless, it is still the position of the menteris besar that is drawing much talk — made more interesting by news that Awang Adek and the tough-talking Alwi are to be moved from federal to state seats in Kelantan.

This has strengthened the belief that BN is making a concerted attempt to recapture Kelantan, which it lost to Pas in 1990.

It is understood that its strategy includes fielding state Umno chief Datuk Anuar Musa and Hamad Kama for parliament seats.In Johor, the position of Ghani became clearer yesterday when senior BN sources said he would again contest the Serom state seat, which he is expected to win easily.

It is understood that Ghani, a menteri besar for three terms, was told about the matter at a meeting on Johor BN candidates with Abdullah in Putrajaya.

The decision ended weeks of speculation about his position as menteri besar and whether he would be moved to a federal seat.

It is understood that Ghani would be retained as he has laid a strong foundation for the Iskandar Development Region — a cornerstone project by the federal government to create a new economic zone that would provide business and employment opportunities for the population — and the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) in Mersing.

Given that both these corridors are in their infancy and there is a need for continuity, the federal leadership felt that Ghani’s service was still needed to encourage the inflow of foreign investments.In the 2004 general election, Ghani was supposed to switch to a parliamentary seat.

But, after announcing this to his supporters and colleagues, Ghani was asked to defend his state seat as the sultan had called Abdullah and asked that Ghani be retained for another term.

He went on to defeat Pas’ Abu Bakar Tambi by a majority of 8,081 votes.As for Tajol Rosli, the message came from the man himself when he told his constituents, at two functions in Pengkalan Hulu yesterday, that he would be contesting the Pengkalan Hulu state seat, albeit for the last time.

Talk of his relinquishing his post began after the 2004 general election, when he voiced his intention to step down after having served two terms.

Tiga menteri besar sah pertahan kerusi

2008-02-21T09:39:00.002+08:00

Sekurang-kurangnya empat Ketua Perhubungan Umno negeri - Johor, Perak, Terengganu dan Melaka, sudah mendapat pengesahan akan dikekalkan sebagai Menteri Besar dan Ketua Menteri.

Mereka - Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh dan Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, dikatakan dimaklumkan mengenai perkara itu dalam pertemuan berasingan dengan Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi di Putrajaya.

Mohd Tajol Rosli, Idris dan Mohd Ali menemui Perdana Menteri kelmarin, manakala Abdul Ghani semalam, untuk memuktamadkan senarai calon Barisan Nasional (BN) negeri masing-masing bagi Pilihan Rraya Umum Ke-12, 8 Mac ini.

Berdasarkan senarai calon BN Melaka dan Terengganu yang diumumkan semalam, Mohd Ali akan mempertahankan kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Bukit Baru, manakala Idris di DUN Jertih.

Bagaimanapun BN Terengganu menggugurkan lima Ahli Parlimen termasuk Timbalan Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar (Marang) serta tujuh Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) termasuk dua Ahli Exco, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Awang (Bukit Payong) dan Wan Mohd Wan Hassan (Kota Putera).

BN Melaka pula menggugurkan 11 wakil rakyat termasuk Setiausaha Parlimen Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Dr Mohd Ruddin Abd Ghani (Parlimen Bukit Katil) dan Ahli Parlimen Jasin, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof.

Empat Exco Melaka turut digugurkan. Mereka ialah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pertanian dan Pembangunan Desa yang juga Ketua Umno Bahagian Alor Gajah, Datuk Wira Hamdin Abdollah; Pengerusi Belia dan Sukan yang juga Pengerusi MIC negeri, Datuk R Raghavan; Pengerusi Hal Ehwal Wanita, Kebajikan dan Perpaduan yang juga Ketua Wanita Umno Jasin, Datuk Ramlah Abas dan Pengerusi Penerangan, Multimedia, Sains dan Teknologi, Datuk Seah Kwi Tong.

MIC turut mengumumkan senarai calonnya semalam dengan Menteri Kerjaraya, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu kekal bertanding di Parlimen Sungai Siput untuk penggal kesembilan. Senarai calon BN Perak pula dijangka diumumkan hari ini atau esok, tetapi Mohd Tajol Rosli semalam mengumumkan beliau kekal bertanding di DUN Pengkalan Hulu.

Sementara itu, Abdul Ghani dijangka mengumumkan senarai calon BN Johor pada Sabtu ini. Sebelum ini, tersebar spekulasi kemungkinan Abdul Ghani akan bertanding di kerusi Parlimen dan Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin disebut-sebut menggantikannya sebagai Menteri Besar.

Sumber bagaimanapun berkata, khidmat Abdul Ghani masih diperlukan bagi memantau dan merealisasikan koridor Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (WPI).

Abdul Ghani adalah Pengerusi bersama Pihak Berkuasa WPI (Irda), selain Abdullah sendiri. Khamis lalu, Perdana Menteri menghadap Sultan Johor di Istana Bukit Serene, dipercayai bagi membincangkan kedudukan Menteri Besar itu.

Menurut sumber itu, Mohamed Khaled sudah diberitahu mengenai keputusan mengekalkan Abdul Ghani sebagai Menteri Besar dan Ahli Parlimen Pasir Gudang itu dijangka mempertahankan kerusi berkenaan pada pilihan raya umum bulan depan.

Selain empat negeri itu, Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, pula disebut-sebut akan dilantik sebagai Menteri Besar Kelantan sekiranya BN merampas semula negeri berkenaan.

Malah, Dr Awang Adek yang juga Timbalan Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan Umno Kelantan, kini mengetuai jentera pilihan raya di Kelantan dan dibantu Ketua Penerangan Umno negeri, Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad.

Difahamkan, Dr Awang Adek akan bertanding kerusi DUN di Bachok, selain mempertahankan Parlimen Bachok yang dimenanginya pada 2004. Pengerusi Perhubungan Umno Kelantan, Datuk Seri Annuar Musa pula, jika bertanding, akan berpindah ke kerusi Parlimen.

BN juga dikatakan akan mencalonkan tokoh korporat yang juga Presiden dan Ketua Eksekutif Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman, untuk bertanding di kerusi Parlimen Pasir Putih. Senarai akhir calon BN Kelantan dimuktamadkan Perdana Menteri pagi semalam dan akan diumumkan Annuar, hari ini.

Abdullah condemns illegal Hindraf rally

2008-02-17T10:15:00.002+08:00

YAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi condemned the action of the Hindu Rights Action Force in organising an illegal assembly in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, saying it was an attempt to raise fear in the people and disrupt the general election.

He said the group did not respect the process of democracy because by creating trouble they would scare off the people from coming out to vote.

"The business community, too, would be affected and, like the majority of people, does not support such behaviour because this is not the Malaysian way," he said after launching a project to upgrade a road under the Northern Corridor Economic Region here.

"The country has prospered not because of demands made through illegal demonstrations."Everything we do is for the people and we meet their needs and this is what they want.

"This is also the way we have been developing the country and this is what is meant by stability for the growth of the people and nation."

Abdullah is on a one-day visit to Kedah, the first state he is visiting after the dissolution of parliament on Wednesday to pave the way for the general election on March 8.

In yesterday's incident, police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse several hundred Hindraf supporters who gathered in the city centre.

About 160 people, including one on the police wanted list, were arrested but most were released after their particulars were taken. Nine, including one woman, all aged between 35 and 40, were remanded for repeatedly defying police orders to disperse.

One policeman was injured.The prime minister said action would also be taken against those who caused chaos during campaigning.

He said the authorities had an obligation to the peace-loving majority to prevent any disruption to the conduct of the polls.

"We have just dissolved parliament and are making pre-parations for the general election.

"If actions are detrimental to security and affect the smooth process of the election, we will definitely take action."

Asked if he would allow Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who is on the list of potential candidates for Negri Sembilan and tipped to contest the Rembau parliamentary seat, to contest in the general election, Abdullah said he had yet to discuss the candidate list from the respective state BN chairmen or leaders of the various BN component parties.

Asked on the strong performance of the ringgit which hit a 10-year high against the US dollar, Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, said this proved the strength of Malaysia's economy.

"We hope the nation's strength and stability would continue to draw more investors and improve our relationship with other countries in fields besides the economy," he said.

Earlier, Abdullah said the government would continue to help the people with the difficulties caused by spiralling prices of goods globally.

"In fact, we have never stopped providing for the people although the rising prices have caused us to carry out more development programmes.

"We are a caring government just as we want the people to be caring citizens."

Abdullah later launched the RM158 million upgrading project which involved 525km of roads in padi fields under Mada in Perlis and Kedah.

He also witnessed a RM10.4 million cheque presentation by state secretary Datuk Syed Unan Mashri Syed Abdullah to more than 30 farmers' organisations in Mada who were affected by the floods last year.

Tun Mahathir - Kembali kepada Islam, rujuk Ulama

2008-02-17T10:04:00.002+08:00

GOMBAK, 16 Feb - Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menyarankan umat Islam belajar daripada Ulama untuk mendapat pemahaman yang betul tentang ajaran Islam yang sebenarnya. Kenyataan itu membuatkan hadirin memberi tepukan gemuruh kepada Penaung UIAM itu.

Semasa memberikan ucaptamanya di satu Program 'Global Peace : Crisis In Islamic World' di Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) pagi tadi, Dr Mahathir turut berkata, tanpa Ulama umat Islam sukar untuk memahami Islam yang sebenarnya.

Beliau dijemput memberi ucaptama di UIAM sempena program Minggu Ummah 2008.Turut hadir ialah, Pengerusi UIAM, Tan Sri Sanusi Junid; kepimpinan akademik UIAM serta mahasiswa dari pelbagai negara yang menuntut di universiti tersebut.

Berucap lanjut Dr Mahathir mengingatkan supaya ummah merujuk kepada Ulama untuk memilih pemimpin termasuk dari sudut politik.

Malah, beliau mengingatkan peranan Ulama sejak 1400 tahun lalu yang dijadikan sumber rujukan dan beliau turut menyeru semua kembali kepada asas Islam merujuk kepada Al-Quran dan Hadis.

Menjawab soalan hadirin sewaktu sesi soal jawab, Mahathir turut menasihati agar para pemimpin untuk mengikuti ajaran agama yang sebenarnya.

Berkaitan dengan kewangan negara mengikut Islam beliau menyarankan agar masyarakat tidak menyimpan wang semata-mata, sebaliknya membelanjakan dengan jalan yang betul.

Selain itu beliau turut mengingatkan sesebuah negara Islam agar tidak membeli bon atau membuat pinjaman daripada negara musuh yang akhirnya menyiapkan bekalan ketenteraan untuk membunuh umat Islam di dunia.

Secara bersahaja beliau memberi amaran agar negara Islam tidak bergantung kepada mata wang Amerika Syarikat di masa akan datang.

Kesemua faktor ini katanya hanya akan menjadikan sesebuah negara itu miskin.

"Dengan jumlah wang yang banyak di tangan kita sewajarnya kita membelanjakannya menurut tuntutan al-Quran.

"Dunia ini bukan milik kita tetapi milik Allah," kata Dr Mahathir.

Sebelum itu kehadiran Dr Mahathir disambut dengan majlis yang gilang gemilang antaranya dengan kompang, iringan bunga manggar dan alunan selawat semasa memasuki Dewan Besar, CAC UIAM Gombak pada jam 11.00 pagi.

Beliau ditemani Pengerusi UIAM selain mendapat tepukan gemuruh lebih 4000 peserta yang setia menanti kehadiran bekas Perdana Menteri itu ke UIAM.

Seorang sumber memberitahu, sebelum ini Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak hadir ke UIAM ketika merasmikan sambutan Jubli Perak UIAM awal Januari lalu.

Namun sambutan kehadiran Najib itu tidak sehebat sambutan kehadiran Dr Mahathir.

Beliau juga memberitahu setakat ini Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dikatakan tidak pernah membuat lawatan rasmi ke UIAM, sebaliknya hanya menghadiri program universiti itu yang diadakan di luar kampus.

Seven ministers likely to miss out on elections

2008-02-16T09:27:00.002+08:00

As many as seven of the 32 Cabinet members may not be fielded to contest in the general election.

Two of them – Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik and Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi – have publicly confirmed that they are retiring from politics but sources said about five others may also step aside.

Among the ministers speculated to be retiring are Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Rural Development Minister Datuk Aziz Shamsuddin, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Abdullah Md Zain and Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor.

A total of 32 people were appointed ministers when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reshuffled his Cabinet in 2006.

Earlier this year, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek resigned as health minister after a sex DVD was circulated by unknown people.

This means there could be at least eight vacancies to be filled.

Speculation about the positions of Dr Rais, Azmi and Aziz arose because of their ages.

Dr Rais and Azmi are both 66 while Aziz is 70. They are the incumbent MPs for Jelebu, Padang Besar and Shah Alam respectively.

Azmi is also being speculated as a possible mentri besar of Perlis.

Aziz was admitted to hospital for two weeks because of hernia in 2006 and his health has also been cited as another reason for him not to be fielded.

However, Aziz said his health was improving and stressed, “My age is not an obstacle to continue with my work. I’m ready to serve (the people) but I’m a party man.

“I abide by all party decisions and now it is up to the party leader whether he still wants me. If he needs me, I will continue to do my best. If not, I will support the party.”

Talk about Tengku Adnan not defending his Putrajaya seat arose because of the controversial Lingam video clip and the just-ended Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Asked about speculation of him being dropped, 57-year-old Tengku Adnan said, “I can’t comment on that. (But) I’m already working for the election campaign. We have started the ball rolling. So let’s wait and see.”

Dr Lim had said in an interview yesterday that he was not the only one leaving the Cabinet.

“Even though some of them (his Cabinet colleagues) know this could be their last Cabinet meeting, they still refused to say,” said Dr Lim.

Effendi, in an article in The Star yesterday, said it would be healthy for the Cabinet to be “infused with new blood, new talent”.

However, the vacancy created by Dr Lim is already spoken for.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has confirmed that he is going to the federal level.

LINGAM VIDEO INQUIRY: Commission ends inquiry, findings on March 11

2008-02-16T03:48:00.000+08:00

The Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the Lingam video clip ended this afternoon. The commission is expected to announce their findings on March 11. However, there is a provision for an extension to make the findings.

All relevant parties will make submissions by Feb 25.A total of 21 witnesses had testified, the last ones being Datuk V. K. Lingam’s former secretary G. Jayanthi, his former driver D. Ramachandran and consultant psychiatrist Tan Sri Dr M. Mahadevan.

The commission was chaired by former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor and comprise former Chief Judge Sabah, Sarawak Tan Sri Steve Shim, former Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar, former solicitor-general Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim. Some of the commission's terms of reference:

* to ascertain the authenticity of the video clip;

* to identify the speaker, the person he was speaking to in the video clip and the persons mentioned in the conversation;

* to ascertain the truth or otherwise the content of the conversation in the video clip;

* to determine whether any act of misbehaviour had been committed by the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip and,

* to recommend any appropriate course of action to be taken against the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip should such person or persons be found to have committed any misbehaviour.

Serah warkah bantahan di Istana Negara: 2 anggota Bersih ditangkap

2008-02-16T03:44:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Feb - Dua ditangkap dalam satu sidang akhbar yang diadakan di perkarangan Istana Negara petang tadi.

Ketua Penerangan KeADILan, Tian Chua dan aktivis PAS yang dikenali sebagai Pakcik Amjal ditangkap secara kasar oleh pihak polis sebaik rombongan Gabungan Pilihan raya Bersih dan Adil (Bersih) selesai menyerahkan warkah bantahan kepada wakil Yang DiPertuan Agung pada jam 3.30 petang.

Tian Chua yang ditangkap ketika beliau cuba mempertahankan kain rentang Bersih yang dipegang oleh penyokong yang datang untuk sama-sama menghadiri sidang tersebut.

"Kenapa nak rampas banner ni? Apa salahnya?" ujarnya sambil ditarik oleh lebih 10 orang pegawai polis dalam pergelutan itu.

Bahkan terdapat perselisihan yang berlaku antara preman atau SB yang tidak mengenali antara satu sama lain sehingga wujud perang mulut antara mereka.

"Aku pun SB lah," kata seorang preman yang memegang kamera video sambil ditolak oleh beberapa orang preman dan plis yang lain. "Ah, sikit-sikit SB," tengking SB tersebut kepada preman yang ditolak tadi.

Insiden tersebut berlaku ketika Naib Presiden PAS, Mohamad Sabu tetap cuba untuk membuat sidang akhbar di tepi jalan persimpangan penjuru Istana Negara itu. Suara beliau tenggelam timbul diselangi jeritan polis yang meminta agar semua yang terbabit bersurai dan menegah kesemua pimpinan PAS dan Bersih daripada meneruskan sidang media itu.

AJK PAS Pusat, Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi tetap meneruskan sidang akhbar sambil berjalan kaki menuruni jalan menuju ke tempat letak kereta sambil diiringi pegawai polis.

Seorang pegawai kanan polis, Superintendan Azri, mengarahkan pegawai-pegawai polis termasuk yang berpakaian preman untuk menghentikan kata-kata Syed Azman itu.

Setelah mencapai persetujuan, pihak Bersih mengumumkan sidang tersebut ditunda di Pejabat Agung PAS, Jalan Raja Laut pada jam 6 petang.

Ketika itu, pakcik Amjal sedang mengedarkan risalah kepada para wartawan yang hadir membanjiri perkarangan istana itu yang kemudian secara tiba-tiba ditangkap oleh pegawai polis.
Walaupun cuba dipertahankan oleh sebahagian penyokong Bersih, beliau tetap dibawa ke kereta polis.

"Kalau nak tangkap, saya rela menggantikan dia. Kasihanilah dia yang dah tua dan uzur, dia tak buat apa-apa kesalahan pun, kenapa nak tangkap dia?" ujar Syed Azman.

Superintendan Azri kemudiannya menerima panggilan untuk meminta Syed Azman merujuk kes tersebut ke IPD Brickfields selepas ini bagi menyelesaikan tangkapan tersebut.

Seawal jam 3 petang, rombongan Bersih yang terdiri daripada Naib Presiden PAS, Mohamad Sabu, Bendahari PAS, Dr Hatta Ramli, AJK PAS Pusat, Dr Dzulkifly Ahmad, Ketua Pemuda PAS, AJK PAS Pusat, Dr Syed Azman dan Naib Presiden PAS, Ustaz Ahmad Awang tiba di pintu masuk utama ke istana Negara.

Bagaimanapun, mereka dihalang daripada masuk menerusi pintu tersebut oleh kira-kira lebih 300 polis yang hadir beserta beberapa kenderaan polis seperti trak, lori, van dan motosikal berkuasa besar.

Mereka kemudiannya berarak masuk ke pintu sisi Istana Negara sambil diiringi pegawai-pegawai polis dan serta para wartawan.

Turut hadir, AJK PAS Pusat, Dr Lo' Lo' Mohd Ghazali dan Ahli Majlis Tertinggi KeADILan, Irene Fernandez.

Majlis bersurai pada jam 4 petang.

Pilihanraya Umum Ke-12: Tarikh Mengundi 8 Mac, Penamaan Calon 24 Februari

2008-02-15T03:46:00.004+08:00

PUTRAJAYA 14 Feb. – Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) memilih hari Sabtu 8 Mac sebagai tarikh rakyat Malaysia akan keluar mengundi pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12.

Hari penamaan calon pula ditetapkan pada Ahad 24 Februari ini.

Ini bermakna tempoh berkempen dalam pilihan raya 2008 ialah selama 13 hari iaitu jangka masa yang agak panjang berbanding cuma lapan hari pada pilihan raya umum 2004.

Keseluruhannya, mulai hari pembubaran Parlimen semalam, parti-parti politik mempunyai tempoh selama 24 hari bagi merancang strategi terakhir untuk memenangi hati para pengundi Malaysia.

Pengundian akan diadakan ketika sekolah-sekolah ditutup sempena cuti penggal pertama persekolahan.

Pilihan raya umum kali ini membabitkan 222 kerusi Parlimen dan 505 kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di 12 negeri kecuali Sarawak yang telah pun mengadakan pilihan raya negerinya pada 2006.

SPR menetapkan tarikh writ pilihan raya dikeluarkan kepada kesemua pegawai pengurus pilihan raya di 222 kawasan Parlimen esok manakala notis pilihan raya dikeluarkan pada Sabtu ini, kata Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Ab. Rashid Ab. Rahman pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Sehari selepas Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi membubarkan Parlimen semalam, anggota-anggota SPR bermesyuarat selama sejam pagi ini membincangkan tarikh penamaan calon dan pengundian Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12.

Menurut Ab. Rashid, sebanyak 10,922,139 pengundi layak mengundi pada pilihan raya itu berdasarkan kepada daftar pemilih yang diwartakan pada 5 Februari lalu.

Daripada jumlah itu, sebanyak 10,701,054 merupakan pemilih biasa manakala baki 221,085 pengundi pos.

‘‘SPR berharap rakyat Malaysia akan menggunakan sebaik-baiknya hak untuk memilih kerajaan bagi memerintah negara ini.

‘‘Pada hari mengundi jangan tidur, keluar mengundi. Tak usah pergi ke mana-mana. Hanya ini masanya untuk anda melaksanakan hak anda. Hak ini tidak datang selalu,” ujarnya.

Sidang akhbar SPR hari ini yang disifatkan oleh Ab. Rashid sebagai yang paling ramai dihadiri wartawan sepanjang perkhidmatannya selama lebih dua dekad dengan SPR turut disiarkan secara langsung oleh RTM dan TV3.

Mengulas mengenai tempoh berkempen selama 13 hari untuk pilihan raya umum itu yang dianggap agak panjang, Ab. Rashid berkata, masa tersebut mencukupi untuk semua parti yang bertanding.

Katanya, SPR telah mengambil kira pelbagai faktor termasuk soal keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam dalam menentukan tempoh berkempen itu.

‘‘Kalau kita nak panjangkan tempoh berkempen, negara kita ini banyak perkara sensitif yang mungkin boleh dimanipulasikan oleh sesetengah pihak. Saya rasa dalam hal ini (penetapan tempoh berkempen), kita telah berlaku adil,” katanya.

Pada pilihan raya umum 2004, SPR menetapkan tempoh berkempen selama lapan hari.

Pada pilihan raya umum 1999 pula, tempoh berkempen ditetapkan selama sembilan hari manakala pada pilihan raya umum 1990 dan 1995, masing-masing 10 hari.

Menurut Ab. Rashid, terdapat 30 parti politik berdaftar setakat ini dan kebanyakan parti itu dijangka bertanding pada pilihan raya umum nanti.

