Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Umno Youth applies for permit to hold patriotic gathering on July 9
- After the Video – What’s Next?
- Suaram website hacked
- Bersih repudiates foreign Christian funding claim
- Malaysian arrests are a puzzle
- Altantuya case: Judge yet to file judgment
- Bersih says will march on without permit
- PM, DPM, wives spent RM25.1m on trips since 2008
- Ibrahim Ali is bigger than Umno
- Mr and Mrs Najib’s travels cost RM17 mil
- I am a socialist and proud of it
- Police summon Ambiga, Samad Said
- Dear Brother Anas
- NGOs rallying around Bersih banner
- Sabah natives urged to reconsider staying with BN
- Rais: ‘Bersih in a plot to overthrow govt’
- US envoy did not believe Putrajaya’s jet engine explanation
- PSM: ‘Communist’ bogeyman theory an excuse to use ISA
- Utusan says foreign Christian funds behind Bersih
- WIKILEAKS: In Iran they weigh and not count the cash
- Here We Go Again
| Umno Youth applies for permit to hold patriotic gathering on July 9 Posted: 27 Jun 2011 01:24 AM PDT
(Bernama) - The Umno Youth movement today applied for a police permit to hold a patriotic assembly on July 9 to represent the voice of the public who opposed the illegal gathering organised by the group of trouble makers on the same day. Federal Territory Umno Youth head Rizalman Mokhtar said the application was to show the opposition to the group who planned to hold the illegal assembly in the federal capital. "Our (Umno Youth's) objective is to represent the silent majority who do not agree with the action of the organisers of the illegal assembly who try to disturb public order in the federal capital...so we hold this gathering which is in a more peaceful manner," he said. He said this to reporters after applying for a permit for the gathering at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters at about 3.30pm today. Also present was the Umno Youth executive secretary Mohd Sumali Reduan. "If the application is rejected, we will still proceed with the gathering because it also depends on the organisers of the illegal assembly. If the illegal assembly is held, then Umno Youth will also proceed with the assembly," he said.
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| After the Video – What’s Next? Posted: 27 Jun 2011 01:14 AM PDT
Zaid Untuk Rakyat The Government's decision to use the Courts to identify Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the man in the video is not clever at all – it is foolish and clumsy. The charge against "Dato T" should have been dispensed with in the normal way without resorting to this song-and-dance routine. There was no need for the defence lawyer to call on the Attorney-General to charge Anwar for false reporting, nor was there any need for the big speech about a "mission accomplished". But, as always, Anwar's good fortune has been the BN's inept handling of even the simplest of issues. At the rate things are going, the public will probably not care if the tape is a fake or genuine. If this continues to be the prevailing sentiment, then political parties like DAP and PAS will continue denying that the person depicted in the video is Anwar. They need not be interested in the truth. They are interested only in the votes they will get by sticking with Anwar. That's the tragedy of Malaysian politics. The hatred of UMNO and the BN has coalesced and morphed into something equally dangerous. Merely for the sake of an opposition, people are prepared to embrace a liar. People ignore evidence, or, better yet, they are prepared to accept new principles of evidence just to suit the Opposition. Together, they are willing to plant and grow the seeds of conspiracy and to blame it all on the Police and the Courts, and so on. Anwar's refusal to admit the truth should disqualify Anwar as a candidate for the forthcoming General Election. Why is a bankrupt unfit to be a Wakil Rakyat and disqualified automatically from standing, and yet a serial liar is not? A bankrupt is someone who has had the misfortune of not being able to pay his or her debts. That's all. On a moral scale, how is a bankrupt less desirable than a leader of the Opposition who knowingly tells lies to the public and refuses to acknowledge and accept his failings, but instead agitates the people against the Government solely to protect himself?
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| Posted: 26 Jun 2011 10:55 PM PDT
By Teoh El Sen, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: Hackers have defaced the website of local human rights organisation Suaram today, in what is believed to be part of the "crackdown" against activists in recent days. Suaram coordinator E Nalini said that the intrusion was detected at 6.45pm today and the NGO was still trying to get information technology experts to restore the website, which has been entirely replaced with a single page entitled "Indonesiancoder Team". A logo with a twin AK-47s appeared beneath the flaming title while below were the words "Hacked by Dr. Cruzz". The website's icon is replaced by a daemon face and the greyed backdrop was also filled with animated falling snow. What is believed to be Quranic prayers is also being played in the background. Also written on the vandalised site were "Marhaban Ya Ramadhan that will come soon" and "Get the Codes and Feel the Soul". "We don't know what happened but we suspect that it is linked to the 'crackdown' on activists that we're seeing on Parti Sosialis Malaysia and Bersih supporters," Nalini told FMT. She said the website was so badly hacked that even archived information is inaccessible. "We were once hacked in October 2008 around the time (blogger) Raja Petra (Kamarudin) was arrested," Nalini said, adding that it took several months before the website was restored then.
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| Bersih repudiates foreign Christian funding claim Posted: 26 Jun 2011 10:45 PM PDT
By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan rubbished today Utusan Malaysia's claim that the electoral reform group's July 9 rally was funded by foreign Christian organisations, saying the money was donated by Malaysian citizens at home and abroad. "The funds for the rally are entirely from public donations and the [sale of] Bersih t-shirts... I have never even heard of those [foreign] groups," she told The Malaysian Insider over the phone today after being questioned by the police over the controversial July 9 street demonstration that has triggered two other groups, Perkasa and Umno Youth, to call their own counter rallies. She added that the Selangor state government has also pledged financial support for Bersih's July 9 rally. Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia claimed in an editorial today that Bersih is being funded by some 11 foreign Christian organisations that have donated millions of ringgit to underwrite the group's rally. It named German think-tank Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) and the Canadian Allied Foundation as among them. KAF is associated with Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union and aims to further the "promotion of freedom and liberty, peace, and justice" through "furthering European unification, improving transatlantic relations and deepening development co-operation." Little is known about the Canadian Allied Foundation named in the Utusan article. Ambiga admitted to Bersih receiving some money from two US organisations — the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Open Society Institute (OSI) — for other projects, which she stressed were unrelated to the July 9 march. The NDI describes itself as a non-profit, non-partisan organisation "working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government". According to corporate information on its website, the OSI was started by financier George Soros in 1984 to help countries make the transition from communism, and has grown to include not just the US but more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Fellow Bersih steering committee member, Maria Chin Abdullah, explained that both NDI's and OSI's funding were specifically for to the electoral watchdog's delineation projects.
