Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- MCA: Make English a compulsory pass for SPM
- Police to question Ambiga over Seksualiti Merdeka
- ‘Stop hiding behind the Buku Jingga’
- Calls to keep PPSMI policy for future generations
- Huge Malaysian transit project hits rough patch
- ETP to keep Malaysia on the right track to high-income status by 2020
- The importance of proper procurement
- Learning in English to continue
- PAGE says likely to continue PPSMI struggle
- Pakatan against option to teach Science and Maths in English, says Nik Nazmi
- Dr M pushes for referendum on PPSMI
- Bar Council HQ vandalised with red paint
- "Bickering Politicians Will Benefit Enemies of Islam"
- It's not a pride parade, say organisers
- PAS reiterates its stand against PPSMI
- Ultimatum to Shahrizat: Answer charges or else
- Govt warned of more workers protests ahead
- Bersih 2.0 urges foreign monitors for GE13
- Dr M says Najib can save PPSMI
- Smooth transition
- Ministry Sets Up Committee To Study Marine Park Department Purchase
- Court decision a pleasant surprise
- OWC not letting off steam over ban on its sex guide
- Police move against Seksualiti Merdeka sparks heated debate between groups
- A simpler term for it is bribery
- Disabled group upset over ‘terrible’ action
- In Kelantan, hudud to be bellwether for Malay votes
- Najib: My daughter was not in Perth
- ‘Seksualiti Merdeka a collateral damage’
- Govt has RM40b untapped cash reserves, says Husni
- Malaysia performs below average in International Bribe Payers Index
- Police reportedly ban gay festival in Malaysia
- Anwar on highway's RM2b increase, bridge over land
- Muhyiddin: Seksualiti Merdeka is ‘immoral’
- MAS-AirAsia share swap under probe for insider trading
- Mixed-messages over Pakatan’s application
- Australian government pressured to act on Assange
- MAS-AirAsia deal not violating anti-trust law: Rafidah
- Malaysia bans steamy 'Islamic sex guide': report
- Poetic justice for Guan Eng
- Muhyiddin: Decision on PPSMI final
- AirAsia received RM249m subsidy for rural flights
- Anwar predicts ‘Malaysia Spring’ in next polls
- Nazri: Govt paid FBC Media to repair image abroad
- Pakatan: GST won’t save Malaysia from bankruptcy
- Husni dismisses debt fears, says government has enough funds
- Bahasa Malaysia has no global economic value
- Greek govt heading for meltdown
- Kita is dreaming, says Kedah DAP
- Malaysian companies among the worst ‘bribers’
| MCA: Make English a compulsory pass for SPM Posted: 04 Nov 2011 07:09 PM PDT By Melissa Chi, TMI KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — MCA moved today to back Putrajaya in scrapping PPSMI (teaching and learning of mathematics and science in English) but suggested that English be turned into a compulsory pass subject like Bahasa Malaysia in the SPM examination. Currently, Form Five students have to pass Bahasa Malaysia and history to receive their SPM certificate. The party also suggested making English literature a compulsory subject in schools to add emphasis on the usage of the language, saying it would help Malaysians "keep up with the rest of the world". "The government has listened to the voices of the rakyat in coming up with the win-win situation for all stakeholders concerned. "It is however the fervent hope of the MCA that the Ministry of Education put emphasis on the usage of English to equip Malaysians with the universal language to keep up with the rest of the world," MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said in a statement today. Dr Chua was responding to Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement yesterday that students who have already been using PPSMI may continue with it until they complete their secondary education. But the deputy prime minister stressed that this did not mean the government was making a U-turn in its decision to scrap the policy. He explained the decision meant that students between Year Three and Form Five next year would be given the option to learn science and maths in Bahasa Malaysia, English or both until they complete their primary and secondary education. But this year's Year One students, the first batch to undergo MBMMBI (Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English), would have to continue learning the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia when they enter Year Two, he said.
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| Police to question Ambiga over Seksualiti Merdeka Posted: 04 Nov 2011 06:23 PM PDT By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Police have summoned prominent lawyer Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan for questioning in connection with her support for a banned sexual rights event. "I can confirm that Datuk Ambiga has been asked to go to Dang Wangi (police station) on Tuesday for questioning... in connection with Seksualiti Merdeka," Bersih steering committee member Andrew Khoo told The Malaysian Insider today. Ambiga (picture), chairman of outlawed electoral reform group Bersih, had earlier agreed to launch Seksualiti Merdeka on Wednesday. She stressed, however, that she did not organise the event and had only agreed to officiate the festival as a private citizen and not as a representative of Bersih. Seksualiti Merdeka, a movement championing the freedom for sexual orientation and gender identity, has been holding the festival annually since 2008 but sparked a heated debate after the government banned the celebration yesterday. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police were not against freedom of expression or human rights but had to step in because the organisers did not have a permit to hold the festival in public.
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| ‘Stop hiding behind the Buku Jingga’ Posted: 04 Nov 2011 05:33 PM PDT MCA mocks Pakatan Rakyat for constantly hiding behind the Buku Jingga whenever there are disagreements among the opposition coalition members. (Fee Malaysia Today) - MCA has slammed the opposition coalition for always using their common policy framework, the Buku Jingga as their "shield" when there are disagreements between the Pakatan Rakyat coalition members. "Whenever a disagreement occurs, they will just play the Buku Jingga card and say that it is not listed in the book," said MCA National Organising Secretary, Tee Siew Kiong. Tee said that the Buku Jingga was again used as a shield in the latest disagreement within the opposition on the PPSMI (Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science in English) issue. On Monday, DAP's publicity chief, Tony Pua had said that it was important to have an option for students to learn Science and Math in English. However, PKR communications director, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said on Thursday that PKR does not support the policy as it was not mooted by Pakatan Rakyat's common policy framework, the Buku Jingga. Yesterday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng reiterated again his party's stand for options to be made available and argued that there was no conflict between the opposition coalition members. Tee said that the differing views that showed that DAP's position in the Opposition coalition was "precarious".
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| Calls to keep PPSMI policy for future generations Posted: 04 Nov 2011 05:29 PM PDT Parents are happy with the government's about turn on the PPSMI issue but they want the policy to be kept for future generations. (Free Malaysia Today) - There is a sense of relief that the students will be allowed to continue learning Mathematics and Science in English but at the same time parents want the policy to be continued for future generations. "What has been announced is a half measure, it is not a total reinstatement of PPSMI…it is a knee-jerk reaction because of the demands of parents. This is just a move to please as the elections are around the corner. "English is important for scientific knowledge. the body of knowledge of Math and Science are in English," said Shamsudin Bin Hamid a father of four school-going children. " The younger generation should not be deprived of this." he said. Yesterday, Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the cabinet has decided to allow students under the PPSMI policy to continue learning Mathematics and Science in English or in Bahasa Malaysia. Muhyiddin who is also the Deputy Prime Mnister said that this was this is to address the concerns of parents whose children are already studying the subjects in English. However, he said that the abolishment of PPSMI as decided in 2009 still stands and students coming into Standard One next year will learn the two subjects in Malay as the MBMMBI (Upholding the Malay Language, Strengthening the English Language) commences. Shamsudin said Bahasa Malaysia as the national language will still be given importance as a medium of instruction for other subjects. "I fully support former primer Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion that other subjects such as history and geography should be thought in Malay, as it is our national language, but it is imperative for Math and Science to be thought in English," he said. Another parent, Lee Hui Seng, whose 16 year-old son is studying in a school in PJ said all parents whose children are directly affected will be happy however the struggle must continue to keep this debate alive.