Mengenai jumlah 10.9 juta pengundi yang akan terlibat dalam pilihan raya umum 8 Mac ini, beliau berkata, ia merupakan peningkatan sebanyak 670,000 orang berbanding 10.3 juta pengundi dalam pilihan raya umum ke-11 pada 2004.

Pada pilihan raya kali ini, katanya, SPR akan memperkenalkan beberapa garis panduan baru termasuk penggunaan bahan kempen.

‘‘Langkah ini dibuat bukan untuk menyusahkan tetapi bagi memastikan pilihan raya dapat diadakan dengan lancar dan teratur,” ujarnya.

Mengenai penggunaan dakwat yang akan dicalit pada jari pengundi, beliau berkata, pelaksanaan prosedur itu akan diumumkan sedikit masa lagi.

Ab. Rashid turut memberi jaminan bahawa Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 akan berjalan dengan adil.

‘‘Saya rasa dalam hal ini kita telah berlaku adil.

‘‘Kadang-kadang di negara kita, banyak perkara sensitif boleh dimanipulasikan. Kita ada rekod yang baik. Pilihan raya umum ke-11 aman tenteram. Kita nak kekalkan rekod itu dan jangan ada sesiapa mengacau rekod itu. Negara tidak suka,” tegas beliau.

Ditanya sama ada SPR menjemput pemerhati asing untuk memantau pilihan raya umum nanti, beliau memberitahu, suruhanjaya itu tidak memberi sebarang akreditasi kepada pemerhati luar untuk berbuat demikian.

Mengenai kenyataan Malaysian For Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel), iaitu pertubuhan tempatan yang telah mendapat pengiktirafan SPR untuk mengawasi Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12, Ab. Rashid berkata:

‘‘Badan itu telah melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik (sebagai pemerhati dalam pilihan raya-pilihan raya kecil termasuk Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak 2006) dan memberi input-input berguna kepada SPR.

‘‘Cuma skop peranannya hanya untuk memastikan pilihan raya umum nanti dilaksanakan selari dengan undang-undang yang ditetapkan.”

ELECTION 2008: Early March polling date expected after Parliament dissolution

2008-02-14T04:16:00.001+08:00

Parliament was dissolved 13th February 2008, clearing the way for the country’s much-awaited 12th general election. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ended weeks of intense speculation when he made the announcement at a press conference today at his office shortly after noon.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the dissolution, which is the first step in the process of getting 10.9 million registered voters to cast their ballots when polling is held as stipulated under Article 55 of the Federal Constitution.

Reading from a prepared two-paragraph statement, Abdullah said that state governments had been advised to dissolve their respective state assemblies at the same time.

The Election Commission and Parliament had been informed of the matter, he said, adding that the EC would fix the dates for nomination and polling days.

The EC is expected to meet tomorrow to fix the dates.

With the exception of Sarawak, which already had its state election in 2006, this general election will involve all 12 State Assemblies.

According to the Federal Constitution, a general election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of Parliament. Election regulations stipulate that the earliest nominations can be held is four days after the dissolution of Parliament or a State Assembly, while the earliest polling dates are seven days after nomination.

In the last three elections - 1995, 1999 and 2004 - nominations were within nine days and polling within 19 days of dissolution. If that is the precedent to be used, then nominations could be on Feb 23 and polling possibly on March 1 or 2.

The current five-year term of the Barisan Nasional ends only in May next year, but an early election has been on the cards since the middle of last year.

At stake will be 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state seats and the BN has maintained a comfortable two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat with its thumping win in getting 199 of the seats in 2004.

Abdullah's move to call for elections now received overwhelming support from State BN leaders who described it as timely.

Most of the state leaders said that their election machinery had been cranked up. All that was left to be done was for them to finalise their list of candidates, before forwarding it to Abdullah.

Royal Commission on Lingam video clip: Explosive new revelations

2008-02-13T12:56:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk V.K. Lingam wrote an entire legal judgment for a civil suit in which the presiding judge awarded the litigant RM10 million in damages.

This was the latest shocking testimony delivered at the inquiry yesterday.

The star witness yesterday was G. Jayanti, a former secretary of Lingam, the lawyer at the heart of the royal commission of inquiry into alleged brokering of appointment of judges.

Jayanti, 45, testified that some time between November and early December 1994, Lingam had asked her and two other secretaries, Sumanti Jaaman and Jamilah Abdul Rahman, to do some "confidential typing".

"I soon discovered that this (confidential typing) was about preparing and typing the judgment in relation to civil suit number S5-23-23-94 between Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun vs Hassan Hamzah, Soh Eng Lim, M.G.G. Pillai and four others," she said.

"Datuk Lingam was dictating from some handwritten notes the draft judgment for Sumanti to type.

"Every now and then, he would order me to get various reported cases in the library to be incorporated in the judgment.

"He completed dictating the full judgment at about 3am."

In 1994, former High Court judge Datuk Mokhtar Sidin presided over a much-publicised defamation suit registered as 'Civil case No. S5-23-23-94' filed by businessman Tan in respect of four articles about him in the Malaysian Industry magazine.

Mokhtar's written judgment, which awarded Tan RM10 million in damages, was read out on Dec 5, 1994.The quantum awarded to Tan was seen then as setting the trend for multi-million ringgit defamation suits.

Most of Jayanti's testimony was in the form of a written statement admitted as evidence by the five-member panel headed by Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor.

In the statement, Jayanthi stated: "I must stress here that when Datuk V.K. Lingam was dictating the judgment that night, he was aided by his brother V. Sivaparanjothi, Encik Adam Bachek (a lawyer then) and W. Satchithanandan (a former Industrial Court chairman).

"She added that she kept the handwritten corrections of the draft judgment until handing them over, together with the corresponding formal judgment, to her lawyer Datuk Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Appearing in court yesterday in a white Punjabi suit and dark green jacket, she presented her answers clearly and calmly.Jayanti, who worked with Lingam for 13 months from April 1994, said her former employer read through the first printed copy of the judgment he had dictated.

"He corrected the draft judgment in red ink on certain pages. Sumanti then did the corrections accordingly and made a copy of the draft judgment in a floppy disk which was to be given by Datuk Lingam to Justice Datuk Mokhtar Sidin. I later discovered that the judgment as was written by Lingam was fully incorporated as the official judgment of the said judge," she said.

When asked by her counsel Shafee as to when she resigned, Jayanti said she tendered her resignation in May, 1995.

Shafee: Why did you leave the firm?

Jayanti: I was accused of taking his shares in Berjaya Group.

Shafee: V.K. Lingam accused you of stealing his shares?

Jayanti: Yes, he had one million shares.

Shafee: V.K. Lingam had one million Berjaya shares?

Jayanti: Yes. I used to deliver (the share certificates) to the securities company, it was two floors below in the same building. They went missing for a while.

Then he called me two weeks later and said they had been recovered. He asked me if I wanted to come back. I said I wanted to leave.

Jayanti, who is also represented by R.S.N. Rayes, will continue her testimony today.

Multi-billion ringgit plan to transform Sarawak

2008-02-12T08:33:00.000+08:00

BINTULU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the multi-billion ringgit Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy yesterday, an extensive development plan to lift the population’s standard of living by utilising the state’s natural resources.

The prime minister said the Sarawak Corridor or Score would transform the state by the year 2030.“I put my faith in the quality of human capital in the state and I am confident that you can be on par, if not better, than the other states in terms of holistic development which would benefit every strata of society,” Abdullah said to a cheering crowd of more than 10,000 at the waterfront here.

“The government is committed to ensuring the success of Score with our partnership with the private sector but this doesn’t mean that ordinary people will be left out. There is room for everyone in this specialised development plan.

”Pointing out that a positive mindset was as important as the necessary human capital, Abdullah said the billions of ringgit in investment in Score must be complemented with commitment and hard work from all concerned.

“What we are launching is a masterplan which is achievable by 2030. We are not starting from zero but from a comfortable platform. As Malaysians, we have the capabilities and what we need to do now is just add value.

“If we are able to add value to our capacity and capabilities, then I am sure that we will be successful,” Abdullah said. Score, with a total investment target of RM334 billion over 23 years, is the last of the government’s regional development corridor initiatives, which kicked off with the Iskandar Development Region in southern Johor.

Fifteen per cent of the overall investment figure is to be pumped in by the federal government, four per cent by the state government, 23 per cent by government-linked companies and the rest by local and foreign private investors.While spelling out the details of the development framework, Abdullah also emphasised the environmental aspects of the vast initiative.

“I directed the formation of a Green Development Framework to ensure that development, particularly of our energy resources, will be conducted in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner.

“We must protect the environment because that is what the people and environment-conscious investors are looking for,” the prime minister said.The other regional development initiatives are the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Encompassing a whole range of industries, from downstream oil-based production and aquaculture to high-tech ventures such as state-of-the-art aluminium smelting and specialised glass-making, Score is set to blaze a trail in this part of the country.

Score will be managed by the state’s Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).The Regional Corridor Development Authority Ordinance passed by the Sarawak state legislative assembly in December spells out Recoda’s role and responsibilities in implementing projects and plans under Score.

Recoda’s target by the year 2030 is to ensure the creation of 1.5 million new job opportunities and achieve a gross domestic product per capita growth of 5.5 per cent per annum.

Huge hydroelectric generation prospects and the vast natural stock of coal (estimated at 1.5 billion tonnes) and natural gas (estimated at 40.9 trillion cubic feet) in the central region are forming a magnetic pull to global investors hunting for renewable and cheap sources of energy.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud pledged the Sarawak people’s support for the development plan.“Sarawak will become the dynamo of energy for the country and the region.

“This is our contribution towards the continued development of our country.” Taib said the transformation of Bintulu into a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub with a population of more than 150,000, from a fishing village of about 5,000 people 25 years ago, was testimony to the government’s service to the people.

Household income, Taib said, had increased six-fold in the same time following infrastructure developments such as a new airport, roads and a state-of-the-art LNG port.He said the launch of Score would also set in motion a host of industries.

The launch of Score also saw the signing of 13 memorandums of understanding worth more than RM100 billion.In Sibu, Abdullah urged all Malaysians, irrespective of who they are, to work together to make the nation successful.

“Let us make the country successful (by working hard). I work hard. Nobody can tell me that I don’t work hard because we have to succeed. “I want to do well as your prime minister and I don’t want people to say ’What is this Pak Lah? What did he do? Nothing.’

“I want to work hard and I want to succeed together with you. I want you to work with me. And the future is ours to share. I want this country to be peaceful,” he said at an all community dinner at SMK Sacred Heart.

Abdullah said Sarawak and Sabah had to be given more emphasis so that they would develop at a faster rate than before.

Anwar Ibrahim bidas Najib

2008-02-12T08:27:00.000+08:00

BATU KAWAN, 11 Feb - Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KeAdiLan), Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim membidas Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Najib Razak yang sengaja memutar belitkan pandangannya mengenai penurunan harga minyak, kerana Najib mengetahui ianya boleh di atasi untuk memberi kelesaan pada keseluruhan rakyat.

Tegasnya, minyak di negara ini bermutu dan bernilai tinggi apabila diekspot maka mustahil ia tidak boleh diturunkan bilamana keuntungan Petronas berkali ganda.

"Penurunan petrolium negara tidak akan mengbangkrapkan negara malahan mengimbangkan ekonomi yang sedia ada. Jika dia (Najib) tak percaya serahkan pada Barisan Alternatif (BA) memerintah.

"Kita boleh laksanakan apa yang difikirkan buntu oleh Barisan Nasional (BN)," kata Anwar ketika berceramah di Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI) Juru semalam.

Menurut Anwar, jika BA menang gaji minima akan dinaikan ke RM1,500 sebulan berbanding sekarang ada rakyat yang berpendapatan di bawah paras kemiskinan. Sedangkan, gaji kepimpinan BN berkali ganda dengan elaun yang melimpah ruah.

Apakah, rakyat mahu melihat rakan mereka terus hidup melarat tanpa pembelaan walhal wang negara digunakan terhadap projek mega yang keuntunganya kembali kepada kroni.

"Itulah natijah jika terus berikan sokongan pada BN. Mereka hanya pentingkan kroni bukanya bermatlamat membantu rakyat terutamanya rakyat bawahan, " katanya dalam program anjuran KeAdilan Bahagian Batu Kawan.

Rakyat ujarnya, boleh menilai apa tujuan sebenar membina koridor Wilayah Utara atau Timur, Wilayah Iskandar dan kini menular ke Sarawak semuanya mempunyai agenda dan kepentingan tersembunyi.

Di Pulau Pinang dan utara semenanjung dihadiahkan 'Koridor Wilayah Utara' di mana dalam majlis perasmianya sahaja di Kedah pada penghujung tahun lalu jutaan ringgit dihabiskan.

"Siapa yang untung disebalik projek 10 tahun akan datang adakah rakyat macam kita atau kepimpinan BN. Contoh paling ketara ialah RapidPenang dan akan datang Monorel di Pulau Pinang siapa punya, " tanya beliau di sambut hadirin 'anak Pak Lah!.

Selain memberikan penurunan harga minyak, tol dan gaji minima dinaikan, BA juga berjanji bila menguasai Malaysia akan memberikan pendidikan percuma pada rakyat tidak macam sekarang mereka asyik menipu.

"Rakyat ditipu oleh Menteri Pelajaran, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein kononnya nak bagi yuran percuma tapi apa yang berlaku hanya mansuh yuran RM4.90 tapi kena bayar RM100.00 lebih pada sekolah, " tegasnya.

Dalam ceramahnya, Anwar menggesa rakyat supaya tidak menjadi 'Khadam Umno' lagi dalam Pilihan Raya Umum ke 12 nanti kerana kepimpinan atasan akan melatu sekiranya Barisan Nasional (BN) menang besar sepertimana sebelum ini.

Sebaliknya, rakyat di era Teknologi Maklumat (IT) menjadi rakyat yang cerdik dan tahu menilai di manakan harga diri sebenar untuk memastikan negara ini makmur jauh daripada penindasan pemimpin, rasuah, penyelewengan dan kronisme.

"Biar yang lepas jadikanlah teladan. Kita harus bangkit dalam satu suara untuk tidak lagi menyokong kerajaan yang kuropsi. Apatah lagi menjadi khadam kepada Umno yang langsung tidak ada hati perut membantu mengatasi kegawatan negara sekarang ini, " jelasnya.

Turut ceramah pada malam itu ialah Timbalan Pesuruhjaya PAS Pulau Pinang, Ustaz Mujahid Yusuf Rawa dan Ketua Perhubungan KeAdiLan Pulau Pinang, Dato' Zahrin Hashim.

Pimpinan PAS Pusat bertanding di kawasan berpotensi menang

2008-02-11T08:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Feb - PAS akan meletakkan calon di kalangan pimpinan PAS Pusat di kawasan-kawasan yang dikenal pasti sebagai kawasan yang kuat atau berpotensi untuk menang, kata Presidennya, Dato' Seri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa mengadakan sidang media di Pejabat Agung PAS dekat sini, tengah hari tadi, selepas mesyuarat jawatankuasa PAS Pusat yang membincangkan soal calon-calon di seluruh negara di peringkat akhir.

Turut hadir dalam sidang media itu ialah, Ketua Pemuda PAS Pusat, Salahuddin Ayob; Ketua Penerangan PAS Pusat, Mahfuz Omar dan AJK PAS Pusat yang juga AJK Gabungan Pilihan Raya Adil dan Bersih (Bersih), Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad.

Menurut Presiden PAS, antara pimpinan yang dimaksudkan itu, antaranya adalah Ketua Pemuda Pusat, Ketua Muslimat Pusat, Bendahari, Pengerusi Lajnah Guaman, dan beberapa AJK Pusat yang dikenali, yang akan bertanding di kawasan Parlimen dan Dun yang mempunyai potensi cerah untuk menang.

Ujar Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi, PAS juga meletakkan ramai calon di kalangan muka-muka baru bertanding di Dun dan Parlimen. Terdapat juga yang berpindah kawasan, misalnya dari Parlimen ke peringkat Dun, dan antara yang disebut ialah, Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad yang dahulunya bertanding di Parlimen Kuala Terengganu kini bertanding di salah satu Dun Terengganu.

Sementara Naib Presiden PAS, Mohamad Sabu pula akan bertanding di Parlimen Kuala Terengganu selain beberapa muka baru yang berpotensi akan bertanding di Terengganu dan Kelantan.

Beliau memaklumkan, ada juga pimpinan yang akan bertanding di negeri-negeri Pantai Barat yang dikenal pasti sebagai kawasan yang ada potensi.

Mereka ini diletak bagi memainkan peranan di peringkat Parlimen dan Dun dalam agenda PAS mewakili hasrat rakyat, dan menyampaikan mesej parti sendiri, katanya.

"Alhamdulillah kita dah letak calon-calon yang telah diluluskan oleh Majlis Syura Ulama, dengan kriteria akhlak yang baik, ilmu, bersih dan pengaruh mereka di seluruh negeri," katanya.

PAS meletakkan calon yang boleh menang dalam pilihan raya kali ini supaya dapat mewakili hasrat rakyat, katanya.

Ustaz Abdul Hadi berkata, secara umumnya PAS mempunyai misi mengekalkan pemerintahan di Kelantan, merampas kembali Terengganu, menawan Kedah dan menempatkan wakil-wakil rakyat di setiap negeri termasuk negeri-negeri di Pantai Barat.

Bagi Terengganu, Ustaz Abdul HAdi menegaskan, PAS yakin dapat merampas kembali negeri tersebut dari Umno, tetapi tidak menafikan bahawa usaha itu tidak mudah.

Ini kerana katanya, BN menggunakan Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR), rasuah dan jentera kerajaan yang lain untuk memastikan mereka menang di sana.

Mengulas mengenai peningkatan calon di kalangan muslimat, beliau menyatakan pada pilihan raya umum kali ini jumlah calon wanita lebih banyak berbanding pilihan raya terdahulu.

PAS akan meletakkan calon di kalangan profesional dan ulama selain 50 peratus muka-muka baru yang akan memberi saingan sengit kepada BN, katanya.

Terdahulu Pesuruhjaya PAS Terengganu, Dato' Mustafa Ali sewaktu ditemui sebelum sidang media ada menyatakan bahawa PAS Terengganu mensasarkan antara 17 hingga 21 kerusi Dun yang boleh dimenangi sekaligus untuk memerintah.

Beliau juga menyebut bahawa PAS Terengganu akan meletakkan calon yang wibawa dan ramai di kalangan muka-muka baru bertanding pada pilihan raya kali ini.

Koh Tsu Koon move to federal?

2008-02-11T08:52:00.000+08:00

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon is set to move to the federal level after confirming that he prefers to move on.

Breaking his silence on his political future, the Penang Chief Minister and Gerakan acting president said he met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Saturday and informed him about this.

“I sought his views and told him of my strategy. My preference is to move to a federal post for the benefit of the people.

“Pak Lah said he will consider it and make a decision,” he told reporters at the Jelutong Gerakan Chinese New Year open house here yesterday.

Dr Koh also said he had given Abdullah a list of three candidates to take over as chief minister if he was accepted to contest a parliamentary seat.

Refusing to reveal the names, Dr Koh said he had confidence in the three candidates “who are seasoned politicians with good track records”.

He said Abdullah would decide on the matter in a few days.

“If the Prime Minister decides that I should stay in Penang as chief minister, it would be because there are projects to be implemented,” he added.

Among those tipped for the chief minister’s post are Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan and deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon.

Chia said he fully supported Dr Koh’s decision.

“He is very thorough and I am sure he has given it much thought,” he said, adding that a politician should never lobby for positions.

“A politician must be prepared to take on whatever responsibility that comes his way.

“From my experience, the top decision-makers will never ask if you are ready for something. It is assumed that you are ready no matter how heavy the responsibility because you are a full-time politician.

“It is no different from being in a company. You don’t ask for a promotion, it is given to you,” he added.

Dr Teng said Dr Koh had merely expressed his intention but the final decision had yet to be reached.

“Pak Lah has yet to give Dr Koh a reply,” he said.

Lee said he respected Dr Koh’s decision as the latter was his “boss”.

Dr Koh, who is the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, is widely tipped to contest the Bukit Bendara parliamentary seat if Abdullah accepts his preference to move.

The seat is now held by Chia, who is likely to contest Dr Koh’s state seat.

Harakah: Senarai 1,031 undi pos, SPR tidak telus dan efisen - Ustaz Azizan

2008-02-09T11:31:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Feb (Hrkh) - Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) cuba berdolak-dalih berhubung isu penambahan 1,031 pengundi pos di Dun Belantek, Kedah dengan mengatakan pihaknya hanya menerima senarai nama pengundi tersebut untuk dimasukkan ke dalam daftar pemilih, tanpa sebarang pertikaian.

Pesuruhjaya PAS Kedah, Ustaz Azizan Abdul Razak, berkata penjelasan tersebut tidak munasabah dan menunjukkan badan itu tidak efisyen dan telus dalam setiap tindakan mereka.
Katanya, SPR juga tidak menunjukkan kredibiliti badan itu apabila tidak memeriksa terlebih dahulu senarai pengundi tersebut, dan hanya bertindak memasukkan nama-nama itu ke dalam daftar pemilih.

"Mereka kata mereka menerima nama yang dihantar oleh pihak tentera berdasarkan keperluan mereka. Yang keduanya, SPR kata nama-nama itu dulu sudah berdaftar di Daftar Pemilih Tambahan (DPT) 3, tapi tak dimasukkan. Jadi mereka isi borang baru untuk masuk semula.

"Bila ditanya kenapa tidak dipamerkan, mereka jawab hanya pamer di pejabat sahaja, sedangkan daftar itu bukan orang pejabat mereka yang mahu tengok. Orang ramai yang perlu tengok. Bagilah penjelasan yang rasional sikit," tegas Ustaz Azizan selepas berbincang dan menyerahkan memorandum bantahan kepada Timbalan Setiausaha Operasi SPR, Noordin Che' Ngah di Putrajaya, 6 Februari lalu.

Sebelum ini, PAS Kedah mendedahkan tindakan SPR mewartakan sebanyak 1,031 pengundi di Daerah Mengundi 01 Kota Aur/DUN N23 Belantek/Parlimen P013 Sik, sekali pun ketika dipamerkan dalam DPT suku ke-3 2007 tidak menyenaraikan nama-nama tersebut.

