Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Pornography, prostitution will surge if women drive: Saudi clerics
- India could be China if it was less democratic: Dr Mahathir
- New initiatives to raise Bumi equity, says Shafie
- Indonesia elects lawyer as new anti-corruption leader
- Concept must be translated in Sabah also, says LDP
- “I back Najib, he is a better man,” says Dr Mahathir
- Tunku ’Abidin Muhriz apologises for leeches comment
- MAHB chairman backs Bashir as MD
- Umno can ‘overcome’ PKR and PAS but not DAP, says minister
- Hisham: Winnable candidate has good track record, work ethics, people’s support
- Pua: Ministry admits some Kedai Rakyat items not up to the mark
- Tony Fernandes’ car is ground zero in airport tax hike spat
- Opposition leaders are liars, only focus on achieving personal agendas - Umno debaters
- Bersih: Just meeting one demand not enough
- Give Malay majority seats ‘back’ to Umno
- An undercurrent in Umno grows against Shahrizat over cattle scandal
- Najib: Umno more democractic than opposition
- Under Pakatan, DAP will appoint non-Malay PM, claims Umno leader
- Two thumbs up from Dr M
- DAP yet to confirm attendance at hudud forum
- AirAsia: Stop harassing our staff
- Cops say no CBT element found in NFC probe so far
| Pornography, prostitution will surge if women drive: Saudi clerics Posted: 02 Dec 2011 07:08 AM PST (International Business Times) - A "scientific" report published in Saudi Arabia has claimed that lifting the ban on women drivers would result in "no more virgins". The report also warned that such a move would also make more Saudis, both men and women, turn to homosexuality and pornography. The study also predicted a surge in prostitution and divorce. Such startling conclusions were drawn by Muslim scholars at the Majlis al-Ifta' al-A'ala, Saudi Arabia's highest religious council, working in conjunction with Kamal Subhi, a former professor at the King Fahd University, according to the Daily Mail. The study was made to assess the possible impact of repealing the ban in Saudi Arabia. The country is the only place in the world where women are not allowed to drive a vehicle. The report was submitted to all 150 members of the Shura Council, the legislative body. Within 10 years of the ban being lifted, the scholars said, there would be "no more virgins" in the Islamic kingdom. The religious group pointed to is visible "moral decline" in other Muslim countries where women are allowed to drive. "All the women were looking at me," Subhi writes of how women behave in other Arab countries, while he sat at a coffee shop in an unnamed state. "One made a gesture that made it clear she was available. ... This is what happens when women are allowed to drive." The study was undertaken after Shaima Jastaniya, a 34-year-old Saudi woman, was sentenced to 10 lashes with a whip after she was caught driving in Jeddah. Despite strong protests in the country about the sentence and the law in general, there has been little hope for any reforms among conservative royals and clerics.
| |
| India could be China if it was less democratic: Dr Mahathir Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:36 AM PST (Bernama) - India could have achieved as much as China in terms of development had it been less democratic, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said here Friday. Dr Mahathir, who ruled Malaysia for 22 years, said though democracy was the best form of government, it was not the easiest way to govern, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. If India is not too democratic it will be like China in terms of development," PTI quoted him as saying in an interactive session at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi. Minister of state for commerce and industry Jyotiraditya Scindia and BJD MP Jay Panda, however, disagreed with Mahathir's contention arguing that India looked towards development as a marathon and not a sprint. Panda said the Indian democratic system was evolving and there were plenty of countries in the world which do not have democracy and have not developed. "As far as whether democracy is more of a hindrance to India, it is certainly more difficult. Our system is evolving, our trajectory of growth is certainly better than it was in earlier decades. We do need to tweak our system, but we do not need to change our system," Panda said. Dr Mahathir said though India has been a democracy for a long time but its socialist leaning had come in the path of growth. Suggesting a model of a strong Centre and less powerful provinces for India, he said such an approach would help promote development. "You need a much stronger central government and less powers to the provincial governments, because there will never be an agreement between the Centre and the provinces. This makes it difficult for the government to promote any policy," Mahathir said. The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit is an annual event hosted under the auspices of India's HT group of newspapers. Prominent national and international personalities are invited to take part in the summit.
