Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Pakatan in dilemma over Himpun rally
- No local probe into Maxis-Aircel deal, minister says
- End of the road for Firefly’s jet service
- Khairy defends attacks on Guan Eng’s son, calls critics hypocritical
- PAS Youth declares support for Himpun before central leadership meet
- Group warns of RM1 trillion debt by 2020
- NEP reason behind UM’s falling standards
- Lim feels sorry for smear campaign against Koh
- Free from ISA, but still in shackles
- Ranking game not a priority, says education official
- Pakatan cries foul over sweetheart IPP deal for Syed Mokhtar
- Himpun to meet Cabinet interfaith panel tonight
- ‘Illogical’ that 250,000 Muslims have left faith, says Perlis mufti
- ‘Najib’s budget inferior to Pakatan’s’
- Mukhriz confirms Najib wants meritocracy for Malays
- Economic system can sustain global downturn, says Nor Mohamed
- Don’t stir up hornet’s nest, Selangor PAS warns Himpun organisers
- Anwar dares Najib to debate on budget
- Soi Lek says may contest in Perak, Johor or Negri Sembilan
- Malaysia set to hit national debt ceiling, warns Anwar
- IIU professor takes UMNO daily to court
- Works ministry defies Finance, Health over Shah Alam Hospital
- Angry natives give BTN boss an earful
- New witnesses to prove Anwar ‘can do it’
- ‘Queen E’s dress sense nothing to do with Bersih’
- ‘Cop kills man outside ‘no Indians allowed’ pub’
- Pakatan accuses Najib of pushing ‘Bush policies in disguise’
- Dr M says Aziz Bari’s comments were disrespectful
- Utusan claims Malaysiakini, Aziz Bari out to trivialise proselytisation
- Najib : History Shows Fair Election In Malaysia
- Gerakan adopts 16-point declaration
- Apologise publicly or we’ll sue, DAP warns Yong
- Muhyiddn wants state religious councils to discuss apostasy
- ‘I’m willing to sacrifice myself for Gerakan’
- Wall Street protests go global
- Bigger Role For Auxilliary Police Under NKRA
- Malaysia Will Be Bankrupt If Opposition Wins - Muhyiddin
- Koh: Accept party’s choice of GE candidates
- Seat adjustments among BN component parties in next GE
- Najib: Umno will not lay claim to Penang leadership
- Muhyiddin: Decision to abolish PPSMI made after much thought
- More flak for Koh as outspoken Gerakan members voice views
- Passport Delayed
- Najib’s property gains tax ‘ill-advised’, says HBA
- 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?
| Pakatan in dilemma over Himpun rally Posted: 17 Oct 2011 08:43 PM PDT If they support the anti-apostasy rally, they will lose the non-Malay support and if they don't support, they will be branded anti-Islam. (Free Malaysia Today) - Pakatan Rakyat is now caught between a rock and a hard place. Whether they support or don't support Saturday's Himpunan Sejuta Umat rally (Himpun, anti-apostasy rally), they have got the short end of the stick. If they support the rally they will ostracise the non-Malays and if they don't, they will be seen as anti-Islam. The gathering, to be in Shah Alam, is a protest against what has been described as "challenging " the sovereignty of Islam and this could unsettle the fragile understanding between Muslims and Christians. Pakatan's Islamist component party PAS is now split as its youth wing has openly supported the gathering and said it may participate while the central leadership is dawdling over the issue. PKR and the DAP on the other hand, still reeling from the hudud debacle, are again forced to be diplomatic as the two cannot be seen openly opposing PAS's stance, especially as PAS was seen as giving in. Insiders are saying PAS needs the anti-proselytisation Himpun rally to regain lost conservative support after the hudud affair. But, this once again brings to light the ideological difference of the three Pakatan component parties. Non-Malays remain wary of Islamisation Proselytisation is a big issue to the Muslims. The Federal Constitution prohibits it. But what is more significant is if any party is seen supporting it, is sure to lose Malay support. The raid by Selangor's Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) on a church in Damansara on grounds of baptism attempt on Muslims a few months back merely reinforces the existing unease between Malays and non-Malays. And Pakatan is in desperate need for Malay support but at the same time it cannot alienate its non-Malay votes. Support from the non-Malays, especially the Chinese, was what gave Pakatan and even PAS the political leverage it has now. Any association with Himpun now would not help PAS rebuild its crumbling moderate image. Himpun leaders may say their intentions are misconstrued, but with right wing groups like Perkasa on board and their constant anti non-Muslim posturing is not going to help PAS. Rejecting Himpun on the other hand would subject Pakatan to accusations of being anti-Islam and PAS sacrificing its Islamic ideals for political gains.
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| No local probe into Maxis-Aircel deal, minister says Posted: 17 Oct 2011 07:31 PM PDT By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider Malaysia will not investigate T. Ananda Krishnan's alleged role in a criminal conspiracy involving telco giants Maxis Bhd and India's Aircel Ltd, the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry said today. Deputy minister Datuk Joseph Salang said the authorities would not conduct a probe into the matter as Malaysia has been "very transparent" in managing the local telecommunications industry. "At the moment, it's only an investigation (by India's Central Bureau of Investigation)," he told reporters after opening the Communications and Connectivity Futures 2011 forum here. Earlier this month, authorities in India filed a case against tycoon Ananda (picture) and his trusted executive Ralph Marshall, together with a former Indian minister and his brother, on charges of criminal conspiracy over a controversial deal involving Maxis and Aircel. Former Indian telecommunications minister Dayadhini Maran and his media mogul brother, Kalainidhi, stand accused of allegedly forcing Aircel founder C. Sivasankaran to sell his stake in the company to Maxis Communications Bhd. Maxis Communications is said to have bought a 74 per cent stake in Aircel for RM2.5 billion after Dayadhini repeatedly denied licences for the Indian telco's Dishnet DSL. India's CBI has charged Dayadhini for accepting an illegal "quid pro quo" in the form of a share premium invested in his brother's Sun Direct TV by South Asia Entertainment Holdings, a wholly-owned unit of Ananda's Astro All Asia Networks Plc.
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| End of the road for Firefly’s jet service Posted: 17 Oct 2011 07:28 PM PDT By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 – Firefly's jet service became a casualty of the strategic collaboration between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia today and the fledging budget carrier will now focus on its turbo-prop fleet. Malaysia Airlines announced today that all of its subsidiary's jet aircraft will be redeployed into the parent company's operations by December 4, 2011 saying that the move addresses the continuing heavy losses being incurred by Firefly jet operations. Little was known about Firefly's financials previously as profit and loss statements were never disclosed by MAS. The national carrier said that it deeply regreted any inconvenience caused to passengers of Firefly Jet services and gave its fullest assurance to passengers that it will honour all jet flight seats sold on Firefly. The MAS-AirAsia strategic collaboration was inked on August 9 as a deal between the government's investment holding company Khazanah which controls MAS and unlisted Tune Air which controls AirAsia. The move renders AirAsia as Malaysia's only major airline operating in the budget or value segment prompting fears that the collaboration would give rise to an airline industry cartel. MAS had since last year used Firefly to compete against AirAsia, launching competitively priced flights from KL to East Malaysia and adopting the same low cost model such as charging for meals on board. A fare war had erupted late last year with Firefly offering 50,000 seats as low as RM9 and AirAsia responding with a million free seats. It was also seen by some as a threat to the booming low cost carrier despite AirAsia group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes dismissing any such notions.
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| Khairy defends attacks on Guan Eng’s son, calls critics hypocritical Posted: 17 Oct 2011 07:23 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Khairy Jamaluddin suggested today there was nothing wrong with his remarks about allegations involving Lim Guan Eng's teenage son, and called his critics hypocrites for pointing out that he was perpetrating lies about a member of a political rival's family. Earlier today, Lim said he was furious with the "barbaric lies" made about his teenage son by "pro-Umno ferocious beasts," singling out Khairy and other ruling party leaders for perpetuating the allegations through snide comments on blogs and social media sites. Responding via his Twitter account to the criticisms, the Umno Youth chief said Barisan Nasional (BN) politicians and their families had been on the receiving end of even worse insults from the Opposition in the past. The Umno Youth chief slammed Penang DAP member Satees Muniandy for being "hypocritical" when the latter raised the issue on the microblogging site. "Bro, what BN leaders & their families get from opposition is far worse. Don't be hypocritical," Khairy wrote, using his Twitter handle @Khairykj. Satees, writing under @sateesdapsypg, had earlier said, "U jz hv 2 wait! I wnt 2 see wat is ur reaction wen ur Puma & Cougar grown up & treated wt such lies & slanders! (sic)". "Puma & Cougar" are Khairy's nicknames for his two sons. "Are u justifying & defending Pro UMNO Bloggers cheap acts? I am not surprised as you also joined hand wt them! Gutter Politics!" Satees countered. He then asked Khairy if DAP members had ever "stooped that low" as to attack the conduct of Umno ministers' families or the latter's kin, apart from his father-in-law, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. "All the time bro. Get real. Don't be hypocritical," Khairy replied. Lim, who is Penang chief minister and DAP secretary-general, had slammed Khairy today for posting snide comments on his Twitter page when responding to allegations made against his son. Khairy had written yesterday, "Mungkin dia roboh Kampung Buah Pala sebab nak ganti dengan Kampung Buah Dada" in response to another tweet by pro-Umno blogger "@PapaGomo". [English translation: Maybe he destroyed Kampung Buah Pala because he wants to replace it with Kampung Buah Dada].
