Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Strengthening English By Improving The Teaching Of English
- BN pushing the panic button
- Bumi quota may bloat MRT project cost, say experts
- Anwar is like a Renaissance man who likes ‘naked men’, says Utusan
- Did Malaysia's Anwar Say too Much?
- WIKILEAKS: FIGHTING, NOT TALKING - SOUTH THAI MILITANTS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN DIALOGUE, SAY ...
- Alies to Najib: If you don’t help me I will help Muhyiddin
- Don’t attack other religions, said the Prophet Muhammad (UPDATED with Chinese Translation)
- Jais Raid: What Were the Muslims Doing in Church?
- ‘Anwar’s statement is a political expression’
- MACC, police are a disgrace
- Do you love Malaysia?
- Royal link in iron ore plant
- A neighbour underestimated
- Sodomy II: Doctor tells court he found Saiful’s anus healthy
- Anwar Assails Malaysian Officials, Court
- Malaysian Opposition Leader Begins Defense
- Analyst say GE likely to be held in Nov
- 30,000 caned in Malaysia, court hears
- Global protests a threat to BN?
- MAS-AirAsia swap deal signals ETP failure, says PKR
- Prasarana reserves ‘at least’ 30pc of MRT for Bumi contractors
| Strengthening English By Improving The Teaching Of English Posted: 23 Aug 2011 12:56 PM PDT By Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon (via Malaysian Mirror) LLG Cultural Development Centre views with grave concern the recent statement made by Deputy Prime Minister, who concurrently is also the Minister of Education that the government is mulling the possibility of allowing schools to decide on their own whether to continue using English as the medium of instruction for the teaching of science and mathematics. The aim of this move, if adopted widely, is possibly to raise the standard of English in primary schools. We are, however, of the view that such a move, besides representing yet another flip-flop in the government's education policy, is also unprofessional in its approach towards strengthening the level of English. This will in turn lead to erosion in the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of the English language, thereby bringing immense difficulties to both teachers and students alike. Once again, our children's future will be sacrificed. To us, the proper approach towards improving the standard of any language should be through improving its teaching, rather than using it as a medium of instruction for other academic subjects. This is a simple and straight forward fundamental principle of education. Hence to strengthen the level of English, the government should focus on improving the teaching of English in Malaysian schools. This encompasses reforming its syllabus and methodology of teaching English as a second language, as well as recruiting more professionally qualified teachers. From the perspective of the Minister of Education, using English to teach science and mathematics may ostensibly improve a student's grasp of English through greater exposure to, and more contact with, the use of the language. This implies that teaching science and mathematics in English brings dual benefits to students, that is learning science and mathematics, while at the same time raising the standard of English. Except for the academically competent, this may be difficult to realize in practice, however. This is because for a great majority, whose first language is not English, they will first have to attain a certain level of competence in the English language, and this in a very short while, before they can even follow, let alone be able to comprehend and absorb the concepts in science and mathematics. LLG Cultural Development Centre is thus of the view that allowing schools to choose English as a medium of instruction to teach science and mathematics will ultimately benefit only the urban, largely English-educated elites. On the other hand, those who grow up in a non-English speaking and poor socio-economic environment will be greatly disadvantaged, learning neither science and mathematics nor English. The use of English as a medium of instruction in science and mathematics is, in our view, an elitist approach that benefits the elites, while sacrificing the poor. In such a context, education will become a tool for the inter-generational transfer of elite status, rather than as a democratic tool for effecting upward social mobility for the bottom strata of society. The already grave and yawning social disparity between the rich and poor in Malaysian society will be further widened. Given these likely developments, we are strongly opposed to the proposal by the Minister of Education to allow schools a choice in the use of English to teach science and mathematics. Our opposition is premised on the belief that such an approach fails to address the root causes in the decline of both the standard of English and education in our country. We thus urge the government to re-think this proposal, look thoroughly and professionally into the factors that have caused a decline the standard of both English and education and to come forth with proposals to address these causes. We regard these as imperative steps in order to develop the necessary human capital that is proficient in several languages deemed so important for the socio-economic advancement of our country. TOH KIN WOON is President of LLG Cultural Development Centre |
| Posted: 23 Aug 2011 12:46 PM PDT
When austerity is the name of the game, it does not look particularly good when billions are handed out at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, the announcement that the first Volkswagen cars to be produced in Malaysia would be out of Pekan, the Prime Minister's constituency, it certainly looks like an attempt to protect his interests. By Douglas Tan
What a flurry in government giving we are seeing these days! Bonuses, dividends, loans, grants and scholarships are now doled out like candy by UMNO, MCA and the like to the masses and their constituents. Acting more like NGOs or charities, the Barisan Nasional component parties have engaged on a charm offensive by handing out our money back to us, and trying to discredit the Opposition. It really got going when our Prime Minister announced that the government half month Hari Raya bonuses for all civil servants, which would cost in excess of RM1 billion to taxpayers, despite reduced subsidies and mounting budget deficits. When austerity is the name of the game, it does not look particularly good when billions are handed out at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, the announcement that the first Volkswagen cars to be produced in Malaysia would be out of Pekan, the Prime Minister's constituency, it certainly looks like an attempt to protect his interests. The second big announcement was from the Finance Ministry, with their intention to provide assistance to urban poor earning below RM3,000 a month while keeping mum on how exactly this fund is going to be distributed and how they are going to afford the assistance, when subsidies are going to be reduced left, right and centre for the fact that they say they cannot afford it! Is this rational or is it just to pander to a certain section of society to buy them over? On the political scene, Barisan Nasional is pulling out the stops through the Main Stream Media to give the impression that they are making substantive gains throughout the country. A report appearing on The Malaysian Insider mentioned that BN is confident of taking back Penang; a Malaysiakini report had UMNO Kedah saying that the people were tired of the PAS government, and an independent report from The Mederka Centre saying that rural folk would be more likely to vote for BN than otherwise. The issues do not stop there. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to review Electoral law is now seen as mere lip service to the Rakyat as our Prime Minister saw it fit to declare that the timing of Elections was the UMNO/BN government's prerogative. This is irrespective of whether reforms can be made on time. Obviously, when Najib Razak tells us not to question his sincerity to pursue, we can do nothing but. Nazri is probably the best known Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in the history of the office, who is not helping his own public perception by completely dismissing the views of Opposition parties in the PSC as only the minority view, which therefore means that they are in the wrong. Hardly a fair and equitable statement from the de facto Law Minister. The continuing trial on Anwar Ibrahim once again places the opposition leader in the spotlight, and obviously BN is taking every opportunity to discredit him as a potential future Prime Minister. However, by now they should realise that the further they try to prolong this charade and mockery of both the justice system as well as intelligence, Anwar's popularity is now on the rise as once again he has become the victim of the system, rather than his own merits. With BN machinery in overdrive across the country, the signs are actually ominous for UMNO/BN. They know that they are likely going to lose Terengganu, Perak and Negri Sembilan to Pakatan Raykat. They know that their chances of winning back Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Kelatan are slim to impossible. They know that there is now a considerable body of opinion which would swing several seats in Sabah and Sarawak. There has also been no let up in the grassroots work from Pakatan Rakyat component parties. This is no reason at all for Pakatan Rakyat to celebrate though. In fact, PR component parties must work harder for the greater good of the Rakyat, so that they are able to genuinely earn their votes, rather than throw goodies at them. The "Lu Tolong Gua, Gua Tolong Lu" campaigns no longer works as proven in Sibu. 308 was a significant milestone in the history of our nation. The major difference going into GE-13 is that the youth have woken up, we have the highest number of registered voters in history, there is more information available than ever, and our daily conversations are awash with politics. The fact that people are now actually being outspoken about political issues is a big step forward from the days when we just kept quiet. Despite fears of foreigners allegedly being given citizenships and swearing to vote for BN, gerrymandering, phantom voters, if the Rakyat indeed rises up in the polls to oust UMNO/BN from office, this would herald a time of change and healing when our nation finally throws off the shackles, and the power to decide our own fate is indeed returned to the people. |
| Bumi quota may bloat MRT project cost, say experts Posted: 23 Aug 2011 11:41 AM PDT By Boo Su-Lyn, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — A 30 per cent Bumiputera quota for the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) construction packages may swell the cost of the multi-billion ringgit rail project, say experts. RAM Holdings chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said some small Bumiputera contractors may not be able to leverage on economy of scale in terms of equipment and resources. "The smaller ones don't have that scale economy. Costs will be higher," Yeah told The Malaysian Insider. He said six out of the 16 packages for elevated civil works and stations, as well as the Kajang depot work package, were reserved for Bumiputeras. Twenty-eight firms including heavyweights such as Sunway Bhd, IJM Bhd and MRCB have been shortlisted for the construction of the first phase of the MRT project. Political analyst James Chin pointed out that the Bumiputera quota would increase costs due to a smaller pool of competitors. "The Bumiputera portion will be confined to Bumiputeras only. If you know that the competition is for Bumiputeras only, they'll increase prices because they (the government) cannot buy from anyone else," Chin told The Malaysian Insider.