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| Malaysian arrests are a puzzle Posted: 26 Jun 2011 08:49 PM PDT
Opposition party members arrested on allegations of seeking to overthrow the king The Penang deputy police chief, Abdul Rahim Jaafar said police seized 28 T-shirts, eight of which bore pictures of figures such as the long-dead Argentine revolutionary figure Che Guevara, from the 30 Parti Sosialis members. As a flock of critics pointed out, the Che T-shirts can be bought all over the night markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Asia Sentinel The arrest Sunday by Malaysian security forces of a Socialist Party member of parliament and 30 others for allegedly intending to wage war against the country's Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or king, appears to be a throwback to 50 years ago when Communists still thronged the country's jungles. The arrest has opposition party members scratching their heads in confusion and attempting to discern what actually happened at a police checkpoint in Penang, where police said the party members had been found with subversive materials instigating an overthrow of the government. Opposition figures said the 30 were on a campaign swing in the north of the country to seek to generate support for a bigger rally on July 9 that has police – and the ruling Barisan Nasional – much more clearly worried. Sources within the United Malays National Organization, the country's biggest ethnic political party and the leader of the ruling Barisan Nasional, say that rally, by an organization called Bersih, or the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, an umbrella group encompassing 64 civil-society groups, has been hijacked by Pakatan Rakyat, the three-party opposition coalition made up principally of Parti Islam se-Malaysia, the Democratic Action Party and Parti Keadilan Rakyat, headed by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The Bersih rally's organizers say they are not connected to any political parties. Although the July 9 rally has been declared illegal by the police, the organizers, headed by Ambiga Sreenevasan, the former president of the Bar Council, say they plan to march through the streets of Kuala Lumpur to deliver a petition to the Agong, whom Parti Sosialis supposedly wants to overthrow. Adding to police concerns, the Malay nationalist NGO Perkasa, led by firebrand Ibrahim Ali, and the youth division of UMNO say they will hold counter-rallies, increasing the possibility of violent confrontation. Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has said that he wouldn't rule out using the country's strict Internal Security Act, which allows in effect for indefinite detention, on the organizers of the Bersih rally, but maintained that other laws will be used for now. Indeed, the security establishment has considerable reason for concern even without the counter-rallies. A massive rally in Kuala Lumpur in November 2007 by led by Bersih brought 40,000 people to the streets in one of the biggest anti-government rallies Malaysia had seen to that point. It was a harbinger of the March, 2008 vote that cost the Barisan Nasional its two-thirds lock on Parliament and the leadership of five states. That rally turned central Kuala Lumpur into chaos as baton-wielding riot police used water cannon and tear gas to try and thwart an attempt by tens of thousands of marchers to deliver a petition to Malaysia's king, asking for royal intervention in delivering electoral reform. As the current Bersih rally has become closer to reality, the government has grown more concerned, warning that any violence would be met with force. "The Bersih marches have been hijacked by opposition parties ahead of pending national elections in a bid to cause unrest while clamoring for electoral reform despite the elections that yielded huge gains for the opposition," said a lawyer close to Umno. "Furthermore, elements of the outlawed communist Party of Malaya have reared their ugly head with the tacit backing from the DAP and the Bar Council, which is widely seen as engaging the ruling Umno Government to dilute its Malay privileges and national identity that places Islam as its official religion. How else to explain the arrests of 30 Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists in Penang late Saturday, apparently under section 122 of the Penal Code which arraigns rebellion against the king?" The Penang deputy police chief, Abdul Rahim Jaafar said police seized 28 T-shirts, eight of which bore pictures of figures such as the long-dead Argentine revolutionary figure Che Guevara, from the 30 Parti Sosialis members. As a flock of critics pointed out, the Che T-shirts can be bought all over the night markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Although the Communists were defeated in 1960, the insurgency dragged on in the northern jungles on the Thai border until 1989, almost unnoticed by the bulk of Malaysians, who had got about the business of turning their country into a capitalist, exporting powerhouse that made Communism basically irrelevant. With the insurgency over for the past 22 years, the Communist Party remains outlawed and the party's elderly longtime leader, Chin Peng, remains outside the country despite a plea to be allowed to come back so that he could die with his family. Opposition figures including the DAP's Lim Kit Siang ridiculed the arrests, saying on his blog that they were more an indication over the government's "fret and fever" over the planned July 9 march that "has driven elements of our security establishment nuts." "The arrest and remand for seven days of 30 individuals (including two juveniles in their teens), apparently for having in their possession certain paraphernalia including T-shirts with images of former communist leaders, for waging war against the King is a reflection of such a clampdown," he told the news website Malaysian Insider. "By analogy, if one were to be at home wearing a Che Guevara (the Marxist revolutionary) T-shirt listening to a song attacking the institution of royalty by either The Smiths or The Sex Pistols, one faces a very real likelihood of being investigated for waging war against the King. This surely cannot be." "The Communist Party is an outlawed political organisation. It is unlawful to display and promote communist elements," Abdul Rahim, the police official, told reporters. Among other things, he said, some of the Ts-shirts bore the emblem of what looked like the Barisan Nasional logo being cut with a pair of scissors, and the words Anti-Capitalism and Udahlah tu.. Bersaralah (That's enough, retire). Other items confiscated included copies of the Sosialis Party organ in various languages along with 600 pamphlets advertising the Bersih rally. Some, Abdul Rahim said, contained "seditious content." Most of those arrested have been ordered held for seven days.
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| Altantuya case: Judge yet to file judgment Posted: 26 Jun 2011 07:16 PM PDT
(Free Malaysia Today) - The appeal of the two policemen convicted in the murder of Altantuya Sharriibuu is delayed by the High Court judge's need for more time to complete his judgment, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. "Given that the judgment has not been filed, the appeal record is not complete," Minister in the Prime Minister Department Mohd Nazri Aziz said in a written reply to Karpal Singh (DAP-Batu Gelugor). "Hence," he added, "the date for trial with the Court of Appeal cannot be determined as yet." He said the large amounts of statement notes and evidences presented in the trial prevented the judge from filing his judgment more speedily. Chief inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar were sentenced to hang when the High Court found them guilty of murdering the 28-year-old Mongolian mother of two in Mukim Bukit Raja near here 10pm on Oct 19, 2006 and 1am the following day. They were tried with political analyst Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, who was charged with abetting in the murder but was acquitted and discharged without his defence being called on Oct 31, 2008. Azilah and Sirul were convicted in April 9, 2009. They filed for appeal in the same month Abdul Razak, known to be close to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, admitted in court that he had a romantic affair with Altantuya, who was allegedly shot before her body was blown up with C4 explosives. French investigation Opposition leaders have said Najib might also have had an affair with Altantuya and that there was a connection between her murder and the controversial multi-billion ringgit Scorpene submarine deal between the Malaysian government and French arms manufacturer DCNS. French prosecutors are said to be in the final stages of preparing for a corruption trial which could see top Malaysian officials, including Najib, being asked to testify.
