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Perkasa ‘suppresses’ ethnic minorities, says MIC
Politicians demand Putrajaya explain RM9b nod for six patrol ships
Najib to counter online ‘slander, false news’ with 1 Malaysia TV
PKR shows World Bank records, claims proof Dr M received aid
PM, DPM’s aides accused of taking kickbacks
Utusan predicts public unrest after sodomy verdict
PAS veering away from Islamic agenda, says Nasharudin
NGOs want apology from DAP reps over ‘beggar’ claim
Swear on the Quran, Mahathir challenges Anwar
‘Superman’ brought down JCorp, says ex-CEO
Sabah trapped in divide-and-rule politics
‘Interlok and Perkasa’s weird logic’
Sabah’s sand monopoly plan slammed
‘Speed-up conclusion of Altantuya murder case’
Anwar breaks into Malay heartland as sodomy verdict, polls loom
Opposition pact cannot be sustained: Najib
Show me the letter to World Bank, Dr M challenges Anwar

Perkasa ‘suppresses’ ethnic minorities, says MIC

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 06:49 PM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - MIC today accused Perkasa of "doing its worst" to suppress ethnic minorities in response to Perkasa's accusations that the Barisan Nasional (BN) party was responsible for scrapping the controversial novel Interlok from the school syllabus.

The Malay rights group had yesterday predicted that Malay voters would reject MIC's candidates in the coming polls, with secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali saying the decision showed Putrajaya's "weakness and failure to not succumb to pressure by minorities."

He also claimed this was a part of MIC's elaborate plan to woo Indian voters.

"In Malaysia, the BN government is doing its best to take care of the minorities but Perkasa is doing its worst to suppress the minorities like Indians, Eurasians, Kadazans, Dayaks, Orang Aslis and all the other mini-minorities.

"Perkasa is obviously living in the dinosaur age... they should send their office bearers overseas to see how even the once backward politicians have now recognised the need to protect the minorities so that they are not bullied by senseless politicians from amongst the majority," MIC leader Datuk R Ramanan said in a statement today.

Ramanan, who is MIC deputy social and welfare bureau chairman charged that Perkasa's viewpoint on the matter was illogical, saying that in a democractic system, the majority race is always protected.

"It is the minorities who need protection.

"Thank God in this country we have Leaders like (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) who cares for the rakyat."

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 06:42 PM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Najib Razak must justify his government's purchase of six patrol ships for a whopping RM9 billion, an increase of RM3 billion from the original RM6 billion approved earlier this year, DAP's Lim Kit Siang demanded.

The opposition politician rang the alarm after a local shipbuilder said it won a RM9 billion "letter of award" from the Defence Ministry late last Friday.

"Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd had received the Letter of Award dated 16 December 2011 from the Ministry of Defence Malaysia for the Contract to design, construct, equip, install, commission, integrate, test and trials, and deliver six units of 'Second Generation Patrol Vessels Littoral Combat Ships (Frigate Class)'.

"The Contract carries a ceiling of RM9 billion, to be implemented over three Malaysia Plans, 10, 11 and 12. The delivery of the First of Class ship is estimated in 2017 with follow on ships every six months thereafter," Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd (BHIC) said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

Lim said the prime minister had promised full transparency in government procurement projects and must now take responsibility and explain the price hike.

"Justify the increase. Was the contract open to tender? The basic rules of integrity and accountability should be followed," the Ipoh Timur MP told The Malaysian Insider when contacted.

Former Umno minister, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, echoed Lim but directed his questions to Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Minister of Defence.

He said it was very unusual for a contract to be couched in terms such as "a ceiling of RM9 billion".

"How can you have a contract of up to RM9 billion? What happens if they exceed that amount?" he said to The Malaysian Insider over the phone last night.

"That's not a contract in law. At most, that's a letter of intent. In a contract, you must spell out the specs. But here, it seems the equipment has not been evaluated … the whole system is not finalised. That means they are not sure what it is they are buying," he said, with a little laugh.