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| Anwar is like a Renaissance man who likes ‘naked men’, says Utusan Posted: 23 Aug 2011 11:25 AM PDT
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Utusan Malaysia mocked Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today and likened him to Renaissance era artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci who "like fully naked men and handsome young boys." Its assistant chief editor Datuk Zaini Hassan wrote in the Umno-owned newspaper that the opposition leader's "32-page statement was as usual, complete with quotes from the Quran, former South African President Nelson Mandela, Shakespeare and many others," in reference to Anwar's unsworn testimony from the dock during his sodomy trial on Monday."Anwar wants to be known as The Renaissance Man of the new millennium. He has even written a book called The Asian Renaissance," Zaini wrote in his Cuit column today. He stated in the Malay daily that Michaelangelo and Leonardo "like fully naked men and handsome young boys" and asked readers to look up their works, such as the statue of David and the sketch of the Vitruvian Man — both naked depictions — on online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Anwar is currently fighting a sodomy charge levelled against him by his former aide Mohamed Saiful Bukhari Azlan who was 22 when the alleged incident happened in 2008. The former deputy prime minister said in a nearly two-hour testimony from the dock on Monday that this second sodomy charge was a "conspiracy by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak" and denied ever having sex with Saiful. PKR later said that its de facto leader's decision to enter an unsworn statement in his defence was an act of protest against "the legal and political establishment's" trumped-up charges, following in the footsteps of Mandela, who also took the same course of action when charged with treason in 1963. But Zaini mocked the Permatang Pauh MP, writing that "Anwar using Mandela's words? Does he want to be known as the Malayan Mandela?" "He wants his speech to be in high language, with jargon and philosophy, making reporters dizzy... unlike his former boss Dr Mahathir who would use simple language, whether Malay or English," he wrote in the Malay daily.
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| Did Malaysia's Anwar Say too Much? Posted: 23 Aug 2011 08:13 AM PDT
Najib and Rosmah: Was this their idea? He says accuser acknowledged readying himself for sex That sentence would tend to invalidate any assumption that the then-60-year-old Anwar suddenly forced himself on the 24-year-old aide. If, as Anwar says, Saiful brought the lubricant with him, it would certainly indicate that Saiful knew what he was getting into when he went to Anwar's condo that night. Written by John Berthelsen, Asia Sentinel Deep into Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's hour-long attack Monday on the Malaysian court that is trying him for sodomy, a sentence appeared that seems extremely awkward for both prosecution and defense.
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| WIKILEAKS: FIGHTING, NOT TALKING - SOUTH THAI MILITANTS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN DIALOGUE, SAY ... Posted: 23 Aug 2011 01:00 AM PDT
Eskay carried out the meeting with the knowledge of the Malaysian government, but without the participation of Malaysian officials, and recorded the encounter. In a departure from previous meetings, the young leaders rejected any possibility of political dialogue. Instead, they declared they had taken a vow to establish an independent Muslim Malay state, Pattani Darussalam, and would continue to carry out violence to achieve their aims. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 KUALA LUMPUR 000447
SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP AND DS/ITA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2032 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PTER, PINR, MOPS, ASEC, TH, MY
SUBJECT: FIGHTING, NOT TALKING - SOUTH THAI MILITANTS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN DIALOGUE, SAY FORMER MEDIATORS
REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 263 - MALAYSIA SAFE HAVEN FOR INSURGENTS B. KUALA LUMPUR 318 - CONCERNED BUT NOT ALARMED BY VIOLENCE
KUALA LUMP 00000447 001.2 OF 004
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Mark D. Clark for reasons 1.4 (b and d). Summary 1. (S) Southern Thai militants recently asserted they will pursue more violence and reject talks, according to two Malaysian mediators from the defunct Mahathir peace process. The Honorary Thai Consul in Langkawi, Shazryl Eskay Abdullah (protect throughout), joined by retired head of the Malaysian Royal Police, Norian Mai (protect throughout), told A/DCM he met with a group of seven young Thai Malay militant leaders in late February and they explicitly ruled out dialogue with the Thai government. Instead, in a hardening of their position, the insurgents explained their intention to carry out further violence in pursuit of their goal of secession under the banner of Pattani Darussalam. Norian, who also served as Malaysia's internal intelligence chief under Mahathir, stated the Thai Malay insurgents were better organized than previously thought. The militants were benefiting from some Middle East funding, via Singapore and Malaysia, possibly money solicited under false pretenses or diverted from humanitarian projects. Eskay, fresh from meetings with senior Malaysian officials, described a joint Malaysian-Thailand decision to stand up respective committees to work on the insurgency issue, with Malaysia's group headed by retired military intelligence chief Lt. General Wan Abu Bakar. Eskay and Norian appeared pessimistic the Malaysian committee would be effective, while noting GOM doubts about the longevity of the current Thai government. End Summary. GOM Consults Former Mediators 2. (S) A/DCM and poloff met in Kuala Lumpur on March 6 with the Honorary Thai Consul in Langkawi, Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, and retired head of the Malaysian Royal Police, Norian Mai, as a follow-up to our initial meeting with Eskay in early February (ref A) that focused on the southern Thailand insurgency. Both Malaysians had served as lead mediators in the now defunct 2004-2006 peace process carried out under former Prime Minister Mahathir's name. The two men explained that the Malaysian government had not included them in a formal way in the GOM's current approach to the southern Thailand issue because of their association with Mahathir (a frequent critic of PM Abdullah). Nevertheless, the GOM consulted them, in particular because of their past experience and their continued contacts with Thai Malay militants, as well as old guard leaders. Eskay explained he had completed two days of consultations in Putrajaya, which included a March 6 meeting with the deputy chief of the external intelligence agency, MEIO. Eskay said he was scheduled to meet MEIO chief Fauzi on March 7. Insurgents Will Fight for Malay/Muslim State 3. (S) Eskay and Norian stated that there had been a clear hardening of position by the southern militants this year. Eskay explained he had met in late February with a contact group of seven young militant leaders somewhere along the Kelantan state border with Thailand (an eighth member of this group could not travel, while a ninth had been killed in fighting earlier in February). Eskay carried out the meeting with the knowledge of the Malaysian government, but without the participation of Malaysian officials, and recorded the encounter. In a departure from previous meetings, the young leaders rejected any possibility of political dialogue. Instead, they declared they had taken a vow to establish an independent Muslim Malay state, Pattani Darussalam, and would continue to carry out violence to achieve their aims. The militants believed they could not trust Thai authorities and that in any event the Thai security services and civil authorities were so fractured that they had no confidence in those who might sit across the table. Any major, seemingly positive gestures by Bangkok to reach out to ethnic Malays likely would be followed by fresh attacks by the militants in order to destroy any good will. Given their disinterest in dialogue, the militants might become increasingly difficult to contact, Eskay stated. 4. (S) Eskay complained that the Thai government had widely circulated in the Thai Malay communities the February 2006 "Peace Proposal for Southern Thailand" that resulted from the Mahathir peace process (ref A). Bangkok had not responded to the proposal. Thai authorities, however, employed this as part of their psychological operations campaign to undermine the insurgency with a document that implied a peace deal - carrying the signatures of the old guard leaders - had been agreed to, but was being undermined by the militants. This further hurt Thai government credibility, in Eskay's view. Militants Better Organized 5. (S) Norian commented that the militants employed a more sophisticated organization than most observers realized. The seven members of Eskay's contact group operated in concert, but in different areas. Bombers and shooters who carried out attacks seemed to come from a central pool, relying on local cells to set up and guard the scenes of the attacks. Brokers carried out a linkage role by conveying instructions and money to the cells, with a standard fee schedule in place for assisting in bombings and drive-by shootings. As if on cue, women and children quickly gathered to protest arrests of suspects by Thai authorities. Eskay believed it likely the southern insurgents would try to destroy targets of more economic importance in the south, as the militants sought to create a situation of chaos and dependence upon the insurgents themselves. Norian added that the violence is very localized, and not as widespread as some media reports suggest. Militants Move Through Kelantan 6. (S) Eskay described Kelantan state as the primary Malaysian transit and sanctuary