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| Bersih says will march on without permit Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:59 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Despite being hauled up for police questioning today, Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan insists the July 9 march for electoral reforms will continue as planned. The prominent lawyer said she will also not apply for a police permit to hold the street demonstration as the home minister and the police have made it clear one will not be issued. She then slammed the authorities for hauling up civil society members campaigning for electoral reform instead of engaging them. "Instead of threatening people, engage with us," she urged the authorities, repeating the movement's statement made last night. Ambiga also repeatedly called the arrests of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) members in Penang during the weekend "ridiculous", denouncing attempts by various groups to link the minor political group backing Bersih to "communists". "I don't know what it's about... They are caught in a time warp. Who talks about communists in this day and age?" she quizzed, claiming the arrests were baseless. The British colonial authorities battled communist terrorists from 1948 to 1960 in a police action called the Emergency and Malaysia later enacted the Internal Security Act (ISA) to allow detention without trial. The Communist Party of Malaysia (CPM) later laid down their weapons in 1989. "Whoever wants to support Bersih, it's up to them. It's open to all citizens," she stressed.
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| PM, DPM, wives spent RM25.1m on trips since 2008 Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:40 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - The Prime Minister's Department has revealed that Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and their spouses spent RM25.1 million for their official trips abroad from 2008 to June this year. In a written response to Chua Tian Chang (PKR-Batu) in Parliament last week, the department reported that of the total, Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor had spent RM17,118,650.58 for their official functions abroad while Muhyiddin and his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman had spent RM8,020,328.07. Chua had asked the prime minister to list the total cost of his and his deputy's official visits abroad according to date, location and purpose from 2008 to 2011. He had also asked for details on Rosmah's expenses in the same years. Najib, who was deputy prime minister in 2008, only succeeded former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in April 2009. Muhyiddin was international trade and industry minister in 2008 before he was appointed as Najib's deputy and education minister in 2009. According to the department's response, made available to the media today, Najib and Rosmah had jointly spent some RM1.7 million in 2008, RM4.8 million in 2009, RM5.1 million last year and RM5.4 million until June this year. Muhyiddin and Norainee, on the other hand, had jointly spent RM2.7 million in 2008, RM609,185 in 2009, RM1.38 million last year and RM3.27 million until June this year. "The Prime Minister's Department does not prepare any special allocation for the expenses of the prime minister's wife. The department only finances the expenses of the Prime Minister's Office," the response said.
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| Ibrahim Ali is bigger than Umno Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:33 PM PDT
If demonstrations are not allowed then the law must also work restrospectively against those who protested aggressively against Bersih and its chairman S Ambiga. Only Ibrahim can secure a permit and get people riled up shouting profanities of all kind and burning portraits of comrade S Ambiga (Bersih chairman) and all as a counter-demo to another demo that has not even taken place! Sakmongkol AK47, Free Malaysia Today Umno is at sixes and sevens as to how to deal with Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali. He is now bigger than Umno, becoming the de facto voice of the Malays and an indictment on the current Umno leadership. Umno has lost its Malayness and is seen as no longer capable of speaking for the Malay. The more important Umno leaders simply don't have the personal experience of what it means to be Malay. Hence they can't really empathize with the real Malay. If Ibrahim is able to tap into the fears and anxieties, imagined or real of the Malays, it means the Umno leadership has failed to address them. By default that makes Ibrahim relevant and Umno, reduced to being a spectator. You have to tip your hat to Ibrahim. He is a tireless operator. Did you know that he had a heart bypass a few months ago? Today he is up and about directing street demos. Perhaps he has received a blood transfusion with super-budu formulations. He hasn't lost his flair of mobilizing crowds to any cause he chose – laughable or not.
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| Mr and Mrs Najib’s travels cost RM17 mil Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:23 PM PDT
(Free Malaysia Today) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor spent slightly more than RM17 million of taxpayers' money on travels from 2008 to June this year. The figures were released by the Prime Minister's Department in Parliament today in reply to a question from PKR Batu MP Tian Chua. Najib and Rosmah's travels in 2008 amounted to RM1.7 million, RM4.81 million the next year, RM5.41 million in 2010 and RM5.42 million up to June this year. The opposition has in the past accused the ruling coalition of siphoning off public money to finance hefty private travels of the two, an allegation the government has denied. Compared to her predecessors, Rosmah is seen as being more involved in government affairs, giving rise to the perception that she wields strong influence in her husband's administration. Rosmah, however, has denied the allegation. In its reply, the Prime Minister's Department said there were no specific allocations for the expenses of a prime minister's wife. "The PM's Department only finances expenses involving the PM's office," it stated. Meanwhile, the travel expenses of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife was 100% lower than that of Najib and Rosmah's. From 2008 to June this year, RM8 million was spent on their travels. Some RM2.7 million was spent in 2008, RM609,185 the next year, RM1.38 million in 2010 and RM3.27 million up till June this year.
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| I am a socialist and proud of it Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:04 PM PDT
One very senior PAS leader (I will not mention his name) said that he really admires Britain for being a very good example of what a Muslim country should be like. When asked what it is about Britain that he finds very Islamic, he replied the socialist system where the needs of the rakyat are looked after and well taken care of. Yes, according to this senior PAS leader, Britain is a good 'Muslim' country. And it is a good Muslim country because of its socialist policies. And in Malaysia we arrest people because they are Socialists. The Prophet must be turning in his grave at this transgression. NO HOLDS BARRED There are four schools of thought or mazhab within the Sunni branch of Islam -- Shafiee, Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali. Most Malaysian Muslims are Sunnis of the Shafiee school of thought. The Maliki school of thought is the second largest of the four schools (approximately 25% of all Muslims -- mostly in North Africa, West Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and in some parts of Saudi Arabia). Malik ibni Anas, the 'founder' of the Maliki school of thought, was an extremely outspoken man -- too outspoken for his own good. He issued decrees or fatwas that forbid the pledging of allegiance to the Caliph Al-Mansur. For this very stubborn stance the Caliph had Malik flogged half to death and threw him into prison. After a serious attack of conscience, Caliph Al-Mansur released Malik from prison and apologised to him. The Caliph also offered Malik compensation in the form of money and residency in Baghdad. Malik, however, declined the Caliph's offer and remained in Mekah where he continued with what, today, would be considered as his radical and anti-Monarchy teachings. Some years later, Harun al-Rashid, the new Caliph, summoned Malik to visit him while the former was performing the haj in Mekah (in Malay this is called titah mengadap or summoned for an audience). Malik, however, refused to do so. Instead, he invited the newly installed Caliph to attend his class to listen to his lectures, which the Caliph did. That is the very short story about one of the four Imams of Sunni Islam. And why am I telling this story to what can be considered a large non-Muslim readership of Malaysia Today? Simple. Islam is the religion of the Federation, according to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. So you should know a bit about Islam and Islamic history so that the scumbags and slime-balls in