Zaid said Boustead's statement was "very misleading", adding that the deal was an attempt to "bulldoze through a contract … that would strengthen the commission for DCNS, the French company".

The naval defence company hit headlines worldwide for its Scorpene submarine deal with Putrajaya, which was also linked to the murder of a Mongolian model, Altantuya Shaariibuu. It was recently investigated by French authorities.

"It's a fait accompli [French for an accomplished fact]," the one-time de facto law minister said.

The government had approved RM6 billion for the navy to spend on the six ships, DAP national publicity chief, Tony Pua said, in a reminder of Ahmad Zahid's announcement to Parliament on February 5.

The Petaling Jaya Utara MP said the defence minister had claimed the six patrol ships were "littoral combatant ships (LCS)", which Pua said meant advanced warships, noting that only the United States owned two such vessels in the world.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 06:37 PM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Najib Razak today unveiled his administration's first internet protocol television site, saying that the move would enable the government to disseminate information to Malaysians in "real-time."

Speaking at a glitzy launch, the prime minister said "1 Malaysia TV" would allow "speedy" and "accurate" information to be disseminated to the public.

He acknowledged that there was currently an information "vacuum" with regards to news and current issues related to the country, causing Malaysians to turn to "other sources" online to gain access to said information.

"We do not have a choice. We have to disseminate fast and accurate information to the rakyat.

"When there is a vacuum, that vacuum is filled with (information through) other sources, sometimes it is mixed with fairytales, false news and slander," Najib said.

He said that everyone, including politicians, needed to start using social media to interact with their fellow Malaysians, and that he has made it a point to meet up with his Facebook friends once every few months.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 06:31 PM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - PKR today refuted Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claims that he had refused monetary aid from the World Bank by furnishing online records of loans made by the global financial body during his tenure as prime minister.

World Bank records provided by PKR showed that Dr Mahathir's administration had accepted financial aid numerous times between May 18, 1982 to Malaysia's post-financial crisis period of March 30, 1999.

This includes three loans for projects inked six months after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as deputy prime minister in September 1998.

A US$300 million (RM953.10 million) loan package, titled the "Economic Recovery and Social Sector Loan Project' was signed on June 18, 1998, according to the World Bank website.

An Education Sector Support Project (US$244 million), Year 2000 Technical Assistance Project (US$100 million) and Social Sector Support Project (US$60 million) was subsequently inked on March 30, 1999.

"If seen carefully, this is clear proof of the World Bank's commitment to Malaysia during Tun Dr Mahathir's administration.

"It should be noted that while still Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar had written to the World Bank, expressing the view that Malaysia no longer needed assistance from the global financial body," PKR's communications bureau said in a statement.

The statement said that the records furnished showed that Dr Mahathir's allegations against Anwar was untrue.

The former PM yesterday issued a challenge to Opposition leader Anwar over a purported letter that the former had written to the World Bank to appeal for funds during the financial crisis in 1999.

Dr Mahathir alleged the accusation as false as he did not write such letter as claimed by Anwar. The former prime minister stressed that he had refused any help offered by the World Bank as this would render Malaysia a 'slave' to the world body, according to Bernama Online.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 01:18 PM PST

The two aides and a deputy minister were named in an anonymous blog claiming to have evidence of their involvement in corruption.

(Free Malaysia Today) - Allegations of corruption against top government officials, including two aides linked to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, have surfaced in an anonymous blog.

Written by one "TheWhistleblower711", the blog claims to have evidence – in the form of documents and informants – to also implicate a deputy minister of improper conduct.

The blog has so far named three government officials whom the author claimed have been "bought" by one businessman for the purpose of obtaining contracts from the federal government and its agencies.

The author claimed that the businessman, whom he identified as a managing director of two companies and who is also an Umno leader in Johor, had been channellling several thousands of "monthly contributions" to the government officials.

