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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Police Take Anwar's Statement Over Allegation of Making False Report on Sex Video
- MCA believes in right of every Malaysian to vote in GE
- ‘Aunty Bersih’ and Baharuddin’s widow takes on Bersih 2.0’s cause
- NFC donated cattle to NS Umno leaders, paid Shahrizat’s expenses, says PKR
- Ambiga still waiting TV3's reply over Seksualiti Merdeka
- Gani: Automatic voter sign-up needs constitutional change
- Ex-member backs Gerakan as third force
- A-G gives nod to indelible ink
- Nazri: Let eligible Malaysians vote
- National Feedlot Centre should explain operations, says Muhyiddin
- "Nazri must provide explanation on his court testimony in PKFZ case"
- Khairy: "I'm ready to debate with Rafizi"
- Popularity poll: Najib soars, Anwar plummets
- Najib's popularity up, Mahathir still revered
- Najib denies discussing polls at BN meet
| Police Take Anwar's Statement Over Allegation of Making False Report on Sex Video Posted: 15 Nov 2011 10:41 PM PST (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was called in today to give his statement on the allegation that he had made a false report on the sex video issue last March. Anwar arrived at the Kepong police station at 3.15pm and gave an hour long statement. He was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat president.
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| MCA believes in right of every Malaysian to vote in GE Posted: 15 Nov 2011 10:33 PM PST (Bernama) - Every Malaysian citizen has the right to vote, regardless of whether they lived in the country or overseas, as long as they are registered voters, said MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said voting in the elections was the duty of every citizen and was a fundamental right of all Malaysians, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
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| ‘Aunty Bersih’ and Baharuddin’s widow takes on Bersih 2.0’s cause Posted: 15 Nov 2011 08:02 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Annie Ooi or better known as "Aunty Bersih" and Rosni Malan, the wife of the sole Bersih 2.0 protestor who had died, have teamed up to take the election watchdog's cause to the fore and are determined to ensure all its eight electoral reform demands are met before the polls, "or else". The duo, claiming to be completely independent, held a press conference today to launch a petition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, pleading that the Ruler invoke his constitutional powers and block any attempt by Datuk Seri Najib Razak to call for snap polls before the reforms are in place. "I am here for the rakyat," Ooi declared to reporters when asked who she was representing. In the petition, Ooi and the widowed Rosni said although Najib had mooted the parliamentary select committee (PSC) to look into electoral reforms, the prime minister had, through statements made publicly, hinted that polls could be called before the panel completes its work. They pointed to the latest pledge by "a group of Malaysians" who, on November 3, said they would mount another street gathering to prevent any election from taking place. The "toppling of the present ruling government could not be ruled out", the petition warned. As such, the petition urged the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to invoke his powers under Article 40(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution which states he has the absolute discretion to withhold consent to a request by the prime minister to dissolve Parliament. The petition said consent should be withheld if Najib attempts to call for polls: before the PSC completes its work; before all recommendations by PSC are passed in Parliament and fully implemented and; before Malaysians are convinced that the election system is free and fair. "Now, more than ever before, His Majesty must act in the best interests of the rakyat and the nation," Ooi wrote in a separate press statement. "We believe the demand is reasonable... and the petition will further strengthen the respectability and position of His Majesty," Rosni wrote in hers. Ooi and Rosni's husband, Baharuddin Ahmad, emerged as icons after the tumultuous rally on July 9 which saw tens of thousands take to the streets of the capital in a march for free and fair elections.