the government will not be able to con you. Secondly, of course, is because many Malay-Muslims themselves do not know their Islamic history. So they make stupid statements that are so embarrassing it makes me ashamed to admit that I am also Malay-Muslim. So they too need educating to stop them from opening their mouths and putting their feet into it. Now, relate that to present day Malaysia. If Imam Malik, one of the four Imams of Sunni Islam, was still alive today and was living in Malaysia, would he be arrested by the government and charged with 'waging war against the king'? Remember, Imam Malik issued a fatwa forbidding us from pledging allegiance to the Ruler (whether Caliph, Agong, Sultan or whatever). And for that he was jailed and flogged. However, the Caliph realised he had erred and later released Imam Malik, apologised, and offered him compensation. The famous Harun al-Rashid of 'The Arabian Nights' summoned Imam Malik but the latter refused to go meet the former. Instead, the Caliph was told that 'the mountain should come to Muhammad', so to speak. And instead of punishing Imam Malik or arresting him for 'waging war against the king', the Caliph did as he was told. As a Muslim, if we do not want to follow the example of the Imams and the Prophet Muhammad, then whose example do we want to follow? In the olden days in Europe, it was believed that the king was appointed by God and those who oppose the king have therefore sinned against God. You would then be jailed or put to death on charges of treason against the king. This is what Malaysia is practicing. It is not practising Islam. Malaysia is not following what the Imams of Islam have taught us. Malaysia is practicing the culture and beliefs of olden days Europe where to defy the Ruler means you defy God and therefore should be punished. It is time that Malaysia honours the concept of Islam as the religion of the Federation. Get rid of all these un-Islamic practices and culture. Let us not be like the jahil (ignorant) Christian kings of Europe. Has not Imam Malik, one of the four Imams of Islam, taught us what is true Islam? Now, on the second subject -- Communism. Communism, or more accurately Socialism, is an Islamic concept. Yes, I bet that surprised you. Communism is derived from the word commune or community. And in Islam this is called Ummah (masyarakat in Bahasa Malaysia). Islam stresses the importance of the ummah. Muslims are called Ummah Islam, the Community of Islam. Islam teaches us that anything done on a community basis earns extra rewards (pahala). If we pray as a community we get extra pahala. If we eat as a community, as opposed to eating alone, we not only get full but we get pahala as well. And so on and so forth. Any grade one Muslim schoolchild can tell you this. Communism, or people of a commune, is therefore not against Islamic teachings. It is, in fact, very Islamic. Now, let us not confuse this concept of commune with Communist Terrorism or Communist Terrorists (CTs) -- which is what the Malaysian government has outlawed. For that matter, even Islamic Terrorism is outlawed, not only Communist Terrorism. You outlaw Islamic Terrorism. Do you outlaw Islam? And in that same spirit, you outlaw Communist Terrorism. But is Communism about terrorism or about the commune (ummah)? We need to know the difference. We also should not confuse Socialism with Communism. Socialism is very Islamic. Socialism is about social justice. Islam believes in social justice. Islam is all about social justice. For example, we have the zakat system in Islam. This is where the rich pay tithes so that the less fortunate, the poor, the old, the sick, the widows, the orphans, etc., can be supported financially. Zakat is mandatory in Islam. And this is socialism. Islam forbids usury. We all know how destructive western capitalism, in particular the financial-banking system, can be. Countries and billions of people are subjected to economic slavery because of this. Financially strong countries dominate the weaker countries. This is a form of slavery of the worst kind and Islam is opposed to it. In short, Islam outlaws Capitalism and propagates Socialism. But most Muslims prefer Capitalism rather than Socialism, as most Muslims prefer Autocracy rather than Democracy (aren't most dictatorships-Monarchies in the Muslim world?). Socialism is opposed to the concept of the strong dominating the weak, the rich enslaving the poor, the minority oppressing the majority, etc. Islam is also against this and Islam propagates the concept of the ummah (or commune) determining its own destiny. It is time the Muslims understood this. It is also time the Muslims practice the real concept of Islam. Most Muslims confine themselves to merely the rituals of Islam. And that is where their Islam ends. And they think that just because they have fulfilled their ritualistic obligations they have already been guaranteed a place in heaven. No, doing what Imam Malik did is not waging war against the king. And upholding Socialism does not make you a traitor to your country. Instead, it makes you a true Muslim. One very senior PAS leader (I will not mention his name) said that he really admires Britain for being a very good example of what a Muslim country should be like. When asked what it is about Britain that he finds very Islamic, he replied the socialist system where the needs of the rakyat are looked after and well taken care of. Yes, according to this senior PAS leader, Britain is a good 'Muslim' country. And it is a good Muslim country because of its socialist policies. And in Malaysia we arrest people because they are Socialists. The Prophet must be turning in his grave at this transgression. |
| Police summon Ambiga, Samad Said Posted: 26 Jun 2011 03:45 PM PDT
(Malaysiakini) - Bersih 2.0 chief S Ambiga and national laureate A Samad Said have been called to the Dang Wangi police station today to have their statements recorded. It is understood that the duo will be asked to give their statements in relation to the official launch of the Bersih 2.0 rally two weeks ago. |
| Posted: 26 Jun 2011 03:19 PM PDT
By Art Harun I am moved to comment on your "Open letter to Lim Guan Eng." First of all, I have no doubt of your centrist stance. Having known you for close to 27 years, I think I could state, with some level of authority, that your centrist stance is one which you have embraced all this while. Now you are just utilising that stance for what you think is for the good of the society. I respect that. As unity is a subject which is really close to your heart, allow me to put my thought to that subject, especially in relation to what you had written in your said open letter. Unity is a concept, an abstract, if not an intangible one at that. Being an abstract, it cannot be physically measured. It is a state of mind. It exists within parameters of perception. It is not like health or financial success, where someone could declare that our nation is full of healthy people, or that it is full of wealthy people. By contrast, unity is like the concept of safety. One can declare that statistical data shows that crime rates have fallen by, say, 20%. But one cannot, armed with that statistical date, conclude that the country is safe. In similar fashion, with respect, one cannot just create a slogan and a nice little symbol and paste the slogan and symbol on banners and shirts as well as bombard the media with them and declare that unity has magically, if not miraculously, delivered itself to this country and her people. It does not work that way when it comes to unity. When we speak of unity, or rather the concept of unity, we have to understand what the concept entails; what it really means and what it is all about. Please don't take me wrong. And when we want to achieve unity, we have to have a definite and tangible plan to make it a reality. An intangible and abstract concept such as unity cannot be achieved or brought to reality with intangible and abstract moves, such as the creation of a slogan or symbol. To me, unity, in so far as a nation – more particularly, Malaysia - is concerned, consists of two kinds. They are:
