Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- ‘Missing’ delegates at Penang DAP convention
- Ex-aide damns ex-IGP in SD
- ‘Dr M tells Umno leaders to kill Najib after GE’
- Anwar: I’m not behind Deepak, Musa
- DAP delegate questions why Karpal uses media
- MAS still faces turbulent weather
- CM uses goodwill inter-faith dinner to bash Umno
- Thousands attend Pakatan ceramah in Umno territory
- Karpal: Pakatan can be wrong too
- Najib: Dr M still watches over me
- Deepak: I will not be silenced
- 'Love for Umno should be instilled among children at home'
- Tough for Umno to move as one, analysts say
- Empirical evidence: Top-secret colonial files missing in UK
- Jeffrey wants ‘Homeland Security’ for Sabah
- ‘Govt must investigate Musa Hassan’
- Umno runs down LGBT, pluralism, liberalism as assembly ends
- BN will recapture all Pakatan states, win two-thirds majority, say Umno leaders
- ‘DAP’s partisan politics will backfire’
- RM40m Sabah Umno ‘donation’ is pittance, say Umno delegates
- Umno rejects Islamic liberalism, pluralism
- Worked to death
- Najib: Umno and BN offer Malaysians the best
- Stop fooling Malays with racial sentiments, Zuraida tells Shahrizat
- Rep faces fine over alleged sexist remarks
- Two BN leaders join STAR
- After speaking to media, ‘Carpetman’ finds himself unwanted in his companies
- No plans yet to bring Musa Hasan into PKR
- Lawyer flays Deepak for land scam claim
- Umno chosen by God, says Reezal
- Hisham dismisses ex-IGP’s claims as distraction from Umno assembly
- ‘For Indians’ sake, let’s talk to Pakatan’
- Ex-IGP: 6P encourages human trafficking
- Sabah Umno has the most number of members
- 'Bala's U-turn foiled Anwar-Umno's Altantuya expose'
- Khairy: We’ll smash Opposition’s arguments
- 20 ‘gates’ to shut out Pakatan from Selangor
- Deepak to reveal more dirt from under the carpet
| ‘Missing’ delegates at Penang DAP convention Posted: 02 Dec 2012 04:47 PM PST
Most of the delegates were missing for the afternoon session while the others were more interested in the private conversations rather than the speakers. Hawkeye, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Penang DAP held its convention yesterday and the most notable event that happened was that by afternoon half the 300-odd delegates were "missing". Those who remained were either having a snooze or were talking among themselves, paying scant attention to the speakers. This prompted Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who, by nature, is reserved to say that perhaps they should have lucky draws with cars and condominiums as prizes. Chow's remarks may not apply to Penang alone. There was a poor turnout at the Selangor convention and the situation was similar in some other states. But Chow, being the wily old politician, corrected himself by saying it was the same for other political parties. But, here Chow, the Tanjong MP, stand to be corrected. At the PAS muktamar, one had to line up to use the restrooms, while at the Umno general assembly, they sat on the floor to listen to the proceedings. "We should not read too much into it as this is not an election year at the state level," said state DAP Youth activist Chris Lee. Testament of power DAP's power base basically revolves around Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and parts of Johor. It now also has a growing presence in Sarawak and a moderate representation in Sabah. A political observer here, Ng Whien Chin, says DAP has always been a top-heavy organisation in terms of active members . "DAP, however, is a party populated more by high-octane personalities than those with a crowd following. The exception now is DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who is popular among the grasssroots," Ng said. Lim would be revered in DAP and become its permanent statesman, if he can deliver Putrajaya, similar to how his father Kit Siang had managed the party through the turbulent years , Ng claimed. Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi shares the same view as Lee over the turnout, saying that usually, conventions only have a reasonable turnout – not an overwhelming one since there is no election. But Ng does not agree. He says from a neutral view, accumulating a crowd is a testament of power and to illustrate to the fence-sitters that DAP is not to be taken for granted by either Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional. "Penang has one of the highest number of fence-sitters as the people here are highly educated and independent-minded." he said.
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| Posted: 02 Dec 2012 04:40 PM PST
In his statutory declaration, Musa Hassan's former aide claims that the ex-IGP had betrayed his oath of office by indulging in a slew of wrongdoings. RK Anand, FMT The Malaysian police force's image continues to plummet as allegations of serious misconduct pour in against its top brass. The police, which is ailing from a serious public confidence crisis, was dealt another black eye last week by none other than its former chief Musa Hassan. The ex-inspector-general, whom detractors had accused of having several closets laden with skeletons himself, claimed that criminal elements had infiltrated the force. Pointing the finger at Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Musa also charged that politicians interfered with investigations. But his successor Ismail Omar downplayed the allegations as unimportant while Hishammuddin questioned the timing of Musa's revelations which came during the Umno annual general assembly. The snub by his successor led an infuriated Musa, who had described Ismail as a "good man" just hours before, to denounce him as a "snob" later. Amid this raging controversy, a statutory declaration (SD) made in 2009 had now re-surfaced. The document accused Musa of a slew of wrongdoings during his tenure and exposed how he had purportedly ruled with an iron fist, silencing critics with transfers and trumped-up charges. The SD was by police officer Noor Azizul Rahim Taharim, who served as Musa's aide de camp from 2005 to 2007. Azizul claimed that during the period which he served under Musa, he had witnessed numerous things which caused him to lose confidence in the latter's leadership. Likening his former boss to a "pengkhianat" (traitor), he said: "Many of his [Musa's] actions undermined the integrity and credibility of PDRM…" "On many occasions, I observed that the public persona displayed by Musa was opposite to his private conduct. Musa's actions constituted an act of betrayal of his oath of office," he added. Azizul claimed that former CID director Christopher Wan had revealed to him that Musa had directed the setting up of a covert blog to publish allegations of corruption against then deputy home minister Johari Baharom. The contents of the blog, he said, damaged Johari's reputation and subjected him to a probe by the then Anti-Corruption Agency (now known as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission). "I am also aware of the statutory declarations made by several policemen, police informants and subjects of police actions showing links between Musa and the underworld, specifically concerning restricted residence detainee Goh Cheng Poh @ Tongku and one shadow figure, BK Tan. "Based on my personal knowledge and involvement as the ADC to the IGP, I can confirm that the statements made by these deponents concerning Musa were true…," he alleged. Referring to the SDs of ASP Mior Fahim Ahmad and ASP Hong Kin Hock, Azizul confirmed that their allegations had basis. The pair had claimed that there was manipulation of promotions, ranks and postings in the PDRM involving BK Tan. "I have personal knowledge and involvement in that I was asked to compile and coordinate such posting orders based on the drafts and proposals made by BK Tan. "Officers were transferred to achieve certain objectives. In some cases, there were 'entrapments' that made certain officers appear guilty of wrongdoings. In others, allegations were made against certain officers that resulted in them being given 24-hour transfer orders or short notice transfers. "This gave the impression that Musa was eradicating corruption and abuses within PDRM… in most cases that was the furthest from the truth," said Azizul. "The credibility of these officers would be 'demolished' such that whatsoever information they gathered about Musa would be discredited. These officers would suffer hardship being transferred away from their families and home base. They would also get bypassed in promotions and suffer disciplinary action without the proper process. "Consequently, less able officers climbed the ranks and the victimised officers were used as warnings against others… This process of 'mecantas' [pruning] explains the apparent lack of ability by PDRM to tackle crime, the lack of motivation and low morale within PDRM that saw crime escalating at an alarming rate during Musa's tenure," he added.
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| ‘Dr M tells Umno leaders to kill Najib after GE’ Posted: 02 Dec 2012 04:36 PM PST
Anwar Ibrahim claims that the former premier has been asking Umno state leaders to grit their teeth and lend their support to Umno and BN for now. Teoh El Sen, FMT Dr Mahathir Mohamad is asking Umno state leaders to postpone their plan to kill off Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak until after the general election, according to Anwar Ibrahim. The opposition leader said he "knew for a fact" that Mahathir had been asking state leaders to lend their support to Umno and Barisan Nasional while suggesting that they could "topple the leader after the election." "This message has gone to almost all state leaders. I think that is why because of this fear, Najib feels that his personal position is rather insecure," he told a press conference here. Anwar was responding to Najib's sudden move to thank Mahathir for voluntarily campaigning for Umno towards the end of the party's annual general assembly on Saturday and congratulating the former premier for his Vision 2020 yesterday. "Najib has displayed very little courage as a leader, he cannot deal with [Wanita Umno chief] Shahrizat [Abdul Jalil] firmly, can't imagine he can deal with Mahathir firmly. That is why he is trying to appease everyone," he said. Asked if he thought Najib now realised that he needed Mahathir in the run-up to the 13th general election, Anwar said: "Knowing Najib he will need to cling to everyone; his personality of seemingly [appearing] confident was never Najib's style." Anwar said that Najib's camp was not happy that Mahathir had been "interfering with government matters and in the giving out of contracts to cronies", but had no choice as Najib was unable to put his foot down. "Najib does not have the courage to put his foot down… you have a party where Dr Mahathir still goes around calling party leaders. I don't think he [Najib] has the courage to deal with it… [so] he has to appease all parties, because he does not have the clout to enforce his policies or views," he said. On the Umno general assembly, Anwar said that the ruling party's confidence of winning back four opposition-held states and re-capturing the two-thirds majority was a sign of denial. "They [Umno leaders] are in a state of denial. They sit in five-star hotels, smoke expensive cigars, spend time in lounges, that's where they devise their strategy… a clear disconnect between the multimillionaire Umno leaders and the masses on the ground… the urban, rural Malays… non-Malays," he said at a press conference to rebut issues raised at the 66th Umno general assembly.
