Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Perkasa and Umno Youth Demonstrators All Dressed Up But Nowhere to Go
- ‘Save Utusan, long live the Malays’
- Netizens probe Anwar about sex allegations in online chat
- Perkasa: Najib ‘listened’ to our MRT requests
- Nazri: Free speech for all, even Ibrahim Ali
- Govt moves to de-register PKR after June 9
- Return of one-sen coin to beat profiteers
- New system to evaluate civil servants from July
- DPM: Prepare for price increases
- Australian eco groups claim Lynas hid info on Kuantan plant
| Perkasa and Umno Youth Demonstrators All Dressed Up But Nowhere to Go Posted: 19 May 2011 06:47 PM PDT (Malaysian Digest) - About 100 Perkasa members and 200 Umno Youth members gathered in front of Utusan Malaysia building at Jalan Chan Sow Lin today to show their support for the Malay daily that has been hit by controversies lately.
Led by Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali The Perkasa demonstrators started marching to the Utusan office after Friday prayers.
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| ‘Save Utusan, long live the Malays’ Posted: 19 May 2011 06:36 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Perkasa and Umno today urged Malays to protect Utusan Malaysia at all costs, claiming the broadsheet remained the only "true" voice for the Malay race. Both groups attacked Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties for "unfairly" portraying Utusan as a racist paper and said the Umno-owned daily provided balanced reporting, unlike opposition papers and news portals. "Utusan Malaysia is the official voice of the Malays, as long as Utusan lives, the Malays will live. "Perkasa will defend Utusan to the very end, as the paper has served the interests of the Malay community well," said Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali. Syed Hassan warned "non-Malays" and PR leaders to stop targeting Utusan, saying the Malay rights group would not hesitate to mobilise its members to stage protests in defence of the Umno daily. Shouts of "Save Utusan, long live the Malays!" were heard as 150-odd Perkasa and Umno Youth members marched to the Utusan headquarters to deliver a memorandum in support of the daily. "Utusan is brave, it is speaking the truth about the Malays, we are warning those who attack Utusan... over our dead bodies, we won't let it happen," shouted a Perkasa member during the march. Among those who were present today included former Perkasa Youth chief Arman Azha Abu Hanifa and Umno Youth secretary Datuk Megat Firdaus Megat Junid. "We are here today to express our unequivocal support towards Utusan, because it is Utusan which had united the Malays before independence, and it remains the only avenue in which the concerns of the Malay community can be fairly addressed. "The paper has done so much for us, we will not allow its reputation to be tarnished by lies," said Megat Firdaus. Utusan came under heavy fire recently over a controversial report entitled "Kristian Agam Rasmi?" (Christianity the official religion?) in which it was alleged that DAP leaders and Christian priests were conspiring to take over Putrajaya, abolish Islam as the religion of the federation and install a Christian prime minister.
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| Netizens probe Anwar about sex allegations in online chat Posted: 19 May 2011 04:42 PM PDT (Yahoo News) - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim found himself having to fend off questions about the sex allegations levelled against him during a live interactive chat with netizens. The sex video featuring a man said to resemble him and the sodomy charge were among the questions posed to Anwar during the 75-minute chat with Yahoo! Malaysia Thursday (May 19). One netizen asked: "In your opinion, who is the man in the video. Please answer honestly." Anwar replied he had some suspects in mind, "big stomachs and saggy breasts, haha." To another question from a netizen asking about the experts from South Korea and US who confirmed the individual in the sex video seem like Anwar's face, the opposition leader replied that it was typical how "smart guys like you can be duped by Umno media. Which expert? Why can't they be transparent?" Anwar also vehemently denied that he was the man in the sex video that was revealed by the Datuk T trio and added that he had lodged a police report over the matter. Another netizen asked Anwar what were his chances of getting out of the allegations against him. Anwar replied these were trumped up charges and claimed them to be a conspiracy by Umno leaders to deflect from central issues of governance, corruption and power abuse. When asked if the price of petrol would be reduced to 1.30 ringgit a litre if Pakatan was voted into power at the next general election, he replied that prices could be lowered. On the different streams of schools in Malaysia, he said quality education was the priority but the choice of students and parents would be respected. "Bahasa Malaysia will remain the official language but we will have to enhance the quality of English and other languages," he said.
