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Anwar and Taib playing ball?
Anwar: RM207b ‘not sent through Treasury’
Ex-Youth chief: PAS ulama council should make ‘Allah’ call
300,000 for Himpunan rally?
‘Dr M, Anwar and Daim must explain the RM207b’
Guan Eng to await Mansor's report on aide's arrest
Army Chief to Suara Pakatan Rakyat: "If you insult Kanang, you insult us"
SUPP feels the heat over ‘unaccounted’ RM11 bil
Government aid to be paid out between January and March
'Political tsunami' has ended under Najib's leadership
Syrian regime faking news to the world

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 06:57 PM PST

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is rumoured to have dropped at least nine PBB incumbent MPs who are very loyal to Taib, replacing them with pro-federal candidates.

Joseph Tawie, FMT

KUCHING: It's no longer whispers and rumours spinning out of Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) corridors in Sarawak. In fact it is now common knowledge that Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, who also helms BN's leader party PBB, is betting on more than one horse in the general election.

Taib is towing the talk in Barisan Nasional whilst shaking hands with Pakatan Rakyat.

At least that's what Anwar Ibrahim insinuated to FMT here today when he said that he has made "some contacts with some state BN leaders".

It also further confirms rumours that Taib had sent a strong message to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak not to interfere with PBB's recommendations and sent a 'senior' PBB man to meet with Anwar.

Said Anwar, who is de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat: "Yes I do have some contacts with them many times. I met them at the airport, in Parliament and outside Parliament. We are very civil in politics."

Anwar, who was here on a three-day visit to assess the the political situation in Sarawak, was commenting on rumours that he had met some of state BN leaders over the possibility that they might join Pakatan Rakyat before or after the general election.

Anwar, they said, had discussed the 'latest development' with PAS and DAP leaders and it appears everyone is in agreement.

Rumours were rife that Taib and some component party members are unhappy with Najib's insistence on choosing the candidates in the coming election.

Najib is rumoured to have dropped at least nine PBB incumbent MPs who are very loyal to Taib replacing them with pro-federal candidates.

Others unhappy with similar moves by Najib are Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party president William Mawan and the Parti Rakyat Sarawak chief James Masing.

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 04:45 PM PST

Former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim claims both Japanese and Malaysian officials "have evidence" that the money was sent to the government.

Joseph Tawie, FMT

KUCHING: Former deputy prime minister-cum finance minister Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that RM207 billion Death Railway compensation was sent to the Malaysian government but added that the money did not go through the Treasury.

"Why you have to ask the former finance ministers to explain? If the money came to the Treasury, I would surely have been informed.

"During my time as finance minister, it was not sent through the Treasury.

"But they (both Japanese and Malaysian officials) have evidence that it was sent to the government.

"So I think the then Prime Minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) needs to explain. What is the present Prime Minister (Najib Tun Razak) is doing?

"Najib should conduct a full investigation," Anwar said, adding that the issue had been raised in Parliament by one of the Pakatan Rakyat MPs.

Anwar was commenting on the 'missing' RM207 billion paid by the Japanese government as compensation to the Malaysian government over the 'Death Railway' project in the 1940s.

The money was meant to be distributed to some 30,000 Malaysians who had been taken as prisoners of war and used as forced labour by the Japanese to build the Thai-Burma rail link.

The infamous Death Railway was to boost Japan's supply route for its forces in Malaya and nearby Asian countries during the Second World War.

According to PAS, the Japanese Embassy had recently revealed that it had in the 1990s paid a compensation of RM207 billion to the Malaysian government for families of the victims.

Today blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin had called for former finance minister Anwar and Daim Zainuddin, along with Mahathir, to explain the whereabouts of the RM207 billion.

Ex-Youth chief: PAS ulama council should make ‘Allah’ call

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 03:54 PM PST

(The Malay Mail) - The PAS Syura Council has been urged to publicly make their stand on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's call to the government to allow the use of the word "Allah" in the Malay version of the Bible in his Christmas message.

This is to clear the confusion among the grassroots over who should issue statements on the matter — the PAS leadership or the Syura Council, said former Penang PAS Youth chief Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Nordin, who is also the coordinator of Jaringan Melayu Pulau Penang (JMPP), a non-governmental organisation.

He said the issue had not been discussed even at the annual PAS Muktamar or party assembly since 2010. "However, several PAS leaders like Mat Sabu (PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu), who doesn't have the capacity to talk on the matter, has released a statement on it. The stand should be made by the Syura Council, not him or any PAS leaders."