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| Anwar: I’m not behind Deepak, Musa Posted: 02 Dec 2012 04:33 PM PST
The opposition leader denies playing a role in the startling revelations by the carpet dealer and ex-IGP. Teoh El Sen, FMT Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has denied involvement in the startling revelations made by carpet dealer Deepak Jaikishan and former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan. However, Anwar stressed that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein should respond to the accusations directly. "Musa has been coming out with very serious allegations against the minister of home affairs. I think coming from the former IGP and involving the security of the nation, it should warrant a response from the minister. Whether you agree or disagree, you cannot dismiss it," he told reporters at the PKR headquarters today. "Similarly, coming from Deepak, who is known to be direct associate of Najib and Rosmah [Mansor]. You can't just be dismissive. "If it is just a scurrilous attack. I would understand that Najib would dismiss it. But this is specific, that he is involved to reverse a statutory declaration, so, answer lah," he added. Anwar dismissed suggestions of Pakatan Rakyat or PKR being behind Deepak or Musa's statements, but expressed that PKR was open to Musa joining them if the matter came to that. "The allegation [that Pakatan is behind these exposes] is baseless. Look at the facts. "Have I met him [Musa]? No. Yes, I did met him when he withdrew the civil suit against me. But that was it. "Did he indicate that he was interested in joining PKR? No. What if he does? I'll think about it. But the issue is irrelevant. It is not fair because I have not heard, neither has he indicated interest about being in politics," he said. Musa recently held a press conference in his capacity as the patron of a newly launched anti-crime NGO MyWatch, saying that there were political interference by the home minister during his tenure and that such incidents still occurred. He also alleged that criminal elements had infiltrated the police force, and expressed that his successor Ismail Omar needed to buck up.
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| DAP delegate questions why Karpal uses media Posted: 02 Dec 2012 01:43 PM PST
(NST) - A delegate at the state DAP convention yesterday questioned party national chairman Karpal Singh's (pic) ability to voice his opinion in the central executive committee (CEC). Taman Alma branch chief David Marshall said he was left wondering why the Bukit Gelugor member of parliament had to resort to using the media to voice his concerns and proposals regularly.
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| MAS still faces turbulent weather Posted: 02 Dec 2012 01:11 PM PST
Analysts say the national carrier needs to be more imaginative to improve operational efficiency. By Sathish Govind, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: While Malaysian Airline System Bhd's (MAS) recent return to the black could be taken as the first baby steps for the troubled airline, analysts see the road to sustained profitability for the national carrier is still a long and winding one. Analysts say MAS needs to be more aggressive in cost-cutting and more imaginative in ratcheting up operational efficiency before it can even begin to dream of regaining its place and stature of old. MAS announced on Nov 27 that it had returned to its first net profit of RM37 million for the July-September period after six consecutive quarters of losses. It also announced plans to raise RM3.1 billion via rights issue and reduce its par value per share from RM1 to 90 sen. Operation-wise, MAS made a small profit of RM3.9 million versus a net loss of RM191 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Revenue was lower at RM3.4 billion from RM3.5 billion previously due to decreased passenger traffic. The airline also reported earnings per share of 1.11 sen versus a loss per share of 14.29 sen. No dividend was declared for the quarter. A research note from Maybank Investment Bank Bhd said the recent results suggest that its cost-cutting initiatives are beginning to bite. However, the researcher believes MAS' strategy of picking up routes from the bargain bin – South Africa, Argentina, Pakistan and Dubai – is misguided as these routes are not profitable and "added to the overall bottom line of the company". The airline's reorganising of its flight frequency timetable and finding bumping up capacity, however, has helped reduce unnecessary increases in costs. In announcing the quarterly result, MAS group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya is rightfully pleased that the airline's "revenue initiatives have begun to gain traction in the market" and that the management is beginning to see the results of their hard work. An OSK Research Sdn Bhd analyst said even though the cost-cutting has achieved a short-term result, MAS needs to address structural issues that will determine long-term profitability. He said it needs to take an aggressive approach in its cost-cutting strategies and shore up its revenue. "Its yields have not improved considerably and could further receive pressure from low-cost carriers and other foreign full service carriers in the international segment," he said.
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| CM uses goodwill inter-faith dinner to bash Umno Posted: 02 Dec 2012 12:55 PM PST
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng took the opportunity at the MCCBCHST function to campaign for Pakatan Rakyat. (FMT) - Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng last night used the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Penang inter-religious goodwill dinner to criticise Umno, the backbone of the ruling Barisan Nasional. The event, which was supposed to foster closer relations between the different religions in the country, was turned into a political forum by Lim taking potshots at Umno and the ruling BN. He also took the opportunity to campaign for the opposition pact, Pakatan Rakyat, saying that the coalition of three opposition parties – PKR, DAP and PAS – has managed to bring about good change since the 2008 general election. "Umno has taken a very extremist view that does not respect the rights of non-Muslims. For instance, an old Indian shrine was demolished by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) controlled by the federal government last year. To-date it has not fulfilled its promise to rebuild the Hindu shrine. "Umno leaders have also not respected the requirement of providing land for non-Muslim places of religious worship on development approvals. When Umno slandered me with lies that I had sold off mosque land in Bayan Mutiara to Ivory Property Group by open competitive tender, it failed to mention I had also sold off non-Muslim religious land." "Clearly, Umno did not mention non-Muslim religious land because the previous Umno state government thinks non-Muslim have no right to being provided with non-Muslim religious land," he said. "I wish to stress that the state government had not sold off mosque or non-Muslim land in Bayan Mutiara as such religious land is a requirement for approval by local councils. If no Muslim or non-Muslim land is provided, then no development orders will be given. And the state government will provide for non-Muslim religious land," he said at the dinner. He also took a potshot at Perkasa calling it a racist and extremist organisation. "All Malaysians regardless of race, religions or gender are treated as our children by embracing love and rejecting hate, promoting peace and rejecting violence so that everyone can live with dignity. "There is deep concern that there is no action against those involved in violence or condone violence by racist and extremist organisations such as Perkasa. "When a young Chinese girl was handcuffed for stepping on the picture of the prime minister, why was similar punishment not given to the Perkasa leaders who conducted a Hindu funeral rite in front of my house?" the Penang chief minister asked. Lim said while God does not take sides based on political party lines, "there are those who have recently claimed that they are the chosen people, and that their party has been chosen by God to rule the country". "I believe that rather than asking whether God is on our side of our party, we should ask whether our party is on the side of God, good moral values like justice, integrity, freedom and truth," he added.
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| Thousands attend Pakatan ceramah in Umno territory Posted: 02 Dec 2012 12:48 PM PST
More than 30,000 people turned up to hear Pakatan leaders tell why its best to vote for them and not for Umno in Johor. (FMT) - BATU PAHAT: A Pakatan Rakyat ceramah here on Friday managed to attract more than 30,000 people in what Pakatan leaders say is a sign of support moving away from Umno to them. Never in Johor's political history has an opposition rally attracted such an enormous crowd. The assembly was part of the ongoing state-level Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (Peoples' Uprising Assembly) series being organised by Pakatan nationwide. It followed the national-level assembly staged in Taman Seremban Jaya in Senawang on Nov 3 which also attracted about 30,000 Malaysians. Johor PKR chairman Chua Jui Meng and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim arrived together at about 11pm and were pleasantly surprised by the mammoth crowd. They both had to wade through a sea of people to get to the stage with their shoes and trousers covered with mud. PAS president Hadi Awang was then in the midst of his speech. After Hadi wrapped up his ceramah, a brief ceremony was held to introduce and accept the membership application forms of several ex-senior Johor civil servants and former key Umno members who joined PAS. Anwar was then called to the stage to deliver his ceramah and got the crowd roaring when he shot off with: "This is not an Umno assembly! What (Prime Minister and Umno president) Najib (Tun Razak) doesn't understand is the emergence of Kebangkitan Rakyat (Peoples' Uprising)." "Malaysians today are well informed about socio-political issues. They are also much more intelligent and it is not so easy, as in the past, to fool them. "There is no room for lip service and mere rhetoric in politics anymore. We must tell the rakyat (people) what we can offer and what we can do to provide good governance. "We must make clear our people-oriented policies and that we are here to serve the people and to ensure their welfare and country's progress. "Unlike BN, if we are given the mandate to administer Putrajaya after the next 13th general election, we will ensure the eradication of corruption," Anwar said.