Mengikut DPI (Daftar Pemilih Induk) 2003 sehingga DPT ke-2 2007, SPR tidak pernah merekodkan senarai 1,031 nama pengundi pos berkenaan, sehinggalah DPT 3 2007 dipamerkan.
Bagaimanapun, amat memelikkan apabila SPR mewartakannya dalam warta DPT 3 2007.

Dalam DPI 2006, bagi Daerah Mengundi tersebut hanya mempunyai 500 pengundi sahaja. Bagaimanapun, 1,031 pengundi pos anggota tentera ini dibawa dari dua kem iaitu A Kompeni 19 RAMD Sungai Petani (Kem Induk/Tetap di Sungai Petani) dan A Kompeni Bn 304 AW (Kem Induk di Gerik, Perak.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Jabatan Pilihan Raya PAS Pusat, Dato' Mustafa Ali berkata, PAS tidak berpuas hati dengan penjelasan SPR tersebut dan meminta badan itu meneliti memorandum tersebut dan mahu beberapa perkara yang mesti diberikan SPR untuk membuktikan proses pendaftaran itu berlaku dengan sewajarnya.

"Bagi kami apa yang berlaku itu telah melanggar peraturan biasa sebagaimana amalan yang kita tahu selama ini. Jadi, kita harap SPR teliti memorandum kita dan buktikan badan itu bebas dan telus," tegas beliau.

Wakil Bersih, Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi, menegaskan bahawa Bersih akan meneruskan agenda menuntut SPR melaksanakan keempat-empat tuntutan badan itu, di antaranya penghapusan undi pos.

"Apa yang berlaku di Dun Belantek ini menjelaskan lagi tentang keperluan dalam pilihan raya akan datang agar undi pos ini dihapuskan. Kita juga, sekali lagi membuat tuntutan tadi supaya Pengerusi SPR, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman berundur segera kerana tiada kredibiliti, tidak telus serta tidak neutral, lebih-lebih lagi untuk mengendalikan pilihan raya umum akan datang,"tegas beliau, yang juga AJK PAS Pusat.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pemuda PAS Pusat, Salahuddin Ayub, berkata PAS memberi tempoh kepada SPR sehingga 12 Februari ini untuk memberi penjelasan tentang perkara ini.

"Kami juga meminta supaya SPR dapat menunjukkan kepada kami Borang B yang berjumlah 1,031 yang didakwa diisi semula oleh anggota tentera tersebut," tegas beliau.

Turut hadir dalam pertemuan dan penyerahan memorandum itu ialah AJK PAS Pusat, Ir Amiruddin Hamzah dan Hanipa Maidin.

Sebelum ini, dalam perkembangan sama, Ketua Penerangan PAS Kawasan Sik, Sanusi Md. Noor membuat laporan polis di Balai Polis Sik pada 4 Februari lalu.

Manakala, Ustaz Azizan menegaskan pihaknya juga akan membuat aduan kepada BPR dan tidak teragak-agak untuk membawa kes penipuan ini ke mahkamah. - mks/wann.

PM: Don’t say that I don’t work, just not good enough

2008-02-09T11:24:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday said he was aware of his responsibilities and had been working hard for the country’s continued growth and prosperity.

“You can say I am not good enough. You can say whatever but don’t say that I don’t work.

“Iwork very hard. I mean it and you know it,” he said to loud applause from guests at the Penang Chinese Town Hall here for a Chinese New Year open house.

In his speech, Abdullah said as a Muslim he had an obligation to fulfill his duty and would carry it out diligently.

“It is the will of God that I have become the prime minister and it is my responsibility to work and serve the people.

“I have not benefited one sen from anyone for what I have done.

Some people want to give me money but I don’t need it. The government takes good care of its prime minister.” Abdullah stressed that in fulfilling his responsibilities, he had to be fair to all races and called on everyone to work together to create a prosperous country.

“As Malaysians, we must always feel we are among friends even though we are from the minority group when a function is organised.

If we can have mutual respect among us, thenwe will be all right,”he said.

Touching on the renewal and change that had been initiated, Abdullah said while it was not easy to change mindsets, much had been done especially in the public delivery system.

“I want to see the momentum increasing andwe will continue to ensure this,”he said in response to Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s speech earlier. Koh had spoken on the reforms under Abdullah’s leadership, especially in the government’s delivery system.

Speaking at another open house later, organised by Gerakan and the MCA at the Penang International Sports Arena, Abdullah said the government was committed to seeing its development projects through.

He said the government was not making empty promises when it announced development plans.
“I must apologise that there have been delays due to some problems but we are determined to complete all the projects.

“The second finance minister (Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop) has assured me that the projects will be completed,” he said, citing the second Penang bridge, Penang Outer Ring Road and monorail projects as examples.

Abdullah said the BN member parties had no choice but to work together as partners as the people wanted to see a united coalition which did not quarrel among themselves.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties to listen to the problems of the people and overcome weaknesses so as to get popular support.

The prime minister said if responsive measures were taken, the people would continue to back the government and give their mandate to the coalition to continue to lead the country.

“Please listen to their woes and correct our mistakes. If we succeed in doing so, the people will support us,”he said at the Chinese New Year gathering organised by the Penang Gerakan and MCA here yesterday.

Abdullah, who is the BN chairman, said since the BN came to power, the coalition had succeeded in bringing change and progress to the country.

“We are not a government that has failed. We are also not a party that has failed. We have succeeded in bringing development to the country, which has a plural society that has various religions and cultures. ”

The prime minister conceded that in administering a multiracial country, the BN faced numerous problems.

“I don’t deny thatwe have problems.

“Yes, we have to face challenges but we can overcome them,” he said.

Abdullah told the BN component parties to continue to co-operate in resolving problems based on its power-sharing formula.

“The most important thing that the people desire is to see that solidarity and the spirit of close cooperation between the various races are maintained if the BN government remains in power.

“It doesn’t matter whether it is the MIC, People’s Progressive Party or the other component parties.

All must co-operate for the success of the BN for we could also fail if we make no effort to correct our weaknesses.” He said after 50 years of independence, it was not the time to concede defeat and stop developing the country.

On the contrary, the government was committed to adding value to what had already been achieved for the success of the next 50 years.

Also at the function were Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Transport Minister and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. —Bernama

Witness: House offered to Eusoff

2008-02-06T09:34:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: This is the house which Datuk V.K. Lingam allegedly offered to former chief justice Tun Mohamed Eusoff Chin.

The double-storey bungalow is located at Jalan SS1/38 in Petaling Jaya.

Witness V.K. Thirunama Karasu told the inquiry that the house belonged to his brother, Datuk V.K. Lingam, who had offered it to Eusoff in 1995.

Eusoff and his wife were taken to the house and after viewing it, decided that they did not want it.

Questioned by Malaysian Bar counsel Christopher Leong, Thirunama yesterday said he held the keys to the house in 1995.

Thirunama: It was Lingam's house. The house was not furnished then.

Leong: If he (Lingam) wanted to see the house, he would ask the keys from you?

Thirunama: Yes.

Leong: In October 1995, did you accompany Lingam, Eusoff and his wife to view the house?

Thirunama: Yes.

The witness said Lingam had no intention to rent or sell the house and it was not shown to anyone other than Eusoff and his wife.

Leong: Were Lingam's bodyguards, Ramli Ibrahim and Budiman Bahador, present at that time (when Eusoff and his wife visited the house)?

Thirunama: Yes, they had been with him since 1995 and 1996. I do not know who employed them.

Leong: Did Lingam tell you that he wanted to give the house to Eusoff?

Thirunama: Yes.

Leong: Did he say for what purpose?

Thirunama: I do not not know why or for what purpose.

Leong: Did you inform the Anti-Corruption Agency of this in 1998.

Thirunama: I told them when it started investigations in March 1998.

Earlier, the witness told the inquiry that he took Lingam to Eusoff's house seven or eight times in 1996.

"I dropped Lingam at the house. He told me he had something confidential to talk about with Eusoff," he said.

"On all occasions, Lingam ordered me to go back home and wait for his phone call."

Thirunama also told the inquiry that the visits to the former chief justice's house were at night.

Leong: Would Lingam bring his files along?

Thirunama: Yes. They were similar to the ones in his office.

Leong: Do you know the contents of the file ?

Thirunama: He told me once that this concerned the Ayer Molek versus Insas case.

The witness also told the inquiry of his visits to Eusoff's house to deliver a briefcase, handbag and wallet from his brother.

He said there was a brown envelope in the briefcase containing several sheets of A4-sized papers.

"I do not know the contents of the documents."

On the purchase of a handphone for Eusoff, the witness said he had registered the number with Mutiara Tele-communications and stored the number in his black note book which he handed to the ACA in 1998.

Hearing continues on Tuesday.

Thirunama: 100% sure it’s my brother

2008-02-05T13:08:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: V. Thirunama Karasu confirmed that the Indian man in the video which purportedly shows the brokering of judge appointments was his brother, Datuk V.K. Lingam. He also told the Royal Commission that he was not mad.

Asked by his counsel Wee Choo Keong how could he be so sure of the man’s identity, Thirunama said he could recognise Lingam from the way he spoke and behaved although he only saw eight minutes of the video clip.

“I can be 100% sure that it’s my brother, Datuk V.K. Lingam. He talks very loud when he gets excited and he always says ‘correct, correct, correct’,” he said.

When the commissioner Datuk Mahadev Shankar told Thirunama that he had to respond to Lingam’s allegation that he was mentally unstable, Thirunama told the commission that he had never suffered from mental illness.

Mahadev: Datuk V.K Lingam said you and some lawyer of yours demanded some money and if he did not give you the money, you threatened to lodge a police report against him.

Thirunama: No, that’s not true. I was at (M.) Manoharan’s (his lawyer) office and he called Lingam and informed him that I had lodged a police report. Then he told Manoharan not to listen to me and I had mental problem.

Mahadev: A man is presumed sane until he is proven to be insane. Are you mad?

Thirunama: No sir, I’m 110% sure that I am sane.

To reassure the fact that he was mentally stable, Wee asked him a similar question again.

Wee: Do you have any history of mental disorder?

Thirunama: No, I was not suicidal, I was not suffering from mental disorder.

Thirunama later also told the commission that he knew about the New Zealand trip between Lingam and former Chief Justice Tun Eusoff Chin.

“Yes, I’ve seen the photo. He wanted to frame it but I said, ‘Annae (brother in Tamil), don’t be stupid. People will come to know’,” he said.

His use of the word annae made everyone break into laughter.

He then explained that he had never called his brother by the name but always used the word annae.

He added that he also advised Lingam not to mingle with judges.

Pak Lah dapat ilham untuk tentukan tarikh Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12

2008-02-05T07:10:00.000+08:00

KOTA BHARU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, beliau sudah mendapat ilham bagi mengadakan pilihan raya umum walaupun tarikhnya belum ditentukan lagi.

"Ilham sudah ada, tapi saya akan tentukan bila," kata Perdana Menteri selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat jentera pilihan raya Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN) Kelantan di sini, semalam.

Sambil menjelaskan senarai calon untuk Kelantan sudah diberi kepadanya semalam, Abdullah menasihatkan kepada ahli parti supaya tidak melobi untuk menjadi calon BN.

Beliau juga berkata, BN Kelantan boleh mengemukakan manifestonya sendiri, selain mengguna pakai manifesto yang disediakan BN pusat pada pilihan raya umum kali ini.

Mengenai manifesto Pas yang mahu menjadikan Malaysia negara kebajikan, Abdullah berkata: "Apa yang dia nak janji, janjilah... yang kita (BN) bawa pembangunan kepada rakyat inilah dikatakan kebajikan kepada rakyat dan masyarakat."

Perdana Menteri berkata, Malaysia menjadi negara yang membela kebajikan rakyatnya dalam pelbagai aspek kehidupan sejak merdeka dan usaha itu dibuat secara berterusan sehingga hari ini.

"Apa yang dilakukan BN selama ini adalah untuk kebajikan rakyat termasuk pembangunan dalam pelbagai bidang dan modal insan. Kalau dilihat terhadap apa yang dilakukan BN selama ini menerusi pelbagai bantuan yang kita berikan kepada rakyat, ia adalah suatu kebajikan.

"Pembangunan yang kita usahakan dan nak bawa kepada rakyat sebenarnya adalah untuk menjaga kebajikan masyarakat," katanya.

Abdullah berkata, ketika memerintah Terengganu, Pas nyata tidak membawa pembangunan dan faedah kepada rakyat, berbanding pelbagai usaha yang dilakukan BN apabila kembali memerintah negeri itu.

"Pas sewaktu memerintah Terengganu dulu, tidak melaksanakan apa-apa tapi sekarang tengok saja apa yang dilaksanakan kerajaan Terengganu kini.

"Kita sudah buktikan di Terengganu, BN membuat banyak perubahan di bawah barisan kepemimpinan yang berupaya membawa kejayaan, maka rakyat Terengganu dengan senang hati menyokong BN," katanya.

Beliau berkata, jentera BN di Kelantan kini bekerja lebih kuat dan memberi keyakinan kepada rakyat negeri ini untuk kembali memerintah Kelantan.

"Satu perubahan yang saya lihat ialah kesedaran bahawa sekiranya BN ingin memerintah Kelantan, ia perlu membuat pelbagai perubahan untuk menuju ke arah usaha meraih sokongan lebih besar.

"Rakyat ingin BN memerintah tetapi mahu melihat BN menunjukkan keyakinan serta kemampuan membawa perubahan sebelum memberi undi mereka," katanya.

Man in video 100 per cent my brother, says Thirunama

2008-02-04T16:48:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, MON: The man speaking on the telephone in a controversial video clip allegedly brokering judicial appointments “is 100 per cent my brother Datuk V.K. Lingam”, Lingam’s younger brother V.K.Thirunama told the inquiry today.

Thirunama, 50, testified on the 13th day of the Royal Commission of Inquiry that he recognised that the speaker in the video clip was his brother from his body language, his movement and also from his voice.

He said Lingam talks very loudly and would get excited in his conversation.Lingam is also inclined to use the now infamous phrase “correct, correct, correct” in his conversation, said Thirunama.

Thirunama, an electrician, said he had heard the phrase “correct, correct, correct” being uttered by Lingam many times when he was working for Lingam.

Lingam had said in his testimony that the man in the video clip “looks like me, sounds like me”.He said he had worked with Lingam, who is his eldest brother, unofficially in 1995 and officially in 1996 with salary.

Thirunama also revealed that he had once answered a call on Lingam’s handphone and the caller was former Chief Justice Tun Eusoff Chin.He told the inquiry that he had driven and fetched Lingam from Eusoff’s house.

Lingam had gone to Eusoff’s house with files, he said.“I saw Lingam bowing saying `thank you my lord, thank you my lord’,” said Thirunama, adding that at that time, Eusoff, Lingam and him were the only persons outside the entrance of Eusoff’s house.

Thirunama said he had driven Lingam to Eusoff’s house about seven to eight times.He also said he had gone to Eusoff’s house on his own to deliver a cake from a cake house, a briefcase and three bowls of soup.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry was set up to determine among others the authenticity of the clip.Presiding the inquiry was a five-member panel headed by Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor.

Other members of the panel are Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, Datuk Mahadev Shankar, Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and Prof Emeritus Datuk Khoo Kay Khim.

The commission’s terms of reference are:

* To ascertain the authenticity of the video clip;

* To enquire and identify the identity of the person in the video clip, to whom he was speaking to and the persons mentioned in the conversation;

* To enquire and ascertain the truth of the content of the conversation in the video clip;

* To determine whether there is any misconduct by the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip; and

* To recommend any appropriate action to be taken against the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip if the person or persons found to have committed any misconduct.

Issues close to the heart

2008-02-03T20:53:00.000+08:00

IN an interview at the Prime Minister's office last week, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Abdullah spent more than an hour tackling a host of questions ranging from the expected tough fight from the opposition against the Barisan, particularly the MCA and Gerakan, in the urban seats and the anti-establishment pattern among these voters.

In an unusually frank interview, Abdullah spent over an hour and 40 minutes at the Chinese Room of his office sharing his thoughts on how the Government intended to fight crime and the increasing cost of living – two major issues affecting Malaysian voters.

The Barisan Nasional chairman also spoke about how the lives of Malaysians had been made easier because of the huge subsidy given but many are unaware and have seemingly taken it for granted.

As his body guards hinted their impatience because the interview had delayed his departure to Kota Kinabalu, the Penang leader looked at his watch and asked his press secretary Teoh Ai Hua, another Penangite, in Hokkien “kooi tiam leow” (what time is it?), apologising for the abrupt end to the interview and suggested it should continue at another time at Seri Perdana, his official residence.

“We shall continue at my house. Please be on stand by, there is plenty of work to do and I want to talk about what the government is doing,” he said.

Elections and the economy

Wong: The election fever has started with all political parties busy making preparations. Many are expecting you to dissolve Parliament after the Chinese New Year with polling in March. Is this a fair assessment?

Abdullah: It will be this year. (laughter)

Wong: In the urban areas, Barisan Nasional politicians say they are expecting a tough fight from the Opposition. How are you going to handle this?

Abdullah: In a way, I would say yes because there have been grouses on all sorts of issues from the public ranging from the escalating price of oil, prices of goods, transport and others. We cannot dispute that this situation has primarily been caused by the rise in oil prices but then again, the public needs to be educated about this. They must understand that it is not the government's doing to increase oil prices but rather a cause and effect from the global economy.

In addition, when compared to other countries our oil prices are relatively low, especially since we provide fuel subsidies to the public. And we must also remember that the portion subsidised by the government is more than what the public is paying.

But coming back again to the point, I expect all parties to work hard and fight for every vote. We have to convince voters why we are worthy and Barisan Nasional has the track record to show the voters. We don't just depend on rhetoric, press statements and ceramah to win votes. We don't make unrealistic promises either.

Wong: The government has been providing subsidy from petrol to cooking oil. Have Malaysians become so used to such subsidies, which has reduced the cost of living, that many do not accept that the rising costs are due to the global trends?

Abdullah: I believe so. It has become a kebiasaan (normality) to them. I must say that the situation has been managed properly and the people must understand that what we are experiencing is a global phenomenon and not just an issue that affects Malaysia.

We now spend about RM40bil on subsidies, which is not a sustainable situation. Each country has its own problem. Take for example food prices in the United States that have gone up because they use corn to be converted into ethanol. Simple economics will tell us that when a shortage is created, regardless of the product, there will be an increase in price. I suppose it is convenient to blame the government, but people should really look at it as a global issue.

Wong: Many urban voters are said to be unhappy with the Barisan. To be more precise, the non-Malays talk about punishing Umno leaders for certain statements made that have angered them.

Abdullah: Every party has its share of this kind of people – those who have made statements without first thinking about the consequences of their words. I feel it is unfair to judge Umno based on what a few people say, since the party has more than two million members and more than 100 MPs.

Our policy responses have been measured even though some of these people have made these kinds of statements. Ultimately, I would not condone any sentiments which are hurtful or insulting, especially to other races. It is their responsibility to not terlanjur kata (go overboard with words) and they should be also accountable for their actions.

If you remember, during my winding-up speech in 2006 (at the Umno General Assembly), I said Umno must be supported and respected by all races. But support and respect must be earned. And the delegates clapped. They supported my statement.

People should remember that Umno is committed to power sharing. Even in areas where non-Malays are a minority, Umno is prepared to make way for our MCA or MIC friends; they are our loyal partners. Umno will fight against PAS or PKR in favour of MCA or MIC candidates.

In Ijok, we stood firm in appointing an MIC candidate and vigorously campaigned for him, even though the opposition selected a Malay candidate. (Deputy Prime Minister) Najib campaigned hard for him. Even I went to visit Ijok once. Other Umno leaders went too. And he was elected with an increased majority. We did not succumb to the politics of race.

A place for all Malaysians?

Wong: There has been a sense of disquiet among some non-Malays and even Muslims about their place in the country. What is your assurance that there is a place for all Malaysians?

Abdullah: There is definitely a place for all Malaysians. More evident than before, we have corrected the social imbalance by providing better infrastructure, basic needs and quality of life.

In both rural and urban areas, necessary steps have been taken to ensure there is steady growth regardless of race or religion. There is always the thought that we are not doing enough, especially for the non-Malays.

Take the Klang Valley for example, an area which is predominantly inhabited by the Chinese. Look at the amount of development that has taken place. Or Penang, which is also predominantly Chinese.

We have now launched four development corridors around the country, with another one to come in Sarawak soon. All of these developments are for all, not just for the Malays as some cynics would claim. We have embarked on this plan to reduce disparities not just among ethnic groups, but between geographical areas and between urban and rural areas. These new developments will make the respective areas attractive to work and stay in and will help reduce the influx of people who would otherwise throng into the city, causing more slums and squatter areas to spring up.

Our promise was to develop the nation as a whole, and taking into consideration the need of every Malaysian and making sure that no one would be left behind or left out. This is what we are doing with the development corridors; in a nutshell, this is an effort and development for equitable distribution of quality opportunities.

This would invariably also create new sources of income for the rakyat. From time to time, there will be issues or episodes which will upset and make us question our place under the Malaysian sun. When that happens, we all have to try and seek a resolution to the problem.

Wong: I'm sure you're aware that of late some urban middle class parents have been telling their children to stay back overseas after they finish their education because they have no future in Malaysia.

Abdullah: I am very disappointed if some parents think in such a manner. It is as if they are instilling in their children that their country provides them with no benefits or anything good to offer. It is just not right. The children ought to remember that their own parents have earned credible incomes to afford to send them abroad to further their education.

I am not against the notion of furthering one’s profession overseas but to portray such an image to their children is not right. Our country has so much to offer and we are growing both economically and socially. There should be no reason to say that Malaysia possesses no professional opportunities.

Corruption and crime

Wong: Since being elected in 2004, you have declared war on corruption and promised to eradicate it. However, there is word that despite all the strong talk, the administration’s record in the fight against corruption has been patchy. The people are expecting for more to be done.

Abdullah: What I announced when I took over the leadership was not based on a five-year manifesto. It is a plan that spans across three development periods until 2020. Efforts to reduce corruption is a long-term battle and we are all well aware that it will not disappear in the wink of an eye. There have, however, been various significant improvements. For example, the awareness to eradicate corruption is higher than in previous years and what's more, we now see a trend of people coming forward to report such cases to us rather than just keeping quiet about it. There are even people who are willing to report attempts to corrupt officials.

The public play an integral part in the fight against corruption simply because they possess the power to stop it. The Anti-Corruption Agency has also been pivotal in addressing this issue. They have been given more manpower and better tools to do their job, such as forensic accounting capabilities. The ACA has increased its own investigation teams.

