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• Criminal lawyers question why sex bloggers not given bail
• Attack on youth is an insult to Islam, say Pas Youth
• Kuala Besut by-election: Nik Aziz disregards party’s gentleman’s agreement to conduct civil ...
• Free Alvivi, charge real hate speech makers
• Raja Nong Chik sues Nurul Izzah for defamation
• Treat Alvivi with care - A Kadir Jasin
• Lawyers slam A-G’s no bail decision
• Censure Abdul Rahman for racist support of Ibrahim Ali, Guan Eng says
• Sabah cannot deal with illegals alone
• Ex-IGPs support new preventive law
• Malaysia among world’s most unequal voter dispersal systems, says DAP MP
• Ahmad Zahid and businessman settle civil suit over alleged assault
• Unravelling the politics behind Penang Port
• Is your search engine halal?
• NGOs lodge report against Attorney-General
• A-G: Alvivi tends to incite the public
• MIC past, present presidents engage in war over Vell Paari’s sacking
• ‘Abolish 9A′ campaign launched
• MCA blames indelible ink row on Bersih’s demands
• Nurul’s bill to remove Sedition Act rejected
• Alvin, Vivian charged, bail rejected
• Govt explains Lynas’ local disposal facility
• MB defends decision to let councillors move into exco village
• Sex blogger couple face three charges
• Sex bloggers detained, to be charged today
• ‘CEO’s lack of plantation experience a matter of concern’
• 80% of rainforests in Malaysian Borneo logged
• In London property, Malaysia a leader of the Asian invasion
• ‘New preventive law must be specific’
• In the Malay Press: Govt to continue with culture project on Chin Woo land
• Speaker denies motion to send Rafizi to rights committee over indelible ink
• Police are now ‘powerless’, says Zahid
• Police chief denies having top secret news of Sulu intrusion
• Govt will discuss if replacement to EO is needed, says Najib
• Don’t mock Islam, warns DPM
• Marino’s apology is not enough
• Chinese-based parties in merger talks
• Khairy hints at Najib's bleak future 'if we lose Kuala Besut'
• BN must secure much bigger majority
• MB: Land for elected representatives part of state policy
• Removed, but Vell Paari gears up for VP post
• Government may rethink indelible ink, opt for biometrics
• Former aide claims Anwar submitted fake MC to court
• Over RM20 mil collected from AES summons
• PAS: Take action against Ibrahim, too
• National Harmony Act does not affect govt's power to maintain solidarity
• Map-sharing already an issue at haze meeting in KL
• Jeffrey tells RCI he was given list of 60,000 illegals who had ICs
• Karpal lodges report against Tajuddin over 'seditious' remark
• ‘Najib spent RM44.071mil abroad in 5 years’

Criminal lawyers question why sex bloggers not given bail Posted: 18 Jul 2013 05:44 PM PDT (TMI) - Criminal law lecturer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu said Section 389 of the Criminal Procedure Code clearly states that bail is offered to secure the presence of the accused in court. What if the sex bloggers are found not guilty? The time spent in jail as remand prisoners cannot be reversed and this would amount to a travesty of justice for sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivien Lee. In pointing this out, criminal lawyers are aghast the infamous couple were not granted bail when they were charged yesterday with three charges related to their Ramadan bak kut teh greeting on their Facebook page and pornographic pictures in their blogs. "They are innocent until proven guilty," said Rajpal Singh. Rajpal said under normal circumstances bail would have been offered to those who were charged with similar offences faced by the two. "I feel bail should have been offered to the two because they did not plead guilty to the charges," he said. He said Sessions court judge Murtazadi Amran did not use his discretion to offer bail judiciously. Criminal law lecturer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu said Section 389 of the Criminal Procedure Code clearly states that bail is offered to secure the presence of the accused in court. READ MORE HERE

Attack on youth is an insult to Islam, say Pas Youth Posted: 18 Jul 2013 05:38 PM PDT (TMI) - "Irrespective of whether the perpetrators were Muslims or not, they have caused the public at large to view Muslims with anger and disgust." The actions of a group of youth to use Islam as an excuse to assault Ng Mun Tatt has actually desecrated and insulted the religion, said Pas Youth. Its secretary Khairul Faizi Ahmad said the abduction and assault of Ng in Shah Alam recently was unacceptable in society. Ng held a press conference following the incident, denying that he had insulted Islam, clarifying that his abductors had scrawled words on his body to deter the public from helping him. "What is regrettable is that the perpetrators had used the issue of religion to make their criminal act of targeting non-Muslims seem legal," Khairul was quoted by Harakahdaily as saying. "The criminals have not made Islam proud of their actions. In fact, it is the opposite as they have sacrificed the pride and dignity of the religion. "Irrespective of whether the perpetrators were Muslims or not, they have caused the public at large to view Muslims with anger and disgust." READ MORE HERE

Kuala Besut by-election: Nik Aziz disregards party’s gentleman’s agreement to conduct civil ... Posted: 18 Jul 2013 05:03 PM PDT (The Star) - Disregarding his party's gentlemen agreement with Barisan Nasional to conduct a civil and clean campaign as a mark of respect for the fasting month, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has called Umno an evil party that built mosques but whose members do not pray. In his first appearance in the Kuala Besut by-election campaign, the former Kelantan mentri besar said the Barisan government and Umno had done a disservice to the Muslims by not giving much focus to religious development in the country. Because of that, he said, the people were only busy working to build big houses and buy big cars but failed to fulfill their religious obligations. And that is the tragedy under Barisan's rule, he said. "For 23 years as the Kelantan mentri besar, they accused me of failing to build mosques. Yes, Umno build mosques, but they don't pray," he said, drawing laughter from a large ceramah crowd at Kampung Beris Pak Abu near here Thursday night. Unlike PAS, he said, Umno's struggle, was only for the Malays and not to uphold and defend the sanctity of Islam. "Even the name of the party is not in Bahasa Malaysia but English," he said referring to the acronym Umno which came from its name 'United Malay National Organisation'. He also accused Umno of brainwashing the people's mind to turn their backs to the truth. At the start of the campaign period, PAS and Barisan leaders had pledged to conduct a clean and civil campaign in deference of the fasting month. Earlier, former Royal Malaysian Airforce lieutenant Kol Mohd Nazali Mokhtar claimed the Government had failed to look after the welfare of the serving armed forces personnel and those who had left the service. He said so bad was the treatment given to ex-servicemen that many were not able to make a decent living. Some, he claimed, had to resort to stealing to survive. Mohd Nazali repeatedly compared the treatment of the ex-servicemen to those in Bangladesh, whom he claimed were very well treated by their government. He also questioned why the government did not provide land for agriculture and other economic activity to ex-servicemen. "If the land given by state governments to Felda were to be divided into smaller parcels, each parcel could be given to 80,000 ex-servicemen," he said while also urging airforce personnel at the nearby Gong Kedak Airforce Base to vote for PAS on polling day.

Free Alvivi, charge real hate speech makers Posted: 18 Jul 2013 04:56 PM PDT Hate speech is hate speech and can be very dangerous but it doesn't take a genius to distinguish actual hateful intentions and just plain stupidity. And Alvilvi is just obviously plain stupidity. And just like the rest of us, I wish we could jail people for stupidity too. But we can't. Zan Azlee, TMI   I had made it a point to not comment in my writings or even mention in any conversations that I had about the Alvivi bak kut teh puasa incident. They are obviously cheap attention seekers who deserve not even a single ounce of my time and intellect. But what the authorities did by charging the idiotic couple in court for sedition and pornography is just the wrong way to handle things. Hate speech is hate speech and can be very dangerous but it doesn't take a genius to distinguish actual hateful intentions and just plain stupidity. And Alvilvi is just obviously plain stupidity. And just like the rest of us, I wish we could jail people for stupidity too. But we can't. Now let's look at the real hate speech makers out there that have actual intentions of hate and are getting away with it scot-free. First up is Ridhuan Tee Abdullah who, week after week, spews out condemnation on non-Muslims and non-Malays in his newspaper column (although a non-Malay himself). READ MORE HERE

Raja Nong Chik sues Nurul Izzah for defamation Posted: 18 Jul 2013 03:50 PM PDT (The Star) - He has named Nurul Izzah, online news publisher Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd and its reporter Lu Wei Hoong as defendants in his libel suit. Former Cabinet minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin is suing Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and two others for allegedly defaming him over the sale of prime land in Bukit Kiara. He is seeking a court order to force the defendants to publish an apology, on his terms. Raja Nong Chik also wants an injunction to stop the defendants from publishing any libellous words against him. He is asking for general, aggravated and exemplary damages, interests and costs. He has named Nurul Izzah, online news publisher Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd and its reporter Lu Wei Hoong as defendants in his libel suit. On Friday, his lawyer M. Reza Hassan told the media that the suit is fixed for case management before High Court judge Justice Yeoh Wee Siam on Aug 19. In his lawsuit, the former senator said Nurul Izzah has caused the publication of libellous and false statement against him at a press conference to the media on May 4. He said Nurul Izzah has caused similar statements to be published in the Malaysiakini online news portal in two versions - Malay and English - on the same day. He said the words implied that he has misused his position as the Federal Territories and Urban Well-being minister for his personal interest and gain. He said the words also meant that he did not respect law, was untrustworthy and involved in a transaction which was doubtful and caused losses to the people. He said the defendants has published the words without verifying its truth. Raja Nong Chik said that the publication has tarnished his reputation and dignity as a politician, a former minister and a former senator. He said his credibility had been ruined especially among the voters of the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency. (In the 13th general election held on May 5, Nurul Izzah received 31,008 votes, beating Raja Nong Chik with a majority of 1,870 votes). In his statement of claim, Raja Nong Chik said that he had sent a letter of demand dated June 10 through his solicitor asking Nurul Izzah to apologise, to promise not to publish libellous statements against him and pay appropriate damages but she had failed to do so. He said that he had sent a similar letter to Mkini Dotcom and Lu and they, too, had failed to meet his demands. He filed the suit through Messrs Raja Riza & Associates at the High Court civil registry on Wednesday.

