Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Kit Siang: ‘Need to win 70% of new voters’
- Ku Li warns of ‘prostitution’ among professionals
- Non-muslims nabbed for 'khalwat' in Kelantan
- Kelantan slammed over ‘khalwat’ for non-Muslims
- 200 stage protest over altar demolition
- Ex-top cop questions Musa’s credibility
| Kit Siang: ‘Need to win 70% of new voters’ Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:02 PM PST
DAP veteran says the opposition pact must attempt to win four million unaffiliated voters and an additional 3% of the swing voters to reach Putrajaya. Leven Woon, FMT DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang has asked Pakatan Rakyat's coalition partners to focus on winning over the four million unaffiliated voters in order to takeover Putrajaya after general election (GE). In a statement yesterday, Lim pointed out that there are three million new voters who registered after the last GE, 60% of whom are under the age of 30. He said the new voters would make up 25% of the 13 million electorates in the next general election. Lim said it would not be sufficient for Pakatan to solely rely on the new voters' support, as the opposition pact could only win 109 out of 222 parliamentary seats even if 70% of three million voters chose them. "To get to Putrajaya, Pakatan must also convince a larger percentage of the 2008 voters to switch their vote to us. "Only if Pakatan manages to win 70% of nett new voters and an additional 3% of GE 2008 voters can Pakatan reach Putrajaya with a comfortable majority of seven parliament seats, which is 119 seats," he said. Hudud issue "PAS passing the hudud legislation in the Terengganu state legislature in 2001 did not stop BN from regaining this state by winning 28 out of 32 state seats and 7 out of 8 parliament seats in Terengganu in the 2004 general election. "The hudud issue led to the dismantling of the Barisan Alternative and it took the historic 2008 general election to bring together the three parties again," he said. The Ipoh Timur member of parliament said the focus should be on the ongoing corruption and abuse of power within the BN rather than to push the Islamic state agenda. "(The Islamic agenda) does nothing to win over the middle ground and swing voters," he pointed out. Lim said new voters and swing voters are inclined to compare BN and Pakatan on their capability to reduce corruption, to strengthen national unity, uphold social justice, reduc e poverty in Sabah and Sarawak and user in a governance of democracy. "Pakatan Rakyat should not let itself be distracted by narrow issues but focus on the larger picture to win these swing voters and to capture the middle ground to win the battle for Putrajaya in the 13GE," he added.
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| Ku Li warns of ‘prostitution’ among professionals Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:00 PM PST
The Umno veteran lashes out at professionals for kowtowing to their political masters Anisah Shukry, FMT Professionalism is at its lowest point in history, said Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, citing "prostitution" in the law, police force and education, among others. "There can be prostitutes in each and every professional practise… people who are motivated by power, lust and greed for which they are willing to sacrifice the sacred trust that society has placed in them," said Razaleigh. In a strongly-worded speech at a dinner last night, Razaleigh, popularly refered to as Ku Li, said that unprofessional conduct was "most blatantly evident" in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). "Although established in the midst of much fanfare as part of the government's reform programme, sad to say, the hopes of the people were dashed soon after it was formed," declared the Gua Musang MP. "The people were disappointed when the agency appeared to show interest in petty matters while failing to address more urgent and important cases of corruption." The death of two witnesses in the anti-graft agency's headquarters, he said, had further stirred speculation about the professionalism and integrity of the officials there. "We are not unjustified in wondering if the agency is really serious about fighting graft, or merely finishing off political 'enemies'," said Razaleigh. He also levelled criticism at civil servants in general for "constantly pandering to political masters". He cited their "deafening silence" in cases such as the alleged destruction of the Selangor state government's records