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| Karpal: Pakatan can be wrong too Posted: 02 Dec 2012 12:07 AM PST
(The Star) - The DAP must speak up when Pakatan Rakyat does something wrong, said party chairman Karpal Singh. He cited the recent demolition of a Hindu altar in a house in Taman Seroja in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi last week and the Kelantan municipal council by-laws prohibiting women from cutting men's hair in the state, saying both were wrong. "The DAP's principles since its early days remain intact. We must point out when Pakatan is wrong," he said. Describing the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSP)'s action to demolish the altar as a "complete abuse of power", Karpal said Pakatan must be sensitive to what is dear to the people. He said Pakatan must not make mistakes and provide Barisan Nasional with "cannon fodder" to attack it. "I've taken off my coat and I'm ready for battle. There's no doubt in my mind that we will retain Penang and win back Perak," he declared. Karpal, who is the Bukit Gelugor MP, "guaranteed" that the DAP would defend and win 19 state seats. "We have high hopes that PKR will win more than nine seats with PAS holding on to what it has (in Penang)," he said at the party's annual state convention here on Sunday. In his speech, state party chief Chow Kon Yeow said the Malays would remain in power (in their own land) if Pakatan took over Putrajaya. He said the coming general election was the most important for the country as it would determine the nation's future direction. "The latest prediction is that Barisan will win 120 seats compared to 100 to Pakatan if the election is held now. "We are ready to face Umno and Barisan but we must use the coming 50 to 100 bonus days' to double our efforts," he said. He warned that Islamic issues such as calls for PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to be the prime minister if Pakatan comes into power, must be handled well. The debates at Sunday's meeting saw the proposal for DAP to adopt a one-man one-seat policy being fiercely debated by its delegates. Taman Alma DAP branch head David Marshall, who is also DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) executive council member, said central executive committee (CEC) should not prevent party leaders from discussing the policy. "The state committee members should explain their stand on the issue," he said. In a hastily staged press conference later, Chow said the policy had been raised numerous times in the CEC and national congress. "CEC will table a resolution on the policy during the 16th National Congress to enable delegates to decide on whether to endorse or otherwise on this matter," he explained.
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| Najib: Dr M still watches over me Posted: 01 Dec 2012 04:45 PM PST
Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Najib Razak appeared today to admit that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad still wields a strong influence over the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration, pointing out that the country's longest serving prime minister is "watching over him". While launching the People's Progressive Party (PPP) annual general meeting (AGM) here, Najib congratulated Dr Mahathir for Vision 2020, a blueprint for Malaysia to reach the status of a developed nation which was launched by the latter in 1991. "He got the easy task, (but) I got the difficult task," the Najib joked. "He announced ... made the vision, (but) I had to fill up his vision. Because he's still watching over me." Dr Mahathir was also mentioned by PPP president Datuk Seri M Kayveas in his opening address, who thanked the former prime minister for his contribution to the nation. Kayveas described Dr Mahathir as a "priceless pearl" and the architect of modern Malaysia, whom he credited for PPP's rise to relevance. "It is not wrong for me to say PPP was given recognition and solid support during Tun's time until it became a stable party (up) from the dark ages," Kayveas told the hall filled with around 4,000 PPP members here. Buoyed by praise from Najib and Kayveas, Dr Mahathir emerged from the event today boasting that BN would snap up the two-thirds parliamentary majority it is gunning to win in the next polls. "I think today we could see PPP for example ... the spirit is very good," Dr Mahathir told reporters on the sidelines of the PPP assembly today. "You can see it, you can feel it. I'm sure we'll do much better than the last (election), and we may even get the two-thirds majority." The veteran statesman has remained in the public eye since his exit from the forefront of Umno politics in October 2003, but has been more prominent in the spotlight of late, seemingly in his attempt to shore up support for BN ahead of the polls. But the outspoken Dr Mahathir has made it known that he was campaigning to keep Umno and BN alive, even though it meant trumpeting policies by Najib that he has oftentimes admitted he disagreed with. Opposition leaders have been criticising Umno and Najib for fearing Dr Mahathir's influence and therefore, refusing to shut him up, and have warned that the former prime minister's sometimes radical remarks may frighten off Najib's middle ground support. Critics also have pointed to Dr Mahathir's apparent endorsement for Malay right-wing group Perkasa, oftentimes described as an outlet for Umno conservatives to spew pro-Malay and pro-Islam extremism, which has been curbed in the party, as Najib tries to garner centrist votes. Dr Mahathir's influence in Umno has been seen as just the right balance that Najib needs to keep Umno's conservative bloc of supporters in BN's fold. As such, Najib has not once criticised Dr Mahathir, likely learning from his predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's past.
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| Deepak: I will not be silenced Posted: 01 Dec 2012 04:13 PM PST
However, the carpet trader says he agreed to "sit still" for the last day of the Umno AGM after a meeting with a high-ranking Umno supreme council member. Teoh El Sen, FMT Deepak Jaikishan claimed that there was an attempt by a high ranking Umno man to 'silence' him following the various the interviews the carpet trader has given in the past few days. Late Friday night, Deepak said he received a call by a "senior Umno supreme council member" asking him to meet at the Grand Dorsett Hotel in Subang. The man, who he refused to name, seemed aggressive, Deepak claimed. Deepak said that he subsequently agreed to meet the person, but brought along some extra protection for his safety. The meeting was also attended by a few pro-government bloggers, and Deepak said he was told not to make any more noise, at least until the end of the Umno AGM which was yesterday. "They told me that I am under surveillance…I was given a caution because yesterday was their closing ceremony. They practically warned me not to have a press conference until they finish their convention," he told FMT. "I told them you cannot stop me from having press conferences… even if I have to go to the Istana Negara, I would do it. If they really force me… I would go in front of the palace and petition the King lah," he said. However, Deepak said he agreed to "give due respect" and cancelled all his media interviews he had lined up for Saturday. He added that he originally thought he would be in danger but when he met the Umno man, "they were very civil". When asked to reveal the names of the individuals he met, Deepak said:"Oh, then I'll be in serious trouble. Then it would be messy." But he added:"I'm not afraid. If I am afraid I wouldn't have come this far. I'm not under any political umbrella or anything." Asked if he was offered anything for his cooperation, Deepak said:" They offered me nothing. This is not something I would negotiate." He said that he would be giving more press conferences to explain things in full soon. Fall-out with Najib's family
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| 'Love for Umno should be instilled among children at home' Posted: 01 Dec 2012 10:32 AM PST
(Bernama) - The strong feeling of love for Umno should be instilled among the children at home so that they would not be influenced by the ploys used by the opposition especially in the increasingly challenging political environment. For Mohd Razali Ahmad, 58, a member from the Lenggong Umno division in Perak, he had adopted this concept for so long that all his five children had become Umno members and their confidence in the party would not be shaken even if they were 'baited' by the opposition. Mohd Razali said he had introduced Umno to his children, aged between 18 and32, when they were still small. "Let's not talk to them about Umno when they are already teenagers. Umno must be introduced at home. "When they think about Umno, then they will ask...what is Umno? We respond by saying...Umno is the United Malay National Organisation...Umno has been championing the Malay cause right from the start," he said. "This is what we want to teach, we talk about Umno, this is the Umno struggle...this is Umno, that is Umno, so that they will love Umno. But if we never mention about Umno at all in our house, how can they love Umno?" he said. "If they go out to pursue higher studies anywhere, the early exposure that we have given them about Umno will certainly remind them about the party. Let others come and talk about anything, they will eventually come back to the struggles of their parents and grandparents. They will love Umno," he said. Meanwhile, a mother of three, Zadariah Ismail, 59, said she had always reminded her three children, aged between 28 and 37, on the Umno struggles for the Malays. "We have to remind our children of our struggles in the past because our children are now living in comfort. "Sometimes I feel sad...really sad. I tell my children that they must remember...without the present government, they may not become what they are today," she said, adding that all her children were now Umno members. |
| Tough for Umno to move as one, analysts say Posted: 01 Dec 2012 10:26 AM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Umno's faithful broke from their final pre-polls huddle last night clearly spirited and re-energised but there was little they gained from the four-day meet, analysts have said, noting that the assembly witnessed nothing more than chest-thumping and finger-pointing rhetoric from party delegates. The only significant takeaway from the assembly for those in attendance, however, was party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak's unity message last night and his repeated reminders for members to stay united and to point their knives outward ― towards the enemy ― rather than at internal rivals. It was a message that was driven home to the hilt, particularly with the country hurtling so quickly forward to the next general election, which must be called by next April. "We must say, declare with loud voices that... even if I am not chosen, I will fully support the candidate chosen by Umno and [Barisan Nasional]," the prime minister had said in his closing speech at Umno's 66th general assembly. A loud chorus of approval came in response, and shouts of "Can!" rocked the cavernous Dewan Merdeka here as delegates clambered to declare their unity. But their enthusiasm and the tears of emotion that poured down some faces when Najib led them into prayer later, may not be enough for Umno to score the win it so badly needs at the ballot boxes. For one, although Najib and his team have been working tirelessly to transform and reinvent Umno in the past four years, it is difficult to say if the party's grassroots, who form the majority of its over three million members, have followed in the party president's steps. This was most apparent during the assembly, when party delegates employed the same opposition-bashing tactics of past meets, despite Najib's advice to offer fresh ideas for the future, instead of dwell on past mistakes. In his policy speech when opening the assembly, Najib had said that Malaysia's voter demographics had changed radically over the past few decades and the youth now made up a significant portion of the electorate. He told delegates that voters today are a more discerning, critical and technology-savvy bunch who would want to see what the government could offer for their future instead of reminisce on past successes. But Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff told The Malaysian Insider that despite this clear message from Najib, there was little mentioned during debates on future reforms and fresh policies that the BN lynchpin could offer the future generation of Malaysians. "From the news, (I) see no direction taken; I only saw endless criticisms against the opposition," he said. The academician agreed that this was clear indication that while Najib and his team of leaders have taken giant leaps forward in their transformational process, much of the party remained behind. "The assembly this time did not bring forward the transformation in Umno that the president has promised. "The hall was merely filled with sentiments and emotion," Agus added. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tough-for-umno-to-move-as-one-analysts-say
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| Empirical evidence: Top-secret colonial files missing in UK Posted: 01 Dec 2012 10:05 AM PST
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| Jeffrey wants ‘Homeland Security’ for Sabah Posted: 01 Dec 2012 05:23 AM PST