Mohamed Hafiz, who claims to represent the grassroots and ordinary PAS members, said he was informed of their dissatisfaction over several matters, including the use of "Allah" in the Bible.

"Many from Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Kelantan, among others, have supported me over the matter." He had launched a signature campaign against Lim's proposal on Jan 4 and would hand the list along with 25 police reports on the matter to the Inspector-General of Police.

300,000 for Himpunan rally?

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 03:46 PM PST

Pakatan Selangor, aiming to mobilise a mammoth crowd on Jan 12 for its people's uprising rally, hits out at Stadium Merdeka management for delaying approval of the venue.

G Vinod, FMT

Pakatan Rakyat Selangor announced today that it would mobilise 300,000 people for the Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat scheduled for Jan 12 at Stadium Merdeka.

Selangor PAS commissioner Abdul Rani Osman said that he had informed all his branches and divisions to mobilise its members for the rally.

Speaking at a press conference held at the PKR headquarters, Abdul Rani said: "I hope my fellow PKR and DAP friends from Selangor would urge their members to attend the rally."

Also present at the press conference were Selangor DAP chief Teresa Kok and state PKR secretary Amirudin Shari.

Rani urged the public to attend the rally, saying that it would be an ideal avenue to voice their grouses against the government.

"Come to Kuala Lumpur a day earlier," he urged the public, "And please use the public transport to avoid traffic congestions."

The PAS leader also urged rally participants to maintain decorum at all times during the rally and to be "wary of agent provocateurs on that day".

Kok criticised the Stadium Merdeka management for dragging its feet in giving approval for the use of the venue for the rally.

"During Bersih 3.0, the government said it will allow rallies in a stadium.

"But till now, the stadium management, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the police have not responded to our application," she said.

‘Dr M, Anwar and Daim must explain the RM207b’

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 03:31 PM PST

The former PM and two of his finance ministers must be held accountable for the 'missing' billions in compensation paid by the Japanese to Malaysia.

Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as well as previous finance ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Daim Zainuddin must explain what happened to the RM207 billion in compensation paid by Japan to the Malaysian government, said prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin today.

"Both the finance minister as well as the prime minister must be held accountable for any wrongdoings and transgressions," said Raja Petra, better known as RPK, in his blog posting.

During World War II, the Japanese had conscripted over 30,000 Malayans as forced labour and used prisoners of war to build the infamous Death Railway to boost its supply route for its forces in Malaya and nearby Asian countries.

The Japanese Embassy revealed that it had paid RM207 billion in compensation to the Malaysian government in the 90s for families of victims.

Raja Petra also supported opposition advisor Lim Kit Siang's call that Daim, the one-time finance minister, must be held accountable for wrongdoings and transgressions during his watch and that he could not just wash his hands and shift the blame solely to Mahathir.

Kit Siang said: "Anwar Ibrahim, the finance minister from 1991 to 1998, must also be accountable for whatever happened during his watch. Prior to that, from 1984 to 1991, Daim was the finance minister and was reappointed in 1998 after Anwar was sacked."

Raja Petra said although the 'missing' RM207 billion was a good election issue and favourable to the opposition, it could have repercussions on Pakatan Rakyat if the allegations were true.

"If the government were to release information to prove that Anwar had a hand in the matter yet chooses to remain silent, this issue could backfire badly on the opposition," he said.

Anwar should go public

He said Anwar could easily settle the issue by denying knowledge of the matter, or say that the money was "hijacked" at the behest of Mahathir and that the matter was beyond his (Anwar's) control.

"From my dealings with the finance ministry since 1977, I'm aware that the ministry has certain autonomy and has been known to override the wishes of the prime minister," he said.

He explained that the prime minister's department, finance ministry, and Bank Negara are very protective of their respective turfs and were careful about infringing on each other's territory.

"The relationship of the prime minister, finance minister, economic adviser to the government, and Bank Negara governor was a complicated relationship and we never knew at each point of time who we should be talking to if we wanted things done," he said.

"Each was the boss of his own turf. Anwar knows this and hence should go public so that Malaysians can get to the truth of the matter because RM207 billion is a lot of money.

"The truth should not remain hidden," said RPK.

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST

(The Star) - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government will cooperate fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a graft case involving an aide to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman.

"We will wait for Mansor to return from overseas and submit his report on the matter by Thursday," he said here Monday.

Lim said the state would take action if the aide was a contract officer with the state government.

Mansor, who is the Penang PKR liaison chairman, is away in Mecca.