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| PAS Youth declares support for Himpun before central leadership meet Posted: 17 Oct 2011 06:50 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - PAS Youth has gone ahead of its central leadership to declare its support for Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Himpun), a gathering of a million Muslims across the political divide to rally against proselytisation by Christians here. PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan said his members would offer the same support to Himpun, or the "Gathering of a Million Faithful", as it had for the Bersih 2.0 rally for free and fair elections on July 9. "PAS Youth takes the same stand as it did when it supported the coalition of over 60 NGOs in Bersih 2.0 that was fighting for a democratic system and a clean election system. PAS Youth had joined that gathering, standing together with the thousands that July 9. "Insyaallah, my friends in PAS Youth and I will adopt the same attitude to Himpun this October 22," he said in a statement today. "May the gathering succeed in achieving its goals and objectives, outlined with the blessing and mercy of Allah," he added. Nasrudin also thanked all the Muslim NGOs behind the planned gathering and pledged PAS Youth's continued support in their efforts to uphold Islam in the country. According to Nasrudin, Himpun involves over 1,000 Muslim NGOs and the gathering will be the first of its kind in the country. The event, he said, could see the coming together of Muslims in Malaysia. PAS Youth's open support for Himpun comes ahead of the party's central leadership, which, according to Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman, would only meet tonight to decide if it would attend the gathering at the Shah Alam Stadium. Yesterday, the party's Selangor chapter said it would only support Himpun if its ideals and objectives were clear and sincere and were not aimed at worsening religious tension in the country.
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| Group warns of RM1 trillion debt by 2020 Posted: 17 Oct 2011 06:32 PM PDT (Harakah Daily) - Should the Barisan Nasional government continue with its current spending habit and with the current annual loan rate of about RM50 billion, the country could land itself in some RM1 trillion of debts by 2020, said a think tank. "In less than seven years, our Federal government more than doubled our debt burden from RM217 billion in 2004 to RM437 billion today. Put another way, the government has added on more debt in the six-and-a-half years since 2004 than in the 47 years following Merdeka," said Research for Social Advancement or Refsa, in its latest focus paper discussing the 2012 Budget.
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| NEP reason behind UM’s falling standards Posted: 17 Oct 2011 06:29 PM PDT Race-based admission quotas and political interference had caused UM's poor global standing, says a World Bank report. (Free Malaysia Today) - Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim blamed the race-based affirmative actions of the New Economic Policy (NEP) for the dwindling standards of Universiti Malaya (UM). A recent World Bank study said race-based admission quotas and political interference had caused UM's poor global standing, something Anwar said was the by-product of the NEP which was only used to enrich Malay cronies. "UM's falling ranking is because it does not prioritise academic excellence but racial interests," the former deputy prime minister told a press conference in his office in Parliament here. UM, once considered a prestigious institute of higher learning, is now falling way behind in the global ranking while universities from neighbouring countries have taken over. The World Bank study further stated that Singapore's decision to prioritise research, keep English as the medium of instruction and maintain a merit-based admissions policy have all contributed to the success of the National University of Singapore. It further said the NEP made Bumiputeras less competitive as the policy created more scholarships for them, special programmes to facilitate their entry into higher education institutions, and the use of the Malay language in place of English in the entire education system. "Over time, they secured almost all senior management, administrative, and academic positions," the study said.
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| Lim feels sorry for smear campaign against Koh Posted: 17 Oct 2011 04:27 PM PDT By Patrick Lee, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: In a rare show of support for his rival, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng felt sorry for his predecessor – Koh Tsu Koon- over an apparent smear campaign to remove the latter from power. Lim claimed that the mainstream media was attacking Koh over his apparent inability to keep Gerakan – his party – in check. "I can symphathise with what Koh is going through now, because if we read the Umno-owned newspapers, such as the New Straits Times, Berita Harian or Utusan Malaysia, it is clear that there is a campaign to topple Koh," he told reporters in Parliament lobby today. "If you read some of the articles against Koh, (they are) ferocious…especially Utusan (Malaysia). It is clear that they reflect a certain kind of thinking in Umno, and they want to finish off Koh." Lim, the DAP secretary-general, also said that he did not want to be a part of this apparent plot, and was adamant about staying out of it. "It is clear that Umno will decide who will become the leader of Gerakan, and they will decide who will become the Chief Minister in Penang (if BN were to win over Penang in the general election)," he said. Gerakan's National Delegates Conference over the weekend saw a series of attacks levelled out against Koh, who is also party president. His vice-president Tan Lian Hoe initially called for Koh to buck up or step aside but turned her decision around and threw her support for him 24 hours later. The party's delegates also criticised the former CM, slamming him for not coming up with any concrete statements over the embattled Gerakan. Some party members even suggested Koh take on Lim in the upcoming general election in the latter's constituency in Bagan. To this, Lim said that the DAP was ready. "We in DAP welcome any challenge…I will respect any opponent that is sent against us from BN, whether it is Koh or not," he said. Gerakan lost control over Penang in the last general election, allowing the Pakatan Rakyat to romp home in style, with DAP leading the charge.
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| Free from ISA, but still in shackles Posted: 17 Oct 2011 03:14 PM PDT By S Rutra, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: Former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee Yazid Suffat may be physically free but he still remains in shackles. "Mentally, I'm not a free man to do whatever I wish to do with my life like any other ordinary citizen of this country," he told FMT. "Even my assets worth more than RM8 million are still frozen and unofficially I am not allowed to travel abroad even if I want to perform my haj," he added. Yazid also said he had some reservations regarding the recent announcement by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to repeal the ISA. "We are still in the dark as to what kind of laws will replace the ISA, but as a Muslim, I always believe that all the laws against the syariah law should be repealed. "Most ISA detainees are still subjected to various forms of unofficial restrictions and our movements are watched by special branch officers and we are not enjoying total freedom," he added. Asked if he had made an attempt to secure a passport, Yazid, who hails from Johor, dismissed it as a waste of time. "They (the Immigration Department) won't issue the passport to me or de-freeze my assets as I am convinced that I was punished for my 'expertise' and not because of my alleged links to terrorists behind the 9/11 attack," he said. 'I was shocked when arrested' The 47-year-old bio-chemist still maintains that he had no knowledge of the terrorists who allegedly stayed in an apartment owned by him. He was detained on Dec 9, 2001 after returning from Afghanistan. He was accused of harbouring terrorists Khalid Al-Midhar and Nawaf Al-Hazmi. Speaking about his arrest, Yazid claimed that some of his friends from Johor and Kelantan had approached him to use the apartment. "I was shocked when special branch officers arrested me for allegedly harbouring terrorists," he said, adding that he strongly believes that his arrest was related to his research on biological weapons. "Probably they were worried that some of the Islamic countries which I frequented might seek my expertise," added Yazid, who is now a businessman. Yazid said that since his release three years ago, he is still in the process of rebuilding his life and is focused on his children's education and helping his wife run her catering business. Asked if he would take legal action over his detention, he replied: "No amount of money would replace the time and suffering I went through." Yazid revealed that his wife was also restricted from leaving Kuala Lumpur during his seven-year detention. "I also stopped lecturing at an international Islamic school after a parent complained to the school administrator about my background," he said, visibly upset. "I love this country very much and until today I strongly believe that I can contribute to this nation and its people for spending substantial amount money in supporting my tertiary education in the US," he added. Tasked with 'special project' Yazid said that he received a Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship after emerging as one of the top students in the Royal Military College (RMC) in 1982. He graduated from the California State University in 1987 and upon his return, was attached to the Ministry of Defence with the rank of captain. Yazid said that he was tasked with a "special project" to research biological weapons, but the project was scraped within three years and no reason was given for this.
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| Ranking game not a priority, says education official Posted: 17 Oct 2011 03:09 PM PDT By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider Malaysia's universities are not as highly ranked as other countries as the nation's priorities do not match that of ranking agencies, said Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary general Datuk Rohani Abdullah today. This comes after a World Bank report released recently claimed that standards at Universiti Malaya (UM) have fallen and the institution has been kept at a disadvantage because of race-based admission quotas and political interference in university management. Rohani said that Malaysia was still struggling with providing access to higher education which made it a higher priority. "Our priority is not to play the ranking game," she said at a press conference following the launch of the Global Communication Association Conference here. "Right now, the criteria used by ranking providers are limited and not in line with our national agenda. Ranking is a game and it is a business for ranking providers." She added however that Malaysian universities should try and benchmark themselves against highly-ranked institutions. Rohani also said Malaysia was trying to attract some of the world's best professors but it was difficult to match their euro or US dollar salaries with ringgit. "It is hard to entice them," she said, adding that hopefully those who want to contribute to a developing country would consider coming. Industry observers have long complained that Malaysia was going for quantity over quality in terms of its education system. They also said that education should be best left to experts and be free of political meddling. The World Bank comparison between UM and NUS was authored by Hena Mukherjee, a former Universiti Malaya department head with a doctorate in education from Harvard University, and Poh Kam Wong, an NUS Business School professor. According to the study, "at an early stage, the Singapore government realised the universities' role in sustaining economic growth".