Treat Alvivi with care - A Kadir Jasin Posted: 18 Jul 2013 03:44 PM PDT (TMI) - I know you know where I am coming from and I know you get my drift. Too many people are dying in custody. And dying with them is the setting up the IPCMC. For desiring glamour or poor demeanour, Alvin and Vivian spent the night in the slammer. There they'll stay until their trial day. That's for inviting the fasting Muslims to break fast on "halal" bak kut teh. Just in case you don't know, bak kut teh is pig bone soup. Sup tulang khinzirlah brother! Malaysian bak kut teh, I am told is world famous. Strictly by the law book, Mr Tan Jye Yee's and Miss Lee May Ling's outlook appears grim. If they are found guilty, the x-rated cyber lovers could be in the slammer for up to 15 years. But it depends on the AG's Chambers. Its conviction record has not  been stellar. On technicalities, alleged murderers and molesters had been set free. So Avivi (Alvin&Vivian) could have their case thrown out on technicalities. To my soup craving Muslim brothers and sisters, beware and be aware. For as long as bak kut teh is bak kut teh, it can never be halal. Or is it? Why not bak kut teh tulang lembu or kerbau - like chicken ham and beef bacon? READ MORE HERE

Lawyers slam A-G’s no bail decision Posted: 18 Jul 2013 03:29 PM PDT Several lawyers disagree with the Attorney-General's decision to disallow bail for sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee. Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT Several lawyers have today slammed the Attorney-General's (AG) decision in disallowing bail for sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee who posted an insensitive Ramadan greeting on their Facebook, recently. The duo better known as Alvivi were charged with publishing indecent photographs, promoting enmity among the races and for sedition at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court yesterday. Tan and Lee were sent to the Sungai Buloh Prison and Kajang Prison, respectively. PKR lawyer Latheefa Koya said that the decision was "overkill." "They were charged with three offences and the fact that they were denied bail is certainly extreme," she told FMT. According to Latheefa, the court has the discretion to grant bail for "non-bailable" offences but not so for "unbailable" offences. "In fact, bail can be granted to a person charged with sedition for the first time. Non-bailable doesn't mean you cannot grant bail to a person and only in limited circumstances do you actually deny bail," she said. She added that the court should have instead allowed bail "under strict conditions" if it (the court) is worried that Alvivi will continue uploading more offensive material online. "Bail is used to secure a person's attendance but when you go beyond that, it becomes a form of punishment. In this case, bail was denied to punish the person," she alleged. "I hope their lawyers will appeal against the decision as this may lead to a dangerous precedent," she added. Lawyer Faisal Moideen shared the same sentiments "as there is no danger in granting bail." However, Faisal disagreed that the charges were harsh and pointed out that Alvivi's lawyers could still appeal against the charges. "It doesn't mean that you are prosecuted now, you cannot state your defence in court. The prosecution team must go to trial to prove their (Alvivi's) guilt," he added. "I understand the reservation about the use of the Sedition Act but it has been used before even during the Cow Head Protest in 2009. Unless it is repealed, the law must be abide to," he said. Fadiah Nadwa Fikri of Lawyers for Liberty disagreed with Faisal and said the "prosecution was done arbitrarily" but agreed that "the AG denying bail was uncalled for." "Bail is as of right and the purpose is to ensure the accused attends trials and subsequent proceedings in court," she said. "It is apparent that they are trying to punish Alvivi and the whole charge is arbitrary because if you look at the Facebook post, it is not something inciting violence. Yes, it is offensive but not a crime," she added. Fadiah said Alvivi's action was of "ignorance and insensitivity," but it "does not warrant prosecution in court". She added that the case was "politically motivated" to gain the support of the Malays and Muslim community. "This is clearly an abuse of the court process and is politically motivated. They are trying to get the support of the Malays and other Muslims by showing that they are staunchly defending Islam," she said. "You have to remember that these people charged are not found guilty yet. The way everybody is behaving, it is as if the court has already convicted them. This is against the principles of law," she added. "They have not yet been proven guilty. Why is everybody speculating?" READ MORE HERE

Censure Abdul Rahman for racist support of Ibrahim Ali, Guan Eng says Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:54 PM PDT (TMI) - Lim also questioned why no action was taken against Perkasa's vice-president Datuk Zulkifli Nordin for his anti-Hindu statements. The Cabinet will be seen as failing to represent all Malaysians if it does not haul up Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan for his racist and extremist support of Perkasa's Datuk Ibrahim Ali on his Bible-burning remarks. The minister, in trying to defend Ibrahim, had said that the Perkasa chief's remarks were merely to correct the error of printing the said Bibles, and that burning them was the proper thing to do, just as Muslims burn copies of the Quran that have misprints. DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, however, was aghast. "This is a shocking statement. How can it be proper for Ibrahim Ali to say that the threat to burn the Bibles was simply to correct the holy book?" Lim asked. READ MORE HERE

Sabah cannot deal with illegals alone Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:43 PM PDT The federal government must come up with a formula that would apply to the immigrants,including stateless persons, said former Suhakam commission Simon Sipaun. (Bernama) A former Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner has suggested that the illegal immigrant problem plaguing Sabah be dealt with fairly among all the states in the country. Testifying before the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah, Simon Sipaun said the issue of illegal immigrants had become a national problem and it was not fair for genuine Malaysians in Sabah to deal with it alone. On the issuance of Malaysian identity cards (IC) to foreigners, he said the government must come up with a formula that would apply to the immigrants, including stateless persons. "The government should have been proactive in the first place. There needs to be strong political will to tackle this longstanding issue," he said. He also said that recalling and reissuing ICs in Sabah was a good suggestion as it would demand every person to be screened to ensure he or she was a genuine citizen. Asked by conducting officer Manoj Kurup if reconciliation would be an effective way to address the problem, Sipaun said he was not sure if it would be effective as the problem involved many races from different countries. "We cannot emulate how South Africa and Timor Leste solved their problem because they were faced with two communities. "I'm not sure how their success could work in Sabah," he said. Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) vice-president Chua Soon Bui told the inquiry that the state government should be involved in the issuance of citizenship to applicants in Sabah. She said although matters concerning citizenship were under the National Registration Department, it was best that the state government play a consultative role. The inquiry led by former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak Steve Shim Lip Kiong continues on July 23.

Ex-IGPs support new preventive law Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:39 PM PDT Abdul Rahim Noor and Hanif Omar say there is a need for a new preventive law to tackle hardcore criminals but also want the new legislation to protect human rights.  P Ramani, FMT Two former top cops today agreed that the repeal of the Emergency Ordinance (EO) had rendered police somewhat ineffective in dealing with crime. Hence, ex-IGPs Abdul Rahim Noor and Hanif Omar supported Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's move to introduce a similar preventive law to replace the EO. "Maybe the word Emergency Ordinance is a bit out-dated as it was used during the communist era but we need a preventive law to tackle hardcore criminals," said Rahim. Yesterday, Bernama reported Zahid Hamidi as saying that police have now been rendered powerless to act against criminals after the EO was repealed. He also said that following the abolishment, about 2,600 detainees at the Simpang Renggam Detention Centre in Johor were released and many of them returned to a life of crime. Therefore, the minister said that the government needed a new legislation similar to EO to tackle criminal activities. Rahim, who was the IGP in the 90s, however, disagreed on the notion that the police were completely powerless as the force is still equipped with the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to deal with criminals. "But the Attorney-General's Chambers should draft a new legislation that will strike a balance between tackling criminals and protecting human rights," said Rahim. Hanif, on the other hand, said that the repeal of EO had rendered the police with less investigating powers. Although Section 113 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) provides investigating powers to the police, Hanif said that the legislation was not enough to deal with violent criminals. "So we will have to wait for the new law to be introduced and see how effectively it can be used against organized crime," said Hanif.