Situational unity is pockets of one-ness shown or practised by the people as individuals or as members of a group which they belong to. It arises out of cultural practice or individual beliefs. It might even arise out of certain circumstances and even out of purely selfish reasons and not precipitated by any altruism at all. Examples of these situational unity are seen daily in our lives. People of various races and faiths sit together at a stall sipping their teh tarik while talking about how our Magistrate Courts turned into a sex video cinema, for example. When the Malaysian football team won the Suzuki Cup not so long ago, Malaysians of all races went berserk with a little burst of spontaneous patriotism and nationalism everywhere; at teh tarik stalls; at homes; in cyberspace over Twitter or Facebook etc. A long time ago, when Malaysia beat saudi Arabia at Stadium Merdeka, I spontaneously stood up together with 45ooo other Malaysians to sing Negara Ku, without being prompted by anybody or anything. In my office, I, a Malay partner, am in unison with my partners of other races, for a purely self-altruism purpose, namely, to make a living. Those are what I call situational unity. Although at macro level, these pockets of situational unity may seem insignificant or even irrelevant, to me, they are reflective of a positive mind set. They show that there are certain situations or set of situations where people of various races and faiths are driven to disregard and put aside their cultural and genetic differences and spontaneously unite and become one. That is proof that while unity, being an abstract concept, cannot be directly engineered, situations or circumstances conducive or leading to it may be created to foster unity. Meanwhile, transcendental unity, in terms of a nation and nation building, would mean the people, regardless of their race, faith and cultural background or even genetic make-up, coming together and moving in unison towards the greater and common good of this nation while at the same time, putting aside self-altruism and interests. I call this concept of unity transcendental unity because it is an ideal and not real. A complete transcendental unity, I would dare say, can never be achieved because it is against human nature. Human beings are by nature selfish. Francis Fukuyama, in his book, The Origins of Political Order, pointed out that human beings, for example, have the propensity for favouring their family and friends, something which Fukuyama calls "patrimonialism". If I may, I would stretch Fukuyama's patrimonialism even beyond family and friends. I think it is also human nature to prefer one's tribe, race or community. Notwithstanding the fact that an absolute state of transcendental unity can never be achieved, a civilised society led by a government which is committed to achieving a common good for the nation must, at great cost and effort, work to achieve a state of transcendental unity or as close as possible to that state. It is of course easy to disunite the people, especially when the people consist of various races and faiths and coming from diverse cultural background, than to even maintain a facade of unity. Unity exists even as a facade. History would of course show that facades of unity were often created by dictators, authoritarians and totalitarians. These facades of unity would soon disintegrate as the dictators, authoritarians and totalitarians fell. As soon as Saddam Hussein was defeated for example, the almost serene and tranquil racial, religious and cultural "melting pot" of Iraq became a boiling porridge of tribal and sectarians divisiveness. Just as the Berlin wall fell, glasnost and perestroika liberated the Russians from years of communism, the country broke into pieces and some former colonists, like Yugoslavia, descended into hellish war fuelled by centuries of racial and religious wounds. The danger with creating a facade of unity, instead of working towards the establishment of a transcendental unity, is that we might be lulled into sleep with a dream-like belief that our people are united for the better good of this country while on the ground, racial bigotry and hatred are allowed to fester and infest the very fabric of our society, hidden behind this facade of unity which we created for whatever purpose which only we know. Deep underneath this veil or facade of unity, there is a virulent form of disease working insidiously. God helps us if or when this viral infection becomes too late to treat. As I had stated earlier, there are innumerable pockets of situational unity displayed by us day in and day out in Malaysia. This proves that if left behind on their own and without interference by politicians and self-altruistic rebel- rousers, we, Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural background, are able to switch on our natural love for a peaceful co-existence. We are able to put aside our differences and become one if a situation conducive for such unity is present. Towards achieving a state of transcendental unity, it is therefore the duty of a responsible government to create these conduciveness. This conduciveness will not be present when there are newspapers like Utusan Malaysia being allowed, by the continued patronisation of the biggest political party in the ruling government, to spew racial hatred and bigotry almost on a daily basis. This conduciveness will also not be in existence, regardless of how loud we shout 1Malaysia and 1this-and-that if at the same time ultra-right-winged organisation such as Perkasa be given a free hand – and mouth and leg – to threaten blood-shed and create racial fear by issuing warnings and mongering fear with impunity as if these people are above the law. This conduciveness will not exist when a rational discourse is not granted to minority groups who are trying to voice out minority's concerns, insecurity as well as well as fight for the recognition, at least, of their rights. At this juncture Anas, your call for the acknowledgement by DAP that this land had always belonged to the Malays and that the Malays have been kind enough to let the non-Malays to be here and that DAP should be grateful for this kindness come into play. Although various historical as well as anthropological studies could very well be used to at least dispute your assertion that this land had always belonged to the Malays, I do not wish to go into such dispute in this post. For the sake of argument, let's just assume for a while that you are correct, that this land, ie, this land which was otherwise known as Tanah Melayu, had belonged to the Malays. With respect Anas, you had failed to recognise, or give any consideration at all, that such acknowledgement had been given by the non-Malays during the inception of this country as an independent state in 1957. I say so based on the argument which has always been used by the likes of Dr Mahathir and his ilk. Not based on any arguments made up by myself, the so called Melayu Liberal who has given a bad twist to the word "liveral" and "Melayu". Dr Mahathir and his band of nationalistic scholars argue that in 1957, there was a "social contract." This social contract, in effect, consists of the Malays being kind enough to "grant" citizenship to the Chinese and Indians. Because of that kindness, and to show gratitude towards the Malays, the Chinese and Indians agreed to grant "special rights" to the Malays. These "special rights" are enshrined in article 153 of our Federal Constitution. I have written so many articles on this subject. I will not argue with Dr Mahathir anymore on this.
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| NGOs rallying around Bersih banner Posted: 26 Jun 2011 03:04 PM PDT
By Tashny Sukumaran, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR: NGOs nationwide are banding together in support of Bersih's upcoming march for clean and clear elections, set to take place on July 9. The much-discussed march has been met with opposition from several sectors, including Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who accused the organisers of attempting to "wrest back political momentum from the Barisan Nasional", saying that the Bersih supporters are to be blamed if the march leads to chaos. Also strindently opposing the rally are pro-Malay rights group Perkasa, led by firebrand Ibrahim Ali, and Umno Youth headed by Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin. The two groups have organised marches of their own to take place on the same day as Bersih's. However, Bersih has repeatedly stressed that the "walk for democracy" is a form of "peaceful and principled activism", and that the July 9 gathering is merely to exercise the constitutional right of the people to have their voices heard in a democratic manner. "Najib needs to protect human rights," Bersih steering committee said in a statement. The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) committee is made up of Ambiga Sreenevasan (chairman), Andrew Khoo, Arumugam K, Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Kok Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Yeo Yang Poh, Zaid Kamaruddin, Subramaniam Pillay and Arul Prakkash. The election watchdog said it was "disappointed" that instead of "fulfilling his (Najib's) role as the protector of the constitutional rights and safety of peace-loving Malaysians, he has chosen to misrepresent our intentions". True goal Bersih also expressed disappointment at the accusation that the purpose of the march was to wrest back political momentum from BN, saying that Najib had failed to understand its stated goals. Bersih emphasised that its true goal was to make the electoral system truly free and fair so that all political parties in Malaysia could contest on a level playing field. It called on Barisan Nasional parties to join the rally, and demonstrate the so-called "progressive" views that the prime minister has espoused. "He (Najib) can conclusively do so simply by allowing the July 9 rally to proceed unhindered and by directing all government agencies to cooperate fully with all involved." The statement also hit out at the police for arresting 30 Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists under Section 122 of the Penal Code (for waging war against the king that carries a sentence of life imprisonment or imprisonment not exceeding 20 years).
