Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Palm oil industry muscling out orang utans
- Let’s see where the RM4 billion goes
- Lawyer: Homosexuality not unconstitutional
- Umno needs help for voter support, party leaders admit
- New law replacing ISA will include detention without trial: Minister
- Pakatan: ISA replacement ‘old wine in new bottle’
- Sarawak minister denies conversion bid at pre-schools
- War of words show Umno is badly in disarray
- Domestic Defense Act (DSA) 2012
- Is MCA staunchly anti-Islam?
- Hisham: New law replacing ISA to include detention without trial
- Dr M’s ‘befriend Perkasa’ riles Kita
- DAP finds unlikely ally in Harris
- Veeps defend Umno from Dr M’s attacks
- Wawancara Utusan dengan Dr Mahathir : siapa yang hendak mengaku berak di tepi jalan
- What else is unconstitutional in Malaysia?
- Sabahans ‘Cry Freedom’ after nearly half century
- Lembah Pantai: Raja Nong Chik lawan Nurul Izzah?
- PAS: Why is MAIS assisting Perlis?
- PKR: NFC paid for private umrah trip
- Pua: Health Ministry ‘covering up’ KR1M milk powder issue
- Will this be a new GLC and cash cow for the Barisan government?
- DPM: Umno fixing its internal problems
- Egypt protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square for third day
- PKR claims NFC funded umrah packages, Singapore firms
- ‘Hindraf will join Pakatan on one condition’
- Four sue Penang government over SPICE project
- Political agenda behind RM100 cash aid slammed
- ‘Stop sending Ustaz to Sarawak schools’
- BN says polls focus will be on young voters
- Minister says being gay is unconstitutional
- Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #89
- Dr Syed Husin, the Socialist who lost his way
- It's Nothing But A Turf War
- Which do you fear more? Hudud or Islamic State?
- Open letter to Dato Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, Telecom Malaysia Bhd
- Selangor MCA: Sack Hasan for audio Bible comment
- MCA public forum on hudud on 4 Dec
- Najib: BN continues to be a brand that is accepted
- Dr M says Umno must befriend Perkasa to regain Malay votes
- Dr M says he is still relevant
- Hisham rebuts Dr M, says Umno has improved
- Najib launches social media group to intensify BN's cyber campaign
- Francis Loh takes over as Aliran president as Rama steps down
- Hate language still holds sway
- Remember Dr M and vote for CHANGE in GE-13
- Voting rights for overseas Malaysians
- NFC scandal: Entire cabinet in the dock
- Dr Mahathir: Umno Belum Giat Berusaha
- Najib: 5-6% growth possible for this year
| Palm oil industry muscling out orang utans Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:21 PM PST By Michael Kaung, FMT
KINABATANGAN: About 300 orang-utans have vanished from the Lower Kinabatangan in the east coast of Sabah over the last seven years due to the fragmenting of the forests they live in, according to wildlife experts. Dr Marc Ancrenaz, scientific director of HUTAN – Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Programme (KOCP) – there is unmistakable evidence that the orang-utan population in Sabah is declining. "What we are seeing with our latest surveys within the Lower Kinabatangan is a clear population decline of the orang-utans in this area," he said. He hoped that such issues would add urgency to events such as the Roundtable for Sustainable Oil Palm (RSPO) discussions which open here today. "The biggest threat to the orang-utan and other wildlife populations in Sabah today is fragmentation. "What this means is that agriculture development primarily oil palm has created small islands of forest, which are isolated and completely surrounded by human-made landscape. "Because it is difficult for wildlife to move from one forest patch to the next, this situation leads to inbreeding and eventual population decline, which is what we are witnessing today in the Lower Kinabatangan," said Ancrenaz. Wildlife experts and environmentalists want the oil palm industry to rectify the situation rather than just paying lip service to rehabilitation efforts which are being carried out by local communities. "We can still improve the situation for the Lower Kinabatangan's orang-utan and other wildlife by actually replanting and planning for actual wildlife corridors or patches of forest to support wildlife movement between protected or forested areas," said Ancrenaz. Urgent need for trees While singling out Wilmar/PBB Oil for praise for replanting 382 hectares with 50 meters on the banks of the river, he said other big corporations where mostly riding on the coat-tails for such endeavours. "We mostly see signboards and newspaper articles but when you go to the ground you find that in reality it is all talk and no viable replanting is taking place," said Ancrenaz. He suggested that the money the government is spending for oil palm promotion such as the recent allocation of RM24 million for the Malaysian Oil Palm Council could instead be used for establishing real corridors and patches of forest in the Lower Kinabatangan. "While there are many reforestation programmes taking place within the Lower Kinabatangan, the best known being the work by MESCOT-KOPEL in Batu Putih, we need oil palm companies to start planting back corridors along the riverbanks in particular. "This will not only help wildlife but also improve the water quality for local communities living along the river." The situation is so grim in the Lower Kinabatangan that converting remaining forested areas as small as even 10 hectares will have a negative effect on the long term survival of the orang-utan population. "If oil palm companies want to contribute to orang-utan conservation today, they have the opportunity to do so in the Lower Kinabatangan by stopping what little land conversion they are still planning to do carry it," said Ancrenaz. |
| Let’s see where the RM4 billion goes Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:18 PM PST By Luke Rintod, FMT KENINGAU: While Chief Minister Musa Aman's RM4 billion Sabah budget for 2012 may be getting rave reviews from 'certain' quarters, United Borneo Front however can only see the huge chasm between 'what is planned and what is delivered' by the ruling Umno-led Barisan Nasional government. A senior leader with UBF Dr Nicholas James Guntobon views the RM4 billion state budget for 2012 as 'window dressing' and tired replay of Musa's past promises and pledges. In playing down the grand talk that the state budget received when it was unveiled by Musa last Friday, Guntobon, who is UBF coordinator for Liawan, Keningau, said yesterday that a thorough examination of Sabah's past budgets showed that the "ruling BN has no policy on economic development". "Performance-wise, the economy boom in Sabah is actually driven by the high price of commodity, nothing to do with the efficiency and leadership of the current CM. "The high rating by RAM, the auditor-general and the ISO certificate are all not conclusive evidence of excellent performance whatsoever. "Rating agencies are known for their unreliability," he said alluding to the 3-star RAM rating of Sabah's economic perfromance. He reminded that even US-based rating agency Moody gave global financial services firm, Lehman Brothers, top marks but it was declared bankrupt in 2008. "RAM, unlike Moody is locally-based, run and perhaps even financed through domestic consultancy contracts and if we dare go deeper possibly we will find out that its pay is derived from taxpayers money by cronies and relatives of those in power." Guntobon credits the 4% economic growth in Sabah to government spending through federal stimulus packages as well as the high commodity prices. Why no foreign investments? Musa, who is also Sabah Finance Minister, presented the state biggest ever budget with a promise to eradicate poverty, cut unemployment and further develop the state. But according to Guntobon, Musa has been saying the same thing since winning the last elections and in presenting past budgets about how he is going to redistribute wealth from booming economy to all Sabahans. "Sabah now is still the third poorest economically, the Umno cronies are getting richer and the number of poor people in Sabah remains the highest. "They get poorer because prices of basic goods have increased with the fuel price hike. We can list out a long list of BN's and this chief minister's failures if necessary. "The ruling BN has no policy on economic development and this speaks volumes why there is not much foreign direct investment," he said.
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| Lawyer: Homosexuality not unconstitutional Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:14 PM PST By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT PETALING JAYA: A senior lawyer has disputed a government decree that homosexuality is unconstitutional and instead said that the federal constitution in fact leaves the matter open to debate. Yesterday Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Jamil Khir Baharom, declared homosexuality as unconstitutional and cited sections 377 (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Penal Code which refer to carnal intercourse against the order of nature. Jamil's statement was subsequently backed by fellow Cabinet Minister, Nazri Aziz, who referred to Article 3 of the Federal Constitution which states that Islam is the religion of the federation. Nazri explained that if certain acts fall within the constitution but go against Islam they are deemed inapplicable in Malaysia. But Alex De Silva from the law firm Bodipalar Ponnudurai De Silva (BPD), told FMT that there is no provision within the federal constitution that specifically states that homosexuality is an offence or that it should be banned. "Article 3 states that Islam is the religion of the federation but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the federation," he recited. "It enshrines the special position of Islam in Malaysia. It's not meant to be interpreted as such that any practice that goes against it is unconstitutional." De Silva pointed out that if that was the case then the consumption of pork and alcohol would also be unconstitutional since both go against Islam. "As for the Penal Code, section 377 makes it an offence for two persons to engage in carnal intercourse," he said. "The two persons could be of the same sex or even of the opposite sex. It does not specify homosexuals." "In any event, being guilty of an offence under the Penal Code does not make the offender "unconstitutional". It merely means that the offenders may be guilty of an offence and is liable to be charged and if found guilty to be sentenced."
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| Umno needs help for voter support, party leaders admit Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:09 PM PST By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Umno needs to be "calculative" and befriend as many groups and organisations as possible to gain voter support in time for the upcoming polls, party leaders have said. Top Umno leaders said the party could not afford to be "picky" about which groups to align itself with, and that everything must be done with only one goal in mind: winning the next election. Some appeared to agree with remarks made by former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, who said the party could not afford to make enemies of groups like Perkasa if it wanted to regain crucial Malay votes. "We need to be calculative with whom to associate ourselves with; the criteria is those who can bring more support to the party," Tangga Batu MP Datuk Idris Haron told The Malaysian Insider. "Anything we do must have a political dividend." The Umno supreme council member said there was no point ignoring or marginalising certain groups when these could help Umno gain voter support, especially among the Malays. "We cannot be too particular. What is important is that we win the elections," he added. Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said that Umno had over the years proven that it fought for not just the Malays but for other races as well. "Umno is the single largest party and it's the backbone of the government. So whatever we say will impact the nation," he told The Malaysian Insider. The Umno leader said that although Malays should always be prioritised, the party needed to be mindful of its actions as these could affect the future of Barisan Nasional (BN). "We are friendly to everybody," said Abdul Rahman.
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| New law replacing ISA will include detention without trial: Minister Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:01 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The new law which will replace the Internal Security Act 1960 will still provide for detention without trial, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today. He said countries such as United States, United Kingdom and Australia also practised detention without trial in the fight against terrorism. The US has the Patriot Act while UK and Australia have the Anti-Terrorism Act, he added. Hishammuddin said there are some Malaysians being detained by the US in Guatanamo without trial for many years now. The minister also said that Barisan Nasional, as the ruling government, would be responsible and abide by all new laws to be implemented in the interest of public well-being. |
| Pakatan: ISA replacement ‘old wine in new bottle’ Posted: 21 Nov 2011 11:59 AM PST By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider Repealing the Internal Security Act (ISA) would be pointless if its replacement law will still include detention without trial, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders have argued. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday the ISA substitute will continue to provide for such arbitrary detention. He cited countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia as examples of governments that exercised detention without trial in the fight against terrorism, naming the US's Patriot Act as well as the UK and Australia's Anti-Terrorism Acts. "This is a shameful attempt at inserting 'old wine into new bottle'," Nurul Izzah Anwar told The Malaysian Insider. "This announcement confirms many fears we have had regarding the prime minister's political will in implementing his reform pledges to the Malaysian public on September 15, 2011, changes are merely rebranding exercises." The PKR vice-president charged that Barisan Nasional would only accord Malaysians limited civil, political and human rights, with disregard to the Federal Constitution. Another PKR leader, Datuk Kamarul Baharin, said Hishammuddin's announcement proved the government was not earnest in reforming the archaic laws. "Like old wine in a new bottle. What's the point then? Najib is not sincere in abolishing the laws. "There should be no such thing as detention without trial. Every person should be accorded to a fair hearing, innocent until proven guilty," he told The Malaysian Insider. The Teluk Kemang MP said if PR were in power, they would make sure the replacement laws were actual reforms and not "half-baked" attempts at rebranding the current legislation.
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| Sarawak minister denies conversion bid at pre-schools Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:43 AM PST (Bernama) - Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian's alleged claims that there were attempts to impart Islamic teachings and practices to non-Muslim children in some Department of Community Development (Kemas) and government pre-schools are not true, says a state minister. Sarawak Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said investigations carried out at 11 Kemas pre-schools in Ba'kelalan found that only tutors were Muslims while two of the pre-schools had a majority of Muslim children. "Eight other pre-schools comprised non-Muslim teachers," said Fatimah when winding-up debate at the Sarawak state assembly in Kuching today. Fatimah added that the placement of a Muslim teacher in one of the Kemas pre-schools was only temporary, pending the appointment of a local teacher from the constituency. Denying claims that there were many teachers from the mainland (west Malaysia) teaching at Kemas pre-schools, Fatimah urged all state assemblypersons to be cautious when issuing sensitive statements, especially those related to religion. She said all teachers in Kemas pre-schools were locals. Baru had last week alleged that in many rural areas that are predominantly Christian, there were subtle attempts at imparting Islamic teachings and practices to children in pre-schools. He had highlighted reports from non-Muslim parents that their pre-school children recited Islamic prayers they had learnt from their teachers, at home. Meanwhile, Fatimah also announced a proposal to set up a One Stop Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Registration Centre) to reduce the duration period for approval of applications for pre-schools and nurseries in Sarawak. Fatimah said the approval period for registration of such schools had already been reduced from three years to one.