Proof of these contributions was published in the blog in the form of scans of several cash deposit slips, together with serial numbers. These were alleged to be the personal accounts of the
government officials.

The two aides were described by TheWhistleblower711 as "highly-placed, influential" government officials who have "full access" to the nation's top leadership.

Najib's aide, TheWhistleblower711 claimed, had been receiving monthly contributions of RM5,000 from the businessman amounting to RM170,000 as of May 2011. The contributions had allegedly started since August 2008.

The author claimed that the modus operandi of the businessman was to issue and cash out the cheques at a well-known bank. Then a deposit, of either a partial or full amount, would be put into the personal accounts of the government officials. (However, the cheques were never "physically" cashed out but contra with the deposit.)

As for Muhyiddin's aide, the author said he had been receiving RM10,000 monthly contributions since February, 2010. The amount added up to RM160,000 as of May 2011.

Tip of the iceberg

For the deputy minister, TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the politician, who is also a senator, had been receiving contributions of RM10,000 since January 2011, from the same individual.

TheWhistleblower711 claimed that the businessman had obtained contracts for the maintenance of two federal government buildings in Johor and a few days later, a sum of RM80,000, which was issued by the businessman's company in the form of two cheques, was contra with a deposit to the deputy minister's personal account.

The author asked: "If these deposits are legit, why would the cheques be 'cashed out' and then contra with a deposit to the receivers' account? What are the roles played by these two government officials…for them to receive monthly salary…?"

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 12:10 PM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - Utusan Malaysia today expressed confidence that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be convicted of his sodomy charge, but predicted that public unrest would follow the trial decision.

The Umno daily's columnist, writing under the pseudonym of Awang Selamat, charged that Anwar was the first Opposition leader in the world to be associated with so many "moral and ethical" scandals.

In the weekend edition of Utusan, Mingguan Malaysia, Awang claimed to be privy to information of a PKR-led strategy once Anwar is convicted on January 9.

Awang said that Anwar would resort to "anything to save himself", and that he would not stand idly by and accept the court's decision, knowing that it will be the "most significant moment in his life and political career."

"There is a possibility of a unexpected plan. We will await the surprise," the Utusan columnist said.

"As expected, Anwar will be found guilty after which the Angkatan Muda Keadilan (PKR youth) will launch their free Anwar 901 campaign on Twitter.

"There are talks of other plans, such as street demonstrations, as seen in his first sodomy trial. We have not yet even touched on the words of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who wants to break down prison walls if his boss is jailed," said Awang.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 11:02 AM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - As speculation continues to build over his possible departure from PAS, an embattled Nasharudin Mat Isa has broken his silence and accused the party of deviating from its Islamic principles and agenda.

In an exclusive interview with the weekend edition of Berita Harian, Berita Minggu, Nasharudin said that the PAS leadership should not be too preoccupied with the party's political goals while abandoning its Islamic ones.

He lamented that PAS was no longer seen as "consistent" with its Islamic image and that it could not afford to continually change "terminologies" to suit its political direction.

"As an Islamic organisation PAS has to be consistent with an Islamic face. Do not abandon the party's principles based on Al-Quran and Hadith over the issue of 'maqasid' (goals) and 'maslahah' (problems).

"Politics is coloured with perception and this has to be dealt with carefully. The general perception right now is that PAS is 'loose' in several aspects, which is dangerous," he said.

The Bachok MP, who was PAS deputy president until he was defeated by his successor Mohamad Sabu recently, said that PAS could not afford to become too "flexible" to the point where the rights of Islam and the Malay community are disregarded.

He echoed the controversial views of Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, who is under fire for re-igniting talk of PAS-Umno unity.

"Our focus should be towards unity because that is the main necessity. The country's future, the Malays and Islam hinge on how united we are, especially Malays and Muslims as the majority race.