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| Huge Malaysian transit project hits rough patch Posted: 04 Nov 2011 10:31 AM PDT By Julia Zappei, AFP KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Judy Lam never saw herself as an activist -- until officials turned up at her family's small hotel in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown and announced plans to take it over. Now Lam, 50, is among dozens of landowners in the capital who have emerged as a surprising stumbling block for a project central to government economic stimulus plans -- a multi-billion dollar mass rapid transit line. The 51-kilometre line is Malaysia's biggest-ever infrastructure project, set for completion in 2016 and projected to transport 400,000 commuters daily to ease the city's excruciating traffic. But its route through central Kuala Lumpur has hit loud landowner opposition in a country where mega-projects have traditionally been rammed through. Opponents accuse authorities of attempting to grab valuable properties and fear the project will alter unique neighbourhoods like Chinatown that highlight the country's multi-ethnic flavour. "We didn't even know about the planned land acquisition until one day (in August) someone came to measure the land!" Lam said of her family's 70-year-old Lok Ann Hotel. Few dispute that mass transit is needed to ease the dreaded daily traffic jams in the city, whose greater metropolitan area has a growing population now estimated at more than six million. It is "crucial" to upgrade public transport to project an image of modernity, attract investment and boost the economy, said Yeah Kim Leng, chief economist with financial research firm RAM Holdings. The line linking central Kuala Lumpur with sprawling suburbs is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Najib Razak's plans to spur a slowing economy amid trouble in Malaysia's overseas export markets. Construction is expected to create 130,000 jobs. Promotional materials show modern high-rises and skybridges sprouting along the line. But the system would wind through bustling neighbourhoods marked by British colonial-era buildings, reminders of Malaysia's vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures -- and stubborn longtime residents. The Lok Ann Hotel's modest orange facade is set amid other old Chinese-style shophouses. Around the corner, pavement vendors sell fish, cheap watches, used shoes and trinkets. The hotel's coffee shop, a social hub as far back as 1957 when Malaysia declared independence from Britain in nearby Merdeka Stadium, still packs them in. Opponents fear project-related development would lead to more of the charmless shopping malls proliferating in the city at the expense of heritage properties. "If the government takes it, it's daylight robbery," Lam said. "(Our neighbourhood) is about history, heritage, culture. We hope the government will listen to us." Malaysian law allows the government to take over land -- with compensation -- for public purposes. But with Najib expected to call elections within months -- and recently promising a break with the country's authoritarian past -- the government has to tread lightly. State-owned MRT Co. said last month it would drop plans to appropriate land in hotly disputed downtown areas like Chinatown and instead pursue deals with landowners to allow construction for underground stations and tunneling. It also guaranteed no historic Chinatown buildings would be destroyed. That means Lam's hotel would be spared demolition but she still worries that underground construction work may damage her property and irrevocably change the area Opposition lawmaker Tony Pua said the "U-turn" rubbished earlier claims that land takeovers were needed and proved citizens "need to mobilise and speak up for their rights". But opposition politicians and activists also complain of a lack of transparency in the project, warning it could lead to the sort of poor planning and corruption frequently exposed in large Malaysian projects. They have called for public release of a master plan justifying costs that the government has warned could run past an initially announced $11.5 billion and passenger projections seen by some as too high. Officials insist the project must move forward. "If we do not have the MRT, I can tell you by the year 2020 this city will be choked," Idris Jala, who heads an office spearheading Najib's economic growth plans, was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency. But Rajiv Rishyakaran of public transport advocacy group Transit said questions surround the project, adding that the affair highlights an emerging spirit of civic action in Malaysia. "(Before), people just accepted what the government was doing. Now the demands for greater transparency and accountability are much higher," he said. "We are still on square one when it comes to transparency. There is a lot of mess because it's a very rushed project. It wasn't planned properly," he added. Officials have ruled out a route realignment and insist the project is still on track. That leaves other properties, particularly in the colourful Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district, in the firing line and some landowners there are readying court challenges. Meanwhile, Lam and others are determined to keep up pressure for a full realignment. "We are going to fight until the end," she said. |
| ETP to keep Malaysia on the right track to high-income status by 2020 Posted: 04 Nov 2011 10:29 AM PDT By Cecelia Kok, The Star BEING a small and open economy, Malaysia may not be totally insulated from the effects of a global economic slowdown expected in the year ahead. But the last thing we have to do, says Datuk Seri Idris Jala , is to bury our heads in the sand. Quoting his favourite quote by American author Helen Keller, Jala says: "If we keep our faces to the sunshine, we will not see the shadows." The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department who also acts as the chief executive officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) is confident Malaysia has sufficient measures in place to not only cushion its economy against potential turbulence, but to also maintain it on the right path to become a high-income and developed nation by 2020. "As long as we remain focused on our key growth areas and keep on promoting a competitive environment through our strategic reform initiatives, we will not be derailed," Jala says. Indeed, focus on the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) and ensuring competitiveness through Strategic Reform Initiatives (SRIs) have become the two keys driving Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) that aims to propel the nation to high-income status by 2020. The ETP was launched a year ago by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak . It contains a set of reform and growth measures to boost Malaysia's gross national income (GNI ) to US$523bil (RM1.7 trillion), or GNI per capita of US$15,000 (RM48,000), by the end of this decade, so as to meet the World Bank 's threshold for high-income nation. And in line with the GNI target, the ETP is expected to draw in US$444bil (RM1.4 trillion) worth of investments and create 3.3 million additional jobs by 2020. The ideal situation for this to happen smoothly is to grow the economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), at an annual rate of 6% for the next 10 years. But the ongoing global economic uncertainties stemming from unresolved problems in Western developed nations might just be a damper to the plan. While Jala concedes that Malaysia's GDP growth could at times fall short of the annual target on its journey towards becoming a high-income economy, he believes those external challenges would not pose much inhibition for the country to keep on growing its GNI, investment levels and the number of new jobs created to meet the ultimate targets set in the ETP. "It's more important for us to be focused on meeting the targets for those three elements that make up the country's high-income agenda, even as the GDP growth fluctuates, because when we do, we know we are on the right track," he explains. As revealed in Jala's recent presentation, the ETP at its nascent stage is already bearing some pretty good results. Year-to-date, the programme has already realised some RM10bil worth of investments, or 64% of the RM15bil committed for 2011. Idris says the remaining RM5bil worth of investments will be making its way into the economy before the year ends. So far, the Entry Point Projects (EPPs) have been progressing at very encouraging pace as well. A total of 70 out of the 131 EPPs, or 53%, have already taken off. Thanks to some of the EPPs having multiple projects, the economy is currently seeing 97 projects in various stages of implementation. Tourism NKEA For instance, under the Tourism NKEA is the Johor Premium Outlets in Genting Indahpura. Already 95% completed, the project has been scheduled for a grand opening next month. So far, more than 80 designers and brand names have confirmed their presence at the Johor Premium Outlets. Under the Oil, Gas and Energy NKEA is the Pengerang Independent Petroleum Terminal, which started its first-phase construction last month. The facility is scheduled for completion by December 2013 and the first oil is expected out in January 2014. Under the Palm Oil NKEA, on the other hand, 186 mills with a dedicated quality enforcement officer have been established, thereby increasing the country's oil extraction rate this year from 19.7% in January to 20.54% in September, and resulted in a RM2.2bil increase in crude palm oil production. The other nine NKEAs financial services; wholesale and retail; information and communication technology (ICT); education services; electrical and electronic; business services; private healthcare; agriculture; and Greater Kuala Lumpur are also seeing encouraging progress in terms of