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| Perkasa: Najib ‘listened’ to our MRT requests Posted: 19 May 2011 02:25 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Perkasa praised Datuk Seri Najib Razak today, saying it was the prime minister who influenced Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB) to relax its criteria for contracts under the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project. The party's economic director, Dr Zubir Harun, told The Malaysian Insider that Najib had "listened" to concerns raised recently by Malay rights groups on how Bumiputera contractors were being excluded from opportunities in the multibillion ringgit rail project. "The PM listened to Perkasa and reacted positively. Now, thanks to the PM who looked at our request, SPNB has more or less tried to ensure that all contractors — Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera — can get involved in the MRT and share the cake," he said when contacted this morning. Zubir claimed that during a walkabout earlier this month, Najib had already informed the groups that he accepted their concerns and SPNB would soon review its conditions. "There was a large audience there who heard him. You can quote me on this. It was an announcement by the PM himself," he said. Zubir was responding to SPNB's announcement yesterday that it had agreed to revise the pre-qualification criteria for contractors who wish to tender for elevated civil works, stations and depots work construction packages under the MRT. The project owner said beginning today, contractors will be allowed to form joint ventures (JV) or consortiums involving no more than three firms to bid for the projects. The elevated stations and depots work packages include building works, station M&E works, traction and power sub-station building works, park and ride facilities, depot building drainage, depot equipment and landscape works while the elevated civil works package include substructure works, elevated guide way structure and segmental girders. Zubir said SPNB's new guidelines now allowed equal opportunities for all firms to compete in the project tender. He stressed that Perkasa's requests were reasonable, pointing out that the group was only adhering to the promise of "inclusiveness" in Najib's New Economic Model (NEM). "If SPNB has stuck to its old model, requiring firms to have RM10 million in paid-up capital, then where is this inclusiveness that has been promised? "This change shows that the PM is listening to the Malay groups and looking after the interests of the Bumiputera. At the same time, there is inclusiveness so all firms have a chance now," he said. Zubir added that there was no reason for any criticism on the matter as the revised guidelines only made sure that everyone would be able to "share the MRT cake". "It is a big cake. Do you not agree with me that we should all have a share in it? I am taking a very moderate stand here. This is how we view it. "Why only allow the big players to enjoy? Does our request cause any trouble to people? Does it affect racial harmony? I think it is fair," he said. Perkasa, along with several other NGOs representing Bumiputera entrepreneurs, had complained last month that without allowing the formation of JVs, the smaller Bumiputera contractor firms would not be able to take part in the project tender. During a press conference on the matter, Zubir had said that the strict guidelines would not only prevent Bumiputera participation but also benefit the "rich non-Bumis". He accused MMC-Gamuda monopolising the entire project, saying the JV had "purposely" enforced the guidelines. The Malay rights leader had also complained of SPNB's condition forcing firms to fork out a bond payment of RM300,000 at the pre-qualification level in order to bid for projects, which he said was unattainable to Bumiputera contractors if they were not allowed to form JVs. "MMC-Gamuda itself is a joint venture... most big-scale government projects are, why not this?" Zubir had added.