area for southern Thai militants (ref A). In response to our direct question, Eskay and Norian said they had not seen indications of foreign militants in southern Thailand or Kelantan. Alleged Foreign Funding Takes Another Route 7. (S) The insurgents did benefit from some foreign funding, Eskay and Norian noted while also suggesting that at least some of the funds were collected for humanitarian purposes and diverted to the insurgents. This funding generally did not pass through Kelantan but rather through the states of Perlis and Kedah. Building on remarks from early February (ref A), Eskay said militants received some money via a Singapore bank and he promised to supply us with more information on the bank in subsequent communications. The money reached southern Thailand through the informal, traditional banking networks operated by money changers at the border points of Padang Besar (Perlis) and Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah). Some of the money went to ethnic Malay political figures in southern Thailand, who then dispersed it to militants. Eskay named Yala province political leader Arifin (NFI) as one recipient who used the funding to support the insurgency. As to the origin of foreign funding, Eskay said some of the money came from the Middle East in response to Thai Malay appeals to support humanitarian projects for fellow Muslims. He pointed out that a number of the militants had studied or visited the Middle East in past years. Regarding foreign travel, several old guard leaders based in Malaysia traveled overseas on Malaysian passports, he explained. 8. (S) Note: An international journalist told us that Eskay had informed him of a December 2006 visit to Dubai by old guard separatists from the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), during which they collected Arab donations. In early February Eskay told us he did not believe the Thai insurgents had linked up with external terrorist groups. End Note. Ending Dual Citizenship Threatens Militants 9. (S) Norian and Eskay noted that a decision by Malaysia and Thailand to end the practice of dual citizenship (by employing biometric identification and requiring individuals to choose one nationality) appeared to threaten the Thai militants, who were angry at this decision by Malaysia. Eskay said the GOM had not thought through the consequences of this approach, which might spark a large influx of southern Thais into Malaysia because many Thai Malays would opt to leave for their southern neighbor if forced and able to choose. Abdullah in Bangkok Not Offered Mediation Role 10. (S) Norian and Eskay, speaking as private citizens but coming out of meetings with senior GOM officials, said the Malaysian government recognized its clear interest in seeing an end to the violence in southern Thailand. While there were sympathies for the plight of fellow Malays, secession was a non-starter. Prime Minister Abdullah's mid-February meeting in Bangkok, however, did not result in Thailand offering any mediation role to Malaysia. In private conversation with Eskay, Deputy Prime Minister Najib insisted that Malaysia would need something official and in writing from Thailand in order to engage in any process. Uncertainty about the durability of the current Thai government factored into Malaysia's interactions with Bangkok at this stage, making Malaysians less enthusiastic for working on southern Thailand issues, outside of border security. Malaysia and Thailand Stand Up Security/Intel Committees 11. (S) On the margins of Abdullah's Bangkok visit, Malaysia and Thailand did agree to stand up security-focused committees tasked with examining bilateral approaches to ending the insurgency, Eskay explained. Lt General (retired) Wan Abu Bakar, former Chief of Defense Intelligence, headed the Malaysian side, which included representatives from four agencies: military intelligence, Police Special Branch, the external intelligence agency (MEIO), and the National Security Division of the Prime Minister's Office. General Vaipot Srinual headed the Thai counterpart committee. Norian and Eskay said the Malaysia committee had yet to meet and they were not sure it would become an effective body. Comment and Biographic Notes 12. (S) Eskay and Norian do not speak for the Malaysian government and are "outsiders" to some extent by virtue of their close association with Mahathir. Nevertheless, they have significant interaction with Malaysia's most senior officials dealing with southern Thailand. Their pessimistic outlook on southern Thailand, and the likelihood the violence will continue or escalate, tracks with the views of many Malaysians in and out of government (ref B). Eskay credibly appears to have met with hundreds of Thai insurgents and sympathizers since 2004, and claims to have audio and video recordings of many encounters. Eskay travels frequently to southern Thailand, while Norian said he rarely crosses the border. Eskay explained that to maintain the trust of Thai militants he does not provide their full information (e.g., cell phone numbers, exact physical locations of militants) to the GOM or Thai government. 13. (S) Though describing themselves as part of Mahathir's inner circle of friends, Eskay and Norian claimed they are not involved in party politics. They readily admitted to being wealthy by virtue of their businesses. Eskay said he sells diesel fuel to China and owns a large ranch in Kedah state. Eskay and Norian are partners in some ventures, including a fertilizer plant in southern Thailand. As the child of a Malay-Thai marriage, Eskay speaks Thai and Malay, as well as fluent English. He spent some 10 years studying and working in Oklahoma and Texas, and speaks fondly of the United States. According to the Royal Malaysian Police website, Norian Mai served as Police Special Branch chief from 1994 to 1997, and as Inspector General of Police from 1999 to 2002. We believe Washington possesses substantial biographic information on Norian. SHEAR
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| Alies to Najib: If you don’t help me I will help Muhyiddin Posted: 22 Aug 2011 10:29 PM PDT
Najib is now being threatened and basically blackmailed by his own adviser. Of course Alies is not the only one. By catoutofbag So it seems Datuk Rockybru has dismissed my earlier post about him leading a media onslaught against our Perdana Mentri Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Many in Tan Sri Muhyiddin and the great sepupu PM Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's camp have also claimed that my posts are the work of the opposition. Really? Do you really think these Pakatan guys really have information that I have? Like the information on what Datuk Seri Dr Alies Anor Abdul is up to. Now maybe you will be scrambling to guess who I am. If Tun Daim has an oracle maybe our PM has one too? Please lah stop guessing lah. And stop insulting my intelligence by dismissing it as an opposition tactic to drive a wedge between Najib and Muhyiddin. For once, that Barking Magpie maybe on to something. The split is real. And the traitors are led by the sepupu, businessmen and those funding Datuk Rocky. So to those who still support Najib, watch it when you are in the presence of the sepupu and Rocky. And joining them soon is Datuk Seri Alies Anor Abdul. Who is he? Alies is the chairman of Putra World Trade Centre, the grand Umno HQ. But crucially he has been a long-time servant of Najib and is now one of his closest advisers. But he recently had a major fallout with his boss over the advice to crack down on the Bersih activists. He led the team of advisers who won the day after a late night session with the PM just before the rally. The advice that won the day was for PM to allow his sepupu to crack down on the rally, and to allow Muhyiddin to play the hardline champion. The result as PM realises now is that he has been forced to the right of centre and is no longer able to portray himself as a moderate leader for the country. And the result of Alies falling out with PM is this – he has threaten to work for Muhyiddin. This is also because PM is not supporting his bid for the airport cargo scanner project. Alies has been the man behind the rise of Najib, since the days of the Wawasan team when Najib was part of Anwar Ibrahim's gang poised to take over from Dr Mahathir. He was Najib's political secretary between 1999 and 2005, and so the fallout is a very serious matter indeed. But now because of money and power, he wants more and is willing to help Muhyiddin if Najib doesn't help him. Najib is now being threatened and basically blackmailed by his own adviser. Of course Alies is not the only one. |
| Don’t attack other religions, said the Prophet Muhammad (UPDATED with Chinese Translation) Posted: 22 Aug 2011 06:50 PM PDT
I suppose there are as many munafiqs amongst the Christians as there are amongst the Muslims. And these Christian munafiqs will scream and shout Jesus's name but when it comes time to choose the new government they will still choose the government that is backing the Christianity-bashing campaign. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin Christian groups permit prostitution, says report **************************************** That was what Malaysiakini reported today. It looks like some Malaysian Muslims -- with the endorsement of the Malaysian government -- are now stepping up the attacks. And they are not only attacking the Christians but also beginning to attack Christianity itself. Translated into Chinese at: http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-post_8604.html
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| Jais Raid: What Were the Muslims Doing in Church? Posted: 22 Aug 2011 05:21 PM PDT They also found the Malay version of the Bible which is deemed illegal in Peninsular Malaysia. On top of that, were also claims that the Muslims who were present at the dinner had denied that they are Muslims and that the church did not have a valid license to operate. But the main thing is Jais is yet to produce any credible evidence to support the raid.