| |
| New initiatives to raise Bumi equity, says Shafie Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:34 AM PST (Bernama) - The Bumiputera Agenda Development Council headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak plans to introduce new initiatives to increase Bumiputera equity in the economy, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. He said the government was also looking at the quality of entrepreneurs rather than quantity to ensure viable and diverse Bumiputera businesses could stay competitive in the economy. "We want them to grow big and make a breakthrough globally, especially in the petroleum exploration, plantation and property development sectors," he told reporters after launching the Puteri Umno's Entrepreneurs and Economic Enhancement Bureau portal at the Putra World Trade Centre here on Friday. He was commenting on worries raised by Puteri Umno at the Umno General Assembly here that the Bumiputera corporate equity ownership was marginal. On Puteri Umno proposal for the setting up of the First Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Scheme for entrepreneurs below 40 years by capitalising on funds for Mara and Tekun, he said it was a good idea and the government would study it.
| |
| Indonesia elects lawyer as new anti-corruption leader Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:24 AM PST (Asia One) - JAKARTA - Indonesia revamped its corruption-fighting agency Friday with the election of a progressive lawyer as leader, amid widespread anger over government inaction on graft. "What I'd like to do is focus on completing the big cases that the public have been waiting to see prosecuted," Abraham Samad, the new chair of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), told Metro TV. "We will try our best to collect enough evidence for each case to prosecute in the fairest way according to the law." The 45-year-old was named the new chair by a special House of Representatives team which also elected Bambang Widjojanto, a human rights activist and lawyer, as one of four commissioners. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's popularity has steadily fallen throughout his second term as the public loses faith in his fight against graft. The KPK was the centrepiece of his 2009 election campaign, having achieved a 100 percent prosecution rate, putting some of the country's most senior officials and business tycoons behind bars. Samad will head the KPK until 2015 and replaces Busyro Muqoddas, a former prominent judge, who will be kept on as a commissioner. Muqoddas was elected in 2010 to replace Antasari Azhar, who is serving an 18-year jail term for orchestrating the murder of a businessman in a scandal involving a love triangle with a young female golf caddie. A Gallup poll released in October found that 91 percent of Indonesians believe corruption in government is widespread, compared to 84 percent in 2006. On Thursday, Transparency International gave Indonesia a dismal score of three out of 10 for transparency among public officials and politicians, although its ranking improved from 110 last year to 100 out of 183 countries.
| |
| Concept must be translated in Sabah also, says LDP Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:07 AM PST (Daily Express) - Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is heartened by the Prime Minister's continued recognition that the concept of power sharing must be reflected and translated in all level of the government administration including in the state government in Sabah. "He has taken us through a historical journey of how Umno was formed and to the formation of the coalition that led to the development of political and economical stability we have today. "He recognises the concerted effort of everyone in bringing Malaysia to be what it is today, prosperous and modern. "He contributed the success to the formula of 'power sharing' amongst the various races in the various component parties despite the fact that Malay being dominant," said LDP President Datuk VK Liew. Liew, who is a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said that as Najib said the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It is therefore of great significance that such concept be respected and put in practice without prejudicing the spirit of the coalition that has existed for this long, he said. "In this regard, I like to stress that we must not let our personal differences and conflict cloud our better judgement and hence affect our emotion. "The long established principle of power sharing must not be disregarded to the detriment of BN as a whole," he said. Liew said the Prime Minister had also inspired the Umno delegates to rise in preparation for the coming general election. He said Najib also reminded all to be in synch with the development of information technology and to use all the available gadgets such as mobile phones and internet portals such as FB, Twitter and others to transmit correct information to the Rakyat. The campaign method has taken a different dimension in view of this advancement of information technology."