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| NFC donated cattle to NS Umno leaders, paid Shahrizat’s expenses, says PKR Posted: 15 Nov 2011 07:56 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The National Feedlot Centre (NFC) donated cattle to Datuk Shaziman Mansor and a "YB Yunus" in 2009, as well as spent RM26,400 on expenses for Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil, PKR said today, suggesting more financial irregularities in the company owned by the women, family and community development minister's family. Its secretary-general, Saifuddin Nasution, told reporters that the national cattle farming project's financial records show that RM5,281.87 of cattle was donated to Works Minister Shaziman on September 1, 2009. The Machang MP also said the records showed that RM2,640.93 of cattle was donated on November 30, 2009 to "YB Yunus", adding that "there is only one YB Yunus in Negri Sembilan." Datuk Yunus Rahmat is currently Klawang assemblyman and a state executive councillor. "These transactions should not happen if the government is really monitoring NFC," he said of the project. He also told reporters NFC paid RM26,400 in expenses to Shahrizat, who is women, family and community development minister in 2008. "If the NFC really has nothing to do with her, then she should not be involved in its operations let alone using it to pay for her expenses. "The records do not say what it was for but I hope it was not for handbags or makeup," he said. Saifuddin also said RM70,000 worth of cattle was sold on credit to former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique in 2008 who only paid off the debt in 2009. He also revealed that NFC paid RM398,400 in 2009 to Shahrizat's husband Datuk Mohamad Salleh Ismail and son Wan Shahinur Izran, both directors in NFC, to cover the rent for the company's office in Mont Kiara. PKR has repeatedly attacked the project and called for Shahrizat to resign over various allegations including over RM84 million in "loans" given by NFC to two other companies owned by her family. This includes an upfront payment for a RM10 million luxury condominium in December 2009.
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| Ambiga still waiting TV3's reply over Seksualiti Merdeka Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:54 PM PST (The Malay Mail) - TV3 has yet to reply to the letter sent by Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk S. Ambiga's lawyers regarding the channel's labelling of the annual Seksualiti Merdeka festival as a free sex festival (pesta sex bebas). Responding to The Malay Mail's queries whether she will continue to sue TV3 on defamatory grounds, Ambiga said: "My lawyers sent a letter to them last week on their defamatory statement of calling it a 'program seks bebas' but my lawyers have not heard from them yet. "I note, however, they have stopped using those words to describe the programme. Nevertheless, I await their response before consulting my lawyers further." Ambiga had threatened TV3 with the lawsuit last week and said the media was unfair in misleading the public on the true nature of the event, and demanded they correct their description of the event. Seksualiti Medeka is an annual sexual rights festival organised by a loose coalition of non-governmental organisations. This year, the festival's theme was titled 'Queer Without Fear' and Ambiga was invited to launch the event by its organisers. Police record Marina's 'sexuality' statement Police have taken a statement from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir related to her support of the Seksualiti Merdeka 2011. Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah said Marina was called to the Jalan Traver police headquarters last Friday. "She was accompanied by members of Sisters in Islam." Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, when contacted, said police have wrapped up investigations into the matter and submitted the papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action. Seksualiti Merdeka 2011 was organised by a coalition of NGOs, artistes, activists and individuals to "celebrate the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientation". It had been held annually since 2008 and was supposed to host a series of activities until Nov 13 at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. Last week, it was reported Marina, who launched the event in 2009, said she was upset with unfair reporting by certain quarters, portraying the event as a "free sex fest".
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| Gani: Automatic voter sign-up needs constitutional change Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:47 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The Attorney-General told the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms today that implementing automatic voter registration would require an amendment to the Federal Constitution. The country's top lawyer earlier today cleared the way for the use of indelible ink, a key demand by polls reform movement Bersih 2.0, to be implemented after clarifying that only a minor regulation change is needed. He was previously reported as saying the introduction of indelible ink similarly required a constitutional amendment. Today, panel chief Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili told reporters that Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said Article 119(4)(b) of the Constitution would need to be altered. "The A-G said automatic registration will need a constitutional amendment and also changes to regulations," he said. The clause in the Constitution states that the "qualifying date" for a voter "means the date on which a person applies for registration as an elector in a constituency, or the date on which he applies for the change of his registration as an elector in a different constituency." Bersih 2.0, which led tens of thousands into the capital to demand free and fair elections on July 9, has said automatic voter registration must be implemented in the longer term as a measure to reduce irregularities in the electoral roll. The coalition of 62 NGOs has demanded the electoral roll be cleaned up before an election expected soon.