"The issue of unity must be fought for regardless of political ideologies," said Nasharudin.

He said that there was a new political perception within PAS, that the party no longer keeps its private matters under wraps.

In reference to news that he and Hasan would be dropped as election candidates, Nasharudin said that such remarks by "some leaders" only inflicted more confusion and discord onto PAS.

"This is not for them to decide, it is for the president (Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang) to. What's more, he was shocked to discover there were people determining who would contest and who would not.

"This has led to PAS being attacked by all sides, including from within the party."

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:58 AM PST

(The Star) - Three non-governmental organisations have demanded an apology from Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer and Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan, claiming they have offended the Indian community.

Representatives from the NGOs held a protest against the DAP assemblymen in Jalan Mohet here, demanding that they apologise to Penang Deputy Chief Minister Dr P. Ramasamy and the community for implying that Indians were "beggars".

"The community is hurt by Rayer's comments that Dr Ramasamy begged for the DCM's post.

"He is a professor with credentials. He did not have to beg for his post," said Pertubuhan Naam Tamilar Malaysia chairman G. Ramesh.

The other NGOs are Klang Tamil Welfare Association and Malaysia Tamil Students Progressive Association.

At the height of the "godfather-warlord" squabble between DAP chairman Karpal Singh and Dr Ramasamy, it was reported that Rayer had reminded Dr Ramasamy that he would not have been given the DCM's post if not for Karpal.

Rayer had claimed that Dr Ramasamy practically begged Karpal for the post after the 2008 general election.

A news portal quoted Dr Ramasamy as denying the allegation and said Rayer had "stooped so low" as to condemn him over a remark about godfathers just to curry favour with Karpal.

Swear on the Quran, Mahathir challenges Anwar

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:56 AM PST

(The Star) - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has challenged Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to show evidence that he (Dr Mahathir) had sought help from the World Bank during the financial crisis in 1999.

"I also challenge Anwar to swear on the Quran in a mosque that I had written a letter to the World Bank asking for funds," he said after attending a forum at SMK Agama Al-Irshad near Tasek Gelugor here yesterday.

"I'm willing to swear in a mosque that I did not write such a letter," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the Federal Government would not have sufficient funds to pay civil servants' salaries if it had received the loan from the bank and followed the bank's conditions.

Dr Mahathir said he had warned Anwar, a former finance minister, that Malaysia would become a slave to the World Bank if the country borrowed money from it.

On Friday, Anwar claimed that Dr Mahathir had written to the president of World Bank appealing for funds in 1999.

Anwar had said he was unaware of Dr Mahathir's action as he was jailed in 1999 and only discovered it during his consultancy work for the World Bank after he was freed.

‘Superman’ brought down JCorp, says ex-CEO

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:40 AM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - Former Johor Corp (JCorp) chief executive Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim has blamed outside forces he dubbed "Superman" for incurring more debts to the once-powerful Johor state investment company.

Muhammad Ali, who helmed the corporation for 28 years until July last year, said the "Superman" had seized control of the state-owned company and was directing the future of JCorp and its group of companies.

"This Superman's hands are among the factors that caused JCorp to set aside the management's original plan, to let go its assets and businesses that were less strategic, to resolve its debt," he said in a statement late last night.

Muhammad Ali was responding to reports that Johor's investment firm was partnering a private equity fund, CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific (CVC), in a plan to buy out its prized assets QSR Brands Bhd (QSR) and KFC Holdings Malaysia Bhd (KFCH) and privatise the two public-listed companies.

JCorp owns 53 per cent of Kulim, which holds a 57.5 per cent stake in QSR. QSR, in turn, owns 50.6 per cent of KFCH.

There have been several attempts to sell KFCH but Malay right-wing group Perkasa has objected, saying it should remain in Bumiputera hands.

In this week's report by business daily, The Edge, JCorp and CVC bid to pay RM6.80 per QSR share and RM4 for every KFCH share.