| |
| “I back Najib, he is a better man,” says Dr Mahathir Posted: 02 Dec 2011 06:04 AM PST (Bernama) - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave a terse political tip for Malaysian voters. Crediting Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for "correcting wrongs" in the political system, he said the prime minister should be given a chance to lead the country. "He is gaining popularity, he is correcting wrongs did (committed) by my successor. "I back Najib, he is a better man, he deserves to be given a chance," Dr Mahathir said at a media conference in Delhi today. The 86-year-old statesman is here to attend the annual Hindustan Times Leadership Summit where he presented a keynote address. In his speech, he warned global leaders to note key changes taking place -- failure of central planned economy, influence of social media and the speed of people crossing borders. "These are radical changes happening in the 21st century. All these will impact whatever we do, political, economic, social or financial areas. "If we are not willing to admit these changes, we will not be able to attend to these challenges," noted Dr Mahathir. In his keynote address themed 'The Challenges of Changes in the 21st Century', he said democracy was not a bad system, but not a panacea for all political shortcomings. "Democracy is the best form of government, it is not the easiest to govern because people do not understand the limitations of democracy," he added.
| |
| Tunku ’Abidin Muhriz apologises for leeches comment Posted: 01 Dec 2011 10:57 PM PST (The Star) - President of Ideas Tunku 'Abidin Muhriz apologised Friday for remarks he had made in his article that was published in the column Roaming Beyond the Fence. "I would like to apologise for the misunderstanding caused by my comment pertaining to leeches at PWTC this week. "Although I clearly restricted the analogy to "some" individuals, several quarters have interpreted my comment as applying to all those participating in the Umno General Assembly. This is most unfortunate. "Anyone who has been reading my articles over the past three years will know that I admire and deeply respect many Umno leaders," Tunku Abidin said in a statement. He was criticised at the Umno general assembly for implying that some of the delegates were leeches "So, when I implied that leeches had penetrated the party, it was out of a sense of disappointment, not of an intrinsic hatred of the party, as has been suggested." Tunku Abidin pointed out that he had deep respect for Umno leaders like Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn "Most recently, I have consistently praised the efforts of Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah in fighting for further democracy and freedom for all Malaysians. "Furthermore, I have been consistent in congratulating the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his courageous attempts to reform the country under the Government Transformation Programme and Economic Transformation Programme." Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin welcomed Tunku Abidin's apology as well as the clarification on his stand. "It was not fair of him to make a generalised statement against Umno," said the Rembau MP.
| |
| MAHB chairman backs Bashir as MD Posted: 01 Dec 2011 10:55 PM PST (Bernama) - Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman today extended his full support to a proposal to extend the service of Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad as the company's managing director. "I can say with confidence that the entire Board of Directors will extend their full support to him being retained as the managing director. Bashir's contract with MAHB ends in June next year. The proposal to extend Bashir's service was voiced by the President of the Peninsular, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Workers Union, Hussin Shaharn at the same ceremony. It was also proposed at the event that a memorandum be sent to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, on the proposal. Hussin also proposed that another memorandum be sent to the Prime Minister on the confusion at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)yesterday in relation to the, "Say No To Airport Tax Increase", by Air Asia. Air Asia is protesting MAHB's decision to raise the airport tax by between RM7 to RM14 at its five airports in the country, effective yesterday. Meanwhile, the joint agreement signed today will see 2,705 non-executive workers of MAHB, receiving a new salary structure involving increases of 7-43 per cent. There is also a salary adjustment of six per cent for 4,051 workers not involved in the restructuring. | |
| Umno can ‘overcome’ PKR and PAS but not DAP, says minister Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:03 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - An Umno minister admitted today his party viewed DAP as its biggest threat in the next general election, but he confidently predicted that PKR and PAS could be beaten. Pasir Gudang MP Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin reasoned that this was why delegates had focused their attacks on DAP when speaking about Pakatan Rakyat (PR) throughout the Umno annual general assembly so far. "Because they believe, and it has been some sort of perception, whether real or imaginary, that the dominant force (in the opposition) is not PKR — it is DAP. "Therefore, Umno members have been focusing (on) and criticising DAP ... because Umno feels they can overcome the other Malay-based parties," he told The Malaysian Insider when approached on the sidelines of the party's AGM today. The higher education minister was commenting on the direction of debates during the assembly so far and how delegates have been targeting DAP in their criticisms. Attacks against the opposition party have served as a focal point for this year's Umno assembly, with delegates accusing DAP leaders of marginalising Malays in PR states, and challenging the sanctity of Islam as the country's "official religion". While some have dismissed renewed attacks against DAP as mere "Pakatan bashing," some Umno leaders have insisted that DAP poses a "real threat" to Malays, and that a future with DAP in power would spell disaster for the community. "The party (Umno) is a platform. Our main concern is the future of Malays and Islam. "This goes beyond political differences between PAS and PKR. Malays have a right to be worried. The position of Malays and our religion has been challenged subliminally and one day before we realise it, it will be too late to do anything," said Umno delegate Abdul Rahim Kamarudin.