It was reported earlier that the 56-year-old aide was arrested with two others in a MACC sting operation in Seberang Jaya.

The three were arrested for allegedly offering a bribe and abusing their positions when handling a sexual harassment case.

Army Chief to Suara Pakatan Rakyat: "If you insult Kanang, you insult us"

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 01:20 PM PST

(Malaysian Digest) - A pro-Opposition news portal's act of trivializing the contributions of the late national hero Datuk Temenggong Kanan Kanang Anak Langkau is tantamount to insulting all army personnel and their families.

This is the opinion of Armed Forces general Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, who also believes that the portal's report, titled "Kanang Bukan Hero Sebenar' (Kanang Isn't A True Hero) is not only rude, but also ignorant.

Zulkifeli said it was regrettable that some people are unclear of Kanang's sacrifices.

He stressed that the government's decision to accord full state honors to the national hero was made in view of his invaluable contribution towards defending the country.

"I ask those who made such statements to kindly read up on history and realize that Kanang had sacrificed plenty; all of this is in the history books.

"It is sad when a small group pounces on the opportunity to capitalize on his death to deny something which is already public knowledge," Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

On Saturday, Suara Pakatan Rakyat, a pro-Opposition portal, had questioned the government's actions in according full state honors for Kanang's passing, especially when he already received a salary and allowances when he was in the army.

The writer of the article also proclaimed that Kanang is not "a true hero."

Following the incident, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) supreme council member, Datuk Idris Buang, lodged a report at the Kuching police headquarters to urge the authorities to investigate the website for defamation.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's political secretary, Abdullah Saidol, said the writer's comments were out of line and ignorant.

He said the article was not only written without basis, but was also irresponsible and deeply offended the feelings of others, including the Ibans, which is the largest community in Sarawak.

He said the writer should have been more attuned to the sensitivities of Sarawakians and not make any statements which contradict what has been written as historical fact.

Abdullah, who is also Semop assemblyman, said Kanang was not only a true warrior, but was also a symbol for many in defending the country.

Sarawak Veteran Rangers Association president, Lt Kol (Rtd) Robert Rizal Abdullah, said those who made such statements have clearly never seen how Kanang's stomach suffered gruesome wounds in the course of conflict.

"How can someone of sound mind issue a statement like that? Kanang himself once declared that he had died and lived again, only to continue fighting.

"Is all this not enough?" he said.

Kelab Sayangi Perdana Menteri president, Mohd Shahar Abdullah, likened the news portal's article to a grave insult and also treacherous towards the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

"All awards accorded to Kanang were presented by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. Why would anyone wish to question whether Kanang was a true hero or otherwise?"

"This is an insult to the country's Ruler, the Iban community, Kanang's next-of-kin and an irresponsible act towards all Malaysians."

SUPP feels the heat over ‘unaccounted’ RM11 bil

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 12:33 PM PST

Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP), hoping to redeem itself in the general election, must explain the secrecy behind the 'missing' RM11 bill from the state coffers.

Joseph Tawie, FMT

KUCHING: Sarawak DAP's flogging of the 'missing' RM11 billion from seven years of the state budget has got rival Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) all hot and furious.

Demanding that DAP 'show proof', SUPP Youth secretary-general Wilfred Yap said: "If the RM11 billion had indeed gone into a black hole as alleged, then that would amount to a criminal breach of trust, corruption, corrupt practice and abuse of power.

"DAP is being very irresponsible to the public at large in its intention to try to create or paint a picture of corrupt practice or abuse of power by the Sarawak government.

"They should produce evidence to either the police or MACC for investigation. Otherwise DAP should stop and refrain from manipulating and confusing the public just for votes."

Yap was reacting to opposition DAP's flush of flyers on the issue. Tens of thousand of copies of the flyers printed in English, Chinese and Malay have been distributed in Kuching, Bau, Serian and Sri Aman.

According to the flyer, launched late last week, since 2006, more than RM11.373 billion which was about 50% of the state development expenditure of RM23.281 billion, have gone into a 'black hole'.

The flyer and its content is now posing a major threat to SUPP which is aiming to redeem itself in the 13th general election after a disastrous outing in the state polls.

In a statement today, Yap who is tipped to contest the Stampin seat, challenged the opposition to name those responsible for the alleged malpractice.

"The figures quoted are from accounts of the Sarawak government which had already been audited by the National Audit Department.

"Any accountant worth two cents would understand that there is no such thing as itemisation of each individual grant or allocation to approved agencies or itemisation of each individual item of expenditure of approved agencies from the grant or allocation.