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| War of words show Umno is badly in disarray Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:37 AM PST Maclean Patrick, Hornbill Unleashed The prelude to the 13th General Election is clearly in full force as Umno gathers itself to hold its General Assembly in early December – seen as the final flag off for nationwide polls. And one can bet the Umno assembly will be of torrid interest to all Malaysians, especially for the majority who are without physical access to the meeting. For the past 54 years, it is the Umno delegates attending the assembly who get to decide who will be the prime minister of Malaysia – with impunity. By convention, the Umno president also becomes the prime minister of Malaysia and this is why the party has so fiercely fought off a two-party system, trying all ways and means to kill off the Pakatan Rakyat led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. However, now that the opposition is already well ensconced in the Malaysian psyche, perhaps for the first time the Umno president will not be the prime minister of Malaysia any more. Why? Because the Umno-led BN coalition faces a real risk of losing power in the coming GE-13, which is why there is so much interest in this Umno assembly, where the mindset of the party chieftains and grassroots will play a large part in determining the immediate future of the country. When the 'minority rules' Umno's past stranglehold on power has always been a case of the minority super-ceding the majority, and contradictory to the stance of "majority rules", which ironically is always touted by ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad when justifying his Malay Supremacy politicking. It is against such a setting that the latest comments by Mahathir Mohamad has caused such a stir. Not so much as to what was said but rather, that this is the truth that UMNO has refused to accept or address through the years since the 2008 elections. UMNO has chosen to surround itself within an imperialist bubble that has isolated its leaders from the reality on the ground. This bubble is evident in the various policy decisions that have been announced, only to incite public outcry and then quickly retracted. Thus, to be told that UMNO is weak goes against the very nature of this imperialist bubble. This is why Mahathir's words hit home squarely and painfully. "Umno became badly damaged when Tun Abdullah Badawi took over. Because he prioritised his family and there were so many corruption allegations. And everyone knew about his son-in-law's involvement," Tun Mahathir said, referring to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. "This damaged Umno has been inherited by Datuk Seri Najib Razak for him to fix. Umno needs time before it can become stronger. "But Najib is busy and does not have enough time." PM in absentia Indeed, Najib Razak has been busy. At a time when the nation needed its leader to address its woes and to provide a measure of understanding; he has been absent – relegating his duties to his underlings who have provided conflicting statements that have not done much good for the citizens of Malaysia. So it was that instead of addressing Mahathir's comments head on, Najib left it to his cousin and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to rebut the grand old man of Umno, rather than take on the task himself and speak up for his own administration. Hisham, also an Umno vice president, told reporters "this is not something unique to Umno. I do not deny that this will hamper our process… but we are going through a revision and transformation." The Home Minister tried to put a good face on it by saying it was not unusual for Mahathir to throw out challenges and ideas for the party ahead of a general assembly, and that members would need to rise to the occasion. Hisham also unwitting revealed one of the grouses Mahathir has with Najib – his cowardice in getting a mandate of his own rather than rely on the power he inherited after ousting predecessor Abdullah Badawi. "This will answer a part of Tun (Mahathir's) concerns," said Hisham, insisting that Najib was already in the process of getting the party ready for the upcoming general election. Najib has failed to arrest the slide in Umno But Hishammuddin's reply was as usual weak and in fact does not refute Mahathir's comments. It merely confirms the latter's assessment of Umno. The revision and transformation of Umno had been promised since the days of Abdullah Badawi, and further emphasized when Najib Razak assumed the premiership of Umno. Yet, three years down the road, Umno has not improved. Instead, it has regressed into a state of exclusiveness – branding itself as more ultra-Malay and no longer a progressive and moderate political party. Factions and infighting within the party divisions contributed to Umno's failure in the 2008 elections and it looks like more of the same in the coming GE-13. Mahathir was right in his assessment, Umno is in disarray and Umno has not acknowledged this.
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| Domestic Defense Act (DSA) 2012 Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:43 AM PST When asked about the differences between the ISA and the DDA the Home Minister said that the initials are different for starters and that Malaysians should no longer be wary of the ISA (because it will cease to exist). By TAKDENAMA NEWS REPORT. MMXI. Breaking News. Malaysia. The Malaysian Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, today stated for a fact that the new law to replace the Internal Security Act 1960 will still provide for detention without trial. He said detention without trial was also being practised in some countries in the fight against terrorism, such as the Patriot Act in the United States and Anti-Terrorism Act in the United Kingdom and Australia. On Sept 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his Malaysia Day special address announced that the ISA would be repealed and two new suitable laws formulated to preserve peace, harmony, stability and prosperity in the country. One of the new laws shall be named the Domestic Defense Act (DDA) that will provide for security measures under the existing law to protect the government from internal attacks. When asked about the differences between the ISA and the DDA the Home Minister said that the initials are different for starters and that Malaysians should no longer be wary of the ISA (because it will cease to exist). "The DDA will provide for a detention period (without trial) to be determined by me or my cousin whereas the ISA had a fixed maximum detention period of two years only." This means that the new law will empower the government to detain an individual indefinitely without having to go through the mundane process of reapplying for such detention to be extended every two years. The Home Minister said that this is done to save costs as every reapplication takes time, effort and money, as the documents have to be completed in triplicate. The Home Minister also said that the new law would also incorporate notice to families of the detainees and the process of making appeals. "The Government of Malaysia will inform the family members of those who are detained (without trial) the period of detention and where the detainee will be incarcerated (Kamunting)." As for making appeals, the GOM will charge each appeal a minimum RM100,000 (in cash only) for processing the appeal documents (which must be in triplicate). The Home Minister said that a special counter will be set up in his office in Putrajaya to process these appeal applications but warned that no receipts will be issued. "We are cutting costs on paper." When asked whether the existing ISA detainees be released once the old law has been repealed the Home Minister replied, "Yes. We will release all existing ISA detainees immediately once ISA has been repealed by Parliament. However we shall be re-detaining these people under the DDA." |
| Posted: 21 Nov 2011 12:32 AM PST Of course Chua is going all out to oppose and insult Hudud because, if he had embraced Islam, he would have been stoned to death for cheating on his wife and family. WHAT a sick joke and a mismatch! The MCA is organising a forum themed "Hudud and Its Implications on Non-Muslims in Malaysia" on Dec 4. And of all the people, the adulterer and MCA president Chua Soi Lek, will deliver the keynote address as well as the closing remarks. In the first place, is Chua a Muslim? Has he converted? Does he really understand Hudud? What makes him an authority of Hudud? Is the word "zina" in his dictionary? Of course he is going all out to oppose and insult Hudud because, if he had embraced Islam, he would have been stoned to death for cheating on his wife and family. Chua and non-Muslims have no standing to oppose the practice of Muslims and Islam. The Muslims also have no right to oppose the practice of other religions. It is only the rampant exploitation of race and religion by skewered politicians, especially those from Barisan Nasional (BN), Malaysians are kept emotionally at their edge. That is exactly what the BN wants. Instil fear on everyone to serve its long adopted divide-and-rule political strategy. With all the degrading and insulting remarks coming from MCA, Chua and his cronies, where are the defenders of Islam? Where are the likes of Perkasa and Umno? Are these two self- proclaimed champion pretenders of "Malaysia is an Islamic state" endorsing MCA's stand? If so, then the Muslims in Umno do not really believe in Islam and Hudud. As Umno cannot come out to insult Islam and Hudud, it is thus allowing MCA to do it. To allow a tainted-politician like Chua to even touch on Islam and Hudud is an insult to the Malays. He has no standing and integrity to question the sacred religion and its laws. What is he going to say and how is he going to respond if the Malays start telling Christians and Buddhists how they should practice their religion? Isn't the issue as simple as that? For those who continue to espouse that Hudud will affect us, you can continue to argue the issue this way and Malaysians will never reach a consensus. Expressing fear is not a fact. The expressed fear is due to skewered implementation of the law, so don't blame the law. Blame the enforcement and the idiots exploiting and abusing their power. Blame the government that you elected for allowing all this to happen. Malaysia is a multi-racial nation and unity hinges on religious and race tolerance. In the first place, religion and race should never have been politicised. Politics should just be based on social and economic development for the country. It is the bad intentions of politicians who craze for power who are responsible for the country's current shameful state of affairs – injustice, corruption and erosion of the democratic rights of Malaysians. With Umno allowing MCA and the pornstar to belittle the sacred values of Hudud as an Islamic criminal law, thereby insulting Islam, am I wrong to say MCA is staunchly anti-Islam? If so, what is Umno and Perkasa doing about it? Have their tongues been severed?
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| Hisham: New law replacing ISA to include detention without trial Posted: 20 Nov 2011 08:57 PM PST (Bernama) - The new law to replace the Internal Security Act 1960, which will be repealed, will still provide for detention without trial, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. He said detention without trial was also being practised in some countries in the fight against terrorism, such as the Patriot Act in the United States and Anti-Terrorism Act in the United Kingdom and Australia. "The US, UK and Australia all champion human rights, but they realised that when dealing with militancy and terrorism, they needed to have acts of that nature. "In fact, there are some Malaysians who are being detained by the US in Guatanamo without trial for many years now. So, please don't have double standards and we don't want hypocrisy in this matter," he said, here, Monday. Hishammuddin who had earlier attended the Innovaiton Day celebration and the ministry's monthly assembly, also said that Barisan Nasional, as the ruling government, would be responsible and abide by all new laws to be implemented in the interest of public well-being. "He have learned from the experience of countries which have abolished such acts without thinking long and they paid the price," he added. On Sept 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his Malaysia Day special address announced that the ISA would be repealed and two new suitable laws formulated to preserve peace, harmony, stability and prosperity in the country. Asked about new elements to be incorporated in the new acts, Hishammuddin said these would include the period of detention, notice to families of the detainees and making appeals. He opined that they would not be difficult to be implemented as the process of replacing the ISA had begun two years ago. On the Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011 to be tabled in Parliament next week, he said it was in the final stage of drafting by the Attorney-General's Chambers.
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| Dr M’s ‘befriend Perkasa’ riles Kita Posted: 20 Nov 2011 05:40 PM PST The party is disappointed with the former premier's call on Umno to join hands with the Malay rights group to win votes. (Free Malaysia Today) - Kita is disappointed with Dr Mahathir Mohamad for asking the Malays to "put their heads in the sand" by urging Umno to befriend Perkasa to win the next general election. The former premier yesterday warned Umno that it needed allies in Malay rights groups like Perkasa to recoup crucial Malay votes and pinned Barisan Nasional's 2008 electoral losses on the lack of Malay support. But Kita described Perkasa as an "organisation that clearly advocates racial hatred and bigotry". In a statement, the Zaid Ibrahim-led party pointed out that Mahathir's winning formula for Umno is about the Malays inwardly huddling together and defending the values espoused in 1946 against outsiders. It however added that it believes the Malays know better as they have seen how the "Malay-first-Malaysian second" policies have only helped those in power. "They have seen how those that represent the 'old Malay order' trample on their civil and human rights," Kita stated. "They've seen how these policies are an excuse for corruption, nepotism and the abuse of power." Kita further tore into the practice of government subsidies as well as the "Hidup Melayu" mantra. It scorned the former as an "opiate for those addicted to voting BN" and the latter as having no place in their children's future. "Kita believes that Malays recognise that their future is not in maintaining this fortress mentality. Instead, it is to embrace universal values which include integrity, hard work and tolerance, without losing one's identity as a Malay." "The enlightenment of the Malays comes first from taking their heads out of the sand and their willingness to face the harsh realities of a competitive society."
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| DAP finds unlikely ally in Harris Posted: 20 Nov 2011 05:36 PM PST A power struggle is gripping Sabah Umno and the opposition has become an unwitting participant in the tussle. (Free Malaysia Today) - DAP has found an unlikely supporter in former Sabah chief minister Harris Mohd Salleh – more than a quarter of a century after they first crossed swords over the administration of the state. The opposition party may have also been unwittingly drawn into a Sabah Umno power tussle between Chief Minister Musa Aman and Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal when it called on the authorities to investigate government contracts awarded for rural projects. That call was enough for anyone within the Umno-led Barisan Nasional with an axe to grind to pile pressure on Shafie. Harris, who spared no effort to attack the opposition party and its supremo, Lim Kit Siang, when he ruled the state from 1976 to 1985, has suddenly found that he can agree with DAP on certain matters concerning state administration. The former chief minister wants the BN government to "take seriously" allegations made by DAP over contracts awarded in Sabah by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry run by Shafie. Speaking on the sidelines of a defamation suit being heard here against former chief minister Yong Teck Lee, a local newspaper Daily Express quoted Harris as saying: "The detailed accusations made by DAP… were glaring… there are definitely wrongdoings on the part of the ministry." Harris said the ministry's reply to the accusations was unsatisfactory, adding that it was absurd for the ministry to justify awarding the full RM100 million tender amount for the Pulau Gaya electrification project when the actual tender cost was only about RM25 million. Harris also claimed that he had received "many complaints from rural folk" that the billions of ringgit allocated by the federal government for rural projects was not having an impact on their lives. "More often than not, the projects were introduced for the sake of contracts and most of them are of low standard," he said.