project implementation. "We are hitting all of them just about right. By being focused on the 12 key growth areas, the private sector's confidence in the local economy has also increased," Jala says, pointing to growth in private investments during the first six months of 2011 as evidence. During the period in review, private investments outstripped that of the public sector after it registered a growth of 23.4% to RM51.2bil, representing 62% of the RM83bil targeted for the entire year. In terms of GNI, Malaysia had already reached RM288bil, or 58% of its target for 2011, during the first half, and created 344,000 additional jobs, or 50% of target. Drawing lessons from other economies that have made it from middle to high income, Jala is mindful that Malaysia cannot attempt to be the best at everything, lest it loses focus and ends up being just an average nation, while remaining trapped in the middle-income bracket. "In this highly competitive world, we cannot afford to be Mr Average," he explains. Still, there is not shortage of critics who say the pace of project implementation under the ETP has not been up to mark. To this, Jala says, the Government has a whole list of projects listed on Pemandu's website for all to check on the progress. "Most projects are driven by the private sector; so if they criticise, they are actually criticising the private sector, not the government... the speed of project implementation in contingent upon the private sector to run," he explains. As far as the Government is concerned, Jala says, it has a governance structure to ensure delivery and the smooth implementation of projects. "The NKEA and SRI teams are in constant contact with project owners. If there are any problems, we deal with it swiftly and promptly by escalating them to the respective steering committees chaired by the lead minister. Problems that cannot be solved at that level will be escalated to the Economic Council, which the Prime Minister chairs every Monday for three hours," he explains, adding that he personally receives weekly reports from each of his team at 5pm every Friday with no exceptions. Stuctural reforms Jala emphasised that the ETP is more than just about achieving the numbers through projects, and that the Government is serious about structural reforms of the country's economy to boost its competitiveness. "There's where we have the six SRIs to enable competitiveness to flourish in our economy," he explains. "It is absolutely critical for competitiveness to thrive in our economy, especially in times of a global slowdown, so that when the global economy rebounds, we can soar even higher. We have to build resilience so that we can continue to explore opportunities in times of crisis," Jala says. As part of an effort to boost the country's competitiveness, Jala reassures the fact that the Government will continue to reduce its involvement in business to encourage the private sector to take over as the driver of growth. The Government announced in July it had identified 33 companies ready for divestment. Under the plan to rationalise the portfolio of government-linked companies (GLCs), the Government will reduce its stakes in some of these companies, list a few others and sell the rest. The divestment plan is still under way. "I want to tell the private sector do not worry too much about the GLCs," Jala says, adding that the Government is very clear of its role, and that is to be the catalyst for business growth, and not to be involved in business except in specific areas. Four criteria According to Jala, the Government has set four criteria under which its involvement in business would still be required. These include when the private sector needs co-investment in projects that are GNI-positive such as the regional corridor developments, when it involves national security such as defence and rice-production industries, when large capital investment is needed and the investment has long gestation period such as nano-technology. Another is in national infrastructure projects such as renewable energy and public transport. Jala has observed that oftentimes, the people turn out to be their own worst enemy when it comes to the pursuit of economic success. Malaysians have become too hung up on what he calls a "small piece of cake", known as the domestic market. "We are all at fault for quarrelling too much among ourselves over the share we get out of this small piece of cake'," Jala says. "We cannot propel our economy by doing that. The huge market is out there," he adds. Instead of bickering, Malaysians should work together as one to produce "winners" that could be the "Apples" or the "Samsungs" of the world by 2020, Jala points out. As the ETP enters its second year of implementation, Jala says there are calls for the Government to raise the bar higher after an encouraging performance during the first year. Nevertheless, new targets for 2012 have yet to be set and will only be identified when the Government sets new KPIs for the respective ministries at the end of this year, he says. "We still have a long way to go to 2020. We're on the right trajectory, but we've not achieved our vision just yet, so we can't declare victory. We must remember this is not a sprint, but a marathon," Jala says. |
| The importance of proper procurement Posted: 04 Nov 2011 10:26 AM PDT By P Gunasegaram, The Star From night view binoculars and thumb drives see the recently released Auditor-General's report) to mass rapid transit systems (see our cover story this week) managing procurement is a vital part of government. Mismanage that and you have spiralling costs spinning out of control to cause damage to government finances especially in the current scenario where worrisome world conditions threaten growth and prosperity, and by extension government revenues. We simply cannot afford to waste money in the same way that we have been doing in the past. There are three aspects to procurement – first prioritise to buy only what you need and if there are competing needs as they always are, buy what you need most. Second do your damnedest to ensure that what you buy fits the need and third get it at the lowest cost possible. Sadly, the evidence, as indicated by the AG's report, is that we as a nation routinely do not follow any of this when in fact we should be adhering to all three of them like a blood-starved leech on human skin in the virgin jungles of Pahang. Let's take a look at night binoculars, a terribly amusing tale if not for the seriousness of it all. According to an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or MACC following the AG's report, they could have been bought for RM5,000 a pair by the Marine Park Department but instead the department was charged RM50,000 by the company or 10 times more! Surprisingly, MACC's deputy chief commissioner Datuk Mohd Shukri Abdul told a news conference there was no case of graft. He inexplicably maintained that there were no financial irregularities in the purchase of the two pairs of binoculars but conceded the department had ignored Treasury procedures. Surely the question is, WHY? According to news reports, the AG's report for 2010 had said that the department paid RM56,250 for a pair of night vision binoculars which has an estimated market price of RM1,940. But what the department got instead was a non-night vision pair worth RM1,069. Whichever body you listen to its clear that the wastage was enormous – at least 10 times market price according to the MACC and at least 50 times according to the AG's report. Yes, the base amounts are relatively small but small amounts repeated numerous times add up to quite a bit. How is it possible that up to 50 times the market price is made for the purchase of an item and nobody is eventually held to account for that? That kind of lack of accountability simply ensures that the misdeed will be repeated over and over again. Let's take the My Rapid Transit (MRT) system now. The debate over whether we need it or not is over. The decision has been taken to proceed with it and there can be little doubt that Kuala Lumpur badly needs it, even if many other things can and should be done to improve the traffic situation first. Yes, there is a plan in place and tenders have already been pre-qualified for the tunnelling works for the first line. This first phase could cost up to RM30bil, perhaps less. That's a massive amount of money. It is important to ensure that it is built at the lowest cost possible for the required specifications. It is necessary to ensure that it works and there is a huge coordination effort required. Work on the other two lines will have to start soon too and there will be overlap in terms of time with the first. There will be many phases, many tenders and many contracts. On it will depend the future of KL, whether it will be a city choked by its own traffic becoming increasingly unliveable or whether it will gain a lifeline by finding a suitable, affordable and more humane commute for millions who work in the city and surrounding areas. It is good to note that the tenders will be open but equally important that the tenders are evaluated by those who know how to evaluate them and will do so fairly without any interference. If that is done, the price can be kept reasonable and there will be some hope that the MRT will operate well. Property development will help to defray very little of the overall costs of the project and limited land acquisition will actually help to keep project costs lower and cause far less angst among those whose properties are affected. It is clear that the government will have to bear the brunt of expenses for the project but it may not be all that much considering that the project will be spread out over 8-10 years, with the first line spanning some 5-6 years. If total costs were RM50bil and if these were spread out over 10 years, then the cost per year may be around RM5bil, give or take some to account for lumpiness of at least some of the project costs. That is within the government's affordability level but still costs must be kept as low as possible. It is vital for good government finances to keep a tight grip on buying. Patronage and politics must play no part in procurement, big or small. P. Gunasegaram is taking a break for the rest of the year before he decides what to do next. He wishes readers all the best and thanks them for their attention, interest and comments. He considers it a privilege to have connected with them through The Star these past three years. |