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| Nazri: Free speech for all, even Ibrahim Ali Posted: 19 May 2011 12:50 PM PDT By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Standing by his decision not to haul up Datuk Ibrahim Ali for threatening a "crusade" on Christians, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz has pledged the same treatment for all similar transgressions in the future. "It is not just the opposition politicians but also those in the Barisan Nasional (BN). In fact, anybody at all... bloggers and so on," he told The Malaysian Insider when contacted. The de facto law minister said this was because the existence of the new media like blogs, Facebook and Twitter had forced the government to relax its control over an individual's right to free speech. "We cannot practise selective persecution. So if we were to act against Ibrahim, then we have to act against bloggers or newspapers or Twitter users. And yet, these people are also protected by the Bill of Guarantees (BoGs)," he said, referring to the government's pledge not to censor the Internet under the 10-point BoGs of the Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor. Nazri stressed, however, that this did not mean he backed Ibrahim, whom he previously clashed with in the media, and called on all Malaysians to judge wisely statements made by any individual. "The landscape has changed. Sensitive matters are now being discussed in the open. "When something is mentioned all the time, it becomes less sensitive and this is a good thing because then things can be mentioned but people will not take offence to it," he said. Nazri pointed out that if Ibrahim had made a similar statement 40 years back, he would have likely triggered a riot among the country's various races. "But it has been days since he made the statement and yet, we do not see any riot on the streets. People are no longer as sensitive as they were before. "Now, people just laugh at Ibrahim and call him a clown," he said. He said it was likely because PAS members, all of whom are Muslims, as well as Umno members, rejected Ibrahim's views."So you cannot even say that Ibrahim's words have caused the Malays to rise against the Christians. |
| Govt moves to de-register PKR after June 9 Posted: 19 May 2011 10:12 AM PDT (Harakah Daily) - KUALA LUMPUR, May 19: Having secured a sodomy charge for its leader Anwar Ibrahim and banned its organ Suara Keadilan, the government is preparing its next action against Parti Keadilan Rakyat - by declaring it illegal. The latest move to de-register the party was made known to PKR officials in a letter from the Registrar of Societies (ROS). Anwar described the latest threat a "desperate" move. "This is the work of desperate UMNO leaders who want to keep punishing the people," he replied during the online "Question time" session hosted by Yahoo! Malaysia. PKR secretary general Saifudin Nasution (right) said the notice from ROS issued under Section 13 meant that it was satisfied with the allegation. It revolves around the party's sacking of one "Rajagopal Andaikkalam" in 2009, for which ROS claimed PKR had not followed proper procedures based on Article 32.2.1 of the party's constitution. However, Saifuddin pointed out two mistakes in the notice. Firstly, he said such an article did not exist in PKR's constitution, and secondly, there was no such person with such a name, although there was another member by the name Jayagopal a/l Andaikallam who had been sacked. "Even if it was a typo, Article 32 has nothing to do with disciplinary issues or the Disciplinary Board," he said. The party has until June 9 to reply to the ROS's show-cause letter signed by Abdul Rahman Othman, which among others warned the party would be de-registered in the absence of any response after June 9. READ MORE HERE. |
| Return of one-sen coin to beat profiteers Posted: 19 May 2011 10:04 AM PDT By Noor Adzman Baharuddinand Sharanpal Singh Randhawa, NST KANGAR: The use of one sen coins will soon become fashionable again.
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| New system to evaluate civil servants from July Posted: 19 May 2011 10:02 AM PDT (NST) - PUTRAJAYA: A new evaluation system for civil servants that will replace the Competency Level Assessment will take effect in July. Called the Integrated Competency Development Programme or Prospek (Program Bersepadu Pembangunan Kompetensi), it will see civil servants being evaluated by a panel instead of sitting an examination. Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Abdullah said the evaluation principles that had been agreed upon by Cuepacs would be the core of the new system. The eight principles that make up the core of the new evaluation method cover philosophy, objectives, dimensions of competency, assessment methods and the development of competence, flexibility, quality control, rewards and performance evaluation.