The state government should set up its own Homeland Security Division to fill in for the shortcomings of the federal agencies in protecting the people in Sabah. Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Police in Sabah are coming under increasing pressure to send a message to residents that their state is not going to be overrun by what is perceived to be the seedier elements of legal and illegal immigrants flooding the state. The latest to rap the performance of the the police force over growing fears that crime has spiralled out of control in the state over the years is the Sabah chapter of the State Reform Party or STAR Sabah. The opposition party which is gaining rapid grassroots support around the state has suggested that the state government should set up its own Homeland Security Division to fill in for the shortcomings of the federal agencies in protecting the people in Sabah. Party chairman Jeffrey Kitingan made the provocative recommendation while speaking at the launching of its election canvassing unit in Kaingaran, on Saturday. He was responding to the public furore over the alleged murder of Norikoh Saliwa, a 16-year-old student from Kota Marudu last Sunday. Kitingan noted that the public outrage over the teenager's death was reflected in the torrent of postings on social network sites with the vast majority blaming Sabah's teeming population of immigrants. The STAR Sabah chairman pointed out that one of the key factors which pushed Sabah to join with neighbour Sarawak and Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963 was the security threats from Indonesia and Philippines. The idea being that being in the federation would provide better security for the state and its people. "However, the federal agencies responsible for Sabah's security and borders have failed to live up to the people's expectations. "Therefore, Sabah must have its own Homeland Security to ensure the better safety of its citizens and its borders in the wake of increasing crimes being committed by foreigners/illegal immigrants
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| ‘Govt must investigate Musa Hassan’ Posted: 01 Dec 2012 05:16 AM PST
Never trust an individual who badmouths his organisation, much less an organisation which he had helmed for four years, says ex-MACC advisory panelist Robert Phang. (FMT) - The government should initiate investigation against former IGP Musa Hassan over claims of his alleged triad links, his alleged role in undermining several senior police officers as well as alleged abuses of power during his tenure as the police chief. Making this call today, former MACC advisory panelist Robert Phang, said only such an investigation, or even perhaps a royal commission, would reveal the truth about Musa. "Musa has no sense of loyalty to the organisation that has given him his livelihood and his lifetime career. "As a rule-of-thumb, I will never trust an individual who badmouths his organisation, much less an organisation which he had helmed for four years," said Phang. Phang was referring to Musa's revelations earlier this week that the police force had been infiltrated by criminal elements and that the current IGP Ismail Omar was weak in heading the police force. He also claimed that there had been political interventions, including from the Home Ministry, even during his time as the IGP. He said the presence of criminal elements was the reason for the rising crime rate in the country. Coming to the defence of the police force and Ismail, Phang said the crime statistics had increased under Musa's tenure and the situation had only started to turn around after his retirement in 2010. "If truth be told, Tan Sri Ismail Omar, the current IGP has now managed the Herculean task to return crime rate to the pre-Musa Hassan time. "Thus Musa's attacks against Ismail is clearly unwarranted and below the belt. The current IGP has managed to clean up the mess left by his predecessor, both in terms of crime rate and in terms of restoring the morale of the police force. "What I see before me is that Musa has failed as a leader when he was the IGP, and currently lacks the humility to comprehend just that," said Phang. 'I remember history' Phang, a member of the National Crime Prevention Foundation, also revealed his knowledge on Musa's contract extensions as the national police chief. "I am an old man, and I remember history. Musa says that after he clashed with Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on his powers as IGP, his contract was terminated. That is a lie. "The truth is that Musa had his contract extended twice. He was so cunning that he placed people who can pose no threat to him in the succession line of the PDRM." He added that Musa had also ensured that those who can succeed him will retire before him, and claimed that Musa had a mercurial rise to become the IGP by "fixing people up". "There are still people from the force with enough knowledge about all these. Some had been sidelined, others faced trumped-up charges, and one even had prepared a statutory declaration to reveal the truth," he said.
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| Umno runs down LGBT, pluralism, liberalism as assembly ends Posted: 30 Nov 2012 03:57 PM PST
Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider Umno today wrapped up its final assembly before the polls with delegates calling for action against advocates of anti-Islam elements such as homosexuality and those who propagate pluralism and liberalism in mainly Muslim Malaysia. While debating the issue of education and religion, one delegate even suggested a rehabilitation centre for the maligned lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community. "We want to transform them from zaman kejahilan (dark age of ignorance)," Tanjong representative Mohd Shaharudin Mohd Hasan Tajudin told the over 2,000 delegates at Umno's cavernous Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here. Shaharudin also suggested that high school students be taught to reject the LGBT lifestyle — along with pluralism and liberalism — in their religious education. Another delegate, Datuk Ariffin Mohd Arif from Kimanis, called for an official sanction against those who spread pluralism and liberalism, which he called a "teaching of the Devil". "Just like al-Arqam ... we must take action against these people. Our actions must be strict, and we must not budge," Ariffin said. The religious issues elicited animated responses from the delegates, with Shaharudin exclaiming that Umno fighters shall be "bathed in blood" should anyone mock Islamic principles. "This LGBT is haram in Islam. (But the opposition) is making LGBT halal ... they even said that the law on sodomy is obsolete," said Pendang delegate Mohd Kamal Saidin, who accused Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the man responsible for this. The ruling coalition and the opposition have been at loggerheads on the issues of LGBT, pluralism and liberalism, which are deemed sensitive in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Earlier this week, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had objected to the inclusion of LGBT rights when signing ASEAN's first human rights charter recently, saying Malaysia could not accept principles that go against the order of human nature. The deputy prime minister took a swipe at Anwar when warning him against legitimising these "twisted practices" just because they were accepted by western nations, suggesting that it was the opposition leader's "hobby". The Malaysian government recently came under heavy fire again when it was reported to have endorsed a list of identifiable gay and lesbian traits for schools and parents, purportedly to prevent the spread of the phenomenon among teenagers, especially students. The controversial guideline, listed by the Chinese-language Sin Chew Daily, said that gay men have muscular bodies and like to show off by wearing V-necks and sleeveless clothes, prefer tight and light-coloured clothing, are attracted to men and like to carry big handbags similar to those used by women. Lesbians are said to be attracted to women, like to eat, sleep and hang out in the company of other women and have no affection for men, according to the report. It was later reported that the Ministry of Education had never authorised nor endorsed the guidelines.
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| BN will recapture all Pakatan states, win two-thirds majority, say Umno leaders Posted: 30 Nov 2012 03:53 PM PST
Puad said BN has its fingers on the pulse of today's voters. Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Umno is confident of wresting back all four Pakatan Rakyat-led (PR) states and even recapturing its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the coming polls, buoyed by a strong belief that the Najib government's reformist measures have successfully impressed the Malaysian electorate. Several leaders told The Malaysian Insider that Umno is now fully prepared to march to the battle lines, having struggled through four years of heavy transformation from the party's administration to the mindsets of its over three million members. Emerging fully charged after the second day of the party's assembly here yesterday, the leaders wasted no breath in declaring that achieving two-thirds is no longer an aspiration for Umno but a comfortable reality. "Of course," Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said, when asked if the party was confident it would once again occupy two-thirds of Parliament's 222 seats after the polls. "I believe that we will win back two-thirds and we will get back at least all the four Pakatan states... including Kelantan and Penang," he added. Kelantan has been in PAS's hands since 1990. Generous estimates of Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances at the ballot boxes have included Kelantan as a possible casualty for PR but most observers believe that the federal opposition pact will withstand any onslaught in Penang. Despite this, Tengku Adnan was not alone in his prediction. Former Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim appeared to agree that Penang should not be regarded as impossible to recapture. "We are confident of getting back Kedah, even Kelantan and Selangor... and Perlis, of course. Maybe we have to work harder in Penang," he said of the state led by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng. Umno deputy minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi was equally as confident as his party colleagues of BN's chances next polls. "Oh definitely, two-thirds majority. I'm very confident," he told The Malaysian Insider.  Tengku Adnan is confident Umno will win back all the four Pakatan states. The bespectacled son of Malaysia's second prime minister has already earned himself the title of "Father of Transformation" for his countless transformative initiatives and reform measures that include historic legislative changes. Key among these was Najib's decision to pull the Internal Security Act (ISA) from Malaysia's statute books, a long-time demand of opposition leaders and civil society groups. The prime minister also enacted a fresh law to regulate mass public gatherings, which was in the past deemed a crime under section 27 of the Police Act. He even mooted amendments to allow greater media freedom and permit student participation in politics, keeping to his promise to widen civil liberties in Malaysia. "This is a big example of walking the talk. Najib is clearly serious about making changes and although he ruled without a two-thirds majority, it did not pose as a hurdle to his intention to fulfil his promises," Puad said. The deputy education minister added that Najib and BN also have their fingers on the pulse of today's voters and have acknowledged that it would be the fence sitters, new voters, youths and women who will determine their future at the ballot boxes. He explained that this was why Najib has been pulling out all the stops in ensuring he remains close to these voter groups by keeping in touch with them constantly and doling out initiatives tailored specifically for them. As examples, Puad pointed to the BN Youth job fair, the My First Home scheme for young homeowners and even the extension of Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia to the youth group. But apart from BN's tireless campaign to shore up support, the Umno leaders pointed out that voters have also begun returning to the ruling pact because they have had time to weigh in on the promises dished out by those in PR. They repeated old lines of the purported failure by PR member parties to strike a cohesive agreement to iron out key ideological differences which, they said, could prove detrimental if the pact comes to power without resolving these issues. Over the past few days of the assembly, delegates have been warning of instability in the nation under a PR federal government, largely due to the protracted dispute between PAS and the DAP over the former party's struggle for an Islamic state and hudud laws. Shahidan said it was due to BN's power-sharing formula that Malaysians have managed to enjoy decades of peace among the races, warning that this could be ruptured under PR. "In Malaysia, if you want a strong government and you do not want a crisis, they you need this formula," he said. He said that even though Umno is a race-based party like some of its partners in BN, it was not "racist". "But somehow, because we still see some disparity between the races, we have to fight for our respective races... this is important in a sense because one race would know about their community better than others," he said. The Malaysian Insider reported in October that BN expects to win more than the 140 federal seats it took in Election 2008 despite the onslaught and talk by PR that it can capture Putrajaya in the next general election.
