Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- NRD To Issue New MyKad Starting January 2012, Says Hishammuddin
- Protesters to greet Najib at CHOGM
- Be grateful to BN government, DPM tells people
- Hu stands by his statements
- ‘Do away with race-based policies’
- Why RM2 billion for Mindef IT project?
- Under probe FBC shuts down sites
- Former MP leads group to join DAP
- OWC sex book a cheap stunt, says SIS
- Demonstrations continue at Jakarta embassy
- Delhi says Astro deal illegal gratification for Maxis plans, companies deny charges
- MalaysiaKini confirms talks with Malay Mail
- PAS will ask Hu to explain statements
- Home Ministry asked to explain illegal registration claims
- Within a year, 300% increase in new voters
- Dr M: Make laws, regulations innovation-friendly
- Perkasa claws at Suhakam’s Bersih rally rights probe
- OWC book urges Muslim women to have joint sex
- Malays must change freebie mindset, says Dr M
- Hu defies party gag order
- ‘Govt holding on to Auditor’s report’
- Najib urged to give details of RM10.1m travel bill
- Fuziah: Lynas sending rare earth to Kuantan this month
- IMF: Asia at risk from Europe, US spillover, outflows
- MIER trims GDP estimates as global economic slump bites
- PR Strategy Not To Dissolve State Assemblies In Four States?
- DAP, PAS 'agree to disagree' on hudud issue
- Mahathir: Malays will lose power in 10 years if they don't unite
- Malay votes in Penang may swing to Umno
- Free economy will lead to political and social freedom, say economists
- KL land row threatens to derail MRT project
- Malaysia's new generation steps forward
- Recession risk high and rising, says RHB
- ‘Gambler’ Najib will ‘break the bank’
- More controversy with Taib-linked Ta Ann
- ‘Najib’s handouts bad for the country’
- RM4.7 billion spent on National Service
| NRD To Issue New MyKad Starting January 2012, Says Hishammuddin Posted: 15 Oct 2011 12:21 AM PDT (Bernama) The National Registration Department (NRD) will introduce a new MyKad with state-of-the-art security features starting January next year, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said. Hishammuddin said the new MyKad would have enhanced security features, especially the chip, which will have tamper-proof elements to prevent falsification, an issue raised by some. "The Mykad with new structure which is of a higher quality will meet the security requirement and will be suitable for changes in time, situation and future challenges," he told reporters here today after launching the new MyKad structure here today. Hishammuddin said the new MyKad with a polycarbonate body, uses laser cutting technology on its surface and chips tested by SIRIM and recognised semi-conductor laboratories. "New applicants will issued the new Mykad while current holders of Mykad can change their old card for a new one. Hishammuddin who is also the Semberong Member of Parliament added that the NRD would also continue its Outreach Programme using mobile NRD services to identify Malaysian citizens who do not have Mykad, especially those staying in remote areas. |
| Protesters to greet Najib at CHOGM Posted: 14 Oct 2011 08:35 PM PDT Bersihkan Malaysia of Perth will join a rally organised by the CHOGM Action Network (Free Malaysia Today) - When Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak goes to Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this month, he will be greeted by yet another rally calling for electoral reforms in Malaysia. Delegations from 54 Commonwealth nations will attend the three-day meeting at the Perth Convention Centre on Oct 28 and the rally organisers, CHOGM Action Network (CAN), is seizing the opportunity to draw international attention to Malaysia's political situation. CAN is endorsed by a wide range of activist networks, including Bersihkan Malaysia of Perth. According to its Facebook page, Bersihkan Malaysia was set up to "nurture the spirit of unity to further the cause for democracy and justice on behalf of all Malaysians". Its members are mostly Malaysians residing in Western Australia who took part in the July 9 Bersih rally there. According to CAN spokesperson Chom Lee, participants in the Oct 28 rally will assemble at Forrest Place in downtown Perth to hear a number of speeches by notable speakers, including Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Wong Chin Huat. There will be a march after the speeches. CAN is still in negotiations with the police department over the rally route, but it is hoping to be allowed to demonstrate close to the CHOGM venue. "CHOGM is an international event and the best time to let the world know what is really happening in Malaysia," Lee told FMT by e-mail. "There are many foreigners who are have been deceived by the government's lies and believe that Malaysia practices true democracy." She said CAN would like to see Commonwealth leaders questioning Najib about Bersih 2.0′s eight demands as well as about corruption and separation of powers in Malaysia. She gave several examples of alleged abuse of power and corruption, including deaths in custody and lingering questions about the purchase of Scorpene submarines and the wealth of Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud. CAN will be holding a series of public forums until Oct 28 in an effort to attract at least 1,000 rally participants.
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| Be grateful to BN government, DPM tells people Posted: 14 Oct 2011 07:12 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider SEREMBAN, Oct 15 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin told Malaysians today to be grateful to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government for its many efforts which have improved their lives. According to Bernama Online, the deputy prime minister reportedly talked up the BN government's performance to a crowd of thousands after visiting the Ampangan market here, claiming it has always cared for the people by doling out aid and programmes for the needy. He urged the Ampangan folk against following in the footsteps of people from Selangor and opposition-held states who voted for the opposition during Election 2008. "It's not easy to be the government; the opposition is only good at making promises which they never have to fulfil," he was quoted as saying in Bernama Online. Muhyiddin (picture) is on a day-long visit to several locations in Negri Sembilan, a state the federal opposition is said to be confident of toppling in the coming polls, speculated to be called within months. The national news agency said Muhyiddin later announced a RM5 million allocation to Ampangan folk — RM4 million to build a new hawker centre, RM500,000 to refurbish the market and the remaining RM500,000 to repaint and repair the Ampangan flats. The Malaysian Insider reported earlier this year claims by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) that a marginal five per cent swing in four key seats in the state would be enough to topple the BN government here. State PR leaders had told The Malaysian Insider that a win in the Pilah, Kelawang, Lenggeng and Linggi state seats, where BN won by wafer-thin majorities in Election 2008, would secure the coalition a simple majority in the 36-member state legislative assembly.
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| Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:35 PM PDT
(The Star) - A defiant National PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw is standing by his public statements, including those which criticised the top party leadership, over the hudud law controversy. He said: "I feel what I have done is in accordance with the party constitution. I believe that I have not gone against any party policies. "However, I welcome the move by the party to seek explanation from me because I will have a proper platform to tell my side of the story," he said yesterday. He was asked to comment on a press statement by PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man that the party would seek an explanation on criticisms he made against the party leadership over the hudud issue. Hu had made it known through the mainstream media and online news portals that he was objecting to hudud, saying that the law, if implemented, would alienate the Chinese votes from PAS. His scathing remarks drew heavy fire from Kelantan PAS Youth chief Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman, who warned Hu not to vent his views to the press or threaten the Kelantan government. Hu reiterated that bread and butter issues and the well-being of the people in Kelantan should be tackled first.