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| DPM: Prepare for price increases Posted: 19 May 2011 09:37 AM PDT By Embun Majid and Ian McIntyre, The Star KANGAR: The Government has urged Malaysians to be mentally prepared to face an increase in prices on various products due to increase in oil prices and reduction in food supply caused by changes in the global climate. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysians should control their expenses and learn to increase their own food supply. "If we do this, the public would then not be burdened when the country faces an increase in cost and inflation," he told newsmen after attending a meeting with the Perlis Barisan Nasional branch committee members yesterday. Muhyiddin was on a one-day visit to the state yesterday. He was accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. On the Government's role to help the people, he said it had come up with measures that include introducing the Competition Act 2010 in January next year and price control on certain items. He said the subsidies provided by the Government would be rationalised in phases and the public should be prepared to face the changes. He said deep sea fishermen would have to pay RM1.80 per litre for diesel compared to the RM1.30 for other fishermen from June 1. The Cabinet made the decision to reduce the subsidy for deep sea fishermen at its meeting on Wednesday. Muhyiddin said the subsidy price was the same as diesel price at the petrol stations but still below the industry price of RM2.40 per litre. He added that savings from the subsidy reduction would be used by the Government for other social economic development for the benefit of the people. Muhyiddin also said the Government was proposing the re-introduction of the one sen coin as a way to reduce the public's expenses. He said there was nothing wrong in reusing the one sen coin, adding that discussions would be held with Bank Negara. Muhyiddin also said the Government had allocated RM18mil for flood mitigation projects in Perlis, including repairs to the irrigation system at the Timah Tasoh Dam and RM6mil for repair work on the Jambatan Syed Putra in Kuala Perlis. |
| Australian eco groups claim Lynas hid info on Kuantan plant Posted: 19 May 2011 09:33 AM PDT By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Two Australian environmentalist groups have accused Lynas Corp of withholding critical information to push through its RM700 million refinery in Gebeng, touted to be the world's biggest rare earth processing plant once built. Australia's leading grassroots environmentalist organisation, Friends of the Earth Australia (FoE Australia), and the Conservation Council of Western Australia waded into the controversy as pressure continues to build up in Malaysia that is threatening to delay — if not derail — the Lynas project. "There are a number of issues that the company must answer including release of a full environmental assessment for the site," FoE Australia spokesman Natalie Lowrey said in a joint statement. "Lynas has not made this information publicly available before embarking on the construction of the Kuantan site which could indicate that they have something to hide," she added. Lowrey and her counterpart in the Conservation Council of Western Australia, Mia Pepper, urged the Sydney-based miner to stop work on its Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp) until all details about the potentially hazardous waste management are known, especially the long-term effect of radioactive thorium on residents. Pepper said "the secrecy is unacceptable and the dangers to health are all too familiar" in a pointed reminder of the Japanese-owned Asian Rare Earth (ARE) plant in Bukit Merah, Ipoh which was blamed for the rise in leukaemia cases in the late 1980s and was forced to fund a RM303 million site clean-up despite shutting down in 1992. "We believe that the risks of this development could leave a toxic legacy for decades to come," she said. Pepper claimed the Lynas rare earth concentrate will also be transported through Fremantle in hessian bags, which she said was the same method used by Magellan Metals to transport its lead export. These bags had leaked and caused contamination, forcing the iron miner to shut down. "It's not good enough for WA and it's not good enough for Malaysia," she said, in a show of solidarity with the Kuantan residents' movement.
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The gathering was planned separately to demonstrate against Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) members who had earlier planned to stage a protest against Utusan. However, the AMK demonstrators pulled out from the protest and instead took part in a Lynas protest that was happening at the same time in front of the Australian embassy.
They also brought along placards and banners that said 'Utusan Perkasa Melayu' (Utusan is the Strength of Malays), 'Utusan Berani Kerana Benar' (Utusan is Brave for Revealing the Truth), 'Hidup Utusan Melayu' (Long Live Malay Utusan), 'Perkasa Bersama Utusan' (Perkasa is with Utusan) and 'Allah Lindungi Utusan' (Allah Protects Utusan). 
According to them, Utusan has played a big role in educating the Malay people since its establishment.
"Their (AMK) action is unwise. I would like to stress here that if they come next time, we (Umno Youth) will come also. We will continuously give our support to Utusan no matter what," he said.| You are subscribed to email updates from Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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