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| ‘DAP’s partisan politics will backfire’ Posted: 30 Nov 2012 02:04 PM PST
People in Penang want to see the party in constructive engagement with its opponents, says Gerakan. Hawkeye, FMT GEORGE TOWN: The DAP's tendency to indulge in partisan politics will backfire in the long term, says a state Gerakan leader. Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Wong Mun Hoe said the people in the state now would prefer to see the party engaged constructively with its opponents rather than to run them down endlessly. Since 2008, DAP has been engaged in partisan politics, criticising its rivals at every turn and corner, he said. "For the DAP, it is either you are with me or against me. This had been its adage for a very long time. Now that the party is in government, this sort of attitude is opened for all to see," he said in an interview. The public does not like what it is seeing, Wong added. Hence, a growing list of deractors have emerged in Penang, amid accusations that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has become a cocky and arrogant person, he said. "The critics are not necessarily from the Barisan Nasional. Everyone in Penang from the hawkers to the trishaw peddlers hold strong opinions [about the state government]. Can Lim accept criticism?" For example, Wong said the DAP-led Penang government was now embroiled in an alleged disagreement with the PAS-led state government in Kedah over a deal to supply raw water from the Muda River. Lim has denied the existence of such a deal but Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak had reportedly told a recent State Legislative Assembly sitting that is neighbour (Penang) has agreed to purchase water from Kedah. When Penang BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow spoke about the conflicting statements from both, the DAP turned around and asked him (Teng) to resign, Wong said. "Almost every DAP statement is about asking its opponents to step down." When its rivals pointed out that DAP's has own "skeletons in the closet," the party leaders became paranoid and issued gag orders on their own members, Wong said.
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| RM40m Sabah Umno ‘donation’ is pittance, say Umno delegates Posted: 29 Nov 2012 02:21 PM PST
Several Umno members appeared today to dismiss the controversy over Sabah Umno's RM40 million "political donation", saying the sum was pittance compared to the millions the party dishes out during elections. Arsit Sedi @ Sidik, a delegate from Sabah, even described the sum as "a very small dot" and revealed that in the Putatan constituency in his home state, Umno would have to spend up to RM6 million during the polls. "RM40 million is a small sum, I don't think it can even support the next election. "The amount needed is very high, especially Sabah. If you are talking RM40 million, it is not enough to even move the election machinery. "RM40 million is a very small dot only," he told The Malaysian Insider when approached on the sidelines of Umno's 66th general assembly here. Sabah Umno chief Datuk Musa Aman has been at the centre of allegations linking him to a RM40 million corruption scandal that the opposition has been using as fodder to discredit the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government in its east Malaysian fortress. The issue hit media headlines last month when Umno minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz told Parliament that Musa had been cleared of corruption and money-laundering allegations in a case involving Sabah timber trader Michael Chia. Musa's alleged link with Chia first exploded in the media following an April article by whistleblower site Sarawak Report, which had claimed that latter was caught trying to leave the Hong Kong International Airport with the RM40 million in Singapore currency. At the time, Chia had allegedly told the authorities that the money was meant for Musa, kicking off a probe on the series of funds transfers from Malaysia to Hong Kong that was then believed to be the possible laundering of monies generated from illegal logging activities in Sabah. But Nazri said Musa's name was cleared after Malaysian and Hong Kong anti-graft authorities found that the money was a "political donation" to Sabah Umno and was not meant for Musa's personal use. In the ensuing debates on the issue, however, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers chided Nazri for declaring Musa innocent without providing proof that Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) had cleared the chief minister of its own accord. According to Nazri, the ICAC had closed the case after the MACC discovered in its probe that the money in Chia's possession was meant for Sabah Umno and not Musa.
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| Umno rejects Islamic liberalism, pluralism Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:42 PM PST
(fz.com) - Umno will always strongly reject a pluralistic or liberal understanding of Islam, party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said. He said that Umno has and will always defend and protect Islam as the Federal religion. "We are strongly against those who support pluralism and liberalism (in Islam)," he said in his opening speech at the Umno annual general assembly. Taking on Islamic PAS head-on, Najib said that Islam must be defended through concrete policies and not only with rhetoric. He said that Umno was the party which has allowed Islam to prosper as a way of life in Malaysia. He listed down several policies pertaining to Islam which the government has carried out such as the Lembaga Tabung Haji to assist Muslims to fulfil the obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, the support for the Islamic banking industry that does not charge interest and Malaysia's commitment to assisting Palestinians. "We may even be the first country to open a Palestinian embassy here in the future," he said. He also took a dig at PAS which recently held a prayer for Umno's destruction during the party's annual general meeting. "Their behaviour is weird. At the moment when our Muslim brothers are suffering in Gaza and are in need of solidarity of Muslims, they (PAS) here are busy praying for the destruction of others," he said. Unsurprisingly, rhetorical criticism of PAS had been one of the major talking points with the delegates yesterday. The theme came up on several occasions in the delegates' presentations when they were debating Najib's speech. Kepala Batas division delegate Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that PAS was a party that propagated deviant teachings of Islam. He cited the example of PAS spiritual leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat's recent label of Umno as a parti murtad saying that it has strayed from the teaching of Islam. "PAS itself is a party that is deviant in its teachings," he said.
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| Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:38 PM PST
Migrant workers from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia often take up dangerous jobs which locals do not want to do [Sarah Yeo/Al Jazeera] (Al Jazeera) - The deaths of thousands of migrant workers in recent years bring Malaysia's safety standards into question Thousands of foreign workers have died in Malaysia in recent years from accidents, illnesses and suicide. They work in so-called '3D' conditions - dirty, dangerous and difficult. Critics say the death rate is a result of slack safety standards, poor housing conditions and weak enforcement of laws to protect them. Last year, more than 1,000 foreign workers died from accidents, illnesses and suicide. Malaysia is the largest importer of labour in Asia. Migrant workers provide cheap labour in construction, manufacturing and plantation industries. There are more than three million foreign workers, of which nearly a third is undocumented. Most of the migrant workers come from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Nepal. Desperate to repay debts from the high recruitment agency fees and under financial pressure from their families back home, migrant workers are vulnerable to exploitation. Many suffer non-payment of wages, abuse, serious injuries and even death. On this episode, the 101 East team meets those who risk it all to make a living in Malaysia and ask: Is enough being done to keep them safe? 101 East airs each week at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630. Click here for more 101 East.