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| Pakatan cries foul over sweetheart IPP deal for Syed Mokhtar Posted: 17 Oct 2011 03:05 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider The federal opposition accused the government today of signing a blank cheque for Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary with the award of an independent power producer (IPP) deal without first agreeing to tariff rates and the length of the concession. The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry said in a written reply to a parliamentary question yesterday that the 1,000-megawatt plant in Tanjung Bin, Johor has been awarded to Tanjung Bin Power, a subsidiary of Malakoff Berhad.
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| Himpun to meet Cabinet interfaith panel tonight Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:52 PM PDT By G Manimaran, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Organisers of this Saturday's Himpun rally, a gathering to protest against Christians "challenging the sovereignty" of Islam, will explain their motives to the Cabinet's interfaith panel at a meeting tonight. Himpun secretariat secretary Aminuddin Yahaya told The Malaysian Insider the purpose of the meeting was to clear any misunderstanding and misconception over the rally's objectives. |
| ‘Illogical’ that 250,000 Muslims have left faith, says Perlis mufti Posted: 17 Oct 2011 11:52 AM PDT By G Manimaran, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Perlis Mufti Dr Juanda Jaya today dismissed as "illogical" claims that over 250,000 Muslims in Malaysia have renounced their religion. While agreeing that apostasy exists in the country, the Muslim cleric said the issue should not be overly publicised as it was a sensitive matter and would destroy the image of the country's religious school as institutions incapable of protecting its own devotees. "It is illogical what has been written on the Internet that more than 250,000 Muslims in this country have abandoned their faiths. "If it is true, prove it and do not be emotional. Every state has enactments governing religious propaganda from being spread to Muslims, so why are they not being charged?" he was quoted as saying in Utusan Malaysia today. The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday a planned gathering of a million Muslims this Saturday to rally against Christians "challenging the sovereignty of Islam", a momentous event that could raise religious tension that has intensified in recent months after alleged proselytising by Christians. The Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Himpun), or Gathering of a Million Faithful, is being organised by various right-wing groups such as Perkasa with the backing of both Umno and PAS Youth in what appears to be a coming together of conservative Muslims. About 1,000 Facebook users have confirmed their attendance so far but should Himpun draw much more to the Shah Alam Stadium this weekend, it could push Umno and PAS to seek relevance among more religious Malays. With ethnic tension already rising in the years following the 2008 general election, it could raise already simmering fears of Islamisation among non-Muslims and more liberal Malays. The gathering will later produce a declaration calling for the enactment of a law to punish individuals guilty of proselytisation, Himpun secretariat secretary Aminuddin Yahaya told The Malaysian Insider.
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| ‘Najib’s budget inferior to Pakatan’s’ Posted: 17 Oct 2011 11:33 AM PDT By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT PETALING JAYA: A non-profit research institute has produced a focus paper thwacking Budget 2012 for "scattering the rakyat some fish, while building lavish yatchs for a privileged few". The same paper also heaped praise on Pakatan Rakyat's shadow budget which it hailed as being "holistic". Entitled "Budget 2012 – Eclipsed by its Shadow", the paper was written by the executive director of the Research for Social Advancement (Refsa), Teh Chi-Chang, who is also a contributor to the shadow budget. He however clarified that neither he nor Refsa were paid for his services. In comparing both budgets, Teh concluded that Budget 2012 is inferior on three counts – its overspending, its castles in the air and its move towardsRM1 trillion debt by 2020. The government has projected that deficit will fall to 4.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) for 2012 but Refsa believes that this is over-optimistic. "The government's real GDP growth projections of 5-5.5% for 2011 and 5-6% for 2012 are widely considered as over-optimistic," Teh said in his paper. "The government's nominal GDP growth forecast for 2011 is also exceptionally high". He explained that deficit is calculated as a percentage of nominal GDP not "real" GDP, and a slower GDP growth would affect the deficit in two ways. First it would mean a smaller GDP total which would amount to a higher deficit based on GDP percentage. Second the smaller GDP would result in smaller-than-anticipated tax collections and the revenue shortfall would increase the deficit. "Together with the government's historical record of consistently exceeding its budgeted spending we are of the view that the 2012 deficit will be closer to 6% than the targeted 4%," Teh predicted. "If we were to recalculate using BN's RM230 billion expendicture plans and Pakatan's more conservative revenue and GDP forecasts, the deficit would be equivalent to 5.5% of GDP." "Conversely if we used Pakatan's RM221 billion expenditure plans and BN's more optimistic revenue and GDP forecasts the Pakatan deficit would be 3.7% of GDP." A focus on hardware Teh then pointed out that the 100-storey Warisan Merdeka project introduced under the previous budget was been stealthily proceeding despite strong protest from the rakyat. Although Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak made no mention of it in his budget speech this time, Teh noted that the Economic Report stated that Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) is finalising the building design and work is set to begin next year. "Mega-projects and government largesse still loom large in the budget and we cannot help but feel that it is built on delusionary foundations," he said. "The reality is that 70% of our workforce is qualified to SPM-level at best, 40% of Malaysian households subsist on monthly incomes averaging RM1,500 and more than a third of household heads are employed in the informal sector." Teh questioned whether policy makers notice the contradictions between the upper middle income status and massive subsidy bill which is expected to balloon to RM33 billion this year. He also wondered which upper middle income Malaysian would shop in the Kedai 1Malaysia thrift stores or sample the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia meals. "The budget's focus is still very much on "hardware" even when it concerns education spending," he said. "There is a glaring absence of any mention of quality or employability of school-leavers."
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| Mukhriz confirms Najib wants meritocracy for Malays Posted: 17 Oct 2011 10:34 AM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak's call for meritocracy over the weekend meant finding the best Malays in the country but not abolishing pro-Bumiputera policies despite liberalising the economy, says Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir. The prime minister was reported to have said that affirmative action under the New Economic Policy (NEP) is "here to stay" by a pro-Umno blogger who attended a closed-door session with the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Junior Science College alumni. Mukhriz, who is the alumni president, confirmed the blog report with The Malaysian Insider, saying yesterday that Najib's message was "that we are getting rid of rent-seekers and helping Malays become more competitive instead." The report quoted Najib as saying that the NEP would not be abolished but that meritocracy would be implemented among Malays to find "the best amongst Malays." "We no longer want to see Malay businessmen sell away assets, especially when they face a major crisis. We have seen this before. "If I wanted to be popular, then I would pander to the economic rent-seekers," he was quoted as saying by a blog. The Umno president was reported as explaining that government-linked companies (GLCs) prioritised doing business with Malay companies because "when they go outside, their new markets ask them 'did your government buy your product?'" He said last month there was a need to eventually do away with Bumiputera quotas but said the government must continue to support the community's best talent to ensure a more competitive business environment. Although Najib quickly insisted he had no intention to abolish quotas immediately, he has continued to stress that Malays should no longer "hide" behind government protection. He told Malay economic NGOs last month that his New Economic Model (NEM) promotes affirmative action based more on meritocracy, saying "we must promote the right Bumiputera." Najib has moved to liberalise the economy since taking office in April 2009, most recently removing Bumiputera equity requirements for 17 services subsectors. But analysts have said that his plans are being threatened by Malay hardliners who have forced Putrajaya to revise pre-qualification criteria for the RM50 billion Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) mega project and sale conditions of billion-ringgit prime land by UDA Holdings — a government agency tasked with boosting Bumiputera participation in the urban economy.
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| Economic system can sustain global downturn, says Nor Mohamed Posted: 17 Oct 2011 12:52 AM PDT (The Star) - PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia does not need another plan as its present system can sustain any global economic downturn, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. "Even in the worst case scenario when things go really bad, we already have an in-built system that can adjust itself. "So, there is really no reason to have a discreet policy called "Plan B" because the plan that we have is adjustable in and around itself," he told reporters after launching The Report Malaysia 2011. Nor Mohamed said given the challenging global economic situation, the five per cent growth target was achievable as the economy has been managed quite well. He said although Malaysia's exports are still to the United States, Japan and Britain, they have been diversified with a major portion of the nation's economy now on intra-Asean as well as on India and China. |
| Don’t stir up hornet’s nest, Selangor PAS warns Himpun organisers Posted: 16 Oct 2011 08:47 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Selangor PAS wants the organisers of the planned gathering of a million Muslims to guarantee that the event will not be abused to incite religious tension between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Himpun), or Gathering of a Million Faithful, is being organised by various right-wing groups such as Perkasa with the backing of both Umno and PAS Youth in what appears to be a coming together of conservative Muslims. The planned rally against Christians "challenging the sovereignty of Islam" this Saturday could raise religious tension that has intensified in recent months after allegations of proselytism of Muslims by Christians. Today, Selangor PAS deputy commissioner Khalid Samad said his party was "worried" about the true purpose of the gathering, and stressed that it should focus on addressing real threats faced by Muslims instead of pitting the country's main religions against one another. "We are not happy with the noticeable trends and directions (of the gathering). We want an assurance that it will not be used to incite religious, racial tension," he told The Malaysian Insider. The Shah Alam MP added that Selangor PAS has not decided whether to take part in the event. "We've not said yes, we've not said no. We've set some conditions in which we will agree to participate — [such as] if the gathering truly focuses on problems affecting the Muslim faith, and not blaming another faith," said Khalid. He said Selangor PAS will make a decision in a few days' time, and that the national leadership will also discuss the matter during the party's political bureau meeting tomorrow night. About 1,000 Facebook users have confirmed their attendance to the event With ethnic tensions already rising in the years following the 2008 general election, it could raise already simmering fears of growing Islamisation among non-Muslims and more liberal Malays. In a video promoting the gathering, Himpun said "There is no other choice but to rally Muslims". Distrust between Muslims and Christians peaked when the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) raided the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in Petaling Jaya on August 3, claiming there was ongoing proselytisation of Muslims. This came after repeated disputes between Christians and Muslims, such as the legal battle over the use of the word Allah to refer to the Christian god. A December 31, 2009 court ruling allowing the Catholic Church to use the term Allah in its newspaper had led to places of worship being firebombed in January last year. The government also buckled under pressure and ordered the release of Malay-language bibles seized before Sarawakians, half of whom are Christians, voted in the April 16 state polls. Before the Jais raid, Umno's Utusan Malaysia and Malay rights lobby Perkasa accused the DAP of conspiring to turn Malaysia into a Christian state. Although DUMC has denied Jais' claims, Utusan Malaysia fanned the flames with allegations that Christian groups in Kuala Lumpur and Johor were actively trying to convert Muslims.