The bid was made through Massive Equity Sdn Bhd, a special purpose vehicle, The Edge added.

Muhammad Ali questioned Massive Equity's statement as published by Malay tabloid Kosmo on Friday.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:20 AM PST

The new 'Borneo Agenda' alliance, born of Jeffrey Kitingan, has consigned the one party for all concept to the dustbins of Sabah.

(Free Malaysia Today) - The entry of the Sarawak Reform Party (STAR) into Sabah through the membership of maverick politician Jeffrey Kitingan and his allies has opened the door to yet another multi-racial coalition in Sabah.

On the heals of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat, STAR's link up with Jeffrey's United Borneo Front (UBF) along with the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Usno and the Sabah People Front (SPF) may be seen as the new-coalition-kid-on-the-block battling for the hearts and minds of Sabahans.

It's an indication of how politics in this state is shaping up after decades of apparent social unity that was shown through competition within single, multi-racial parties such as Usno, Berjaya and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).

All this went out the window in 1994 with the overthrow of PBS by the Umno-led BN coalition which has ruled ever since.

The new 'Borneo Agenda' alliance parties of STAR-UBF, SAPP, Usno and perhaps SPF, points to the fact that the old idea of one party fitting all has been consigned to the dustbin of history in Sabah.

But does this also mean that the various communities in the state no longer trust each other or is it for political expediency?

All four of the new alliance are in fact multi-racial parties like Pakatan Rakyat and indeed many in the BN, with the exception of Umno, MCA, MIC and Upko.

If last Friday's roll out of the new Borneo opposition alliance is a sign of the times ahead of the 13th general election expected to call anytime now, STAR-UBF will be gunning for the Sabah native (KDM) votes leaving the rest of the pie to SAPP (Chinese), Usno and SPF (Muslim-Bumiputra).

SAPP deputy president Amdee Sidik who is proud of his party's multi-racial roots, showed some concern of the anomaly and stressed political unity over and above race and religion.

Commenting on his speech during UBF's first anniversary gathering attended by several hundred people on Dec 16 he said: "SAPP's struggle is for all Sabahans and the state of Sabah. We're not partitioned based on race and religion.

"I'm not going backward … the way forward for Sabah in particular and Malaysia in general is to get out of the communal outlook. We can't afford to turn the clock back.

"I believe time has come that our state and country must be looked after by able leaders not because of his race and tribe. Gone is the old school (of race-based politics)," he said.

READ MORE HERE

‘Interlok and Perkasa’s weird logic’

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:18 AM PST

The DAP calls Perkasa's objection in removing the Interlok novel from schools as 'weird logic'

(Free Malaysia Today) - The DAP said that they could not understand Perkasa's weird logic in going against the decision to remove the controversial Interlok novel from schools.

Its national chairman Karpal Singh said it was the Cabinet's responsibility to 'correct all wrongs' in its system of governance that affects the people.

"It's wrong for an extremist organisation like Perkasa to criticise the government decision to remove the Interlok novel.

"Indeed the book should be banned altogether across the country," he told reporters in Air Itam here today.He also called on the novel's author, national laureate Abdullah Hussain to apologise to all Malaysian Indians for the racially insensitive contents in the book.

In a SMS statement last night, Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hasan Syed Ali said the group was very angry with MIC president G Palanivel over the withdrawal of the Form 5 literature text.

He expressed Perkasa's disappointment and regrets over the government decision.

"The government is too weak and has failed to withstand pressure from a minority group that is big headed. Perkasa is aware of MIC's need to bank on the Indian vote for the GE13.

"This is very insolent. Because of the Indian vote, the dignity of a Malay writer is being insulted," said Syed Hassan.

Karpal called Syed Hassan's views as "weird logic "

The Bukit Gelugor MP instead called on for a total ban on the novel for it contained racial slurs insulting the Indian community.