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| Sabah natives urged to reconsider staying with BN Posted: 26 Jun 2011 02:49 PM PDT
By Michael Kaung, FMT KOTA KINABALU: A former senator has urged native leaders in Sabah to re-evaluate their position in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition as they lack power to make changes for the state. Kalakau Untol, who is now with PKR, said Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) leaders in BN Sabah must remove their blinkers and see the coalition for what it is as it seemed not to be serving their Untol, the PKR Sabah election secretariat chairman, said that KDM leaders must know they have tried their best and have exhausted all avenues to voice their grouses to get a better deal for Sabah. "But all their efforts have fallen on deaf ears… with Umno dominating the political manoeuvring, achievements are short of expectations," he said in a statement. "I am therefore inviting the KDM leaders in Sabah BN to join the PKR," the former deputy labour minister said. Untol said that ideally, since the inception of Malaysia in 1963, Sabah should now be a very progressive state, given its wealth of natural resources. But Sabah has been shortchanged for so long that the state seemed to be 50 years behind other states in Peninsular Malaysia, he said. "How can Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak proudly shout the 1Malaysia concept when the poverty rate is very high in Sabah?," he asked. "I want to ask the KDM leaders how long more can they stomach the mistreatment of ethnic KDM? To quote Edwin Burke, 'for all injustice to happen, it takes a good man to do nothing,'" he said. He said that KDM leaders should align themselves to those who treat them as equals, adding that "as a reminder to all, Sabah formed Malaysia as an equal partner in 1963 but has since been reduced "Why must we beg for what is rightfully ours? KDM had in the past been a major force in determining the state government of Sabah. "This time, I ask for a bigger role from my fellow KDMs in BN to unite to help install Pakatan Rakyat as the next federal government so that Malaysia can be put on the right track and we, the KDM, are given due respect," he said. Tide of change He said that all KDM must sail with the tide of change as their Malay, Indian and Chinese brothers in Peninsular Malaysia have embraced change since the 12th general election. Sabahans, especially the KDM, and its leaders must start the ball rolling to effect change in the state. "We must not be at sixes and sevens anymore. God has given us the brain… all it takes is a little courage to ensure change as there is already growing disenchantment with the BN government," he said.
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| Rais: ‘Bersih in a plot to overthrow govt’ Posted: 26 Jun 2011 02:39 PM PDT
By Patrick Lee, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) is out to overthrow the government and cause social chaos, a minister said today. Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Rais Yatim said that Bersih 2.0′s planned July 9 "Walk for Democracy" rally was nothing more than a plot to force power from the Barisan Nasional's hands. "It looks like these parties that are working for July 9 have no other way. They think that this is a way to shake and disrupt the peace that we have and grab power," he told reporters in the Parliament lobby. "This is a social coup which is happening at the moment." Rais said that the Bersih 2.0 proponents were resorting to methods involving "illegal power grabs" and "mass psychology". The minister then reminded "educated and right-thinking" Malaysians to oppose Bersih, which he claimed was "evil" and "illegal according to the law". Rais was referring to Bersih supporters and Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) activists who were arrested by the police yesterday. Thirty people, including Sungai Siput D Jeyakumar were remanded by the police for supposedly spreading communism. Police claimed that the group, who were arrested while traveling in a bus near Penang, were caught with Malayan Communist Party (MCP) materials. 'Bersih representing a minority' "Communism is not recognised in Malaysia, and this has been stamped in Malaysia's struggle and in the spirit of the (Federal) Constitution, and the practice of democracy." "Those who want communism to come back have to be caught, and strict action has to be taken against them by the authorities," the minister said.
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| US envoy did not believe Putrajaya’s jet engine explanation Posted: 26 Jun 2011 02:32 PM PDT
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — The United States ambassador here told his government early last year that embassy officials doubted the Najib administration's explanation of two F-5 jet engines theft in late 2007, according to a diplomatic cable released by whistleblower site Wikileaks. The document signed by Ambassador James Keith said that the embassy shared in the "incredulity" expressed by "a chorus of commentary in online media" at Putrajaya's stand that "the thefts were carried out solely by two relatively low-level individuals and that higher-ups in the military and elsewhere were not involved." "We share some of the incredulity expressed in the blogosphere about the Government's case and explanation of who was behind the engine thefts. "In coordination with Washington, Post is continuing to push for a complete accounting of how the thefts occurred and the ultimate disposition of the engines, and to remind the GOM of the seriousness of the issue and need for remedial actions," said the cable which was published on the Malaysia Today news portal today. It is understood "Post" referred to a lead US political official based in the embassy here. Two individuals were charged over the missing jet engines — former air force Sergeant N. Tharmendran and company director K. Rajandran Prasad in January 6, 2010 in connection with the theft of the missing F5-E jet engines. Tharmendran was accused of stealing the engines in December 2007 at the Subang RMAF air base while Rajandran was accused of disposing of the engines on April 30, 2008. The theft was a major embarrassment for the government following reports that the country's first submarine — KD Tunku Abdul Rahman — could not dive in tropical waters. The prime minister had vowed that there would be no cover-up in the high-profile case, which occurred during his tenure as defence minister while the current minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had claimed that it was an inside job. The engines, purchased in 1972 at a cost of RM303,570, and not RM50 million as initially reported when the story broke, are now reportedly in Uruguay. The cable also said that state-run media has been muted on the issue while the foreign ministry "has kept itself at arms' length from the scandal" with the embassy unable to secure meetings with senior Wisma Putra officials to discuss this issue. It quoted the ministry's principal assistant secretary (Americas division) Mohamad Radzi Jamaluddin as saying that the defense ministry had the lead on the issue and was being "elusive in its handling of the case." The cable, classified by political counsellor Brian D. McFeeters, also said that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) only officially notified the US of the missing jet engines on January 6, 2010, the same day Tharmendran and Rajandran were charged in court.