five years ago, after BN lost the state to the opposition coalition. "Not a whimper was heard from the custodians of public records in this country, despite the fact that they are believed to have their own code of professional ethics," said Razaleigh. He said the trend continues to this day, referring to a case in which a former Directive of the Archives in Sabah made a political statement over the 20-Point point document signed prior to the formation of Malaysia. "The constant pandering to political masters on their own free will calls into question the extent of their professionalism," said Razaleigh. He also slammed the judiciary, maintaining that it had declined in professionalism in"epidemic proportions" since the removal of Tun Salleh Abbas as Lord President in 1988. Salleh's dismissal had been sparked by a fallout between Razaleigh and Mahathir Mohamed following a narrow Umno presidential election which the two contested in. Mahathir grew unhappy with the judiciary when Razaleigh's supporters filed a suit in the High Court to obtain a court order for new elections, after Mahathir defeated Razaleigh with 761 votes to Razaleigh's 718. This eventually lead to a tribunal against Salleh, which found him guilty of, among others, "undermining public confidence in the government's administration". "Since then, the impartiality, independence and basic honesty of the judiciary has been called into question time and time again," said Razaleigh. "Since then, the Attorney-General's Chambers has become the object of public odium, being perceived as a willing tool of the executive." Brain drain and racial polarisation Even the education system was not spared; Razaleigh claimed that it was in "tatters" and placed the blame squarely on the BN-led government's shoulders for creating the "rot". "The drastic drop in educational standards is such that many parents shudder to think of putting their children through the Malaysian school system… "We may not like to hear it, but the sad truth is that the rot in our education system started with the executive interferences linked to the New Economy Policy," he said.
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| Non-muslims nabbed for 'khalwat' in Kelantan Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:12 PM PST
(The Star) - Four non-Muslims two men on a plane spotting outing and a couple in a park have been issued with summonses for khalwat, a first in the country. The summonses were for "indecent behaviour" but the four have denied any wrongdoing, claiming instead that the municipal council's enforcement officers "were merely abusing their position". State MCA Youth chief Gan Han Chuan said the officers "have gone crazy", trying to enforce hudud laws on non-Muslims. "This is a first in history where non-Muslims have been issued summonses for khalwat," he said. "It is unbelievable! What they do with their by-laws is now affecting the lives of even the non-Muslims," Gan said of the two cases which occurred recently. The incidents came in the wake of a nationwide uproar over the fines imposed on salon operators who allowed their stylists to cut the hair of a customer of a different gender regardless of whether they were Muslims or not. Most, if not all, of the salons affected were owned by non-Muslims. In the latest incident, the two men in their 30s were in a car parked beside the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, watching aeroplanes land in the night, when they were issued with the summonses. The duo claimed that they were not doing anything indecent. The other two were a 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old girl. They were at the Tengku Anis park in the town centre in the middle of the day when enforcement officers approached them and issued them with summonses for indecent behaviour. The two incidents have riled up even the National PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw. Hu said the male victims had complained to him that the officers had even sought RM500 from the duo "to settle the matter". "As far as I know, the council has no right to issue summonses to non-Muslims for close contact with their girlfriends in the dark or out in the open," he said. "I believe this by-law only applies to Muslims. And, I cannot understand why the four were issued the summonses," Hu said, adding that the council cannot impose "khalwat" laws on non-Muslims. The men have written a letter to council president Fauzi Mat. Hu said: "This is a serious allegations that needs immediate attention."