READ MORE HERE

Sabah’s sand monopoly plan slammed

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:16 AM PST

There are fears that the sand monopoly will hold the construction industry to ransom, impose arbitrary prices and payment terms, including hidden costs.

(Free Malaysia Today) - The Sabah government's plan to enforce a sand-mining monopoly in the new year has run into immediate opposition.

Former chief minister Yong Teck Lee said the Barisan Nasional government's move to become the sole supplier of sand to the construction industry was frightening as it was taking exclusive control of a business.

The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) leader urged sand operators and consumers to complain to the anti-monopoly Malaysia Competition Commission under Section 15 of the Competition Act 2010 that takes effect on Jan 1, 2012.

Under the plan, state government subsidiary, Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) would have a monopoly on the extraction and supply of sand to the construction industry in the state.

"Our anti-monopoly laws seek to protect consumers, businesses and the economy. Under Section 4(2)(b), it is an offence to monopolise the market as well as the sources of supply.

"It is understood that the Competition Commission will investigate the MAS-Air Asia share swap deal that has created a super monopoly of the aviation industry, leading to reduced flights, reduced destinations, higher fares and cancellation of Tiger Air flights to Sabah," he said.

Yong noted that such a move is a repeat of the failed attempt in 2008 to let Superpanel Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary company of the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB), monopolise the scrap metal business.

"At the time, the scrap metal business was lucrative. The same excuse about metal thefts and protecting the government's interests was used for monopolising the business. But eventually, the idea was dropped due to the fall in scrap metal prices.

"The decision on the monopoly had nothing to do with the government's interests. It had all to do with greed and abuse of power.

"Now the cronies are at it again. After failing to monopolise the scrap metal business three years ago, cronies have again reared their ugly heads to grab the extraction and supply of sand to the construction industry.

"Using the same lame excuse of lax enforcement against "thefts of scrap metal", the political masters have now come up with thefts of sand as the excuse to put all the rights to sand extraction in the hands of Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO)," he noted.

He expressed concern that this sand monopoly could hold the construction industry to ransom, impose arbitrary prices and payment terms, including hidden costs.

"Like the import of vehicles using APs (Approved Permits), quotas could be allocated to sub-cronies to buy and sell sand, thereby driving costs," he cited.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 10:12 AM PST

Under the law civil proceedings can commence only after the criminal proceedings have been completed in its entirety.

(Free Malaysia Today) - Senior lawyer Karpal Singh today called on the Attorney-General Chambers to hasten the conclusion of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case.

He is frustrated over the prolonged delay of appeal process by the two former police personnel, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri 34, and Corporal Sirul Azhar, 39, who were convicted for Altantuya's murder five years ago.

Their appeal is up for case management in Court of Appeal on Feb 10 next year and could even end up in the Federal Court.

Altantuya father Setev Shaariibuu has filed a suit on June 4, 2007 against the Malaysian government and those responsible for the gruesome murder of his daughter.

Karpal is representing Setev in the civil case on a pro-bono basis.

He had also held watching brief for the late Altantuya family and the Mongolian government during the murder trial.

Under the law, the Setev's civil proceedings can commence only after the criminal proceedings have been completed in its entirety.

"I appeal to the AG to quicken the appeal process to enable the civil case to began soon," Karpal, the DAP national chairman, told newsmen during his visit Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency here today.

After a long hiatus, early this year Setev has appealed to the Malaysian courts to hasten the hearing of the RM100 million civil suit he has filed against the government.

He said he has paid a substantial amount of money, RM60,000 as security bond to the Malaysian court last year.

Azilah and Sirul were sentenced to death by the Shah Alam High Court on April 9, 2009

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 09:53 AM PST

(The Malaysian Insider) - Faced with the possibility of being thrown behind bars again, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is wasting no time to embark on an aggressive campaign to woo voters from Barisan Nasional's (BN) traditional Malay stronghold areas.