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| PSM: ‘Communist’ bogeyman theory an excuse to use ISA Posted: 26 Jun 2011 02:27 PM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider
(The Malaysian Insider) — Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has accused the government of falsely linking the party with attempting to revive communism, saying that it would be an excuse for the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA). The police said yesterday they were probing attempts by Bersih activists for reviving communism, and are investigating 30 PSM members, including Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jayakumar, for "waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong." Deputy Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said remand orders would be applied to detain the 30 activists under section 122 of the Penal Code. "The desperate attempts by the police to bring back the 'communist' bogey from the Cold War is an attempt by Umno-BN to stay in power by frightening people and thus justifying the use of the ISA," PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan told reporters today. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday that he could not rule out using the ISA on the July 9 Bersih rally, but maintained that other laws will be used for now. Arutchelvan slammed the police for the arrests, saying that it was a prelude for mass arrests over the upcoming rally. The activist explained that the 30 PSM members were originally arrested on Saturday in Penang on charges of taking part in an illegal assembly, sedition as well as printing seditious material under the Printing Press and Publications Act (PPPA). "There was a commotion when those arrested said in their 112 statement that they would only speak in court. The police were angry and demanded those arrested give a second statement. "After that they went to our truck and found some red T-shirts with pictures of Rashid Maidin... then the 30 were slapped with an additional charge, 122 of the Penal Code," said Arutchelvan. "We've been accused of waging war against the King because of having these T-shirts," he added.
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| Utusan says foreign Christian funds behind Bersih Posted: 26 Jun 2011 02:15 PM PDT
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Utusan Malaysia stepped up its attacks on Bersih today by claiming that the group is being funded by foreign Christian organisations that have donated millions of ringgit to underwrite the rally planned for July 9. After it demonised Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan yesterday as anti-Islam, the Umno-owned newspaper reported today that the group calling for electoral reforms was being funded by groups such as the Konrad Adenauer Foundation from Germany and the Canadian Allied Foundation. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is a German think-tank associated with the conservative Christian Democratic Union in Germany. It aims to further the "promotion of freedom and liberty, peace, and justice" through "furthering European unification, improving transatlantic relations and deepening development co-operation. Little is known about the Canadian Allied Foundation named by the Utusan article. In a separate editorial today, Utusan also said that information obtained from investigations into 31 Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists arrested yesterday proved that the July 9 march for electoral reform "is not just infiltrated with subversive elements but also supported by foreign funds." "If the organisers of Bersih sincerely want to demonstrate about elections, why do they need to ask for foreign help? Why the need for elements trying to revive communism?" the Malay daily wrote today. Besides Bersih, other organisations like the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC) have strong ties with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The MSRC was formed by Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Abdul Razak was acquitted in 2008 of abetting in the murder of his Mongolian mistress Altantuya Shariibuu. Utusan Malaysia reported today that organisations from 11 countries had donated millions of ringgit to Bersih to be used for the cost of the July 9 demonstration. PAS has promised to bring in hundreds of thousands of supporters from across the country as Pakatan Rakyat (PR) gears up for a second such rally in recent years. The first Bersih rally in 2007 saw up to 50,000 people take to the streets of Kuala Lumpur before they were dispersed by police armed with tear gas and water cannons. The demonstration has been partly credited for Pakatan Rakyat's record gains in Election 2008, where the opposition pact swept to power in five states and won 82 parliamentary seats.
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| WIKILEAKS: In Iran they weigh and not count the cash Posted: 19 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT
Radzi said that Petronas told MITI it does not have any investment in Iran now and that the private companies (SKS and Amona) claimed they had no financing sources for their projects in Iran. Radzi also described how Malaysian firms go to Iran with suitcases of money to purchase oil and gas concessions from the Iranians. He said that they bring too much cash to count the money, so they weigh it to determine if the amount is correct. Radzi did not offer why Malaysian firms would purchase an O&G concession from the Iranians for a project they are unable to finance. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000037
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/19/2020 TAGS: ECON, EFIN, ENIV, ETRD, ETTC, IR, KNNP, MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA: ISA UPDATE - PETRONAS MOVING AWAY FROM IRAN INVESTMENT
REF: 09 STATE 121808
Classified By: Econ Counselor Matt Matthews for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
1. (C) Summary: Post approached the three Malaysian companies listed in Ref A that are reportedly doing business or contemplating doing business in Iran. Petronas told us January 11 that it has no active investments in Iran, no commitment has been made to invest in South Pars Phase 11 and its contractual obligations in the Munir block are complete, with no further investment under consideration. Petronas officials noted that Petronas is concerned about investing in Iran due to current political uncertainties there. Amona told us via telephone they sold their oil and gas (O&G) business, including any interest in the redevelopment of the Resalat Oilfield. Post has made contact with representatives from SKS Ventures, which will be reported septel. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Principal Assistant Secretary and America Desk Officer Muhammad Radzi Jamaludin (Radzi) told post that the Ministry of International Trade and Investment (MITI) held a meeting with Petronas, Amona, and SKS Ventures and told them to cooperate with embassy inquiries on Iran investments. End Summary. 2. (C) Comment: Our meeting with Petronas was at a surprisingly high level and the information offered was unusually frank and forthcoming for such a sensitive topic. As a Petronas Board member, Azhar is well positioned to provide accurate information on Petronas' Iran investment plans. Post will continue to press for additional details on Petronas South Pars Phase 11 activity. End Comment. Petronas 3. (C) Deputy Econcouns Salin and econoff Williams met January 11 with Petronas Board of Directors Member and Corporate Secretary Mohd Azhar Osman Khairuddin (Azhar) and his assistant, Head of Legal Research, Planning and Issues Management, Abdul Rahim Mydin (Rahim) to query Petronas about existing and planned investments in Iran,s oil and gas sector (O&G) and awareness of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA). Deputy Econcouns delivered ref A points and provided additional background on our information request. 