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| Kelantan slammed over ‘khalwat’ for non-Muslims Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:09 PM PST
(The Star) - Local authorities in Kelantan have been criticised for taking action against four people for what has been viewed as khalwat (close proximity) cases involving non-Muslims. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that if PAS could subject non-Muslims to such laws in Kelantan, it could do so nationwide if Pakatan Rakyat came to power. "This should also serve as a wake-up call to the Chinese because it shows that DAP is no political superman, as it is a toothless tiger before PAS," he said. Dr Chua said this in response to dissatisfaction voiced by National PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw against the local authorities for issuing summonses for indecent behaviour to two non-Muslim men who were caught in a car parked by the roadside near the Kota Baru Airport. The other case involved a non-Muslim teenage boy and his non-Muslim girlfriend who were found together in a parked car in Tengku Anis Park recently. The four have denied any wrongdoing. Dr Chua said it appeared that PAS was slowly pushing for Syariah laws and ultimately its brand of hudud. "PAS is so sure of coming to power that it has ignored fundamental rights of non-Muslims enshrined in the Constitution," he said. Dr Chua pointed out that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had made it very clear that pushing their Islamic agenda was a religious obligation. "DAP is willing to go along because it is confident of securing Chinese votes. Let's hope the Chinese wake up before it is too late. "As a developing country, we should not be bickering about what is clearly written in the Constitution," he said, adding that PAS appeared to be fixated on moral policing. He also said the PAS Supporters Congress should have the political integrity to acknowledge that it did not have a standing in PAS, as it could not even vote in the party. PPP president Datuk Seri M. Kayveas said the people must use their votes to tell PAS off. "The people must realise that by supporting DAP and PKR, they are also empowering PAS," he said. Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said if the claims were true, it would be beyond comprehension, as non-Muslim were not subjected to Islamic laws. "It is unacceptable if they want to expand khalwat laws to non-Muslims. "If PAS intends to amend the Constitution to subject non-Muslims to Islamic laws, then it should say so," he said.
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| 200 stage protest over altar demolition Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:04 PM PST  Pathma Subramaniam, fz.com About 200 MIC members and activists staged a protest outside the Selangor State Secretariat today over the demolition by the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) of a Hindu altar within the gated compound of a house. Led by MIC Youth chief T Mohan, the group marched from the nearby Dataran Shah Alam at 11.15am and gathered there for about an hour under the scorching sun. Security personnel prevented them from entering the building to meet Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. After several rounds of negotiations with the police, Mohan handed over a memorandum to state executive councillor Dr Xavier Jeyakumar's aide, Abdul Razak Ismail. MPSP enforcement officials demolished the altar located in the compound of M Gobikumar's house at Taman Seroja in Bandar Salak Tinggi on Nov 20, according to news reports. The family had earlier received a notice from the council to tear down the structure for alleged violation of council by-laws, followed by another letter warning them that they could be fined RM250 a day if they did not demolish it. News reports quoted Gobikumar as saying that the council enforcement staff demolished the altar even while he was negotiating with the council. At today's protest, the participants blamed the Pakatan Rakyat state government for the high-handed action, with Xavier in particular coming under strong attack. Many of the protesters were seen hoisting up banners and placards calling for Xavier's resignation over his alleged remarks that local governments had the right to take action against illegal structures built inside or outside a house and that the state government could not meddle in such matters. However, in a statement yesterday, Xavier said the state government had in 2008 instructed all local councils and the land office not to destroy any place of worship. Xavier added that the altar demolishment was carried out by certain MPSP officials without the knowledge of the state government and the MPSP president, and that there was reason to suspect that their action "bordered on sabotage." Mohan, however, claimed that Pakatan representatives were present when the demolishment took place. "At the time of the incident, a PAS councillor representing the Sepang Municipal Council was also there together with the constituency's coordinator from DAP," he said. "Is it a crime now to build an altar to worship in our homes? Why must we apply for permits when it is within our compound?" asked Mohan, demanding that the councillor and the enforcement officers involved be sacked immediately. He also demanded that the menteri besar issue an open apology to the Indian community. Mohan said the Barisan Nasional lost power in Selangor in the 2008 general election after the BN-led state government demolished a Hindu temple in Shah Alam a few months earlier, which led to the Indian community taking part in a massive protest rally in Kuala Lumpur. "We did it before and paid for it in kind, but we learnt our lesson. I can assure you that BN will never do this if we make a comeback in the next general election," he said. "Don't take this issue lightly. Resolve it once and for all for all our good," he said. 