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| Anwar dares Najib to debate on budget Posted: 16 Oct 2011 07:30 PM PDT By Syed Jaymal Zahiid, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has dared Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to an open debate on their respective budgets in response to the latter's accusation that Pakatan Rakyat's alternative financial plan was "right-wing". Anwar, the former deputy prime minister and finance minister, said that Najib, as finance minister, is more than capable of debating on the matter. He said that an open debate was the best way for voters to decide whose budget is better rather than taking potshots via government-owned media. Najib, in his speech to Gerakan members attending their party's annual general assembly yesterday, labelled Pakatan's 2012 alternative budget as a "right-wing Republican budget that failed to address the needs of the people". "He shouldn't be criticising our budget only through their (government) media… he should be able to defend our criticism of his budget as he is the finance minister. "He is more than capable of presenting his case (in the open debate)," Anwar told a press conference at the Parliament lobby. The budget row between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan has taken a front seat as both are trying to use their respective budgets as an election push as national polls is expected to be held within the next six months. BN has used the same argument on the federal opposition's "Orange Book" financial policies against Pakatan's budget, accusing it as populist and unworkable while the latter claimed Najib's 2012 spending plans are aimed at buying votes. Among key plans in Najib's budget are cash handouts to the poor and increasing money for civil servants – working and retired staff – which are seen as ways to retain support from BN's traditional votebank. Breaching the debt ceiling Anwar said the "irresponsible" spending in the 2012 Budget is set to put Malaysia on course to breach the national debt limit. In Bank Negara Malaysia's latest report issued on Oct 14, Anwar said the country's national debt currently stood at RM437 billion (as of June 30, 2011), with domestic debt amounting to RM421 billion and foreign debt at RM16 billion. "This translates to a 51% local debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio as governed by Acts 637 and 275, which allows for approximately RM33 billion additional debt to be raised by the government (before the limit is reached)," he said. Anwar said this meant Putrajaya has insufficient funds to finance the remainder of the 2011 expenditure while the RM46 billion deficit will be funded through additional debts. |
| Soi Lek says may contest in Perak, Johor or Negri Sembilan Posted: 16 Oct 2011 07:22 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 – Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek is considering standing for elections in Perak, Negri Sembilan or his homestate Johor, a move likely to invite flak from the MCA president's detractors in the party. Chinese-language daily Nanyang Siang Pau reported today Dr Chua's speech during a Deepavali dinner in Seremban last night where the senior politician purportedly claimed to have received invitations from all three state mentris besar to stand in the coming polls. But, added the daily, Dr Chua (picture) had stressed he would first consider the feelings of MCA leaders in each state and gauge local sentiment before making his decision. "Just because I am the party president, it does not mean I can simply contest anywhere, or take over someone else's position for my own interest," he was quoted as saying. Dr Chua currently chairs both the Johor and Perak state liaison committees. His announcement comes just two weeks after he declared himself a "winnable candidate" despite his sex scandal past, in the heat of his squabble with Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, his predecessor in MCA. Ong, Dr Chua's most outspoken critic in MCA, had said he did not consider the party president a qualified candidate for the polls due to his scandalous past, adding the latter would not fit Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's "winnable candidate" criteria. But with Chinese support for Barisan Nasional (BN) still weak, it appears the veteran politician cannot afford to shy away from the coming polls, viewed as the pact's most crucial, and will have to lead his party into the foray by standing as a candidate.
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| Malaysia set to hit national debt ceiling, warns Anwar Posted: 16 Oct 2011 06:40 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim accused the government today of failing to resuscitate the country's "under-performing economy", warning that Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Budget 2012 was setting Malaysia "on course" to breach the national debt limit. Citing Bank Negara Malaysia's latest report issued on October 14, Anwar said the country's national debt currently stood at RM437 billion (as of June 30, 2011), with domestic debt amounting to RM421 billion and foreign debt at RM16 billion. "This translates to a 51 per cent local debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio as governed by Acts 637 and 275, which allows for approximately RM33 billion additional debt to be raised by the government (before the limit is reached). "This is clearly not adequate to finance the remainder of 2011 expenditure and the RM46 billion deficit to be funded through additional debts announced in Barisan Nasional's Belanjawan 2012," the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leader said in a statement. The national debt level is governed by various laws that impose a debt ceiling for the government. Act 637, which is the Loan (Local) Act 1959, and Act 275, the Government Investment Act 1983, state that combined loans raised domestically should not exceed a ceiling of 55 per cent of the nation's GDP. Act 403, which is the External Loans Act 1963, limits external loan exposure to RM35 billion at any particular time. "The proposed operational budget for a particular year should never exceed the revenue projection. Likewise, loans raised by the government should strictly be used for developmental budget," said Anwar. The opposition leader was responding to the prime minister's critique yesterday of the opposition's shadow budget. Najib described PR's alternative financial plan as a "right-wing Republican" budget that failed to address the needs of the people, and that it only focused on Malaysia's budget gap and national debt but made no mention of public welfare. "This is a clear attempt to deflect from the fundamental issue of poor governance, endemic corruption and BN policies to enrich family members and cronies," said Anwar. He said the best way to discuss the contrast between the economic policies offered by both coalitions was through a nationally-televised debate between himself and Najib.
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| IIU professor takes UMNO daily to court Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:53 PM PDT
(HARAKAH DAILY) - A senior lecturer of the International Islamic University Dr Abdul Aziz Bari is taking UMNO mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia to court following its reports portraying him as being disrespectful to the Sultan of Selangor. The Sultan had said there was no sufficient evidence to initiate legal action against DUMC although he was convinced of attempts to undermine the Muslim faith.
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| Works ministry defies Finance, Health over Shah Alam Hospital Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:49 PM PDT
(HARAKAH DAILY) - The Works ministry has snubbed objections from the Finance and Health ministries by appointing Gadang Holdings Bhd to take over the much-delayed Shah Alam Hospital project, according to a report. Online news portal Merdeka Review reported that Gadang Holdings on October 10 announced at Bursa Malaysia that its subsidiary Gadang Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd had been awarded the project with a 24-month contract worth RM410.87 million.
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| Angry natives give BTN boss an earful Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:35 PM PDT Biro Tata Negara director Ibrahim Saad was taken aback when he visited villagers in Tandek, Sabah, on a fact-finding trip recently. (Free Malaysia Today) - KOTA MARUDU (Sabah): The director of the Biro Tata Negara (National Civics Bureau), Ibrahim Saad, was taken aback when he heard the grouses of the people in Tandek here last Thursday. In a meeting with the residents there, Ibrahim was jolted when he heard stories of the systematic land grabs, government lies about MyKad and the illegal immigrants, and the long delay in processing the natives' applications for land titles. Ibrahim went to the ground to feel the pulse of the people – and got a earful for his pains. Now residents here are wondering whether Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak will get an unvarnished report from Ibrahim about his "bruising encounter" with the villagers here. Ibrahim, who has served in the BTN as the federal government's "eyes and ears" for 10 years, appeared shocked as he listened to about a dozen elders, including women – who took to the microphone in the new Tandek Hall here – tell sad stories of their long suffering. As the villagers recounted their tales of woe, Ibrahim was seen assiduously taking down notes. One resident said about 50 kampungs in Tandek are being threatened with eviction by a company that has been allotted 65,000 hectares of fertile land stretching from Beluran to the edge of Pitas and Kota Marudu. One headman, KK Bandawa Sandigan, from Kampung Malangkap, Marak-Parak, said land applications by the natives dating as far back as 1973 were never processed, while similar application by a company was approved in "lightning" speed allegedly during Yong Teck Lee's tenure as chief minister. "Please do something about this. If our applications are not in order, please tell us so, guide us, don't simply put our applications away. "We have rights here," said Sandigan. Double standard on increments An elderly resident questioned the 1Malaysia slogan – People First, Performance Now – saying it is "hollow and insincere". Yet another elder took Najib and the government to task for leaving Sabah out when announcing the the 2010 increments in allowances for ketua kampung (village headman) and Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairman. "While our counterparts from the Peninsula now enjoy a RM800 monthly allowance, in Sabah the JKKK chairman and ketua kampung are still receiving their old allowances (RM250 and RM400 respectively). Where is 1Malaysia?" he asked. A woman leader from another village near Tandek told Ibrahim that it was very hard for her to go around explaining government policies when the only topic of interest to the villagers was the land grabs. "There is no point (explaining government policies). We want developments but very little is coming while our lands are being threatened by big companies," she said. Another activist from Tangkarason, Jaipin Mohigal, told how 32 houses were razed to the ground in Kampung Koiboton, Tangkarason, in 2006, as the Sabah forestry officers tried to chase them out of their NCR (native customary right) land. "Something must be done to solve these serious land grab issues in Tandek before it gets out of control…" he said.