In the book 'Prophet Muhammad' written by Kais al Kalby, a particular chapter mentioned an incident where the second Khalifa, Umar al Khattab reached Jerusalem and he was offered to perform his prayers in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Umar then kindly declined the offer, on the basis that some overzealous Muslim in the future might destroy the Church and build a Mosque in his honor. The priest then bowed down before him for his gesture of good will, but Umar told him not to do so for according to him, all human beings are alike. The respect and good will showed by Sayyidina Umar proved that there is nothing wrong for a Muslim to enter a church. So what's the real story behind the Jais raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC)? PAS Secretary General, Datuk Mustafa Ali had claimed that Selangor Umno was behind the Aug 3 raid by Jais. And, in return, Selangor Umno is filing a RM10 million lawsuit against Mustafa for his allegations. Meanwhile, another PAS leader, Selangor State Executive Councilor, Datuk Hassan Ali had issued a public statement defending Jais' act. Prior to that, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had responded almost immediately after the church raid by expressing his regret over Jais' actions against DUMC. He gave his assurance that the state government fully respects freedom of religion and rights of religious groups to manage their affairs and that "the state is always open to engagement and dialogue regarding the harmonious and mutually respectful coexistence of different religious communities". Again, I would like to ask my earlier question which is what actually happened on that fateful evening on Aug 3? Jais claimed to be acting in response to a complaint and yet they failed to produce the alleged complaint letter. They claimed that there was evidence that showed the dinner event, at which 12 Muslims were present, was intended to proselytize and convert these Muslims.Jais made many claims. They produced a scanned picture of a quiz on Islam and took offense that words like "Allahu Akbar" and "Alhamdullilah" that were used in a quiz during the church's program. They also found the Malay version of the Bible which is deemed illegal in Peninsular Malaysia. On top of that, were also claims that the Muslims who were present at the dinner had denied that they are Muslims and that the church did not have a valid license to operate. But the main thing is Jais is yet to produce any credible evidence to support the raid. Now there are also claims that PAS was the actual target of the church raid. As much as the Chinese voters are leaning more towards DAP rather than MCA, there is a huge possibility that Umno might lose a lot of the Malay votes to PAS. And this is the best opportunity to smear PAS' reputation. If PAS goes against Jais they will be made to look like betraying the Muslims in this country and Hasan Ali as a senior member of the party is personally supporting the raid. To make matters worse PAS Youth had issued a statement agreeing with Hasan's stand; However, PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar, when asked to comment on the matter the next day, said he was oblivious to the opposing stand taken by the party's youth wing. Now let's go back to Mustafa Ali who has insisted he will not apologize and would rather meet Selangor Umno in court. The PAS leader also reiterated that he has proof Umno was behind the raid. According to Mustafa, normally, the Selangor Menteri Besar, the state Exco and Jais director would be responsible for the department's actions but all three were only informed after the raid was conducted. He continues by claiming that the aim of the raid is to destabilize the Selangor government and create disunity among the Pakatan Rakyat component parties. Two days ago the Khalid announced that the Sultan has agreed to form a special syura council to resolve the controversy, which would take matter out of Jais' hands and into more neutral ground. This and the statements from the 12 Muslims who attended the event will hopefully shed some light into what actually took place during that fateful event. It is a sad fact if once again religion is being exploited by politicians to gain political power. It is even sadder if everything that had happened are related to these two sacred words – the "General Election". I'm sure that our FAITH is worth a lot more than that.
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| ‘Anwar’s statement is a political expression’ Posted: 22 Aug 2011 05:12 PM PDT
Anwar Ibrahim's statement has put the legal and political establishment itself on trial, says PKR veep Surendran. (Free Malaysia Today) - Anwar Ibrahim's statement from the dock is a protest against an unjust legal and political system. This is the reading of PKR veep N Surendran, who is also a lawyer, on why Anwar chose to give the statement from the dock instead of a sworn testimony from the witness box. Anwar also knew that less weight would be given to his testimony as compared to sworn testimony from the witness box, Surendran said. "By refusing to testify and daring them to do their worst, Anwar has put the legal and political establishment itself on trial," said Surendran in a statement today. Yesterday Anwar gave his statement from the dock which meant that he would not be cross-examined by the prosecution team. Anwar is facing sodomy trial for the second time. The present case began in 2008 after his former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan claimed that Anwar sodomised him at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26 in 2008. If convicted under section 377B of the Penal Code, Anwar could face up to a maximum of 20 years in prison and whipping. Surendran said through this single, public act of principled defiance, Anwar has demonstrated the shocking extent to which "our justice system has been reduced to being a tool of those who are in power now". Surendran also mentioned how the practice of defendants giving unsworn statement came about.