The number of corruption-related arrests has increased by over 70% from 2001 to 2006; the conviction rate for corruption-related cases has increased from 50% in 2004 to about 75% in 2006 and there has been a 25% increase in the number of corruption reports made by the public in the last four years. The ACA acted quickly after the Auditor General uncovered improper behaviour in his report. In fact, the openness of the government to deal with these issues and the speed with which action was taken is proof that we are determined and committed to fighting these abuses.

But despite all this, we still see that the public is sceptical. In their mind, they must see blood even if there is no blood. Even if a person is said or perceived to be corrupt, it does not mean he or she is definitely guilty of such accusations.

Therefore, this is what I mean when I say the public want to see blood. Such judgements are unfair and sometimes the media must lend a helping hand by not blowing such cases out of proportion and pronouncing people guilty before the courts do. The point is that fighting graft is not about making headlines or expecting quick results, but rather having the stamina for a long-drawn fight.

Wong: Crime is on everyone's mind and plenty of complaints have come streaming in. They say that the streets are not safe anymore.

Abdullah: Let me first say that we hear Malaysians loud and clear on this. Fighting crime, however, is everyone's concern and not just the police. I must say that the increase that has been reported on the nation's crime index since 2006 is due to five more categories of crimes added to the index of 14. But nevertheless, we must learn to take crime prevention measures and work together.

The rakyat must help do their part. Stop domestic crimes and ensure safety of their children, their homes and their possessions like cars. Support and be active in Rukun Tetangga activities, be ready to coorperate with the authorities, for example, be willing to report and be witness to any crime committed. At shopping malls, owners must install CCTV and engage security guards.

On the government's part, we have allocated RM8bil under the 9th Malaysia Plan which includes the purchase of high technology integrated communication system. For the new police stations, we want to install CCTVs inside lockups and CCTVs would also be installed at streets and public places by local councils. In addition, over 3,000 patrol cars and 4,000 motorcycles have been purchased. The government has also approved the recruitment of 60,000 police personnel over the next five years.

The current police training academy cannot accommodate a surge in trainees, more centres need to be built first. The ratio of police to the population ideally should be 1:250 people but, in Subang Jaya for example, the ratio is 1:3,000. So we need to improve the situation.

Police districts which are too big should be broken up to smaller units to fight crime better. For the short term, we have decided to rent or lease shoplots in town centres to be used as police stations. This way the people have better access to the police. Four areas have been targeted for more intensive police surveillance and operations. They are Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Kinta Valley, Penang, and the IDR in Johor.

The media, once again, must also not cause too much panic among the public. It would be made to seem as if crime was uncontrollable when in actuality the police have been working very hard. It was recently found that our police's response time to a crime in progress is higher than the Interpol average. We are (snaps finger) very quick. Our crime solving rate is better than the Interpol average.

But that aside, I have told Musa (Hassan) to make sure that the money that has been allocated is utilised quickly and that whatever instructions that have been given are implemented.
New faces, the keris and Chinese education

Wong: Will we see newer faces in the impending general election and possibly of even senior leaders giving way? You have mentioned before that there are credible candidates with great quality. What about Mentris Besar moving to contest in parliamentary seats?

Abdullah: Maybe. I will study a number of different factors.

Wong: There have been DAP ceramahs in Penang recently with posters of Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein wielding the keris.

Abdullah: I think enough has been said, but of course the opposition wants to play up the issue. I think attacks on Hisham(muddin) as being anti-Chinese is unfair, especially since he has done a lot for Chinese schools. That's a fact. He has been a fair politician. The MCA and the Chinese educationists can give you the statistics of his work. In fact, he is currently helping missionary schools to renew their land leases.
Hindraf and poverty

Wong: What about the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) issue? Will this affect the votes, especially the Indians in the coming general election?

Abdullah: Yes I think votes will be affected somewhat.

Wong: Towards this end, what is being done to address their grievances, especially in terms of poverty? And what about the recent cases of Hindu temples?

Abdullah: I have given instruction that whatever grouses they have should be attended to. We take these matters seriously and I have even made time to listen to them. It is not as if we are not doing anything. We have been working hard to eradicate poverty all this while. We have reduced it (the poverty rate) to 3.5% and hardcore poor is down to 0.7%, although obviously there are still poor people in the country. Of course our job is not done yet, but we have made a lot of progress.

There are not just poor Indians, but also poor Chinese, Malays and other bumiputra as well. This is why eradicating poverty among Malaysians, and I stress the word Malaysians, has been on our agenda and remains one of our priorities.

As for the Hindu temples, I have asked the MB to let the Hindu organisations decide for themselves how they intend to tackle the number of illegal temples in Selangor.

Wong: Malaysians are worried over how we will be affected due to fears of a US recession.

Abdullah: I was in Davos recently and the dominant topic of discussion was whether the US would go into recession or whether it would just be a slowdown. Many of the corporate leaders who came to see me also brought up this issue. I told them that although there would be some effect on the Malaysian economy, we are quite resilient. We have been managing our economy prudently and now we can see the success and the value of that approach. Our deficit has been reduced from 5.3% in 2003 to 3.2% in 2007. Our reserves are now over US$101 billion. Market capitalisation of Bursa Malaysia is over RM1tril. The ringgit has strengthened from RM3.80 (to US$1) to RM3.20. So we are in good economic health.

Number two, we have diversified our trade partners. The US is still an important trade partner of course, but our trade with China, India and the Middle East has grown and Asean will be more important to us going forward.

Finally, about 86% of our GDP is domestic driven. Domestic consumption and investment is up and high commodity prices have been good for us. With all of this, I believe we will continue to grow.

This is not to say that things will not be challenging. We are an open economy and not disconnected from the rest of the world. But our policies are good. A strong and stable government has allowed us to manage our development well and we will continue to need that strength and stability. Stability was the biggest attraction for a lot of the companies that I met in Davos. We have been able to plan and implement good policies because the country has been peaceful and we have enjoyed stability. So we must continue to safeguard it.

The interview was transcribed by Paul Choo

Association to push for prisoner exchange

2008-02-02T10:37:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians languishing in prisons abroad may be brought home to serve their remaining sentence here under a radical "prisoner exchange" programme.

The programme involves 25 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.For Malaysia, the move will overcome the problem of overcrowding in prisons.

Under the programme, prisoners who had served a certain amount of time in the countries they were convicted would be transferred home to complete their sentences there.

However, convicts on death row, those serving life imprisonment or those convicted of sexual crimes are excluded.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said the proposal was being "looked into". The New Straits Times, however, learnt that the Asia Pacific Correctional Association, of which the Malaysian Prisons Department is a member, had been toying with the idea for some time now and would likely push the programme at the association's next meeting in Langkawi later this year.

Countries such as Japan, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Tonga, North and South Korea and Malaysia are likely participants of the programme.

"This is not a barter trade," a source said. Once the agreement had been sealed with another country, the exchange programme can commence.

"The countries must agree not to intervene in the conviction meted out by foreign courts."Statistics show that 32 per cent or 11,868 convicts in this country are foreigners.

Sending the prisoners back to their countries would reduce the population in prisons besides the cost of housing them. The source said that unlike an extradition treaty, the programme would help the rehabilitation of prisoners.

Citing the example of a Malaysian being held in China, the source said it would be difficult for the inmate to undergo rehabilitation when he had problems communicating.

Final details of the programme would be drawn up after the meeting in Langkawi before being forwarded to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Barisan Nasional big guns roll into northern state to hand out goodies

2008-02-02T10:33:00.000+08:00

PENANG: The big guns from the Barisan Nasional descended here yesterday, giving away millions of ringgit in aid to Chinese schools, the poor and non-governmental organisations.

The show of force, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi with several Cabinet ministers, is a clear indication that the state will be the main battleground in the coming general election.

Today, it will be the turn of the Opposition bigwigs, led by Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, to raise the election fever further.

Apart from Abdullah and senior Umno leaders, other Barisan Nasional big guns who were here yesterday included MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

Also here were MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel and party secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

The Mentris Besar of Perlis, Kedah, Perak – Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali – were also present.

Abdullah was here to attend a Bakti community service project opened by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, at Pondok Puteri Gunung in Simpang Ampat, south Seberang Prai, in the afternoon.

Earlier, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop met representatives from eight Indian NGOs in Seberang Jaya and presented each with RM10,000 for their activities.

Over on the island, where the population is predominantly Chinese, Ong and Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is Gerakan acting president, delivered a big ang pow to the Chinese community from the Government.

Fifteen Chinese schools in the state will receive RM3.8mil in government aid, with SM Phor Tay getting a RM1mil boost for its new building in Sungai Dua.

Ong said that while Barisan component parties were sincere in cooperating with each other for the benefit of the people, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s relationship was one of convenience.

The Opposition had recently declared Penang as their frontline state in the elections.

Not wanting to be left out of the excitement, the Penang branch of Parti Keadilan Rakyat yesterday launched its “I Love Penang. I love Keadilan” campaign to woo Penang voters.

Penang PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Hashim said they wanted to “rescue” Penangites from a “non-performing” government and were offering Anwar in place of Dr Koh.

While yesterday was mostly a Barisan show, the Opposition big guns are gathering here this weekend.

Anwar has a packed schedule which includes an election dry run in Balik Pulau and a ceramah in Bayan Baru today.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng is expected to be back tomorrow after spending the early part of the week here, visiting markets and public places to make his presence felt.

Guan Eng, the son of Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, is expected to lead DAP’s campaign in Penang.

No Gentleman's Agreement with Tun Mahathir

2008-02-01T09:07:00.000+08:00

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday denied having a "gentleman's agreement" with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad five years ago to serve as prime minister for only one term before handing over the post to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"There is no gentleman's agreement," Abdullah said after opening the Pavilion shopping mall. "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion.

"The prime minister was asked to comment on an agreement said to have been made between him and his predecessor Dr Mahathir as claimed by the former prime minister.

Najib, responding to questions on the matter at a function in Putrajaya, reiterated his support and loyalty to the prime minister.

At the same time, he said his focus was on the upcoming general election and to ensure the victory of Barisan Nasional.

Najib said he did not know anything about the agreement. "No, I don't know. I really don't know about that. However, I am committed to supporting (the prime minister) and remaining loyal to him."I don't know. You (reporters) have to ask the parties concerned.

"Dr Mahathir had said on Wednesday that since Abdullah was older than Najib, he should be prime minister for one term and then Najib should be able to take over.

Dr Mahathir claimed the agreement was made in 2003 when he handed over the leadership to Abdullah but admitted that he had no way of proving it.

The former prime minister had also said he was willing to help BN campaign in the next general election provided the candidates fielded are "clean, honest and straight".

To this, Abdullah said: "Baguslah (that's good). We want to field candidates with a clean track record."Asked whether he would agree to meet non-governmental organisations and opposition parties to discuss current issues in the country, the prime minister said he would meet the NGOs.

"I have spoken to the NGOs," Abdullah said, adding that he did not meet opposition parties because there was too much politics involved.

On intentions expressed by some BN leaders, including menteris besar, MPs and state assemblyman, to defend their seats and others not seeking re-election in the coming polls, Abdullah said he was not stopping them from making their intentions known but ultimately he was the one who would decide on the candidates.

"I will not prevent them from having their opinions. But I will make the final decision," he said, adding that only capable candidates who were willing to serve the party would be selected.

Rosli Khamis (Loloq) Dies

2008-01-31T14:00:00.000+08:00

Award-winning songwriter Rosli Khamis, better known as Loloq, died at the Damansara Specialist Hospital here on Wednesday, following an operation on Monday to remove a blood clot in his brain.

Loloq, 50, frequently collaborated with singer, songwriter and composer M. Nasir.

Among Loloq's famous songs are Andalusia and Bonda (performed by M. Nasir), Aladin and Cinta Dewa Dewi (Spider), Dewi (Hattan), Awan Yang Terpilu (Ning Baizura), Nafas Cinta (Misha Omar), and Angan dan Sedar (Mawi).

Loloq also composed the song Demi Semangat Kesukanan which was sung by Lynn Ali for the 2001 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.

The Singapore-born songwriter also acted in films such as Zombi Kampung Pisang, Embun, Senario Lang Buana and Man Laksa. Apart from writing the script for the films Orang Minyak and the soon-to-be-filmed Aduh Saliha he was also a judge and critic on reality TV shows Bintang Kecil and Akademi Fantasia.

Loloq is survived by wife Hariah Yaacob and three children - Krsty Nur, 11, Jaevn Nur, 8 dan Yasha Nur, 6.

He was buried Wednesday at the Muslim cemetery in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh.

Missing Leads of Linggam Video Inquiry

2008-01-31T08:59:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigator in charge of the video clip case admitted she did not investigate many potential angles although leads were apparent from the testimony of witnesses and from the clip itself.

Senior Superintendent Chuah Lay Choo made the admission under the barrage of information put to her by lawyers acting for several witnesses of the inquiry and the Malaysian Bar.

As she was being “grilled” on the methodology that she had employed when conducting her investigation, the 52-year-old started to stutter.

Speaking in a faltering voice, she hesitantly acknowledged the obvious leads that she did not follow.

Her persistent replies that her scope of investigations was only confined to “the appointment of Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as Court of Appeal president and Chief Justice” drew irksome reactions from those in the public gallery.

To questions by Americk Sidhu, counsel for businessman Loh Mui Fah, Chuah said she was instructed to investigate the case at the end of September last year.

She said her team recorded the statements of Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.

Asked how she picked out Loh, when there are 26 million Malaysians, Chuah said: “From our investigations, we found that he was the person in the second portion of the video clip.
Americk: Who pointed this out?

Chuah: It was through our investigations.

Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor: Ya, but who?

Chuah: It was from an interview with Datuk V.K. Lingam.

Haidar: He told the ACA?

Chuah: Yes.

Haidar: Just say so lah. Don’t hide.

Americk: When V.K. Lingam identified Loh Mui Fah as the person in the clip, did he identify himself as well?

Chuah: No, he didn’t. He said it appears like him and sounds like him.

Americk: Once he identified Loh Mui Fah, did he give his particulars? That’s how you traced him (to Malacca)?

Chuah: Yes.

She also said her team found out that Lingam was in Britain when the video clip was first made public and that the ACA only got the phone numbers of Lingam, Tan, Tengku Adnan and Ahmad Fairuz as stated in their statements. However, she admitted that she did not ask them to volunteer the numbers they had in 2000 and 2001.

Asked if she had tried to find out what Lingam’s phone number was in his house in Britain, Chuah replied that her team tried but failed.

Americk then asked her if it would assist her investigations if he gave the number to her.

“It would not be useful now. I don’t think so,” she replied.

Americk: If you were to obtain the mobile and fixed lines of the other key players, would you be able to retrieve their records from September to December?

Chuah: We may be able to.

Americk: Once you have all these records, would it be possible to find out whether any calls were made between any of these numbers from September to December?

Chuah: I believe so.

To questions by counsel Christopher Leong, who is acting for the Malaysian Bar, she said she was aware of the investigations carried out by ACA in 1998 in relation to allegations made by Lingam’s brother V. Thirunama Karasu.

She, however, did not investigate because her investigations were confined to the appointment of Tun Ahmad Fairuz.

Later questioned by Ranjit Singh, another counsel for the Bar, Chuah said she did not check the telephone records of prominent figures mentioned in the clip because to her the relevant period meant the day the clip was filmed.

Ranjit: But you said you did not know the date.

Chuah: Errr, we were told it was in 2002.

Ranjit: Who told?

Chuah: When the clip was handed we were told it was 2002.

Ranjit: My suggestion is that the material time will be around the time this video was recorded, before and soon after that.

Chuah: At that time, it did not occur to me.

Ranjit: In the transcript of the clip there are references to phone calls and discussions, for example, between Lingam and Tengku Adnan. Don’t you think this is relevant?

Chuah: At that time, we were trying to establish when the conversation occurred. We were trying to get closer to the period. We haven’t even confirmed the date of that call yet.

Ranjit: Now do you think it is relevant? It does appear quite improper for a lawyer to be brokering appointment of judges?

Chuah: It is irrelevant but we have direct interview with the witness concerned.

Ranjit: As the investigating officer, you know you will be facing potential criminals and after you interviewed you verify the facts because not all of them are going to tell the truth?

Chuah: Yes.

Ranjit: This wasn’t done in this case?

Chuah: No.

Ranjit: I suggest that neither you nor the ACA have done a thorough investigation on the contents of this video.

Chuah: I think we have tried to establish the truth.

Ranjit Singh then proceeded to ask Chuah whether she investigated a 25-minute call made from Lingam’s house to a Singapore registered number – 02-98766505 – on the day the clip was recorded.

Chuah admitted that she did not do so.

Ranjit: Wouldn’t it be relevant? Did you not follow up?

Chuah: No.

Ranjit: Did you find out if Tun Ahmad Fairuz was in Singapore in December 2001?

Chuah: No.

Ranjit: Did you not think it was pertinent?

Chuah: As I understand, in the video clip it was an incoming call.

Ranjit: That was what a witness said. It may not be the real position. The fact that you went through Lingam’s house phone records suggests that you suspected that the call could have been made from there. Would it not be pertinent to check if Tun Ahmad Fairuz was in Singapore?

Chuah: Yes.

Ranjit: From another phone in the same house, there was another 28-minute call to Singapore on the same number at 9.46pm. Is it not pertinent to check that too?

Chuah: Yes.

Ranjit: If Tun Ahmad Fairuz had used a prepaid number in 2001, you also wouldn’t be able to check?

Chuah: Yes.

Ranjit: So, this list (referring to Ahmad Fairuz’ fixed lines records) does not confirm conclusively whether Tun Ahmad Fairuz made a call to V.K. Lingam in late December 2001?

Chuah: (Silent)

The New Era of Sabah

2008-01-30T08:51:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM105bil in investments, 900,000 jobs, a waterfront city, tourism projects and a RM600mil new Sabah Railway terminal – these are among the things Sabahans will get when the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) is completed in 18 years.

In addition, Gross Domestic Product will be up to RM63bil and an annual per capita income will hit RM14,800.

As an immediate measure, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced an extra RM5bil allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to improve infrastructure and to reduce the cost of doing business in the state.

And minutes after Abdullah launched the SDC, 13 MoUs were signed involving international companies from China, the United States and Japan for various projects worth RM16bil.

These developments include housing, condominiums, hotels, the waterfront city, ports, tourism projects and the railway terminal at Tanjung Aru.

The Prime Minister said the SDC was to transform Sabah into an environmentally conscious and modern state and gave an assurance that every aspect of the corridor development would benefit all Sabahans.

“Today we see the Land Below the Wind take a quantum leap to be developed and be prosperous,” he said to applause from the crowd at Sapangar Container Port here yesterday.
He outlined five key thrusts of the SDC, which will be to:

* Make Sabah the gateway for trade, investment and tourism in the region.

* Transform the state into a harmonious and prosperous state regardless of race or religion.

* Make the state more technology-savvy to ensure a better quality of life.

* Provide job opportunities in the state.

* Make Sabah a comfortable state to live in with good quality of life accentuated with diverse cultures, heritage and environment.

Abdullah said that with the realisation of the five key aspects, the face of Sabah would be totally changed under the plans which would not leave out any group or region in the state.

“This is not a daydream. We are not making an empty promise. There is no doubt there is a lot of challenges but we will ensure that the Sabah corridor will be a success,” he said.

Under the SDC, the state’s west coast would see an industrial sub-corridor and agro-food industry for small and medium enterprises. For the central and northern zones, there will be an agripolitan zone, tourism, highland agriculture and agro-forestry.

The east coast will have industries, marine tourism, integrated agro food industry, agro-biotechnology, and palm oil-based industry zones.

Abdullah said that the overall focus of the SDC was to promote Sabah’s inherent strengths that included its location, rich natural resources as well as cultural and biological diversity that can become high potential economic activity.

The sectors being promoted would be agriculture, tourism and logistics, services and manufacturing, he said.

He said they also hoped to bring in more tourists to the state by developing eco-tourism destinations like Sipadan, Danum Valley and Darvel Bay.

Abdullah said the federal government would liberalise the open skies policy for air travel to Sabah.

Tun Ahmad Fairuz: I did not call Linggam

2008-01-29T12:09:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim had neither called nor given his telephone number to lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan nor Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

The former Chief Justice also told the Royal Commission of Inquiry he could not positively identify the person in the video clip as Lingam as he claimed that he did not know the lawyer that well.

Below are the excerpts of Ahmad Fairuz's 80-minute testimony as the 14th witness of the inquiry.

Leading officer DPP Datuk Azmi Ariffin: Throughout the time before and after you held the post of Chief Judge of Malaya, did you know a lawyer by the name of Datuk V.K. Lingam?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes, I knew him.

Azmi: How would you describe your relationship with him?

Ahmad Fairuz: I only knew him as a lawyer.

Azmi: Do you know Tan Sri Vincent Tan?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes, I do.

Azmi: How would you describe your relationship with him?

Ahmad Fairuz: I only meet him at official functions at the state and national levels.

Azmi: Do you know Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes.

Azmi: How would you describe your relationship with Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan?

Ahmad Fairuz: I only see him at official government events.

Azmi: Regarding this inquiry, which has a video clip as the subject matter, do you know of a clip allegedly showing a lawyer brokering the appointment of judges?

Ahmad Fairuz: My former secretary drew my attention to this video clip on her computer. It was shown to me but it was not clear and it kept “breaking”.

Azmi: After seeing it, do you have an idea who the person in the video clip is?

Ahmad Fairuz: I can't identify the person positively because my relationship with Datuk V.K. Lingam is only that of a lawyer (and a judge). So I can't identify him positively.

Azmi: Do you know the subject of the conversation in the video clip?

Ahmad Fairuz: Because the video clip kept breaking, I couldn't make out the content of the phone conversation.

Azmi: If I play the video clip, would you be able to remember?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes.

The 14-minute video clip was then played.

Azmi: Can you identify the Indian man speaking on the phone who then speaks to a Chinese man after that?

Ahmad Fairuz: I can't positively identify him because I've only met him once or twice in court and at the Prime Minister's residence when I visited the Prime Minister's wife.

Azmi: Does the person's face and voice resemble Datuk V.K. Lingam?

Ahmad Fairuz: There are resemblances.

Azmi: According to a previous witness, this video was recorded on Dec 20, 2001. Did you call Datuk V.K. Lingam on Dec 20, 2001 to confirm your position as President of the Court of Appeal?

Ahmad Fairuz: No.