| Learning in English to continue Posted: 04 Nov 2011 10:24 AM PDT (The Star) - PUTRAJAYA: Students who have started learning Science and Mathematics in English will continue to do so until they complete their studies in Form Five. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision was made by the Cabinet to ease the concerns of parents. This meant that pupils from Year Two onwards would continue learning under the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy, he said. "I am not interested in the PPSMI debate and I hope parents understand that the Government is responsive. "A circular on the issue has already been prepared and we will send it out to schools very soon," he told reporters after briefing ministry staff on the "soft landing" of the policy. Muhyiddin said schools would have the option to teach Science and Mathematics fully in English, Bahasa Malaysia, or bilingually. "Students will continue with whatever system they have in place now, be it in English, Bahasa Malaysia or both languages." The two subjects will be fully taught again in Bahasa Malaysia starting 2016 for primary schools and 2021 for secondary schools. Muhyiddin said research had shown that most schools were already teaching both subjects in Bahasa Malaysia. "Less than 5% of 7,495 primary schools use English to teach the subjects, and for secondary schools, less than 9% out of 2,192 use English," he said. When pressed for more information, Muhyiddin said this meant that the medium of instruction for the two subjects in schools would be based on the needs of children and teachers. "The schools would know better than me," he said. The PPSMI policy was initiated by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and implemented in phases, beginning with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003. It was then announced in 2009 that the Government would reverse the policy and revert to Bahasa Malaysia in national schools, and Chinese and Tamil in vernacular schools, while more emphasis would be placed on English as a subject. At the time, it was also announced that Form Six students would not be affected by the reversal so as to help them in their transition to tertiary studies. Muhyiddin said public examinations for the two subjects would continue to be bilingual until 2016 for primary schools and 2021 for secondary schools. "It is up to students to choose to answer in any language they are comfortable in. "They can even answer one question in English and another in Bahasa Malaysia in the same examination paper," he added. Muhyiddin also said the ministry had produced textbooks in Bahasa Malaysia to cater to schools which were already teaching the two subjects in that language, as they had been using translations of the present English textbooks. He added that the abolition of the PPSMI policy did not mean that the Government was ignoring the importance of mastering English. "Under the policy on Upholding Bahasa Malaysia and Strengthening English, the ministry is implementing new initiatives to improve the mastery of English among students," he said. |
| PAGE says likely to continue PPSMI struggle Posted: 04 Nov 2011 10:19 AM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — The Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) will likely pursue its cause to retain PPSMI in schools despite expressing "deep appreciation" to the government for allowing those already enjoying the policy to continue. PAGE chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim told The Malaysian Insider she was "pleasantly surprised" by yesterday's announcement by Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but admitted the decision still fell short of the group's demands. "We are in a difficult situation now... we do deeply appreciate what the government has agreed to and we sincerely thank them. "But at the same time, we want this (PPSMI) policy for our future generation, to go beyond 2020, until we are all dead and gone. We want this opportunity given to all," she said when contacted last night. PAGE had earlier warned the Barisan Nasional (BN) government of a voter backlash if it refused to consider retaining PPSMI (the teaching of science and mathematics in English) in schools. Muhyiddin announced yesterday those students who have already been using the PPSMI policy may continue with it until they complete their secondary education. But the deputy prime minister stressed that it did not mean the government was making a U-turn in its decision to scrap the policy. He explained the decision meant that students between Year Three and Form Five next year would be allowed the option of learning science and mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia, English or both languages, as allowed under PPSMI, until they complete their primary and secondary education. But this year's Year One students, the first batch to undergo MBMMBI (Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English), would have to continue learning the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia when they enter Year Two next year, he said. MBMMBI was mooted in July 2009 to replace PPSMI and came into effect in January this year for Year One students. PPSMI was introduced in 2003 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Noor Azimah questioned the sudden decision, pointing out that until Thursday, Muhyiddin had appeared bent on pressing on with the government's original decision to scrap PPSMI completely next year.
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| Pakatan against option to teach Science and Maths in English, says Nik Nazmi Posted: 04 Nov 2011 04:15 AM PDT (The Star) - Giving schools the option of teaching Science and Mathematics in English is not part of Pakatan Rakyat's policy although DAP wants it, PKR communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said. He said that while it was understood that there was a need for students to master English and to receive quality education, PPSMI was not the way to achieve these objectives. "Pakatan's policy is clear on the matter and should be left at that until and unless the Pakatan leadership decides otherwise," he said. On Monday, the DAP was reported as urging the Education Ministry to give the option to schools to teach Science and Mathematics in English, where the majority of the parents chose to do so. Nik Nazmi said that Pakatan was against PPSMI because the best way to educate children is through the national language understood by everyone. "Educating students in a language that is foreign to them would benefit the English-speaking students at the expense of the rest, thus widening inequality," he said, adding that Pakatan supported the effort to improve the teaching of English through improving the quality of English teachers and the syllabus. He also said that Malaysia's performance dropped significantly in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2007 (United States) after the implementation of PPSMI. Nik Nazmi said that PPSMI was not mentioned in the Common Policy Framework or Buku Jingga, which binds PKR, PAS and DAP. He pointed out that PPSMI, which was implemented in 2003, resulted in Science and Mathematics teachers who had a poor command of English being forced to teach in the language, thus affecting the quality of their teaching. "As a result, non-English speaking households had the added burden of coping with teachers who were unable to properly teach the two subjects," he said.
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| Dr M pushes for referendum on PPSMI Posted: 04 Nov 2011 02:23 AM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed asked for a referendum to decide if English should be used to teach science and mathematics, as pressure mounted on the government to reconsider its policy reversion to Malay. "Perhaps we should do a referendum," he told reporters today at the sidelines of the Third World Chinese Economic Forum here. Dr Mahathir also said that a survey should be done on whether a gap is emerging between the rich and the poor due to access to English. "If we do a survey for example whether it is true that rich people are sending their kids to schools that use English but the poor have to go to schools provided by the government that teach in Malay" Mahathir said that it was never too late to backtrack on the decision to abolish the policy and revert to English. "These are man made laws," he said. "It is not God's law. It can be repealed. There is no such thing as a fixed law that cannot be changed forever." The former prime minister also stressed that he was not being unpatriotic for pushing for mathematics and science to be taught in English noting that Malaysians have to be ready to deal with scientific discoveries which were often written up in English. "I am as much a nationalist as anybody else," he said. "I advocated the use of Malay long before many of those people (who are against English) were born. But I realise the practicality of it. We have to master scientific knowledge if we want to develop this country. That is why despite the fact that many of my old friends are against me, I still stand by it." Mahathir added that using English as a medium of instruction for science in the multi-racial, multi-lingual nation would be beneficial. "I believe PPSMI is good for Malaysia whether for Malays, Chinese or Indians," he said.