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| ‘Do away with race-based policies’ Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:27 PM PDT
Gerakan Youth says a serious review of the NEP must be done so that it does not stray from the original intent of eradicating poverty and ensuring equal distribution of wealth (Free Malaysia Today) - Race-based affirmative action in the form of the New Economic Policy is a thing of the past, admitted two Barisan Nasional youth leaders – Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Gerakan Youth Chief Lim Si Pin, today. Lim, in his speech at the Gerakan youth conference, said: "If we continue to advocate affirmative action for the majority, who is going to take care of the minorities and the needy? "It is time to question whether we still affirmative action based on ethnic lines. It will remain a noose around our necks if we do not deal with it (NEP) with decisiveness. "If we continue to enrich the few who do not need it and ignore the poor, then we will create instability," said Lim, and reminded the government it would face "dire consequences" if it failed to listen to the masses. Though Lim said he was not calling for a total abolishment of NEP, but a serious review and refocus to go back to its original intent to eradicate poverty and equal distribution of wealth. Khairy, agreeing with Lim, said that even now the government is looking at changing the policies in regards to affirmative action. "It is changing, now we are making sure that our priority is the lowest 40% based on income. These are the groups we must help regardless whether they are Malay Chinese, Indians or other races. Najib has expanded this, within Umno too," said Khairy. "It is no longer about race. Within Umno we are supporting this, because we know those at the bottom 40% deserve assistance. The change in affirmative action will help some of you understand that economic transformation is happening," said Khairy. Khairy added that reforms are alone not enough and merely repealing the Internal Security Act will not do. "As far as the Printing Presses and Publications Act, the current changes are not enough. We have to go further, why are we scared of a free media, do we lack confidence that we can't face the free media? Let the media regulate themselves. There's no need for the Home Ministry and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to regulate," he said. 'Young voters returning to BN' Khairy also called for a Freedom of Information Act that counters the Official Secrets Act. "There are certain things we cannot reveal to the public… but we must show there are no secrets within the government, " he said, adding that Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act, which prohibits student participation in politics also must be done away with.
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| Why RM2 billion for Mindef IT project? Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:23 PM PDT
PKR questions the defence ministry's need to spend more than RM2 billion for an apparently unknown IT feature (Free Malaysia Today) - PKR estimated that more than RM2 billion will be spent over an information technology (IT) project involving the Defence Ministry (Mindef). Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said that Mindef had directly awarded a Network Centric Operations (NCO) project to Sapura Secured Technologies Sdn Bhd over a 20-year period for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). "More than RM2 billion will definitely be wasted on a project that we don't know about. Is it needed?" she told reporters at a press conference in Lembah Pantai today. Nurul came to the conclusion based on a Oct 13 Parliamentary written response from Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad said that Mindef directly awarded the NCO project to Sapura over a a four-phase period involving 20 years, and four consecutive Malaysia Plans; from 2011 to 2030. The first two years of the programme would also cost RM140 million. "For now, Sapura has been given the responsibility to develop the Phase 1A of the NCO MAF Development Program, which will cost RM140 million over a two-year period." "Subsequent development phases would depend on the performance and success in Phase 1A," he said. Ahmad claimed that Sapura was suitable for the project, as it had an apparent expertise and "vast amount of experience" in defence matters, IT and security. "It has to be stressed that the NCO MAF Development Program is one of capability development, where it is constantly changing based on needs and new input from each service," he said, adding that hardware and software needs could not be identified easily.
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| Under probe FBC shuts down sites Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:17 PM PDT
Investigative portal Sarawak Report is celebrating the death of its Taib Mahmud-sponsored namesake (Free Malaysia Today) - UK-based FBC Media, which Chief Minister Taib Mahmud commissioned for RM5 million to counter global reports against him in the run up to the April 16 state election, has pulled back on its online network which was spewing out 'feel good' reports on Sarawak. FBC Media had allegedly commissioned a team of Republican bloggers in the United States to write a series of attacking articles. Among the websites FBC allegedly sponsored were the New Ledger, Malaysia Watcher and the infamous Sarawak Report(s) with an 's'. The sites were commissioned as part of Taib's cyberwar campaign to counter widespread reports about Taib's unexplainable wealth, extensive business networks abroad, land policies which have led to massive deforestation in Sarawak and displacement of the state indigenous communities. Apparently the last site to go down was the fake Sarawak Reports. Celebrating the death of its namesake, the real Sarawak Report posted a report on its blog today claiming credit for blowing the lid off on FBC Media's unethical practices which included producing allegedly 'illegal TV programmes commissioned by Taib' and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. FBC's dollar-deals with Najib and his Barisan Nasional administration came to light when it was disclosed in Parliament recently that the government spent RM94 million of the rakyat's money to promote the PM and the country's image. FBC's 'opportunities' for Taib After much denials, Putrajaya last month ended its contract with FBC after irrefutable proof of reports surfaced alleging that government leaders had appeared regularly in paid-for interviews on global television programmes on CNBC.