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| Najib: Umno and BN offer Malaysians the best Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:28 PM PST
(The Star) - DATUK Seri Najib Tun Razak told voters that they face a choice in the next general election between a proven Barisan Nasional and an inconsistent Opposition that has a track record of unfulfilled promises. Opening the last Umno general assembly before the polls, the party president said: "The choice before you is between Barisan Nasional as a party with holistic plans for the future of the country and an Opposition that is chaotic and confused about its aim of whether to make Malaysia secular, theocratic or a welfare state." Urging Malaysians not to gamble with their future, the Prime Minister and Barisan chairman said they should not look upon the election as an experiment. Najib began his 90-minute speech by reminding Umno members that unity and discipline were key to success in the polls to come, with Parliament's term expiring on April 28.  "Now that the war drums have been sounded, it is time to prepare our strategy and consolidate our team ... and return to the people to renew our mandate," Najib said. He then appealed directly to the audience beyond Dewan Merdeka at the Putra World Trade Centre, presenting his case on why Umno and Barisan were the only viable choice for the country's 13.1 million voters. "We believe that Malaysians have a right to get the best Government and we are certain that it is Umno and Barisan which are capable of offering the best for Malaysians," he added. Najib said there was a view that it was not wrong to give an opportunity to the Opposition to hold power to evaluate their capability in managing the country. "The risk is high because the future of the country, our families and children is too valuable to be made the subject of an experiment," he said. The Prime Minister urged Malaysians to evaluate Barisan by considering whether its past promises had been fulfilled, and whether new pledges would bring more benefits to the people. The Opposition meanwhile should be evaluated on whether the promises that they were now making were believable and achievable. If not, then it should be better not to support them, Najib said.  Show of strength: Najib and other party leaders holding Barisan flags while singing the BN anthem at the Umno General Assembly in PWTC.Defending Barisan's track record, Najib noted that Malaysia was recognised by the World Economic Forum as being among the 20 most competitive countries in the world. The Government had also raised the country's per capita Gross National Income from US$6,700 (RM20,100) in 2009 to US$9,700, (RM29,100) in 2011, he said. On the other hand, the Opposition's populist pledges, which included abolishing tolls and public academic institution students loans, would increase the country's deficit to almost 30% in the first year of implementation alone, Najib added. He said that while the Opposition included the abolition of the Internal Security Act in its Buku Jingga manifesto, Barisan not only did away with the ISA but also went on to scrap related laws such as the Restricted Residence and Banishment Act. Najib criticised Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim whom he described as an inconsistent political chameleon who tailored his message according to his audience. Referring to the special prayers PAS performed for the destruction of Umno, Najib said: "At a time when our fellow Muslims in Gaza were facing disaster and in need of solidarity, some here were busy calling for the downfall of fellow Muslims." Najib said that it was PAS that had caused a rift among Muslims after current party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang issued an "edict" in 1981 which declared Umno an infidel organisation.
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| Stop fooling Malays with racial sentiments, Zuraida tells Shahrizat Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:23 PM PST
Ida Lim, The Malaysian Insider PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin has told her Umno counterpart Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to stop fooling Malays with racial sentiments. "Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil should not play with politics of racial sentiment because it is not in line with the 1 Malaysia concept that is dilaung-laungkan (raised) by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak," Zuraida said in a statement. Najib is also chairman of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and president of its mainstay party Umno. Zuraida said Malaysians have long lived in unity, but claimed that political foe Umno has been playing dirty politics. "Just look at Perkasa which frequently makes various racial and religious provocations that have caused all sorts of negative reactions towards non-Malay voters," she said, referring to the Malay right-wing group that is seen to have close ties with Umno. "Why would Malays be sidelined if they lose political power? After over 50 years of Umno in power as the government, is that not enough time to bring up the living standards of the Malays?" Zuraida claimed that the Malays who have helped economically by the government were the family members and cronies of Umno politicians, while the people only got leftovers. She also pointed to the alleged involvement of Umno members in bribery scandals as a reason for the people losing confidence in the party's ability to fight for their rights. "So I want to remind Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to stop the shallow politics of fooling Malays with racial sentiments because the people are not stupid and can judge between diamond and glass." The Malaysian Insider had reported on Wednesday that Shahrizat raised the May 13 riots during the opening of the Wanita Umno general assembly here to encourage delegates to work harder for Umno's victory. She told nearly 1,000 delegates at the PWTC that a weak Umno would spread uneasiness among the Malay community and possibly invite the same racial conflict that caused the bloodshed during the 1969 tragedy. "Do we want to have such a terrible situation repeated in our country? Of course we do not," she had said, according to the text copy of her opening address to those gathered at Dewan Merdeka here. Shahrizat said Umno must overcome five key challenges to strengthen itself ahead of the coming polls, including fighting off its foes in PAS, attracting more young voters and ensuring that the Malays continue to hold political power. "If we no longer have power, then the country's political stability will be affected. "I fear that this could lead to a racial tension that could invite the same tragedy of May 13, 1969," she said. The upcoming 13th general election is expected to be a closely-fought battle between BN and PR when the federal mandate ends by next April.
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| Rep faces fine over alleged sexist remarks Posted: 29 Nov 2012 01:13 PM PST
(The Star) - An assemblyman may end up having RM5,000 docked from his allowance for allegedly making sexist remarks at the state assembly. Gan Pei Nei (PKR-Rawang) filed the motion against Datuk Mohd Isa Abu Kasim (BN-Batang Kali) for making the alleged remarks during the state assembly last Thursday. Mohd Isa was said to have told state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong "to remember to take care of your own forest" during the debate. The following day, Mohd Isa denied that the remarks were sexist in nature, saying he only commented on Wong's work in maintaining the state's forest reserves. "I did not make any such statement. The Hansard can prove that I did not say it when it is released," he said. At a press conference at the state assembly lobby yesterday, Gan said a fine was not enough to teach Mohd Isa a lesson and recommended he go for counselling sessions as well. "A fine will serve to highlight the seriousness of his remarks. Not just a fine, Mohd Isa needs to go for counselling too," she said. Rodziah Ismail (PKR-Batu Tiga) said it must be made compulsory for Mohd Isa to attend a "crash course" on gender sensitivities. Wong accused Mohd Isa of interjecting during the debate just to humiliate her. "At the workplace, it would constitute sexual harassment. But in the Dewan, what he said is protected by privilege," she said. On Monday, MPs proposed a change to Parliament rules, where Standing Order 36 now reads: "It shall be out of order for Members of the House to use offensive language or make a sexist remark." However, Selangor state assembly Speaker Datuk Teng Chang Khim said there was no need to emulate Parliament as members of the House could ask for the offending statement to be retracted or file a motion on the matter.
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| Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:28 PM PST
The crossover of two senior BN men to opposition STAR means Sabah leaders are beginning to accept the reality of the unfair treatment, says Jeffrey Kitingan. Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Maverick Sabah opposition leader Jeffrey Kitingan had something to smile about this week. Two former Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition party leaders jumped ship and joined him in the State Reform Party (STAR). After months of watching Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition leaders going rogue but refraining from joining his Sabah and Borneo-centric party, Kitingan welcomed two more BN want-aways into his fold on Tuesday. Patrick Paunil, a former United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun and Murut Organisation (Upko) division secretary and John Bague, a senior leader from Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) have joined Sabah STAR along with their supporters to provide the local party with fresh impetus as it prepares for the 13th general election. The crossover will come as a much needed boost for Kitingan whose pleas to his fellow Sabahan politicians to ditch the BN over its decidedly peninsula-bias stand at the expense of Sabah have so far been ignored including by his elder brother Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the de facto leader of the native Kadazandusun community. Kitingan's relief that at least some BN leaders are listening to pleas was discernible in his welcome speech to the duo and their supporters at the launching of the party's Timbou polling district election body in Tambunan, on Tuesday. "Sabah BN leaders should emulate the both of you and take up the challenge to fight for the restoration of Sabah's rights and autonomy and to stop the colonisation and further damage to Sabah," he said. "A change of the BN support in Sabah will also lead to a change of the BN federal government and stop the rot in Sabah. "In the true spirit of Sabah rights and autonomy in a true Malaysia federation, the time has arrived for all Sabahans to stand up and unite and remove the BN state government and take charge of their future destiny," he said.
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| After speaking to media, ‘Carpetman’ finds himself unwanted in his companies Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:43 AM PST
(Harakah) - Deepak Jaikishan said he was pressured by his board to resign from 26 companies where he is a director following his interviews with alternative news portals, including Harakahdaily. "This morning I was asked by my board of directors to resign from all the 26 companies where I am a director because of the controversy involving Altantuya and private investigator Bala (Subramaniam)," he said during his press conference yesterday. Deepak said he was pressured as soon as he finished interview with various news portals. "Especially my interview with Harakah (daily), and I have been asked to resign from all 26 companies," he said. Deepak also claimed that his families members had also objected to him coming out in the open. However, he insisted on continuing his expose as he strongly believed that the controversy would not rest until Mongolian citizen Altantuya Shaariibuu who was murdered in 2006 using a C4-bomb, a weapon available only in the army's arsenal, received a just trial. "We all know Altantuya did not get the fair trial. This case cannot be silenced anymore," he added. Deepak was heavily involved in the saga of P Balasubramaniam, the private investigator who issued a damning statutory declaration implicating prime minister Najib Razak of an affair with murdered Altantuya only to retract it the next day. Two days ago, he had told various news portals about his relationship with Najib's family and explained that his involvement with Bala was unintentional as he only meant to help a drowning friend. "So I jumped into the pool to help a friend. I felt at that time, I was the only one (they) sought after for help. It's not that I helped directly. The lawyer was theirs, I just helped in coordinating," he said, who quickly replied "Najib's family" when asked whom he meant by 'theirs'. On another development, Deepak and his company Astacanggih Sdn Bhd were suing a UMNO wanita leader over a fraud transaction involving three plots of land in Bukit Raja, Selangor. It was learnt that the 233 acres of land worth RM72 million was sold by the government to the UMNO wanita leader, who then sold it to Astacanggih for RM120 million. However, the transaction did not materialise despite multiple payments being made. It was understood that the UMNO wanita leader had then sold off the plots of land to another company at the price tag of RM150 million.