| |
| Hisham: Winnable candidate has good track record, work ethics, people’s support Posted: 01 Dec 2011 06:25 PM PST (The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: A winnable candidate is not defined by his age, position or even religion, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. Instead, said the Umno vice president, it was determined by his track record, work ethics and the people's support. "As long as you win the hearts of the people, even the party president will not stop you from contesting in the election," he said on the side-lines of the Umno general assembly Friday. He urged Umno leaders to go down to the ground and do their job in serving the people if they want to be chosen as election candidates. Hishammuddin said a good candidate was a Barisan Nasional candidate who had a better chance of winning. "Barisan Nasional is a party which is able to translate unity in our diversity and this has become our strength," Hishammuddin said. On having two-thirds majority in the Parliament, he said many Western democracies did not have such results and some even had a hung Parliament, like in Britain. "It is only us who are used to the idea of having a two-third majority. However, the message from the last elections is clear. We have to work harder and close ranks," he said. Datuk Seri Najib Tiun Razak, in his policy speech at the opening of the 2011 Umno General Assembly on Thursday, emphasised that as Umno people, the elements that members must uphold were loyalty, love for the party and a willingness to serve and sacrifice for the party. | |
| Pua: Ministry admits some Kedai Rakyat items not up to the mark Posted: 01 Dec 2011 06:09 PM PST By Melissa Chi, The Malaysian Insider The DAP today said the Health Ministry has admitted that some of the products sold at Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia shops failed to meet legal requirements although it did not take any action against the supplier. "(They admitted we were right) except the sweet creamer, the 10 per cent fat content, there is a bit of discrepancy, they will check but the rest, they are all considered (to have failed to meet the legal requirements)," DAP publicity chief Tony Pua said today after meeting Health director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman at the ministry here.
| |
| Tony Fernandes’ car is ground zero in airport tax hike spat Posted: 01 Dec 2011 06:03 PM PST By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider SEPANG, Dec 2 — Parked just outside Coffee Bean at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) here is an unlikely focal point of AirAsia's fight against a recent airport tax hike — a white Peugeot 308cc. Prevented from putting up anti-tax hike displays in the terminal, AirAsia staff have transformed their boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes' convertible into a striking display for the campaign, armed with nothing but posters and a miniature Christmas tree. An equally festive message on the bonnet read, "Help Tony share the holiday spirit. Take a picture for beautiful, lasting memories," and urged the public to share their photos on AirAsia's Facebook and Twitter pages.