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| Former MP leads group to join DAP Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:13 PM PDT
The move by former PKR members to join DAP unlikely to affect unity within Sarawak Pakatan Rakyat (Free Malaysia Today) - Twenty former PKR branch leaders and members have applied to join Sarawak DAP much to the concern of political pundits who feel that the 'hop' will threaten the 'fragility' of the unity within Sarawak Pakatan Rakyat in view of the coming general election. Both PKR and DAP alongwith PAS form the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat. One political observer believes Pakatan should discourage party members jumping ship from within the coalition as such an action would jeopardise the coalition's unity and strategy. The 20 members are being led by Jimmy Donald, a former state PKR vice-chairman. The rest include Jonas AK Reong, former chairman of PKR Serian Division, and Munan Laja, former chairman of Kapit PKR division. Before joining PKR, they were mostly members of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and aligned to now partyless and 'seatless' Larry Sng, who is also assistant minister in Chief Minister Taib Mahmud's Cabinet. When PRS president James Masing sacked Sng in 2006, the 20 left the party and joined PKR. No outright acceptance State DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen, when receiving the membership application forms, said that any decision to accept the 20 as members would only happen after the party had discussed the matter with state PKR leaders. "From DAP's point of view there are two conditions before we should consider the membership applications. Firstly, those members who want to join us should not breach any discipline of PKR or have been sacked by PKR for breach of party discipline. "The second is that members who join us should not speak badly about PKR, or criticise or attack PKR because we are in the PK coalition. We will speak to PKR leaders before accepting them to DAP. There is no outright acceptance," said Chong, who is also the Kota Sentosa assemblyman. Chong said DAP will stick by its 'guiding principles' in deciding whether or not to accept the new entries. "DAP and PKR have a common bond and that is to topple Barisan Nasional government and to implement the policies of Pakatan when it becomes the government. hese policies are contained in our Buku Jingga as well as in our alternative budget," he said. 'DAP most autonomous national party' Earlier in handing their membership applications to DAP, Donald who is the former MP for Sri Aman said: "We have chosen DAP because it is the most autonomous national party in Sarawak as its state chief is elected by the members in Sarawak as opposed to other national parties whose state chiefs are appointed from Kuala Lumpur. "This is a very important consideration as the Barisan Nasional will fall. It is not a question of if but when. Sarawak is a very special state with many special rights. We have seen in Sabah where the state chief is appointed from Kuala Lumpur. "Sabah now has more immigrants than the rightful people because at the behest of Kuala Lumpur the chief minster opened the state to all comers from other states in Malaysia. "In Sarawak, we have to safeguard the 18 points agreement which was agreed upon at the formation of Malaysia," Donald said. Insisting that Sarawakians must join nationwide political parties, Donald said that the present set-up whereby Sarawakians are ruled by state-wide parties only means that many able Sarawakians miss out hundreds, if not thousands of federal appointments and many decision-making opportunities in the federal government ministries, government-linked company (GLC), statutory bodies, service commissions and other ad hoc bodies. "In my 13 years as a member of parliament, I have studied nearly all their annual reports and management structures and sadly in 99.9% of the cases there are no Sarawakians. In one or two rare cases, there are Sarawakian names but unfailingly, they are always the same people and the cronies of one man. "Only if we are in the national parties can we hope to be included in all levels and sectors of the Malaysian Federation and bring real change to the lives of Sarawakians," Donald said.
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| OWC sex book a cheap stunt, says SIS Posted: 13 Oct 2011 04:20 PM PDT
(Malaysian Digest) - Women's groups have hit out at the Obedient Wives Club' for its "explicit sex book" which called on a Muslim husband to have joint sex with all his spouses, reported The Star. Sisters in Islam (SIS) acting executive director Ratna Osman called it a "cheap stunt" to get its name in the local and international media spotlight. She said the group failed to look at the demands of society, which called for gender equality and progress in education.
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| Demonstrations continue at Jakarta embassy Posted: 13 Oct 2011 04:08 PM PDT
(Bernama) -- The Malaysian embassy in Jakarta continued to become a target for demonstrations since yesterday when another group known as Laskar Merah Putih (LMP) staged a demonstration claiming Malaysia had illegally taken over more than 1,000ha of Indonesian land in northern Kalimantan. About 70 LMP members who gathered with banners and hurled abusive slogans outside the embassy had tried to affix a flag on the gate but were prevented by police. Before leaving the leader of the group Adek Erfil Manurung handed a note to a security personnel on duty at the gate and announced that there would be a bigger demonstration on Oct 28. They also wanted the Malaysian government to resolve the border issue between both countries. Yesterday, a group calling itself Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) numbering some 650 people hurled hard objects at the guard post and perimeter lighting and also at the policemen, also on a similar claim. The Indonesian Parliament's defence and foreign affairs commission deputy head Maj Gen (Rtd) T.B. Hasanuddin had told the local media on Saturday that Indonesia had lost 1,490ha in Camar Bulan to Malaysia and that the country's sea boundary in Tanjung Datu waters had moved 800m in favour of Kuala Lumpur. However, several Indonesian Cabinet ministers had rejected the lawmaker's claim that Malaysia had "illegally taken over" more than 1,000ha of Indonesian land in northern Kalimantan. In Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and his Indonesian counterpart Dr Marty Natalegawa said after the 11th Joint Commission for Bilateral Commission Cooperation Meeting on Tuesday that the border markers at the Kalimantan border, removed either by mischievous individuals or natural disasters, could easily be replaced by their joint survey teams. The issue emanated over a claim that Malaysia has seized 1,000ha of land belonging to Indonesia along the Malaysia-Indonesia border in West Kalimantan. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had also said Malaysia and Indonesia had a special mechanism namely the Joint Border Committee (JBC) to resolve any border issues and added that it was doing a good job in resolving such issues when they cropped up.
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| Delhi says Astro deal illegal gratification for Maxis plans, companies deny charges Posted: 13 Oct 2011 03:58 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Indian police have alleged that Astro's "highly inflated" purchase of shares in Sun Direct TV contributed RM351 million in illegal gratification to former Indian telecommunications minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanithi. India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said the minister had denied telco company Aircel seven licences and other facilities, forcing its owner C. Sivasankaran to sell a 74 per cent stake to telecommunications giant Maxis. However, The Star reported today that Maxis and Astro, both controlled by tycoon T. Ananda Krishnan (picture), sent a letter to the CBI denying the allegations. Astro said it has had dealings with the satellite television broadcaster since 1996. But it also said the purchase of a 20 per cent stake in Sun TV from Kalanithi was proposed in March 2005, just months before Maxis expressed its intention to acquire Aircel. India's The Hindu reported today that the CBI accused Dayanidhi of "abusing his official position" after deliberately causing "undue delays and denials of legitimate requests of Dishnet DSL (Aircel)," paving the way for Maxis to acquire Aircel Televentures from Sivasankaran. "Enquiry has also revealed that Mr Dayanidhi Maran and Mr Kalanithi Maran, apart from being brothers, also have business associations for long," the Indian newspaper quoted the CBI as saying. The CBI said that after the "change of ownership to Maxis Communications... undue favours... were [done] for mala fide considerations." "An illegal gratification of Rs549,96,01,793 was accepted as a quid pro quo through his brother Kalanithi Maran in the garb of share premium invested in Sun Direct TV by South Asia Entertainment Holdings (a fully-owned subsidiary of Astro All Asia Networks Plc.)," it added. The CBI had filed the graft case against Ananda Krishnan, his trusted executive Ralph Marshall and the Marans on October 10 but both Astro and Maxis have denied the allegations.