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| Veeps defend Umno from Dr M’s attacks Posted: 20 Nov 2011 05:33 PM PST (The Star) - Two Umno vice-presidents have come out in defence of the party, following scathing attacks in a weekly paper yesterday by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said such attacks were not unusual, claiming the criticisms would not affect the party's performance. In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia, the party's longest-serving president who retired in 2003, said Umno had not made any improvement since the 2008 general election. The paper also quoted him as saying Umno currently lacked good, credible leaders and was a pale shadow of its former glory. Dr Mahathir blamed his successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the damage, alleging the country's fifth prime minister prioritised his family. He said the damage had been inherited by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who needed time to fix Umno and make it stronger. Reacting to the criticism, Hishammuddin said: "We are going through a transformation process and knowing Tun (Dr Mahathir), he would throw ideas and challenges to see if we are able to meet them." Speaking to reporters after Najib met Umno Youth members at the PWTC here, Hishammuddin added: "The special briefing by the party president shows that Umno is getting ready to transform before the general election. Mohd Shafie said Umno had contributed much to the development of the nation. "It is not easy to fulfil everybody's needs. But, we will continue to do our best to improve our image."
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| Wawancara Utusan dengan Dr Mahathir : siapa yang hendak mengaku berak di tepi jalan Posted: 20 Nov 2011 05:27 PM PST ASPAN ALIAS Semalam hari minggu. Pagi-pagi lagi saya mendapat panggilan talipon dan beberapa sms dari rakan-rakan dari jauh dan dekat bertanyakan saya samada saya membaca wawancara Utusan dengan bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir. "Bro dah baca ke interview Dr Mahathir dalam Utusan?" Saya jawab "Saya tak langgan Utusan sudah 10 tahun, nanti saya baca Utusan on line lah!" Saya terus sahaja membaca setiap ulasan Dr M dalam Utusan itu dan saya tidak berapa hairan kerana saya sendiri telah menyebut segala-gala yang di sebut oleh Dr Mahathir dalam wawancara beliau itu. Bezanya Dr Mahathir seorang tokoh besar sedangkan saya hanya seorang biasa yang melata di tepian politik negara.
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| What else is unconstitutional in Malaysia? Posted: 20 Nov 2011 04:45 PM PST
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said it is unconstitutional for a person to be homosexual in Malaysia. "In reality, in the country's constitution it is not allowed, including sections 377(a), (b), (c) and (d) which prohibit sexual relations between two men," said Jamil, who is in charge of Islamic affairs and head of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim). NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin
Actually, if the minister really wants to follow the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, there are many more things that are unconstitutional, and being a homosexual is certainly not one of them although he can argue that it is against the law. But then, being against the law (meaning: it constitutes a crime) does not make it unconstitutional. For example, raping your own mother or sodomising your own father is also a crime. But that does not make them unconstitutional. So is robbing a bank, murdering your wife, cheating on your income tax, taking bribes, misusing public funds to pay for your wife's lavish shopping, etc. They are all crimes but can't quite be called unconstitutional. The minister, being not that intelligent and downright ignorant, as most Malaysian ministers are, does not appear to know the difference between what is unconstitutional and what is a crime. Anyway, if you refer to some of the Articles in the Constitution below, you can see that there are many practices and policies in Malaysia that are unconstitutional (and at times opposed to Islam as well). Maybe my learned minister would like to talk about these as well. Detaining someone without due process of the law is unconstitutional as per Article 5. And to use 'emergency laws' that waive the need for due process is unconstitutional when Malaysia is not facing any emergency and whatever emergency it did face in the past (such as The Emergency, May 13, Konfrontasi, etc.) have now ended (which means the emergency laws no longer apply). This is like still using WW1 or WW2 emergency laws when WW1 and WW2 have ended a long time ago. Discrimination, quotas, preferences, etc., based on race or religion is unconstitutional as per Article 8. You can argue that the New Economic Policy (NEP) overrides the Constitution but Article 4 does not allow this. Anyway, the NEP was not a law passed by Parliament and that is why it is called 'the aspirations (hasrat) of the NEP'. It is merely an aspiration and not a law. Hence, to force Malaysians to comply with the NEP violates the Constitution. Asking for the citizenship of any Malaysian to be withdrawn is unconstitutional as per Article 9. So Umno should stop asking for the citizenship of Ambiga and others to be withdrawn. Malaysians have the liberty to express their opinion as per Article 10 even if they wish to opine that religion is bullshit, God does not exist, or that the monarchy is outdated and corrupt and should be abolished in favour of a Republic of Malaysia. Opinions are allowed and expressing them is not a crime. Malaysians have the liberty to believe in any religion they want to or to reject religion totally under Article 11. Even if they wish to reject all forms of religion and become atheists, that is their constitutional right. The only thing the Constitution forbids is to propagate these beliefs to Muslims. However, if that person has declared that he/she no longer believes in God, then that would make him/her an apostate and, technically, that person would no longer be a Muslim. Therefore, propagating to ex-Muslims would not constitute a crime since they have on their own freewill become apostates. Setting up institutions of learning exclusive to any one race is unconstitutional according to Article 12. Therefore, UiTM, according to the constitution, must open its doors to all races (but whether they would want to enter UiTM is another matter altogether). Yes, if you want to talk about what is unconstitutional then let us talk about what is unconstitutional. And being gay is not one of them. The above, however, are. But does the minister understand this? Most likely not! Or else he would not have been made a minister. Instead, he would have become a Blogger like me. ****************************************** PART II - FUNDAMENTAL LIBERTIES Article number: 4 • (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. • (2) The validity of any law shall not be questioned on the ground that - • (a) it imposes restrictions on the right mentioned in Article 9 (2) but does not relate to the matters mentioned therein; or • (b) it imposes such restrictions as are mentioned in Article 10 (2) but those restrictions were not deemed necessary or expedient by Parliament for the purposes mentioned in that Article. • (3) The validity of any law made by Parliament or the Legislature of any State shall not be questioned on the ground that it makes provision with respect to any matter with respect to which Parliament or, as the case may be, the Legislature of the State has no power to make laws, except in proceedings for a declaration that the law is invalid on that ground or - • (a) if the law was made by Parliament, in proceedings between the Federation and one or more States; • (b) if the law was made by Legislature of a State, in proceedings between the Federation and that State. • (4) Proceedings for a declaration that a law is invalid on the ground mentioned in Clause (3) (not being proceedings falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of the Clause) shall not be commenced without the leave of a judge of the Supreme Court; and the Federation shall be entitled to be a party to any such proceedings, and so shall any State that would or might be a party to proceedings brought for the same purpose under paragraph (a) or (b) of the Clause.
Article number: 5 • (1) No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law. • (2) Where complaint is made to a High court or any judge thereof that a person is being unlawfully detained the court shall inquire into the complaint and, unless satisfied that the detention is lawful, shall order him to be produced before the court and release him. • (3) Where a person is arrested he shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of his arrest and shall be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice. • (4) Where a person is arrested and not released he shall without unreasonable delay, and in any case within twenty-four hours (excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate and shall not be further detained in custody without the magistrate's authority: Provided that this Clause shall not apply to the arrest or detention of any person under the existing law relating to restricted residence, and all the provisions of this Clause shall be deemed to have been an integral part of this Article as from Merdeka Day. • (5) Clauses (3) and (4) do not apply to an enemy alien.
Article number: 8 • (1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law. • (2) Except as expressly authorized by this Constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment. • (3) There shall be no discrimination in favour of any person on the ground that he is a subject of the Ruler of the State. • (4) No public authority shall discriminate against any person on the ground that he is resident or carrying on business in any part of the Federation outside the jurisdiction of the authority. • (5) This Article does not invalidate or prohibit - • (a) any provision regulating personal law; • (b) any provision or practice restricting office or employment connected with the affairs of any religion, or of an institution managed by a group professing any religion, to persons professing that religion; • (c) any provision for the protection, wellbeing or advancement of the aboriginal peoples of the Malay Peninsula (including the reservation of land) or the reservation to aborigines of a reasonable proportion of suitable positions in the public service; • (d) any provision prescribing residence in a State or part of a State as a qualification for election or appointment to any authority having jurisdiction only in that State or part, or for voting in such an election; • (e) any provision of a Constitution of a State, being or corresponding to a provision in force immediately before Merdeka Day; • (f) any provision restricting enlistment in the Malay Regiment to Malays.
Article number: 9 • (1) No citizen shall be banished or excluded from the Federation. • (2) Subject to Clause (3) and to any law relating to the security of the Federation or any part thereof, public order, public health, or the punishment of offenders, every citizen has the right to move freely throughout the Federation and to reside in any part thereof. • (3) So long as under this Constitution any other State is in a special position as compared with the States of Malaya, Parliament may by law impose restrictions, as between that State and other States, on the rights conferred by Clause (2) in respect of movement and residence.
Article number: 10 • (1) Subject to Clauses (2), (3) and (4) - • (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; • (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; • (c) all citizens have the right to form associations. • (2) Parliament may by law impose - • (a) on the rights conferred by paragraph (a) of Clause (1),such restrictions as it deems necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of the Federation or any part thereof, friendly relations with other countries, public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or of any Legislative Assembly or to provide against contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to any offence; • (b) on the right conferred by paragraph (b) of Clause (1), such restrictions as it deems necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of the Federation or any part thereof, or public order; • (c) on the right conferred by paragraph (c) of Clause (1), such restrictions as it deems necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of the Federation or any part thereof, public order or morality. • (3) Restrictions on the right to form associations conferred by paragraph (c) of Clause (1) may also be imposed by any law relating to labour or education. • (4) In imposing restrictions in the interest of the security of the Federation or any part thereof or public order under Clause (2) (a), Parliament may pass law prohibiting the questioning of any matter, right, status, position, privilege, sovereignty or prerogative established or protected by the provisions of Part III, article 152, 153 or 181 otherwise than in relation to the implementation thereof as may be specified in such law.
Article number: 11 • (1) Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it. • (2) No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own. • (3) Every religious group has the right - • (a) to manage its own religious affairs; • (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and • (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law. • (4) State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Lubuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam. • (5) This Article does not authorize any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.
Article number: 12 • (1) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 8, there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the grounds only of religion, race, descent or place of birth - • (a) in the administration of any educational institution maintained by a public authority, and, in particular, the admission of pupils or students or the payment of fees; or • (b) in providing out of the funds of a public authority financial aid for the maintenance or education of pupils or students in any educational institution (whether or not maintained by a public authority and whether within or outside the Federation). • (2) Every religious group has the right to establish and maintain institutions for the education of children in its own religion, and there shall be no discrimination on the ground only of religion in any law relating to such institutions or in the administration of any such law; but it shall be lawful for the Federation or a State to establish or maintain or assist in establishing or maintaining Islamic institutions or provide or assist in providing instruction in the religion of Islam and incur such expenditure as may be necessary for the purpose. • (3) No person shall be required to receive instruction in or take part in any ceremony or act of worship of a religion other than his own. • (4) For the purposes of Clause (3) the religion of a person under the age of eighteen years shall be decided by his parent or guardian.