| |
| Opposition leaders are liars, only focus on achieving personal agendas - Umno debaters Posted: 01 Dec 2011 05:58 PM PST (Bernama) -- Debaters at the 2011 Umno General Assembly today continued hitting out at the opposition, describing them as liars who would continue ridiculing Barisan Nasional government and making baseless allegations against Umno leaders. Datuk Hasnoor Sidang Husin from Melaka said the opposition were not voicing out the people's problems, but merely cheating the people to achieve their personal agendas. "They (opposition) demanded the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) by manipulating democracy and the freedom of speech, but when the government announced that the ISA will be abolished, they did nothing to express their thanks or support to the Prime Minister," he said debating the motion of thanks for the president's speech. He said the opposition would also continue making baseless allegations to create negative public perception on Umno and its leaders. Datuk Wan Amizan Wan Abdul Razak from Pahang, on the other hand, said that the tactics used by the opposition to spread lies about Umno, if not tackled, would affect Umno's chances to win the hearts of the people and ensure victory in the general election. "The opposition has been spreading continuous lies about our president (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) and had also made numerous baseless allegations on his Haj pilgrimage," he said. As such, Wan Amizan said Umno members should rise and counter the allegations made against Umno and its leaders. At the same time, he also called on Umno top leadership to avoid controversy as it could cause the people to lose faith in the party. He said a controversy would also make it difficult for Umno members to explain the real situation to the people at the grassroot.
| |
| Bersih: Just meeting one demand not enough Posted: 01 Dec 2011 05:24 PM PST The electoral watchdog wants all its demands to be taken heed of and a monthly progress report on the Parliamentary Select Committee recommendations. (Free Malaysia Today) - Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 is unhappy that only one of its eight demands were fully adopted by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC). Bersih said only the use of indelible ink was fully adopted while two other suggestions – reform of absentee voters and cleaning-up the electoral roll – were only partially implemented. Bersih repeated that the implementation of the eight demands is the "bare minimum" for a reasonably clean and fair elections and must be implemented before the upcoming polls. It also wants the Election Commission (EC) to publish monthly progress reports on the implementation of proposals made by the PSC. After two months of its inception, PSC released an interim report on Wednesday making 10 suggestions. The report touched on many issues such as the implementation of indelible ink, cleaning up of the electoral roll, expansion of oversea absentee voters policy to all Malaysians living abroad and even the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into alleged illegal immigrants who are offered citizenship. But the report which was tabled officially in Parliament yesterday had many MPs questioning the implementation of Bersih's suggestions. Many, including Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, had demanded that a clear time-line be included in its implementation. Bersih said today the EC must take heed not only of the PSC 's suggestions but also suggestions from other NGOs. "Bersih emphasises that the EC and any other relevant government agencies must implement the Bersih's eight demands and the recommendations made by the PSC without further delay while the PSC prepares its final report. "We hope to hear no more excuses from the EC, but more action taken towards improving the electoral system," Bersih said in a statement. While welcoming the report, Bersih said that there were still other pressing proposals which were absent from the preliminary report. Such proposals, among others, were automatic voter registration, process of constituency re-delineation and to display supplementary electoral roll both online and on location for a minimum of 30 days.
| |
| Give Malay majority seats ‘back’ to Umno Posted: 01 Dec 2011 05:21 PM PST Delegate echoes undercurrent among party hawks that non Umno candidates who lost in the 2008 give their seats "back" to Umno. (Free Malaysia Today) - Demands for seats belonging to Umno's allies in Barisan Nasional again became a topic of a heated debate among delegates attending the party's AGM today. A delegate from Penang, Musa Sheikh Fadzir, echoed the undercurrent among party hawks that non Umno candidates who lost in the 2008 election give their seats "back" to Umno. These are Malay majority seats that Umno believes it could recapture given the return of support from the ethnic majority, said Musa in a tone more demanding than constructive. "We have made our sacrifices. We even allowed our BN component party members to contest in Malay majority areas," he said at the presidential policy speech debate session. "This is because the Malays and Umno, in the spirit of BN, are very accommodating. But they should return the seats to us if they know they cannot win," he added. Umno's hardliners in the past have criticised component parties and blamed them for the waning non Malay support towards the government. This resulted in intense racial politicking from the Malay party which observers believe had brought about the return of Malay support to Umno. Votes from the majority electorate had strayed at the 2008 general election. 'Two thirds impossible with non Malay support' Party conservatives believe taking back Malay-majority seats would help party president Najib Tun Razak realise his need to return BN's two thirds parliamentary majority. This, however, would be impossible without the support of non Malays and "middle Malaysia".