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| New witnesses to prove Anwar ‘can do it’ Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:29 PM PDT
While the defence closed its case today, the prosecution will be calling four witnesses to show that Anwar is capable of committing the alleged offence. (Free Malaysia Today) - The prosecution in Anwar Ibrahim's Sodomy II trial will attempt to prove that the opposition leader was capable of performing the alleged sexual act. They will be calling in rebuttal witnesses to give evidence to counter testimony by defence witness, spine specialist Dr Thomas Hoogland, who had testified that Anwar's bad back made it unlikely for him to have sex. Lead prosecutor Solicitor-General II Mohamed Yusof Zainal Abiden told the High Court this morning that he was making an application to bring in their witnesses in light of the evidence tendered by Hoogland. The application was made at the end of the defence case. Hoogland, Anwar's orthopaedic surgeon, had said that Anwar was unable to perform certain actions. Yusof said that the prosecution needed to bring in new witnesses following Hoogland's testimony which had unearthed "new developments on whether Anwar had the ability to perform the action he is accused of doing". "These were not expected and not proposed during the prosecution's case," said Yusof. Yusof said he had discussed with Anwar's lead counsel Karpal Singh about bringing in the new witnesses, and that the defence had no objections.
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| ‘Queen E’s dress sense nothing to do with Bersih’ Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:19 PM PDT
Subang MP Sivarasa's connection between Queen Elizabeth and Bersih 2.0 was ridiculed in the Dewan Rakyat today. (Free Malaysia Today) - Queen Elizabeth II's yellow dress had nothing to do with her support for the Bersih (Coalition for Free and Fair Elections) movement. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Kohilan Pillay claimed that the Queen's yellow dress choice was not to snub Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak when she received him at Buckingham Palace on July 14. "The Queen's choice of dress for official occasions during spring and summer in the United Kingdom (UK), and her foreign visits are in soft and bright colours," he told the Dewan Rakyat today. The deputy minister also said that the Queen also had been known to wear yellow in many occasions, including to her grandson's – Prince William- wedding's with Kate Middleton earlier this year. He was responding to a question raised by PKR's Subang MP R Sivarasa, who asked if the Queen's dress choice would affect the Malaysia's relationship with the UK. Sivarasa was referring to the aftermath of the July 9 Bersih protests. With Bersih's official colour being yellow, many wondered if Queen Elizabeth's golden dress five days later was in support of the KL demonstrations. He claimed that the government should not take the Queen's dress choice lightly, adding that Putrajaya should have looked further into why the Queen chose yellow that day. Although Sivarasa did not explicitly mention Bersih, Kohilan nevertheless appeared amused and ridiculed the PKR MP's query.
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| ‘Cop kills man outside ‘no Indians allowed’ pub’ Posted: 16 Oct 2011 04:57 PM PDT By G Vinod, FMT PETALING JAYA: A father of four was shot dead after a scuffle outside a karoake outlet in Ipoh which apparently bars Indians from patronising the waterhole. The deceased's employee has lodged a police report claiming that P Kathir Oli, 31, was gunned down by a plainclothes policeman moonlighting as a bouncer. In his report filed with the Ipoh Central police headquarters, K Sashiteren, 21, said that he, Kathir and two others had gone to the outlet called Angel Fun Pub & Karaoke on Sept 14. However, they were not allowed to enter the premises. "A man told us that Indians are not allowed to patronise the pub. Kathir got upset and asked why can't an Indian enter the pub?" said Sashiteren, adding that a heated exchange ensued. At one point, he said, a patron threw a bottle from inside the pub which hit Kathir's face and the latter grew enraged and threw the bottle back. Following this, he added, a man and a woman emerged from the pub and started hurling obscenities The first man, who had denied them entry, then calmed the duo and told them to return to the pub while Kathir, Sashiteren and their friends walked back to their car. "But the second man from the pub reappeared and pushed Kathir, and so Kathir got mad and pushed him back," said Sashiteren. As they were reversing the car to leave the area, Sashiteren claimed that a third man, who is believed to be the pub's bouncer, approached them with gun in hand. "The third man told us not to leave the place or he will start shooting at us," he said. Fearing for their safety, Kathir and his friends came out of the car. Sashiteren claimed that at this juncture, the armed man started assaulting Kathir and the latter fought back. "I tried to stop them from fighting and that's when I heard a gunshot. Kathir fell on me after getting shot on his chest," he said. Shashitheren later realised that the shooter was a cop when he handcuffed the trio after the arrival of a patrol car. "We were taken to the police station by the patrol car and remanded for 11 days. Kathir's body was still on the road when we were taken away," he said. 'Blindfolded and assaulted'
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| Pakatan accuses Najib of pushing ‘Bush policies in disguise’ Posted: 16 Oct 2011 04:49 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The federal opposition accused Datuk Seri Najib Razak today of practising "Bush policies in disguise" by implementing the "trickle-down economics" of George W. Bush, the last Republican president of the United States. Yesterday, the prime minister called the opposition's shadow budget a "right-wing Republican" budget that failed to address the needs of the people. The prime minister said Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) shadow budget, unveiled three days before his own Budget 2012, had only focused on Malaysia's budget gap and national debt but made no mention of public welfare. "When they debate in Parliament they sound like very fiscal, right-wing Republican conservatives. About fiscal deficit, about debt ... (but) nothing about the people," the PM had said. Responding today, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers involved in drafting the shadow budget told The Malaysian Insider that the prime minister was following in the footsteps of Bush by announcing mega projects and maintaining monopolies but spending little in comparison to help the poor. DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong (picture) said that while all parties recognised the need to boost domestic consumption as global demand will shrink next year, "we have focused on the bottom 60 per cent and believe in a 'rising tide' to spur the economy." "The RM50 billion Mass Rapid Transit, approved permit system and rice monopoly for Bernas are Bush policies in disguise. "He is using 'trickle-down economics', hoping the rich will spend and benefit the poor," the Bukit Bendera MP said, referring to the US president who left office in 2008. The Bush administration was criticised for shifting the burden of taxation from the rich to middle and lower-income earners in hopes of spurring the US economy. "We have announced a RM1,100 minimum wage to help the poor. So who is more Republican?" the Bukit Bendera MP said in response to Najib's statement yesterday that PR's budget focused purely on the fiscal deficit but not public welfare. PAS research chief Dzulkefly Ahmad said that while the government announced RM2 billion in direct aid and RM2.5 billion in civil service pay hikes, PR had proposed RM4.9 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively for the same initiatives. "Firstly, I don't think he understands the ideological difference between Republicans and Democrats. Secondly, he is drawing the line far away from the reality outlined by all investment analysts," the Kuala Selangor MP said.
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| Dr M says Aziz Bari’s comments were disrespectful Posted: 15 Oct 2011 08:50 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad accused Consitutional expert Professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari of disrespect for not apologising and promptly retracting his statement over the Selangor Sultan's opinion. The International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) don had said that the sultan's position on the State Islamic Religious Department's (Jais) raid on a premise belong Damansara Utama Methodist Church was unusual and inconsistent. Dr Mahathir told Bernama Online that the law lecturer's statement in a news portal was opposed to Eastern moral values. He stated that though he was uncertain Abdul Aziz broke the law, but on the level of moral values, it was disrespectful. He was speaking to media after the 11th convocation of Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) which he presided as chancellor. During the ceremony, he presented the Chancellor's Gold Award to Lai Chin Leong, 23, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with honours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.89. Muhammad Aiman Jamaludin, 22, and T. Kuhanesapathy, 23, won the silver and bronze awards, respectively.
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| Utusan claims Malaysiakini, Aziz Bari out to trivialise proselytisation Posted: 15 Oct 2011 07:01 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Utusan Malaysia lashed out at law professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari and Malaysiakini today for allegedly attempting to divert public anger away from the controversial issue of proselytisation in Malaysia. Its editors, writing under the pseudonym "Awang Selamat", accused the news portal of attempting to set a "trap" by publishing news meant to incite feelings of uneasiness against the Royal Institution, erode the spirit of the Federal Constitution and steer Malaysia towards becoming a republic. The Umno-owned daily cautioned the authorities against allowing Malaysiakini "immunity" to freely publish alternative views, claiming the news portal was gaining strength as the country's "third force". The daily was referring to the recent uproar over Abdul Aziz's recent response as carried by Malaysiakini to the Selangor Sultan's decree last week, where the academician reportedly said the ruler's intervention in the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) raid controversy was "uncommon and inconsistent". "Strangely, it seems as if Malaysiakini has immunity to do as it pleases. In Singapore, wild and provocative comments will invite immediate action," said Awang in his column published in the paper's Sunday edition Mingguan Malaysia. "Unfortunately in Malaysia, there are parties who should be shouldering this responsibility but have not been carrying out their duties with efficiency, steadfastness and effectiveness," he added. Awang then sniped at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for allowing Malaysiakini to air such comments on its website, claiming the public had grown "bored" waiting for action to be taken. "As usual, MCMC would have its reasons ... when Malaysiakini gains strength daily as the third force, on the back of provocation after provocation," he said. He added it would not be surprising if "sentiments flared by the portal" would later shape the people's mindset. "But do not blame Malaysiakini then, blame ourselves. We allowed it to reach such a stage," he said.