Malaysia among world’s most unequal voter dispersal systems, says DAP MP Posted: 18 Jul 2013 02:32 PM PDT Malaysians queue outside a polling station to cast their vote in Pekan on May 5, 2013. — AFP pic (The Malay Mail) - Ong Kian Ming pointed out that based on his own calculations, Malaysia ranked 21 out of 25 countries on the level of malapportionment, or the measure of inequality in the distribution of voters among seats in a country, noting that Botswana, Sierra Leone and Uganda scored higher at the 10th, 13th and 20th spots respectively. The distribution of voters in Malaysia is one of the most unequal among countries that practise the first-past-the-post electoral system, falling behind even some African democracies, the DAP's chief strategist said today. Ong Kian Ming pointed out that based on his own calculations, Malaysia ranked 21 out of 25 countries on the level of malapportionment, or the measure of inequality in the distribution of voters among seats in a country, noting that Botswana, Sierra Leone and Uganda scored higher at the 10th, 13th and 20th spots respectively. "The reason why the United States (US), Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada have lower levels of malapportionment compared to Malaysia is that they all have rules which limit the maximum amount of deviation allowed for in each individual constituency," the first-term MP said in a statement today. The Serdang MP noted that the US (0.014), Australia (0.03), the United Kingdom (UK) (0.041) and Canada (0.083) have far lower malapportionment measures than Malaysia (0.173). Ong told The Malay Mail Online that Malaysia's score of 0.173 meant that 17.3 per cent of voters needed to be shifted to achieve a score of zero malapportionment. He said that the UK sets a five per cent limit for constituency sizes above or below the national quota, while Australia sets a 3.5 per cent limit above or below a state's electoral quota. Canada sets a limit of 25 per cent above or below a province's electoral quota, while in the US, various Supreme Court decisions require the population in each congressional district to be roughly equal in order to respect the "one-man-one-vote" principle. The opposition lawmaker urged Putrajaya to follow the example of such advanced democracies by ensuring that the disparity among constituencies should not be more than 15 per cent from the average constituency size, as recommended by the Reid Commission before Independence in 1957. In 1962, however, the Alliance government — the predecessor to the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition — amended the Federal Constitution to retrospectively annul the 1960 delineation and to mandate the Election Commission (EC) to submit new delineations to the prime minister for parliamentary approval. Rural weightage was also changed in the same year so that urban constituencies could be double the size of rural constituencies. The Federal Constitution was later amended again in 1973 to remove the limit entirely. "To ensure that malapportionment in Malaysia is decreased to a level which is consistent with being the 'world's best democracy', Prime Minister Najib should also establish a Parliamentary Select Committee to specifically oversee the next delimitation (or delineation) exercise which the Election Commission has announced will commence at the end of the year," said Ong, referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "The fact that almost all of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reform have not been implemented is a strong reminder of the lack of commitment on the part of the prime minister to introduce serious electoral reform in the country," he added. Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan reportedly said last May that the existing delineation of constituencies was illogical in terms of the number of voters and size. The analyst had pointed out that the Putrajaya federal constituency only has 15,791 voters, compared to Kapar that has a whopping 144,159 voters.

Ahmad Zahid and businessman settle civil suit over alleged assault Posted: 18 Jul 2013 01:15 PM PDT (Bernama) - The decision was reached after Amir Bazli Abdullah and Ahmad Zahid had a mediation with Sessions Court judge Rohani Ismail in chambers, without the presence of their respective counsel. A civil suit filed by a businessman against Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for an alleged assault was resolved today with both parties agreeing to withdraw their suit and counter-claim. The decision was reached after Amir Bazli Abdullah and Ahmad Zahid had a mediation with Sessions Court judge Rohani Ismail in chambers, without the presence of their respective counsel. Lawyers Datuk Shamsul Bahrain Ibrahim, representing Ahmad Zahid, and Karpal Singh, for Amir Bazli, told reporters the judge decided that the mediation should be done without their presence. Amir Bazli said he and Ahmad Zahid had agreed to settle the matter out of court and they would negotiate on the terms of settlement later. In the suit filed on July 4, 2007, Amir Bazli, 42, had sought for damages, claiming that on Jan 16, 2006, Ahmad Zahid had punched him on the face at the Country heights Recreational Club in Kajang, causing him to suffer a nasal bone fracture and swollen eye. On Aug 29, 2007, Ahmad Zahid applied to the High Court to strike out the suit on grounds that it was trivial, but it was dismissed by the court on April 21, 2010. Ahmad Zahid then appealed to the Court of Appeal, but was also dismissed on March 15 last year. On Aug 24, 2010, Ahmad Zahid filed a counter-claim against Amir Bazli for damages for considerable distress, also damages for libel over publication of the alleged incident after Amir Bazli had gone to the media In his statement of defence, Ahmad Zahid, then Deputy Information Minister, denied that he ever punched Amir Bazli, claiming that it was Amir Bazli's own concoction.

Unravelling the politics behind Penang Port Posted: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM PDT   (fz.com) - From the Penang government's perspective, there is a "sinister conspiracy" in the making, to ostensibly stifle Penang's economy and industrial prowess. The future of the Penang Port was placed under the lens of public scrutiny again when the federal government dismissed any possibility of an open tender in its controversial privatisation.   Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, during the current meeting of Parliament, put the lid on a suggestion that the tender for the port's privatisation be re-opened.   In his reply to Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who is the chief minister of Penang, Hishammuddin insisted that negotiations with the successful company are already being finalised. "Because of that the question of reopening the tender does not arise," he emphatically said.   Lim, on the other hand, has argued that there should be an open tender. The contract for the chosen company has still not been finalised almost two years after the restricted tender was processed.   (The privatisation through equity ownership in Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) was done by the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister's Department.)   Why is the fate of the Penang Port - the oldest operating port in the country - a contentious issue?   For one thing, the port's privatisation has been decided unilaterally by the federal cabinet without any consultation with the state authorities.    The company reportedly chosen for the tender is Seaport Terminal (Johor) Sdn Bhd, which operates Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor.    Seaport Terminal is owned by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary.   State's suspicions of "sinister conspiracy"   Now there is a frustration among the state leadership that it is unable to intervene in the future of the port, located on its own land but controlled by the federal government Read more at: http://www.fz.com/content/unravelling-politics-behind-penang-port#ixzz2ZSVdyNlk

Is your search engine halal? Posted: 18 Jul 2013 11:58 AM PDT   (Al Jazeera) - 'Halalgoogling' site says it filters search results according to Islamic law. Existing search engines aren't catered to the needs and concerns of Muslims, according to "Halalgoogling", a new site that seeks to provide a more Muslim-friendly alternative. Halalgoogling functions much like Google or Bing, but with a built-in "advanced special filtering system" that blocks content deemed "haram", or forbidden in Islam. There are several other "halal" search alternatives on the web, though none have achieved widespread popularity. Halalgoogling aims to succeed where others have failed by offering a variety of specialty search options, such as sports, news, and shopping. Read more at: http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201307182115-0022918

NGOs lodge report against Attorney-General Posted: 18 Jul 2013 10:55 AM PDT Gobi Krishnan (right) with (from left) Tamilar Action Force member S. Murali, Malaysian Indians Progressive Association secretary-general S. Barathidasan and Malaysian Indians Progressive Association President Viveka Sri Raja Retinam after they lodged the police report at the Jalan Travers police station.  (The Star) - People's Welfare and Rights Coalition (Power) president S. Gobi Krishnan said that while sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee were charged for their buka puasa Facebook posting, no action had been taken against Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa vice-president Datuk Zulkifli Nordin. Five NGOs have lodged a police report against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail accusing the A-G's Chambers of abuse of power. People's Welfare and Rights Coalition (Power) president S. Gobi Krishnan said that while sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee were charged for their buka puasa Facebook posting, no action had been taken against Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa vice-president Datuk Zulkifli Nordin. He claimed that more than 100 NGOs had lodged police reports against Ibrahim, Zulkifli and lecturer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah for their articles and statements which were said to be "insensitive" towards the Hindu and Christian communities. "This is clearly a form of power abuse by the AG. He is practising selective prosecution," he told reporters at the Travers police station here yesterday. The other NGOs whose representatives were present were the Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (Mipas), Angkatan Warga AMAN Malaysia (WargaAMAN), Tamilar Action Force and Jingga 13.

A-G: Alvivi tends to incite the public Posted: 18 Jul 2013 10:52 AM PDT   (The Star) - Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail says the decision to pursue a case against sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee without offering bail is due to the couple's tendency to incite the public. The two were hit with a triple whammy of charges – under the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and the Film Censorship Act – in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. "Considering that they have a tendency to upload content that can incite public anger, the Attorney-General's chambers is requesting that they not be granted bail leading up to their trial," Abdul Gani Patail said in a statement. He said the case was based on investigations into the couple posting a picture of themselves eating a bowl of bak kut teh (a pork dish) with a halal logo and a message wishing MuslimsSelamat Berbuka Puasa on their now shut down Facebook page. Abdul Gani said the decision to charge the couple – jointly nicknamed Alvivi – was made following an incident where a man was beaten up by unknown assailants which is believed to be a consequence of the pair's actions. They were charged under subsection 5(1) of the Film Censorship Act 2002 (Act 620), Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) and an alternative charge under Section 298A(1)(a) of the Penal Code. The AG's Chambers is requesting all parties to cease making statements or speculation on the case to avoid a "trial by media".

MIC past, present presidents engage in war over Vell Paari’s sacking Posted: 18 Jul 2013 10:49 AM PDT   (MM) - A full-blown battle has emerged between the past and present presidents of the MIC following the sacking of party strategist S. Vell Paari from the powerful central working committee (CWC). Party leaders say the drastic action by Datuk Seri G. Palanivel against the son of Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, the former chief, will result in more casualties. With the party polls nearing, insiders also see Palanivel's move as the return of the contentious caste politics. Caste politics had in the past broken up the MIC into factions, causing irreparable damage. Party leaders are bracing for: ● More people to be sacked or suspended; ● Branches to be de-registered; ● New branches to be set up; ● Appointments of low-profile members to important positions. Last week, Palanivel took over the helm of Kedah MIC after removing Samy Vellu loyalist S. Ananthan. The leaders said Palanivel's removal of Vell Paari and Puteri chief Usha Nandini from the CWC smacks of caste politics. The two were replaced by former vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan and S. Sunthar, the son of former deputy president Tan Sri S. Subramaniam, respectively. Said a leader, who requested anonymity: "Interestingly, both the new CWC members are from the Gounder caste. "It is no secret that Samy was always at loggerheads with Subramaniam and by extension with the Gounder community." He said the Gounder community made up a sizeable number of MIC members and "Palanivel's is consolidating their support for him in the party elections." Palanivel, he said, has angered members of Samy Vellu's caste, the Devar. He said several senior party leaders are from the Devar caste but it looks like Palanivel has decided that the combined vote from the Gounder and his own Muthaliyar caste will be enough to offset the lost votes from the Devar group.

‘Abolish 9A′ campaign launched Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:25 PM PDT Online campaign by Bersih and Pakatan is to pressure the government to allow the electoral roll to be scrutinised by the courts (FMT) - Section 9A states: "After an electoral roll has been certified… (and) published in the gazette… the electoral roll shall be deemed to be final and binding and shall not be questioned or appealed against in, or reviewed, quashed or set aside by any court."   Pakatan Rakyat with the support of Bersih chairperson, S Ambiga, have launched a campaign to pressure the government to allow the Court to scrutinise the 'dirty' electoral roll. Previous efforts to file a court case compelling the Election Commission (EC) to clean up the electoral roll were rebuffed on the grounds that it violates Section 9A of the Elections Act 1958. Section 9A states: "After an electoral roll has been certified… (and) published in the gazette… the electoral roll shall be deemed to be final and binding and shall not be questioned or appealed against in, or reviewed, quashed or set aside by any court." This means that once an electoral roll is gazetted, it cannot be challenged in court, DAP leader Charles Santiago said today at a joint press conference with Ambiga, Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang, and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng at the Parliament lobby. READ MORE HERE

MCA blames indelible ink row on Bersih’s demands Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:18 PM PDT (The Malay Mail) - "Now that the general election is over, it is now proven that her original idea is messy, impractical and a waste of money and manpower," Heng added. MCA's Datuk Heng Seai Kie today laid the blame for the entire indelible ink fiasco squarely at the door of Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, suggesting the furore over the ink's inefficacy would not exist had the electoral watchdog not insisted on the safeguard against vote fraud. Introduced in Election 2013 as a concession to one of Bersih's eight demands for free and fair elections, the indelible ink meant to prevent repeating voting ironically became a symbol of alleged electoral fraud after voters flooded social media to show the ease with which it was removed. Although it initially denied the allegations, the Election Commission (EC) has since conceded to the "shortcomings" of the ink that had been meant to last for up to seven days. Opposition lawmakers, led by PKR's Rafizi Ramli, have honed in on the EC and the supplier of the controversial ink, but today the MCA Publicity Bureau chairman said they were barking up the wrong tree. "If PKR Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli wants to blame anyone for the hue and cry over the indelible ink, it should be former Bar Council president and current Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan as she was the one who had initiated this idea and riled up the crowds to support her in this venture of hers," Heng said in a statement today. Pointing to Bersih's demand for indelible ink to be used, Heng asserted that this led Putrajaya to drop suggestions to employ biometrics for fraud prevention instead. "Now that the general election is over, it is now proven that her original idea is messy, impractical and a waste of money and manpower," Hend added. The failure surrounding the indelible ink has since led Pakatan Rakyat to sue the EC's commissioners in a bid to annul the result of Election 2013. After the initial denials, EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar explained that the election ink failed to stay on for seven days because the level of silver nitrate — needed to give the ink its permanence — had been kept at just one per cent following the Health Ministry's recommendations and to meet halal requirements for Muslims. The matter, however, sank deeper into controversy when Shahidan appeared to communicate that even the one per cent of silver nitrate had not been present, telling Parliament last month that there were "no chemicals" in the ink, and just food colouring. But Wan Ahmad later contradicted Shahidan and said that the ink did contain one per cent silver nitrate, and that it was likely classified as a metal, instead of a chemical. He said that food dye was used to turn the indelible ink red for early voters and dark blue for ordinary voters. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has also opened an investigation into the procurement of the ink.

Nurul’s bill to remove Sedition Act rejected Posted: 17 Jul 2013 06:39 PM PDT (FMT) - The Private Member's Bill Nurul Izzah Anwar filed to bring an end to the Sedition Act 1948 has been rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the act's abolishment would threaten the position of the Malay Rulers. The Parliament Speaker, in a letter to Nurul yesterday, said that abolishing the Sedition Act would also mean abolishing its subsections, which touched upon the position of the Kings. "…abolishing [this act] especially subsection 3(1)(f) will result in the act of questioning the special position of the Malay Rulers no longer becoming seditious," the letter, signed by Pandikar Amin, reads. "I also understand that Act 38(4) of the Federal Constitution states that no law that touches upon the position of the Malay Rulers can be approved without agreement from the Conference of Rulers." This has prompted Nurul to question whether Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was aware of this clause when he announced last year that the government would replace the controversial act with the National Harmony Act. "Does this mean that Najib is unaware of the procedure and mechanisms related to any Act before it is repealed?" the PKR vice-president asked at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today. "Why didn't he realize there were such requirements before making a public announcement to Malaysians on July 2012 that he would abolish the Sedition Act?" she said. The government has received widespread flak for wielding the Act primarily on Opposition Leaders and activists critical of Barisan Nasional as recently as May this year. Read more here:  http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/nurul%E2%80%99s-bill-to-remove-sedition-act-rejected/#sthash.HUeYVanY.dpuf   he Private Member's Bill Nurul Izzah Anwar filed to bring an end to the Sedition Act 1948 has been rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the act's abolishment would threaten the position of the Malay Rulers. The Parliament Speaker, in a letter to Nurul yesterday, said that abolishing the Sedition Act would also mean abolishing its subsections, which touched upon the position of the Kings. "…abolishing [this act] especially subsection 3(1)(f) will result in the act of questioning the special position of the Malay Rulers no longer becoming seditious," the letter, signed by Pandikar Amin, reads. "I also understand that Act 38(4) of the Federal Constitution states that no law that touches upon the position of the Malay Rulers can be approved without agreement from the Conference of Rulers." This has prompted Nurul to question whether Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was aware of this clause when he announced last year that the government would replace the controversial act with the National Harmony Act. "Does this mean that Najib is unaware of the procedure and mechanisms related to any Act before it is repealed?" the PKR vice-president asked at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today. "Why didn't he realize there were such requirements before making a public announcement to Malaysians on July 2012 that he would abolish the Sedition Act?" she said. The government has received widespread flak for wielding the Act primarily on Opposition Leaders and activists critical of Barisan Nasional as recently as May this year. - See more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/nurul%E2%80%99s-bill-to-remove-sedition-act-rejected/#sthash.HUeYVanY.dpuf he Private Member's Bill Nurul Izzah Anwar filed to bring an end to the Sedition Act 1948 has been rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the act's abolishment would threaten the position of the Malay Rulers. The Parliament Speaker, in a letter to Nurul yesterday, said that abolishing the Sedition Act would also mean abolishing its subsections, which touched upon the position of the Kings. "…abolishing [this act] especially subsection 3(1)(f) will result in the act of questioning the special position of the Malay Rulers no longer becoming seditious," the letter, signed by Pandikar Amin, reads. "I also understand that Act 38(4) of the Federal Constitution states that no law that touches upon the position of the Malay Rulers can be approved without agreement from the Conference of Rulers." This has prompted Nurul to question whether Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was aware of this clause when he announced last year that the government would replace the controversial act with the National Harmony Act. "Does this mean that Najib is unaware of the procedure and mechanisms related to any Act before it is repealed?" the PKR vice-president asked at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today. "Why didn't he realize there were such requirements before making a public announcement to Malaysians on July 2012 that he would abolish the Sedition Act?" she said. The government has received widespread flak for wielding the Act primarily on Opposition Leaders and activists critical of Barisan Nasional as recently as May this year. - See more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/nurul%E2%80%99s-bill-to-remove-sedition-act-rejected/#sthash.HUeYVanY.dpuf he Private Member's Bill Nurul Izzah Anwar filed to bring an end to the Sedition Act 1948 has been rejected by the Speaker on the grounds that the act's abolishment would threaten the position of the Malay Rulers. The Parliament Speaker, in a letter to Nurul yesterday, said that abolishing the Sedition Act would also mean abolishing its subsections, which touched upon the position of the Kings. "…abolishing [this act] especially subsection 3(1)(f) will result in the act of questioning the special position of the Malay Rulers no longer becoming seditious," the letter, signed by Pandikar Amin, reads. "I also understand that Act 38(4) of the Federal Constitution states that no law that touches upon the position of the Malay Rulers can be approved without agreement from the Conference of Rulers." This has prompted Nurul to question whether Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was aware of this clause when he announced last year that the government would replace the controversial act with the National Harmony Act. "Does this mean that Najib is unaware of the procedure and mechanisms related to any Act before it is repealed?" the PKR vice-president asked at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today. "Why didn't he realize there were such requirements before making a public announcement to Malaysians on July 2012 that he would abolish the Sedition Act?" she said. The government has received widespread flak for wielding the Act primarily on Opposition Leaders and activists critical of Barisan Nasional as recently as May this year. - See more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/nurul%E2%80%99s-bill-to-remove-sedition-act-rejected/#sthash.HUeYVanY.dpuf

Alvin, Vivian charged, bail rejected Posted: 17 Jul 2013 06:26 PM PDT Sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, who posted an insensitive Ramadan greeting on their Facebook have been charged and sent to prison without bail.  K Pragalath, FMT Sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee who posted an insensitive Ramadan greeting on their Facebook have been charged with publishing indecent photographs, promoting enmity among the races and for sedition at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court today. No bail was granted and Tan was sent to the Sungai Buloh Prision while Lee was taken to the Kajang Prision. The couple were charged under: a) Section 5 of the Film Censorship Act 2002 for publishing indecent photographs online between July 6 and 7. If found guilty they can be fined not less than RM10,000 or not more than RM50,000 and or imprisoned for not exceeding five years; b) 298A Penal Code for promoting enmity between different groups of religion or race and doing acts prejudicial to maintaining harmony by publishing an offensive Ramadan greeting which carries a minimum jail term of two years or a maximum of five years; and c) Section 4(1) (c) of the 1948 Sedition Act for posting seditious material through the offensive greeting which carries fine maximum fine of RM5,000. Tan, 24, and his girlfriend Lee, 25, enraged the Malaysian society when they posted a Ramadan greeting image of them eating 'bak kut teh' (herbal pork soup). The couple famously known as Alvivi have apologised for their action. READ MORE HERE

Govt explains Lynas’ local disposal facility Posted: 17 Jul 2013 04:47 PM PDT Deputy minister Abu Bakar Mohamad says the government is firm with Lynas in shipping its radioactive waste abroad. (FMT) - Lynas has previously said they are studying method to recycle some of its wastes into synthentic gypsium and fertilizer locally. The government has compelled rare earth refiner Lynas Corp to produce a plan for local permanent disposal facility (PDF) because it is an international requirement, the Parliament is told today. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Abu Bakar Mohamad said the PDF proposal did not mean that Lynas would be allowed to store its radioactive waste in the country. "(PDF) is an international standard. So when we draft the temporary operating license (TOL), we have to include it as one of the conditions. "In fact, the government is firm with the decision for them to export the waste abroad," he said.  READ MORE HERE

MB defends decision to let councillors move into exco village Posted: 17 Jul 2013 04:40 PM PDT (fz.com) - It is also learnt that the Selangor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahib has agreed to move into one of the bungalows. Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has defended the state government's decision to allow its state executive councillors (exco) to live in the exco village in Section 7 here despite an earlier stance against it.   Justifying his decision, Abdul Khalid said the state government has been forking out funds to maintain the houses even though there were no occupants.   "Either way, our choice was to sell the property. But we think, it is not the right time for it," he said when met after the state executive council meeting yesterday.   "We tried to rent out the houses but due to the design of the place, not many people were willing to do so at the price we wanted," he added.   He said the state government had decided to rent the 10 bungalows at RM5,000 each a month.   This was partly due to the maintenance cost of the area, he added.  READ MORE HERE

Sex blogger couple face three charges Posted: 17 Jul 2013 04:32 PM PDT (fz.com) -  A total of three charges were leveled against Controversial Malaysian sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee. Two charges were on their provocative Ramadan greeting on Facebook under the Penal Code and Sedition Act.   The other charge was against their crude photos on their websites under Section 43 of the Film Censorship Act.   The couple claimed trial for all three charges.   Last Friday, the couple uploaded a photo of them enjoying a meal of bak kut teh (a pork soup dish) on their Facebook page with the caption: "Selamat Berbuka Puasa with bak kut teh… fragrant, delicious and appetising" together with the halal logo.   The couple's stunt drew so much flak not only from the Muslim community but also from Malaysians in general which lead to their Facebook page being shut down.   They apologised for their behaviour the next day, admitting on Twitter that it was the "stupidest stunt" they have done and that they were wrong.

Sex bloggers detained, to be charged today Posted: 17 Jul 2013 03:31 PM PDT (NST) - Sex bloggers Alvin Tan Jye Yee and Vivian Lee were detained by police when they arrived at Jalan Duta Court Complex this morning. They are expected to be charged in court this afternoon. Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was quoted in the New Straits Times today as confirming the couple would be charged but declined to reveal details of the offence. The couple, aged 25 and 24 respectively, had incurred the wrath of Malaysians after posting a picture of themselves eating bak kut tehwith the caption Selamat Berbuka Puasa on Facebook. The picture had a halal logo and the words wangi, enak, menyelerakan (fragrant, delicious and appetising).

‘CEO’s lack of plantation experience a matter of concern’ Posted: 17 Jul 2013 03:23 PM PDT (The Edge) -  The board of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) is more concerned over its newly appointed group CEO Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah's lack of PLANTATION experience than his questionable doctorate qualification, according to analysts tracking the company. Several analysts closely covering the government-linked plantation company said the FGV board was not overly concerned about the credibility of Emir's PhD in Government Reforms from Warnborough University. "It is Emir's lack of experience and knowledge in the plantation sector that has become a concern. They want to know if he is able to perform as the CEO of a leading palm oil producer and sugar refiner. READ MORE HERE

80% of rainforests in Malaysian Borneo logged Posted: 17 Jul 2013 03:03 PM PDT Bulldozer at a conventional logging site in Borneo  (Mongabay) -  80 percent of the rainforests in Malaysian Borneo have been heavily impacted by logging, finds a comprehensive study that offers the first assessment of the spread of industrial logging and logging roads across areas that were considered some of Earth's wildest lands less than 30 years ago. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Tasmania, University of Papua New Guinea, and the Carnegie Institution for Science, is based on analysis of satellite data using Carnegie Landsat Analysis System-lite (CLASlite), a freely available platform for measuring deforestation and forest degradation. It estimated the state of the region's forests as of 2009. The study uncovered some 226,000 miles (364,000 km) of roads across Sabah and Sarawak, and found that roughly 80 percent of the two states have been impacted by logging or clearing. At best, only 45,400 square kilometers of forest ecosystems in the region remain intact. "The extent of logging in Sabah and Sarawak documented in our work is breathtaking," said study co-author Phil Shearman of the University of Papua New Guinea. "The logging industry has penetrated right into the heart of Borneo and very little rainforest remains untouched by logging or clearfell in Malaysian Borneo."   READ MORE HERE

In London property, Malaysia a leader of the Asian invasion Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:56 PM PDT (The Malay Mail) -  The government-backed funds of Malaysia, Singapore and Korea are at the forefront of a new wave of investment in London's booming property market, the Financial Times reported today. Asian and Middle Eastern money accounted for more than eight out of 10, or 82 per cent of commercial transactions in London in the first half of the year. The FT reported that "overseas investors were behind a record 82 per cent of property transactions in the City of London during the six months, to the value of £4.15 billion (RM20 billion)." This underscored the demand for high value property at a time of low interest rates and weak sterling. According to the newspaper, the year has been punctuated by a series of high-profile, high value deals in central London – the latest being the £260m purchase last week of the Lord Rogers-designed Lloyd's building by Ping An, the Chinese life assurer. Other notable transactions include the Malaysian pension fund Kumpulan Wang Persaraan's (KWAP) purchase of a City office block for £215 million. KWAP is a government fund used to finance pensions paid out to civil servants. Last month the same newspaper also reported that Malaysians are among the top 10 biggest foreign buyers of US commercial property, joining the flow of investors from emerging markets looking to park their cash in a stable environment with higher yields. Citing data from global real estate research and consulting firm Real Capital Analytics (RCA), the widely-read business and current affairs paper reported Malaysia to have entered the same league as Canada, Singapore, China, South Korea, Australia, Israel and Kuwait in buying up chunks of prime office space in New York as well as in gateway cities across the US valued at US$27.2 billion (RM84.3 billion) last year. Earlier this month Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told FT that Malaysia would continue to gobble up London property as cash-rich funds such as Employees Provident Fund (EPF) "need to take some of that surplus abroad". The prime minister was in London to launch the Battersea project — owned by the Malaysian consortium of Sime Darby, SP Setia and the EPF — in the British capital. The redevelopment of the iconic power station has also come to symbolise Malaysia's appetite within the sector. Already, the EPF and government-linked corporations such as Sime Darby have shot Malaysia to second place in London's lucrative property sector. According to the Financial Times, an EPF spokesman said the fund aimed to have 23 per cent of its portfolio invested overseas by 2014/15, up from 18 per cent now. The EPF and its public sector equivalent, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan, began venturing into UK property in 2010, acquiring an office building as part of plans to invest up to £1 billion  in the British property market, according to the Reuters news agency. A year later, the EPF expanded its foray by taking out a five-year £300 million loan ― its first offshore loan ― to fund the acquisition of three London-based properties. It holds 20 per cent of the Battersea project, with Sime Darby and SP Setia owning the remainder. The EPF handles around RM176 billion generated from the mandatory retirement savings of Malaysian private workers. Najib also told the British newspaper that Malaysia aimed to be a "major player" in the London property market. FT reported that spending by Asian investors accelerated rapidly during the three months to the end of June, with the region responsible for £1.04 billion during the first quarter, up 166 per cent on the previous three months. London, cornered more international property investment last year than any European country. This reflects the growing pressure on large, cash rich investors to diversify away from the bond markets amid a period characterised by low interest rates and volatile equity markets, according to FT. The newspaper added that the central London office market has been highlighted by investors for offering a government bond-like risk profile but significantly better yields, typically between four per cent and six per cent.

‘New preventive law must be specific’ Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:34 PM PDT New set of preventive laws to replace the Emergency Ordinance must be more specific, says MCA vice-president Donald Lim.  Alfian ZM Tahir, FMT MCA vice-president Donald Lim said the new law to replace the repealed Emergency Ordinance (EO) should be definitive and specific in tackling crime. Lim told FMT that it was time for the Barisan Nasional to reform itself and deliver its promises to the people. "We have to be more specific and state the type of crime we are dealing with," he said. Lim said the people were happy when the government repealed the ISA and praised Najib for his reforms. Last week, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the first draft of new set of laws replacing the EO was now with the Attorney-General's chambers. However, in a buka puasa event yesterday, Zahid said the police were toothless without the EO. Zahid said since the EO was repealed, organised or serious crimes increased by 90% which were carried out by former criminals. READ MORE HERE

In the Malay Press: Govt to continue with culture project on Chin Woo land Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:24 PM PDT (fz.com) - "The land is gazetted for culture, that is to build the Kota Warisan. I don't intend to negotiate with any party including the MCA and am only prepared to meet them in court," Nazri said. The government will continue to reclaim the land of SJK (C) Chin Woo for the Kota Warisan project despite MCA's protest against it, Utusan Malaysia reported today.   Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the land reclamation process will begin in the near future for the purpose of building a Cultural Village through the project.   At the same time, Nazri said, the ministry is preparing a team of lawyer to face any possibility to resolve the issue in court.   "The land is gazetted for culture, that is to build the Kota Warisan. I don't intend to negotiate with any party including the MCA and am only prepared to meet them in court," Nazri said.   Nazri said this in response to MCA's call for the government to reconsider its decision to take back the 0.13 hectare land from Chin Woo School.   MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said the government must take into account that the land, which is now a basketball court, has been used by the school since it was established 1938.   READ MORE HERE

Speaker denies motion to send Rafizi to rights committee over indelible ink Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:18 PM PDT Rafizi said last Tuesday that the supplier of the indelible ink used in Election 2013 is linked to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. — Picture by Choo Choy May - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/speaker-denies-motion-to-send-rafizi-to-rights-committee-over-indelible-ink?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.PiOAhvRS.dpuf Rafizi said last Tuesday that the supplier of the indelible ink used in Election 2013 is linked to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. — Picture by Choo Choy May - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/speaker-denies-motion-to-send-rafizi-to-rights-committee-over-indelible-ink?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.PiOAhvRS.dpuf Rafizi said last Tuesday that the supplier of the indelible ink used in Election 2013 is linked to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. — Picture by Choo Choy May (The Malay Mail) - Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia rejected today a motion to refer PKR MP Rafizi Ramli to the Parliament's Rights and Privileges Committee over the latter's remarks on the indelible ink supplier. Rafizi, who is the Pandan MP, said last Tuesday that the supplier of the indelible ink used in Election 2013 is linked to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. "In this matter, I am fair," Pandikar ruled in Parliament here today. "The three conditions fall short," he said, referring to the three criteria required to send a lawmaker to the Parliament's Rights and Privileges Committee, which are: the statement is false, the MP knows the statement is false but does not correct it, and the MP has intentions to mislead the House.

Police are now ‘powerless’, says Zahid Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:14 PM PDT (Bernama) - He said the police were losing their powers to record statements of witnesses and could not compel witnesses to appear in the court. Legislative transformationS carried out by the Attorney-General's Chambers to replace the Emergency Ordinance (EO) with new laws need not burden the police in their effort to reduce the crime rate in the country, said Home Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the new legislation needed to be similar to the EO which enabled police to have the power to fight crimes especially serious crimes. "We (Home Ministry) do not want to contradict what is being done by the Attorney-General to carry out legislative transformation. But we must understand the police are toothless when there is no EO. "Do not see only from the legal perspective but from all aspects to fight crime," he told reporters after attending a breaking of fast event of the National Anti-Drug Agency here last night. According to him, since the EO was repealed, incidents of organised or serious crimes increased by 90 per cent which were carried out by former criminals. Ahmad Zahid had recently reportedly said that following the repeal of the EO, 2,600 detainees at the Simpang Renggam Detention Centre in Johor were released and that many of them returned to lead a life of crime. He also requested Malaysians to understand the position of police who were now powerless. He said the police were losing their powers to record statements of witnesses and could not compel witnesses to appear in the court. Therefore, he said, the community should not blame police when the crime rate increased. "We are not seeking the people's sympathy but understanding on the police's duty in arresting criminals but having to release them for lack of evidence. "Prior to this, Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri) Khalid Abu Bakar had also requested for a new law similar to the EO to curb serious crimes like shooting," he said. According to Khalid, without EO and no witnesses coming forward to assist in investigations, criminals were getting bolder to carry out radical and aggressive crimes such as shootings.

Police chief denies having top secret news of Sulu intrusion Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:06 PM PDT (TMI) - The Lahad Datu police chief has denied making any statements about the impending attack by the Sulu militants and has lodged a police report regarding the issue, the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah heard today. Superintendent Shamsudin Mat said he had applied to be called as the 186th witness of the RCI to clarify the statement made by Lahad Datu district officer Zulkifli Nasir on Tuesday. He said he had lodged a police report at 1.22pm yesterday after reading Zulkifli's statements in the newspapers. On Tuesday, Zulkifli told the five-man RCI panel that he had been called to a meeting by Shamsudin in February and was told about the planned landing of the armed intruders. Zulkifli said that he had been told about the intentions of the armed Sulu terrorists two weeks before they began arriving in Lahad Datu. "I was told that Lahad Datu was the main target of the armed intruders and informed that the issue was top secret. I was warned not to leak any news about the issue," Zulkifli told the RCI panel led by former Sabah and Sarawak Chief Justice Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong. Today, Shamsudin denied that he had called Zulkifli for a meeting or made any statements as claimed by the latter. He said he was unsure why Zulkifli made such a statement and attempted to contact him for clarification. "Zulkifli didn't answer my call but called me back later. He said that his friends and family had also asked him about the issue after reading about it in the newspapers," Shamsudin said, adding that Zulkifli claimed that he had been misquoted. "I only came to know about the intrusion on Feb 12 after authorities had detected the landing of the armed Sulu terrorists. I had no information or intelligence relating to the Sulu terrorists prior to Feb 12. READ MORE HERE

Govt will discuss if replacement to EO is needed, says Najib Posted: 17 Jul 2013 01:08 PM PDT   (The Star) - Najib stressed that the Government was not backtracking on its decision to repeal the EO. The Government will discuss the view that a new law similar to the repealed Emergency Ordinance is needed, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The Prime Minister, in his first reaction to the issue, said some wanted preventative detention while others were against it. "We will discuss this with the police and the Attorney-General," he told reporters at his office here yesterday. "What is important is that the law must have a balance between protecting individual rights and safeguarding community interests," he said. "It must also ensure that there would be no abuse of power by any party." Najib stressed that the Government was not backtracking on its decision to repeal the EO. "But we want to maintain that the fight against crime will be effective while ensuring freedom of individuals and no abuse of power," he added. Najib added that the views of stakeholders, such as Suhakam and maybe the Bar Council, would be taken into account. It was reported that the Home Ministry would hold a forum to discuss the idea of introducing a new law to replace the EO on Aug 24. Since the repeal of the EO two years ago, there have been voices of concern over the rise in violent crime and drug-related cases. On Tuesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Government would not push to reintroduce preventive detention to deal with the rise in organised crime. He added that the ministry would stand with Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail — who declared he would not support any move to reinstate preventive detention — but believed that the country still needed a law to clamp down on gangsterism and serious crime. On the same day, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that some kind of preventive law was needed to strike fear in violent criminals and check organised crime. The Prime Minister also said that the National Harmony Act, currently being drawn up to replace the Sedition Act 1948, would not affect the Government's power to handle actions that jeopardised national unity and harmony. He said the Government wanted to guarantee freedom of speech for all Malaysians, but this should not be abused to the extent of endangering national unity and harmony. "The insolent and impudent act by the young couple who insulted Islam showed that freedom of expression and irresponsible opinion can jeopardise the community," he added. Sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee angered many Malaysians – both Muslims and non-Muslims – by uploading a photograph showing them eating bak kut teh with a captionSelamat Berbuka Puasa on Facebook. Both are being investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission while Abdul Gani said they could also be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948. Najib said the Government would ensure that the new Act would maintain three major principles. The first referred to the tackling of actions that led to hatred of or insult or disloyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any other Ruler. The second concerns the tackling of acts that encourage malicious feelings and enmity among the various ethnic groups in the country. "The third principle refers to matters on tackling acts that dispute any matters pertaining to special privileges, sovereignty or prerogative stipulated or protected by the provision in section three of the Federal Constitution or articles 153, 151 and 181 of the Federal Constitution," Najib said. He added that the nation needed to determine principles that could look after the interests of the country, including the matter on racial harmony as well as the position of religion. "This is not a matter pertaining to Islam alone, but also involved all ethnic groups and the sensitivity of all races and religions."