| |
| An undercurrent in Umno grows against Shahrizat over cattle scandal Posted: 01 Dec 2011 11:19 AM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - When Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil closed the Wanita Umno general assembly on Wednesday, it appeared as if she had successfully deflected blame from herself over the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) controversy. But it is believed that the cheers from the standing ovation that greeted her were mixed with silent jeers of disgust from the senior minister's detractors, many of whom are rallying for her resignation. Speaking to The Malaysian Insider after the assembly, several senior Wanita leaders said Shahrizat had become a "liability" to Umno and should exit the limelight before the NFC scandal "destroys us all". But they said most delegates were "too afraid" to speak against their chief for fear of losing their posts in the party. "She (Shahrizat) is using Wanita Umno to protect her but the issue (NFC) is not a Wanita (Umno) issue but a personal one involving her and her family. "As a Wanita Umno member, I am very disappointed. A lot of us are disappointed... why drag Umno into this issue?" said one Wanita Umno delegate from Perak. She added that she had remained seated when the sea of red-clad delegates rose to applaud Shahrizat during her winding-up speech. She said Shahrizat should have explained the issue to delegates instead of fishing for support by claiming the scandal was merely a ploy by the opposition to weaken Wanita Umno. "Do not forget, the first person to expose the issue about NFC's weaknesses was the Auditor-General, not the opposition. So why attack the opposition to hide your own weakness?" she pointed out. Shahrizat has been making headlines in recent weeks over the NFC controversy after its operations, run by a company owned by her husband, were described in the Auditor-General's Report for 2010 as being "in a mess". But instead of explaining the issue, the minister chose instead to deflect blame from her by saying it had nothing to do with her. She also countered the opposition's calls for her resignation by calling on PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to quit. Shahrizat reportedly earned wild support from members during her speech, with one Kelantan Umno leader even calling the opposition "cattle" for raising the NFC scandal. "But a lot of Wanita Umno members do not know the issue of the NFC... that is why they rose to support her. They do not know the issue. "Wanita Umno, they are all like that," the Perak delegate said with a sigh.
| |
| Najib: Umno more democractic than opposition Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:22 AM PST (Bernama) - Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stressed that Umno embraces democracy and is not scared of the democracy as alleged by its political adversaries. He said that was why when he took over the reins of the party and the government 30 months ago, he and his colleagues in the Umno Supreme Council, the Barisan Nasional (BN) Supreme Council and the Cabinet had decided to implement the reformation and transformation process. "In the party, firstly, we expanded the franchise of electors for Supreme Council members. We want more people in Umno to be given the right to choose their leaders," he said in his policy speech entitled "Umno Championing Transformation" at the opening of the general assembly 2011 at the Merdeka Hall, Putra World Trade Centre, here on Thursday. He said Umno's attitude in embracing democracy was precisely described by an English proverb, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating". On the contrary, Najib, who is also the prime minister and BN chairman, said it was the opposition parties who were actually not democratic like Umno. "We are not like our opponent. The first example, party A, the post of Ketua Umum (De Facto Leader), although he was not elected democratically, he has more power than the party president. "Second example, party B calls itself a democratic party, however, it is totally undemocratic. Is it democratic when the branch delegates choose 20 members of the central committee, and these central committee members then choose the top party leadership? This totally does not reflect the wishes of the majority of members. "For the third example, party C which purportedly champions the cause for a welfare state. Lahawlawala...., even for the post of spiritual leader it appears there is no democratic election, but he is more powerful than the president. "Even worse, is party A, where the husband is the General Leader (de facto leader), the wife is president, the eldest daughter is vice-president, while the deputy president ....hrmm, no need for us to explain," Najib said. He said that for almost six decades, Umno had been the pillar behind the success of the nation and records showed that Umno had never dominated or intended to dominate the component parties of the Barisan Nasional as alleged by the opposition. He said Umno was not embroiled in turmoil like the opposition which could not reach consensus on policy matters. "For example, on the Islamic state, Party A says, not ever, Party B says, over my dead body. And Party C says let's change to become a welfare state. This confuses the people," he said. Najib said compared to Umno, as the pillar of the BN, Umno took steps to work alongside and cooperate with component parties in pragmatic, realistic and honest manners. "We accept Barisan Nasional's partners as they are. We trust, depend on and understand each other even before the Independence. This has made us successful as the pillar in bringing prosperity to the country," he said. He said what was achieved today was not built in a short space of time but through struggles, sacrifices and hard work over the years. "It was developed by our fathers, who were Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, and others, including Orang Asli and Siamese. Their ambitions, their dreams, were none other than to provide a better life for us. This is being continued by the present generation who strive for a brighter future for our children and grandchildren," he said.