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| Bar Council HQ vandalised with red paint Posted: 03 Nov 2011 08:12 PM PDT Calling the act irresponsible and cowardly, council chief says incident is connected to its support for the Sekualiti Merdeka festival. (Free Malaysia Today) - Red paint was splashed at the front entrance of the Malaysian Bar Council headquarters in Kual Lumpur about 1am this morning and the council is convinced that it is related to its support for the Seksualiti Merdeka festival. Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said: "It's an irresponsible and cowardly act. We have information it is connected to the Seksualiti Merdeka festival, as pamphlets criticising the festival were found at the scene. "Such a reaction to the event is deplorable and must be condemned. Those who hold a different viewpoint on the festival should be civil and engage in discussion and dialogue." The council has been supportive of the festival which celebrates the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community to freedom of expression. An annual feature since 2008, the festival has drawn much criticism this year with right-wing group Perkasa and Islamic party PAS being two of the most vocal detractors. They alleged that Seksualiti Merdeka promotes unnatural lifestyle. Even Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin weighed in and called the event "immoral".
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| "Bickering Politicians Will Benefit Enemies of Islam" Posted: 03 Nov 2011 08:08 PM PDT (Malaysian Digest) - Muslim politicians that are always at loggerheads with each other was one of the reason why the western secular ideas can easily influenced this country, said PERKID president ustaz Masridzi Sat (photo).
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| It's not a pride parade, say organisers Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:47 PM PDT (New Straits Times) - The organisers of Seksualiti Merdeka yesterday claimed that the event was not aimed at promoting homosexuality but to champion rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). The event's co-founder, Pang Khee Teik, said it "is not a pride parade" but a series of talks, forums, workshops, art, theatre and music performances, interactive installations, and film screenings organised by a coalition of Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Pang said the event was aimed at stopping discrimination, harassment and violence towards one's sexual orientation and gender preference. It is organised by a coalition of Malaysian NGOs including the Malaysian Bar Council, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Empower, PT Foundation, United Nations and Amnesty International. "We hope to create a platform for the community. Some people say this is Western influenced but that is not true as the LGBT community exists across the world and we even have a small population in our country." Pang explained that keeping quiet had not helped the community as many were subjected to high levels of hostility and violence. Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said all human beings should be treated equally. "Individuals have the right to make their own choices in sexual orientation and gender identity in the spirit of equality." The Malaysian Bar's stand is embodied, in particular, in the first three principles of The Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, which are; the right to the universal enjoyment of human rights, the rights to equality and non-discrimination and the right to recognition before the law. "In Malaysia, the LGBT community has long been treated as 'outsiders' as they face numerous hardships, including a lack of personal safety due to harassment by civil and Syariah authorities, living in fear of prosecution for the private acts of consenting adults, and constantly facing public discrimination and denigration." PT Foundation acting executive director Raymond Tai said their primary focus was on HIV prevention and care and support for the community most affected by HIV.
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| PAS reiterates its stand against PPSMI Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:42 PM PDT (The Star) - PAS has reiterated that it is against the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English. PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had introduced the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) in 2003 to help improve the command of English among students but the policy had failed to achieve this. "The teaching of the subjects in English did not help improve students' ability to speak well in English," he said. Mahfuz added that currently the emphasis on teaching English was mainly on reading and writing and little on speaking, and for this reason the subject should be improved and upgraded to include speaking ability. He also said that the teaching of the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia was also acknowledging it as the national language and the medium of teaching.
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| Ultimatum to Shahrizat: Answer charges or else Posted: 03 Nov 2011 04:53 PM PDT Opposition group visits National Feedlot Centre's farm in Gemas. (Free Malaysia Today) - PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli claims he has more information than already revealed about Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's involvement in the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) and has threatened to expose them unless she responds to allegations made in recent days. Rafizi visited the NFC farm here yesterday, a day after he alleged in a press conference that most of the beef produced by the centre is supplied to luxury restaurants owned by the family of Shahrizat, the Minister for Women, Family and Community Development. Agriculture Minister Noh Omar had earlier confirmed that members of her family manage the luxury restaurants. "We want to know how much exactly was spent for this farm," Rafizi said after his visit. "How many head of cattle are bred here and how many are slaughtered per day?" He posed the questions in front of more than 70 people outside the farm. Most of them were journalists and publicity officials of opposition parties. "Based on the information I have, they are supposed to breed 60,000 cows per year but I learnt that only 8, 000 cows were produced over a period of three years" he said. Rafizi was accompanied on his visit by five Negeri Sembilan state assemblymen—Mohd Taufek Abdul Ghani (PAS-Paroi), M Ravi (PKR-Port Dickson), Aminuddin Harun (PKR-Sikamat), P Gunasekaran (DAP-Senawang) and Ng Chin Tsai (DAP-Temiang). Also in his delegation was Fariz Musa, the chief coordinator of Jingga 13, a PKR-linked NGO.
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| Govt warned of more workers protests ahead Posted: 03 Nov 2011 03:47 PM PDT (Harakah Daily) -- Nov 4: Malaysian Trades Union Congress has told the government to brace for more protests if it ignored opposition to the amendment on Contractor of Labour to Employment Act 1955, passed by parliament on October 6. The amendment, which allows investors to hire Malaysians as contract workers instead of permanent staff, has drawn wide criticism from MTUC, who described it as a form of slavery practised during British rule. The union also said the amendment would not benefit workers, instead, Malaysian workers would be exploited. Human Resources minister S Subramaniam however defended the amendment, claiming it would enable a more systematic monitoring of labour outsourcing agencies, especially in isolated locations. PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, who earlier joined some 250 workers in Shah Alam yesterday (pic), said the amendment was illegal as it did not take into account the rights of employees in the country. "With the amendment, every employer will prefer hiring only contract workers to avoid higher costs. "We know that contract workers will not have Employees Provident Fund and SOCSO deductions, so they do not have to bear these costs," said Mat Sabu, who also warned that employees would be deprived of safety assurances at workplace. "And this would greatly affect the affected employees and their family if anything were to happen." The nationwide protests led by MUTC kicked off 5pm nationwide yesterday at 20 spots. MUTC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamad who attended the Shah Alam gathering said the huge turnout was a signal to the government to take the matter seriously. "We will continue to hold protests for as long as the government remains silent," he said. |
| Bersih 2.0 urges foreign monitors for GE13 Posted: 03 Nov 2011 03:42 PM PDT By Kean Wong, The Malaysian Insider
CANBERRA, Nov 4 — Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has challenged the Najib administration to invite international observers for the next general election to demonstrate its confidence in free and fair elections, saying that a Mahathir-era precedent would easily enable this to recur. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has set up an all-party parliamentary select commission to look into demands for electoral reforms, including the eight listed by Bersih 2.0 for its July 9 rally. "If you say the (electoral) system is OK, get international observers. Prove it to us," Ambiga urged the Malaysian government, in an address at a packed Australian National University (ANU) law school theatre filled with students, lawyers and policy officials. "Bring in the international observers, let them observe our elections. That's my call to the Malaysian government. "If you say your system is fine and that it doesn't need (electoral) reform before the 13th general election, I dare you to bring in international observers. And let them determine if our elections are free and fair," said the Bersih 2.0 leader, who received a rock-star welcome at her ANU lecture. Ambiga's appearance at the ANU law school here this week concluded her lecture tour of Australia following several earlier engagements in Melbourne and Sydney. She also held a raft of meetings in Canberra with Australian political leaders from various parties and met with foreign policy officials in the parliamentary zone, highlighting Bersih 2.0's campaign for electoral reform and its eight key demands. Her speech recounting the July 9 demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur and in over 30 cities worldwide, and her explanation of Bersih 2.0's campaign for democratisation, was frequently interrupted by applause. She was also mobbed afterwards by students and other Malaysians eager to photograph and record their meeting with her in Canberra. The ANU organisers said hundreds from around the world had logged on to watch Ambiga's talk and the discussion afterwards on a livestreaming service over the Internet, and a few questions from viewers abroad were answered by the Bersih 2.0 leader in the lecture hall.