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| Ex-member backs Gerakan as third force Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:42 PM PST Umno must learn to stop meddling, says Dr Hsu, who used to serve in the Gerakan central committee. (Free Malaysia Today) - A former Gerakan official today added his voice to a warning that the party may quit Barisan Nasional if other components of the ruling coalition meddle too much in its business. Dr Hsu Dar Ren, the central committee member who quit the party early this year, said he agreed with the anonymous Penang BN leader who issued the warning in an interview with FMT on Monday. "I think that should be the ultimatum given to Umno," Hsu said. "Gerakan cannot realise its own ideology with so much dominance by Umno's hegemony." The senior BN leader said yesterday that Gerakan could turn out to be a formidable third force in Malaysian politics if it quit BN, as it might if there was unwarranted intrusion into its affairs, especially in its choice of someone to succeed Koh Tsu Koon as Penang BN chairman. Hsu said Umno must learn to stop dictating how other component parties should carry themselves. "Umno and other BN component parties must give some space for component parties like Gerakan to move about and settle their own internal problems," he said. "If you want Gerakan to lead the election battle in Penang, then leave them be. I support the view that Gerakan should pull out of BN if there is too much meddling from others." "The Gerakan leadership, being quite mild, could never rock the boat. And so Umno takes advantage of this. The Penang people have rejected Gerakan not because of Gerakan itself, but because Gerakan could never stand up to Umno." Hsu, a physician, quit the party last March 8, exactly three years after the 12th general election, which was disastrous for Gerakan. He cited Umno's racial politics and its domineering attitude in BN as well as lack of will within BN to reform itself. He acknowledged that other parties in BN should have a say in the appointment of the coalition's leader in Penang or anywhere else, but he said they present their opinions only in the BN council, and after Gerakan had submitted its candidate's name. Emotional statement Reacting to the warning of a Gerakan pullout, Penang MCA secretary Lau Chiek Tuan accused the party's leaders of blaming others for their own mess. "You cannot use something like this as ransom," he said.
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| A-G gives nod to indelible ink Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:27 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - The Attorney-General cleared the way for the use of indelible ink in elections when he told a parliamentary panel today that only a minor change in electoral regulations was required to implement the key demand by polls reform movement Bersih 2.0. Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail informed the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms that "either a constitutional amendment or a regulation change" was required so the Election Commission (EC) can mark voters to avoid multiple voting. According to panel member Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, the change to Rule 19 of the Election (Conduct of Election) Regulations 1981 can "be done anytime" and only requires the approval of the Yang diPertuan Agong before Parliament is notified. "It does not need Parliament's approval. There is nothing to stop the use of indelible ink now. The road is clear," said Rasah MP Anthony Loke. But Maximus told reporters "the committee will weigh the matter before making any resolution." The Malaysian Insider previously reported that while the nine-man committee unanimously agreed that indelible ink can be used, Abdul Gani had said the Federal Constitution does not allow the authorities to force a voter to be marked with permanent ink. But after Abdul Gani clarified his stand today, a source said the A-G sent a note to the panel earlier this month saying "indelible ink cannot be used without changes to the constitution or laws related to it." "The A-G has basically squirmed out and flip-flopped using legal terms," he said. Mohd Radzi had also admitted that "even I, as a lawyer, found the letter very confusing." The EC had initially planned to use indelible ink, bought at a cost of RM2.4 million, for Election 2008 but backed out at the last minute, citing public order and security issues. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said yesterday that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would support a constitutional amendment if such was required to implement the use of indelible ink.