| |
| Under Pakatan, DAP will appoint non-Malay PM, claims Umno leader Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:05 AM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The DAP will push for a non-Malay prime minister if Pakatan Rakyat (PR) comes to power, an Umno supreme council member has predicted when echoing his party's concerns that the Malays would lose power under the pact's rule. But if the Chinese-dominated DAP fails in its bid, it would then resort to appointing a "puppet PM", much like former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, said Pasir Salak Umno division chief Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman. "They tried it in Perak. So if for the post of MB (mentri besar) they are also very keen, why not the PM's seat? "I am sure that is what they want. So if they can't they will compromise and put somebody to become their puppet, like Nizar," he told The Malaysian Insider during a brief interview on the sidelines of the Umno annual general assembly yesterday. Tajuddin explained that this would likely happen as under a PR government, the DAP would likely emerge as the most dominant party while its Islamist partner PAS would become a "nobody". "How many seats are PAS contesting? Less than 60. To form government, they would need seats from DAP and PKR. You know it is only natural — the dominant partner will be the one that holds the most seats," he said. Tajuddin's conjecture is part of the scenario that most Umno members trot out when discussing a possible loss of power to PR in future general elections. The outspoken parliamentarian also shredded PR's capability as an alternative government to Barisan Nasional (BN), saying that due to its lack of experienced leaders the country's economy would plummet and instability would ensue. He issued a warning to the Chinese community in particular, saying their businesses and livelihoods would suffer the most under a PR government. "Even the Chinese people, I want to tell you — you are not going to benefit anything. Under such an unstable situation, there will be no business. The share market will drop by 70 to 80 per cent. A RM5 share will go down to 50 sen and become toilet paper," he charged. "Who is going to suffer? Do you think Haji Hadi or Nik Aziz can run the economy of the country? Anybody in PAS? You check their credentials," he said, referring to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat. Apart from PAS, Tajuddin also attacked the abilities of other PR personalities like its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, DAP chairman Karpal Singh and DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua.
| |
| Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:02 AM PST (The Star) - FORMER Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given the thumbs up to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's presidential address. He lauded Najib for touching on the part of Umno's history which many were not aware of. "He has rightly pointed out that Umno is not a racist party. "Umno has worked with and supported other people," he said. Another former president Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called on Umno members to heed the president's call to make way for winnable candidates. He said choosing candidates was not easy, thus all members must accept the president's decision, as his choice would be for the betterment of the party. "I've went through the process of choosing candidates ... let me tell you, it is not easy. "It is the president who will decide who will contest," he said on the sidelines of the party general assembly here yesterday. Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said it was interesting to observe that Najib stressing on love, duty and sacrifices in his speech. "These are the traits that Wanita members are known for," she said. Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Najib obviously understood the demands of the young people. He said Najib knew that while it was important to keep reminding people of Umno's contribution to the country, it was no longer enough to secure the support from the young. "If the party has no vision and direction, the young will not support us," Khairy said. He was also impressed when the president spoke about the supremacy of ideas. "He gave an impression that he is willing to accept good and bright ideas even though they are proposed by young people." Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the call for Umno to engage the young people through new media was timely. "If we want to win, we must have the X factor'," she said, adding that the wing had set up its own cyber troopers group two years ago. "We are improving it and hope to contribute in our own way, not only physically, but through new media as well," she said.