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| Najib : History Shows Fair Election In Malaysia Posted: 15 Oct 2011 06:51 PM PDT
SEREMBAN, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said history had shown that the ruling party, Barisan Nasional (BN), had never manipulated the poll so that it would always win in the general election. If the general election in Malaysia could be easily manipulated, then the BN would not have handed over Selangor to the opposition or Kelantan remaining under PAS rule, he said."Although we don't manipulate, they (opposition) will always turn around. So, if we don't counter the allegations, the people will think that we have manipulated the general election and used instruments of the state such as the armed forces," he said in his speech at the closing of the BN Convention, here Sunday. The allegations that the BN had used instruments of the state and the armed forces were also not true, he said. "We can't even guarantee that we will get the military votes, there are military votes against us. The military, when we walk past them, they salute us, but when the election comes, we lose," he said. A founder of PKR, Dr Chandra Muzaffar, who had previously contested on a PKR ticket, had once admitted to Najib that although he lost in Bandar Tun Razak, he had the majority of the military votes then. He said Chandra himself had criticised the party that he once represented, saying that the allegation of manipulation in the general election was a lie spread by the opposition. "When the soldiers cast their ballots in the box, there are observers who are representatives of the opposition present. They will protest at the slightest mistake. Although we don't manipulate, they are smart at turning around," he said. The presence of the military and government servants had still not been able to ensure automatic victory for the BN. Nevertheless, the opposition had no answer when the government announced various transformation policies that enabled the BN to gain political momentum, Najib said. The opposition, however, were still smart in turning around and staging Bersih 2.0 and drawing up a lengthy script to launch an attack through demonstrations, the website and even video screening through the youtube. "I notice that they have merged Bersih 1 and 2 in the youtube to criticise the government and the people think that the video is true. I notice in the video as though they had already prepared a well planned script," he said. Their acting was good and could influence the people who might not realise this and if one were to think, who would go to the hospital for medical treatment as a result of serious injury and still be wearing the yellow shirt, Muhyiddin pointed out. The BN might have been skilful in warfare previously and had won the general election 12 times, but this time around, the war had taken a new form and the BN could no longer use the old weapons in a modern war.
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| Gerakan adopts 16-point declaration Posted: 15 Oct 2011 06:49 PM PDT
(Bernama) -- The Gerakan's 40th National Delegates Conference (NDC) 2011 has adopted a 16-point declaration, encompassing socio-economic, politics and government matters. The two-day NDC, which started at Menara PGRM here today, among others, had declared the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA), Restricted Residence Act, Banishment Act and Proclamations of Emergency and Emergency Ordinance as auguring well with the country's democratic progression and a step in the right direction. The delegates however, said the two proposed new acts to replace the ISA should be clear and precise and not be used as a tool to stifle legitimate political dissent. They also urged the government to establish a commission on national harmony and race relations to mediate on inter-religious and inter-ethnic issues and protect the rights of all Malaysians as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. They also called on the government to move away from race-based assistance and programme to those based on needs and to embark on programmes that will no longer differentiate Malaysians based on skin colour, religion or creed and region of residence. On politics, Gerakan delegates declared their stand that Barisan Nasional (BN) continued to transform itself to remain relevant, and that every member worked together, in the spirit of 1Malaysia and not sabotage one another, work more closely on resolving the problems of the people, and ensure that they were a coalition at all times. On party matters, the 40th NDC declared that they would persist with reforming and rejuvenating Gerakan to ensure the party remained a relevant and viable political force; and articulate solutions that are non-racial and progressive, and be the voice and choice of all Malaysians. It also urged all Gerakan leaders and members, at all levels, to put the people and the party above themselves, stay united and committed to the party's ideology to overcome all challenges and strengthen the party. Delegates to the NDC agreed to urge that the 2012 Budget be implemented efficiently and transparently, adding that they also welcomed the further liberalisation of 17 service sub-sectors. The Declaration also called on the seventh National Key Results Area (NKRA) on tackling the rising cost of living to rapidly introduce measures to counter the steady increase in prices of essential foodstuff, goods and services. On education, the delegates proposed that the government form a National Education Consultative Council with specific sub-committees to address concerns over the national education system to ensure it was relevant, holistic and inclusive. On other matters, delegates also wanted to continuously and aggressively promote excellence, meritocracy and equal opportunities in public life so that the local talent could be retained, aside from luring back Malaysian talents overseas. Gerakan delegates also urged the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reform to review the depth and breadth of the electoral system to ensure that there would be no further abuse to insulate the government from accusations of electoral fraud. The NDC continues tomorrow. Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, in a press conference, said the declaration reflected the party's determination to join forces in making the national transformation a success for the benefit of the people.
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| Apologise publicly or we’ll sue, DAP warns Yong Posted: 15 Oct 2011 06:45 PM PDT
By Queville To, FMT PENAMPANG: The gloves seems to have finally come off between Sabah DAP and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) after months of party officials on either side taking potshots at each other. Yesterday, Sabah DAP advisor Hiew King Cheu gave his arch-rival SAPP president Yong Teck Lee an ultimatum. Said Hiew: "He (Yong) should prove his allegations against me. He should apologize to me and Sabah DAP publicly in the newspapers. If not, I'm going to sue him for defamation." Hiew, who is also Kota Kinabalu MP was responding to Yong's accusation that he had colluded with Umno to defeat him (Yong) in the Batu Sapi parliamentary by-election last year. Yong had also alleged that Hiew had an interest in a controversial waterfront project in the Kota Kinabalu. Hiew told reporters at a press conference here that Yong's allegations were 'pure fabrication.' "The allegations are damaging to me and Sabah DAP as a whole. Yong is merely twisting facts and making wild accusation on the issues and events," Hiew said. 'Yong has a motive' "Yong has a purpose in putting out such a statement. He has a motive. "His objective is to come to KK (Kota Kinabalu) to contest against me in the next GE. "I challenge him to come to KK to contest against me in the KK MP seat and lets see whether the people of KK will support me, or him. "As far as I know and as I've told the people of KK, I do things for the KK people, not for myself and my record is clean. "But for Yong, it's up to the people to judge him," he said. Hiew also said Sabah DAP is duty bound to safeguard the dignity, credibility and accountability of its leaders, especially after having put in a lot of hard work to rebuild Sabah DAP. Yong should expose Umno "He (Yong) should concentrate on hammering Musa Aman (Chief Minister and Sabah BN chairman), (Abdullah) Badawi (former prime minister) or even (premier) Najib (Tun Razak). "To us, he (Yong) is a good friend of Umno and I can prove that. "He knows about the SAS (Saham Amanah Sabah) case, and he mentioned in his press statements that Umno people are involved. "Yong Teck Lee knew all these while what's going on with SAS and that Umno people are involved. He has forgotten that during that time I was with him in SAPP. "If he knows Umno people are involved in this particular scandal, why is he not coming forward to expose his Umno friends or at least be man enough to report to the MACC. "Is Yong worried of going to jail? I'm not saying he's part of it (SAS controversy) but the way how he was putting it shows he knows all the details of where the RM300 million people's money had gone to. "SAS started with RM500 million now remaining with RM200 million. "Where's the RM300 million? Overnight deals, NBT, Sugarbun, you name it," Hiew said. 'Yong cannot run away'
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| Muhyiddn wants state religious councils to discuss apostasy Posted: 15 Oct 2011 06:43 PM PDT
(Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin feels that the question of apostasy should be discussed together by the various state Islamic religious councils because the question of religion is within the jurisdiction of the state governments. The Deputy Prime Minister said this issue was an important one which concerned the religion and the Menteri Besar had more power in this context compared to him. "Nevertheless, the punishment must be decided together to avoid problems from arising. To my knowledge, in some states, there are already enactments to prevent non-Muslims from spreading their religion (to Muslims)," he told reporters at a gathering with the Deputy Prime Minister in Kampung Paya today. He said the enforcement of the enactment preventing non-Muslims from spreading their religion to Muslims was also under the jurisdiction of the state government. The Apostasy Act was proposed by Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harunussaini Zakaria recently to punish individuals who were guilty of converting Muslims.