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| Ex-top cop questions Musa’s credibility Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:57 PM PST
Ramli Yusuff, the former CCID director embroiled in the copgate affair, cites three instances in which he says Musa Hassan was dishonest. Anisah Shukry, FMT Ex Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan is not a credible person and this is proven throughout his time in the police force, said his former colleague Ramli Yusuff. In the last few weeks, Musa has attracted attention for accusing Cabinet ministers and politicians of interfering with police investigations and arrests, naming home minister Hishammuddin Hussein in particular. But his motives for 'coming out' have come into question due to the timing of it all; while he served as IGP for four years, no word was mentioned to the public of the allegedly meddling ministers. Instead, the startling announcement was made on the eve of the Umno General Assembly's opening, leading the home minister to maintain that it was just an attempt to sidetrack the public from issues discussed during the gathering. To add further fuel to the fire, retired Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) Ramli, who is perhaps most known for his investigative role in the 'Copgate' affair, has cast aspersions on Musa's character by dredging up old issues implicating the ex IGP. "Musa served under me for almost six years. I was partly responsible for his promotion in 1995 from the post of junior superintendent to become my assistant, and in the end, he fixed me up," said Ramli. "So do you think his character is credible? I liken him to 'melepaskan anjing tersepit'," he said, referring to a Malay idiom which means helping someone who is ungrateful. Ramli was alluding to the five charges he faced in 2007 and 2009 in which he was eventually acquitted for – charges which he claimed were masterminded by Musa along with Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail and former Anti-Corruption Agency director of prosecution Nordin Hassan in an attempt to discredit him. The charges include allegedly failing to declare his assets, for violating laws prohibiting civil servants from being involved in private business, and for abusing power after allegedly using a Royal Malaysian Police Cessna Caravan aircraft to fly him to see plots of land in Ulu Tungku and Lahad Datu. Ramli claimed he was framed due to his role in the Copgate affair, in which he and his team took action against an underworld figure who allegedly had Musa's backing – only for that figure to be released four months later. Musa was subsequently investigated and cleared by Abdul Gani and the ACA, and his contract renewed until his retirement in 2010, according to Malaysiakini. Ramli told FMT today that he had originally pushed for Musa's promotion from junior superintendent to his assistant circa 1995 because the latter was supposed to be laterally transferred to Perlis. "Musa came crying to me, telling me about his predicament…children schooling, very unhappy. So I recommended him [for the promotion] because he served under me in 1987 as one of my officers in the police college in Kuala Kubu Baru. "So at that time, he was a good guy, and I trusted him," said Ramli, adding that he had a tough time convincing the former director of the CID to promote Musa on account of his lack of academic credentials. Even judge said Musa is unreliable Zeroing in on the abuse of power trial which ended in 2009, Ramli said the session court judge's comments on Musa – who was a witness for the prosecution - further reflected the then IGP's dubious character. "During my trial in Sabah, a sessions court judge in her judgement commented that Musa is an 'incredible' witness because he contradicted the evidence of his own officers," said Ramli. "And the judge believed the evidence of Musa's junior offences rather than him. And he was then still serving as IGP. Malu (shameful)," added Ramli. The abuse of power trial involving the alleged use of a police aircraft for his own personal interest, in which his lawyer Rosli Dahlan defended him. According to Rosli, Judge Supang Lian told the court at the closing of the 59-day hearing that Musa's evidence was unreliable and to be disregarded. Rosli told FMT she repeated the word "discredit" twice in her assessment of Musa'sevidence, who, as the 75th witness, was allegedly called last in order to refute testimonies of those who came before him. Among the witnesses were Ramli's pilots, whom Rosli said had flatly denied having flown Ramli to Ulu Tungku and Lahad Datu, in which his real estate company Kinsajaya Sdn Bhd had an interest. Supang Lian ruled that the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case and Ramli deserved to be acquitted and discharged. A year later, the High Court dismissed an appeal by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against the Session Court's decision to acquit Ramli.
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