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| Dr M says Najib can save PPSMI Posted: 03 Nov 2011 03:41 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - LANGKAWI, Nov 4 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that Datuk Seri Najib Razak can stop his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from scrapping the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy that was introduced by the former prime minister before he stepped down in 2003. Dr Mahathir, who is still widely influential in Umno after serving as PM for 22 years, said the current prime minister should do so for the good of the country. |
| Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:59 AM PDT By Mastami Mustaza, NST KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will address today all issues on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English policy (PPSMI), which will put to rest all uncertainties, said its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The deputy prime minister said he would explain in great detail, addressing parents' worries, including a smooth transition from PPSMI to the successor policy, MBMBI, or Memartabatkan Bahasa Melayu dan memperkasakan Bahasa Inggeris (Uplifting Bahasa Melayu and strengthening English language). Muhyiddin said this after meeting participants of SMR HR Group's English teachers project at the Gardens Hotel here. He said the decision to abolish PPSMI was made in 2009 and that as far as the ministry was concerned, this was final. He said the majority of Malaysians understood and accepted why the policy was discarded in favour of one dignifying Bahasa Melayu and strengthening English language use. Instead, decisions were made in the best interests of the people and the nation. |
| Ministry Sets Up Committee To Study Marine Park Department Purchase Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:36 AM PDT (Bernama) PUTRAJAYA -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has set up a committee to identify elements of non-compliance or negligence in the issue of equipment procurement by the Marine Park Department which was allegedly much higher than the market price as reported in the 2010 Auditor-General's Report tabled recently. According to a statement issued by the ministry here on Thursday, the committee was chaired by the ministry's principal division secretary (management services) Junaidah Kamaruddin. "The committee will conduct a detailed investigation by taking into consideration clarifications by officers involved before deciding the next course of action," the statement said. According to the statement, the purchase was made in one lump sum for a unit of aluminium boat for the use by the department. "The overall procurement totaled RM7,513,429.05 including design, construction, testing and supply of the boat and not the specific procurement of equipment such as binocular, LCD TV, laptop, CCTV and radar as reported. Meanwhile, to ensure the issue does not recur as well as for purpose of improving procedure, the ministry is requiring that a fair price and market study should be carried out for each item including those categorised as accessories. The directive applies irrespective of whether the procurement of supply or work is carried out in one lump sum. Departments are also required to get the involvement of officers from the ministry when they are implementing the procurement project, according to the statement. |
| Court decision a pleasant surprise Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:31 AM PDT By Azmy Sharom, The Star Higher education is not merely about going to the lecture theatre and mugging for your exams. It is about expanding your horizons, taking responsibility for your actions and acting on your convictions. THE Court of Appeal's decision on the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Four case, which declared in a majority 2-1 decision that Section 15 of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) is unconstitutional, was a very pleasant surprise indeed. The four students from UKM were initially charged by their university for "expressing support for a political party". This is an offence under Section 15 of the UUCA. They were accused of this primarily for being present during a by-election campaign in Selangor. The question before the court was whether Section 15 impinged on the students' constitutional right of expression. One of the reasons that the dissenting judge used in his decision to not question the validity of the UUCA was that his lordship was of the opinion that it was not up to the court to question the harshness of the UUCA. I respectfully disagree, for what is being questioned is not the harshness of the law, but the constitutionality of the law. The thing about our Constitution is that all the protections they give us usually have a proviso. The proviso generally being that Parliament can make laws which limit our rights if it is in the interest of public morality, order and national security. For years and years, our courts have often times simply accepted repressive laws made by Parliament without actually questioning whether these laws are constitutional or not because the Govern-ment said that it was necessary for national security or public order or morality. In effect, there was a tendency to allow the party with a majority in Parliament to do what it wanted. This is derogating responsibility. It is not enough to simply accept the word of the Government when it says "this law is for national security". There should be an examination of it to see whether it really is for national security. Without that examination, any old law can be made. There will be no limitation on the lawmakers and what we will end up with is a system of governance where there is no real protection of our rights. That is why it was so exciting to see the two judges in the UKM Four case clearly stating that any law made has to be scrutinised to ensure that its constitutionality is based not merely on the form of the law but also its substance. In this particular case, they held that preventing students from expressing support for a political party is in no way a threat to national security, public order or morality. The decision is made not only by taking a legalistic approach but is also one based on common sen-se. After all, a person above the age of majority is free to enter into contracts, get married, be the head of a corporation, vote, be Prime Minister, etc, and yet by virtue of being a student they can't express support for a political party. This does not make any sense. Furthermore, how can supporting a perfectly legal organisation be considered dangerous? The stand of the Government as well as the dissenting judge is that the UUCA is there to prevent students from getting involved in politics and thus being distracted from their studies. This too does not make sense. Having been a student myself and having taught them for 21 years, let me assure you that young people can get distracted from their studies by a million and one things and chances are unless you are some serious political nerd, politics is not going to be on that list. We might as well ban students from playing online games if we are so concerned about their focus on studying. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was also reported as saying that if it is considered that a student's constitutional right of association is more important than his studies, then we can do away with UUCA. Again, I have to disagree. This argument is far too simplistic. When we restrict a person's fundamental freedom, whatever that freedom might be, we are stifling their ability to develop. Higher education is not merely about going to the lecture theatre and mugging for your exams. It is about expanding your horizons, taking responsibility for your actions and acting on your convictions. You can't do this if you are kept chained by repressive laws. But it is still too early to rejoice this victory for fundamental liberties in general and academic freedom in particular. The case might still go to the Federal Court and who knows what their decision will be. Neither is this case reason to say our judiciary is independent. What this case does show is that there are individual judges in our courts who understand and appreciate constitutionalism, there are lawyers willing to argue for this principle and there are young men and women in our student body brave enough to stand up for their rights. There's still much to be done, but for the moment this is reason enough to cheer. |