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| No plans yet to bring Musa Hasan into PKR Posted: 28 Nov 2012 08:03 PM PST
PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says if there is an application from the former IGP, then it would be given special attention. Alyaa Azhar, FMT There are no plans to bring former IGP Musa Hassan into the PKR fold just yet. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that when someone 'important' decides to join the party, the application is given special attention. "Approval of applications is done on a monthly basis. When we have distinguished names of 'big people', of course we take note of it," he said. There has been some talk that Musa is leaning towards the opposition with his constant attacks on his former employers – the Barisan Nasional government. Yesterday Musa at a press conference accused Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein of interfering with police affairs. Musa is the patron of a new NGO called Malaysian Crime Watch Task Force (MyWatch). When asked if Anwar Ibrahim would be the stumbling block if Musa wants to join PKR, Saifuddin said the decision is made collectively. "When there are applications made by big names, the decision to approve them is made by the party leadership," he said. He explained that usually the supreme council members will come up with the decision. He further stated that it is definitely not done by an individual.
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| Lawyer flays Deepak for land scam claim Posted: 28 Nov 2012 05:17 PM PST
Controversial businessman Deepak Jaikishan (right) is represented by PKR leader Sivarasa Rasiah. Chua Sue-Ann, fz.com A senior lawyer flayed controversial businessman Deepak Jaikishan today for apparently making up allegations of land fraud by a Wanita Umno leader that is now the subject of a court case. Deepak was the sole plaintiff witness and shareholder of Astacanggih Sdn Bhd, the private company that is suing Awan Megah (M) Sdn Bhd for rights to three parcels of land measuring 223 acres in Bukit Raja, Klang. Astacanggih claims that Awan Megah, a vehicle of Senator Datuk Raja Ropiaah Raja Abdullah, resold part of the land that was initally sold to Astacanggih. When cross-examined by Awan Megah's counsel Datuk Saseedharan Menon, Deepak said Awan Megah resold the land to Gunnyunip Sdn Bhd but the deal, which was masked as a joint venture, was "merely a facade of an actual sale where they took money and banking facilities". Saseedharan objected to Deepak's statement as hearsay. "No documents are given. It is hearsay. This is a creation of his own, a figment of his own mind!" an exasperated Saseedharan told the court. In describing the turn of events, Deepak claimed that Astacanggih had on May 16, 2007 entered into an agreement with Awan Megah to acquire government land that was awarded to Awan Megah. Awan Megah was awarded the land and RM28 million cash in exchange for developing a defence education centre called Pusat Pengajian Pertahanan Nasional (Puspahanas) in Putrajaya. Deepak claimed Astacanggih paid Awan Megah RM13 million and procured a RM72.5 million land bond in favour of the government as the purchase consideration for the three pieces of land. But the deal fell through when Awan Megah failed to hand over the land rights. Deepak said he filed a police report and lodged a caveat on the land after he found out this year that Awan Megah had on July 9, 2007 sold one of the three land parcels to Guppyunip for a joint venture. Deepak also alleged that Astacanggih had to seek special permission from the then Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to transfer the land privatised to Awan Megah to a nominee company called Cebur Megah Sdn Bhd. According to Deepak, he had discussed the matter with Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor whom he claimed later arranged for him to meet Najib. Deepak further alleged that Najib had consented to the transfer of land to Cebur Megah and instructed the defence ministry deputy secretary-general to arrange the paperwork. During cross examination, Deepak however admitted that he did not know if the land in question had already been transfered to Awan Megah or Cebur Megah from the government. Deepak also claimed he was unaware of letters sent by Awan Megah's solicitors that the land could not be transferred due to objections from the Selangor state authorities on the subdivision of the land. Earlier during the hearing, High Court Judge Datin Zabariah Mohd Yusof instructed Deepak to refrain from mentioning the political positions held by Raja Ropiaah as the details were not relevant but Deepak pleaded that it was relevant to show "political conspiracy". Zabariah also warned Deepak, who was represented by PKR leaders Sivarasa Rasiah and N Surendran, not to use the court process to embarrass certain parties. "I hope you don't go overboard. We don't want to put any inference that is not in the pleadings. "Once you say things you cannot just erase it, especially now I know the press are here," Zabariah said referring to the presence of reporters at the hearing. Aside from Deepak, defence called one witness to the stand, lawyer Nasir Zihni Yusoff, who is Awan Megah's solicitor. The court will hear submissions from both parties on Dec 4. Deepak earlier told fz.com that the 223-acre land is now worth about RM400 million with a gross development value of RM11 billion if developed in phases.
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| Umno chosen by God, says Reezal Posted: 28 Nov 2012 05:13 PM PST
Hazlan Zakaria, Malaysiakini Umno is the party chosen by God to liberate the chosen land of Malaysia and to uplift the chosen race of the Malays, claimed Umno Youth information chief Reezal Merican Naina Merican. "Remember, we are mukhtarin, the chosen ones," he told the Umno general assembly while debating the president's address. He explained that God is the true authority over all governments and shall give power to those that He has chosen.
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| Hisham dismisses ex-IGP’s claims as distraction from Umno assembly Posted: 28 Nov 2012 05:05 PM PST
Mohd Farhan Darwis, The Malaysian Insider Tan Sri Musa Hassan's claim yesterday that the government interferes in police matters is merely an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing Umno general assembly, party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today. Hishammuddin, who was named by the former Inspector-General of Police as among those who interferes in police investigations, added that the issue has already been discussed and explained in Parliament. "There are parties trying to divert (attention) with side issues... I hope the public will not be confused with their agenda. "It is an attempt to divert from issues here (Umno assembly)," he told a press conference at the Umno general assembly here. Musa dropped a bombshell at a press conference yesterday when he named Hishammuddin (picture) as among the ministers and politicians whom he claimed would regularly interfere in police matters during his term as IGP. The former top cop described his working relationship with Hishammuddin as cordial, but the home minister did not see eye-to-eye with him on the command of the police force. "When I found out that instructions were given to junior officers and OCPDs (Officer in Charge of Police Districts) without my knowledge, then something is wrong. "So I highlighted to him the section 4(1) of Police Act ... command and control of the police force is by the IGP, not a minister. "I talked to him nicely, he didn't like it ... that's why (my tenure) was not extended," Musa claimed. Musa, who retired as IGP in September 2010, even suggested that the practice still continues today, saying that his refusal to indulge those who tried to interfere was likely the reason why his contract was not renewed.
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| ‘For Indians’ sake, let’s talk to Pakatan’ Posted: 28 Nov 2012 04:44 PM PST
MIC leader S Vell Paari is proposing that the party holds unity talks with Indian opposition and NGO leaders in order to address the community's woes. B Nantha Kumar, FMT MIC, which is the largest Indian-based political party in the country, should initiate talks with Indian opposition and NGO leaders for the betterment of the community. This suggestion was put forth by MIC communication chief S Vell Paari during the party's recent Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting. He told FMT that MIC should aggressively pursue the idea of holding unity talks with Indian leaders whether from DAP or PKR and work towards a united approach to solving the community's woes. "If Umno can invite PAS for such talks on Malay unity, why not MIC? The unity talk would only strengthen the community and enable it to make certain demands that is good for the community. "A united front would be the way to go for Malaysian Indians. "Mistakes were made in the past but we must ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated. If not our children and granchildren would face the same predicaments," he added. Citing the Hindraf rally in 2007, Vell Paari said that the movement had invited MIC to a discussion then but the latter turned it down. "We refused Hindraf's invitation just to defend Umno's stand of banning Hindraf and declaring it an illegal movement. "But today, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is ready to talk with Hindraf to gain votes in the upcoming election. Thus, it is clear that the current situation is different," he said. "I am sure those in the opposition also want a better life for the community. So let's start by working together," he added. Vell Paari, who is the son of former MIC president S Samy Vellu, revealed that the CWC had not made a decision on his proposal. He also stressed that the unity talk proposal was his personal stand.
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| Ex-IGP: 6P encourages human trafficking Posted: 28 Nov 2012 04:32 PM PST
Musa Hassan also says former minster Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad cannot claim ignorance of the operations of the company in which he is a director. Teoh El Sen, FMT Former Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan weighed in on the controversy surrounding the 6P amnesty programme, alleging that the way the government had conducted it was akin to human trafficking. "When you privatise 6P and foreign labour, and allow third parties to be making money out of it… this can regarded as human trafficking," Musa told FMT. Although more than 300 6P agents were appointed by the government, Musa said that it does not stop the outsourced companies, including unlicensed agents, from exploiting foreigners. "Why do you need a third party to do it for you? That is not really good. Because you already have the proper channels and agencies in charge of this. "Managing foreign workers is the job of the Immigration Department and Labour Department. You don't need to privatise it, which opens it up to manipulation," he said. Musa also said former Home Minister Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad cannot claim ignorance of the operations of SNT Universal Corporation Sdn Bhd, a 6P agent, being probed for abuses. "Being a director in the company, Radzi cannot say that he doesn't know what the company is doing. He should know," said Musa. Musa: Things must be done properly FMT, in a series of articles, exposed SNT Universal Corporation Sdn Bhd to be behind the exploitation of foreign workers, mainly Bangladeshis. The company has been accused of committing several offences, including cheating by falsely claiming to be able to register foreigners under the 6P programme and getting work permits for them, and setting up dozens of bogus employment agencies. Those working in the company were also accused of assaulting these foreigners, an episode of which was captured on CCTV recordings.