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| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:50 PM PDT "Have you not noticed how deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and youth chief Wee Ka Siong are scrambling to be seen in the company of Muhyiddin as frequently as possible? By Lee KeeTHE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police are most certainly a national and international disgrace. The MACC's sole agenda is to serve the powers that be and sing to their tune. If this is not so, why is it not taking action against the immoral MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek with regards to the RM29 million Klinik Kesihatan Taman Ungku Aminah scandal? The scandal is not only about corruption but also about gross abuse of power. And why are the police not taking any action against the adulterer Chua for committing unnatural sex. Chua is just the MCA president and does not hold any Cabinet post. What's so special about Chua? Is the MCA president above the law? According to MCA little birds, the party warlords see the "no action against Chua" as an endorsement that he is still politically relevant to certain rising Umno warlords. They say it is clear the MACC and police are singing to the tune of Johor Umno politics. The political base of Chua, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is Johor. Many in MCA now believe in the rise of the Johoreans who are believed to be conspiring to force the multi-scandal-hit Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak out of office. Hishammuddin, as Home Minister, controls the police. No action will be taken against anyone unless the green light is given by the minister. Likewise, the MACC is also too weak to act because of the corridors of power in Johor. The MCA insiders say coalition party leaders, especially those from the MCA, had from July started aligning themselves with the deputy BN chairman in anticipation of Muhyiddin's expected rise. "This buying of 'political insurance' is necessary following growing scandals and bumbling handling of issues by the administration ," said a MCA little bird. "Have you not noticed how deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and youth chief Wee Ka Siong are scrambling to be seen in the company of Muhyiddin as frequently as possible? "Both of them actually have their own agenda but the pressing need is to prepare for Najib's possible exit. "As for president Dr Chua Soi Lek, it is a shoo-in. Chua's long-standing political base in Johor has given him the edge in relations with Muhyiddin. "Much speculation has been posted in blogs regarding Chua-Hishammuddin's ties linked to Ecovest top brass. Ecovest is diversified company with much business interest in Johor, especially in Iskandar," said the MCA insider. The party insider said the political development and efforts to be seen in the good books of Muhyiddin showed the trio were prepared dump Najib and declare their support for the rise of the deputy premier. At the moment, the little birds say MCA is politically committed to Johor Umno because Chua and Wee are also from Johor. |
| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:45 PM PDT What does one accomplish by fighting one's own brethren forever? By May Chee Chook Ying For someone who has been incarcerated for so long, the olive branch and recent overtures towards Aung San Suu Kyi must have surprised her pleasantly. More than that, she must be starting to feel hopeful. Whatever their underlying motives, these new rulers are smart. Why? What choice do they have? Are they to remain divided forever? Are they to be considered pariahs by the international community forever? Both sides of the divide, aren't they both true, blue-blooded Myanmarees? What does one accomplish by fighting one's own brethren forever? Reconciliation is the smart way to go. It I am Malaysian and my heart bleeds for my country. What the hell is going on? I maybe Chinese but I'm true, blue-blooded Malaysian. Wanting the best for my country, in my opinion, makes me more patriotic than those out there tearing our beloved nation apart! I am a Christian; I help people without scrutinizing if they have done an eye or nose job before, without checking to see if they use whitening cream or not, and most of all without the slightest intention of converting them! Really, what is going on? Is it a crime now to help? Believe me, I've spent more hours debating with strangers who ask to come into my humble abode and argue with me when God should rest than trying to convert others if they receive my help. Not once have I done that because I believe I worship a God of all humanity and He cares for all and not necessarily through me. I, too, have been at the receiving end of other people's This latest attempt at divide and rule really takes the cake! How low can one go? For that matter how stupid can one get? To treat God as a fool? Please, stop! Malaysia is my homeland. It's beautiful beyond description. When I go for holidays abroad, I can't wait to come home. I don't want to run away from home, please don't make me. This really is my home, I've nowhere else to go. Is that why some of you out there are giving me an ultimatum, now and then, because I love my country, Malaysia? Do you, those responsible for all these ugly episodes lately, love Malaysia? Do you, do you, do you? I wonder. I once saw the news on RTM, where the journalist covering a by-election said, "One more mention of the word 'liwat', I'm going to throw up!" Really, I feel the same way! Recession is round the corner, an acid-splasher is on the prowl, trees are disappearing, the electricity meters are being tampered with, someone's daughter or son died mercilessly, graduates that can't string an English sentence together and we are watching out for whose backside, again? Please-lah, enough! We do have better things to worry about! Let's learn from the Myanmarees, let's focus on nation building. It's time to move on. It's time we truly mean what we say when we say we love Malaysia. Malaysia needs us and we are of no use to our beloved country if we are so divided. We are useless Malaysians if we don't learn to be true to what we subscribe by. We say we are Malaysians. We say that though we are different, we celebrate our differences, there's no prejudice. We say we are not inferior to anyone, "Malaysia Boleh". I, honestly think we can, too. I honestly think we can go forward. Let's leave behind cronyism, corruption, stupid politics, instituitions or policies that continue to shackle us and prevent us from being the people we can be. Please, we must take stock of what's good for us and what's bad. Let's weed out the bad, embrace the good. Please, lets' try once more. I really want what's best for Malaysia, don't you? Let's be brave. Let's drop the charade. We do know what's the right thing to do. Why don't we? If there's someone out there whose a liability to this "progress" we seek, please step aside. Do the right thing, call it a day before it's too late. Some of us don't know when it's time to take a bow. We should, otherwise, we'll be forced out! Go when the going is still good. Some of us out there are fighting for the sake of fighting. What are you fighting for? Is your fight still relevant? Must we fight? No one wins in a war. It is stupid to fight! It's peace we seek, why harangue for a fight? Some of us out there are so dishonest. Don't you know there's a God out there? The Cantonese say, "Theen yau gan". How do you expect to get away? Truth always prevails. Don't live in denial. Some of us out there are so ridiculous, still hoping to be affirmed with what they don't deserve. Let me say it loud and clear, "Affirmative action is only for those who need it, irrespective of creed or colour." Hey, my fellow Malaysian, love your neighbour as yourself, don't be an "I-specialist"! Believe me, what goes around comes around. You won't know what hit you, then! Be warned! What is love? Deeds are love, not fine phrases. Faults are thick when love is thin. He that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. Labour is light when love doth play. Let love be without hypocrisy. Love asks faith and faith asks firmness. Love begets love. Love betters what is best. Love grows with obstacles. Love has no thought of self. Love levels all inequalities. Love rules its kingdom without sword. Do you love Malaysia? Do you? Then, love truly for love will find a way. |
| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:12 PM PDT
Ex-MB Nizar says this has everything to do with the sacrifice of public interest There is a royal link in the controversial project to build an iron ore plant in Teluk Rubiah, Manjung, and one prominent critic alleges that this, coupled with the Perak palace's cosy relationship with the Barisan Nasional state government, has everything to do with why public interest has been sacrificed to profit a select few. "BN would always go ahead with something when there's something in it for them," said former menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. "Despite the hue and cry from the community, they don't give a damn." Documents made available to FMT show that the Sultan of Perak owns one of the companies that sold off the piece of land that Brazilian mining giant Vale International is now developing for the multi-billion-ringgit project. In 2009, KYM Holdings Bhd, through Harta Makmur Sdn Bhd, sold 488 hectares (1,205 acres) of leasehold land in Teluk Rubiah to Vale International and Vale Malaysia Manfuacturing Sdn Bhd for RM196 million. Vale will use only 450 acres for the plant. The rest of the land, mostly forested, will be a buffer zone. Checks with the Companies Commission of Malaysia showed that Harta Makmur is 60% owned by Tegas Consolidated Sdn Bhd and 40% owned by RAS Sdn Bhd. The majority shareholder for RAS is Sultan Azlan Shah. His consort, Tuanku Bainun Mohd Ali, and his son, Raja Ashman Shah, are minority shareholders. Raja Ashman and his siblings are all directors of the company. Vale's project has many opponents, including environmental groups and Teluk Rubiah residents and businesses. They fear that it would damage the environment, ruin the local tourism industry and impair the livelihood and health of local residents.