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| MalaysiaKini confirms talks with Malay Mail Posted: 13 Oct 2011 03:54 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - News portal MalaysiaKini confirmed today it is in talks to sell content to Umno-linked newspaper The Malay Mail, with its founder defending the deal and saying it made good business sense. The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday that the English tabloid is negotiating a deal with the 12-year-old news site to swap a stake in the newspaper for content. MalaysiaKini editor Steven Gan denied today in a commentary on his website plans to own "a single share of Malay Mail or to surrender the ownership of Malaysiakini" but confirmed that talks are ongoing for "a simple content arrangement." Gan was forced to defend the deal and talks with The Malay Mail after receiving flak from readers over suggestions that his company would be going into bed with a company controlled by Umno interests. The Malay Mail, which first began in publishing in 1896, is now under the Redberry Media group, a subsidiary of listed Ancom Berhad spearheaded by Datuk Siew Ka Wei. Redberry is controlled by Siew and his partner Mohamad Al-Amin Abdul Majid, who is known to be a confidant of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The remaining shares in The Malay Mail are held by businessman Ibrahim Mohamad Nor who had originally bought the newspaper from the New Straits Times Press. It became a free afternoon newspaper in May 2008 but recently announced plans to revert to being a paid daily.
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| PAS will ask Hu to explain statements Posted: 13 Oct 2011 01:38 AM PDT
(Bernama) - The PAS Central Committee will be calling up PAS Supporters Congress head Hu Pang Chaw to explain certain media statements he made which were not consistent with the party's policy. PAS information chief Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said even though the party practised democracy in dealing with members, when it came to internal issues, they were urged to resolve them within the party. "Undeniably PAS as a major party cannot run away from internal challenges, hence the various channels for the party to obtain feedback and explanation on any disagreeable issue," he said in a statement here Thursday. On Wednesday Hu was reported as saying the media in the country had the right to get the real picture of what was happening in PAS, especially with regard to implementation of hudud laws.
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| Home Ministry asked to explain illegal registration claims Posted: 13 Oct 2011 01:18 AM PDT
(The Sun Daily) - The Home Ministry has been pressed to address allegations concerning the illegal operations of a syndicate registering foreigners as voters. PAS leaders suspect that there is a syndicate, possibly involving civil servants, which conducts this illegal operation of granting citizenship to Indonesians, Bangladeshis and Cambodians in Putrajaya. "There have been disclosure after disclosure but we still do not have an answer from the Home Ministry on this issue," said PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian). "Pakatan Rakyat (PR) members of Parliament (MP) will bring up this issue in Parliament for a concrete explanation from the ministry," he told a press conference at Parliament lobby. He claimed that there are eye-witnesses and visual evidence to support the claims. "Yesterday (Oct 12), six buses from Johor spotted at the Putrajaya mosque in the morning, were later sighted at Astana Dugang Country Resort at Kg Desa Putra, near the Putrajaya International Convention Centre," he said. "The buses were spotted dropping of passengers at a private training centre." He said witnesses confirmed that the passengers were Indonesians, Bangladeshis and Cambodians from their appearances and accents. Salahuddin said one eye-witness, the party's Youth treasurer, Mohd Adram Musa, who was also present at the press conference, claimed to have seen several government vehicles and civil servants, mainly police officers and Health Department officers from Senai, Johor, allegedly assisting the passengers. "This was a very suspicious scenario. The government has to explain what these officers were doing there and what sort of activity was held at the centre," Salahuddin said, claiming that there are attempts to register foreigners as voters. Mohd Adram claimed that there are attempts to grant citizenship to foreigners who are permanent residents. It was reported that PAS members had gathered outside a resort in Bangi, believed to be Astana Dugang, after being tipped off that six buses had brought some 240 foreigners from Kulai in Johor to Putrajaya. Mohd Adram said PAS had formed a group to investigate the alleged incident and it had more or less succeeded in proving the allegations. "We have identified an individual suspected to be heading the operation," Salahuddin said. "The individual claimed that the foreigners were brought in for an entrepreneurial course at the centre," Salahuddin said showing a picture of the man to reporters. Mohd Adram said, "But when we asked some of the Indonesians (at the centre), they said they came to receive identification cards (MyKad)." However, he said the group did not spot any officials from the Immigration Department or the National Registration Department. Salahuddin said that even if the foreigners were permanent residents, the government must "follow the proper procedures in granting citizenship" instead of transporting them in buses to a remote locations.
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| Within a year, 300% increase in new voters Posted: 12 Oct 2011 07:27 PM PDT
(Harakah Daily) - Even as the controversy surrounding various revelations about electoral fraud continues, minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz dropped a shocking figure of newly registered voters, showing a three-fold increase in 2010 compared to 2009. In his parliamentary reply to Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong, Nazri revealed that a total of 820,156 people had been registered as voters in 2010 compared to 276,621 in 2009.
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| Dr M: Make laws, regulations innovation-friendly Posted: 12 Oct 2011 05:22 PM PDT
(Bernama) - The government must re-examine all the laws and regulations and update them if necessary to make them innovation-friendly, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. He said the government should review its policy to ensure it is still relevant to the current business conditions and fast changing environment.
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| Perkasa claws at Suhakam’s Bersih rally rights probe Posted: 12 Oct 2011 04:49 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali demanded today the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) justify its inquiry into allegations of rights violations during the Bersih 2.0 rally, saying the commission should not entertain complaints by illegal groups. The commission's inquiry commenced on Tuesday with witnesses testifying that riot police had fired tear gas directly at a crowd of peaceful and "non-hostile" Bersih supporters and that demonstrators were violently shoved to the ground and kicked by police personnel during July 9 rally. The rally for free and fair elections turned chaotic when police fired tear gas and water cannons at thousands of demonstrators, resulting in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and the death of ex-soldier Baharuddin Ahmad, 59. Today, Ibrahim told Suhakam to explain why it considered human rights violations to have occurred during the rally, when the both the event and its organiser were deemed illegal by the government. "By entertaining the complaints by illegal groups like Bersih 2.0, Suhakam has given recognition to other illegal groups as well," he said in a statement. The Pasir Mas MP insisted that human rights "cannot go above our country's laws". "I hope Suhakam, which has a role to uphold human rights, also understands the issue that I'm bringing up and that the people who do not like chaos on the road also have human rights," he said. The outspoken Malay rights group leader then said human rights are not just for Bersih supporters. "What about the rights of people who hated Bersih's actions? Where are their human rights?" he asked. Suhakam said it had received the names of 26 individuals who had agreed to record their statements and testify. Three witnesses have testified so far. The inquiry has set itself three terms of reference — to identify human rights violations on or before July 9; to determine how the violations occurred as well as the process and agency involved; and to make recommendations to prevent any recurrence.