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| Sabahans ‘Cry Freedom’ after nearly half century Posted: 20 Nov 2011 03:08 PM PST There is a swelling movement in the Borneo states that is asking for more independence and questioning Putrajaya's intentions. Having been thwarted once too many times on registration by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), ex-Usno members have now set up the ad hoc Kelab Usno under Datu Badaruddin Datu Mustapha, the son of the party's founder. It's the Kelab Usno members who ensure that local Muslims turn up in droves at UBF gatherings. Joe Fernandez, Free Malaysia Today The wind of change is sweeping throughout Sabah and Sarawak. After nearly 50 years there is a movement that is calling for total national unity in the Borneo states. The United Borneo Front (UBF), an ad hoc NGO led by Jeffrey Kitingan, a former PKR vice- president, is awakening the people to the plight of Sabah and Sarawak's association with the Peninsula. The UBF has been holding meetings all over the two states and droves of people turn up to hear the arguments of its leader. UBF's rally cry is "Unity is Duty" and the Sabahans who are taken in by this are the children and grandchildren who voted for Malaysia in 1963. They are now beginning to realise rather belatedly, by all accounts, that their fathers and grandfathers made a "terrible mistake" in opting for Malaysia, a term first used by French navigator Jules Dumont d'Urville in 1826 for Malaya. It's an open secret that a third of those in Sabah who favoured Malaysia in 1963 were Muslims under the leadership of the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), led by the charismatic Suluk chieftain Datu Mustapha Datu Harun. It is widely believed that Mustapha, a Year One school dropout, hailed originally from the Philippines. Local Muslims are Bajau, Suluk, Dusun (Orang Sungei, Bisaya, and Ranau), Irranun, Cocos-Keeling, Bugis, Indian sub-continentals and others. Another third, the United Nations then determined, were mostly local Chinese against any idea of Malaysia. This third included an equal number of people who wanted a period of independence before re-visiting the idea of Malaysia. A further third, mostly non-Muslim natives, wanted more and better particulars on Malaysia, and more safeguards for Sabah and Sarawak, especially the native communities, before deciding on Malaysia. There are no prizes for guessing why local Muslims in Sabah have now come around to the idea, often expressed hitherto only by their non-Muslim brethren, that the state needs to return to the independent status it attained on Aug 31,1963 before Malaysia intervened two weeks later on Sept 16, 1963. Divide-and-rule policy The signature theme in the state anthem "Sabah Tanah Airku" (Sabah My Homeland), they recall wistfully, is "Sabah Negeri Merdeka" (Sabah an Independent Nation). In 1963, the local Muslims had high hopes that they would be a favoured community under the anticipated benign leadership of the ruling Malay elite in Kuala Lumpur. Many were even willing to accept the lowly status of being proxies for Kuala Lumpur, stooges and even traitors in return for a life of material comforts. They reckoned the wrong as evident from the ousting of Mustapha as chief minister in 1976, the entry of the Peninsular Malaysia-based Umno in 1991 and the deregistration of Usno in 1994. They swallowed hook, line and sinker, Kuala Lumpur's neo-colonialist divide-and-rule policies in Sabah and Sarawak and became its first victims. There are also other developments which have since fed into the growing local Muslim sense of alienation as they continue to wither under Putrajaya's policy of internal colonisation. The net result is that rebels within the community are being criminalised by the powers-that-be, demonised, dehumanised, neutralised, isolated, marginalised and being virtually eliminated and/or exterminated from the political arena. A case in point is the struggle of Usno diehards to re-register their old party. Having been thwarted once too many times on registration by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), ex-Usno members have now set up the ad hoc Kelab Usno under Datu Badaruddin Datu Mustapha, the son of the party's founder. It's the Kelab Usno members who ensure that local Muslims turn up in droves at UBF gatherings. One sore point among local Muslims is the growing influx of illegal immigrants of their faith who secure Malaysian personal documents via the backdoor from Putrajaya, become instant natives, get on the electoral rolls and snap up the opportunities which would have otherwise gone to them. This has included seats in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Tainted electoral rolls The crux of the Muslim problem in Sabah with the electoral rolls is the 12 tiny state seats and five tiny parliamentary seats created since 1994, mostly in the East Coast, on the basis of illegal immigrants on the electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the number of local Muslim state seats remains at 20 as before 1994. The number of local Muslim parliamentary seats remains at eight, the same figure as before 1994. Local Muslims find that the illegal immigrants have become the electoral fixed deposit of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), especially since the political tsunami of 2008, and at their expense. Hence, their apparent growing desire to make common cause with other Sabahans – Dusuns (including Kadazans or urban Dusuns and Muruts), Chinese and others – who are spread over 28 state seats and 12 parliamentary seats. The common cause strategy calls for total local rejection of Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties which are operating in Sabah in defiance of the political autonomy promised by the 1963 Malaysia Agreement. The agreement, along with the Sabah 20 Points, governs the terms and conditions under which the state and Sarawak (18 Points) agreed to get together with Singapore, Malaya and Brunei to form the Federation of Malaysia. Brunei stayed out at the 11th hour and Singapore left, two years later, in 1965. Local Muslims have plenty of other issues to complain about. For starters, next to the issue of illegal immigrants, there's growing frustration over the huge revenues being taken out of the state by Putrajaya.
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| Lembah Pantai: Raja Nong Chik lawan Nurul Izzah? Posted: 20 Nov 2011 03:04 PM PST Nurul Izzah dakwa Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar mengabaikan kawasan lain kerana mahu rampas kerusi Lembah Pantai. Nurul berkata demikian ketika diminta meramal kemungkinan Raja Nong Chik merebut kerusi Lembah Pantai di dalam satu temuramah menerusi e-mel. K Pragalath, Free Malaysia Today Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai Nurul Izzah Anwar sangat yakin bahawa Umno akan menurunkan Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar, Senator Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin akan bertanding di kerusi itu dalam pilihanraya ke-13. Keyakinan ini disandarkan kepada beberapa faktor, antaranya penumpuan Raja Nong Chik terhadap Lembah Pantai. "Daripada penyalahgunaan kuasa dan jawatan selaku Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar untuk meluaskan pengaruh beliau di Lembah Pantai, sementara meminggirkan kawasan lain di Wilayah Persekutuan, Putrajaya dan khususnya Labuan, jelas bahawa Raja Nong Chik berkemungkinan besar bertanding di Lembah Pantai," kata Nurul yang juga ialah naib presiden PKR. Nurul berkata demikian ketika diminta meramal kemungkinan Raja Nong Chik merebut kerusi Lembah Pantai di dalam satu temuramah menerusi e-mel. Beliau menambah bahawa keyakinannya itu diperkukuhkan lagi kerana dihalang dari menggunakan prasarana Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) serta memasuki surau dan masjid seliaan Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (Jawi). Halangan Beliau mendakwa halangan ini wujud sejak Raja Nong Chik menjadi ketua bahagian Umno Lembah Pantai. "Semua ini merupakan tindakan maha tidak profesional dan mengecewakan oleh seorang menteri lantikan BN," kata Nurul. Nurul menjadi ahli parlimen Lembah Pantai setelah menewaskan Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil dengan undi majoriti 2895 di dalam pilihan raya umum ke-12 pada tahun 2008. Dari sudut sokongan beliau mengakui penerimaan warga kota terhadap Pakatan Rakyat. "Tahap sokongan warga kota sememangnya banyak berpihak kepada para pembangkang, sehingga memungkinkan pemisahan Kuala Lumpur daripada Selangor, dan diletakkan selaku tanah jajahan kerajaan pusat sehinggalah hari ini. Kubu kukuh "Justeru, tahap keterbukaan warga kota terhadap parti parti pembangkang adalah penting dalam memperkukuh kubu-kubu PR khususnya di kerusi-kerusi seperti Bukit Bintang, Kepong, Seputeh dan juga Cheras. Ini, jelas beliau, tidak bermakna bahawa Pakatan akan memandang mudah usaha penyebaran maklumat berkaitan Pakatan. "Apapun, tahap sokongan ini perlu diperbaiki dengan penyaluran maklumat serta komunikasi yang membantu menjelaskan dasar-dasar Pakatan Rakyat yang berlainan dengan BN – dengan perbandingan manfaat yang diberi kepada warga Selangor, dibanding dengan KL." Beliau menambah bahawa penterjemahan suara rakyat menerusi wakil Pakatan memaksa BN memperbaiki tahap perkhidmatan mereka. "Pembaikan perkhidmatan mereka berlaku ke tahap di mana agenda kesejahteraan bandar itu diterap di dalam agenda Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan.
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| PAS: Why is MAIS assisting Perlis? Posted: 20 Nov 2011 03:02 PM PST PAS Selangor wants to know why the state's zakat money is being used to aid other states. (Free Malaysia Today) - Selangor PAS state commissioner, Abdul Rani Osman, wants an explanation from Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) – Selangor zakat body – on why more RM10 million of the state's zakat collection was handed over to the Perlis Islamic Religious Council. The decision was made during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting last week and a perplexed Abdul Rani wants to know why Perlis was singled out. "Why were other northern states, like Kedah and Kelantan, disregarded?" he asked. "According to LZS, both these states have already received zakat money but I have heard otherwise. So I want black and white proof of this claim." Abdul Rani told FMT that the total amount of zakat allocated for Perlis was over RM10 million and that the money has already been disbursed in the state. "This sum of RM10 million is a lot of money," he said. "We're not against helping Muslims in Perlis if there is a need but we want to know what that need is." "Muslims in Selangor have a right to know what their money is being used for and we must be able to tell them. It is an issue of transparency." The distribution of state zakat funds falls under the jurisdiction of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS). Many Muslims still need aid FMT earlier reported that recent amendments to the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 now holds MAIS accountable only to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Shararafudin-Idris Shah, and not the state government.
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| PKR: NFC paid for private umrah trip Posted: 20 Nov 2011 03:00 PM PST PKR also claims that the duo had used taxpayers' money meant for NFC to set up private companies in Singapore. (Free Malaysia Today) - PKR today made fresh allegations on the publicly-funded National Feedlot Centre (NFC) – that it paid for a personal umrah trip package for its director Mohd Salleh Ismail and his son Wan Shahinur Azran. Mohd Salleh is the husband of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Jalil. PKR also claimed that the two had used taxpayers' money meant for NFC to set up private companies in Singapore. The new allegation came as the NFC, tasked to spearhead Malaysia's food security initiative, is struggling to clear its image from several graft exposé made by PKR leaders. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution claimed to have "clear evidence" that NFC had spent RM31,580 to finance the umrah package trip. He said their evidence pointed to Mohd Salleh's office which gave the instruction to fund the trip. "These are private spendings that are not supposed to be financed by public funds," Saifuddin, the Machang MP, told a press conference at the Parliament lobby here. On the alleged private companies in Singapore, he urged the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the police to probe into all transactions between the NFC and its subsidiaries, and Global Biofuture Pte Ltd and Meatworks Singapore Pte Ltd. The two companies – Global Biofuture and Meatworks – also owned by Shahrizat's family, currently have debts with Real Food Company (RFC), whose majority shareholders are also her husband and sons. As of June 2010, Saifuddin said, Global Biofuture, a firm in the food and fuel business, owed RFC RM939,495. Personal companies In the same period, Meatworks, a luxury restaurant chain, was found to be owing RFC RM2,416,815, he added. "PKR believes that a sum of money was taken from the RM250 million loan meant for NFC and channelled to these personal companies of Shahrizat's family, including to set up Global Biofuture," said Saifuddin. He said that the evidence given on the matter so far is enough to merit an investigation and urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who has defended the project as a success, to come clean.
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| Pua: Health Ministry ‘covering up’ KR1M milk powder issue Posted: 20 Nov 2011 02:59 PM PST By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider DAP MP Tony Pua accused the Health Ministry today of colluding with suppliers of the allegedly unhealthy growing up milk powder sold at Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) to protect the government's 1 Malaysia brand. The Petaling Jaya Utara MP said this was because the ministry had failed to order a nationwide recall although the product is currently being tested for its shortcomings, nor did it warn the public against consuming the product. "To date, the KR1M has only announced on its website that they will stop selling the product temporarily pending checks. "However, this announcement, which is made on its website, falls far short of what is ethically required and global best practices to protect the interest of the people and consumers," Pua said in a press conference in Parliament today. The DAP national publicity secretary added there was no need for the ministry to conduct any laboratory testing on the milk powder as its shortcomings were clearly disclosed on the product's label. He said it "would not take more than 30 minutes" for the ministry's officials to discover the discrepancies. "Hence the remarkable silence from the health minister smacks of cover up and collusion with the supplier to ensure that the 1 Malaysia brand is not negatively impacted. "This is extremely irresponsible as (Health Minister) Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is placing political interest above that of the young children," he said. Pua, along with several Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers, recently claimed the 1 Malaysia Growing Up Milk Powder did not contain at least 15 of the legally required essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and is seriously deficient in calcium and iron content. They also claimed the product carries 6,012 international units (IU) of Vitamin A per 100kcal, which is 802 per cent above the permissible limit. Excessive amounts of Vitamin A can lead to liver problems, reduced bone mineral density, skin discolouration and hair loss, Pua had said. |
| Will this be a new GLC and cash cow for the Barisan government? Posted: 20 Nov 2011 02:54 PM PST Government rushing to set up National Healthcare Financing AuthorityThe Barisan Nasional government is working round the clock to set up the National Healthcare Financing Authority, and this body is likely to start operations in the first half of 2012. This move will spell bad news for all of us Malaysians because it will now be mandatory for all of us who are getting an income to pay premiums to the NHFA if we want medical treatment in private and government hospitals and also at private clinics. Despite paying the premiums, we will have to fork out more money because the premiums only cover very basic treatment. The question is what will happen to people who do not have an income or no longer have an income? Where will they get their medical treatment? There are more questions: Is there a possibility that this body be turned into a government-linked company? Another question is: Could this new company be led by a Barisan crony? If this is so, then we are likely to be doomed because the possibility of money being abused is great judging from the way other GLCs are run. We have seen too many cases of the top management receiving salaries and perks that take up a huge percentage of the operations cost. With all of us paying premiums each month, the NHFA stands to get millions of ringgit and this is a lot of money at the Barisan government's disposal. There is a possibility of this new GLC being their latest cash cow. To discuss this issue and the consequences of having the NHFA at the public forum called "Reforming the Malaysian Healthcare System: Is there a need?" on Nov 27 at YMCA, Jalan Macalister in Penang from 1pm to 6pm.
Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa Member of Parliament – Parit Buntar
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| DPM: Umno fixing its internal problems Posted: 20 Nov 2011 02:50 PM PST By Lisa J Ariffin, The Malaysian Insider Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today agreed with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Umno is plagued with internal squabbles but gave an assurance that the matter is being addressed. "We all know after Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak took over from his predecessor (Tun) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, there were problems, like internal squabbles," Muhyiddin (picture) told reporters today at a press conference here. "However, to say that the party is not moving to address the problem is not true. But I believe that not enough is being done. More needs to be done," he said. Last week, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir had criticised Umno for not making any effective improvements since the 2008 general election. The party's longest-serving president was quoted as saying Umno currently lacked good, credible leaders and that it was a pale shadow of its former glory. Muhyiddin today acknowledged the caustic appraisal from Dr Mahathir, saying that the former premier still cared about the party and wanted to see it stay relevant and lead the government.
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| Egypt protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square for third day Posted: 20 Nov 2011 02:49 PM PST (BBC) - Protesters against Egypt's military rulers remain camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square for a third day, after the deaths of at least 13 people in violence over the weekend. Security forces launched a major assault to clear the square on Sunday, but protesters returned within an hour. The unrest casts a shadow over elections due to start next week. It is the longest continuous protest since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February. Demonstrators say they fear Egypt's governing Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is trying to retain their grip on power. The council, led by Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, is charged with overseeing the country's transition to democracy after three decades of autocratic rule under Mr Mubarak. 'Worst violence in months'Clashes were reported late into the night, with the injured being taken to makeshift clinics on the streets. Demonstrators on Sunday were seen throwing stones and petrol bombs at armoured personnel carriers and police. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Witnesses reported scenes of panic when hundreds of soldiers and police beat protesters on their heads as they chased them out of Tahrir Square. Protesters - some of them brandishing spent bullet casings - accuse security forces of also using live fire, a claim denied by police. Violence has also taken place in other cities including Alexandria, Suez and Aswan. A total of 11 people were reportedly killed on Sunday and two on Saturday, according to medical sources. Health officials say as many as 900 have been injured, including at least 40 security personnel. A statement from the cabinet said elections, due to begin in a week, would go ahead, and praised the "restraint" of interior ministry forces against protesters. The military council, in a statement read out on state television, said it "regretted" what was happening, AFP news agency reports. In recent weeks, protesters - mostly Islamists and young activists - have been holding demonstrations against a draft constitution that they say would allow the military to retain too much power after a new civilian government is elected. They have repeatedly tried to regain a foothold in Tahrir Square - the focal point of the protests against Mr Mubarak - but until this weekend they had always been removed quickly by the police. The latest violence is some of the worst in months between the Egyptian authorities and demonstrators. Parliamentary elections are scheduled to begin on 28 November. In all, the election process will take three months to complete. Earlier this month, the military council produced a draft document setting out principles for a new constitution. Under those guidelines, the military and its would be exempted from civilian oversight. This has angered protesters who fear the gains they have made during the uprising could yet slip away as the military tries to retain some grip on power.
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| PKR claims NFC funded umrah packages, Singapore firms Posted: 20 Nov 2011 02:48 PM PST By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Funds meant for the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) were used to fund umrah packages and set up two Singapore-based companies, both owned by Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's family, PKR alleged today. In their latest round of exposes on the scandal-tainted federally-funded cattle project, PKR leaders claimed to have proof that NFC executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Salleh Ismail, Shahrizat's husband, had ordered payment of RM31,580 to be made for his and his son Wan Shahinur Izran Mohamad Salleh's haj pilgrimage in 2010. "PKR has clear proof that orders for the umrah package to be paid using this public fund had come from the NFC executive chairman's office," PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution (picture) said today. He was speaking at a joint press conference in Parliament with Wanita PKR chief Zuraida Kamaruddin and PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli. The Machang MP urged the police and Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to probe all transactions between the NFC and the National Meat and Livestocks Corporation (NMLC) and Real Food Company (RFC). Both NMLC and RFC are majority owned by Mohamad Salleh and his children Izran and Izmir. He said this was because financial records showed that Singapore-based firms Global Biofuture Pte Ltd and Meatworks Singapore Pte Ltd, both of which are also owned by Shahrizat's family, currently have debts with the RFC. As at June 2010, he said, Global Biofuture, a firm in the food and fuel business, owed RFC RM939,495. In the same period, Meatworks, a luxury restaurant chain, was found to be owing RFC RM2,416,815, he added. "PKR believes that a sum of money was channelled from the RM250 million loan meant for NFC to these personal companies of Shahrizat's family, including to set up Global Biofuture in Singapore," said Saifuddin. The NFC has been dogged by allegations of corruption and fund misappropriation after it made it into the pages of the Auditor-General's Report for 2010, which described the project "as a mess". Among others, PKR has alleged that the NFC funds were used for Shahrizat's and her family's personal expenses, as well as to purchase multimillion ringgit condominium units at the luxurious One Menerung in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
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| ‘Hindraf will join Pakatan on one condition’ Posted: 20 Nov 2011 01:33 PM PST By G Vinod, FMT PETALING JAYA: Hindraf Makkal Sakthi is willing to join Pakatan Rakyat on one condition: the latter must look into the problems of the Indian community more effectively. Hindraf pro-tem chairman P Waythamoorthy said Pakatan's own lacklustre performance in dealing with the Indian problems had driven significant amount of the community's support away from the opposition pact. "This is why we had an ambivalent relationship with Pakatan for the past three years and they kept ignoring the Indians at their own peril," he said. He was responding to a call by DAP chairman Karpal Singh that all political parties opposed to the Barisan Nasional join Pakatan officially without any conditions attached. "For now, there seems to be a 20% to 50% shift of the Indian votes away from Pakatan compared to 2008. This resulted in Pakatan losing several by-elections," he added. Waythamoorthy said that Pakatan should call for a meeting soon with Hindraf leaders to iron out details and take the matter to the next level. Although the parties may have had their differences in the past, he said it was time for them to set aside their quarrels and unite to unseat the powerful BN in the next general election. "There's no way Hindraf or Pakatan by itself can remove BN from Putrajaya. Only a synergy between us will help us in the next polls," Waythamoorthy said in a statement.. Karpal had set his sights on Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) and Human Rights Party (HRP) – the political outfit of Hindraf – to join Pakatan. Socialist ideology Waythamoorthy said that it was vital for them to enter a pact based on mutually agreed upon principles and not for convenience alone. "With mutual understanding, we may see the scale being tipped back to Pakatan's favour," he said. Echoing Waythamorrthy's sentiments, PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan also welcomed Karpal's statement and hoped that Pakatan leaders would call for a meeting with them soon. "Our position is that we will continue working with Pakatan to kick BN out from Putrajaya," said Arutchelvan. However, he rebutted Karpal's statement on socialism, saying the world is seeing a revival of socialist ideology in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis.
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| Four sue Penang government over SPICE project Posted: 20 Nov 2011 01:23 PM PST (The Star) Four Penangites have filed a suit at the High Court here against the state government, challenging the validity of the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) project. In the statement of claim, the four - Khoo Yen Her, R. Rama Krishnan, Abd Manan Abd Manap and K. Sathiasilan - have asked for a copy of the agreement for the development of the project between the Penang Municipal Council and SPICE developer, Eco Meridian Sdn Bhd. They have also asked for the allocation to increase the density of 1,500 residential units to be declared null and void. |
| Political agenda behind RM100 cash aid slammed Posted: 20 Nov 2011 01:19 PM PST (Harakah Daily) - Pakatan Rakyat leaders have cried foul over the political agenda behind the RM100 cash aid to school students. In a letter revealed recently, it was claimed the cabinet directed "elected representatives of the Federal government" to help give out the aid, as it was a "contact point" between the government and the people. The letter, sent by Education Ministry's Rosli Mohamed dated November 11, urged state education departments to take immediately implement the directive "to ensure the distribution of the aid is organised by the schools to fulfil the government's objective." PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar said the RM100 aid was not really meant to help the students or the parents. "It's for political interests, to show that UMNO and BN is the one who gives," said the Pokok Sena member of parliament. PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution lashed out at Rosli for being "unprofessional, unaccountable and dishonest" in carrying out his duty as a ministry official. "He has turned the ministry into a political tool. I advise him to stop playing politics. This violates the principle of civil servants' ethics to remain neutral," said the Machang MP On the other hand, PKR's Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin claimed that in her constituency, the RM100 aid was distributed from UMNO branches instead of schools. "The aid should be rightly distributed by officers from the government or Education ministry," she said. Earlier, there had been complaints that parents were forced to sit through UMNO's political lecture before they were given the cash. The RM100 cash aid is part of the incentive to reduce the people's burden as announced by prime minister Najib Razak at the tabling of the 2012 Budget last October. |
| ‘Stop sending Ustaz to Sarawak schools’ Posted: 20 Nov 2011 12:13 PM PST By Joseph Tawie, FMT KUCHING: A simmering issue over the alleged conversion to Islam of Dayak students and pre-schoolers in Sarawak is set to explode in the Umno-led Barisan Nasional's face . Responding to the latest allegations that there was an attempt to impart Islamic teaching and practices to non-Muslim children in some Kemas and government pre-schools in the rural areas, the state's largest Dayak organisation has demanded an immediate stop to such covert activities. Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) which has well over 100,000 members are demanding that the Taib Mahmud-led state administration intervene and arrest the situation or face public wrath. In May this year Barisan Nasional coalition partner Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president James Masing had alleged that the Education Ministry would be seconding thousands of teachers including 'Malay religious teachers' from the peninsular to Sarawak to meet the shortage of teachers. But Educationa Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had dismissed Masing's claims. Last week at the state legislative assembly, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian had expressed parents' concern that their pre-school children were being exposed to Islamic prayers and practices. Reacting today, SDNU deputy president Dr John Brian Anthony said: "We want the government to put a stop to it, because it is not healthy for the country where one religion is trying to patronise each other. "Yes (we know) in Malaysia we have Islam as the official religion…but we have to respect each other. "Once you have embraced Islam, dress like a Malay and speak the Malay Language, you are Malay. I think this is a political reason. "We Dayaks in Sarawak must resist this attempt. It interferes with our rights." 'Real attempt' to convert Brian was responding to Bian, who is state PKR chairman, and Barisan Nasional assemblyman Dennis Ngau's (Telang Usan) concerns which they raised during the debate on the state budget. Bian said he had received complaints from parents that their pre-school children in the government run Kemas schools in the rural areas have been receiving Islamic teachings and that these children were reciting these prayers at home. Describing the allegations as a "real attempt at imparting the Islamic teachings and practices", Bian urged the state government to intervene and investigate the issue. Ngau from ruling Barisan Nasional also supported Bian's call and told the members of the state assembly that he too received similar complaints from parents. He agreed with Bian that the government should seriously look into the complaints. No need for West Malaysian teachers According to Brian, there were also complaints that Muslim religious teachers were being sent to the rural areas. "We have heard that Muslims teachers including Ustaz have been sent to the rural areas where they are Dayak children. "As there are no Malay children, who are going to learn, if it is not with the intention of converting the poor Dayak children to become Muslims? "We want the government to look into the matter and put a stop to it. "It is not going to be healthy for the country," Brian said. In May this year, Masing along with several other quarters had voiced concerns over religious teachers from Peninsular Malaysia being imported into Sarawak. Sharing Masing's concern was Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen who said that Sarawak must oppose these teachers from being imported to the state, "especially after having seen the effects" (of Islamisation) in Peninsular Malaysia.