"I told them that the area should be preserved as a sanctuary. We had virgin jungles, with one of the best species of logs there. I could not afford to lose those." He said he proposed another state land in the swampy area of Tanjung Hantu, offering it almost free of charge. "I was thinking we're giving you a place with virtually no inhabitants. But before Vale could complete their analysis of the pros and cons of Tanjung Hantu, the government was grabbed, and the deal at Teluk Rubiah went through." Nizar headed the Pakatan Rakyat-led government until early 2009, when four defectors helped BN to take over, allowing Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to replace him. Nizar alleged that KYM had owed the state government RM20 million in accumulated unpaid charges over the piece of land. "In order to settle debts to the bank and to the state government, they dumped everything on the Brazilians," Nizar said. "Somebody's interest is being taken care of. "Obviously, Vale was given additional incentives when it decided to choose Teluk Rubiah. "But I want to put on record that we did not condone using Teluk Rubiah as there were strong objections and it was not a viable option. "Zambry decided to allow Teluk Rubiah because, one, he gets a good name in the eyes of the palace, and two, KYM gets to settle its debts." Nizar questioned whether the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project was tailored to allow the project to go ahead. "Were there amendments to the EIA? We don't know, but it could be manipulated." Nizar, who is the Pasir Panjang state assemblyman, said he hoped Vale would honour its promise not to pollute the area. He admitted that it was "a bit too late" to ask for Vale to stop building the factory. "They've already signed all the documents and they will go ahead as they've made all the commitments to the Brazilian company.
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| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:05 PM PDT By Karim Raslan, The Star The buoyant statistics coming out of East Kalimantan underline the extent to which the once-poor neighbour has eclipsed Sabah. And until Sabahans can exorcise their ghosts, Indonesia will remain an untapped mirage. WE are living in an age of tremendous financial turmoil. Currency and equity market gyrations have dramatically altered relations between nations and entire regions. Indeed, the decline of US and European competitiveness and the attendant acceleration of Chinese wealth have been the most note-worthy developments. What is less well-documented is the fact that these trends have also led to significant changes within South-East Asia with China's (and India's) hunger for natural resources driving prices ever higher. This is most apparent on the island of Borneo. In 2010, the GDP per capita in Sabah was RM8,450. By way of comparison, the GDP per capita in the neighbouring Indonesian province of East Kalimantan (or Kaltim) was over US$4,000 (RM12,000). While the Kaltim statistics are inflated by skyrocketing coal, as well as oil and gas prices, the reality shows a marked increase in living standards for the province's 3.2 million people. In fact, Kaltim's booming economy is also contributing to Sabah's shortage of labour for the plantation sector. Meanwhile, decentralisation initiatives (dubbed regional autonomy) meant that a greater proportion of the natural resource bounty was being retained locally. Kaltim is Indonesia's largest producer of both coal and oil/gas. At the same time there are plans to increase palm oil planting to well over 1.5 million hectares. Balikpapan – the premier commercial hub with a population over 600,000 – is also a major transport and services hub. The city's Sepinggan airport (with over five million passengers a year) is Indonesia's fourth busiest. The buoyant statistics coming out of Kaltim underline the extent to which the once-poor neighbour has eclipsed Sabah and indeed Malaysia. This is all the more ironic given the fact that for many decades Sabahans have felt imperilled by what they've perceived as waves of "desperately poor" Indonesians and Filipinos pressing at their borders. Indeed, the control (or lack of it) of migrant workers has been an enormously controversial issue in Kota Kinabalu. Sabah's exponential population growth – most notably in the 1980s when naturalisation policies (covert or otherwise) were at their most pronounced – witnessed a dramatic increase from 929,992 in 1980 to 1,734,685 in 1990. Indeed, it is arguable that Sabahans have been traumatised by the massive influx of illegals. The state's indigenous communities have seen their demographic and political leadership whittled away. Unsurprisingly, they are deeply suspicious of Indonesians and Filipinos. All this has made it difficult for Sabah to leverage Indonesia's current prosperity despite the state's strategic location. Sabah has very poor connectivity with Kaltim, so much so that even the lengthy land border lacks formal road crossings. Still, Indonesians – including Awang Faroek, Kaltim's Governor – are lobbying hard for a link at Serudong along the Tawau/Kota Kinabalu road. In the absence of an overland crossing, hundreds of thousands of Indonesian workers in Sabah have been forced to travel by ferry through Tawau's meagre and unimpressive port facilities. By way of comparison, the Entikong crossing between Sarawak and West Kalimantan has become a major thoroughfare with countless buses plying the route linking Pontianak and Kuching. Moreover, it is estimated that some 3,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in Kuching's many private educational institutions. At the same time, direct flights (on local carrier, Kalstar) linking the two cities have further enhanced connectivity and opportunities for businessmen on both sides of the border. Kota Kinabalu and Balikpapan are like step-sisters. A journey between the two cities requires an awkward and time-consuming detour through either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Jakarta. The alternative is the nerve-wracking ferry from Tawau to either Nunukan or Tarakan ... neither of which are particularly attractive for tourists or business travellers. But Kota Kinabalu remains a superb destination. With its waterfront lifestyle, schools, hospitals and international flights, the city is poised to become a popular hub for Indonesians – from as far away as Banjarmasin, Makassar, Samarinda and Manado. It is worth noting that all four cities are beneficiaries of the natural resources boom and growing faster than the national average. Indeed, other Malaysian cities such as Penang and Malacca have become adept at tapping the Indonesian demand for healthcare, education, housing and retail. It remains to be seen whether the socio-political trauma of past decades could be overcome to allow Sabah to maximise these opportunities. However, thankfully, some of Sabah's leaders are beginning to recognise their neighbour's vast potential. Flamboyant former chief minister Datuk Harris Salleh has been a major promoter of the cross-Borneo linkages. Last year, he undertook a highly publicised tour across Indonesian Kalimantan. Similar sentiments are raised by Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority CEO Yaakub Johari who confidently said: "History aside, we see Sabah acting as a conduit between an expanding Indonesia and the dynamic Northeast Asian markets. "Enhanced connectivity whether by land, air or sea is a must." Until Sabah and Sabahans can exorcise their ghosts, Indonesia will remain an untapped mirage. |
| Sodomy II: Doctor tells court he found Saiful’s anus healthy Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:00 PM PDT By Reena Raj, The Star KUALA LUMPUR: A doctor, the second defence witness in Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial, told the court on Tuesday that he had examined Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 28, 2008 and found his anus healthy even though the plaintiff said he felt pain when passing motion. Dr. Mohammad Osman Abdul Hamid was a medical officer in Pusat Rawatan Islam (PUSRAWI) at that time when Mohd Saiful came to the hospital complaining that he had a pain in his anus when passing motion. Mohammad Osman said, he carried out an examination on Mohd Saiful using a protoscope and found the anus was healthy. After the examination, Mohammad Osman said, Mohd Saiful told him that he had been sodomised by a VIP and plastic had been inserted in his anus. Mohammad Osman disagreed when Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden suggested that the information about the insertion of plastic in Saiful's anus was added to the medical report later. The third defence witness, Associate Professor David Lawrence Noel Wells from Melbourne, Australia, then took the stand.
MORE TO COME. |
| Anwar Assails Malaysian Officials, Court Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:49 PM PDT By James Hookway, Wall Street Journal Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim used his ongoing sodomy trial Monday to deliver a stinging attack accusing the judge and the government of Prime Minister Najib Razak of using a "show trial" to destroy his political career and extinguish any threat to the mostly Muslim nation's ruling party.