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| OWC book urges Muslim women to have joint sex Posted: 12 Oct 2011 04:39 PM PDT
(The Star) - The controversial Obedient Wives Club (OWC) has set off another round of public outrage with an "explicit sex book" which encourages a Muslim husband to have joint sex with all his wives. The 115-page book titled Seks Islam, Perangi Yahudi untuk Kembalikan Seks Islam kepada Dunia (Islamic Sex, fighting Jews to return Islamic sex to the world), has a picture of the late Asaari Muhammad, the banned Al-Arqam leader, on the cover. An excerpt from a passage printed on the back encouraged Muslims husbands to have sex simultaneously with their wives. The book stated that research showed women only gave their husbands 10% of what they wanted from their wives' bodies, a local daily reported yesterday. According to the report, chapter eight titled Bagaimana seks menjadi ibadah (How sex becomes worship), contained explicit descriptions of sexual acts. Facebook page "We do not want sexist nonsense from Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd" founder Matthew Ong expressed outrage over the book and urged Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to intervene.
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| Malays must change freebie mindset, says Dr M Posted: 12 Oct 2011 04:36 PM PDT
(The Star) - The Malay community should work hard to reap rewards, instead of merely looking forward to receiving "free things", said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "I know many people in this country go for free things. But we should feel ashamed when we take something for free," he said in his speech when launching the Ummah Unity and Economy Seminar organised by the Malaysia Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim) and Malay Chamber of Commerce here yesterday. Dr Mahathir, who is the Perkim president, added that Muslims, who were among the poorest communities in Malaysia, should work hard to be financially stable. "When you are wealthy, you can help develop your religion. "For example, if you are rich, you would have the means to donate to the construction of mosques and so on. "However, Muslims must know how to manage their finances well. "There is no use being a billionaire if you spend more than what you have. You will only end up owing the bank," he said. Dr Mahathir added that the Malays would lose their power in the country in the next 10 years if they did not unite now. He said if the community was to split into different factions, they would become minority groups in the country. "The minority cannot rule the country in a democratic framework, under which the majority rules," said Dr Mahathir, urging the Malay community to be united based on their Islamic faith. Dr Mahathir regretted Muslims in the country were not taught the importance of uniting from young. "When we were young, our religious teachings taught us to be devout. However, these did not stress on unity among Muslims. "The reasons as to why we should be united were not imparted to us either."
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| Posted: 12 Oct 2011 04:34 PM PDT
(The Star) - PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw, who opposes the hudud law championed by the party, said he has been warned not to talk about the issue to the press. He said, however, he would not stop talking about the possible effects the hudud law will have on non-Muslims. "The media has the right to know what is happening in the party. I am not afraid to face disciplinary action as what I am doing is for the good of our congress members," he said in an interview here. Kelantan PAS Youth chief Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman in a statement published by Harakahdaily.net had reportedly told Hu not to threaten the state government or the party over the issue. Abdul Latif said Hu, a former journalist with a Chinese daily here, should discuss his grouses within the party and not go to the media to air his grievances. "This is the problem, the party is not transparent on this issue," said Hu. "It is my opinion that Kelantan PAS should have done the proper groundwork to explain the mechanics of implementing the hudud laws before announcing it to the country," he said. "I leave my fate to the top leaders and they can take any action they wish," he said. The congress stemmed from the setting up of the PAS Supporters Club at the start of the 2004 general election to draw non-Muslims to the party and to break the hoodoo that the party is against them. The club became the PAS Supporters Congress and was recognised as a full-fledged party wing in May last year to promote the party's re-branded "PAS for All" image. In another development, Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad said more disillusioned PAS members were expected to join Umno. He said they were not happy that their party seemed more concerned about the hudud law than addressing the bread and butter needs of the people. "Previously, they kept away from Umno. Now that the political scenario has changed, they have shown interest by attending Umno programmes," added the International Trade and Industry Minister. He was speaking to reporters at a function where more than 300 PAS members handed their applications to join Umno at Kampung Kursial Baru in Tanah Merah on Tuesday. Former Kampung Baru Kursial Baru PAS branch secretary Zahari Hamat, 46, said he was fed up with the empty promises made by party leaders to champion the cause of the people.
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| ‘Govt holding on to Auditor’s report’ Posted: 12 Oct 2011 04:19 PM PDT
Pakatan Rakyat MPs claim that the government is deliberately delaying the release of the Auditor-General's Report. (Free Malaysia Today) - The Auditor-General (A-G) Report is apparently being held back by the government despite being completed prior to the Budget 2012, Pakatan Rakyat MPs claimed. Sungai Petani MP (PKR) Johari Abdul said that he called the A-G's office yesterday, only to be told that the report was already sent out. "The A-G's office said they finished it (the report) much earlier than last year. They said they've done a better job (too), but the reports are not here," he told reporters in the Parliament lobby today. "The A-G's office was shocked when they heard that MPs did not get it… where is it (the report)? Is it in the A-G's office, in the Prime Minister's Office or in Parliament?" he asked. Johari was also accompanied by Balik Pulau MP (PKR) Yusmadi Yusoff, Pokok Sena MP (PAS) Mahfuz Omar and Tumpat MP (PAS) Kamaruddin Jaafar. At the same time, Mahfuz confirmed that some states, including Kelantan, had already received a copy of the individual state audit reports. "There are some states that have gotten a copy of the report but Parliament hasn't gotten it yet," he said. Earlier this week, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz said that the report would be released after a go-ahead from the Cabinet this Friday. It is expected that the report, which is usually given out before the annual Budget is announced, would only be released two weeks after this Friday.
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| Najib urged to give details of RM10.1m travel bill Posted: 12 Oct 2011 03:55 PM PDT
The admission that RM10.1 million was spent for trips this year by prime minister Najib Razak has prompted PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution to reveal a breakdown of the expenses. "Najib must give every detail (of the amount) in the parliament so that Pakatan Rakyat can check every cent that has been spent," said Saifuddin as quoted by PKR's online organ KeadilanDaily.