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| BN says polls focus will be on young voters Posted: 20 Nov 2011 12:11 PM PST By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider Barisan Nasional (BN) will focus on winning over young voters who it said may be the determining factor for the upcoming general election, which is expected to be the stiffest in Malaysian history. BN leaders said today the ruling coalition is undergoing a paradigm shift where, unlike previous years, it will actively woo young voters who have yet to make up their mind on who to support. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak spent almost an entire day at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today, where he gave a speech at the closing of the BN Youth Job Fair and the 1 Malaysia social media foundation. "BN is a winnable brand. BN is a party which has been tested and proven its capability to govern," Najib said to youths attending the fair. The Umno president stressed the BN government was one that cared for them, and the success of the jobs fair proved youths were "supporting" the country's oldest coalition. Najib also delivered a special address (Amanat) to Umno Youth and Puteri Umno delegates in a closed-door session, ahead of the party's general assembly at the end of the month. The Umno president's speech, according to Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, touched on the direction Umno and BN must take to ensure support among young voters "swings back" to BN. "This is the first time there is an 'amanat' for the Umno Youth and Puteri Umno just before the party general assembly. The president's speech was focused on the direction (BN should take) to ensure young voters support us. "Acknowledgment has been given to what we (Youth wings) have done, it's just that the president has asked us to incorporate additional touch points to ensure young voters swing to BN," the Rembau MP told reporters here. Khairy said the Umno Youth wing also unveiled a new slogan today: "BN pilihan orang muda" (BN, the choice of the young). "All our efforts will be focused on that slogan. We want to show young Malaysian voters that the choice is in their hands, and what BN has to offer," he said. The Umno leader said that BN's events today alone showed that it was serious and determined to winning back young voters. "In the last few by-elections they came back to us. Our push is very serious," Khairy added. As at July last year, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was leading in the voter registration drive, signing up twice the number of voters compared with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the first six months of 2010. The DAP was also leading in signing up more voters compared with other political parties, registering 32.5 per cent of the new 169,838 voters registered between January and June last year.
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| Minister says being gay is unconstitutional Posted: 20 Nov 2011 11:47 AM PST By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider
A federal minister said today it is unconstitutional for a person to be homosexual in Malaysia, but did not back up his claims with any provision. There are no provisions in the federal constitution which directly mention the sexual preference of individuals. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (picture) however cited sections 377(a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Penal Code to justify his argument. The sections relate to carnal intercourse against the order of nature. "In reality, in the country's constitution it is not allowed, including sections 377(a), (b), (c) and (d) which prohibit sexual relations between two men," said Jamil, who is in charge of Islamic affairs and head of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim). |
| Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #89 Posted: 20 Nov 2011 08:19 AM PST M BAKRI MUSA Chapter11: Embracing Free Enterprise When you are lost, goes an old Malay saying, revert to the source. That seems to be Malaysia's new economic strategy following the Asian economic crisis of 1997. Buffeted by the turmoil of globalization and open markets, Malaysians yearn for the simpler days of fixed exchange rates and controlled commerce. Some even suggest regressing to the old days of bartering! But as in the jungle, the path back is often overgrown, and one could just as easily get lost in retreating. Malaysia is better off preparing for the new realities of open markets and globalization, instead of retreating to some imagined good old days of yore. With the collapse of communism free enterprise remains the only viable economic system. It is successful because it has proven to bring the greatest prosperity to the largest number of people. Many have sought a "third way," a mid course or a bridging between free enterprise and state planning. Alas, there is no such alternative. Free enterprise or capitalism, in the traditional definition, is an economic system based on the private ownership of the "means of production" and in which profits can be acquired through investment of capital and employment of labor. This is in contrast to socialism and communism where the state owns the "means of production," and also your labor. In free enterprise there is private ownership of properties, while in socialism and communism, everything belongs to the state. In Islam of course everything belongs to Allah, man is only His trustee ("vice regent") on earth. Only God can revoke this trust (presumably upon one's death). Nowhere in the Koran is it stated that Allah has substituted the state for humans for the trusteeship of the earth. In this regard, capitalism rather than socialism or communism is closer to Islam. Besides, the atheism of communism is the very antithesis of Islam. With capitalism you are rewarded for your efforts and ingenuity; with socialism, the all-powerful state decides how much you deserve or should get. To use a biblical phraseology, with free enterprise you reap what you sow; with communism, to each his due or according to his needs. To revert to my familiar bovine analogy, imagine you have two cows. With socialism, in the spirit of equality, you are required to give one to your neighbor; in communism, you must give both to the state and it may in turn give you some milk in return; with capitalism, you sell one cow and buy a bull. (If you are a real entrepreneur you simply let your cows loose amongst your neighbor's bull!) Real world experience proves that over time the capitalistic system produces the greatest number of cows. The failures of communism and socialism are now self-evident. The old defunct Soviet empire is only the most dramatic example. But remnants of that ideology are still alive and kicking to inflict their damage on the economies of many countries, Malaysia included. Present-day stagnant India with its ubiquitous "Permit Raj" is an ever-ready sorry reminder of the dangers of central planning and big government.
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| Dr Syed Husin, the Socialist who lost his way Posted: 20 Nov 2011 08:16 AM PST KTEMOC KONSIDERS Tell me why I'm not at all surprised by the relevation of Ezam Mohd Noor that former PKR Deputy Chairman Dr Syed Husin had condemned Anwar Ibrahim and Azmin Ali in a private conversation with Ezam (when the latter was still in PKR). Malaysiakini reported in its Syed Husin: Ezam's throwing up a smokescreen that (BN-appointed) Senator Ezam Mohd Noor, once the right hand man of Anwar Ibrahim (Azmin Ali being the left hand man wakakaka) claimed that … Dr Syed Husin had in frequent chats with him (Ezam) at a favourite restaurant in Petaling Jaya criticized Anwar and Azmin for what he (Syed) perceived as their lavish lifestyles.
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| Posted: 19 Nov 2011 10:25 PM PST By Masterwordsmith In this way, politics and religion are both the same. Only that in politics they will call them frogs while in religion, they foam at the mouth and get all excited at what they consider apostasy. A turf war is "a bitter struggle for territory or power or control or rights". We can see turf wars erupting between street gangs for control of a particular area or spot to sell drugs. In the board room, a president could resign following a turf war with the board of directors. Basically, it is a contention for any kind of resource desired by two or more sections resulting in a confrontation. In our own backyard, recent developments indicate it is nothing but a turf war being played out by major players in the game.
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| Which do you fear more? Hudud or Islamic State? Posted: 19 Nov 2011 09:31 PM PST MCA supports Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno's declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic state. Okay. Malaysia is an Islamic state. Doesn't a real 100% Islamic state include hudud, an Islamic criminal law? By Jackson Ng, Retired Journalist I WAS motivated to write this piece by a news portal reader who wrote this comment: "Malaysians. You choose. DAP works with PAS. MCA works with Umno. So, what's the difference? The difference is that the MCA is always selling out the Chinese. MCA supports BN-Umno's declaration of Malaysia as an Islamic state. But DAP only harps on Hudud which only affect Muslims, not Malaysia. Anything beyond this are all just fears and speculations. You fear Hudud but don't fear Islamic state? He or she makes a lot of common sense. We can argue all we want until the cows (Oops! Did I say anything wrong?) come home over hudud and Islamic state and will never reach a consensus because Malaysia is a multi-racial country. There is much logic and common sense in what the reader wrote. MCA supports Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno's declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic state. Okay. Malaysia is an Islamic state. Doesn't a real 100% Islamic state include hudud, an Islamic criminal law? So, there you have it. Are non-Muslims in Malaysia still free from hudud under Umno, the dominant force in BN? And, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said he is Malay first, Malaysian second and that Malaysia is not yet ready for hudud. This means, Muhyiddin and Umno will implement hudud when the time is right. Malaysians, wise up. There is no difference in hudud whether under the BN or Pakatan. Hudud is hudud. It is a criminal law for Muslims. So, logically it does not affect non-Muslims. To express fear or otherwise is just speculation and will lead Malaysians nowhere. But, Muhyiddin's stand is more dangerous to 1Malaysia than anything else if one is to assess his statement very, very carefully. Ponder and answer the following questions related to Muhyiddin and Umno yourself: - " … Malaysia is not yet ready for hudud" – when is ready? (My reading is that Umno will be ready to implement hudud when it has two-thirds control of Parliament. This also applies to PAS); - Compare DAP in Pakatan Rakyat and MCA in BN; which is more subservient or subdued in the two coalitions? For the past year, many sensitive religious and race issues have been engineered by Umno to split Malaysians so that the Malays will only support Umno. PAS and PKR have publicly come to the defence of non-Muslims and Malaysians in general when an issue spun by Umno got too hot and ridiculous, while all other BN component parties had remained mum. You don't agree? Actions and facts do not lie. Fabrications cannot stand because they don't have backbones to support. |
| Open letter to Dato Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, Telecom Malaysia Bhd Posted: 19 Nov 2011 09:21 PM PST How did you manage to obtain approval to construct a huge tower right next to a resevoir? Isn't the vinicity around a sensitive and essential service/utility a secured site strictly off-limit to unauthorised personnel? I will not speculate on how you managed it though I have my own opinion. By Bobby Chiah 2 November 2011 Dato Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa Directly opposite our condominum separated only by a narrow road is a hillock with a resevoir located near to its summit. At the beginning of May this year, during the May 1st. extended holidays you rushed through the construction of a huge telecommunication tower right next to the resevoir itself. This tower, despite its great height and situated on elevated ground, is still at eye-level to the top half of our building and, furthermore, is practically sited at our doorstep. If this base station is allowed to be fully operational, it will emanate and blanket our entire building with high and extremely hazardous electromagnetic fields (EMFs) 24/7, day in day out, year in year out. Its insidous reach will penetrate every nook and cranny of the entire building and no residents, especially the children who are more susceptible, can escape from its harmful effects. Fortunately, we have an Ahli Parlimen, Y.B. Tuan William Leong Jee Kean, whom, on our appeal, promptly issued a stop work order to Majlis Perbandaran Selayang on 18 May 2011. However, today, 2 November 2011, work has resumed on the site and is the reason I am writing this open letter to you. Firstly, how did you manage to obtain approval to construct a huge tower right next to a resevoir? Isn't the vinicity around a sensitive and essential service/utility a secured site strictly off-limit to unauthorised personnel? I will not speculate on how you managed it though I have my own opinion. I also wonder whether Dato Seri really practises Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). Because if you do, how could you knowingly put 196 families, excluding those living in nearby houses, in harm's way? Various studies have shown that EMFs can cause brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches, cataracts, heart problems, stress, nausea, chest pain, forgetfulness, cancer and other health problems. Some experts are convinced that the threat is very real. For instance :- Furthermore, it is an acknowledged fact that properties in the vicinity of a telecommunication tower, especially a huge one, will see their values plummet. As it is, we are already facing threats from an existing telecommunication tower to the side of the hillock. We definitely are not going to accept further endangerment from your base station; more so when it is situated right at our doorstep. So, unless Dato Seri is willing to subject your own family and neighbours to the same calamity you so intend to force onto us, please stop work immediately and, better still, dismantle the monstrosity ASAP. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 3 June 2011, I attempted to post a similar open letter to Dato Sri Zamzamzairani Isa via "The Star". Disappointingly but NOT unexpectedly they refused to publish it. I did not pursue the matter further because by then, due to the prompt and decisive intervention of our Member of Parliament, Y.B. Tuan William Leong Jee Keen, who issued a stop work order on 18 May 2011, work had ceased. Before I proceed further, I like to put on record our appreciation and thanks to Y.B. Tuan William Leong. We are indebted to him. The hiatus, unfortunately, did not last long for today, 2 November 2011, work has resumed. Mountings were fixed on the tower in readiness for the installation of multiple transmission discs; in direct violation of the stop work order. You are our last resort and we hope you will let us bring to public's awareness our predicament by posting my letter in your website. We believe that, unless their callous attitude and lack of corporate social responsibilities are exposed to public's odium and shame, they will not willingly abandon the project. To them might is right. I also want to expose the complicity of Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS). They claimed that they gave approval to Telecom to erect the huge tower on that site, despite its close proximity to a high density residential buliding, was because the residents did not object or complain. This is a blatant lie. In reality, we were intentionally kept in the dark and lied to. When work first started, when asked, we were told they were only carrying out repair works on the pipes from the resevoir. We now know they were actually laying the foundation for the tower. They then waited until the extended Labour Day holidays when we have no access to MPS to erect the tower. Work was carried out at superspeed. Despite its great height, it practically sprung up overnight like Jack's beanstalk. By the end of the three days holidays it was almost 100% completed! The reason for the haste is quite obvious.They were banking on the assumption that once completed those affected will lose heart to protest. This strategy may have worked well for them in the past but, for this instance, they did not foresee the tenacity of a 68 year old grandfather, me. Someone once told me that there is no greater love than grandparents' love. To be frank, I used to be a bit sceptical about that. But, after this, I know for a fact that when it comes to protecting my two granddaughters aged 4 and 6, to ensure that they will be able to live a long and healthy life and not to be cut down by a brain tumor or other forms of cancer, I will not hasitate to take on any goliath no matter how powerful or connected. I will fight them with any means fair or foul. In short, I will be relentless. |
| Selangor MCA: Sack Hasan for audio Bible comment Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:41 PM PST (The Star) - Selangor MCA has challenged Pakatan Rakyat to fire state executive councillor Datuk Dr Hasan Ali for his statement implying that Christians are using audio Bibles to spread their religion to Muslims. Such accusations could undermine religious harmony, said Selangor MCA secretary Wong Koon Mun. He added that Dr Hasan should be removed from his post for claiming that solar-powered "hand-held audio Bibles" were being used to convert Muslims. "Such remarks promote religious polarisation," he added. Wong also called on Selangor PAS to refer Dr Hasan to the party's disciplinary committee. "The Pakatan Rakyat government should also reprimand Dr Hasan. Or are PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat allies afraid of acting against Dr Hasan?" Wong also chided Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman for dismissing the issue as a "small matter". Dr Hasan told the state assembly on Thursday that the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) had found a solar-powered "hand-held audio Bible" used to spread Christianity among Muslims in the state.