Azmi: Have you ever had a meeting with Datuk V.K. Lingam, Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan to secure your appointment as the President of the Court of Appeal and subsequently, as Chief Justice?

Ahmad Fairuz: Never.

Azmi: Have you ever sought the help of Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan and Tan Sri Vincent Tan through Datuk V.K. Lingam to confirm your position as the President of the Court of Appeal?

Ahmad Fairuz: Never.

Azmi: Had there ever been a plan or a pact between you, Datuk V.K. Lingam, Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan to ensure your appointment as President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Justice at any time?

Ahmad Fairuz: Never.

Azmi: (Referring to the portion of the transcript where the Indian man said he was speaking to the Chief Judge of Malaya “Datuk Ahmad Fairuz”) On Dec 20, 2001, you were the Chief Judge of Malaya?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes.

Azmi: When the Indian man said “Ahmad Fairuz”, he was referring to you?

Ahmad Fairuz: At that time, Datuk Ahmad Fairuz was the Chief Judge of Malaya.

Azmi: When the Indian man said you were the next Chief Justice, were you subsequently appointed as the Chief Justice?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes.

Azmi: (On the phrase “He is Eusoff Chin's man” from the transcript) In the context of this conversation, was the Indian man referring to “Datuk Ahmad Fairuz” when he said “he”?

Ahmad Fairuz: In this context, yes.

Azmi: (On the portion of the transcript where the Indian man said Dzaiddin's recommendation of Tan Sri Abdul Malek Ahmad as Chief Judge of Malaya was rejected because the latter was “anti-PM”) Do you know if Tun Dzaiddin ever made such a proposal?

Ahmad Fairuz: I didn't know.

Azmi: Was the statement made by the Indian man true in that you were appointed as the Chief Judge of Malaya after Tan Sri Abdul Malek was rejected because he was “anti-PM”?

Ahmad Fairuz: I don't know.

Azmi: (On the portion in the transcript where the Indian man said “Datuk Ahmad Fairuz” rang him to thank him following his appointment as Chief Judge of Malaya)

Have you ever called Datuk V.K. Lingam to thank him for his efforts in securing your position as stated in this context?

Ahmad Fairuz: Never.

After the leading officer finished his questions, the former Chief Justice's counsel Salehuddin Saidin started his examination.

Salehuddin: The first time you were shown the clip, did you see anything else?

Ahmad Fairuz: In the afternoon, my secretary gave me two documents from Malaysiakini – one was an article with the heading “Video Links Chief Justice To Judge-Fixing Scandal” and the other a “Transcript of V.K. Lingam's Conversation with Ahmad Fairuz.”

Salehuddin: When you saw all these, what was your reaction?

Ahmad Fairuz: I immediately thought that this was slander (fitnah). Two things crossed my mind – it might be fabrication or the person speaking in the video might be trying to impress some people when the video was recorded.

Salehuddin: Did you take any action after getting the articles?

Ahmad Fairuz: I read both of them over and over again.

The next day, I drafted a letter to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz) to explain my opinion and position on the video.

Salehuddin: What was your relationship like with Tun Eusoff Chin?

Ahmad Fairuz: He was my chief, I was a judge.

Salehuddin: (Referring to the portion of the transcript about a memo on the appointment of judges) Have you ever prepared a memo with the person said to be Datuk V.K. Lingam?

Ahmad Fairuz: Never.

Salehuddin: Do you know Wee Choo Keong?

Ahmad Fairuz: He is a lawyer and I've heard his case before in 1995, that's all. I've also seen him at official functions.

Salehuddin: When you were a High Court judge, you heard the election petition involving Wee in 1995?

Ahmad Fairuz: Yes.

Salehuddin: Who appointed you as the election judge?

Ahmad Fairuz: As far as I know, the Chief Judge of Malaya appointed election judges.

Salehuddin: Who was the Chief Judge of Malaya then?

Ahmad Fairuz: Tan Sri Anuar (Zainal Abidin) if I recall correctly.

Salehuddin: So Tan Sri Anuar appointed you to hear the petition?

Ahmad Fairuz: If I'm not mistaken, yes.

Salehuddin: (Referring to the transcript) Were you the man talking to the Indian man in the video at that time?

Ahmad Fairuz: No.

Salehuddin: So him claiming it was “Ahmad Fairuz” is not true?

Ahmad Fairuz: It's not true.

Salehuddin: Since you denied all the facts from the transcript, do you have any idea why this Indian man said to be Datuk V.K. Lingam implicated you as the person he was speaking to?

Ahmad Fairuz: I don't know. I don't know why he did such a thing.

Samy Vellu: Mind your own business

2008-01-28T10:01:00.000+08:00

SEREMBAN: The MIC has reminded other Barisan Nasional component parties to stay out of the Indian community's affairs.

Its president, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, said there were some BN component party leaders who had been meeting the Indian community and trying to get it to voice its problems.

"They are trying to stir the pot. Let the MIC worry about the Indian community. The other parties should concentrate on helping their own communities," he said without naming the parties.While the 14 BN component members are dominated by a particular race, the People's Progressive Party and Gerakan have a strong Indian voice.

Samy Vellu was speaking after attending the Tafe College convocation ceremony here yesterday. Present were MIC vice-presidents Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar and Datuk S. Vee-rasingam and state MIC chief Datuk T. Rajagopalu.

Samy Vellu also said that the MIC was confident of winning all the seats it would contest in the next general election despite the current unhappiness among the Indian community.

"MIC has a very good record in the general election and I am confident that the Indian community will continue to support BN." He said that only a small segment of the community was dissatisfied and behind demonstrations and protests.

He also said the party would name more women candidates in the general election.

"We have always given opportunities for our women members. We now have a woman parliamentary secretary and women state executive council members." He also blasted the opposition for disrespecting a Hindu temple in Ipoh by lighting candles inside the temple during Thaipusam while protesting against the detention of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders under the Internal Security Act.

In Kuala Lumpur, Samy Vellu demanded that opposition leader Lim Kit Siang apologise to the Indian community for asking the people to light candles in a temple.

"Hindus never hold vigils in a temple. It is against our beliefs. Kit Siang does not know anything about the religion, so he shouldn't ask people to do things against the faith."

Pak Suharto

2008-01-28T09:53:00.000+08:00

32 YEARS OF RULE WITH AN IRON FIST: Allies and critics of former president Suharto, who died yesterday aged 86, agree that his legacy still looms large in Indonesia's political, economic and cultural life. Suharto's autocratic rule, over more than three decades, was marked by rampant corruption, cronyiam and widespread human abuses.

MOHAMMED Suharto, the son of poor peasants, rose to lead the world's most populous Muslim nation for 32 years and turned the backward Asian nation into a tiger economy.A man of few words, Suharto was complex and charismatic, and both reviled and loved by the people. He is remembered as the father of development by some and a butcher by others."I like Suharto very much," said Sumirah, a domestic helper from Tegal, central Java. "When he was president, life was easy. There was always enough to eat, basic commodities were cheap. "Now life is very, very hard."

Even as he brought development to Indonesia, Suharto also presided over some of the worst atrocities in modern Indonesian history.He ruled the vast archipelago of 17,000 islands with an iron fist. Dissent was brutally crushed by the military.Unlike his predecessor, Indonesia's founding father Sukarno, who united the country through patriotism and oratory, Suharto held Indonesia's disparate religious, ethnic and social groups together by sheer force."The meanest and cruellest dictator is the one who can smile while his hands are covered in blood," said journalist Rudy Madanir.

Suharto seized power from Sukarno during the 1960s against the backdrop of the Cold War. Fate presented Suharto with the opportunity to change the course of Indonesian history on Sept 30, 1965, when six generals and a lieutenant were kidnapped and killed by a group of leftist officers.Suharto, then a two-star general and head of the strategic army reserve Kostrad, was tasked with putting down the coup attempt and prosecuting the perpetrators.When news came that army commander Ahmad Yani was among those killed, Suharto took control of the army. It blamed the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) for plotting and carrying out the coup.Thus began a violent bloodbath to purge the country of communists.

The army, on Suharto's orders, embarked on a campaign to incite the people to attack communist party members, the country's tiny ethnic Chinese community and Sukarno loyalists.Hundreds of thousands of PKI members and ethnic Chinese were hunted down and slaughtered. Real and suspected PKI members were taken away from their homes by local vigilantes and army units and killed by knife or bayonet.

Estimates of the death toll number from 100,000 to more than a million. It was one of the worst massacres of the 20th century.Suharto moved swiftly to consolidate his hold over the armed forces, purging it of Sukarno loyalists and communist sympathisers.In March 1967, Suharto was formally named acting president, and a year later, president.Suharto's rise to power took many by surprise. He was an unknown army general who had displayed little interest in politics.

The force of Suharto's willpower can be traced back to his poverty-stricken and difficult childhood. He was born into a family of poor peasants on June 8, 1921 in Kemusuk village near the royal city of Yogyakarta, Central Java, during the Dutch colonial era.His parents' marriage broke up before he turned 2. He was brought up by each of his remarried parents and relatives in different villages at various times, and knew no stability in his young life.

The hardship of his childhood and youth shaped his character.As the leader of Southeast Asia's largest country, he set out to rebuild Indonesia's shattered economy by appointing a group of Western-trained economists.Suharto reined in the country's inflation, stabilised the rupiah and attracted foreign direct investment, which created jobs and raised the standard of living for millions of poor people.

Throughout his rule, Suharto rarely spoke in public but smiled very often and earned himself the nickname "the Smiling General".He left it to his generals and ministers to make public announcements. The distance added to his enigma and princely persona, which inspired fear, admiration and loyalty among the people.It was only in the company of peasants, the people who toiled the land with their hands, that Suharto felt at home.

The agricultural community, numbering in the millions, held a special place in Suharto's heart. He paid close attention to their needs, which in turn earned him their loyalty.But among many Indonesians, Suharto was reviled for his human rights abuses and the corruption, cronyism and nepotism involving his children, family and friends.

Indonesia's invasion of Timor Leste and annexation in 1975 resulted in the death of some 200,000 people at the hands of the armed forces. Military operations in the restive province of Aceh also claimed thousands of lives.In 1998, when the Asian economic crisis hit Indonesia, the rupiah lost almost 80 per cent of its value. Overnight, millions were thrown out of work and languished below the poverty line.Amid widespread civil unrest, Suharto resigned on May 21, 1998. He subsequently lived a quiet life in the leafy suburb of Menteng in central Jakarta, and was rarely seen in public.

Critics and anti-corruption campaigners accused Suharto's family of amassing US$45 billion (RM148.5 billion) in kickbacks or deals during his time in office. His family have denied such charges.Last year, state prosecutors filed a civil suit claiming US$440 million in state funds and a further US$1 billion in damages for alleged misuse of money held by one of Suharto's charity foundations.Right till the end, Suharto remained an ambiguous, controversial figure.

Suharto Dies

2008-01-27T16:08:00.000+08:00

JAKARTA (Indonesia): Former Indonesian president Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist movement and pushed aside the country's founding father to usher in 32 years of tough rule that saw up to a million political opponents killed, died Sunday. He was 86.

"He has died,'' Dr Christian Johannes told The Associated Press, adding that he died at 1.10pm (2.10pm Malaysian time).

Dozens of doctors on Suharto's medical team had been rushed to the Pertamina Hospital in the capital, Jakarta, after his blood pressure fell suddenly Saturday night.

Suharto had slipped out of consciousness for the first time in more than three weeks of treatment, doctors said.

Suharto, had been in intensive care with lung, heart and kidney failure since he was admitted to the hospital on Jan 4.

Over the past week his physicians had spoken of a recovery, but by Sunday that had changed dramatically. - AP

Tiada Tolak Ansur Dengan Golongan Pelampau

2007-12-29T11:11:00.000+08:00

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday expressed shock over the assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto and strongly condemned the act which killed many innocent people.

"The resort to extremism and violence is unacceptable. It cannot be tolerated anywhere, any time. The perpetrators must be brought to justice."Abdullah, who is also chairman of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, extended his condolences to the families of Benazir and the others killed in the incident.

"I hope the people of Pakistan will remain calm. I pray the situation there will soon stabilise."Benazir, 54, leader of the opposition Pakistan People's Party, was killed in a suicide attack in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, also extended their deepest condolences to Benazir's family and to the families of the bystanders killed.

"We pray for the continued peace and stability of Pakistan and that the family of Benazir Bhutto and the people of Pakistan will be patient in facing these testing times," Dr Mahathir said in his message to the Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ta- hir Mahmud Qazi.

Rentetan Dari Pembunuhan Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-29T11:06:00.000+08:00

The assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto sent shockwaves around the world on Friday with Poland ordering extra troops to Afghanistan and other countries vowing new help to battle Al-Qaeda.

Many countries, however, also urged President Pervez Musharraf to keep Pakistan on the path to democracy, despite the killing of Bhutto in a suicide bomb attack at an election rally on Thursday.

At his ranch in Crawford, Texas, US President George W. Bush convened a meeting of his national security advisors to discuss the situation in Pakistan following Bhutto's assassination.

Bush previously called on Musharraf to stay on the path of democracy despite the killing which the Pakistan government said was the work of Al-Qaeda.

"This is a day of great tragedy, great mourning. She was a champion of democracy.

She was a courageous woman," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after signing a book of condolence for Bhutto at Pakistan's embassy in Washington.

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI was praying for an end to violence in Pakistan after the "brutal terrorist attack" that killed Bhutto, the Holy See said.Meanwhile, Poland will add 400 troops to its force of 1,600 in Afghanistan by April or May as a direct response to the assassination of Bhutto, Polish Defence Minister Bogdan Klich said.

"The destabilisation of the situation in Pakistan and the danger that this instability will expand in the region and to Afghanistan has forced us to reinforce our military contingent," he told Poland's TVN24 news channel.

For their part Britain, France, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain and other countries warned their nationals against going to Pakistan.

Japan told its citizens in the country not to leave their hotels or lodgings.With widespread doubts over whether Pakistan will go ahead with scheduled elections on January 8, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on Musharraf to "build democracy and stability" in talks with the Pakistani leader.

He also offered extra help to combat Al-Qaeda.Bhutto's killing was "a potent reminder of the threat we face from terror," Brown said.A two-time former prime minister, Bhutto was shot at by an attacker before he blew himself up at a campaign rally in Rawalpindi, killing at least 20 people.

Bhutto hit her head on her car sunroof avoiding the bullets and died, according to the Pakistan government.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Bhutto's assassination "represents an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes.

"Pakistan's neighbours, fearing an extremist spill-over if nuclear-armed Pakistan were to spiral out of control, were quick to respond.Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who met Bhutto only hours before her death, called the assassination an act of "immense brutality" against one of the Muslim world's leading women.

In Europe, France voiced concerns over the possibility of Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the hands of the extremists and the threat to stability across South Asia caused by the killing."That is why we regard Pakistan and the odious assassination of Benazir Bhutto in part as an assassination of democracy... and we must not allow that," said French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

Strong reaction also came from the Muslim world.President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, described Bhutto's murder as "a severe blow to Pakistan's democratic process," expressing hope that democracy and the rule of law be respected in Pakistan.

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, said the killing "undoubtedly aims to draw Pakistan into chaos and instability."The International Crisis Group, a conflict resolution think tank, called for a UN inquiry into the killing, saying that the Pakistan government "is not in a position to carry out a fair investigation."

"Given the longstanding connections between the Pakistani military and jihadi groups, this would be the only way to carry out an impartial and credible investigation," it said. US senator and Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also called for an independent probe.

Jangan Meletak Kenderaan Di Lorong Kecemasan

2007-12-29T10:59:00.000+08:00

The emergency lane is actually a traffic lane meant for use by authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department, the police and ambulances, Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh reminded motorists.

It is not intended for drivers to stop at the lane or to carry out repairs on stalled vehicles, he added.

“It is extremely dangerous when vehicles are parked at emergency lanes, in the lane for traffic,” he told reporters yesterday.

Suret Singh said the right thing to do was to move the car to the road shoulder and ensure the vehicle does not obstruct the emergency lane.

“If there is no road shoulder, the stalled vehicle can be left on the emergency lane but only for a short period pending assistance. A safety triangle must be placed some distance behind the car to warn other motorists.

“Drivers and passengers of the stalled vehicle should stay away from the car. Pick a safe place to wait. Repair work should not be conducted on the emergency lane,” he added.

Suret Singh said if repair works were needed, a tow truck or highway patrol vehicle must be summoned immediately to tow away the vehicle.

He was commenting on an accident last week in which an express bus ploughed into two men who were attending to a car on the emergency lane at the 263rd kilometre of the North-South Expressway near Seremban.

Mohd Hanif Mohd Noor, 29, from Kg Air Tawar in Merlimau, Malacca, was driving to Bandar Baru Bangi with his mother and two younger siblings to visit a sister when his car broke down.

Mechanic Palaneysamy Ratnam, 26, from Taman Mambau Jaya, near here, had arrived to check the car parked on the emergency lane.

However, as both were checking the car, the bus which had just entered the highway hit them, killing both instantly.

Benazir Bhutto Terbunuh

2007-12-28T05:01:00.000+08:00

RAWALPINDI: Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto died Thursday after a suicide bomb and gun attack.

"At 6.16pm (9.16pm Malaysian time) she expired,'' said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of Bhutto's party who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital.

A senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment, confirmed that Bhutto had died.

According to unconfirmed reports, the attacker had opened fire on her with a weapon before the explosion.

On hearing of her death, Bhutto's supporters at the hospital began chanting "Dog, Musharraf, dog,'' referring to Pakistan's President.

Some of them smashed the glass door at the main entrance of the emergency unit, others burst into tears. One man with a flag of Pakistan People's Party tied around his head was beating his chest.

Senator Babar Awan, Bhutto's lawyer, said, "The surgeons confirmed that she has been martyred.''

At least 20 others were killed in the blast that took place as Bhutto left a political rally where she addressed thousands of supporters to canvas votes for Jan 8 parliamentary elections.

Bhutto served twice as Pakistan's Prime Minister between 1988 and 1996. She had returned to Pakistan from an eight-year exile on Oct 18.

Her homecoming parade in Karachi was also targeted by a suicide attacker, killing more than 140 people. On that occasion she narrowly escaped injury.

Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR): 27,668 Calon Dapat Gred A

2007-12-27T12:36:00.000+08:00

A total of 27,668 or 5.9 per cent of the 469,401 students who sat for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination last year obtained Grade A in all the subjects they took, compared with 4.5 per cent last year and 4.9 per cent inn 2005.

Director-General of Education Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom, who announced the analysis of the results today, said this showed that the national education system had succeeded in producing more outstanding students.

“This is in line with the government’s aspiration to produce more first-class human capital through education,” he said.

Alimuddin said 559 candidates obtained Grade E, denoting that they have not achieved the minumum level, in all subjects compared with 524 last year and 569 in 2005.

“This figure is very small compared with the total number of outstanding candidates,” he said.

Perangkap Kamera di Jalanan

2007-12-27T12:19:00.000+08:00

Motorists beware! Cameras at thousands of locations around the country will be tracking traffic offenders and bad drivers.

The cameras form the basis for the soon-to-be-introduced Automated Enforcement System (AES) which will provide round-the-clock checks on traffic.

The locations for the cameras were jointly identified by the police, Road Safety Department, Malaysian Institute for Road Safety and Research (Miros) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Miros director-general Prof Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said the cameras would be placed at locations where motorist have been known to speed and beat the red light and at accident-prone areas.

“We studied possible locations based on the roads where there are speed related problems, especially where single-vehicle accidents occur, when motorists go into a curve too quickly.”

“The idea is for the cameras to focus on those who flout the law and have bad driving habits. As for those who make errors or lapses, that will be handled by education programmes and training,” he added.

JPJ deputy director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said authorities would be meeting again to discuss where to actually place the cameras.

Although no clear timeline has been given for the full implementation of the AES, testing for the system is said to be starting early next year.

A couple of models are being considered to finance the setting up of the system. One of for the Government to pay for the setting up of the cameras while other is to privatise the operation, therefore costing the Government nothing.

Under the privatisation model, the company that makes the successful bid can recoup its costs by taking a certain percentage of the summonses collected.

Sources said that if the privatisation model was chosen, the company would not have a say where the cameras would be located, while summonses would continue to be issued by the JPJ and police.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said the AES was a vital ingredient in the Government’s objectives of reducing road fatalities by 58% by 2010.

“It will be a very strong antibiotic for our enforcement efforts and will take us into the same league as advanced countries,” he said.

Haji: Selamat Pulang Ke Tanah Air

2007-12-26T11:55:00.000+08:00

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, returned today after performing the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Their Majesties, accompanied by a 23-member delegation comprising members of the royal household and palace officials, flew in to the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) base here at 7.45am.

The delegation included the children of Their Majesties -- Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah, Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Tengku Muhammad Mua'az and Tengku Fatimatuz Zahra'.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was at the airport to welcome home Their Majesties.

The Grand Imam of Masjid Negara, Datuk Syeikh Ismail Muhammad, read the "doa selamat" prayers after the arrival of the royal couple and their entourage.

Their Majesties had left for the Holy Land on December 13.

Utamakan Semangat Kekalkan Keamanan & Perpaduan

2007-12-25T08:51:00.000+08:00

The spirit of caring and sharing has always kept the nation together whenever its unity was tested, the prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in his Christmas message that for the country to continue moving strongly forward, it was paramount for the people to always put the country's interest before other narrowly defined demands.

Malaysia, he said, had for the past 50 years enjoyed the peace that prevailed due to sheer hard work and the strong sense of responsibility of its people.However, he said, some had in recent times tried to instigate unrest."Over the last few months, narrow-mindedness and intolerance, propounded by a small group, have served to test our faith in each other.

"Therefore, in celebrating Christmas today, I am happy to note that Malaysians of all faiths continue the tradition of sharing and caring, a tradition that we have practised all these years.

"Despite all the rhetoric, the great religions of the world practised across Malaysia share many universal beliefs. "None is more evident than our central belief in the power of love and compassion," Abdullah said.

He said Malaysia had indeed seen over the years how love and compassion had helped to break down racial barriers and it had also helped the less fortunate and marginalised.

"In moving forward, we must all believe that Malaysia is truly greater than the sum of her parts." Abdullah said it was in this spirit, as the people celebrate Christmas, that their thoughts must also go out to the unfortunate and all those who face hardship at this time, such as the flood victims.

"Let us lend a helping hand to those who have to spend this festive season in great adversity."Lastly, let me take this opportunity to wish my fellow Malaysians of the Christian faith a very happy Christmas."