Quoting liberally from Shakespeare, Nelson Mandela and the Quran from the dock, Mr. Anwar read for an hour from a prepared text, saying his political rivals cooked up charges that he violated Malaysia's sodomy laws by having sex with a former male aide three years ago. "It is a vile and desperate attempt at character assassination," Mr. Anwar said. "They can do all they want to assassinate and sully my character and threaten me with another 20 years in jail, but mark my words: They won't be able to cow me into submission." Mr. Najib and judicial officials didn't respond to messages seeking comment Monday. Mr. Najib previously has denied any involvement in the case against Mr. Anwar, saying the charges against the 64-year-old opposition leader were filed independently by his former aide, 26-year-old Saiful Bukhari Azlan. People familiar with the government's thinking also say Mr. Najib is concerned that the international community doesn't appreciate that Malaysia's judiciary has become more independent in recent years and the government sometimes loses cases. In a telephone interview with The Wall Street Journal prior to Monday's court proceedings, Mr. Anwar said he was dismayed at how debate over how to modernize this multiethnic country and make its economy more competitive internationally had degenerated into a series of sex allegations. Besides the sodomy trial, some of Mr. Anwar's political opponents also suggested he was featured in a grainy video clip released on the Internet hugging a woman who his opponents claimed is a prostitute. Mr. Anwar and his family have denied he is the man pictured in the film. "It's really very telling how low they are willing to go," Mr. Anwar said, without specifying who he was referring to. Mr. Anwar was arrested and charged with sodomy in 2008, a few months after his three-party opposition alliance won control of several key states in hotly contested elections and broke the ruling National Front's customary two-thirds hold on Parliament. Mr. Najib, the 58-year-old aristocratic son of Malaysia's second prime minister, became the country's leader in 2009 and set about trying to reassert the National Front's dominance. The coalition built around Mr. Najib's United Malays National Organization party has controlled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957. To attract voters from ethnic minorities, he began rolling back Malaysia's extensive system of race-based affirmative action policies that are designed to give an economic leg-up to the less prosperous majority Muslim Malay population by offering, among other things, subsidized loans and quotas at top universities. Mr. Najib also opened the way to more foreign investment in the financial sector and other businesses. Although Mr. Najib doesn't have to call elections until 2013, many analysts say they expect him to call early polls if it provides him with an advantage. The multiethnic opposition continues to command considerable support, however, and Mr. Najib last week pledged to consider ways to change the country's election laws in response to a massive demonstration of more than 20,000 people on the streets of Kuala Lumpur in July. That protest march, which included Mr. Anwar, himself a Muslim Malay, was forcibly broken up by police equipped with water cannons and tear gas. In his speech Monday—which Mr. Anwar read from the dock instead of from the witness stand in order to avoid cross-examination from prosecutors—the opposition leader accused the judge of allowing DNA evidence that Mr. Anwar's camp alleges is contaminated to be admitted. Mr. Anwar also said his accuser, Mr. Saiful, was being manipulated by rival politicians. Mr. Saiful couldn't be reached for comment. This isn't the first time Mr. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, has accused Malaysia's powerful leaders of manufacturing sex allegations to silence him. In 1998 he was charged with sodomizing two male aides and later convicted after challenging former leader Mahathir Mohamad. That conviction was overturned in 2004 and Mr. Anwar was freed after spending six years in prison. Mr. Mahathir denies fabricating a case against Mr. Anwar. This time, Mr. Anwar said he expects the court to press for a conviction as quickly as possible. "They want to wrap things up quickly," he told the Journal.
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| Malaysian Opposition Leader Begins Defense Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:44 PM PDT
By Liz Gooch, New York Times KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim began his defense in his sodomy trial on Monday, declaring the charges "a vile and despicable attempt at character assassination." After Mr. Anwar delivered a 32-page statement in which he said the trial was a conspiracy by Prime Minister Najib Razak to send him into "political oblivion," Mr. Anwar's lawyers disclosed that they had issued subpoenas compelling Mr. Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, to appear in court as witnesses. Mr. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, is accused of sodomizing a former political aide in 2008 in a Kuala Lumpur apartment and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The aide, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, has accused Mr. Anwar of having coerced him into having sex, but even consensual sodomy is illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia . It is the second time that Mr. Anwar has faced such charges. In 1998, he was convicted of sodomy and abuse of power, and although the sodomy conviction was later overturned, he spent six years in prison. Denying that he had ever had sexual relations with the former aide, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, Mr. Anwar dismissed his accuser's allegations as "a blatant and vicious lie." "They can do all they want to assassinate my character and sully my reputation and threaten me with another 20 years of imprisonment, but, mark my words, they won't be able to cow me into submission," he said before a packed courtroom. "On the contrary, it only serves to fortify my conviction that the truth will eventually prevail. Come what come may, I shall never surrender." Mr. Anwar chose to deliver a statement from the floor of the courtroom on Monday, rather than take the witness stand, denying the prosecution the opportunity to cross-examine him. He said that he would have given evidence from the witness box if not for "all the handicaps foisted on me" and the manner in which the presiding judge, Mohamad Zabidin Diah, had conducted the trial. In a scathing critique, during which he quoted Nelson Mandela, Shakespeare and the Koran, Mr. Anwar said Mr. Diah had demonstrated a "complete lack of impartiality." He said the judge had failed to respond to a number of issues pertinent to the case, such as an alleged affair between a member of the prosecution and the former aide, statements made by government politicians that he said amounted to contempt of court, and suggestions that DNA samples used to establish the prosecution's case might have been contaminated. Mr. Anwar said that the judge, who has rejected his requests that he disqualify himself from hearing the trial on the grounds that he was biased, had prejudged the trial by declaring Mr. Saiful a "truthful witness." Mr. Anwar said that it was obvious that Mr. Saiful was "lying through his teeth." He said that Mr. Saiful was a fit young man in his early 20s, while he was a 60-year-old man with a history of back injury. "It would take a great stretch of the imagination to suggest that I could pose any physical harm to him," he said. Later, Mr. Anwar added: "The court's integrity has been completely compromised and bears all the classic symptoms of a show trial where the script has been effectively written and the outcome a foregone conclusion." Mr. Anwar repeated his claim that the trial was a "conspiracy" by Mr. Najib "to send me into political oblivion by attempting once again to put me behind bars." "This is not a criminal trial. It is a charade staged by the powers that be to put me out of action in order that they remain in power," he said, adding that the "relentless conviction" to send him back to prison became "all the more imperative" after the 2008 elections, when the opposition made unprecedented gains. The government has denied that the trial is politically motivated. Speaking to reporters outside the court, Mr. Anwar said that his lawyers had subpoenaed seven witnesses, including Mr. Najib. Karpal Singh, one of Mr. Anwar's lawyers, said that the subpoenas should already have been served on Mr. Najib and his wife, who had earlier refused to be interviewed by defense lawyers. "When a subpoena is issued, a witness must turn up in court," Mr. Karpal said. "The judge will decide whether a subpoena should be set aside. If a witness is in a position to give material evidence, then the subpoena cannot be set aside. That witness must give evidence from the witness box." Forensic experts are expected to testify on Tuesday. |