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| ‘I’m willing to sacrifice myself for Gerakan’ Posted: 15 Oct 2011 06:21 PM PDT
Amid heavy criticism against him, Gerakan chief Koh Tsu Koon says he is willing to sacrifice himself for the party, but remained silent on certain "tough decisions" he would be making. (Free Malaysia Today) - Embattled Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon has pledged to his party members that he was willing to "sacrifice" himself for the sake of the party, amid frustrations that the leader was "soft" and lacked decisiveness. "Now, as far as I'm concerned, I'm not going to tell you today what exactly that I'm going to do, because I still need to do some checking and coordinating…but I'm going to assure you that I'm willing to sacrifice myself for the party," said Koh in his winding-up speech during the 40th Gerakan National Delegates Conference today. Koh, who received some applause from delegates when he made the statement towards the end of his speech, however did not specify how he planned to "sacrifice himself". "I will sacrifice myself for the party, in what way, and how, I will let you know, because this is a collective leadership. "I cannot just charge ahead and sacrifice myself without the party to coordinate," he said. "We will never run away, once a Gerakanist, always a Gerakanist," said Koh, who has for the past two days indicated that he would be making some "tough decisions" but would announce them only when the time was appropriate. Koh vaguely explained that the "sacrifice" would come after "final assessments" by top leadership and himself, and that there were several options. Not moved by emotions He stressed that whatever he will decide won't be based on emotions but pure reason. "Top leadership is also exploring the possibilities in the interest of the party. Will take into account several different scenarios," he added. During his winding up speech, Koh also took pains to explain to delegates why he took more time in making decisions. "We have different styles. Some people want fast, some people want slow. Slow sometimes more romantic… Its because before I make a decision I want everybody on board because when you make a decision, not everybody can be happy, I've seen examples of the past," said Koh. "It's not because we don't want to make decisions, but we want to hold everyone together," he said. Koh also took his hats off to the opposition, especially DAP and PAS, for their "fighting spirit". "Whatever I don't agree with them, with DAP or PAS, we have to admire their fighting spirit when they are down, we have to pay some respect. But I believe that if they can do it, Gerakan can do better," he said.
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| Wall Street protests go global Posted: 15 Oct 2011 03:55 PM PDT (Reuters) ─ Anti-greed protesters rallied globally yesterday, denouncing bankers and politicians over the international economic crisis, with violence rocking Rome where cars were torched and bank windows smashed. Galvanised by the Occupy Wall Street movement, protests began in New Zealand, touched parts of Asia, spread to Europe, and resumed at their starting point in New York with 5,000 marchers decrying corporate greed and economic inequality. After weeks of intense media coverage, US protests have still been smaller than G20 meetings or political conventions have yielded in recent years. Such events often draw tens of thousands of demonstrators. The demonstrations by the disaffected coincided with the Group of 20 meeting in Paris, where finance ministers and central bankers from major economies were holding talks on the debt and deficit crises afflicting many Western countries. The Occupy Wall Street movement has gathered steam for a month, culminating with the global day of action. It remains unclear what momentum the movement, which has been driven by social media, has beyond yesterday. Hundreds of hooded, masked demonstrators rampaged in some of the worst violence seen in the Italian capital in years, setting cars ablaze, breaking bank and shop windows and destroying traffic lights and signposts. Police fired volleys of tear gas and used water cannon to try to disperse militant protesters who were hurling rocks, bottles and fireworks, but clashes went on into the evening. Smoke bombs set off by protesters cast a pall over a sea of red flags and banners bearing slogans denouncing economic policies the protesters say are hurting the poor. The violence sent many peaceful demonstrators and local residents near the Colosseum and St John's Basilica running into hotels and churches for safety. Not as large as hoped American protesters are angry that US banks are enjoying booming profits after getting massive bailouts in 2008 while average people are struggling in a tough economy with more than 9 per cent unemployment and little help from Washington. In New York, where the movement began when protesters set up a makeshift camp in a Lower Manhattan park on September 17, organisers said the protest grew to at least 5,000 people as they marched to Times Square in midtown Manhattan. Some were disappointed the crowd was not larger. "People don't want to get involved. They'd rather watch on TV," said Troy Simmons, 47, who joined demonstrators as he left work. "The protesters could have done better today. People from the whole region should be here and it didn't happen." The Times Square mood was akin to New Year's Eve, when the famed "ball drop" occurs. In a festive mood, protesters were joined by throngs of tourists snapping pictures, together counting back from 10 and shouting, "Happy New Year." Police said three people were arrested in Times Square after pushing down police barriers and five men were arrested earlier for wearing masks. Police also arrested 24 people at a Citibank branch in Manhattan, mostly for trespassing. Small and peaceful rallies got the ball rolling across the Asia-Pacific region yesterday. In Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, 3,000 people chanted and banged drums. In Sydney, about 2,000 people, including representatives of Aboriginal groups, communists and trade unionists, protested outside the central Reserve Bank of Australia. Hundreds marched in Tokyo. Over 100 people gathered at the Taipei stock exchange, chanting "we are Taiwan's 99 per cent" and saying economic growth had only benefited companies while middle-class salaries barely covered basic costs. In Hong Kong, home to the Asian headquarters of investment banks including Goldman Sachs, over 100 people gathered at Exchange Square in the Central district. Students joined with retirees, holding banners that called banks a cancer. Portugal was the scene of the biggest reported protest action, with more than 20,000 marching in Lisbon and a similar number in the country's second city Oporto, two days after the government announced a new batch of austerity measures. Hundreds broke through a police cordon around the parliament in Lisbon to occupy its broad marble staircase. "This debt is not ours!" and "IMF, get out of here now!," demonstrators chanted. Banners read: "We are not merchandise in bankers' hands!" or "No more rescue loans for banks!" Around 4,000 Greeks with banners bearing slogans like "Greece is not for sale" staged an anti-austerity rally in Athens' Syntagma Square, the scene of violent clashes between riot police and stone-throwing youths in June. Many were furious at how austerity imposed by the government to reduce debt incurred by profligate spending and corruption had undermined the lives of ordinary Greeks. In Paris, around 1,000 protesters rallied in front of city hall, coinciding with the G20 finance chiefs' meeting, after coming in from the working class neighborhood of Belleville where drummers, trumpeters and a tuba revved up the crowd. "This is potentially the start of a strong movement," said Olivier Milleron, a doctor whose group of trumpeters played the classic American folk song "This land is your land." "The indignant ones" The Rome protesters, who called themselves "the indignant ones," included unemployed, students and pensioners. "I am here to show support for those don't have enough money to make it to the next pay check while the ECB (European Central Bank) keeps feeding the banks and killing workers and families," said Danila Cucunia, a 43-year-old teacher. "We can't carry on any more with public debt that wasn't created by us but by thieving governments, corrupt banks and speculators who don't give a damn about us," said Nicla Crippa, 49. "They caused this international crisis and are still profiting from it. They should pay for it." In imitation of the occupation of Zuccotti Park near Wall Street in Manhattan, protesters have been camped out across the street from the headquarters of the Bank of Italy for days. The global protests were a response to calls by New York demonstrators for others to join them. Their example has prompted similar occupations in dozens of US cities. At a small protest in Dublin, Ireland, Gordon Lucas, an unemployed software developer said "We don't have economic democracy anymore. ... I don't feel I am being represented." In Madrid, around 2,000 people gathered for a march to the central Puerta del Sol. Placards read: "Put the bankers on the bench" and "Enough painkillers ─ euthanasia for the banks." "It's not fair that they take your house away from you if you can't pay your mortgage, but give billions to the banks for unclear reasons," said 44-year-old telecom company employee Fabia, who declined to give her surname. In Germany, thousands gathered in Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig and outside the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. Demonstrators gathered peacefully in Paradeplatz, the main square in the Swiss financial centre of Zurich. In London, around 2,000 people assembled outside St Paul's Cathedral, near the City financial district, for a rally dubbed "Occupy the London Stock Exchange." Joe Dawson, 31, who lost his job as a product developer at Barclays Bank, said he had taken his two children aged 10 and 8 to the rally to show them people had a voice. "I'm not passive anymore and I don't want them to be. This is their future too," Dawson said. "I work four jobs parttime, I take whatever I can get." WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange told the crowd: "I hope this protest will result in a similar process to what we saw in New York, Cairo and Tunisia," he said, referring to revolutions in the Arab world. Outside of New York, similar protests were held in other US cities and Canada. Hundreds turned out in Washington, DC, while a couple of thousand people gathered near Toronto's financial district as well as in Portland, Oregon. A protest in Los Angeles drew about 5,000 people. |
| Bigger Role For Auxilliary Police Under NKRA Posted: 15 Oct 2011 02:29 PM PDT (Bernama) - GEORGE TOWN -- The police is formulating new and innovative methods to enable auxilliary policemen to contribute towards strategies under the National Key Result Areas (NKRA). Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said he had met with all agencies having auxilliary policemen to get them to contribute to the strategies, specifically in preventing crime and reducing the crime rate. "Nevertheless, in the context of roping in the auxilliary police, several technical issues involving legalities need to be unravelled before this matter could be implemented," he said in his speech when opening a Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd (SDP) Loyal Service Award 2010 at a hotel in Bukit Jambul, here yesterday. He said auxilliary policemen could play a very important role in protecting\ company assets, factories, industries and plantations to ensure the economic development of the nation. "The complementary component role of auxilliary police is very important to us and the filling up of vacancies are by some ex-soldiers who are keen to work in the rural areas," he said. Meanwhile, Ismail said the police had successfully set up a main committee to fight syndicates stealing palm oil. Earlier in the ceremony, a total of 189 SDP auxilliary policemen received the service medal awards (Pingat Kebaktian- P.K.) for merit and loyalty after having served between 15 and 30 years in ensuring the security and smooth-running operation of the company. (Bernama) |
| Malaysia Will Be Bankrupt If Opposition Wins - Muhyiddin Posted: 15 Oct 2011 02:24 PM PDT
(Bernama) - SEREMBAN -- Malaysia will be bankrupt if the opposition wins the general election, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said the opposition was only good at making empty promises. When Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak tabled the 2012 Budget, promising to retain the country's deficit at 4.7 per cent, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Anwar Ibrahim made a mockery of it. "The shadow budget by the opposition shows its expenditure, purportedly for the people, but it does not take into account the deficit. "If the deficit goes up to 10 per cent, it means the country is not managed well," he said when addressing a crowd of about 6,000 people at a dinner with the residents of Taman Tasik Jaya, here on Saturday. Muhyiddin also advised the people not to be misled by Pas' promise of setting up an Islamic state, including to implement hudud law, saying that it was merely a rhetoric, like the Kelantan government's slogan of "Developing with Islam" promoted by its Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. "Barisan Nasional has carried out the agenda of developing with Islam much earlier," he added.