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| Sabah Umno has the most number of members Posted: 28 Nov 2012 01:25 PM PST
(The Star) - Sabah Umno holds the record as having the highest membership in the country. Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said Sabah had 505, 852 members, and Kampung Kinosop in Libaran Sabah had 1,837 members, the highest at branch level. Nationwide, Umno has 3,386 274 members. Umno has also changed its membership application procedure to enable members to apply directly to the party headquarters. "Applications would be returned to the respective division to be forwarded to the respective branch. "If in two months there is no action, the new membership application would be automatically accepted,'' he said at the Umno assembly at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday that was attended by 2,718 delegates. Umno also welcomed 57 foreign delegates representing 24 parties from 21 countries. The delegates from Palestine were greeted with standing ovation. Tengku Adnan said the assembly also saw a large media presence with 1,782 crew from 102 local and foreign media organisations. Also present were former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Others include MCA president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, and MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel.
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| 'Bala's U-turn foiled Anwar-Umno's Altantuya expose' Posted: 28 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST
Nigel Aw, Malaysiakini The second statutory declaration (SD) of private investigator (PI) P Balasubramaniam was hastily drafted as part of an effort to thwart a planned confession on the Altantuya murder organised by politicians from both sides of the divide. Bala made his second SD immediately after withdrawing his earlier accusation linking Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, businessperson Deepak Jaikishan claims.
However, he added, the personalities named in the first SD had moved in to prevent that from happening. And those who pushed the second SD were those wanting to ensure Najib becomes prime minister? A fallout with Najib's family However, Deepak said he did not know who was responsible.
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| Khairy: We’ll smash Opposition’s arguments Posted: 28 Nov 2012 01:05 PM PST
(The Star) - UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has issued the movement's battle cry, promising to counter each of the Opposition's attacks against Barisan Nasional and the Government. "We will debate them in Parliament, we will smash their arguments in coffee shops, and we will expose their lies in cyberspace. "We will defeat these traitors of the nation. We will fight, we will attack, we will lay this wretched Pakatan Rakyat coalition into the ground," he said in his policy speech, drawing roars of approval from the delegates. In the speech titled "Between Two Futures", Khairy cautioned the people against believing Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who had painted a rosy picture if Pakatan won, including its promises of reduced fuel prices, abolishment of tolls payment and cheaper cars. "The promises would cost more than RM200bil to fulfil in the first year alone," he said. "This is the crux of the matter. If they deliver on their populist promises, the nation will go bankrupt and drown in a sea of debt. Or it may well be their intention to fulfil the short-sighted wishes of their de facto leader to drive the country to the edge of ruin before being rescued by his band of friends at the IMF."  Unity is strength: Khairy (centre) and his deputy Datuk Razali Ibrahim (fourth from left) together with top Umno council members posing for photographs during the Umno Assembly 2012 at PWTC. Khairy said the track record of Pakatan in its four states was rife with unfulfilled promises. He cited the Selangor government's Child Heritage Fund which promised to issue fixed deposit certificates of RM100 for every Selangor-born child. Despite 61,000 applications, he claimed only 36% were approved. He noted how Universiti Selangor, which recorded RM5.97mil in profits in 2008, went into the red two years later. As for Kelantan, Khairy noted the failure of the state government's Ladang Rakyat project that was meant to assist the poor through dividends. He also trained his guns on Kedah, which he said made investments overseas without proper internal approval and which had seen cases of unqualified contractors appointed to undertake projects. "Such is the poor management of Pakatan, where lands are being confiscated, allocations are being sacrificed, the environment is disrespected and financial management severely compromised," he said.
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| 20 ‘gates’ to shut out Pakatan from Selangor Posted: 28 Nov 2012 01:03 PM PST
(The Star) - A WANITA Umno delegate detailed 20 dalil (reasons) why Pakatan Rakyat should be ejected from Selangor. Selangor Wanita information chief Datin Paduka Mesrah Selamat listed down the various "gates" which broke in the state since Pakatan took over in 2008, including the Talam issue. "There is the Talam-gate scandal with questionable deals involving RM1bil when the state could not even repair the lifts at a district office. Then there is the manifesto-gate where Pakatan failed to fulfill election manifesto. (Also) water-gate, sand-gate, Unisel-gate and a sex-gate. "I have listed down 20 reasons why they (Pakatan) should be rejected and I urge the one million women voters in the state to rally behind Barisan Nasional and Umno to determine a better future for themselves." Another delegate vented her frustration at the Penang government and its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, saying how "sad and difficult" it was to live in the state. "It's true that he (Lim) is a tokong, because the rest are scared of him," she said. "Under Barisan Nasional's 50-year rule, we took care of the people from when they were in their mother's womb till they were sent to the grave. But in less than five years of Pakatan's rule, they've made things difficult for the people," she said.
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| Deepak to reveal more dirt from under the carpet Posted: 28 Nov 2012 12:36 PM PST
Controversial businessman Deepak Jaikishan, however, wants protection for himself as he would be talking about the 'prime minister and his family'. Teoh El Sen, FMT Businessman Deepak Jaikishan, who said he "can't get the ghost of Altantuya out of me", yesterday promised to reveal more details on the behind-the-scenes dealings surrounding the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu. But said that he required protection for himself first as he would be talking about the "prime minister and his family". In a press conference he called yesterday, Deepak, a well-connected carpet dealer, said he is appearing now to clear his conscience as "the ghost of Altantuya continues to haunt" him. He said that he had suffered in his business and mentally after he got himself involved with arranging for the second Statutory Declaration (SD) for private investigator P Balasubramaniam on the behest of a "female friend". The second SD reversed an earlier one which had directly linked prime minister Najib Tun Razak to the Altantuya murder. "I can't get the ghost of Altantuya out of me. It is bothering me. I want to come clean, I want to apologise to her that I was trying to conceal the fact that I was involved in facilitating the second SD," he said. "I want justice for her. I want the people responsible to be incriminated, given appropriate sentences. Whoever actually killed her and instructed it, they must take the responsibility." When asked if he had direct knowledge of who instructed the killing, Deepak said he did not. However, he revealed more details surrounding the reason why he was roped in to help facilitate a second SD in such a hurry. "Everybody knew there was a second SD, but why was there this urgency for it to be done the next day, and not the next week?" "The SD was not just about the opposition. There was a concentrated effort of two factions here. You had Bala sitting down with Anwar and you had another faction who didn't want the people named in the first SD to come to power. They were determined, although they were from different sides, to work together to achieve this. Both had the power to do this," he said, adding that the other side came from Umno itself. He said that the side that wanted to push for the second SD and overturn the original SD was the one that protected or ensured that Najib became prime minister. "I got involved in the second SD to protect the interest of Najib. There is no other logical reason, is there?" he said. Deepak said that if the police were serious about solving the case, they would be able to. "They have all the evidence already, it's whether they want to or not." He said the faction supporting Najib was not so much worried about the contents of the first SD, but the subsequent repercussions. "[As a result of the first SD], there were people involved in the actual act… one of these persons was going to come out and admit that he was involved [in the Altantuya incident] and who had instructed him. They [faction supporting Najib] were worried of this repercussion, because they knew this was the next stage," he said. In July 2008, Balasubramaniam had gone public with the first SD but withdrew it at another press conference the following day. Balasubramaniam then produced a second SD, claiming that he had made the first one under duress and fled the country the next day. 'We have been intimidated' Balasubramaniam re-emerged on Nov 12, 2009, in the form of a five-part YouTube video interview – believed to be shot in India – retracting his second SD and claiming that he had only made it after being offered RM5 million by Deepak. Deepak, who only addressed the controversy on April 6, 2011 after whistleblower Raja Petra Kamarudin revived the matter, then described Balasubramaniam as his mere clubbing mate. In the press briefing yesterday, Deepak said that subsequent to his involvement in 2008, he has been pressured by the "powers that be" to be silent. "[During 2010 and 2011], I have been raided by various agencies sent by the government to silence me not once but many times. They have taken documents from us. We have been intimidated and kept silent all this while," he said. "This was the first time I saw the magnitude of the government machinery coming down on me. I had government officers everywhere – in my bedroom, my office, my factory, my secretary's office, my father's room, everywhere." Deepak said that he also lost a lot of business deals with the government. "Other things have happened. There has been a lot of withdrawal and cancellation of contracts and concessions given to us. We had a 20-year contract to build 16 1Malaysia Mara hostels overseas worth RM2 billion. It was suspended," he said. He said that he may now take legal action against the government, including the prime minister himself, for terminating the various contracts.
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The 
Because there was a concentrated effort. There were two factions here - you had Bala sitting down with (opposition leader) Anwar (Ibrahim) and you had another faction that didn't want the people named in the first SD to come to power.
Although no confession materialised after the second SD, however, Balasubramaniam 
Asked why he thought Altantuya (right) had yet to receive justice even though her killers had already been convicted, he replied: "Whoever actually killed her, who actually instructed her killing, should be responsible. They must take the responsibility."
The duo has appealed their death sentence, but the hearing of their case at the Court of Appeal has been 
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