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| Fuziah: Lynas sending rare earth to Kuantan this month Posted: 12 Oct 2011 03:18 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider Lynas Corp will ship its rare earth ore to Kuantan this month despite not having met government requirements to do so, PKR vice president Fuziah Salleh said today. The Kuantan MP, who has led protests against the Australian miner's controversial RM1.3 billion refinery, said the Kuantan Port Consortium told land occupants of the port area "that Malaysia can expect the rare earth oxide from Mount Weld to arrive in Kuantan by the end of this month." She said this was mentioned in the monthly Health Safety and Environment Committee meeting held last week. This comes despite Lynas not having fulfilled the 11 conditions recommended by an expert review panel from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Putrajaya have adopted. The federal government has said that "there will be no importation of raw materials into the country, and no operational activities will be allowed on site" until Lynas meets the conditions. Among others, these include a comprehensive, long-term and detailed plan for waste management that extended to the decommissioning and remediation levels. As of yesterday, local regulators Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) said that it has received the waste management plan but has yet to analyse it. "I do not consider it submitted until we make sure it is in accordance with international standards," AELB director-general Raja Datuk Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan was quoted as saying. "Lynas Corp must not be allowed to bully us Malaysian, neither the citizens, nor the authorities. They have been behaving as if this is their father's country," Fuziah told reporters today. The rare earth refinery being built in the Gebeng industrial zone has raised fears of radiation pollution among local residents and environmental activists. But the mining giant has gone ahead with a deal with Thai engineering firm to complete a second phase of the plant by the last quarter of 2012, subject to approval from local authorities. Lynas says that its plant — which will extract rare earth metals crucial for high-technology products like smartphones, hybrid cars and wind turbines — will create a RM4 billion multiplier effect annually and 350 jobs for skilled workers.
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| IMF: Asia at risk from Europe, US spillover, outflows Posted: 12 Oct 2011 02:58 PM PDT (Reuters) — Near-term risks to Asia's economies are "decidedly" rising due to Europe's debt woes and a slowdown in the US, requiring policymakers to be nimble and prepared to rapidly reverse course, the International Monetary Fund said today. The IMF also warned about a risk of capital outflows from the region, saying foreign investors from advanced economies could reverse the large positions they had built in Asian markets since 2009. |
| MIER trims GDP estimates as global economic slump bites Posted: 12 Oct 2011 02:52 PM PDT By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) cut to 4.6 per cent, from 5.2 per cent, its projection for the country's economic growth this year, citing a sliding global economy that it said could hurt exports. The government-funded MIER also downgraded its estimates for 2012 to 5.5 per cent, which is within the Najib administration's projected growth range of between five and six per cent. Some market and bank analysts have described next year's projections as too rosy, with RHB Research Institute saying this week that Malaysia's economic growth could slow to just 3.6 per cent next year, from a projected 4.3 per cent, this year due to the increasing risk of a double dip global recession. MIER executive director Zakariah Abdul Rashid said today that while the 2012 Budget unveiled last Friday will help boost private consumption, it will not be able to offset a slump in external demand. "The 2012 Budget is insufficient to overcome external weakness," he said in a briefing today. Zakariah said that MIER's tentative forecast for next year was five per cent, pending the collection of more data at the upcoming National Economic Outlook Conference meeting next month. "We will not be able to say confidently it is five per cent," he added. Most research houses have estimated growth at less than five per cent for next year, with Bank of America Global Research predicting Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 4.2 per cent in 2012. Maybank Investment Bank said it expected Malaysia's GDP to expand at between 3.5 and four per cent, and CIMB Investment Bank forecast a GDP growth of 3.8 per cent next year. MIER's Business Conditions Index, which tracks domestic manufacturing, dropped by 9.6 points to 104.5 in the third quarter from the second quarter. The CEO Confidence Index, meanwhile, also fell from 111.9 to and 93.3 points. The Consumer Sentiment Index rose slightly, however, to 108.7 points but remained below the 115.8 point level seen during the same period last year. In his Budget 2012 proposals, Datuk Seri Najib Razak promised cash handouts, more money for civil servants, schools and a fund for "high-impact development" projects as part of measures to put money in the pockets of the majority of Malaysians who live in the lower income group.
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| PR Strategy Not To Dissolve State Assemblies In Four States? Posted: 12 Oct 2011 05:43 AM PDT
(Bernama) - The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) may not dissolve the legislative assemblies in the states under its rule simultaneously with the dissolution of Parliament in conjunction with the 13th general election, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. e said this could be one of the strategies of the opposition pact to focus its attention and strength to the states under Barisan Nasional (BN) rule.
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| DAP, PAS 'agree to disagree' on hudud issue Posted: 11 Oct 2011 09:30 PM PDT
(The Star) - DAP and PAS have agreed to disagree on the hudud issue, following a high-level meeting between Pakatan Rakyat allies Monday. "Hudud is not the common agenda of Pakatan Rakyat for the forthcoming general election," DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said, adding it would not be a common policy even after the next general election. He said "the meeting concluded with both DAP and PAS agreeing to disagree on the hudud law." It was the second such meeting held within a span of two weeks to end the deadlock. Among the Pakatan top guns present at the meeting were Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Azmin Ali, Dr Mohd Nur Manuty, Mohamad Sabu, and Datuk Mustafa Ali. Stressing that hudud was not part of Pakatan Rakyat's policy, Lim said it was neither included in the Common Policy Framework nor in Buku Jungga. Lim said the Pakatan government would only implement policies agreed upon by the three component parties.
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| Mahathir: Malays will lose power in 10 years if they don't unite Posted: 11 Oct 2011 07:07 PM PDT
(The Star) - BANGI: Malays will lose their power in the country in the next 10 years if they do not unite now, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said if the community were to split into different factions, they would become minority groups in the country. "The minority cannot rule the country in a democratic framework, under which the majority rules," said Dr Mahathir, urging the Malay community to be united based on their Islamic faith. Dr Mahathir said this in his speech when launching the Ummah Unity and Economy Seminar organised by the Malaysia Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim) and Malay Chamber of Commerce here Wednesday. Dr Mahathir, who is also Perkim president, said Muslims in the country were not taught the importance of uniting when they were young. He also urged the Malay community not to look forward to receiving "free things" but instead work hard to reap rewards. He added that Muslims, which were among the poorest communities in the Malaysia, should work hard to be financially stable.