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| Nazri: Let eligible Malaysians vote Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:21 PM PST (The Star) - All eligible Malaysians should be allowed to vote whether they are in the country or overseas, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said. "As long as they (Malaysians) comply with the Federal Constitution's requirements, are at least 21 years old and have registered as voters, they should be allowed to exercise their right to vote," Nazri said. He added that organising such a vote during an election should not be too difficult. "The voting process can be conducted at Malaysian embassies." He was commenting on the case of six Malaysians in Britain who were granted leave for a judicial review by the High Court on Monday to compel the Election Commission (EC) to register them as absent voters in the next general election. The six are Dr Teo Hoon Seong, electrical engineer V. Vinesh, entrepreneur Paramjeet Singh, Dr Yolanda Sydney Augustin, translator Sim Tze Wei and software architect Leong See See. They are seeking a declaration that, as Malaysians staying abroad, they are entitled to be registered as absent voters and directed the EC, named as the sole respondent, to register them. On Monday, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms (PSC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said it would be following the developments closely. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Malaysians should come back to vote if they truly wanted to participate as citizens instead of asking to be registered as absent voters. "They have to have first-hand knowledge and information on the candidate and his background instead of merely depending on the media for information," he added.
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| National Feedlot Centre should explain operations, says Muhyiddin Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:17 PM PST (The Star) - The National Feedlot Centre (NFC) should give an explanation on the criticism it has faced following the Auditor-General's Report over its operations, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said a detailed explanation was needed since questions had been raised on its cattle-farming project. He added that the issue had been explained in detail by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar in Parliament. Muhyiddin was asked to comment on Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin's call on Monday for those involved in the NFC issue to resign from their posts. The A-G's Report, which was released last month, pointed out that production in 2010 was only 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1% of the target set. The NFC was set up three years ago to transform the cattle and beef industry, aided by satellite farms, to meet 40% of local beef demand by the end of last year. Muhyiddin said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was not involved in the project as the business operations were handled by her family members. "Whether it is right for Bung Mokhtar to call for her resignation, I think he can think for himself. "But I think the call was unnecessary, especially among our own people, as it did not say directly that Shahrizat was involved," he added.
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| "Nazri must provide explanation on his court testimony in PKFZ case" Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:09 PM PST (Malaysian Digest) - Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar today said the Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz must provide an explanation to the public regarding to his court testimony in the case of Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal. Speaking to reporters in Parliament today, Mahfuz said the statement made by Nazri in court gave an impression that cabinet members in this country are afraid of the power possessed by the prime minister.
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| Khairy: "I'm ready to debate with Rafizi" Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:02 PM PST (Malaysian Digest) - Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today said that he is ready to accept PKR's Strategic Officer Mohd Rafizi Ramli's challenge for a debate on the controversial National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) issue. However, Khairy said he has yet to recieve any official letter or invitation for the debate.
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| Popularity poll: Najib soars, Anwar plummets Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:39 PM PST According to a poll conducted by IIUM, the premier's popularity is rising while the glitter of the stars in the opposition camp is fading. (Free Malaysia Today) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's popularity rating has been rising steadily since 2009 while those in the opposition camp are losing their charm, according to a poll conducted by the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). The study on the popularity of five Malaysian leaders, conducted by IIUM's Media and Election Studies Unit, also found that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has maintained his popularity since leaving office in 2003. Three other personalities in leadership roles – PKR's Anwar Ibrahim, Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng – saw their popularity decline considerably, according to the study. Prof Syed Arabi Idid of IIUM's Communications Studies Department led the study, from March 2008 to July 2011, with his research coordinator Azrul Hisyam Wakichan. An average sample of 1,500 respondents – Malay, Chinese and Indian registered voters – were asked how satisfied they were with the leadership qualities of the five leaders. Syed Arabi attributed Najib's improved rating to his relentless effort to touch base with the people and steer the country to a promising future. The study clearly indicated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians now find Najib favourable, he said. In October 2008, 35% of the Malay, 33% of the Chinese and 41% of the Indian respondents noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied with Najib but by July 2011, their approval increased to 59%, 45% and 62%, respectively, he said. "In a nutshell, people are finding Najib more acceptable now as their leader," said Syed Arabi, who has been conducting studies on the popularity of political personalities since 1989. On the flagging popularity of Anwar, Nik Aziz and Guan Eng, he said it was probably contributed by current issues and their failure to achieve a common ground in many of the issues.