| |
| DAP yet to confirm attendance at hudud forum Posted: 01 Dec 2011 08:01 AM PST (The Star) - The DAP has been invited to the forum on hudud and its implications on non-Muslims in Malaysia. "The purpose of the forum is not to challenge anybody. Rather, we just want to explore the law and what implementing it would mean to a multi-racial society like Malaysia," said Institite of Stategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) deputy director Kat Wong. She added that the opposition party has yet to confirm its attendance. Among those who will be speaking are lawyer Edmund Bon, Terengganu mentri besar's religious advisor Ustaz Kamal Saidi, Umno's Young Ulamas working committee chairman Ustaz Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya and International Movement for a Just World president Prof Dr Chandra Muzaffar. Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee and Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs founding chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan will moderate the event. The forum, organised by MCA think-tank Insap, is free and open to all. It will be held at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. To register, email: info.insap@gmail.com, fax 03-2161 3701 or call 03-2161 5621/6201.
| |
| AirAsia: Stop harassing our staff Posted: 01 Dec 2011 07:59 AM PST (The Star) - AirAsia has issued an official warning letter to Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) for allegedly harassing its staff. The company's commercial director Jasmine Lee claimed MAHB had told airline staff to remove the "Say No to Airport Tax Increase" stickers on their uniform. She claimed that the airport operator also removed posters at their sales counters at LCCT. "They even went to the check-in counters and told our staff not to wear the stickers and to stop sticking them on passengers' boarding passes. "We have sent an official warning letter to request that MAHB's officers stop unlawfully obstructing our staff from doing their jobs," she said, adding that the incident occurred from around 10am until lunchtime yesterday. AirAsia is protesting against the decision by MAHB to increase the airport tax by RM7 and RM14 at five airports nationwide which took effect yesterday. The airports are Langkawi International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at KLIA. Lee also alleged that MAHB confiscated security tags from some staff working in restricted areas. "This incident will not deter us. We will continue to wear the stickers tomorrow and will put back the posters," she said. AirAsia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes later tweeted: "Malaysian airport staff tearing down our posters and taking away airport passes of our staff. And using intimidation. Can someone tell them this is Malaysia and not a police state." MAHB senior general manager for operations Datuk Azmi Murad, who was present during the incident, denied any harassment or intimidation took place but admitted they removed the posters. "They were putting the posters in public areas and we took them down. Imagine if anyone could just walk in and start putting posters everywhere," he said. AirAsia has taken a full-page advertisement in The Star, urging the public to call MAHB and give their opinion on the increase in airport tax. "AirAsia views this increase as not justified as the current airport facilities are not up to par," said the advertisement.
| |
| Cops say no CBT element found in NFC probe so far Posted: 01 Dec 2011 07:58 AM PST (The Star) - Police investigations into the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) controversy have not revealed any element of criminal breach of trust so far. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said police interviewed 74 people, including family members of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. "We are still investigating and will call the minister to record her statement if the need arises," he said after launching the "joint patrols" programme between the police and the armed forces at Sungai Buloh yesterday. The NFC project came into the limelight following this year's Auditor-General's Report that it was in a mess. Opposition parties had also alleged that Shahrizat's family had a controlling stake in the project. Shahrizat's husband Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail, who is executive chairman of the project, came out to explain the alleged shortcomings on the project but found himself being probed by police when the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission referred the matter to them after receiving an initial report. The allegations against the NFC were regarding a RM9.8mil condominium bought with NFC funds.
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan