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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Let Chin Peng's remains stay in Thailand, says Pas Dewan Ulamak chief
- DAP CEC injunction: Decision on Friday
- Bill tabled to ban Sang Saka Malaya
- Spit on a flag? That’s 15 years’ jail
- Significant progress on hot-button issues: PM
- RM2.88 mil for Aidilfitri open house in a day; cabinet spent RM3.66 mil for fuel for a year
- Will invite my assaulters to gurudwara: Sikh professor attacked in US
- More controversy over DAP election
- ‘Sacked’ DAP man told to attend congress
- Former assemblyman seeks RM5m compensation from Johor DAP chairman
- Umno veep victors will determine country’s political future, analysts say
- Money beginning to flow to ‘influence’ candidates at Umno polls
- Kerfuffle at Penang airport over alleged smuggling of Chin Peng’s ashes
| Let Chin Peng's remains stay in Thailand, says Pas Dewan Ulamak chief Posted: 24 Sep 2013 11:22 PM PDT
(The Mole) - A Pas leader thinks that it is better that the remains of former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng, to stay in Thailand. Pas Dewan Ulamak chief Datuk Harun Taib told The Mole: "In Islam, where ever a person dies, that is where they should be buried." Harun, who is also Pas Syura council member however stressed that he was not commenting on behalf of the party but as a Muslim. The Pas Terengganu commissioner said from the political viewpoint he also felt believed that Chin Peng's remains should remain where it is at present as the communist leader was not a Malaysian. "Politically speaking, he is not a Malaysians and his remains should not be brought back," added Harun. Prior to this, Pas central committee member Datuk Dzulkefly Ahmad in a news report said Chin Peng's ashes should be allowed back into the country in the name of justice. "I recall they (CPM) agreed to lay down their weapons and, as far as I am concerned, that is a ceasefire," Dzulkefly was quoted as saying. Pas Kedah leader Fadzil Baharom was also reported to have attended Chin Peng's wake on September 22 in Bangkok where the communist leader had died. Fadzil said his presence at the wake was not representing Pakatan Rakyat rather it was his own personal reason to which he believed that his presence at Chin Peng's wake would not have any significance now but would be a historical moment in five to 10 years' time over his bravery to attend the wake. Harun when asked what he thought about Dzulkefly's and Fadzil's views said he was unable to comment, adding: "I cannot comment on other issues, that you would have to ask the Pas president (Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang)." Prior to this, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party accepted the government's stand not to allow Chin Peng to be cremated in the country. Hadi was reported as saying that the ban had already been issued by the government and any opinion from the Islamic party would not change the decision that has already been made.
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| DAP CEC injunction: Decision on Friday Posted: 24 Sep 2013 11:17 PM PDT
If the injunction is granted, DAP may have to postpone its central executive committee polls slated to be held on Sunday. K Pragalath, FMT The Kuala Lumpur High Court will make its decision whether to strike out an injunction filed against the DAP election or otherwise come Friday. High Court judge Rosnaini Saub said this after hearing submissions from counsel representing both parties. DAP and its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng were represented by counsels Karpal Singh and Gobind Singh Deo. The applicant, Ladang Paroi DAP branch deputy chairman A David Dass was represented by lawyers M Mahendra and K Harikrishnan. In his submission, Harikrishnan argued that the procedures to hold a central executive committee (CEC) election was not followed as there was an absence of a 10 weeks notice period before holding party polls, as stipulated for national congress in the party constitution. However, Gobind responded by saying that DAP is holding a special congress which requires only a minimum seven days notice period. "And the notice we gave for this was a three months notice," said Gobind. On Sept 10, David filed an injunction against Lim and the DAP to stop the re-election, claiming that it was against the party constitution. DAP is holding fresh elections for its CEC in order to avoid deregistration following a directive by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on July 30. The re-election was ordered by ROS after disgruntled members claimed that the election in December last year was not properly conducted. DAP had announced that an error in keying in data on the polls result, which had resulted in the wrong candidate being elected to the CEC.
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| Bill tabled to ban Sang Saka Malaya Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:36 PM PDT
A proposed amendment to the Penal Code will ban the use of any flag that purports to represent Malaysia other than the Jalur Gemilang and state flags. Levin Woon, FMT A government's bill to amend the Penal Code is seeking to bar the use and promotion of any flag that purports to represent Malaysia other than the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags. The bill seems to target the Sang Saka Malaya, a flag designed by the left-wing politicians in 1940s and has recently returned to public spotlight after it was used by social activists Adam Adli and Hishamuddin Rais on Merdeka day. Under a new Section 121E of the bill, whoever uses, recognises or promotes the use any flag that purports to represent Malaysia will face jail punishment between 5 and 15 years, and shall also be liable to fine. The same section also seeks to introduce stiffer penalty for those who destroy, deface or tramples on the Jalur Gemilang. The penalty meted out to this offence is the same as those who fly other unrecognised Malaysian flag. The bill also proposes harsher penalty for those who committed canal intercourse offence against the will of another person under the controversial Section 377. A jail term of not less than 5 years and not more than 30 years is proposed, up from the existing 20 years jail term. An additional Section 375B of the bill seeks to increase the penalty on gang rape offender from the current maximum 20 years jail term to 30 years. In order to curb domestic violence, two new sections were mooted to mete out stiffer punishments for individuals who hurt their spouse.
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| Spit on a flag? That’s 15 years’ jail Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:25 PM PDT
Joseph Sipadan, The Malay Mail Anyone who "dishonours" the Jalur Gemilang, or any national flag for that matter, could face up to 15 years behind bars if amendments to the Penal Code are passed by Parliament next week. The penalty is part of a new section that the government wants to add on to the law, which will impose jail time and a fine on anyone who does not handle the national flag of any nation with respect. The new provision, if passed, will apply to anyone who "mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, tramples on, desecrates, destroys, insults or questions with the intention of dishonouring any national emblem or flag of a foreign nation". The additional section also criminalises the act of recognising or promoting the use of any flag "that purports to represent Malaysia" but is not officially recognised by either the federal or state governments. The penalty for either offence will be no less than five years and not more than 15 years jail and a possible fine, if found guilty. The new section is part of a raft of proposed amendments to the Penal Code listed on a bill tabled in Parliament by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier today. The new section comes just a few weeks after police arrested national laureate Datuk A. Samad Said and two others for allegedly raising the Sang Saka Malaya flag on the eve of Merdeka Day last August 30. Samad, along with student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim and activist Hishamuddin Rais, were arrested and investigated by police under the Sedition Act, but were released after several hours. The Sang Saka Malaya flag allegedly unfurled on August 30 this year is a two-striped red-and-white flag with 12 yellow stars arranged in three rows in the top left corner. It was used by the first Malay party, Kesatuan Melayu Malaya (KMM) formed in 1938, that had fought against the colonial British for the country's independence. The authorities have used the Sedition Act twice in as many years on individuals caught raising the Sang Saka Malaya flag. Last September, the police arrested two youths for allegedly flying the Sang Saka Malaya flag during the countdown to the 55th National Day on August 30. The Sang Saka Malaya flag at the heart of last year's controversy is also a two-striped red-and-white flag, but it has a crescent moon and an 11-pointed star in the top left corner instead.
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| Significant progress on hot-button issues: PM Posted: 24 Sep 2013 11:14 AM PDT
(Today) - "So when an issue comes up, there is less willingness to say: 'Well, this one I lose, but what to do, it is for the national good'. There is much more desire to say 'How can this one hurt me, how can you take care of me if you want to do this," said Mr Lee. "It is a different generation; I think attitudes have changed over the years." Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday said the Government has made "significant progress" in addressing hot-button issues following the 2011 General Election, but called on Singaporeans to play a role in shaping the country they would like to see. He felt that while the sense of identity, for instance, has strengthened among Singaporeans, the willingness to sacrifice individual concerns for broader national goals "is probably less" when compared to the previous generation. "So when an issue comes up, there is less willingness to say: 'Well, this one I lose, but what to do, it is for the national good'. There is much more desire to say 'How can this one hurt me, how can you take care of me if you want to do this," said Mr Lee. "It is a different generation; I think attitudes have changed over the years." The Prime Minister made these comments during Channel NewsAsia's Ask the Prime Minister programme last night, during which he was asked a series of questions on wide-ranging topics concerning governance, forging a social compact and future challenges confronting Singapore. On the hot-button issues of foreigners, housing and transport, Mr Lee said it "took a while both to manage the issues and also manage the sentiments, and get people to look at it in a more positive and constructive way" as the Government embarked on efforts to address these concerns. On housing, Mr Lee noted that the Government has built "a lot of units", reduced the queues for new flats and stabilised prices. "There is more assurance now that you can afford an HDB flat," he said. In public transport, the S$1.1 billion Bus Service Enhancement Programme has led to more than 200 new buses being introduced, resulting in fewer crowded services. "We still need to get some more buses on the roads, we still need to get more drivers hired, we are working at it," he said. "The trains will take a bit longer because the train upgrading, to get the new signalling laid, to get the new lines running, to get more trains, rolling stock to arrive, that will take a few more years, 2015, 2016, but we are making a lot, as much haste as we possibly can." Asked if there is one attitude among Singaporeans that he would like to change, Mr Lee said he had two. First, he noted how Singaporeans' first reaction would be to turn to the Government to solve all problems. While the Government must think ahead, the Prime Minister also urged Singaporeans to think of what they can do to solve the problem together. "I think that is the more resilient, more sturdy approach which will see us through the long-term," he said. Second, he felt that Singaporeans should keep a closer tab on issues affecting other countries, beyond those happening here. He cited the recent terrorist attack in Kenya, which did not garner much attention in local media. Instead, the ceiling collapse at JEM shopping mall made the newspapers' headlines here. Read more at: http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/significant-progress-hot-button-issues-pm |
| RM2.88 mil for Aidilfitri open house in a day; cabinet spent RM3.66 mil for fuel for a year Posted: 24 Sep 2013 10:59 AM PDT
(Harakah Daily) - For 366 days in the year 2012, cabinet members comprised of Prime Minister Najib Razak, his ministers, deputy ministers and their staffs spent a total RM3.67 million on fuel. According to the figure provided in parliament today, the amount was equivalent to approximately RM10,000 a day.
Using the rough estimation of RM100 per vehicle, the amount enough to fill up the tanks for 100 vehicles a day.
Ok, the figure might sound absurd but not too ridiculous.
Now, how about spending 78 percent of the amount, RM2.88 million for a few hours during Hari Raya celebration?
Minister in the Prime Minister's department Shahidan Kassim today told the parliament that the government had spent a whopping RM2.88 million on Aidilfitri Open House held at Najib's official residence for 80,000 guests.
Amid government's initiatives to reduce various subsides for the people, the amount spent on the Raya's bash would certainly raise a few eyebrows.
However, for Anthony Loke, the Seremban Member of Parliament who asked the question, it was up to the public to determine whether the money was well spent. |
| Will invite my assaulters to gurudwara: Sikh professor attacked in US Posted: 24 Sep 2013 10:57 AM PDT
(NDTV) - I want to live in a community where somebody feels comfortable asking me what is on your head, why do you have that beard, what are you doing here, are you American. We should be able to ask those questions. A Sikh professor, who was brutally attacked and injured by a mob of up to 30 people who called him "Osama" and "terrorist" in NewYork, has said he would invite the attackers to visit the Gurudwara and interact with members of the community to better understand his faith.Prabhjot Singh, assistant professor at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, said it is "absolutely critical" to work with students and community organisations to spread awareness about other faiths and religions. "If I could speak to my attackers, I would ask them if they had any questions, if they knew what they were doing. Maybe invite them to the Gurudwara where we worship, get to know who we are... Make sure they have an opportunity to move past this as well," a sombre looking Prabhjot, wearing a blue turban, said in a press conference yesterday. Mr Singh was brutally attacked by about 20-30 young men who repeatedly punched him and "pulled his beard" as he was walking in the city's Harlem neighbourhood on Saturday night. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he also works as a physician, and admitted with severe bruising, swelling, small puncture in his elbow and fracture in his lower jaw. The New York Police Department has released a surveillance video of the suspects believed to be involved in the attack. The grainy clip shows a group of young 15-20 suspects riding their bikes shortly before they encountered Mr Singh. Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/will-invite-my-assaulters-to-gurudwara-sikh-professor-attacked-in-us-422898 |
| More controversy over DAP election Posted: 24 Sep 2013 10:48 AM PDT
(The Star) - The controversy over the DAP election has not ended with the ROS insisting the party has not complied with the directive to hold a national congress. The ROS had advised DAP to hold fresh polls in a national congress in accordance with its party constitution as opposed to doing it in a special congress to be held on Sept 29. However, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has sent letters to branches and delegates requesting full attendance for the special congress scheduled this Sunday. ROS director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman said it was up to DAP to hold a special congress to conduct its affairs. "But, I believe all DAP members are aware that the election of CEC members must be made through a national congress, with sufficient notice given to delegates in accordance with the party constitution," he said. A seven-day notice to delegates is sufficient for a special congress but branches should be given a minimum 10-week notice prior to a national congress. On July 30, the ROS had directed DAP to hold fresh polls after allegations of electoral discrepancies emerged shortly after its party polls. Some members had lodged complaints with the ROS following DAP's decision to amend election results some three weeks after the Dec 15 polls which resulted in Khairil Khir Johari assuming an elected CEC post. On Sept 10, Ladang Paroi DAP branch chief David Dass applied for an injunction to stop the special congress scheduled for Sept 29 on grounds that it was illegal to call for a special congress to hold CEC polls. In his application, David said that according to Article 5 (d), clause VIII of the party constitution, the CEC election was listed as one of the items on the agenda at a party national congress. DAP had filed a counter suit to strike out the application. Meanwhile, Lim alleged that dirty tactics were being used to sabotage fresh polls, undermine the party's credibility and the leadership's integrity. "It is an act of political vengeance for DAP's successes in the 13th General Election," he said in a letter sent to the party branches. Abdul Rahman said that the ROS was not out to victimise any organisation. "We are upholding justice for all members of the party, and not only for the committee. "As regulators, we are carrying out our duties in accordance with the Societies Act," he said. When contacted, DAP returning officer Dr Ong Kian Ming said there was no restriction against holding an election in a special congress. "Our constitution allows an election to be held during a special congress,"said Dr Ong who called the ROS to study the party constitution.
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| ‘Sacked’ DAP man told to attend congress Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:36 AM PDT
The court orders expelled DAP branch leader to attend the CEC re-election exercise this Sunday. Athi Shankar, FMT The Sessions Court here today told sacked DAP branch leader and delegate G Asoghan to attend the party's scheduled re-election this Sunday, Sept 29. Sessions Court's senior registrar Khairul Farhi Yusob told this to Asoghan through his counsel V Amareson after the DAP informed the court that it could not reach a consensus on Asoghan's membership status. Amareson said Khairul then fixed Oct 30 for case decision. Asoghan later told newsmen that he would attend the re-election as directed by court. Asoghan was chairman of the Jalan Bagan Luar branch and a party delegate to national congress when he was sacked by the party on April 23 this year. He filed his writ on June 3 seeking the court to declare his termination by the party's five-man disciplinary committee, comprising Tan Kok Wai, Tan Siang Piau, M Kulasegaran, P Ramasamy and Lim Hock Seng, as null and void. Besides the five, he also named the party as the sixth defendant. He also seeks damages, costs and other reliefs deemed fit by the court. Kok Wai issued Asoghan a termination letter for his "act of standing as an independent candidate in the Bagan Dalam state constituency" in the last general election. The letter said the offence was a "serious breach of party discipline". When the case was up for management on Sept 18, the DAP had requested for a postponement. The party wanted a few more days to resolve the issue in view of the invitation to Asoghan, via a notice dated Sept 4, to attend the special party congress and vote as a legitimate delegate in its central executive committee (CEC) polls. Both parties mutually agreed for the case to be heard today. Asoghan had said last week that he could not attend the party election without being officially reinstated. He had hoped for a reinstatement by way of consent judgment. But his hope was dashed today when DAP's legal counsel Muhamed Arif Shaharudin told Khairul in chambers that the party had failed to reach a decision during a high-powered leadership meeting last Saturday.
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| Former assemblyman seeks RM5m compensation from Johor DAP chairman Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:31 AM PDT
(NST) - A former Johor DAP state assemblyman from Johor is seeking compensation amounting to RM5 million from Johor DAP chairman Dr Boo Cheng Hau for allegedly defaming him in 2009. Gwee Tiong Hiang, who became an insurance agent after DAP had failed to field him in the 13th General Election, claimed that Dr Boo had, in a press conference on July 7, 2013, alleged that the former was involved in a suspicious transaction involving a building in Muar. Dr Boo had also claimed that Gwee was involved in gangsterism. The allegations were carried in most of the mainstream media the following day. Gwee's counsel, Abd Rahim Ali, said his client had suffered tremendously as a result of the allegations. He said Gwee is seeking compensation for general, exemplary and aggravated damages amounting to RM5 million from Dr Boo. "My client is also seeking an injunction to prevent the defendant from making further statements detrimental to his reputation," he said, adding that Gwee was also seeking a public apology from Dr Boo to retract his statement. Abd Rahim was speaking after the first case management at the Civil Court here yesterday. The defendant was represented by Norman Fernandez, who is also the Johor DAP deputy chairman. The case management was filed in chambers in the presence of senior assistant registrar Zaiton Anuar. Gwee said he wanted to file the case although it occurred in 2009 because he wanted to seek justice as well as to repair his reputation. "After the allegations were carried by the mainstream media the following day, I suffered mentally as my long-established reputation was tarnished by the allegations overnight. "I am not sure if this is the reason why I was not fielded in the last general election. Although the allegations were made over four years ago, I do not think it is too late to seek justice now," he said. The defendant is required to file a reply on Oct 3 while the plaintiff will reply on Oct 17. The court will fix a trial date on Oct 30 in the event that both the plaintiff and the defendant fail to settle the case outside court. Gwee was a one-term state-assemblyman after he defeated Chris Lee in 2008. |
| Umno veep victors will determine country’s political future, analysts say Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:46 AM PDT
(MM) - While 3.4 million Umno members returned Datuk Seri Najib Razak as its leader last Saturday during party nominations, who gets voted into the second echelon will determine the political future of the country. "The veeps and the Supreme Council are gaining in influence because these are the people who are going to be managing the membership and explain to the grassroots whatever decisions are made by the leadership," Khoo Kay Peng told The Malay Mail Online, referring to Umno's three vice-presidents and the party's powerful 25-man top leadership council.
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| Money beginning to flow to ‘influence’ candidates at Umno polls Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:40 AM PDT
(MM) - Money is starting to roll in the Umno election campaign to the extent that some members are billing it as an "oiling the machinery" process. One division head said yesterday the money was already flowing and division heads who traditionally lead their respective campaign machinery have already received the greasing agent.
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| Kerfuffle at Penang airport over alleged smuggling of Chin Peng’s ashes Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:36 AM PDT
(MM) - A commotion broke out at the Penang International Airport late last night when local authorities mistakenly nabbed two men for allegedly carrying in the ashes of former Communist leader Chin Peng. The suspicion turned out to be a false alarm, however, when it was discovered that the duo, who had arrived on a direct flight from Bangkok, Thailand, at about 10pm, were merely carrying paraphernalia in memory of the now-deceased leader.
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