*******

Christmas Wish from a Malaysian Big Guys;

I wish to take this occasion to wish every Christian in Malaysia Merry Christmas. Christmas is not only a season for giving but also for forgiving. - Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Housing and Local Government Minister.

Malaysians can count their blessings. The spirit of co-operation between our diverse communities remains high in spite of challenges along the way. - Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, Energy, Water and Communications Minister.

Peace is the main factor of a country’s stability and as citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure the country’s harmony. - Datuk M. Kayveas, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion. - Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chief Minister of Penang.

Malaysians must continue to instil religious tolerance and understanding of the various cultures and religions. - Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Works Minister.

The best solutions to our country’s problems are not confrontations and violence as seen in and outside the country recently. - Sarawak Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.

Trust, mutual respect and sincerity are the positive traits that we have managed to foster among the people, allowing us to live in harmony. - Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sabah Chief Minister.

Angin Pilihanraya di Thailand

2007-12-24T10:08:00.000+08:00

The People's Power Party (PPP), the proxy party of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, emerged with the highest number of seats in Thailand's general election today, handing a severe blow to the military which 15 months ago staged the country's 18th coup in 75 years.

The party won a total of 228 seats, comprising 194 constituencies and 34 party-list seats, which, however, fell short of the 241 required to form a new government on its own. It is now seeking out other parties to join it in forming a coalition government.

The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the country's oldest party, the Democrats, won 133 constituency and 33 party-list seats for its best-ever showing of 166 seats.

Chart Thai, which is likely to decide which party forms the next government, won a total of 39 seats, followed by the military-linked Puea Paendin with 26, Ruam Jai Thai Chat 10, Matchima seven and Pracharaj Party four out of the 480 seats at stake.

Apichart said the results were based on the 93.11 percent of votes counted as at 10.15pm but assured that the outcome (of the election) would not be affected once all ballots are counted.

He said that a total of 29.34 million voters, or 59.9 percent of the over 45 million eligible voters turned-up for the election, which was called by the military-installed government with the aim of restoring democracy, as well as keeping Thaksin out of power.

Asked why the voter-turnout was lower than the government's target of 70 percent, he said it could be due to people being tired of intense politicking in the country, which has seen four elections in a space of seven years.

The PPP was formed by Thaksin supporters after his Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved by the court in May and all its 111 executives banned from politics for five years.Thaksin, who is facing numerous corruption and power abuse charges, monitored the election from Hong Kong.

Former deputy prime minister and Bangkok Governor, Samak Sundaravej said that the PPP was willing to work with other parties to form a coalition government, an offer rejected by Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva who could become the prime minister himself if all the other parties abandon the PPP and join his coalition.

The PPP has already warned of attempts by some influential people and the military to stop them from forming the government and is wary of the investigations to be conducted by the ECT on over 170 cases of poll irregularities.Under Thai election law, ECT has 30 days to scrutinise all candidates before announcing the official results.

Awas!

2007-12-24T02:38:00.000+08:00

Landowners beware! Your property is at risk. There has been a rising number of land scams in recent years, especially in the Klang Valley. Worse, the scams are targeting higher-value land too.

Government statistics revealed in Parliament recently showed that there were 16 land scams recorded in 2001, 19 in 2002, 22 in 2003, 32 in 2004, 35 in 2005 and 80 last year.

Police statistics also showed that last year the value of land involved in the scams was almost RM4.9mil. This year, up till October, the value of the land was more than RM10.4mil.

Only four people were arrested over the offences last year and just one this year.

National House Buyers Association secretary Chang Kim Loong expressed concern over increasing incidences of land scams and the high number of unsolved cases.

“This could lead to a loss of confidence in the Malaysian property market,” he said.

Chang urged the Government to initiate an insurance scheme to indemnify anyone who suffers loss due to fraudulent land transfer.

Commercial Crimes Investigation Department legal / inspectorate division principal assistant director ACP Tan Kok Liang said that in certain cases it was difficult to get evidence against the perpetrators because they used other people's identity.

The most recent case involves Taiwanese businessman Chen Wei Pin, who found that a private caveat had been entered on his land by a director of Zen Zaman Sdn Bhd, claiming that Chen had sold the land to his company. Chen denied any such transaction.

His plight was brought up by the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department, which has received 18 such complaints involving land worth RM30mil in the past five years.

Assistant professor Dr Sharifah Zubaidah Syed Abdul Kader of the Public Law Department of the International Islamic University Malaysia said the law did not fully protect landowners, especially in cases of forgery.

“Even if they are able to prove the title is theirs, they can still lose their land. The court will inevitably rule against them as long as it can be proven that the purchaser had bought the land on good faith,” she added.

Roger Tan, the Bar Council's Conveyancing Practice Committee chairman, said the onus had fallen on landowners to conduct regular checks on their land title.

29 Korban Banjir

2007-12-19T10:45:00.000+08:00

At least 29 people have died from the floods which have hit various states since early this month.

Kelantan recorded 14 deaths, followed by Pahang with 11 deaths – three of which in the last 48 hours – and Johor with four deaths as of yesterday.

In Pahang, two of the latest victims were found floating in Sungai Endau in Rompin by search and rescue personnel at about 10.30am yesterday.

They were identified as Zamri Mohamad, 29, of Kampung Lang Kiri and Indonesian Atong, 50, an estate worker. Both men were reported missing on Sunday after going fishing near the river.
Paraplegic Mohd Yuslan Othman, 30, drowned near his home in Kampung Serandu in Pekan late on Monday.

The number of evacuees has increased from 22,549 to 23,026 people. They are being housed in 142 flood relief centres.

Pekan recorded the highest number with 10,193 people in 40 centres.

Other districts affected were Temerloh (4,069 people), Maran (3,235), Bera (2,257), Rompin (2,057) and Kuantan (1,215).

Roads into Pekan from Kuantan, Muadzam Shah and Rompin were still cut off due to floods.

In Kelantan, the number of evacuees increased to 8,352 from 2,000. A dam bursting in Narathiwat in southern Thailand has aggravated the situation.

Most of the newly evacuated were residents from the Tumpat district. The latest fatality was reported yesterday.

The road from Gua Musang to Kota Baru remained impassable due to landslides.

Motorists from Kuala Lumpur should use the East-West Highway instead of the road to Gua Musang.

The Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Stage advisory on heavy rain for the state and neighbouring Terengganu.

In Johor, the situation improved as the number of flood evacuees declined to 2,994.

There were 814 families temporarily housed in 39 flood relief centres statewide as of 4pm yesterday.

The worst hit district is Muar with 1,504 victims in 13 centres.

Segamat is second with 1,179 victims at 19 centres followed by Johor Baru with 230 victims in three centres and Batu Pahat with 63 victims, also in three centres.

Flood relief centres in Kluang, Mersing and Pontian have closed after evacuees were allowed to go home.

The Meteorological Department said moderate rain currently occurring in Johor was expected to continue until tomorrow.

It has issued an Orange Stage warning for Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi and Mersing.

Siasatan Klip Video Linggam Bermula Tahun Depan

2007-12-19T10:36:00.000+08:00

The Commission of Inquiry formed to investigate the Lingam video clip will sit for two weeks from Jan 14 next year and it will be in open court.

Chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor said the commission would investigate whether there was misconduct by anyone identified in the video clip.

"We will begin our investigations on Jan 14, when we will call the first witness," he said yesterday after the commission held its first meeting.

Two senior deputy public prosecutors will prepare a list of witnesses who the commission could call.They are Datuk Nordin Hassan, the Anti-Corruption Agency's prosecution division chief, and Datuk Azmi Ariffin, the head of the commercial crime division in the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Haidar said Nordin and Azmi could propose up to 30 witnesses, but "maybe 10 would be called".

Though the inquiry would be in open court, there could be occasions when it would have to be behind closed doors, he said, adding that some witnesses may not want to be exposed.

The hearing would be in a courtroom on the third floor of the Jalan Duta court complex, and Haidar hoped members of the public would come forward and provide information to the secretariat.

Of the person who made the recording, he said: "That witness is the most important. He must come forward and say he recorded it."He urged that person not to be worried as the commission was established by law and had legal powers.

The report on the findings of the commission would have to be ready by March 11, Haidar said. "But there is a provision that we can ask for an extension." Haidar also said he had yet to receive the full recording of the video clip from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser. "I hope he will send it in (for examination by the commision of inquiry)."

Other members of the commission of inquiry are Suhakam commissioner Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim, former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Amar Steve Shim Lip Kiong, retired court of appeal judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar and former solicitor-general Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh.

Datuk Abdullah Sani, director-general of the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister's Department, is the secretary for the commission.

Some of the commission's terms of reference are: - to ascertain the truth of the content of the conversation in the video clip;

- to determine whether any act of misbehaviour had been committed by the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip; and,

- to recommend any appropriate action to be taken against the person or persons identified or mentioned in the video clip should such person or persons be found to have committed any misbehaviour.

Mangsa Banjir

2007-12-17T09:59:00.000+08:00

Heavy downpour in the interiors of Pahang and Kelantan yesterday has resulted in more people being evacuated from several districts in the two states.As of 9am today, there are 26,154 evacuees being sheltered at relief centres in the two east coast states from 22,470 yesterday.

However, the East Coast Highway at Km113.3, near Lanchang in Pahang, closed for several days, was reopened yesterday.The floods in Kelantan, Pahang and Johor had claimed 21 lives so far, 11 in Kelantan, seven in Pahang and three in Johor.

In PAHANG, evacuees seeking refuge at 198 relief centres swelled to 22,042 from 19,004 yesterday as more people were moved from Pekan, Temerloh, Maran and Jerantut districts.Pahang police flood operations room spokesman said Pekan district had the highest number of evacuees with 7,898, followed by 4,341 in Temerloh, Bera (2,649), Maran (2,593), Rompin (2,396), Kuantan (1,153), and Jerantut (1,012),Meanwhile, Jalan Kuantan-Pekan at Km19, Jalan Pekan-Rompin at Km8, Jalan Rompin-Muadzam Shah at Kampung Tanam and Kampung Jemeri and Jalan Kuantan-Segamat are still impassable to traffic.

In KELANTAN, the number of flood victims increased to 4,112 this morning from 3,466 last night following rising water levels in Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok.

Kelantan police flood operations room spokesman said Pasir Mas topped the number of evacuees with 2,245, Tanah Merah (907), Kuala Krai (357), Kota Baharu (308), Tumpat (171), Machang (105) and Jeli (19).Jalan Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang was closed to all vehicles as the road is submerged in two metres of water while Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan in Kota Baharu is still impassable to light vehicles as it is under 0.5 metre of water.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department said water level in Sungai Kelantan at Tangga Krai flood-gauging point had surged to 24.21m (danger mark 25m), in Kusial, Tanah Merah, brimming at 17.15m (danger point 16m) and at Tambatan Diraja in Kota Baharu, hovering at 5.56m (danger level 5m).The level in Sungai Golok at Rantau Panjang is 10.40m (danger point 9m).Meanwhile, the body of Mohd Halimi Hussin, 19, who fell into Sungai Rasau in Pasir Puteh on Dec 8, was found floating at about 6.30pm yesterday in the Semerak canal, six kilometres from where he went missing.

Fishermen fishing in the canal stumbled upon the body of Mohd Halimi, the 12th casualty in Kelantan, Pasir Puteh fire and rescue station officer-in-charge Khairuddin Yahya said.

In JOHOR, more flood victims have returned home following improving weather over the past three days, leaving only 3,808 evacuees at 48 relief centres.

Johor flood operations room spokesman said Muar district had 1,779 victims, the highest in the state, followed by 187 in Batu Pahat and 91 in Mersing.In SEGAMAT, Jalan Pagoh-Tekam at Simpang Batu Badak and Sungai Labis, Jalan Kuala Paya-Balai Badak at Serakit, Jalan Segamat-Tangkak at Sungai Bunggor Bridge) are still closed to traffic.

In MUAR, Jalan Pagoh-Labis at Bukit Kepong, and in Mersing, Jalan Tanah Abang are also impassable to all vehicles.In TERENGGANU, the situation in flood-stricken areas is improving, with only 12 evacuees from one family from Kampung Cengal Batang in Besut being sheltered in a surau at the village.

Terengganu police flood operations room spokesman said all roads have been reopened to traffic while water levels in major rivers have dwindled to normal points.

Kekalkan Keamanan dan Keharmonian Malaysia

2007-12-17T09:54:00.000+08:00

Share the task of ensuring peace and harmony for continued economic development – that's the call of the Prime Minister to all Malaysians.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the responsibility of maintaining peace and harmony in the country did not rest on his shoulders alone but on all races.

“We're all together in this, as it is our collective responsibility, and we should respect one another and not make baseless accusations against each other.

“I want us to continue to live peacefully and harmoniously as citizens of this country,” he said at a meeting with leaders and members of the Indian community here.

The Prime Minister admitted that although much had been done by the Government for the people’s well-being, problems still arose from time to time, which required the collective effort of all to be resolved.

“Problems will be there but we work at overcoming them. Give us a chance to develop this country. What needs to be done, I will do, but it will take time. That is the nature of my work.

“I will strive to ensure that no race will lag behind in any field. I will not fail you,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the Government balanced its help on the basis of the country's racial composition, where the Malay community was the largest, followed by the Chinese and Indians.

“The Government will help whatever it can but to do my job, the country needs to peaceful and safe.

“That is why I had to take action recently,” he said, referring to the arrest of five Hindraf leaders under the Internal Security Act.

Abdullah, who is Kepala Batas MP, said it was a responsibility he had to carry out although there have been criticism and unhappiness over the action.

“This also happened to Jemaah Islamiah (JI) and Al-Ma’unah and they are my people, who believe in the same religion. But I had a duty to carry out.

“What is wrong is wrong. The law is colour blind. You must remember that we want Malaysia to be a peaceful place. We resolve problems by discussing them,” he said.

During the meeting, 14 Indian associations in Kepala Batas also handed a letter to Abdullah highlighting the needs of the community there.

The JI orchestrated four deadly bombings in Indonesia, including the 2002 and 2005 attacks in Bali which together killed 222 people, many of them tourists.

Al-Ma’unah, an extremist religious group, wanted to overthrow the Government by force and attempted an arms heist to further its cause, leading to a face-off with police and the armed forces at Bukit Jenalik in Perak in 2000.

Syed Hamid Albar Pertikai Amerika

2007-12-13T09:47:00.000+08:00

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar yesterday said Malaysian police action against demonstrations and rallies in recent weeks was to maintain peace and stability and was within the norms of universal practice.

Hence, he said, it was unfair of the United States to claim in its annual human rights report that the Malaysian government placed significant restrictions on the right to assemble peacefully.

Syed Hamid said: "If they (demonstrators) want to get together within the law and not cause problems to other citizens, the government will have no problem with that. But if they want to jeopardise public safety, we definitely have to take action."

What our police and other authorities have done is acceptable worldwide. They have been very cautious before taking action.

"But public freedom does not mean chaos. Even the US government will not allow this to happen in America." Syed Hamid said freedom did not mean people could do whatever they liked without adhering to the law.

He also took a dig at the US' own human rights record, as it has unilaterally detained thousands of people without trial in Guantanamo Bay.

US soldiers have also been found to have murdered and tortured hundreds of people in the detention camp and in Iraq.

"We should not over-react to US comments because they themselves have a lot of things in their backyard. They should try to settle their own problems and not interfere.

"Syed Hamid added that the US government clearly did not understand the situation in Malaysia. "Even their comments that immediate measures be taken to prevent further destruction of places of worship is not fair.

"I have not seen many temples in other countries but in Malaysia, there are over 70,000 temples. In some places, we even have problems getting approvals to build mosques."

A US Congress-appointed commission had expressed concern at the "destruction" of temples and other alleged discrimination faced by religious minorities in Malaysia.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom had urged the administration of president George W.

Bush to raise the matter with KL and insisted that immediate measures be taken to protect sacred sites and prevent further destruction.

On the US human rights report, Syed Hamid said: "The US writes reports on every country because they think they are the superpower."

Americans who have been to Malaysia know the exact situation in this country.

There is no need for us to reply or protest."Syed Hamid said he would be meeting foreign mission heads and representatives to explain the situation in the country so that they would know the truth.

Syed Hamid added that the Indian government knew for a fact that the Indians in Malaysia were not being mistreated.

Tan Sri Haidar Ketuai Suruhanjaya Siasatan

2007-12-13T09:34:00.000+08:00

Former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor, who chaired the three-man independent panel of inquiry into the infamous videoclip purportedly showing a leading lawyer brokering the appointment of judges, has been appointed chairman of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the clip.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has also consented to the appointment of retired Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar, who also served on the earlier panel.

The other members of the commission are former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, former Solicitor-General Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and Suhakam commissioner and Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim.

Serving as secretary is Datuk Abdullah Sani, the director-general of the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The commission has three months to complete its work.

The PM’s office said in a statement yesterday that the Cabinet had agreed on Dec 5 to present to the King for his consent, the names of the commission members, the terms of reference and the duration of the enquiry.

The King consented to the establishment of the commission with effect from yesterday.

The commission’s terms of reference are:

* To enquire and ascertain the authenticity of the videoclip;

* To enquire and identify the speaker, the person he was speaking to and the persons mentioned in the conversation;

* To enquire and ascertain the truth of the content of the conversation;

* To determine whether any act of misbehaviour has been committed by persons identified or mentioned in the clip; and

* To recommend appropriate action against those found to have committed any misbehaviour.

Noting that the commission was established under the Commissions of Enquiry Act, Haidar said that it could subpoena witnesses and take evidence under oath.

Dr Khoo said in an interview from Terengganu that the establishment of the commission showed the Government was serious about addressing the matter.

“I will do my best to see that everything is done correctly so the public will not be dissatisfied,” said the only non-lawyer on the panel.

“I have not seen anything; my knowledge on this is confined to newspaper reports,” he said when asked whether he had read the independent panel’s report since the commission’s first term of reference was also to inquire into the authenticity of the videoclip.

“We are lay people and we will need expert opinion to help us with the technology aspect of the inquiry,” said Dr Khoo.

On Nov 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that a Royal Commission would be established to inquire into the videoclip that was made public in September.

He said the decision to form the commission was based on the reports of the independent panel – comprising Haidar, Shankar and social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye – which was set up to determine the authenticity of the videoclip.

Insiden Terbaru Tol Jelapang

2007-12-12T10:26:00.000+08:00

Seven people in a tour bus were killed in a crash at dawn today, yet again at the infamous Jelapang Toll Plaza of the North-South Expressway, near Ipoh, the scene of more than 140 road fatalities since its opening in September 1987, claiming 142 lives.

The bus ferrying a Kuala Kedah Wanita Umno delegation on a holiday to Cameron Highlands crashed into the rear of a latex-laden tanker at the toll plaza at 4am, killing the driver, his assistant and five passengers.

Twenty-eight passengers were injured, four of them seriously, and were treated at the Ipoh Hospital. Twenty were warded while eight were given outpatient treatment.

Firemen had to use the emergency exit at the rear of the bus to rescue trapped passengers and remove the bodies.Ipoh Fire and Rescue department spokesman Supt Nazri Zakaria said his men found two bodies lying outside the bus.

"The passengers were trapped in-between the bus seats which had been dislodged and sent crashing to the front portion of the bus."They were lying on top of each another. There was panic all around as they were in shock and trauma," he said.

The two bodies, that of a man and a woman, were stuck at the tyre portion.Police identified the bus driver as Lim Teh Lee, 49, and co-driver, Saad Salleh, 45.

The passengers killed were Siti Rosedah Ibrahim, 46, Puteh binti Mat Isa, Mohamad Hussin, 50, his 15-year-old daughter Nur Shuhadah and Dahara Mohamad, 58.The four victims with serious head and body injuries were Che Som Yusoff, 51, Halijah Hanafiah, 52, Sipah Sulaiman, (age not given) and a man who has yet to be identified.The other victims were Fatihah Shafie, 14, Zurina Nayan, 47, Mohd Aminuddin Ramli, 20, Fatimah Rojaan, 40, Hakis, 8, Hasiah Lebai Cha, 53, Rohani Hashim, 56, Umi Kalsom Wan Dollah, 16, Mohd Shukri Hasin, 8, Haminah Nikmat, 56, Nurfazilah Abdullah, 14, Mohd Muhsi Ahmad, 11, Faridah Mohd Nor 44, Nurhashimah Mohd, 18, Shamshum Ishak , 52.Mastura Izzati Mat Isa, 17, Shahhasliza Hussein, 22, Habibah Yaakub, 33, Yom Wahab, 52, Assariza Derani, 38, Siti Aishah Saidin, 17, Normah Hanafi and two women who had yet to be identified.The unidentified tanker driver was unhurt in the mishap.

One of the passengers, Haminah Nikmat, said the bus was travelling at high speed downhill after emerging from the Menora tunnel towards the Jelapang toll plaza a few kilometres away."After passing the tunnel the bus was travelling very fast downhill.

When it approached the toll plaza someone in front suddenly shouted that the brakes were not working. I was seated somewhere in the middle.

After the bus crashed into the lorry, the front part and my seat were close to the roof of the bus," she said.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu expressed sadness over the tragedy which occurred just months before the toll plaza is relocated.

The toll plaza's relocation, about one kilometre away from the present site, is expected to be completed by middle of next year, he told reporters after visiting the scene with Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

The toll plaza, located at a foothill, has been the site of several fatal accidents, prompting the government's decision to relocate it for motorists' safety.

"We expect the spate of fatal accidents at the Jelapang Toll Plaza to be a thing of the past by middle of next year when the plaza is demolished," said Samy Vellu.

In Alor Star, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has ordered Kuala Kedah Umno to make funeral arrangements for the dead and assistance to the victims' families.

Family members had claimed the bodies for burial.According to Kampung Kubang Jawi Village Development and Security Committee chairman the bodies of Nur Shuhadah and her father, Mohamad, Siti Rosedah and Puteh will be buried at the Kampung Kubang Jawi muslim cemetery tonight.

Co-driver Saad will be buried at his hometown in Permatang Pauh, Penang, while Daharah will be laid to rest at the Lorong Mayat muslim cemetery in Kuala Kedah.Lim's body will be handed over to his family in Pekan Air Hitam, near Alor Star.

Kaum India Komuniti Termiskin di Malaysia?

2007-12-12T10:14:00.000+08:00

The Hindu Rights Action Front's (Hindraf) claims that the Indians are the poorest community in Malaysia are false.