With a looming general election and sodomy trial verdict weighing on his shoulders, the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader is making the most of his freedom by going deep behind enemy lines, trying hard to sway the psyches of the country's ethnic majority — who are traditionally supportive of Umno-BN.

In a series of trips beginning with Temerloh, Kuantan yesterday, Anwar's message to the Malay folks in these areas was plain and simple: Vote BN out if you want reform and change in governance.

Speaking to a 500-strong audience at Shakira Cafe, Batu 1 yesterday, Anwar charged that BN's on-going abuse of power and cronyism had resulted in a majority of Malays suffering, while only an elite minority reaped rewards.

The PKR leader claimed that Malays in rural areas failed to see this due to the successful campaign by Umno in blaming the Chinese community for monopolising the country's riches.

"Why do you blame the Chinese? You have Malay representatives, Malay district officers, Malay Mentri Besars. So why are Malays getting poorer?

"If you look at Pahang itself, it is rich, logging has been done for 50 years. But why has the rewards not reached the people?" he was quoted by PAS organ Harakahdaily as saying.

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 09:48 AM PST

(Bernama) -- The opposition pact is fragile and cannot be sustained because the political parties are cooperating only due to their hatred for the Barisan Nasional, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

The fragility of their pact and the ideological differences of the parties are the sources of the various problems they face among themselves, he added.

"The pact cannot sustain for long because the fundamental differences in opinion will eventually trigger conflicts among the parties," he told reporters after launching the national-level Agriculture Graduates Entrepreneurs Club (MyAgrosis) and opening the youth and graduate entrepreneurs gathering at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Merbok, near here.

The prime minister was asked to comment on the various problems the opposition parties faced in their attempt to make their collaboration work.

Najib described the fragile opposition pact as being much different from the BN which he said forged cooperation on a single policy accepted by all the component parties.

"They (the opposition parties) are facing all kinds of problems even before the general election. This happens when you have ideological differences which are very apparent and fundamental," he said.

Najib, who is also Umno president, said the recent Umno general assembly has inspired the party members greatly to face the next general election.

"I hope they will carry this spirit to their respective areas and continue with the task of strengthening our machinery and discharging their duties as per our instruction," he said.

Show me the letter to World Bank, Dr M challenges Anwar

Posted: 17 Dec 2011 09:42 AM PST

(Bernama) - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday challenged Opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to show a letter purportedly written by him to the World Bank for funds during the financial crisis in 1999.

Dr Mahathir said on the contrary he was the one who had refused the World Bank funds.

"I know that if we had accepted the World Bank funds, we will become its slave. Hence, we did not do so," he said after opening the third Multaqa Wehdatul Ummah here yesterday.

Dr Mahathir was commenting on Anwar's allegation that the former prime minister had written to the World Bank for funds during the financial crisis in 1999.

"If Anwar's allegation is true, please show me the letter. I challenge him to swear by the Quran in a mosque and I'm willing to do so if needed," said Dr Mahathir.

He said Anwar was known for advocating measures introduced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in tackling the financial crisis at that time.

"I used to tell him (Anwar), if we were to take the World Bank funds, we will not have enough money to pay the salaries of our officers. But he was bent on advocating the World Bank measures to the extend that it clouded his thinking," said Dr Mahathir.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who was present, said he could vouch for Dr Mahathir that the former prime minister had rejected the World Bank funds.

Nor Mohamed said he could still remember that a World Bank representative came to see Dr Mahathir to discuss on how Malaysia could avoid the financial crisis in 1999.

"The World Bank representative had proposed to Dr Mahathir to increase housing loan interest rates and restrict government's spending while Bank Negara should withdraw all loans to avoid economic crisis.

"But Dr Mahathir told him that the proposals would cause bloodshed in the streets and he said let it be bloods in the streets, much to Dr Mahathir's chagrin," Nor Mohamed said, adding that Dr Mahathir told him off and told him to leave the office.

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Ahad, 18 Disember 2011

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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