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| Koh: Accept party’s choice of GE candidates Posted: 15 Oct 2011 02:12 PM PDT
(Bernama) - KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon today asked all party members to accept the candidates selected by the party leadership to contest in the next general election. He said the party had begun evaluating potential candidates through interviews for more than a year now."The selection of candidates is very important for the next general election. "We will always, with an open mind, give every interested individual a fair chance to be a candidate," he said in his presidential address at the 40th national delegates conference of the party opened by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, at Menara PGRM, here. In a spirited tone, Koh asked the delegates: "So, are you willing to accept the decision? Are you willing to support the decision?" The delegates replied in unison with a resounding "Yes". Koh said that once the final decision has been made on candidates, the party members should accept it with "one heart" in the spirit of the party's slogan "Satu Hati". He said that as the president, he would decide on the candidates by giving the due consideration. "As the president, I shall fully decide with the best interest of the party and I will definitely fight together with you on the ground," he said.
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| Seat adjustments among BN component parties in next GE Posted: 15 Oct 2011 02:11 PM PDT (The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: There will be seat adjustments among Barisan Nasional component parties for the coming general election, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said all parties in BN have agreed in principle but the details will be announced later. "I won't say plenty (seat swaps) but we have started the process of adjustment to see what is the best formula. All emanates on the principle of who is the best candidate," Najib, who is BN chairman, told reporters at a press conference after opening the Gerakan's 40th National Delegates' Conference here Sunday. He also said that BN was ready to reclaim Penang from the opposition. "All the component parties in BN are prepared to work together to retake the state. We want Gerakan to return as a force to be reckoned with in the context of politics," he told the delegates in his speech earlier. Najib also urged Gerakan to present their alternative plans in showing that BN is a better choice than the opposition in Penang. He assured Gerakan that Umno would not claim the state leadership from them should BN succeeded in retaking Penang. On Gerakan Wanita chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe's call for party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon not to contest in the general election, Najib said Dr Koh knows what needs to be done. "We have a good working relationship...I leave it in his good hands...he knows what needs to be done." |
| Najib: Umno will not lay claim to Penang leadership Posted: 15 Oct 2011 01:20 PM PDT By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak assured Gerakan today Umno will never lay claim to the leadership of Penang should Barisan Nasional (BN) win back the state from the opposition at the next general election. "Umno will never claim state leadership in Penang. We're prepared to work with the component parties in Penang," the prime minister told delegates at the Gerakan National Delegates Assembly here today. "Each of us must offer ourselves to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We must do that. If we do this, I will not give up on Penang." He said he had discussed the matter with Penang Umno and the state party leadership had agreed it would not seek to take the reins in the northern state. But Najib, who is also BN chairman, stressed that Gerakan must work harder to wrest back the state from DAP and be prepared to accept "adjustments" to the current seat allocation system for the greater good of the ruling coalition. He said Gerakan should not be trapped in the past and that it needs to make "painful choices" to meet the demands of the post-2008 political landscape if the party hopes to return to its former days of glory. Najib later told reporters BN was now hammering out the details of potential changes to seat allocations but stressed that this amounted to tweaks and not a complete overhaul of the existing system. "We are a big family so it's more complex when we want to make any decision for an area," he said. When asked if the state leadership would remain with Gerakan, Najib said BN was still discussing the matter but reiterated that Umno would not seek the role. Gerakan, which governed Penang for 39 years, was wiped out in the state in the 2008 general election when it lost all 12 parliamentary seats it had contested.
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| Muhyiddin: Decision to abolish PPSMI made after much thought Posted: 15 Oct 2011 09:51 AM PDT
(The Star) - SEREMBAN: The Government's decision to abolish the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English was made after much thought and deliberation. It also took into consideration that students were still struggling to communicate in English six years after the programme was introduced, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He added that the issue was compounded by the problem of teachers having a poor command of English which made teaching and learning of the two subjects even more difficult. Muhyiddin, who is Education Minister, said the Government did not make the decision in haste, but only did so upon discovering that pupils, particularly those in the rural areas, were lagging behind in the two subjects. "Apart from having to learn a language which is not their mother tongue, our children are being made to study the two subjects in English as well," he said, adding that studies had also shown that pupils would better understand a subject if it was taught in their mother tongue. He said a survey carried out by the Education Ministry showed that the majority of the 60,000 teachers who taught the two subjects in English also had a poor command of the language. "They did not have sufficient training to be able to teach effectively," he said during a dialogue with teachers at the Raja Melewar Teacher's Institute here yesterday. "Our decision to abolish the PPSMI (teaching of the two subjects in English) was correct and we will continue with the policy of upholding Bahasa Malaysia and strengthening English in schools," he added. In Kampar, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the poor command of English among Malaysian graduates had caused the country to lose out in foreign investments. He said students should not only be academically competent but must also be able to be fully proficient in English. "The teaching of English should not be conducted in a structured manner. "The subject is more than about learning grammar alone," he said after meeting English trainers from several countries here yesterday.
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| More flak for Koh as outspoken Gerakan members voice views Posted: 15 Oct 2011 09:47 AM PDT
(The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: While most Gerakan members are standing behind party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, some are more vocal in their opinions. Selangor Gerakan Youth deputy secretary Stephen Doss said he agreed with Wanita Gerakan chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe who criticised Dr Koh for lack of leadership. "The president should consider if he is a winnable candidate for the general election. "We must be reminded that he lost in the 2008 general election," he said. Doss also said Dr Koh's leadership did not put the party's interest above himself, claiming that he was being surrounded by "yes men". Although the Wanita Gerakan delegates did not applaud Tan's speech until the end, many of those interviewed said they supported her statement while some described it as her "personal opinion". However, Gerakan Youth chief Lim Si Pin stressed that it was important for members to close ranks and support their president as he was democratically elected. "Like it or not, he is still our president and we have to stand behind him," he told reporters after opening the Youth meeting. Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn, who was at a press conference with Tan, said members could express their views freely, adding that it would not jeopardise the party's spirit or camaraderie. "Let the delegates decide and debate during the conference," he said. Serdang division delegate Cheah Cheng Huat urged Dr Koh to contest in the general election, adding that the party should "let people be the judge". "In my opinion, he is a good leader because he did not run away from carrying out the responsibilities of a leader when he could have," he said. Dr Koh had tendered his resignation following the party's poor performance in 2008 but stayed on following the request of then president Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik. Earlier, when opening the Youth meeting, Lim said Cabinet decisions must be based on consensus of opinion from all Barisan Nasional parties. Suggesting a "joint governance" system in which the Barisan council would be placed above the Cabinet, he added: "This is a Barisan government, not an Umno government nor an MCA, MIC or Gerakan government." "Why are issues concerning education, economy and religion only left to certain ministers and not based on consensual agreement among all component parties?" he asked. "If this is a power-sharing coalition government, shouldn't this be planned from the beginning at the Barisan Council level?" he said.
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| Posted: 15 Oct 2011 09:38 AM PDT (NST) - JOHOR BARU: Those who lose their passports more than once, be warned — the Immigration Department will, from today, delay issuing their new passport for up to three years. Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad said the department introduced this ruling to come down hard on those who kept losing their passports. At present, replacement passports are issued within one year. Those who lose their passports for the first time will have to lodge a report with the department and apply for a new one, which will be issued the same day. Alias said the department was perplexed to receive an average of 3,500 cases of stolen, damaged and misplaced passports every month. The passport holders came up with all sorts of excuses to justify their new applications, he added. "However, their excuses become questionable if they lose their travel document repeatedly, say for the second time and more. "The passport is an important document and should, therefore, be handled with care. "There are even cases of passports ending up in washing machines. "Some were torn, stained or have things scribbled on them. "That really shows how careless the passport holders are. "As a deterrent measure, be prepared to just stay in the country for up to three years and forget about any trips overseas." Alias also said his officers would thoroughly question those applying for a new passport after losing their travel document more than once. Alias declined to elaborate when asked if there were cases of lost passports being sold to a third party for money. He, however, did not rule out this possibility. "All passports reported missing will be blacklisted — they will become null and void. "Those in possession of them will no longer be able to use them to enter or leave the country." In the past, syndicates sold Malaysian passports to foreigners for huge profits. These syndicates were said to be willing to buy Malaysian passports for between RM40,000 and RM50,000 each. On Thursday, it was reported that those who lost their passports or identity cards no longer needed to lodge a police report. All they need to do is to report the matter to the respective departments. |
| Najib’s property gains tax ‘ill-advised’, says HBA Posted: 15 Oct 2011 09:26 AM PDT By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The National House Buyers Association (HBA) claims the prime minister's revision of the Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) was "ill-advised" as the new rate announced in Budget 2012 would only drive property prices up further. HBA Secretary General Chang Kim Loong said this was because the revised rate would have little impact on short-term speculators looking to flip houses for profit and result in an increase in speculative property investments.
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| 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. |
| 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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