Instead, statistics show that Bumiputeras have the lowest monthly average household income compared to the other two main races in the country, the Indians and the Chinese.

Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director-general, Datuk Dr Sulaiman Mahbob said that the average household income for Indians in 2004 stood at RM3,456 a month, while Bumiputeras only had a monthly average household income of RM2,711.

For the Chinese, monthly average household income was at RM4,437.

Sulaiman said that the poorest people were the indigenous communities living in Sabah, Sarawak and the rural populations in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah.

"The poverty rate in our country was 5.7 per cent in 2004 and we plan to reduce this figure to 2.85 per cent by 2010, and to fully eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010," Sulaiman said at the start of a three-day international conference on poverty and income inequality in the 21st century.

Sulaiman also said that a high level of inequality contributed to a high level of poverty since only a smaller share of income was obtained by those at the bottom of the income distribution.

"Moves to counter the inequality are already in motion and it will reach out to everyone who fall under the 5.7 per cent category," he said while stressing that eradication of poverty is irrespective of races.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Dr Richard Leete, said that one reason why households remained in poverty was the demographic trap.

"Poverty is often associated with demographic patterns, and in rural areas and least developed states, families have a higher number of children."And in such situations, adequate human capital, education, good nutrition and health cannot be provided and they appear to be locked in an intergenerational cycle of poverty," said Leete.

Thus with the launching of the publication Malaysia: Measuring and Monitoring Poverty and Inequality, poverty levels can be identified in a micro level with a detailed analysis.

The book which is a joint effort by EPU and UNDP determines the poverty levels among sub-groups of the population such as children and women.

Sulaiman also said that poverty rate, on a macro level, had gone down significantly, and it was now important to look at grassroots level to eradicate poverty completely."

Malaysia has managed to reduce the incidence of poverty and income inequality while achieving rapid economic growth and maintaining racial harmony.

"But now there is a need to go lower and examine the profile of people who fall under the 5.7 per cent category, identify who they are and find out the reason they live in poverty," he said.

Sulaiman, in his opening address had also said that Malaysia's Gini coefficient which measures income inequality within a population is at 0.46 -- the highest in the region while poorer countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos have lower scales.

The International Poverty Conference: Poverty and Inequality in the 21st Century, which ends tomorrow, aims to address poverty and inequality within Malaysia and beyond.

Himpun di Parlimen: 29 ditahan

2007-12-12T10:05:00.000+08:00

Police arrested 29 people who snubbed a court order and went ahead with an illegal gathering at the Parliament House yesterday.

They were detained after they showed up to submit a Bersih memorandum to protest against the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to extend Election Commission members’ retirement age from 65 to 66.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat, PAS and Parti Socialist Malaysia leaders were among those arrested at Parliament House.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill yesterday with more than a two-thirds majority after Opposition MPs staged a walkout.

Seventeen of those arrested were released on police bail and the rest freed unconditionally.

Elsewhere, Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) legal adviser P. Uthayakumar was charged and detained over alleged seditious offences.

Pak Lah: Saya Utamakan Keselamatan Awam

2007-12-11T12:49:00.000+08:00

Public safety before public freedom will be the government's top priority and there will be no hesitation in taking the stiffest action against irresponsible people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“If the choice is between public safety and public freedom, I do not hesitate to say here that public safety will always win.

“I will not sacrifice my sense of accountability to the greater public, especially in the face of police intelligence about planned fighting or other violent intent.

“We must never ever take our peace for granted. We must continue to be responsible to each other,” Abdullah said at the Khazanah Global Lecture Series organised by Khazanah, the government's investment arm.

He said responsibility was an integral value of the nation today as it was in 1957 or 1969.

At a question-and-answer session, Abdullah said he had a duty to perform and that God knew he was “still clean” and that he had no reason to change.

“If I were to sign an ISA detention order, I will do it without feeling any guilt because I have to do my duty.”

Asked on steps taken by the Government to maintain racial harmony, Abdullah said that if anyone broke the law, he would deal with them by enforcing the law.

He advised certain quarters not to play the racial card to seek votes in the general election.

Stating that he was worried because voters were easily persuaded, Abdullah advised Malaysians to show the Government what they really wanted through elections.

He said he had been the Prime Minister for only five years and not much could be expected from him as there was a lot to do.

“People are criticising me, things take time to grow. I want to succeed more than anyone else because I feel responsible,” he said.

Earlier, when describing the characteristics of a true Malaysian in his speech, he said the person would understand the impact of careless words and actions.

“A true Malaysian is acutely aware of who will be provoked into retaliation and who will actually suffer the consequences and will try to be judicious in word and deed, even when striving for change,” he said.

Abdullah said the various groups have their own set of demands and sensitivities and that true Malaysians would understand that the situation demanded balance, conscientiousness and a sense of accountability to the whole society rather than to a few.

Lapan ditahan

2007-12-10T09:28:00.000+08:00

Police detained four lawyers and four activists for taking part in an illegal march yesterday.

Another lawyer was later detained for obstructing Kuala Lumpur City Hall officers from removing banners from the Bar Council building.

The four lawyers – R. Sivarasa, PKR vice-president; Latheefa Koya, PKR supreme council member; N. Surendran and Amir Hamzah – were arrested as they reached Jalan Tun Perak while Edmund Bon was picked up outside the Bar Council building in Lebuh Pasar.

The four activists detained were Eric Paulsen, Ashraf Ali, Norazah Othman and Anthony Andu.

About 100 lawyers, activists, bloggers and members of non-governmental organisations gathered near the Sogo Shopping Complex at 7.30am and walked to the Bar Council building, about 3km away, where events to commemorate World Human Rights Day were planned. The group held a banner during the walk.

There were also some people, said to be family members of Internal Security Act detainees, with surgical masks with ISA written on them.

When the group reached Jalan Tun Perak, an argument broke out between some marchers and the police, who ordered them to disperse. The police then arrested the eight people.

At least 500 police personnel in uniform and plainclothes from the City police headquarters and the Dang Wangi police station were present. No Federal Reserve Unit personnel or water cannon vehicles were seen.

Dang Wangi deputy OCPD Supt Che Hamzah Che Ismail said the eight were arrested under the Police Act for carrying out an illegal assembly. He said he gave the marchers three warnings before making the arrests.

Supt Hamzah denied that he had given the group permission to march at the beginning and gone back on his approval later.

Malaysia, Adil dan Saksama

2007-12-06T11:17:00.000+08:00

Malaysians are the most confident in Asia of their country’s free and fair elections, and outrank most of the region in their faith in democracy, according to an international poll.

A new global survey, Voice of the People, conducted by TNS and Gallup International, found three-quarters of Malaysians answered yes to whether “elections in your country are free and fair", the highest among 10 nations in Asia, and exceeding by far the 47 per cent world average.

TNS is a global market insight and information group with offices in more than 70 countries. Gallup International is the renowned polling outfit based in Zurich.

The survey, which included a study on democracy in Asia, was done between June and August this year and involved more than 60,000 people in 57 countries excluding China. The results were released yesterday.

With a sample size of 1,250 Malaysians, 74 per cent felt that elections in this country were legitimate and 69 per cent believed that government was by the will of the people.The sample was selected from urban areas in the peninsula and respondents were interviewed face-to-face.

“This belief in the transparency of elections is in contrast to the sentiment expressed by more than half of respondents across the region who do not consider their country’s election process to be so impartial,”

TNS and Gallup said in a statement.At the other end of the scale, only 16 per cent in Pakistan believed their elections were free and fair.

The others were: India (55 per cent), Hong Kong (51 per cent), Indonesia (58 per cent), Japan (50 per cent), Korea (55 per cent), the Philippines (22 per cent) and Singapore (68 per cent).

The survey also showed that an average of 53 per cent in the region believed elections in their countries were neither free nor fair and 61 per cent did not feel their government followed the will of the people when it came to making decisions.

Around the region nearly eight out of 10 people surveyed (78 per cent) agreed with the idea that democracy might have problems but it is still the best system of government.In Malaysia, 85 per cent believed democracy was best, more than any other country except Indonesia (89 per cent) and Vietnam (86 per cent).

The rest all scored above 75 per cent.Satisfaction in democracy overall was also prevalent in the region. An average of seven in 10 interviewees (73 per cent) declared themselves to be content.About 88 per cent in Malaysia were satisfied with democracy, a higher proportion than the bedrock of Asian democracy, India, with 79 per cent.

The others were: Hong Kong (71 per cent), Indonesia (69 per cent), Japan (79 per cent), Korea (75 per cent), Pakistan (66 per cent), the Philippines (63 per cent), Singapore (81 per cent) and Vietnam (89 per cent).Globally, 79 per cent of the people surveyed believed democracy was the best system and 69 per cent were satisfied with democracy.

LIMA 2007 Bermula

2007-12-04T13:46:00.000+08:00

The Ninth Edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2007 Exhibition began in this tourist island Tuesday, with a spectacular airshow at the Langkawi International Airport.

The airshow saw Royal British Air Force's Red Arrows performing dare-devil stunts, "Suryakiran" aerobatic team from the Indian airforce and Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter jets displaying aerial manoeuvres and formations.

The displays were witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, foreign and local dignitaries.

Abdullah and Najib will witness signings of several sale and purchase agreements for maritime and aerospace apparatus today apart from witnessing the delivery of six Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters to the Malaysian government.

This year's LIMA has attracted the participation of 450 defence industry companies from 20 countries to showcase their products and latest aerospace and maritime technologies.

The five-day LIMA is divided into two segments, with the aerospace component at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Padang Matsirat, and the Maritime segment at Awana Porto Malai.

Eighty aircraft and 71 ships, including 32 navy and coast guard patrol vessels, are taking part in the exhibitions restricted to only trade delegations and visitors from today till Thursday.

The exhibitions will be opened to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. LIMA ends on Saturday.

Peraduan 'Gores dan Menang' diharamkan

2007-12-04T13:35:00.000+08:00

It is the end of the road for scratch-and-win contests. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is also setting up a task force to book those running get-rich-quick schemes and direct-selling scams.

Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said the enforcement unit would go after companies which continued offering scratch-and-win schemes.These companies risk losing their licences.

"We are also coming down hard on multi-level marketing companies involved in such scams. We are doing this to protect consumers.

"These schemes are mostly scams and benefit no one," Shafie said.

The ministry said scratch-and-win contests had been abused by several companies, which had represented themselves as direct-selling firms. "They offer many attractive prizes like cash, cars, motorbikes, household items and holiday packages."

It said 20 direct-selling companies had their licences revoked for conducting scratch-and-win activities between 2005 and October."Many complaints have been received on get-rich-quick schemes, lucky draws and scratch-and-win tactics.

The statement said 2005 saw 1,571 cases filed with the Consumer Claims Tribunal, 241 complaints lodged with the police and 1,066 at the Public Complaints Bureau.Between 2005 and September last year, the ministry's enforcement division seized more than RM4 million worth of goods involving 145 scratch-and-win cases.

Shafie had indicated the possibility of banning scratch-and-win contests.He was quoted as saying that he had instructed his officers to look into the matter.They would look into it from the legal, implementation and malpractice aspects.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk N. Marimuthu welcomed the move."We want the ministry to learn something from this and not wait till people lose millions."

Marimuthu added that even though scratch-and-win contests had been banned, the ministry should keep tabs on the direct-sales industry."Sometimes, the industry is more intelligent than the regulators and will come up with new scams."

National Consumer Complaints Centre director Darshan Singh described the ministry's move as a "victory for consumers".

"With this, we hope that there will be no more problems arising out of scratch-and-win contests."Consumer Claims Tribunal chairman Rungit Singh said the move was timely due to the large number of cases filed with the tribunal.

"This business cuts across all walks of life, affecting consumers of various backgrounds. It's timely the law has stepped in to stop it."

"Although the tribunal has been bringing companies to book, a ban will send a clear signal that such a transaction is not allowed by law.

"The public should contact the ministry at 1-800-886-800, SMS 32255 or email e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, if they come across scratch-and-win contests.

Cuba Buat Yang Terbaik Untuk Semua Kaum

2007-12-04T13:31:00.000+08:00

The country’s progress and development have benefited all Malaysians and no one should be hoodwinked because it is there for all to see, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

“Society, be it the Malays, Indians or Chinese, will gauge us by the level of progress and development we bring to the people irrespective of race,” the Prime Minister said, adding that Malaysians could not be taken for a ride (diperbodohkan) by anyone.

He said the people would use the nation’s level of success and progress to judge how serious the Government was to further develop the country and maintain peace and harmony.

Taking strong exception to the allegations made by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), he said the nation’s level of success was the key element to ward off the group’s “wild and insane” claims.

Referring to the Hindraf’s allegations that the Government was carrying out ethnic cleansing and had committed atrocities against Indians in Malaysia, Abdullah said the group had gone overboard.

“It’s hard to believe such claims. If we have been doing what they claimed, then there will not be peace and harmony, or political stability in the country,” he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department here yesterday.

Abdullah said he did not believe any level-headed Malaysian would believe such claims, “but there are those who are gullible enough to believe them and act according to their emotions.”
He reminded police to do their best to stop such wild allegations from spreading.

The outrageous claims made by Hindraf had angered all Malaysians, including level-headed Indians in Malaysia, he said.

“I did not say that we have done everything. There are still poor people among us and we have managed to reduce the country’s poverty level from 50% to 5.7% within the past 50 years,” he said.

He said while the Government was determined and committed to eradicating hardcore poverty by 2010, others seem bent on causing trouble for their “narrow political motives”.

“This sort of chaos should not be happening in our country,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the successful development efforts in Malaysia would invoke confidence among the people that the Government was serious in undertaking initiatives to develop the country for the well-being of the people of all races.

Abdullah said that while police dealt with street protestors who were out to create chaos in country, civil servants must continue to improve the public delivery system and carry out all the planned development programmes speedily.

Negara Luar Jangan Jadi Orang Tengah

2007-12-03T15:21:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian foreign minister warned other governments not to meddle in his country's affairs Monday after ethnic Indian activists wrote to Britain urging U.N. action over what they alleged was ethnic cleansing in Malaysia.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Malaysia's government is able to resolve any woes of members of the ethnic Indian minority, and urged them to refer any complaints to the government rather than foreign countries.

"If there is anything that we are dissatisfied with, there are avenues within our system to deal with it. Malaysians don't want foreign interference," he told reporters.

Ethnic Indian activists, who say they suffer discrimination because of an affirmative action policy that favors members of the Malay Muslim majority, cited the demolition of dozens of Hindu temples as evidence of "ethnic cleansing" in two letters sent to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown last month.

They said the moves were an attempt to drive out the ethnic Indian minority.

The activists, from the Hindu Rights Action Force, urged Britain to spearhead U.N. action against Malaysia over the allegations. The group's leader also was traveling to India, Europe and the United States to seek support for the cause.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has angrily rejected the allegations, calling them "lies."

The Hindu Rights Action Force shot to prominence last month when it organized a rally by some 10,000 ethnic Indians in downtown Kuala Lumpur to demand equality and fair treatment in Malaysia. Police dispersed the Nov. 25 demonstration with tear gas, and charged 94 people with taking part in an illegal gathering.

Raptai LIMA 2007: 3 Maut, 11 Cedera

2007-12-03T15:06:00.000+08:00

Three Malaysian paratroopers including two women died at sea and 11 were injured Sunday, 02nd Dec, during a training exercise for an airshow on the resort island of Langkawi, military officials said.

The victims were among 138 paratroopers practising a mock "seizure" of Langkawi's airport planned for the airshow's opening ceremony on Tuesday, when strong winds blew them off course and out to the ocean.

"Due to the uncertainty of the wind some of the jumpers were out of range from the proposed landing point so the search and rescue team was activated," said Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) spokesman Zulkiflee Abdul Latiff.

"All were rescued except the three who died and the five injured," he told AFP, adding that the paratroopers were meant to land on the airfield.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expressed sadness over the tragedy but said he hoped it would not derail the exhibition which global players such as Europe's Airbus and Boeing Co. of the United States are participating in.

"I hope everything will proceed as planned although the organisers will be saddened over the incident," said the prime minister, who is due to open the event on Tuesday, according to state news agency Bernama.

Military spokeswoman Colonel Fadzlett Marican told AFP that a medical report on the victims found that one of the women had drowned while the other two died of hypothermia.

She could not say how long they were in the water before rescuers arrived, but said that an investigation into the accident was ongoing.

Of the 11 injured, six were men and five were women, she added.

Bernama said the bodies of those killed were taken to Langkawi hospital which was under guard by military personnel.

It quoted police as saying that some of the other paratroopers who landed on the beach became entangled in tree branches. Photographs showed showed another parachute over the wing of a transport aircraft parked at the airport.

The Langkawi International Maritime and Airspace (LIMA) 2007 exhibition which runs December 4-8 is being held on the vacation island of Langkawi in Malaysia's northwest.

Organisers said the airshow and exhibition would go ahead as scheduled despite the tragedy.

"We are saddened by the incident, "organising firm managing director Ahmad Dzuhri Abdul Wahab said according to Bernama, adding that infrastructure put in place for the show had enabled the rescue units to respond swiftly.

Anwar Ibrahim kata...

2007-12-03T01:05:00.000+08:00

Former deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, has told NDTV that India is right in taking up the issue of ethnic Tamils in the country.

Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Mumbai, said that ''the present government has taken a wrong stand on the ethnic conflict in Malaysia.

''He said that ethnic Indians cannot be marginalized and they are part of Malaysia.

Supporting India's stand, he observed that the Indian government has taken a right stand by taking the issue forward.

There was a mild rebuff by the Malaysian government on Saturday following External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's comments expressing concern over the alleged mistreatment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia.

Speaking to the Malaysia-based The Star newspaper foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar said ''I hope there is no misunderstanding of what is happening here.''

''If they are talking about Indian citizens, we would understand the concern. But what happened involves Malaysian citizens. If they break any law, it is our right to deal with them in accordance with Malaysian laws,'' said Albar.

Marginalisation of ethnic Indians

Hamid Albar said if foreign governments start to question ethnicity in the country, Malaysia would eventually face a break-up.

Indians account for eight per cent of Malaysia's 27 million people, the third biggest group after ethnic Malays and Chinese.

At least 10,000 ethnic Indians took part in a demonstration, banned by the government, here last Sunday complaining about alleged marginalisation of ethnic Indians in Malaysia and 94 people have been charged.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also said he was ''pained'' at the plight of ethnic Tamils to which a senior Malaysian minister Nazri Aziz ticked him off saying he should ''lay off'' from affairs in Malaysia.

Isu Hindraf: Komen DS Anwar Ibrahim @ 'The Hindu'

2007-12-02T11:44:00.000+08:00

Ref: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712012067.htm

Repression of Malaysian Hindus unacceptable: Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, on Saturday condemned Kuala Lumpur's crackdown on protests by ethnic Hindu citizens last week describing it as "unacceptable".

Talking to the media at the Islamic Peace Conference here, Ibrahim also defended reactions in India, saying that "every country has a right to express its views diplomatically."

"In this age, you can't say that any repression should not be condemned because its country's internal affair...to say `lay off' does not work...," Ibrahim said while referring to the remarks by Malaysian Minister Nazri Aziz against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi who had raised concerns over the "marginalisation" of ethnic Indians in that country.

"Malaysia supports Palestinians...what if Israelis says `lay off'?" he asked.

Hundreds of Malaysian Hindus -- whose forefathers migrated from India mostly as indentured labourers during the British rule -- attempted to march to British embassy in Kuala Lumpur on November 25, but government did not allow and several of the protestors were arrested.

"I support the rally," Ibrahim said, and conceded further that Malaysian Hindus are "marginalised" and most of them are living in "abject poverty".

Ibrahim, who has been Malaysia's Finance Minister when he was part of the ruling dispensation, blamed the "bhumiputra" (son-of-the-soil) policy -- which favoured the ethnic Malays over other communities -- for the conditions of Hindus in that country and also for the current crisis.

"The affirmative action (such as the bhumiputra policy) should not be race-based, but it should be for all the races," he said.

Pak Lah Kesal

2007-12-02T11:17:00.000+08:00

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tore into the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) yesterday, saying that it is spreading blatant lies with the intention of arousing hatred among multiracial Malaysians and sparking racial clashes.

Singling out Hindraf’s accusation that the Government was carrying out ethnic cleansing of the Indians in Malaysia, the Prime Minister fumed: “I'm really angry, I rarely get angry but this blatant lie cannot be tolerated at all.”

Abdullah even offered to resign if there was proof that the Government was involved in ethnic cleansing.

He said he did not want the people, especially the Indians, to be misled by Hindraf's unfounded claims and allegations, hoping that other races would not show sympathy towards the Indian activist group.

However, despite his anger during the 20-minute press conference where he dealt mostly with the Hindraf issue, Abdullah pledged to look after the interests and the well-being of the Indian community.

“The social problems faced by the Indian community are clear. I have never said no. We support the Indians but there are some quarters instigating them and making them feel unhappy with the Government,” he said.

Minyak Depa, Suka Hati Depa Laa

2007-12-01T10:45:00.000+08:00

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatened Friday to stop oil exports to the United States if violence breaks out after a controversial and hotly contested weekend referendum.

He told thousands of supporters in Caracas that he was sending the army to "protect" all of the country's oil fields ahead of the plebiscite on Sunday aimed at bolstering his power by changing the constitution.

"If 'Operation Pincer' is activated Sunday or Monday, there won't be a drop of oil from Venezuela to the United States," Chavez said, referring to what he has often claimed is a CIA operation to topple him from power.

"If this (referendum) is used as a pretext to start violence in Venezuela, (Energy) Minister (Rafael) Ramirez on Monday will order that oil exports to North America be stopped," he said. "I have ordered the defense minister ... to put in place plans to protect our oil fields and our refineries.

As of this night (Friday), they will be protected by the army," he said. Chavez also deepened a running row with Spain, whose King Juan Carlos recently told him to "shut up," by threatening to nationalize Spanish banks in Venezuela if the monarch did not apologize.

The warnings upped the stakes over the referendum, which polling companies said was too close to call. Chavez, opposition figures and analysts have all said they fear a close result will be viewed with skepticism by the losing side and trigger violence.

Venezuela currently exports around 60 percent of the two million barrels of oil it produces per day to the United States, which relies on the South American nation for 11 percent of its oil needs. Relations between Caracas and Washington have long been tense, but Chavez has raised his strident anti-US rhetoric several notches as he has fought to have his referendum pass.