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| MCA public forum on hudud on 4 Dec Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:33 PM PST (The Star) - MCA think-tank, the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), will be organising a half-day forum on the hudud law. Themed "Hudud and Its Implications on Non-Muslims in Malaysia", the forum on Dec 4 will see party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek presenting the keynote address as well as the closing remarks. "The forum is aimed at exploring in detail the legal, socio-political and economic implications of hudud in a multi-racial society, and discussing the likely impact of a dual criminal law system in Malaysia. The forum, which will be conducted in English in Wisma MCA, is free and open to all. Those interested can register by sending an e-mail to info.insap@gmail.com or fax a name list to 03-2161 3701. For further enquiries, contact Insap at 03-2161 5621/6201.
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| Najib: BN continues to be a brand that is accepted Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:28 PM PST (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Barisan Nasional (BN), as a brand, will continue to receive public acceptance as long as its product and services fulfill the people's requirement. The Prime Minister said the success of the Barisan Nasional Youth Job Fair (BNYJF) at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here proved that the BN brand continued to be accepted especially among the young generation.
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| Dr M says Umno must befriend Perkasa to regain Malay votes Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:22 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said Umno cannot afford to make enemies with Malay rights groups such as Perkasa if it is to regain the crucial Malay vote in a general election expected soon. The former prime minister said in an interview published by Utusan Malaysia today that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) had suffered landmark losses in Election 2008 because "Malays did not support BN." "If only Chinese support, it will not be enough. In many areas where Chinese are split, Malays will decide who wins," Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying in the newspaper's Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia. The former Umno president, who is still highly influential in Umno, said many Malay non-governmental organisations wanted to support the party but were forced to take up issues that were not championed by the senior partner in the ruling coalition. "Umno cannot afford to view Perkasa as the enemy. We cannot afford to have many enemies at this point," Dr Mahathir, who is also Perkasa's patron, said. He also said Umno had a problem attracting Malays as high-calibre members of the community "are not accepted in Umno, so they join PAS." Umno goes into what is likely to be its last general assembly before a general election expected early next year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is said to need a marked improvement from the last polls to retain his position and only a return of BN's customary two-thirds majority of Parliament can guarantee he remains in office. BN ceded 82 federal seats and five state governments to the opposition in the landmark March 2008 election. |
| Dr M says he is still relevant Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:22 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed has insisted his views are still relevant despite having stepped down as prime minister eight years ago. Saying although many people criticised him as such and called him conservative, the policies introduced during his premiership had benefited many people and its positive effects could still be seen today. "In my blog there are Malays who say that I am old and irrelevant. But I know my views are still relevant because those who say such things, would not be where they are without (government) assistance," the country's longest-serving premier said in an interview published by Mingguan Malaysia today. The Umno-owned newspaper quoted him as saying that those who criticised him actually benefited from pro-Bumiputera polices under the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced in 1970. Dr Mahathir, a staunch proponent of Malay rights, has been heavily criticised by civil rights groups as well as opposition lawmakers, and has even been labelled as racist. Today, he said Malays did not take away all of the rights of the Chinese under the NEP. "Through the policy, we gave half to the Malays and gave some to the Chinese as well. "But Malays don't dare say that now, that we gave to the Chinese in the past," he added. After stepping down as PM eight years ago, Dr Mahathir had been vociferous in his criticism of the government policies of his handpicked successor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He has also sporadically spoken out on some of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's policies.
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| Hisham rebuts Dr M, says Umno has improved Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:20 PM PST By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein dismissed today Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that Umno has not improved since Election 2008 and was unable to garner Malay support. The former Umno president had said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia that Umno was a pale shadow of its former glory, and that it currently lacked good, credible leaders. But Umno vice president Hishammuddin told reporters "this is not something unique to Umno. I do not deny that this will hamper our process... but we are going through a revision and transformation." He said that it was not unusual for Dr Mahathir to throw out challenges and ideas for the party ahead of a general assembly, and that party members would need to rise to the occasion. Hishammuddin said that today's special presidential briefing by Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak showed that the party was getting ready for the upcoming general election. "This will answer a part of Tun's concerns," the home minister added. Dr Mahathir was quoted by Umno-owned newspaper Utusan Malaysia today as saying "Umno became badly damaged when Tun Abdullah Badawi took over." "Because he prioritised his family and there were so many corruption allegations. And everyone knew about his son-in-law's involvement," he said, referring to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. "This damaged Umno has been inherited by Datuk Seri Najib Razak for him to fix. Umno needs time before it can become stronger. "But he (Najib) is busy and does not have enough time," he said. In one of his harshest remarks against his party, Dr Mahathir said the issue of credible leaders affected Umno's divisional level as well as the central leadership. He said that some Umno leaders were only interested in holding on to a particular post within the party, or wanted to contest in the next general election and did not care about strengthening the party.
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| Najib launches social media group to intensify BN's cyber campaign Posted: 19 Nov 2011 08:19 PM PST (The Star) - Barisan Nasional is stepping up its cyber campaign with the launch of 1Malaysia Social Media Volunteers (myVO1CE), a loose group of social media practitioners who will voluntarily explain the Government's policies and defend them online. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched myVO1CE Sunday, said with the advent of social media, the time had come for Barisan to relook its methods of disseminating information to the public. "Social media will enable us to engage with the public directly. "Last time, getting information across to the people on the ground meant going to an open field and asking the Information Department to set up a stage and microphones," he said at the 1Malaysia Social Media Convention in Putra World Trade Centre here. At the first ever such convention, Najib also gave the pro-Barisan social media users "official recognition", calling them the new army for the party in the virtual world. "So this is your role as cyber warriors. Our social media army can 'turun padang' (get to the ground), but not by rolling up your sleeves and trouser legs. "Bring out your iPads, iPhones, Blackberries and laptops. These are our weapons as the cyber warriors," he said to applause by the some 2,000 participants. Meanwhile, one of the convention's committee members, Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan, reminded social media users and bloggers on both sides of the political divide to remain ethical.
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| Francis Loh takes over as Aliran president as Rama steps down Posted: 19 Nov 2011 07:42 PM PST Dr Francis Loh has taken over as Aliran president after P Ramakrishnan decided to step down at the 35th annual general meeting of the society today. ALIRAN Aliran members present unanimously elected scholar-activist Loh, the outgoing honorary secretary, to lead the organisation. Dr Mustafa K Anuar, the outgoing assistant secretary, was elected honorary secretary replacing Loh, while Leena Mohan takes over as assistant secretary. Anil Netto was returned as honorary treasurer. Ramakrishnan will remain in the Aliran leadership as he was elected to the executive committee member. Also elected to the committee were Dr Prema Devaraj, Andrew Wong, Dr Soon Chuan Yean, Dr Andrew Aeria, Sarajun Hoda bin Abdul Hassan, Angeline Loh, Dr Subramaniam Pillay, Dr Lye Tuck-Po, Ch'ng Teng Liang and Henry Loh. In his keynote address, outgoing president Ramakrishnan told members, "Based on the Auditor-General's Report, the BN has forfeited its right to stay on in power. Political change is inevitable; it will come. Let's go for it."
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| Hate language still holds sway Posted: 19 Nov 2011 06:17 PM PST Again and again in Malaysia, those who defend the rights of citizens to exercise their fundamental liberties are treated as offenders. Again and again in Malaysia, those who defend the rights of citizens to exercise their fundamental liberties are treated as offenders, while those who incite fear and hatred and inflame racial and religious sentiments are given the upper hand to dictate the agenda through compliance, support or inaction by key state institutions. Zainah Anwar, The Star WHERE should we draw the line between freedom of expression and incitement to hatred? This is a debate that occupies the international human rights system today as governments grapple with the need to fully respect freedom of expression as protected by international human rights law and comply with the prohibition of incitement to hatred. As democracy matures, the public space for debate opens up further. Citizens, educated and aware of their rights, begin to articulate their demands for justice and social change. Diverse voices will compete for public attention and support. Traditionally marginalised groups will assert their right to be treated as citizens with equal rights and dignity. This is all good for democracy, respect for human rights and the well-being of society. However, the problem arises when those identified as "others" are constructed by the dominant community "as people who do not share a community's history, traditions and values" and, as a result, are "all too often perceived as predatory competitors, or at least a threat to the stability of that community's belief system", as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said. And thus they get demonised, threatened, discriminated against and even murdered just because they are different. This is a global problem. In the name of "war on terror", Muslims are vilified, attacked, or discriminated against. A whole community is demonised for the actions of a tiny minority who abuse Islam to justify their violence and terrorism. In the name of ethnic or religious homogeneity, whole communities are physically removed from a territory by driving them out, deported to concentration camps, or murdered. In modern times, the forcible expulsion and murder of Jews in Europe, Muslims in the former Yugoslavia, and Tutsis in Rwanda stand out. In the name of religion and culture, homosexuals are stigmatised, attacked and murdered. It is obvious that human beings are not born to hate those who think, act or look differently. Just look at a playground of toddlers of all colours and backgrounds playing together. All too often, hate, fear and insults are manufactured to serve a political agenda. And it is convenient to manipulate and abuse religion, ethnicity and culture to create fear and anxiety in order to delegitimise the rights and interests of the "others". In modern times, the media have been used as tools to inflame perceived grievances and rouse emotions, escalating tensions and conflict that can result in violence. Much research has been done to show how in Serbia, Serb supremacists used television to stir up ethnic tensions prior to the civil war. In Rwanda, Hutu propagandists used the radio to lay the groundwork for genocide. While such atrocities seem impossible in Malaysia, the fact is in our country today, fear and hatred are manufactured on a daily basis and public opinion inflamed through screaming headlines in some mainstream newspapers and television stations, and in the venomous hate language in the alternative new media. Muslim feminists, human rights defenders, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) groups and individuals are among those most vilified and demonised. Recent events are cause for much concern. Many feel we are on a slippery slope to potential outbreak of violence. A country that has thrived, celebrated and been enriched by its history of embracing diversity and pluralism is today dominated by extremists who manufacture threats to race and religion supposedly posed by those they disagree with. Thus, we see the demonising and defaming of Datuk Ambiga Sreenivasan for her courage and resolve to go ahead with the Bersih rally. The fact that government leaders took the lead in depicting Bersih as a threat to national security opened up the space and gave legitimacy to the even more belligerent voices among non-state actors. Death threats were sent; vile, abusive and hate messages proliferated by SMS and on the Internet, Bersih supporters were labelled "communists", "anti-Islam", or "funded by foreign Christian groups". The attacks against Seksualiti Merdeka are yet another public contestation that swiftly escalated into a shrill and belligerent public discourse. First, a forum to discuss the rights of LGBTs was portrayed by the media as a festival to promote free sex and a threat to security. Ambiga who was due to launch the event was once again demonised, this time labelled the "anti-Christ" by the right-wing group, Perkasa, which demanded that her citizenship be stripped. Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, who defended Ambiga against these unjust attacks, in turn became the target of hate mail. As expected in Malaysia today, close to 200 police reports were lodged all over the country against the organisers and supporters of Seksualiti Merdeka. The police banned the event and many activists were called in for questioning. It is one thing to exercise one's right to differences of opinion, but it is another when stigmatising, demonising, fear and hate-mongering language and accusations are hurled at marginalised and discriminated groups and human rights defenders. Irresponsible newspapers day after day use inflammatory headlines to build up the frenzy. Mobs are hired to intimidate organisers and the police intervene, not to disperse the hooligans but to raid legitimate meetings held indoors to discuss issues of public interest and concern. Again and again in Malaysia, those who defend the rights of citizens to exercise their fundamental liberties are treated as offenders, while those who incite fear and hatred and inflame racial and religious sentiments are given the upper hand to dictate the agenda through compliance, support or inaction by key state institutions. While Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects the right to freedom of expression, Article 20 also requires governments to prohibit the "advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred which constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence". While striking the right balance is no easy task, the clear meaning is that freedom of expression is to be upheld for as long as it does not advocate hatred and incite discrimination, hostility or violence against an individual or group. Any limitations should take place only in the pursuit of justice and democratic principles, not against those who stand for justice and democracy. But all too often, restrictions on freedom of expression are enacted in order to protect the interests of those who benefit most from silencing criticism, dissent and public debate on contentious issues. That a group like Sisters in Islam which upholds equality and justice for Muslim women is demonised as anti-God, anti-Islam, and anti-Syariah, a coalition like Bersih 2.0 which demands for free and fair elections, is portrayed as a threat to national security and public order, or an event like Seksualiti Merdeka to recognise the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities is deliberately stigmatised as a "free-sex" festival, arguably does not constitute a legitimate exercise of free speech but incitement to discrimination and hostility that could potentially result in conflict and violence. The Prime Minister in his Malaysia Day speech promised the dream of a new Malaysia "that practises a functional and inclusive democracy where public peace and prosperity is preserved in accordance with the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law and respect for basic human rights and individual rights". How do the hate language and the relentless police reports by extremists against those demanding their constitutional right to fundamental liberties, and the continual phone calls to activists to visit Bukit Aman or a police station for yet another round of questioning under one restrictive law or another, create this democratic and inclusive Malaysia? A government that practises democracy must protect and nurture a public space that promotes justice, equality and democratic and human rights principles.