| OWC not letting off steam over ban on its sex guide Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:30 AM PDT By Wong Pek Mei, The Star PETALING JAYA: The Obedient Wives Club (OWC) may burn or dispose the club's controversial sex guide book, its national chairman in Malaysia Fauziah Ariffin said. The decision follows the Home Ministry's announcement banning Seks Islam, Perangi Yahudi Untuk Kembalikan Seks Islam Kepada Dunia (Islamic Sex, Fighting Jews to Return Islamic Sex to the World) with immediate effect. "The book is just pocket-sized. If the authorities say we cannot keep it, we will just obey ... put it away or burn it," she said in an SMS yesterday. However, she said it was ultimately up to the members to decide what they wanted to do with it. Fauziah was unfazed by the ban, saying that the members already knew that every book published by them would be banned. "We stopped publication after the first (batch) so we won't appeal (to the Home Ministry) or consider legal action. "Let the public be the judge as we have made society aware that wives have to be obedient to husbands and make their intimate relations lively in order to strengthen their marriage," she added. Fauziah said all the books had been distributed and read by members before the book was banned, adding that the books sold like pisang goreng panas (hot cakes). "It has received positive feedback. Many married couples that had problems in their sex lives said the knowledge the book provided had improved and even solved their problems," she claimed, adding that more than 40 books had been printed. The ministry warned that those found in possession of the book could be fined up to RM5,000. Those found reproducing the book for the purpose of offering it for sale could be jailed up to three years or fined not exceeding RM20,000, or both. The book was written by Hatijan Aam, the OWC founder. The club was formed by Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, an organisation founded by former members of the banned al-Arqam. |
| Police move against Seksualiti Merdeka sparks heated debate between groups Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:23 AM PDT By Steven Daniel and Farah Fazanna Zulzaha, The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Police have banned Seksualiti Merdeka with immediate effect, sparking a heated debate among supporters and detractors of the movement that fights for freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity. While some groups felt that the ban was another case of censorship in Malaysia, others were of the view that their religion did not condone same-sex relationships. |
| A simpler term for it is bribery Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:21 AM PDT By Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, FMT The 2012 Budget was indeed the most unique. Never before has a budget been turned into a huge CDM – cash dispensing machine. Money in our hands is a welcome relief and pain remover; but it's not a responsible way of managing a country's budget. Personally speaking, this is the most irresponsible budget that I have ever heard. The capital market is mentioned only in passing as though some phone calls were made to leading bankers in Malaysia to give some inputs on the capital market. Hence, just a cursory almost textbook mention that our ratio is strong and better than the world average. So? How does that translate into accessibility of the small medium enterprises (SMEs) to the capital market? How do we ease imports of capital goods into the country to build capacity? Isn't the theme of this budget "transformation"? Finance Minister-cum-Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's budget for 2012 is RM232 billion. Of this, RM180 billion will be spent as opex (operating expenses). That's money to be spent on operating the economy – paying salaries, servicing existing loans and so on. Can that be the transformative ingredient? Entrenching the rent-seeking mentality Now, as I understand it, to transform an economy, we must have capacity. We all know we need to spend on building capacity, capabilities, skills and technology. But these now are uncertain given that even allocation for education is being reduced. We are simply held back from transforming because we hold back on building capacity and capabilities. We are preaching that in this world, we DO have free lunches. We are entrenching the rent-seeking mentality which is that things can be had for free and without efforts, as long as we install a benevolent, despotic and overbearing government. Ignore their bullying; ignore their excesses. Because what is important is that impoverished people can be made a happy and contented lot once a year when the budget is announced. Let people think that budget time is when the giant ATM machine is taken out. |
| Disabled group upset over ‘terrible’ action Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:18 AM PDT (FMT) - PETALING JAYA: The banning of the "Seksualiti Merdeka" festival by the police yesterday has earned the scorn of disabled rights activist Anthony Thanasayan. Anthony, the Petpositive (Malaysian Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and the Elderly Association) president said that an event such as Seksualiti Merdeka greatly affected the disabled people as well. "It is a handicap to be disabled. It is a double handicap to be also gay," said Thanasayan, who has counselled many homosexuals, both abled bodied and disabled. "People forget that the disabled, including the deaf and blind, are human too. Sexuality transcends the able-bodied or disabled. They are always advised not to think about sex. For many of us, Thanasayan said it is much worse for a disabled person who has sexual confusion to find help, and this could even lead to those who are not homosexual to turn gay in the process. "This is because the disabled have limited chances to explore their sexuality, whereas an able-bodied person has more chances. Out of desperation, I have seen cases where a man goes into a relationship with an uncle, or brother because they have no other options," he said. Thanasayan, who is also a councillor with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), said that an event such as Seksualiti Merdeka allows everyone – abled-bodied as well as the disabled – to know themselves and this is vital for a good relationship or marriage. "I went to the Seksualiti Merdeka event and I am so happy, because finally I see some people who can approach such issues with maturity, without discrimination," he said. "But today I see everything has crumbled. This (banning Seksualiti Merdeka) is a terrible step for Malaysia and would earn the derision of other more forward-looking countries. This kind of action is always based on ignorance; it will promote prejudice. Thus, this will increase the frustration of those in the minority community, and can also lead to suicidal tendencies," said Thanasayan.
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| In Kelantan, hudud to be bellwether for Malay votes Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:17 AM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider KOTA BARU, Nov 4 — PAS's success or failure in implementing hudud in Kelantan will serve as an indicator of Malay voter support there ahead of a general election expected to be called soon, politicians here say. The Islamist party has repeatedly blamed the federal government for the failure to enforce the law, enacted in Kelantan back in 1993, when it first received objection from then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. |
| Najib: My daughter was not in Perth Posted: 03 Nov 2011 12:10 AM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today that his daughter was not present in Australia during the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Perth which he attended. He was responding through Twitter to allegations that his daughter was on a A$60,000 (RM 193,869) shopping spree in the Western Australia state when Najib was attending the meeting for leaders of states. Najib also clarified to Bernama Online that his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and daughter did not buy jewellery, and asked people to stop spreading rumours and lies. Australian newspaper came out with the controversial report, saying "the first lady known to have bought A$150,000 worth of WA (Western Australian) pearls". The report did not name the person specifically. The prime minister is performing the haj currently with Rosmah in Saudi Arabia.
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| ‘Seksualiti Merdeka a collateral damage’ Posted: 03 Nov 2011 12:07 AM PDT The festival organiser thinks government agencies are all out against Bersih's Ambiga and Anwar Ibrahim. (Free Malaysia Today) - Seksualiti Merdeka festival organiser, Pang Khee Teik, believes that the police ban against the festival was because it was to be officiated by Bersih 2.0 chairman S Ambiga and that they have been made a collateral damage. "I think it is because of Ambiga. It is being politicized," said Pang when met at the Burmese refugees fund-raising dinner function at the Annexe, Central Market. "The government agencies are using every opportunity to rouse sentiments against Ambiga and (Opposition Leader) Anwar Ibrahim. "We are mere collateral damage," said Pang. He said this in response to the ban against the festival by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Khalid Abu Bakar. Earlier today the DIG said that the police will take action under Section 27 A (1) (C) as well as 298 A of the Penal Code to prevent any functions relating to the programme. Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual festival highlighting issues faced by lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals since 2008. Pang also accused the government of ignoring the innocent and marginalised segments of the community. He stressed that the festival was an avenue to hear out the plight of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community.