"The approved agencies have already been referred to as corporations, companies or organisations which had been approved to promote the economic, social or educational development in the state.

"It is also clear that the approved agencies are in turn audited by qualified accountants both from the public and private sectors. The lumps sum figure does not mean that it had gone into a black hole," he said adding that the issue might undermine his chances of retaining the seat.

DAP's rebuttal

Reacting to Yap's statement, Sarawak DAP secretary general Chong Chieng Jen urged Yap to do his homework before shooting his mouth.

"If Yap does not how to read the budgets or where to find them, I can show him. He can fix a time with me so that I can bring him to the State Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) where there are stacks of budgets in the DUN library," said Chong, who is the Kota Sentosa assemblyman.

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:55 AM PST

(Bernama) - Payment of various aid announced in the 2013 Budget would be held between January and March, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

He said this included the 1Malaysia People's Aid 2.0 (BR1M 2.0), Early Schooling Special Assistance, 1Malaysia Book Voucher and 1Malaysia Contribution for Veterans Without Pension (SVTB1M).

"In January, we will focus on schooling aid that involves schools nationwide. The BR1M 2.0 will be paid in February.

"We will then give out RM1,000 to veterans without pension, and this will be organised by the defence ministry through the Ex-Servicemen's Association," he told reporters here today.

He said distribution of 1Malaysia Book Vouchers to university students and Form Six students was expected in March.

However, Ahmad Husni said there might be some payment after the set period as a result of various factors.

"March is not the final date for payment. For example, some BR1M payment may be late because of late applications.

"We want payments to be made, according to each institution such as schools, with students enrolling in January, so we want to ensure payment is made then.

"University students begin in March, so payment should be done during that time," he added.

'Political tsunami' has ended under Najib's leadership

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:53 AM PST

(Bernama) - The 'political tsunami' of 2008 came to an end when the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak carried out various changes to look after the lot of Malaysians.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said, the demise of the 'political tsunami' was based on 10 things carried out by the prime minister.

They included promises honoured, transformation, justice for all, turning Malaysia into a developed and high performance nation, prioritising the people and being outstanding on the world stage.

"Datuk Seri Najib has indeed, stopped the 'political tsunami'. In 2008, we were worried of the 'political tsunami', but in 2013, I am confident it has ended," said Ahmad after the 'A Morning With The People' programme at the Karentina Housing Programme in Batak Rabit here today.

He described Najib's achievements since he became prime minister as "excellent" because he gave new enthusiasm and confidence to face the coming general election.

In this regard, Ahmad was confident the BN would win at the 13th general election, including in Teluk Intan, when the people of various races were getting more confident of the prime minister's reforms.

"The confidence is not based on theory but in going down to the field. I have been going down to the field for many years.

"I see the people like us, they come to our programmes and listen to our explanations. All these indicate that the 'political tsunami' has ended," he said.

Syrian regime faking news to the world

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:35 AM PST

After a massacre in the Syrian town of Houla in May, news sites scrambled to find photos to run with their stories. Marco di Lauro, a photographer for Getty, was shocked to find his 2003 image, taken in Iraq, posted under the headline, "Syria massacre in Houla condemned as outrage grows." A Syrian activist had circulated the photo. And the BBC ran with it.

(Global Post) - Don't get fooled again. Here are the most popular dubious videos and images being passed around by the Assad regime and the opposition

Videos posted to the internet have played a key propaganda role in Syria's bloody civil war. The footage typically shows brutal attacks, beatings and mass executions. Many clips show rows of dead women and children.

But are these videos reliable?

Last month, a fighter in Aleppo handed a reporter his cell phone, shaking his head in disbelief. "Assad, Assad," he said.

On the screen was a video of someone beheading a prisoner with a chainsaw. It had been circulating in Syria for at least a year. The footage itself is very real, but it is five years old, and was shot in Mexico. Drug lords carried out the crime. The video has been used by rebels in conflicts all over the world.

The sham videos can have very real effects, creating sympathy for one side or the other. Last week, the United Nations accused the rebels of war crimes, based on a YouTube video of fighters executing prisoners. This type of atrocity makes intervention less appealing to the West.

While that video appears to have been real, many other bogus ones have found their way onto major television networks in the United States and beyond, and are spread widely by social media. It's not uncommon for the two sides to use the same footage to make opposite claims.

Here is a look at some of the most widely seen — fake or misrepresented — footage and images being used by both sides of the Syrian conflict.

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Isnin, 7 Januari 2013