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| Malay votes in Penang may swing to Umno Posted: 11 Oct 2011 06:58 PM PDT
MCA and Gerakan may be wiped out again unless they changed their political outlook and strategies, says a NGO. (Free Malaysia Today) - The Malay votes in Penang may largely swing to Umno while the DAP will get the lion's share of the Chinese electorate in the coming general election, says a NGO here. Persatuan Anak Jati Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pajim) said the prediction is based on feedback from the grassroots and conversations with interest groups. Pajim adviser Ahmad Mokhtar Muhammad said this trend is unhealthy for multi-ethnic Penang where a party wins entirely on support from only one race. "It is unhealthy for a state as diverse as Penang. The mixed seats would definitely be up for grabs but essentially the battle is between Umno and DAP. It is not good as either side has the traditional support of only one race," he said in a statement sent via SMS. He said a state cannot be progressive if it is bogged down by a perceived lack of harmony among its inhabitants. Mokhtar also claims that support for PAS and PKR in Penang is eroding because their supporters are abandoning them due to their tolerance of DAP's alleged aggressive style of governance in Penang. He said DAP, in its haste to appease its traditional base of supporters, tends to overlook the interests of other groups such as hawkers, squatters, and the low-income earners. Such groups are mainly Malays, and hence their gradual shift to Umno, although the party may remain as the opposition here. "PAS and PKR may pay the price for being docile over certain DAP policies which are seen as an affront to the Malays," Mokhtar said. He added that the Malays may gravitate back to Umno because they believe that the party can solve their problems such as stable jobs and affordable housing. He said it remains to be seen if Umno's partners – MCA, MIC and Gerakan – can survive in the next general election in Penang.
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| Free economy will lead to political and social freedom, say economists Posted: 11 Oct 2011 06:52 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Without a free economy a country is less likely to achieve political and social freedom, contrary to the impression most activists have in Malaysia, economists said here today. Dr Tom Palmer from the Atlas Economic Research Foundation emphasised that political liberalisation is very important for maintaining economical liberalisation. "One must understand the freedom of competition as a process, not as a stake of the market," he said during the Economic Freedom Network Asia Conference 2011 today. He suggested that it is important to build a regional free trade agreement and promote free trade on a unilateral basis like in Singapore. The emphasis on a free economy was also pointed out by Wan Saiful Wan Jan, chief executive of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), one of the conference organisers. "Maybe it is time to suggest that we have a free and prosperous economy before achieving political and social freedom in Malaysia. This is because when the people are comfortable with the quality of life, they will also fight for political and social reform in the country. "To change, we need a bigger middle class, and this will only exist if our economy is free," according to Wan Saiful in the foreword of the Economic Freedom of The World 2011 annual report by the Fraser Institute. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has liberalised foreign investment in 17 sub-sectors, which critics said had for years forced foreigners to partner Bumiputeras before being allowed to set up businesses in the country. Critics, however, said the reform measure will not have much impact because few of the workers hired in those sectors were Malays, who form the majority population and were the target of affirmative-action policies. The report also pointed out that a lot of activism in the country focuses too much on the political and social angles, while neglecting the importance of fighting for economic freedom. "If the people live in conditions that force them to constantly think of how to cope with the cost of living, there would be a high possibility that they do not have enough time to work on political transformation, or get involved in the civil society arena. "So if we want to shape a country which is politically and socially free, we have to ensure that our economical system is also free. The concerns about political and social freedom, and effective activism in all angles only exist and flourish once the economy needs are fulfilled," Wan Saiful said.
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| KL land row threatens to derail MRT project Posted: 11 Oct 2011 05:15 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The ongoing land rights dispute between the MRT project owner and city traders here has turned into a political hot potato that could see the country's most expensive infrastructure project delayed. The months of discussions, public engagement talks, court challenges, street protests and interventions by civil society groups and politicians across the divide have made no headway in resolving the issue.
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| Malaysia's new generation steps forward Posted: 11 Oct 2011 05:11 PM PDT By ABC Radio Australia News Malaysia's youngest sitting politician says his generation of leaders is ready to move away from race-based politics. Politics in Malaysia is centred on race and religion, with the Malay UMNO dominating a multiracial political coalition. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad: 'The younger Malays come back and they start to question the analysis that Malays . . . need political protection in order to survive.' [Australia Network] |
| Recession risk high and rising, says RHB Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:54 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Malaysia's economic growth could slow to just 3.6 per cent next year from a projected 4.3 per cent this year due to the increasing risk of a double dip global recession, said the RHB Research Institute. The RHB unit's growth projection issued yesterday is significantly lower than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's forecast of five to six per cent growth for 2012 in his proposed RM232 billion Budget 2012 tabled last Friday. The research house said that the risk of a double-dip global recession is high and rising as both the US and Europe cannot withstand another shock although a recession could be averted if leaders in both continents act fast enough to contain the debt crises and avert a contagion that could lead to a complete meltdown in confidence. It also expected businesses to cut spending in view of rising uncertainties although some growth will come from the implementation of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). Private investment growth is projected to soften further to 4.6 per cent in 2012, after slowing to an estimated 5.7 per cent for 2011, the report added. Exports, meanwhile, are expected to grow at just 1.1 per cent compared to 3.4 per cent this year due to dampened foreign demand for electronics and electrical items. Domestic demand is projected to grow at a slower pace of 5.1 per cent in 2012, compared with an estimated 5.8 per cent for 2011. RHB said, however, that consumer spending is expected to remain "reasonably resilient" and grow at around 5.3 per cent in 2012, compared with 6.0 per cent for 2011, given high savings, rising consumerism and an increase in salary. Most research houses have lowered their 2012 growth projections for Malaysia despite Najib's optimism in the Budget proposals, which critics have say is primed for the next general election that must be called by early 2013. Bank of America Global Research estimated Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 4.2 per cent in 2012 while Maybank Investment Bank said it expected Malaysia's GDP to expand at between 3.5-4 per cent. CIMB Investment Bank forecast a GDP growth of 3.8 per cent next year.
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| ‘Gambler’ Najib will ‘break the bank’ Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:42 PM PDT
The language Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak used when presenting the budget was the kind often used by gamblers. Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today I don't understand why there is so much hype over the unveiling of a budget. It seems the politics is more important than the contents, ramifications and implications of a budget. There is always this funfair atmosphere surrounding the presentation of our national budget. Everyone thumps the table upon hearing this group will receive a one-off payment, that group another lump sum payment. The loudest response of course came when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, announced that the allowances of all Members of Parliament would also be revised. A budget is a solemn document. It's an account of how much this country earned as revenue, its sources and the proposals to commit that income. It's both a revelation and reflection of an exercise in financial management and discipline. Those are the things we must direct our attention to. Biggest deficit in history For example, everyone clapped when Najib, said: "This year's budget is a lower proportion of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product)." Yes, but isn't our GDP this year bigger than last year's? Look at the absolute figure too. It's still a deficit, suggesting perhaps financial indiscipline and, even worse, unjustifiable leakages. Have the leakages been dealt with? The budget is humongous – RM232.8 billion which is a lot of money, especially with a 9.4 percent rise in expenditure. Despite the country's deficit being reduced to 4.7 percent from 5.4 percent of GDP, the fact remains that in terms of absolute amount, it would be the biggest deficit in Malaysian history. Hear this – "biggest deficit" in Malaysian history! While our finance minister is confident that Malaysia will do a five to six percent growth rate, the rest of the world will grow from a negative figure to maybe three percent at the maximum. So is the finance minister's five to six percent growth rate realistic and achievable? Or is he pulling wool over our eyes? Language of a gambler I would usually refrain from giving a spontaneous response; I would rather prefer giving further analysis of the budget. People can easily be overwhelmed by the feel-good nature of an election budget. Did I say an election budget? That's what it is really despite the Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's usual dour rejection of suggestions that it is. But nowadays not many people take the DPM seriously.
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| More controversy with Taib-linked Ta Ann Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:37 PM PDT
An advert countering Ta Ann's claim to producing 'eco-wood' from Tasmania has drawn a response from the Australian Election Commission. (Free Malaysia Today) - The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has dismissed a complaint by the Liberal Party about an advertisement which clarified the status of the Tasmanian wood produced and marketed by controversial Sarawak timber company Ta Ann. Liberal Party state director Sam McQuestin said he had received a five-page response from the AEC to his complaint about an advert headlined "Truth in Advertising", which he claimed promoted Australia's Green Party. The AEC, however, was of the view that the advert was not an attempt to promote the Greens. The advert published in Tasmania's largest-circulating daily newspaper, The Mercury, last week was placed by online Sarawak Report founder-editor Clare Rewcastle Brown. Rewcastle Brown had placed the advert to counter Ta Ann's claims that its Tasmanian produce was "eco-wood". In the advert, RewcastleBrown states that Ta Ann has accused the Green Party of not telling the truth in advertising when in fact it was Ta Ann's company advertisements promoting its timber as eco-wood which is a "lie". In an e-mail to FMT, Rewcastle Brown said: "The 'Truth in Advertising' was the story I placed. "Our reports have shown that adverts describing Ta Ann's wood from Tasmania as eco-wood are false. "None of it is eco-wood. It is all taken from valuable old growth jungle that the Australian government has been trying to put a protection order over. "The logging of much of the wood is in defiance of an agreement between the state of Tasmania and the Australian federal government to protect these areas in return for a grant of millions of dollars." Meanwhile, a disappointed McQuestin said he would accept the AEC's decision. Another Tasmanian publication "The Examiner" quoted McQuestin as saying that AEC chief legal officer Paul Pirani had noted in his five-page letter that "the advert did not constitute electoral material". The AEC also said it was beyond its jurisdiction to act on the complaint "because it was organised overseas". Ta Ann has been mired in controversy over its involvement in the Tasmanian timber industry. Early this month, the Green Party had put Ta Ann Tasmania "on notice" over its logging activities and six years of losses despite being awarded "numerous perks and subsidies" by the state. Rewcastle Brown in her FMT column said the "tactics of Sarawak's logging industry are causing increasing dismay in Australia, where Chief Minister Taib Mahmud-linked Ta Ann group has opened two major timber processing mills. "There has been a level of intrigue ever since 2005 as to how it was that Tasmania's state government was persuaded to welcome this foreign company at what have been clearly give-away rates."
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| ‘Najib’s handouts bad for the country’ Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:30 PM PDT
The Wall Street Journal says the combination of temporary handouts and tax breaks doesn't help Malaysia's competitiveness. (Free Malaysia Today) - US business paper Wall Street Journal said today Najib's Budget 2012 handouts is bad for the country as it will not boost competitiveness. "This combination of temporary handouts and tax breaks on one hand and welfare spending on the other doesn't help Malaysia's competitiveness. "The export-dependent economy is already hurting from weak markets abroad and a rising cost of living at home—GDP growth fell below 5% in year-on-year terms for the last two quarters—and needs long-term incentives to invest and build a stronger domestic consumer market," stated the paper in an article today. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who also holds the finance portfolio was also criticised as the government failed to do away with food and fuel subsidies despite pledging to do so earlier. "He even likened subsidies to "opium" and made small but noteworthy cuts last year. He could have continued that rehab this year by incrementally raising regulated prices to bring them closer to market levels. In addition, WSJ also predicted that the 9.4% rise in expenditure only indicates wastage in resource because Najib did not propose permanent changes to tax structure. He also did not reduce regulation and spending. WSJ also had less than kind words for Najib on the reforms for 27 subsectors and instead called for reforms in major industries. "These are small industries that don't hire many Malays. The government needs to tackle bigger reforms in industries like manufacturing, where regulations still gives Malays dominance.
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| RM4.7 billion spent on National Service Posted: 11 Oct 2011 03:22 PM PDT
The Defence Ministry says there was no follow up on the training scheme, stressing that the programme was a success. (Free Malaysia Today) - The question members of Parliament wanted to know was how effective is the National Service programme since RM4.7billion has been spent on it over seven years. All they got was evasive answers from the Deputy Defence Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad. He told the Dewan Rakyat that RM4.7 billion was spent but there was no follow up done to see how effective the programme was. Abdul Latiff Ahmad confirmed that the government did not conduct any studies in regards to NS trainees still being involved in crimes after their programmes ended. "No detailed studies linking the National Service (trainees) to crime have been conducted, but we will consider this in future studies." he said. Abdul Latiff, who is also Mersing MP, then defended the programme, and claimed that it was successful in instilling good values in NS trainees. He said this in response to a query by Tanah Merah MP (PKR) Amran Ab Ghani, who asked about the amount of money allocated by the Defence Ministry since the NS programme was introduced. The PKR MP had also asked if the NS programme was successful in creating an "early awareness" among youths, and if former trainees were still involved in crime. Amran then asked if these NS camps were still getting allocations from the government. Question of auditing At this stage the deputy defence minister lost his cool and insulted Amran by saying: "He is deaf, but good thing (for him) that he is not mute." This prompted Pakatan Rakyat MPs to demand that the Mersing MP withdrew his comment, which he eventually did after being advised by Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee. Abdul Latiff said that the 87 NS camps in operation were not owned by the government.
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