The 53-year-old leftist leader is facing his biggest-ever challenge at the ballot box over the proposed constitutional reforms. Even Chavist loyalists in Venezuela's myriad urban slums are balking at supporting them.

With the result on a knife-edge, Chavez has taken to calling all opponents to the changes "traitors" and portraying the referendum as a struggle between his "economic socialism" and US "imperialism." "A vote 'yes' is a vote for Chavez -- a vote 'no' is a vote for (US President) George W. Bush," he told the crowd Friday.

Protests against the referendum have gathered strength, culminating Thursday in a huge rally that denounced Chavez's plan as a bid to turn Venezuela into a Cuba-like communist state. The proposed constitutional changes would do away with term limits for the president and lengthen his mandate from six years to seven.

It would also allow the government to censor the media in times of "emergency," and take over the central bank and expropriate property to guarantee food supplies. The fiercely anti-US leader, who has nurtured ties with Iran and China, has repeatedly accused Washington of fomenting resistance to him in the country, without advancing any evidence.

"Venezuela: we will never be a colony of the United States or of anyone -- we are free," he said in his rally speech. The US television network CNN was also attacked in his speech. He claimed it had incited his assassination by putting the caption "Who killed him?" under his images this week, and dismissed the network's apology and explanation that it was an on-air mix-up.

Chavez said he was ready to rule "until 2050" if the people wanted him, and he sent a message to his mentor, Cuba's Fidel Castro, saying, in English: "Fidel, how are you?" An editorial attributed to the Cuban leader on Friday warned that the United States may seek to assassinate Chavez.

Chavez has multiplied diplomatic disputes with other countries. As well as the running feud with Spain, he has said he would refuse to deal any more with Colombia, after its president axed him as mediator in negotiations for a hostage swap with leftist FARC guerrillas.

Angguk-angguk, Geleng-geleng

2007-12-01T10:38:00.000+08:00

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has assured the people that he is listening with his “big ears” to all complaints and grievances.

The Prime Minister said he was aware of complaints about “what is happening to our economy, ... to this, and that.”

“I listen. The Prime Minister has big ears.

“At times pedih lah telinga ini – macam macam dengar (it is painful to these ears - hearing all sorts of things),” he said at the official opening of SJK (C) Ladang Harcroft in Puchong yesterday.

Abdullah stressed that he was not merely listening, adding that it was his duty to deal with problems and work on remedies.

“We are not keeping quiet. If we do not attend to problems, grouses, feelings of uneasiness, uncertainty and even anger, then one day we will suffer, everybody will suffer,” he said.

“If you are getting impatient, then I’m even more impatient,” he added.

Abdullah said while some matters could be resolved quickly, others took time and some issues needed even more deliberation.

He said the country had gained tremendous ground in eradicating poverty, cutting it down from 50% in 1971 to 5.7% at present.

“This is not something to be scoffed at. We Malaysians have every reason to be proud of the achievement,” he said, adding that the Government would continue to help the people regardless of race.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that eradicating poverty would not be an easy task.

“It’s not something that can be achieved in a short number of years. But we will persevere,” he said, citing education as an important tool in helping people break free from the scourge of poverty.
In a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia, mutual respect and understanding among the races was essential, he pointed out.

He revealed the workings of his Cabinet, saying that ministers like Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is the MCA president, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Gerakan advisor Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik and Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein often “ganged up” on some issues.

“There is no feeling of difficulty, embarrassment or fear to speak up in the Cabinet on education, religion, culture or economy.

“We are not suspicious of one another. We are friends so we can be sincere and open with one another. That is the truth,” he said, adding that the Cabinet was comfortable with this kind of relationship, which was based on understanding and mutual respect.

“If there is no mutual respect, the Government can never survive in this kind of environment,” he said.

Abdullah reiterated that Malaysia’s strongest asset was its unity, strength and value in diversity.

“This will make Malaysia a truly great nation in the future,” he said.

In HONG KONG, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government was committed to addressing the “legitimate concerns” of any community in Malaysia.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who was speaking at a press conference during his roadshow to promote Malaysia to fund managers, said the rally by the Hindu Rights Action Front was due to exploitation by opposition parties anticipating the general election.

He described the New Economic Policy as an affirmative action policy that benefited all communities.

“Otherwise, this Government would not have been returned to power in each general election,” he said.

Campur Tangan Luar: Tambah Jernih Atau Mengerohkan Keadaan?

2007-12-01T10:32:00.000+08:00

The UPA regime may not have spent sleepless nights over agitating Indians in Malaysia, but after a Malaysian minister took on UPA partner M Karunanidhi, the government has been forced to react.

Five days after 10,000 ethnic Indians protested in Kuala Lumpur against the Malaysian government's racial discrimination policies, foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee told an indignant Parliament, "We are in touch with the Malaysian authorities and the matter is being taken up."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, addressing a joint press conference with EU president, Portuguese PM Jose Socrates, said the government was concerned whenever Indian citizens and people of Indian origin were in trouble anywhere in the world. "This is a matter which concerns us. Whenever people of India run into difficulties, it is a source of concern," Singh said.

Making a statement in both Houses of Parliament on Friday, Mukherjee said, "The government remains deeply solicitous about the welfare of people of Indian origin living abroad. There is a large community of people of Indian origin in Malaysia who are citizens of that country. We have friendly relations with Malaysia and we are in touch with the Malaysian authorities in the related matter."

However, officials were vague about what exactly had been done by the government. There was no indication that the Malaysian envoy had been summoned. When questioned, MEA officials said "diplomatic channels" had been used to convey India's sentiments.

India's reaction will likely be confined to a protest about the statement on Karunanidhi. As for the Indian protests, the dominant reaction within the MEA is that the protesters were Malaysians first, so it was largely a domestic matter.

The group of ethnic Indians, mainly Tamils, were taking a petition to the British High Commission "seeking the support of Queen Elizabeth for a class action suit filed in the UK for the exploitation of Indians who were brought to Malaysia as indentured labour." While Malays form about 65% of Malaysia's population and Chinese about 25%, Indians form 10% of the population. The lawsuit demands compensation from the UK for transporting Indians to Malaysia during the colonial era.

Of course, as everyone is acutely aware, the real purpose is to focus the attention of the Abdullah Ahmed Badawi government on the policy of racial discrimination that is also known as the Malaysian "social contract." It was the second largest protest action by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) in a month. Some of it is undoubtedly directed at elections which may be announced for 2008 rather than 2009.

But, at the bottom of it is the fact that Malaysian government's pro-Bhumiputra economic policies, crafted in the 1970s by Mahathir Mohammed after violent clashes between Chinese and Malays — which said that all businesses and enterprises must have a Malay presence — is fraying at the edges. It is a policy that is a significant deterrent to foreign investors, said business sources, which shows in Malaysia's inability to attract high amounts of FDI.

A Malaysian business delegation currently touring India has been trying hard to entice Indian investment into Malaysia, taking advantage of the Islamic financial system. But it's equally true that the Malaysian government has recently identified some special economic zones where the race quota does not apply. That, however, does not mean Malaysia is likely to revoke this policy anytime soon. Badawi recently described the policy as "sacred."

However, for India, the race protests could be an opportunity. The Malaysian government is already hurting under this policy and India can push the envelope against this to aid Indian investment in Malaysia when India resumes its trade talks with Malaysia in January. Malaysia is already squeezing India on palm oil which has put the brakes on an Asean-India FTA document.

Perbankan Islam

2007-12-01T10:27:00.000+08:00

Malaysia views the interest in Islamic banking in China, Japan and here positively because of the country’s competitive edge in this area, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.

He said Malaysia had a very good Islamic bond market and these countries could come to Malaysia to issue such bonds.

“We can coordinate and help them with this, given our experience in this area,” he said.

Nor Mohamed, who is here with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on a roadshow to promote Malaysia to fund managers, said after hosting a dinner for Hong Kong-based media agencies on Thursday evening.

He was asked to comment about Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang’s annual policy address last month where he said the territory was aiming to be an Islamic banking centre.

Nor Mohamed said Malaysia’s competitive advantage in Islamic banking came from the fact that the system had been developed over 25 years.

“In a competitive economy, productivity will have to come from new growth areas and Islamic banking is certainly a niche for us.

“It is a new growth centre for us where we have a competitive edge and we have to make full use of it. Islamic banking is the key for us to go forward.”

Nor Mohamed said besides Islamic banking, Malaysia now had a whole array of syariah-compliant products, including Islamic pawn broking.

Bernilaikah RM444,444.44, RM3.5 Juta?

2007-11-30T09:42:00.000+08:00

Datin Puteri Shahanaz Hazlin Hamdan yesterday filed for divorce from her husband, businessman Datuk Roslan Hashim.

Puteri Shahanaz, 25, a part-time model, and Roslan, 51, were married a year ago. Puteri Shahanaz, who is the grandniece of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, turned up at the Syariah High Court here in a purple baju kurung and pink headscarf.

Her lawyer, Dzulkarnain Mohamad, told the court that efforts to hand the notice of the divorce to Roslan were unsuccessful as he was no longer living at his last known address in Shah Alam.He applied to the court for more time as Roslan is believed to be living in Pendang, Kedah.

Syariah High Court judge Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunus, in allowing the application, fixed Oct 10 for re-mention.The couple were married on Sept 9 last year.

Puteri Shahanaz was presented with a hantaran (gift) worth RM444,444.44, a BMW car worth RM250,000, a RM150,000 jewellery set, a 20-carat diamond ring worth RM20,000, designer items and a dowry of RM22,222.22.The wedding was dubbed by the media as the most expensive wedding of the year.

Roslan claimed to have forked out more than RM3.5 million for the wedding. The couple’s akad nikah (solemnisation of the marriage) took place at the bride’s residence in Medan Tok Sira, while the reception was held at the Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Ahmad Shah here. Roslan divorced his first wife Ruslany Kassim in 1997.

Isu HINDRAF: Perlukah Campur Tangan Negara Luar?

2007-11-30T00:34:00.000+08:00

Joining issue with a senior Malaysian minister who asked him to "lay off" from the happenings in his country, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday said it was his "duty" to "defend" Tamils and he was prepared to accept any "punishment" for doing so.

Karunanidhi when asked for his response to comments by Nazri Aziz, a minister in the Malaysian Prime Minister's department, said he had done his duty as Chief Minister to request Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take action to mitigate the "sufferings of Tamils in Malaysia."

"If there is any punishment for doing the duty, I am prepared to accept it," he said.

The DMK supremo also made it clear he did not criticise the Malaysian government.

Asked if he had to say anything to Aziz for the harsh comments that he should mind his business, Karunanidhi said "I don't want to reply to his (Aziz) remarks. I don't want to get into a tit-for-tat. It is my duty to defend Tamils."

On Tuesday, Karunanidhi wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking the Centre to take appropriate action to end the "sufferings" of Tamils in Malaysia.

He said he was very much pained at the way in which Tamils in Kuala Lumpur were treated by Malaysian police on November 25 when they had organised a protest rally there.

Aziz was quoted by the Malaysian media as saying:"His (Karunanidhi) place is in Tamil Nadu, not Malaysia. He should worry about his own state. His own state has got problems."

"This has got nothing to do with him ... Lay off," he said.

Karunanidhi's daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi said the recent events involving ethnic Tamils in Kuala Lumpur caused a "lot of conern" because they have been treated "very badly."

TOL 2008: Ada Naik, Ada Tak Berubah, Tiada yang Turun

2007-11-29T10:30:00.000+08:00

The toll on six highways will be raised by between 7.69% and 50% on Jan 1 but rates on four major ones, including the closed-toll portion of the North-South Expressway (NSE), will be maintained.

The highways where toll will be increased are the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), the North-South Central Link (Elite), the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), the Second Link, the New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB), the two ends of the NSE at the Johor Causeway and the Bukit Kayu Hitam toll plaza.

The Causeway and Bukit Kayu Hitam are the only two open toll portions of the NSE. A closed-toll system is where road users pay according to the distance travelled while the open concept charges a fixed fee regardless of mileage.

Elite is operated by Expressway Lingkaran Tengah Sdn Bhd, BKE by Malaysia Mining Corporation and NNKSB by Syarikat Konsesi. Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong. The NSE, SPDH and the Causeway are operated by PLUS Highway.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said that the rates were decided on during the Cabinet’s meeting yesterday.

Maintaining the toll on the four expressways will cost the Government about RM242mil.

For the Ampang-Ulu Kelang Elevated Highway, the Government will pay the concessionaire RM26mil, the North South Highway RM145mil, the Sprint Kerinchi and Damansara Link RM32mil and Penang Bridge RM39mil.

The Government will also pay RM75mil for 2008 for the second as well as the last instalment to Syarikat Konsesi Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong for reducing toll rate from RM2.10 to RM1.60 and another RM27mil for not increasing the toll for the NNKSB for 2005 to 2007, he said.

“The compensation is only an estimated figure and will depend on actual traffic usage,” he said.
The reason for increasing toll rates at some of the highways was because there was low traffic, Samy Vellu said.

The toll charge increase ranges from 10 sen to RM10.70, according to the ministry.

The 50% toll hike affects car users at the NNKSB, which will see an increase of 10 sen to 40 sen depending on the type of vehicle while the highest amount of increase is at the Second Link, ranging from 30 sen to RM10.70.

On whether the decision not to raise toll rates at the four highways had to do with the coming general election, Samy Vellu said that if that was the reason, the Government would have decided not to increase on all highways.

The compensation payout is only for 2008 and the ministry has been asked to work out the cost for 2009 to ensure that the rates would not affect the public adversely, Samy Vellu said.

On whether toll rates would increase again in 2009, he said it would be determined at a later time.

Nasib 88 Peserta Perhimpunan HINDRAF

2007-11-29T10:20:00.000+08:00

A total of 88 people who participated in the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) rally on Sunday were charged here and in Selayang.

The group, which included a woman and two elderly men, appeared in the courts yesterday after being released on police bail the day before when the remand order against them expired.

While 48 were prosecuted in magistrate’s courts here, 40 others were charged in the Sessions Court in Selayang.

Those charged came from all walks of life: students, taxi drivers, clerks, mechanics, lorry drivers, pensioners, the unemployed and civil servants from various states.

Also charged was Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) national integration chief N. Gobalakrishnan. The 48 people charged here are between 21 and 72. They were calm upon hearing their charges and were granted bail of between RM1,500 and RM3,000 each.

Each was accused of displaying a show of criminal force to instil fear on police who were discharging their duty at various main roads in the city on Sunday.

They faced an alternative charge of being in an unlawful assembly that day.

They also faced a second charge of continuing to be in an unlawful assembly knowing that there was an order to disperse.

They claimed trial to all the charges.

Yesterday, two arrest warrants were issued by a magistrate against two men who failed to turn up in court to answer their charges.

Magistrate Ahmad Solihin Abdul Wahid issued warrants against E. Jayaraman, 48, and M. Selvanathan, 45, on an application from the prosecution, saying that the police bail on the two expired yesterday.

R. Magiswary, 45, who was supposed to face similar charges, produced a medical chit through her lawyer for her absence from court. The court set Dec 10 to mention her case.

DPP Adilla Ahmad told the same court that K. Thirushul, 21, was given a special exemption as he was sitting for an examination. Two others did not turn up in court to answer their charges.

In one of the courts, lawyer Saha Arunasalam raised a preliminary objection, saying that the charges framed against his clients were defective but the magistrate dismissed it and set Jan 29 for mention.

In Gombak, 40 men were charged with being at an illegal assembly in front of the Sri Subramaniar temple along Jalan Besar Batu Caves on Nov 25 between 1am and 8am. Each of them also faced a similar alternative charge as the 48 in Kuala Lumpur. All of them claimed trial.

Lawyer M. Manoharan then asked for his clients to be given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, claiming that the charges were defective in that their names were placed in an attached document instead of the main document.

However, DPP Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud said that granting the 40 men a discharge at this stage would amount to the court not adhering to the law.

Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz said she would decide on the application today.

Police beefed up security at the Kuala Lumpur and Selayang court complexes with over 100 personnel by 7.30am to avoid any untoward incident.

Those who wanted to get into the Jalan Duta court complex were earlier screened by police at its entrance.

Perkampungan Hadhari Melaka, Sabtu Minggu Ini

2007-11-28T12:17:00.000+08:00

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to open the Melaka-level "Hadhari" Village at the Tanjung Bidara beach square in Alor Gajah on Saturday.

State Human Resource, Health and Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman Datuk Abdul Karim Sulaiman said today the opening, at 9.30am, would coincide with Abdullah's one-day visit to Melaka.

"About 50,000 people are expected to attend the function and listen to the speech to be delivered by the prime minister," he told reporters at the Melaka Media House.

Abdul Karim, who is the state assemblyman for Tanjung Bidara and co-chairman of the event, said 10 exhibition stalls on the principles of Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) would be set up over a one kilometre distance along the road from the square to Balai Cerap in Kampung Balik Batu.

Operators of small and medium enterprises and government departments and agencies as well as village development and security committees would also set up stalls.

"The organisers are trying to get the country's first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha to meet the people and talk of his space adventure," he said.

Abdul Karim said Abdullah would also launch the Federation of Malay Economic Bodies (Gabem) for the southern region at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh at 11am.

At 2pm, Abdullah would open the Masjid Jamek in Jasin and at 4.30pm officiate a flood mitigation project in Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah.

He said the prime minister would wind up his visit to the state by taking a boat ride on the Melaka River and going on a stroll along Jonker Walk in Bandar Hilir.

EBay rises after PayPal's Friday gains

2007-11-28T12:05:00.000+08:00

Shares of eBay Inc. rose Tuesday after the online auctioneer said its payment service PayPal posted a 33 percent rise in online payment volume on the day after Thanksgiving compared with last year's Black Friday.

EBay shares added $1.52, or 4.9 percent, to $32.52. In the past year, the stock has moved between $28.60 and $40.73.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is commonly known as "Black Friday," because it is traditionally the day of the year when a jump in consumer spending makes stores profitable.

EBay also said that it was the most-visited e-commerce site on Friday, according to Nielsen//NetRatings, with 5.4 million unique visitors.

The company added that on the Monday after Thanksgiving -- often a big online shopping day -- traffic to merchants through its Shopping.com property rose 28 percent year over year.

From Friday through Monday, Shopping.com's traffic to merchants rose 30 percent year over year, eBay said.

EBay predicted Tuesday that its sites' busiest shopping day will be the second Monday in December. During the past several years, customer traffic and revenue to eBay site Shopping.com has been higher on that day than on the Monday after Thanksgiving, Shopping.com Chief Executive Josh Silverman said in a statement.

Also Tuesday, J.P. Morgan analyst Imran Khan said in a client note that eBay is trying longer-term promotions and promotions aimed at specific features meant to improve the site for users.

"This approach has resulted in less day-to-day volatility in new listings than in the year-ago quarter, when promotions tended to focus on pricing. We think a site with less volatility of listings is more likely to provide a better user experience," wrote Khan, who rates the stock "Overweight."

Amaran dari Pak Lah (Perdana Menteri Malaysia)

2007-11-28T11:41:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia's prime minister Tuesday warned he could use an internal security law which allows for detention without trial to crack down on street protests after two mass rallies in the capital.

The controversial Internal Security Act (ISA), which rights groups are campaigning to have abolished, is mostly used against alleged Islamic militants.

"The ISA is a preventive measure to spare the nation from untoward incidents that can harm the prevailing peace and harmony and create all sorts of adverse things," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reportedly said.

"So, I don't know (when to invoke the ISA), but ISA will be there. When it is appropriate to use it, it will be used," he said according to the state Bernama news agency.

Malaysia's government has been rocked by two mass protests this month, one calling for electoral reform which drew some 30,000 people, and another by ethnic Indians which at least 8,000 took part in Sunday.

The rallies were the biggest in a decade and took place despite bans ordered by police, who broke up the gatherings with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges.

Bernama quoted Abdullah as saying he would continue to leave it to the police to handle the demonstrations -- which are extremely rare in Malaysia -- and take measures to guarantee peace and security.

The premier also defended his government's record on race relations against allegations from ethnic Indian activists that the minority community is denied opportunities and lags far behind in wealth and education.

"There are policies that we are working on now and there are policies that have been implemented," he said.

"If there are views, the government is prepared to listen, but if demanded in the way that can lead to the country's instability, then we've to take action."

Malaysia is holding more than 100 people under the ISA, about 80 of them alleged Islamic militants. Rights groups have long campaigned for them to be freed or brought to trial.

The legislation allows for two-year detention periods that can be renewed indefinitely. The government maintains that detention without trial is needed as a first line of defence against terrorism.

Perhimpunan Haram Hanya Menjejaskan Ekonomi & Keamanan Negara

2007-11-28T02:52:00.000+08:00

The government will not back down from the political challenge posed by the Hindu Rights Action Force, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

"We will meet the challenge. We will not back down from a political challenge," he said. Asked to comment on Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar's assertion during an interview with Al-Jazeera that the group's intention was to embarrass the government, Najib said: "His intention is political.

If we were one-sided, there is no way the Indian community would have supported us, and the Barisan Nasional would not have won."Suddenly, he wants to raise this issue. It is just politically motivated," Najib said after witnessing the handing over of three Dauphin helicopters from Eurocopter Malaysia to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. He said illegal street demonstrations could severely affect the economy and people's everyday lives.

More than 240 were arrested as thousands of protesters, organised by Hindraf to deliver a petition to the British High Commission, clashed with police on Sunday.

Police had cordoned off a 4-km radius from the high commission, leaving the usually busy Jalan Ampang devoid of weekend traffic and shoppers.

In George Town, Gerakan's message to Hindraf supporters was to engage in constructive dialogue.The party's acting president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, yesterday said there were always many peaceful channels for the Indian or other communities to resolve problems.

Koh said the BN was open to suggestions and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had a soft spot for the marginalised."Taking to the streets is a dramatic way of expressing one's feelings which can only lead to many other problems."It is Gerakan's hope that the community can come together with concrete solutions to solve their problems."Any problems which affect a community affects the country as a whole.

Although the MIC has and will continue to take the lead in helping to resolve issues faced by the Indian community, other BN component parties also have an important role to play," he said after the state legislative assembly meeting here.

Koh admitted that while the Indian community was well represented in certain professions and businesses, there were also many areas where the community was left out.

"Let us always go back to the New Economic Policy (NEP) spirit, with the sole objective of wiping out poverty and re-arranging the different communities in the country.

"We should also look at the issue from all aspects and have a pragmatic approach to address it," he said, adding that the idea of petitioning Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was unrealistic.