| Analyst say GE likely to be held in Nov Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:39 PM PDT By Kong See Hoh, The Sun Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix)'s remark on Friday that the next general election can be held anytime and is not bound by the works of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms has fuelled talk of November polls. Political analyst Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian described the setting up of the panel on polls reforms as a smart move as it conveys the message that "Barisan Nasional has the intention to carry out electoral reforms, thus reducing the negative impact of the Bersih 2.0 rally to the minimum,Oriental Daily News reported today. Cheah said electoral reforms cannot be done overnight. In fact it may take a year or two, but the panel is an opportunity for BN to show the public that the government genuinely wants to reform and make the electoral process more democratic. Cheah said BN's tactical move has put Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in a bind. It has opened the panel's door to the Opposition without sacrificing its controlling role in the panel. If the Opposition stays out, it means it is giving up on a chance to effect electoral reforms, he said. "This is BN's Blue Ocean election tactic – be seen as inclusive by including PR in the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms while remaining in control of the committee," he pointed out. "It is an intriguing tactic. Based on the current political scenario, it augurs well for BN to hold a snap election in the very near future." However, political commentators Ong Kian Meng, while acknowledging that the setting up of the polls panel is a positive move, did not believe BN would gain from it if the election is called in the near future. He said the move would not have much impact on the next general election as most city folk, particularly those from the higher-income group, are not easily taken in by government tactics. Nevertheless, he agreed that the sooner an election is held the better for the BN. Ong said with PR casting doubts on the electoral roll, more dirt may come out the longer the next general election is held off, which would be bad for the BN. "The July 9 (Bersih) rally involved mainly urban voters, many of whom are not inclined towards the BN in the first place. But if the election is held off, three is the danger that the July 9 'fever' may hit the rural electorate." He said regardless of whether the polls reform panel is a bane or boom for the BN, it is a good time for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to call for an election in November. Political punters believe Budget 2012, which will be presented in October, would be an election budget. Cheah said the government's decision to postpone the Merdeka Day celebrations to coincide with the Malaysia Day on Sept 16 is an indication that it is paving the way for a general election soon. Holding the two events together on Sept 16 will endear the federal government to Sabah and Sarawak, the support of which is vital for BN to win a two-third majority in the Parliament. The recent announcement of a Hari Raya bonus for the civil servants will also help BN win some votes. On another note, Ong opined that Najib has been overly careful, resulting in indecision on a number of issues. This gives some people the feeling that "he looks more and more like former PM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi". In fact, he said, the best time for BN to call for a snap polls was in January when Parti Keadilan Rakyat was in disarray due to infighting. |
| 30,000 caned in Malaysia, court hears Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:33 PM PDT By Bianca Hall, The Canberra Times Almost 30,000 foreigners were subjected to brutal canings in Malaysia between 2005 and 2010, the High Court was told this morning. The court's full bench is considering a legal challenge to the Federal Government's plan to send 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia, in return for Australia accepting 4000 refugees registered with the United Nations in that country over four years. Debbie Mortimer, SC, who is acting for the asylum seekers, told the court that Malaysia, which is not a signatory to the United Nation's Refugee Convention, did not accord legal protections to the 19,700 asylum seekers and refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in that country. She said Malaysian authorities "generally" co-operated with the UNHCR, but detainees sent there by Australia would fall under the same category as foreigners and could be subject to detention without trial and the death penalty. "The political arrangement, unenforceable as it is, is the only thing guaranteeing the way asylum seekers and refugees may be treated in Malaysia," she said. The case is being brought against the Federal Government's so-called Malaysian solution on behalf of two asylum seekers who arrived at Christmas Island by boat on August 4. The court was told Malaysia holds a list of 56 Islamic "sects" it considers "deviant". One of the two plaintiffs listed in the case, a 16-year-old Afghan boy who arrived alone, is Shiite, one of the so-called deviant religions. Mr D Jackson QC, acting for the Australian Human Rights Commission, told the court immigration minister Chris Bowen would be in breach of his obligations to act in the best interests of unaccompanied children, as their official guardian, if the plan went ahead. The court heard the 16 year old had witnessed refugees being beaten and tortured when he travelled through Malaysia en route to Australia. Because Malaysia is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention, he would face arrest for illegally entering and exiting the country should he go back, the court heard. Solicitor general Stephen Gageler, acting for the Government, said that under mainstream international law, Australia was obliged to offer protection and that meant not returning people to their home countries. There was no international law obligation that meant countries had to assess refugee claims within their own borders, he said. The High Court has placed a temporary injunction preventing the Government from sending any asylum seekers to Malaysia until this matter it is finished. The court will continue to hear the case this afternoon. |
| Global protests a threat to BN? Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:29 PM PDT By Clare Rewcastle Brown, FMT No country is an island in this global era and 2011 has not been a comfortable year for a regime like Barisan Nasional, which is seeking to perpetuate half a century of uninterrupted power in Malaysia. At the outset, Malaysia's establishment was just one example of many across the world's oil rich states, where family-based elites basked in absolute power, having pretty much grabbed the wealth of their countries for themselves. Then, one by one, the dominos have started to fall. Even Messrs Muammar Gaddafi (Libya) and Bashar Assad (Syria), who have resorted to extreme measures, shooting at their own citizens and acting with the full force of tyrants, have failed to stem the tide of popular outrage that has started to change the face of the world political landscape. Most particularly unnerving for the Malaysian jetsetter class must have been the readiness with which international institutions has been willing to freeze the foreign assets of these toppled dynasties, the moment official requests came in from subsequent governments. Such people have always been happy to consider themselves part of an international community and would have readily re-located somewhere like Australia or Canada, having left the source of their wealth, in this case Malaysia, far behind. However, such exit plans were always based on an assumption that once these pampered families had managed to siphon out their corruptly acquired loot, they would be able to squirrel it safely away in Western Banks and property assets and no one would be able to get it back off them. Money-laundering legislations has started to change all that and the more unscrupulous advisors in the 'avoidance' business are doubtlessly already receiving plenty of phone calls from members of the establishment in Malaysia! Saturation point for corruption Such forms of reflection are allowable, because of the acknowledged level of corruption that everyone knows exists in Malaysia. It is so endemic that no one attempts to conceal it. It is written into the country's indexes and there is a separate anecdote for every person forced to suffer it.
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| MAS-AirAsia swap deal signals ETP failure, says PKR Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:13 PM PDT
By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider PETALING JAYA, Aug 23 — PKR strategy chief Rafizi Ramli attacked today rival airlines MAS' and AirAsia's recent share swap deal, claiming it was an example of the ruling Barisan Nasional's (BN) misuse of government-linked companies (GLCs)to fund mega projects to avoid being publicly accountable. This, the economist told reporters, was an early signal Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) had failed. "For a start, the deal amounts to Khazanah Nasional Berhad's tacit admission that the two business-turnaround-plans (BTPs) implemented since 2006 under the stewardship of two CEOs have failed," Rafizi (picture) said. "The latest ongoings in MAS is the clearest sign that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's much-touted economic transformation has also failed," he added.
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| Prasarana reserves ‘at least’ 30pc of MRT for Bumi contractors Posted: 22 Aug 2011 03:09 PM PDT By Boo Su-Lyn, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd will reserve at least 30 per cent of the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) construction packages for Bumiputera contractors. Abdul Malik Azman, Prasarana's head of MRT Procurement Management Department, told The Malaysian Insider today that the quota for Bumiputera contractors was part of the government's "national agenda." "We have this Bumiputera agenda approved by the MOF (Finance Ministry). "At least 30 per cent of packages should be allocated for Bumis. This is the national agenda," he told The Malaysian Insider after a briefing for pre-qualified contractors at Prasarana's office here today. In May, Prasarana had caved in to pressure from Malay rights groups when it revised pre-qualification criteria for several construction packages. The project owner had said then that contractors who wanted to tender for elevated civil works, stations and depots work construction packages would be allowed to form joint ventures (JV) or consortiums among local companies. Twenty-eight firms including heavyweights such as Sunway, IJM and MRCB have been shortlisted for the construction of the first phase of the KVMRT project The works packages were divided into two categories: Open and Bumiputera. The value for contracts under the Bumiputera category is about RM250 million per package, based on the last briefing to contractors by Prasarana in May. Abdul Malik said today that there were 18 work packages, comprising eight packages for elevated civil works, eight packages for stations and two packages for depots. He said six out of the 16 packages for elevated civil works and stations, as well as the Kajang depot work package, were reserved for Bumiputeras. "A few Bumis here can (also) bid in the Open category. (They can go) fishing in the pond and ocean. They have more chances," said Abdul Malik. He pointed out that Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd, Ahmad Zaki Sdn Bhd and MTD Construction Sdn Bhd could bid for all eight elevated civil works packages.
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