Don’t mock Islam, warns DPM Posted: 17 Jul 2013 12:16 PM PDT   (FMT) - Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has warned all parties not to challenge and mock the sanctity of Islam to the extent of incurring the wrath of Muslims in the country. The erring couple, Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee will be charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court at Jalan Duta today. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has warned all parties not to challenge and mock the sanctity of Islam to the extent of incurring the wrath of Muslims in the country. He said insults such as the latest perpetrated by couple Alvin Tan, 25 and Vivian Lee, 24 appeared to be increasing lately and it was of grave concern that such actions could lead to racial tension. "Islam's status should not be questioned as it is enshrined in the Federal Constitution. I'm concerned that if such mockery is unchecked it will become a trend which Muslims will not tolerate anymore," he said. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/don%E2%80%99t-mock-islam-warns-dpm/

Marino’s apology is not enough Posted: 17 Jul 2013 12:15 PM PDT   (Bernama) - The Selangor Islamic Religious Council want Archbishop Joseph Marino expelled and tough action taken against any Muslim or non-Muslim who insulted Islam. It appears that an apology from the Vatican's envoy to Malaysia is simply not enough for the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS). MAIS said Archbishop Joseph Marino's  comment  over the use of the word "Allah" by Christians in Malaysia was tantamount to contempt of the rule of law assented to by the Malay rulers. Its chairman Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa, said Marino, had incurred the anger of Muslims at a time when they were observing the Ramadan fast. Mais is most disappointed that the issue of the use of the word "Allah" had been assumed to be trivial by certain quarters, so much so that it cropped up every year, he said in a statement. Mohamad Adzib said the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had emphasised repeatedly in 2009 and 2010 and, most recently, on Jan 6 this year that the word "Allah" could not be used in the state by non-Muslims. "In fact, the sultan had expressed disappointment over the practice of some non-Muslim individuals who had insulted the sanctity of Islam in the country," he said. Mohamad Adzib urged relevant authorities such as the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), the police and the Home Ministry to act firmly against any Muslim or non-Muslim individual who intentionally insulted the sanctity of Islam, the religion of the federation according to Article 3 of the Federal Constitution. This was because the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims, by associating the word with other entities, was clearly in violation of Islamic law, he said. Fatwas issued He said that the "fatwa" (edict) gazetted in Selangor on Feb 18, 2010, and the Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988 had been in force for some time. However, they seemed to have little significance among a handful of non-Muslims towards the sensitivities of Muslims in the country despite the legislation being in force in almost all states in peninsular Malaysia, he said. "Mais fully supports the statements and commentaries made by religious experts and scholars in the media, such as Johor Islamic Religious Council advisor Noh Gadut, Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Perkim) vice-president Nakhaie Ahmad and Negeri Sembilan Mufti  Mohd Yusof Ahmad as well as several others who censured the actions associated with the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims. "Mais urges more religious experts and scholars, regardless of political background, to come forward to express their objection and criticise the misuse of the holy word," he said. He also said that Mais backed the call by Islamic NGOs to the Foreign Ministry to expel the Vatican's ambassador to Malaysia for having made what he described as an irresponsible statement. Marino has apologised for the misunderstandings and inconveniences that his comments might have caused and said it was never his intention to meddle in the internal affairs of the country. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman had summoned Marino to Wisma Putra and advised him to be mindful of the religious sensitivities of the country and also informed him that the issue he had commented on was pending hearing at the Court of Appeal. Maintain harmony Meanwhile Minister in the Prime Minister's Department  Joseph Kurup said he hoped with Marino's apology the issue is regarded as settled. Kurup, who is the federal minister responsible for unity and national integration, thanked all quarters who had extended cooperation and shown a high level of enthusiasm in handling the issue. "I urge all quarters to work together to consolidate unity and enhance understanding through discussion and mutual understanding to maintain harmony in the country," he said in a statement. Kurup urged for the issue to be left to be decided by the courts.

Chinese-based parties in merger talks Posted: 17 Jul 2013 12:00 PM PDT   (FMT) - Donald Lim is confident BN will have only one Chinese party when GE14 comes around. Chances are good that the Chinese-based parties in Barisan Nasional will merge into one before the 14th general election, according to MCA vice president Donald Lim. He told FMT in an interview that MCA was already engaged in informal talks with the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and Gerakan. He indicated, however, that the discussions with Gerakan would have to be pursued more intensely. "We are getting feedback from SUPP and Gerakan," he said. "At the moment, SUPP has been really positive about the idea. We will pursue our discussion with Gerakan after our party election."  Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/17/chinese-based-parties-in-merger-talks/

Khairy hints at Najib's bleak future 'if we lose Kuala Besut' Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:59 AM PDT   (Harakah) - "If we lose and if there is a Terengganu state election, a wave - not blue - but a movement, a jolt, would reach Parliament" The UMNO general assembly may be three months away but its president Najib Razak is already feeling the heat following the unexpected by-election in Terengganu, where BN had been hanging to power by a one-seat majority. In the clearest yet warning to Najib, UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin (pic), whose father-in-law lasted in power only several months after Barisan Nasional's disastrous performance in the 2008 general election, hinted that the Kuala Besut poll may now well decide Najib's future. "If we lose and if there is a Terengganu state election, a wave - not blue - but a movement, a jolt, would reach Parliament," Khairy was quoted as saying by news portal Malaysiakini. "And we don't want to see BN's position (and) Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's position - the BN chairperson, UMNO president - threatened because of what happens (here)". The Kuala Besut state seat became vacant after the death of BN's Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar last week. Since then, the coalition has been left with 16 seats while PR has 15. A PAS victory in Kuala Besut - which did happen in 1959, 1969, 1974 and 1999 - would result in a hung state assembly and likely to resurrect the debate on the role and power of the Sultan in the country's governance. BN's weaker performance in the May election has led to speculations of an internal coup in UMNO to replace Najib and his deputy Muhyiddin Yasin, prompting many leaders to call for a no-contest rule for top posts.

BN must secure much bigger majority Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:56 AM PDT   (FMT) - A win in the Kuala Besut state seat by-election on July 24 is crucial for development programmes planned by the government in the area to be implemented in the best possible manner.  Mohd Shafie wants the BN election machinery to identify and engage with every voter in Kuala Besut towards obtaining a bigger majority in the upcoming by-election. Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal said the federal government could easily channel aid to the area if the state government was from the same party as the central government. "This factor must be taken into account by voters," he told reporters after visiting Kampung Nangka and Kampung Lampu, here, yesterday. "BN's capability is clearly proven by fulfilling its promises and always endeavouring to improve the people's standard of living, whether by building  infrastructure or by providing direct aid," he said. Mohd Shafie said RM4.4 million had been allocated from 2010 until now for 28 projects to boost the infrastructure in Kuala Besut. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/07/18/bn-must-secure-much-bigger-majority/

MB: Land for elected representatives part of state policy Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:52 AM PDT   (fz.com) - In attempt to quell criticism from the Pakatan Rakyat, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said disclosed that the land given to four elected representatives was part of a state policy.   He added that PAS had also done similarly when it governed over the state. PAS ruled the state from 1999 to 2004.   Ahmad explained that the state policy was to award locals land for housing or agricultural purposes.   Since the state representatives were providing a service to the people, he said, land was awarded to them as a token of gratitude.   "They asked (for it) and we granted (it). What is wrong with that? It was acquired the right way," he told reporters after chairing the weekly exco meeting, this afternoon.   Ahmad was responding to Pakatan Rakyat when the opposition took the Barisan Nasional state government to task for failing to provide land for the 'rakyat' and instead awarding a one-hectare plot of land to four of its elected representatives.   The four were Besut MP Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, former Besut MP Datuk Seri Abdullah Mohamed Zin, Hulu Besut assemblyman Nawi Mohd and Jertih assemblyman Mohd Pehemi Yusof.   Read more at: http://www.fz.com/content/mb-land-elected-representitaves-part-state-policy

Removed, but Vell Paari gears up for VP post Posted: 17 Jul 2013 11:49 AM PDT   (fz.com) - Vell Paari said that his removal from the CWC was probably due to his statement published in an English newspaper two days ago.  S Vell Paari,  who was removed from MIC's Central Working Committee  by party president Datuk Seri G Palanivel today, is adamant that he will contest the vice president's post in the coming party elections, if only to test his strength among  members.    "I can challenge the removal but I am not going to, as I am of the opinion that the president has actually ended his term and it would be childish for me to argue over it. He was never elected to the post anyway.    "I will stand for the VP post and this will show the strength of support I have within the party," said Vell Paari, who is the party's strategy director. Palanivel was promoted to the president's post from being a deputy after Vell Paari's father, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu, stepped down in 2010.   Samy Vellu was the longest serving MIC president, holding the post for 11 consecutive terms.    Vell Paari said that his removal from the CWC was probably due to his statement published in an English newspaper two days ago, about the possibility of MIC deputy president Datuk Seri S Subramaniam challenging Palanivel for the president's post.   Vell Paari was quoted in the report as saying that "there was a 50-50 chance that the two leaders, both full ministers in the current cabinet, could meet in a head-to-head clash at the upcoming presidential polls to be held in September". Read more at: http://www.fz.com/content/removed-vell-paari-gears-vp-post#ixzz2ZMUHO36j

Government may rethink indelible ink, opt for biometrics Posted: 16 Jul 2013 09:32 PM PDT (Bernama) - The government is prepared to consider the suggestion to scrap the indelible ink and replace it with a biometric system for the next general election, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim. He said the proposal to use the indelible ink came from the opposition, namely Gombak member of parliament Mohamed Azmin Ali, in the Special Select Committee on Electoral Reforms and was implemented by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in the 13th general election (GE13); however, its implementation later was disputed by the opposition. "We just followed, whereas the EC (Election Commission) had suggested the biometric so that the thumb print is used where there is no escape," Shahidan said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill (2012) 2013 at the committee stage at the Dewan Rakyat sitting in Kuala Lumpur today. He said the biometric suggestion "is the best" and that they would definitely be discussing the matter. Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh), when suggesting the scrapping of the indelible ink, said the issue and polemic on the use of the indelible ink has been prolonged because the party that lost in the general election had to find a reason for their defeat. Referring to the biometric system, Annuar said Malaysia has a comprehensive registration system based on the identity card which has strict security features. "We have a very good system already, but we gave way on the question of the indelible ink. We adopted the indelible ink, but then there were people who expressed doubt on the validity of their ablution," he said.