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| Najib's popularity up, Mahathir still revered Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:06 PM PST (Bernama) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's popularity rating has been rising steadily since 2009, according to a poll conducted by the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). The study on the popularity of five Malaysian leaders, conducted by IIUM's Media and Election Studies Unit, also found that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has very much maintained his popularity since leaving office in 2003. Three other personalities in leadership roles -- PKR de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng -- saw their popularity decline considerably, according to the study. Datuk Prof Syed Arabi Idid of IIUM's Communications Studies Department led the study, from March 2008 to July 2011, with his research coordinator Azrul Hisyam Wakichan. An average sample of 1,500 respondents -- Malay, Chinese and Indian registered voters -- were asked how satisfied they were with the leadership qualities of the five leaders. Syed Arabi attributed Najib's improved rating to his relentless effort to touch base with the people and steer the country to a promising future. The study clearly indicated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians now find Najib favourable. In October 2008, 35 per cent of the Malay, 33 per cent of the Chinese and 41 per cent of the Indian respondents noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied with Najib but by July 2011, their approval increased to 59 per cent, 45 per cent and 62 per cent, respectively, he said. "In a nutshell, people are finding Najib more acceptable now as their leader," said Syed Arabi, who has been conducting studies on the popularity of political personalities since 1989. On the flagging popularity of Anwar, Nik Aziz and Guan Eng, he said it was probably very much contributed by current issues and their failure to achieve a common ground in many of the issues. Azrul Hisyam said Malaysians hold high esteem for Mahathir and his legacy. An average of 74 per cent of the respondents polled were in favour of Mahathir throughout the four-year period. He noted that Malaysians see Mahathir as a proven leader and a man who speaks his mind without fear or favour. "They see him as an exemplary leader," he said.
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| Najib denies discussing polls at BN meet Posted: 15 Nov 2011 12:56 PM PST By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed speculation today that his meeting with Barisan Nasional (BN) party leaders last night centred on preparation for the coming general election. The BN chairman told reporters here he had merely called the meeting to "exchange ideas on current issues" with the leaders, adding his busy schedule only permitted him to hold the discussion last night. "It's just a normal meeting. Nothing on seat division," he said after launching the National Blue Ocean Strategy 3 housing project at an Orang Asli village here. "We can meet at anytime. The only time I had was last night. This afternoon, I have to go to Bali. Last night was the only time I had," he added. The prime minister smiled and shook his head when asked again if he had discussed seat allocations with the BN party leaders last night, saying, "Why are you so interested? No, not yesterday." Najib called for a meeting with BN component party leaders at his official residence in Putrajaya last night, shortly after he returned from the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Hawaii. According to Bernama Online, the two-hour meeting saw the attendance of Najib's deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and party presidents Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (MCA), Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB), Datuk M. Kayveas (PPP), Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (Gerakan), Datuk VK Liew (LDP), Datuk Seri Dr James Jemut Masing (PRS) and Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (PBS). The Malaysian Insider reported earlier yesterday the prime minister had summoned the meeting to finalise details on BN's potential candidates and seat allocations for the coming 13th general election. "Tomorrow's (yesterday's) meeting agenda is still unknown but Datuk Seri Najib wants to meet with us... possibly to offer his input and views on the question of candidates and division of seats," a BN component party leader had told The Malaysian Insider. "The time of the meeting will only be made known tomorrow (yesterday) when Najib returns... but the meeting is not an indication that the election will be held this year," the leader added.
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