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| Remember Dr M and vote for CHANGE in GE-13 Posted: 19 Nov 2011 06:11 PM PST Hornbill Unleashed Mathias Gomes It's election time and every good Malaysian must use his right to vote in a government that cares for all. We have lived peacefully for at least 2 generations, some 3 and a few more than 5 generations. And these do not include the natives (or Orang Asli) who have been here always. Although all of us were pendatangs (emigrants) at different stages, we were happy we were born on this land which gave us a sense of belonging and peace. To the outside world we were seen as a truly multiracial country, our propaganda was to be a multiracial, role model in harmony. Once upon a time, it was a dream land Tourists flocked to this country in droves, they were amazed with the different cultures, the varieties of food, and most of all friendly people. Large multinational companies especially from US, Europe and Japan settled their business interests here mainly due to the presence of a large literate workforce, stable policies, secular government with religious freedom. It was a dream land for the MNC's, they got what they wanted good and cheap labour force with competent engineers, managers, supervisors , leaders and administrators. The whole workforce was a mix of Indians, Chinese, Malays, and other races , they were all work oriented, communication was easy and to top it they were achievers. Many MNCs profited in that era, most of the worlds electronic goods were from Malaysia, we were the Silicon Valley of Asia for semiconductors, and the world's largest producer of air conditioning units. We were basking in glory, and it seemed that only a few years before, the people in the west thought that Malaysians lived on trees, and yet today we were on top of the world . From the good times, thousands of Malaysians reaped the good fortune. It was a blessing in disguise for Malaysians from all races who benefited from these MNCs and the employment they offered. It filled the government coffers and Malaysia was progressing. Then came Dr M Sadly good things don't last long. In came Mahathir Mohammed in 1981. He was like a fresh school boy, and his vision was far sighted. He had great dreams for Malaysia. "As Prime Minister, Mahathir was credited with engineering Malaysia's rapid modernisation and economic growth, and initiated a series of bold infrastructure projects. He was a dominant political figure, winning five consecutive general elections and seeing off all of his rivals for the leadership of UMNO. However, his accumulation of power came at the expense of the independence of the judiciary and the traditional powers and privileges of Malaysia's royalty. He also deployed the controversial Internal Security Act to detain activists, non-mainstream religious figures, and political opponents including his sacked deputy, Anwar Ibrahim. Mahathir's record of curbing civil liberties and his antagonism to western diplomatic interests and economic policy made his relationships with the likes of the US, Britain and Australia difficult." - Wikipedia Things were well for the first three terms of his office, he was well loved by all races , he was the people's Prime Minister. It looked liked nothing could stop him, everything was good until he wanted to be the Hitler Malaysia never had. That was when his obsession for the Malaysia Boleh fallacy began, along with the mega projects, the continuation of the NEP (1991), cronyism, corruption and Ketuanan Melayu or Malay Supremacy which was the nail in the coffin for racial harmony. This added further fuel to the great divide and rule hegemony that he and Umno perpetuated. Malaysia was doomed.
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| Voting rights for overseas Malaysians Posted: 19 Nov 2011 05:57 PM PST If we can't work it out ourselves, then why not look at how other countries do it? After all, Britain and the USA - both countries where people vote according to their localities, like ours - allow non-resident citizens to take part in elections. If these two developed countries can do it, then why can't we, a country aspiring to developed nation status, do it too? Farah Fahmy, The Malaysian Insider I shouldn't be amazed, but I am. Here we are in the year 2011, and astonishingly, there are still people out there who hold antiquated views about who should be able to vote. Datuk Ei Kim Hock has rightly been castigated for suggesting that Malaysians like me who live abroad should not be allowed to vote as we have "lost touch" with our country. I'm not sure which is the more preposterous claim, that someone like me takes no interest in what's happening in the country, or that someone like me should not be allowed to vote because what I read about Malaysia may be "biased" and "wrong." Now, I will grant you that there are Malaysians out there who don't take an interest in what's going on in the country, but actually, these people live inside Malaysia as well as outside Malaysia, so should disinterested Malaysians living in the country be barred from voting too? Until 1918, only men with property could vote in Britain, and it wasn't until 1928 that women were accorded the same voting rights as men. Do people like Datuk Ei really want us Malaysians to go back to a time when voting rights were accorded to certain people only? Let me remind such people of one simple fact: voting, unlike many other things, is a right accorded to every adult Malaysian citizen. As long as I am a Malaysian citizen I should be able to vote, and the government and the Election Commission (EC) should be doing their utmost to ensure that all able Malaysians are able to vote, no matter where they live. I know there are plenty of people out there who will blithely say, "Well come back then, if you care about it so much." Let me tell you this: whether I come back to Malaysia or not to vote is not the point. So let me reiterate the point, in case you missed it: as long as I am a Malaysian citizen (and yes, I am a registered voter) I should be able to vote, and the government and the EC should be doing their utmost to ensure that all able Malaysians are able to vote, no matter where they live. Don't talk to me about logistics, either. If the government and the EC can cater for students, army personnel and diplomatic staff, then obviously they have found a way to accommodate overseas voting. Besides, if we can develop the latest technological marvel and include it in our passports and MyKad, then it can't be beyond someone's capabilities to overcome these supposed logistical hurdles. If we can't work it out ourselves, then why not look at how other countries do it? After all, Britain and the USA - both countries where people vote according to their localities, like ours - allow non-resident citizens to take part in elections. If these two developed countries can do it, then why can't we, a country aspiring to developed nation status, do it too? As far as I'm concerned, too many excuses have been given on why overseas Malaysians aren't allowed to vote. "Logistical nightmare" is merely one excuse. The other one often trotted out is the "difficulty" in locating overseas Malaysians. Again, let me ask: do the authorities knock on every single door in Malaysia to ask people to register? Of course not. So why should this be an issue when it comes to overseas Malaysians? As I've mentioned in a previous article, it really isn't difficult to run an information campaign in this day and age. If the EC can't work out how to do it, I'm sure there are plenty of Malaysians who would gladly set up a Facebook page to do this and publicise any registration exercise!
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| NFC scandal: Entire cabinet in the dock Posted: 19 Nov 2011 05:42 PM PST NFC supremo should appear before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee to put to rest all questions of impropriety, accountability and integrity. (Lim Kit Siang, Free Malaysia Today) - Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said that it was up to the public whether they wanted to accept the explanation given for the National Feedlot Corporation's (NFC) "cattle condo" scandal. Saying that the government "already knows the facts", Muhyiddin had this to say after the NFC executive chairman Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail had broken his three-week silence on the "cattle condo" scandal: "We will leave that to the people to decide whether to accept the NFC's explanation or not because the NFC has explained each issue that has surfaced. "For us, the government, we know the truth. We don't buy stories made up by the Opposition." Muhyiddin cannot be more wrong. Malaysians not only want to hear what the NFC has got to say, but also what the government and in particular the ministers directly involved in the RM300 million NFC scandal have got to say. For instance, Muhyiddin was the Agriculture Minister who approved the RM300 million NFC project in 2006. Would Muhyiddin have said in 2006 when approving the NFC project then that it was legally, morally and ethically proper for NFC to use 2%-interest RM250 million soft-loan to buy condos? Questions for ministers They must also answer if they thought this is not criminal breach of trust, and if it is not a gross abuse of powers and public funds.
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| Dr Mahathir: Umno Belum Giat Berusaha Posted: 19 Nov 2011 05:25 PM PST A Kadir Jasin PERHIMPUNAN Agung Umno akan diadakan penghujung bulan ini dan Pilihan Raya Umum mungkin menyusul tidak lama selepas itu. Tetapi, orang kedua paling berpengaruh dalam politik Malaysia – mengikut kaji selidik terbaru Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berkata - sehingga kini UMNO masih belum lagi giat berusaha untuk mendapat sokongan daripada rakyat, terutamanya orang Melayu. Bukan alang kepalang punya kata. Bukan cakap di kedai kopi atau dalam blog sendiri, tetapi kepada akhbar milik Umno, Mingguan Malaysia. Dalam temu ramah panjang lebar dengan akhbar itu, Dr Mahathir, antara lain berkata: 1. Undi bukan Melayu, khasnya undi Cina, hanyalah undi tambahan. Undi Melayu perlu diperoleh dengan cukup banyak kalau tidak Umno/Barisan Nasional tidak boleh menang; 2. Beliau tidak nampak UMNO sedang giat berusaha untuk mendapat sokongan daripada rakyat. Biasanya, hampir waktu pilihan raya banyak aktiviti diadakan bagi memberi kefahaman mengenai perjuangan Umno. Inilah gambaran yang beliau peroleh; 3. Dahulu Umno kuat. Tidak ada orang yang meninggalkan parti, tetapi sekarang Umno perlu memenangi semula hati mereka yang telah meninggalkan parti; 4. BN/Umno menang PRU lalu dengan kelebihan suara yang kecil. Jadi, kalau ada ahli yang keluar, walaupun 200 atau 300, itu sudah cukup besar. Kalau 100 orang lari, Umno kena cari balik 200 orang. Kalau tidak mendapat dua kali ganda lebih ramai daripada yang telah meninggalkan UMNO, agak susah bagi parti itu untuk dapat kemenangan; 5. Ramai orang Melayu beralih kepada pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) kerana kecewa dengan Umno. Dulu mereka percaya UMNO akan memperjuangkan nasib mereka. Sekarang ini, mereka tidak nampak Umno memperjuangkan nasib orang Melayu. NGO tidak boleh buat apa-apa, tetapi kerana mereka mempunyai ahli dan ahli mereka tidak mengundi UMNO/BN, maka kesan kehadiran mereka kepada politik negara adalah besar; 6. Pemimpin Unmo kena tahu mengapa ramai orang Melayu beralih kepada NGO. Ada NGO Melayu, contohnya Perkasa, yang hendak sokong UMNO, tetapi kerana terdapat isu-isu orang Melayu yang tidak dimainkan UMNO, maka Perkasa terpaksa diambil alih; 7. UMNO harus ambil tahu dan tidak boleh melihat Perkasa sebagai musuh. Umno tidak boleh mempunyai banyak musuh dalam keadaan sekarang. Orang yang hendak menjadi musuh Umno pun patut pertahankan dan ambil tahu apa masalahnya;
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| Najib: 5-6% growth possible for this year Posted: 19 Nov 2011 05:24 PM PST (Bernama) - KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can achieve an economic growth of between five and six per cent this year via systematic government planning, matured policies and effective implementation, says Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Najib, who is also Umno President, said the three vital factors have been proven and was instrumental in the country's development todate. "We have proven that we can bring progress to the nation. The achievement has been possible because Barisan Nasional (BN) is a party that has been tried and tested and has proven its capability in developing the nation. "The achievements, thus far, are meaningful as we had undertaken thorough planning. In the third quarter, we attained 5.8 per cent (Gross Domestic Growth) and (God willing) possibly five to six per cent (growth) for 2011," the prime minister said when closing the BN Youth Job Fair Grand Finale 2011 here today. Najib, who is also BN chairman, said the third quarter growth was evidence enough to counter the opposition. "Some factions says the 5.8 per cent growth is impossible, the opposition says it is not true but we have proven in the third quarter that we have achieved 5.8 per cent growth," he said. The prime minister, who just returned from the Asean Summit in Bali, Indonesia, said Malaysia was lucky that it was still in the developing country category and was capable of creating jobs for its people. This was better than in the United States, which was in the developed nation category, but could not provide employment while Greece and Italy were in the list of countries experiencing an economic contraction and was facing lots of problems. Najib also said the job fair not only offered employment opportunities for fresh graduates but also for those who wanted to switch jobs and a platform for those looking for financial options to start business. The career carnival, which began in March, offered 85,000 jobs opportunities and 24,000 have been filled, to date. |
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