4. (C) Azhar said that Petronas does not have any investments in Iran at this time. Azhar explained that Petronas aspires to be a global company and desires a positive relationship with the USG. However, he related that Petronas was a relatively late entrant to the O&G business and was not competitive with international oil companies (IOCs) in most development areas. Petronas made the conscious decision in the mid 1990,s, with the blessing of the GOM, to compete in countries where Western sanctions precluded the largest IOCs from competing such as Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, and Mauritania, according to Azhar. He claimed that in 1996 the Petronas president met with Clinton Administration officials informing the USG of Petronas, plans to invest in Iran and that Secretary Albright gave Total, Gazprom, and Petronas ISA exemptions on South Pars Phases 2 and 3. Azhar said that Petronas developed the Siri field without an exemption and that both of Petronas, prior Iran projects are now finished. He mentioned that Petronas does have an ongoing trading relationship with Iran, exporting lubricants to Iran. 5. (C) Azhar told us that Malaysian O&G reserves are not large and are running out soon. (Note: Conoco Philips Malaysia confirmed that without new discoveries, Malaysian oil production will decline at approximately 10% per year, from 550,000 bpd in 2008 to roughly 490,000 bpd in 2009 and 450,000 bpd in 2010.) Azhar noted that revenues from Petronas accounted for 45% of the GOM budget last year and stated that the GOM is over-reliant on Petronas to fund its operations. He said Petronas feels tremendous pressure to grow its business in order to maintain Malaysia's political status quo and added that Petronas wants to stay insulated from politics, but must comply with GOM policy. He acknowledged the large amount of liquid assets on Petronas, balance sheet and Petronas, concerns that those funds be invested in productive O&G assets to promote future profitability rather than be spent now on domestic programs for political gain. He described Petronas as a stabilizing force in Malaysia and in ASEAN regionally and his desire that the USG recognize the important role Petronas plays in maintaining political stability in the region. 6. (C) Azhar was not aware of press accounts of Petronas investment plans in the South Pars Phase 11 gas field and was noticeably irritated that Petronas gas subsidiary Carigali had not mentioned Phase 11 when it briefed Azhar on its Iran activities. He was quite clear, from his position as a member of the Petronas Board of Directors, that no final investment decision had been made on any new project in Iran. Azhar added that Petronas is closely following the political situation in Iran between President Ahmadinejad and the opposition and stated that Petronas is very concerned about investing in Iran at this point due to political uncertainties and the possibility of "disruptive changes." 7. (C) (Note: In a follow-up telephone call January 14, Rahim told econoff that investment in South Pars Phase 11 is still under consideration, but that Petronas has not committed to the investment. Econoff asked follow-up questions on the status, timing, and cost of due diligence, contract status with Iran/CNPC, and when a final decision could be reached. Rahim asked econoff to forward the follow-up questions via email and that he would try to respond. End Note.) 8. (C) Azhar was excited about Petronas successful bid with Shell to develop the Majnoon oilfield in Iraq. He praised the open and transparent competitive bidding process and said that Iraq's opening is putting a lot of pressure on Iran. Petronas is bullish on the political situation in Iraq and plans to compete for additional business in Iraq, according to Azhar. Amona Claims O&G Business Sold 9. (C) Econoff and LES Tang Loon Lian contacted Amona December 9 via telephone regarding its announced investment in the Resalat Oilfield. An Amona representative told us Amona had sold its entire oil and gas business to Oil Corp., a publicly traded Malaysian company. Local news databases did not report announcement of a sale. A search of Bursa Malaysia publicly listed companies showed that Oil Corp. is losing significant amounts of money and appears near bankruptcy. Post will continue to check for additional details on the status of Malaysian participation in the Resalat transaction. MFA and Trade Ministry Authorize Cooperation 10. (C) During a January 12 meeting, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Assistant Secretary and America Desk Officer Muhammad Radzi Jamaludin (Radzi) told econoff that he had recently attended a MITI-led meeting, in which MITI called in Petronas, SKS Ventures and Amona and told them to cooperate with the embassy in our ISA inquiry. Radzi said that Petronas told MITI it does not have any investment in Iran now and that the private companies (SKS and Amona) claimed they had no financing sources for their projects in Iran. Radzi also described how Malaysian firms go to Iran with suitcases of money to purchase oil and gas concessions from the Iranians. He said that they bring too much cash to count the money, so they weigh it to determine if the amount is correct. Radzi did not offer why Malaysian firms would purchase an O&G concession from the Iranians for a project they are unable to finance. KEITH
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| Posted: 16 Jun 2011 01:14 PM PDT
Hakim Joe Malaysia possesses submarines that cannot dive but are able to sail faster than a sampan going upstream. Likewise, we are also buying super expensive helicopters that can possibly out-fly and out-maneuver Superman in flight (in theory only). Now we are looking at fighter jets to replace the ageing MIG-29N Fulcrum in 2015 and the budget could be in excess of RM6 billion.Here we go again. French aerospace company Dassault Aviation is planning to set up an office in Kuala Lumpur within the next few months with the intention of winning this lucrative contract from the Malaysian Government. On offer is their Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) Rafale at an estimated cost of 100 million Euro a pop (depending on who you ask). A squadron of a 12 aircrafts will cost in excess of 1.2 billion Euros (RM5.2 billion without optional extras like Krell Sound System, Liebherr fridge, Bosch reverse sensor or Prometheus dashboard cigar lighter). Not to be out done, British defense company BAE Systems (who already has a large office in Kuala Lumpur) is offering a better deal. For an estimated RM5.5 billion, BAE Systems will sell to RMAF 10 units of their Tranche 3 Typhoon fighter/interceptor. Now, how is this a better deal as compared to the Rafale? The Frenchies are offering 12 units whilst the Pommies are offering 10 units. The Frenchies deal cost RM5.2 billion whilst the Pommies deal cost RM5.5 billion. The Rafale is a MRCA whilst the Typhoon is NOT a MRCA. What BAE Systems is also offering are another 20 units of Tranche 1 Typhoon FOC (gratis, as is basis) that the Royal Air Force is retiring from active service, kind of a "Buy 1 Free 2" offer. Technically, these aircrafts are not entirely free, as the RMAF will need to pay to fit specific items like the communication systems and other support items to be compatible to its existing ground control systems. Boeing is also in the picture with its offer of the FA-18F Super Hornet (5th Generation) at USD57 million a piece. Cheap? Oops…the USD57 million is only for the chassis alone, not even the paint job. The real cost per unit after installation of the engine, avionics, pylons, radar, etc. approaches USD125 million a unit (without ordnance, training or support) minimum. However, Boeing is the most optimistic that they are capable of securing this contract as RMAF is already using the FA-18E (4th Generation) and the Malaysian pilots are familiar with the aircraft (hence less training required) plus the important fact that they have appointed three (yes, three) Malaysian companies to do the lobbying for them - Composites Technology Research Malaysia Aero Composites (CTRM AC), SME Aerospace (SMEA), and Spirit AeroSystems. Likewise, of the four potential suppliers, only Boeing has made an official visit to Putrajaya this year to promote their latest aircraft to the former Defense Minister. The other three haven't even applied for their visas. Composites Technology Research Malaysia Aero Composites is a wholly owned subsidiary of Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Based in Batu Berendam, Melaka, CTRM AC is a government-linked company with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated as its major shareholder. SME Aerospace, based in Sungai Buloh, manufactures aircraft parts, components and assemblies for customers worldwide and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Aerospace & Defence Industries Berhad. Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd, based in Kuala Lumpur, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. [NYSE: SPR] The fourth and final offer is from Sweden's SAAB with its JAS 39 Gripen MRCA aircraft at USD60 million a pop even though this offer is considered to be the least successful of the entire lot and the cheapest. For those detractors that think that the purchase of military aircrafts is not viable due to Malaysia's economic outlook and that we are still financing the current fleet, think again. As of April 2011, a Request For Quotation (RFQ) has been issued to the four manufacturers. But then again, when and what has economy and cost to do with the purchase of military hardware here in BolehLand? BTW, the submarines still refuse to submerge underwater. |
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