Former aide claims Anwar submitted fake MC to court Posted: 16 Jul 2013 09:23 PM PDT (Bernama) -  Yuktes Vijay, a former aide to Anwar Ibrahim's defence team for his Bersih 3.0 trial, today lodged a police report claiming that the opposition leader had submitted a fake medical certificate (MC) to get the trial postponed. Yuktes arrived with two friends at the Jalan Travers police station here at 10.40am to lodge the report. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he claimed that Anwar had submitted the fake MC to the court in September last year. He also claimed that he had handed over evidence concerning the fake MC to the police. "Submitting fake MCs might seem like a small matter, but what I want to prove here is that the opposition is willing to go to any length to subvert the judicial system," he said. Yuktes also said he had not revealed this matter earlier for fear of his safety as he had received many threats after his open letters to Anwar were published in various websites. On May 22, 2012, Anwar, who is the de facto head of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and party member Badrul Hisham Shaharin had claimed trial to a Bersih 3.0-linked offence under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. They were charged at the Sessions Court here under Section 4(2)(c) of the Act for going against an April 26 order by magistrate Zaki Asyraf Zubir by taking part in a street protest at Dataran Merdeka in the federal capital here on April 28. 2012. The order prohibited individuals from entering Dataran Merdeka or participating in any assembly there from April 28 to May 1.

Over RM20 mil collected from AES summons Posted: 16 Jul 2013 08:28 PM PDT (The Sun) - To date, summons worth more than RM20 million has been collected from motorists caught on the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras nationwide, the Transport Ministry disclosed at the Dewan Rakyat today. The ministry in its written reply stated that there are a total of 673,339 summons issued to 628,045 motorists for speeding and 45,294 for running the red light. "The prosecution of the summons is halted temporarily due to the government's decision to study the AES implementation thoroughly. "However, the postponement of the prosecution does not affect the implementation of AES and issuing of summons for errant motorists," the ministry said in response to Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut). He had asked the ministry to state the contents of the AES agreement and the summons issued to date. The ministry had stated that the terms and conditions in the agreement are classified as secret and thus cannot be revealed in the Dewan. The ministry also stated that some 1,079 AES cameras have not been installed yet, pending location identification from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

PAS: Take action against Ibrahim, too Posted: 16 Jul 2013 08:24 PM PDT (FMT) -  "To maintain religion harmony, Muslims must respect the non-Muslims and vice-versa," Mahfuz told a press conference in Parliament House today. Several PAS parliamentarians questioned the government for cracking the whip against a couple who uploaded a religiously insensitive image online but failed to do the same on Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali and his deputy Zulkifli Nordin. PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar said Ibrahim had threatened to burn the Malay version of the Bible and Zulkifli Nordin had insulted the Hindu religion but no action had been taken against them. "To maintain religion harmony, Muslims must respect the non-Muslims and vice-versa," Mahfuz told a press conference in Parliament House today. The Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had this week hauled up sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, or known as Alvivi on their Facebook page, for uploading a picture of them having a pork dish Ba Ku Teh with Ramadan greetings. BN's Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin had asked for harsh action to be taken against the couple for insulting Islam. Kota Raja MP Siti Mariah Mahmud said it was ironic that some government leaders had been so riled up about Alvivi's posting, but remained silent when certain Muslim individuals went against the Islamic teachings. She said certain individuals were sitting on the board of directors of Genting Bhd which is a gambling institution. "We should not misplace our anger. We must condemn everyone who is disrespectful to religion," she said.

National Harmony Act does not affect govt's power to maintain solidarity Posted: 16 Jul 2013 03:56 PM PDT (FZ.COM) -  The National Harmony Act, which is being drawn up to replace the Sedition Act 1948, will not affect the power of the government in handling actions that jeopardise national solidarity and harmony, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The Prime Minister said although the government wanted to guarantee the freedom of speech for all Malaysians, this freedom should not be abused to endanger national solidarity and harmony.   "The insolent and impudent act by the young couple who insulted the Islamic religion (recently) demonstrated the freedom of expression, and any irresponsible opinion can bring jeopardy to the community," he said at a media conference at the special meeting room of his office, here today.   A blogging couple, Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, had previously been widely criticised for ridiculing the Muslims and the Ramadan month by uploading a photograph showing them enjoying the 'bak kut teh' (a pork dish) with a caption that offended the sensitivity of Muslims in the social website, Facebook.   The Prime Minister said the government would ensure that the provisions in the new act would maintain the three major principles in tackling activities that would lead to the feeling of hatred and insult to the institutions and existing provisions in the constitution.   He said the first principle referred to matters on tackling actions and activities that would lead to the feeling of hatred or insults or disloyal acts against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any other Ruler.   READ MORE HERE

Map-sharing already an issue at haze meeting in KL Posted: 16 Jul 2013 03:15 PM PDT (TMI) - The maps, if used with satellite images, can help pinpoint exactly who owns the rights to logging or plantation activity on land where hotspots occur. Environment ministers from Indonesia and Malaysia have refused to share with counterparts from neighbouring countries land concession maps which would pinpoint those who burn land illegally, especially in Indonesia. This obstacle has cropped up at the 15th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution which begins today in Kuala Lumpur to tackle the hazardous haze problem that occurred last month. Quoting sources, The Straits Times reported that the Indonesians and Malaysians have argued that it was not permissible to share that information under their laws. READ MORE HERE

Jeffrey tells RCI he was given list of 60,000 illegals who had ICs Posted: 16 Jul 2013 03:09 PM PDT (TMI) - Jeffrey claimed that the officer said many of his colleagues had been arrested when they raised questions about the issuance of identity cards to illegal immigrants or when they had voiced their objections. A list containing the names of 60,000 illegal immigrants who were issued identity cards in Sabah was handed by an officer from the National Registration Department (NRD) to Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegals in Sabah heard today. Jeffrey, who is the Bingkor assemblyman, told the inquiry that the list was handed to him in 1990 by an NRD officer who wanted something done about the way the identity cards were being issued to illegal immigrants. "An NRD officer invited me into a room to talk to me personally. He told me that he was very, very sad as he was a Muslim but could not believe that such an incident was happening in Malaysia," the president of the STAR party recalled. "The officer handed me a stack of documents and told me that it contained the names of illegal immigrants who had been issued identity cards. These immigrants were going to be included in the electoral roll once they had registered. READ MORE HERE

Karpal lodges report against Tajuddin over 'seditious' remark Posted: 16 Jul 2013 02:59 PM PDT  Lim, Karpal and Ng Shin Cheong (standing at the back). (FZ.COM) - According to news reports, Tajuddin had warned Kuala Besut voters that Karpal could be Malaysia's first president if they allowed DAP to come to power in the country through PAS. Karpal Singh has lodged a police report against Deputy Agriculture Minister Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for allegedly saying that the DAP chairman will lead a republic if Pakatan Rakyat controlled Putrajaya. Karpal lodged the report at the Tun HS Lee police station here, urging police to investigate Tajuddin under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, as well as for offences under the Penal Code.   Section 4(1) states that it is a criminal offence to make any oral, printed and published statements or acts with "seditious tendency". Upon conviction, one can be imprisoned for up to three years, fined up to RM5,000, or both.   Speaking to reporters outside the police station, Karpal said Tajuddin must be prosecuted over the statement that was allegedly made in Kuala Besut, Terengganu on July 14.   According to news reports, Tajuddin had warned Kuala Besut voters that Karpal could be Malaysia's first president if they allowed DAP to come to power in the country through PAS.   Karpal said he believed that the statement has seditious tendency, prompting him to lodge the report today.   "Statements like this ought not be allowed and encouraged," he said. DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, who was present, said the statement was "irresponsible, defamatory and seditious in nature", adding that it was one of a series of seditious remarks made in the past six weeks.   Lim opined that the machinery of justice must not only be fair but seen to be fair, and those who uttered seditious remarks must be prosecuted.

‘Najib spent RM44.071mil abroad in 5 years’ Posted: 16 Jul 2013 02:53 PM PDT The PM spent RM10 million more than his predecessor Pak Lah in his overseas trips in the last five year. (FMT) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has spent staggering RM44.071 million in the past five years for official duties abroad, revealed Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming today. Citing a written reply from the Minister of Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim, Nga  said that the amount equaled to RM8.814 million a year and RM734,516 per month over the period. The expenditure was incurred in between March 2008 and May 2013 and covered Najib's entourage too. "Pak Lah (former PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) only spent RM30 million in five years when he was in office. Najib must tell us what he has achieved with such expenditure for his trips abroad," he told reporters in the Parliament's lobby today. READ MORE HERE

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