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| Govt has RM40b untapped cash reserves, says Husni Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:08 PM PDT By Chong Jin Hun, The Edge KUALA LUMPUR : The government has some RM40 billion of untapped cash reserves which it could use to sustain Malaysia's economic growth in the event of a global economic slowdown, according to Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah. Husni said the reserves included the government's trust fund of about RM30 billion, another contingency fund of some RM4 billion, and Kumpulan Wang Amanah Negara which have around RM5 billion. |
| Malaysia performs below average in International Bribe Payers Index Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:07 PM PDT By Alyaa Alhadjri, The Sun PETALING JAYA (Nov 2, 2011): Malaysia managed a 7.6 score out of 10 in the Transparency International 2011 Bribe Payers Index released today, below the global average of 7.8. The index, with a score of 10 indicating the perception that companies are unlikely to engage in bribery while doing business abroad, placed Malaysia in 15th position together with Hongkong, Italy and South Africa. |
| Police reportedly ban gay festival in Malaysia Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:05 PM PDT By Sean Yoong, AP KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Police ordered gay rights activists in Muslim-majority Malaysia on Thursday to scrap an annual arts festival aimed at fighting discrimination, news reports said. The "Sexual Independence" festival has been held under low-key circumstances in Kuala Lumpur since 2008, but growing awareness about the event is leading to criticism by politicians and religious leaders. This year's five-day festival — starting Nov. 9 at a private arts center and themed "Queer Without Fear" — planned to feature musical performances of "queer anthems sung by fierce local singers and drag divas who know what it means to love out loud and proud," organizers said. But after criticism by the deputy prime minister and plans by several Muslim nongovernment groups to protest, police reportedly ordered the event to be canceled, local media said. The Malaysiakini independent news website quoted national deputy police chief Khalid Abu Bakar as saying the festival represented "a threat to public order." The Star newspaper said Khalid warned of "strong action" against anyone violating the ban. Khalid could not immediately be reached for comment, and other police officials declined to comment. Earlier Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had described the event as "inappropriate" and a "waste of time," according to the national news agency, Bernama. Gay rights activists did not immediately respond to the event's reportedly being banned. Earlier Thursday, they said the festival was meant to counter widespread homophobia in this socially conservative Asian nation, where a young gay man received death threats last year after posting a YouTube clip defending his sexuality. "Asking us to keep quiet is asking us to take your abuse with a smile ... it's time to put a stop to all the hate and misunderstanding and abuse," festival spokesman Pang Khee Teik said in an online statement posted before the event was reportedly banned. This year's program also included plans for talks on sexuality issues, a poster exhibition and a makeup workshop by a drag queen. One session is titled "Defense Against The Dark Arts: Homophobia 101." Media censorship rules forbid movies and song lyrics that promote acceptance of gays, while a decades-old law makes sodomy punishable by 20 years in prison, though it is seldom and selectively enforced. The festival's sponsors and supporters include the Malaysian chapter of Amnesty International, the country's main grouping of lawyers and other human rights organizations. |
| Anwar on highway's RM2b increase, bridge over land Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:04 PM PDT (Harakah Daily) - Nov 3: The delayed completion of the Jabor expressway which forms part of the East Coast Highway caught the attention of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim (pic), who revealed that the cost for its construction had ballooned by more than RM2 billion, from the original RM3 billion to RM5 billion. The project, which started in 2007, was supposed to be completed last year. "This is extremely disappointing and should not have happenned because it involves public money which must be spent appropriately," said Anwar in parliament yesterday. Taking to task the Public Works Department and other relevant ministries over the delay and the cost increase, Anwar anticipated problems over the collection of toll for the highway. "Until now, we still do not know who will operate the toll and who will hold the concession," said the Permatang Pauh member of parliament. The former Finance minister also described as "not smart" the government's project to build a bridge over land in Kemaman, Terengganu, costing some RM174 million, RM70 million higher than the original price tag. "This is just another strange project by UMNO-BN to build bridges on land and with much higher cost than the original pricing," he added. |
| Muhyiddin: Seksualiti Merdeka is ‘immoral’ Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:03 PM PDT By Teoh El Sen, FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has dismissed the ongoing "Seksualiti Merdeka" programme as "totally non-beneficial" to Malaysians. Speaking on behalf of the government and Umno, Muhyiddin said: "I don't know what our country can gain from this. "Umno and the government feel that something like that is totally not beneficial at all. "I don't understand why they are holding this. Does it have any hidden political agendas? "But for Malaysians, they would have to judge for themselves. For a large number of us, it should not be done, it is a waste of time," he told reporters here today. Muhyiddin, the Umno deputy president, said that Malaysia had clear guidelines and legislations outlawing "unnatural" sexual activities such as sodomy. "We are a free country but there are limits. "The organisers can say this is a free country and they can do anything but there are limits. "In Malaysia, when we talk about human rights, we are signatory to the United Nations Human Rights convention. "Malaysia has the Federal Constitution and its laws, we also have religion and our cultural values," he said. Not in line with Islam Muhyiddin said what Seksualiti Merdeka was advocating was not in line with the various religions, including Islam and Christianity. "In the Islamic context, this is not in line with our religion, it is an immoral (songsang) activity that does not meet our customs, even the Christians also say that they are against," he said. The Seksualiti Merdeka festival, which celebrates the rights of the lesbian,gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community has been held annually since 2008.
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| MAS-AirAsia share swap under probe for insider trading Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:00 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider The share swap between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia is being probed by Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission (SC) for insider trading. The finance ministry said today that investigations were still ongoing despite the two airlines agreeing to the deal nearly three months ago. "It will take time because it involves so many accounts and a huge value. So we need to separate those that are genuine and those with inside information," Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Awang Adek Hussin told Parliament today. Shares in budget airlines AirAsia had traded for as low as RM3.14 on June 23 and was finally traded at RM3.92 before being suspended on August 8 before the swap was announced. It later dipped below RM2.80 on October 26. National carrier MAS was suspended at RM1.60 but climbed to RM1.90 following the deal. Awang Adek also said there was no need for either company to file any announcement with Bursa if there was no material development prior to the deal as the matter was considered private and confidential.
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| Mixed-messages over Pakatan’s application Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:48 PM PDT Pakatan says that their application to the Registrar of Societies was still pending and questioned ROS director general's statement that a fresh application was needed. (Free Malaysia Today) - Pakatan Rakyat and the Registrar of Socities (ROS) are at cross-purposes when it comes to registration of the political coalition. Pakatan says their application is stilll pending while ROS director general Abdul Rahman Othman says there has been no fresh application after pro-tem chairman Zaid Ibrahim left PKR last November. Abdul Rahman had earlier made a statement that a fresh application was needed from Pakatan. But Pakatan today said that they have been in touch with an officer within the ROS who has said that their application made right after Zaid's departure was still pending approval. "As soon as Zaid left, we elected (Tumpat MP and PAS central committee member) Kamaruddin Jaafar to replace Zaid and submitted a new application. "We have been in touch with ROS chief assistant director of the societies registration division on the issue of a 'fresh application'. "The feedback that we received was that ROS and the Home Ministry were still looking into our application on the aspect of law," PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution told a press conference today. He added that Pakatan had kept in touch with their contact person in ROS every three to four weeks up till early this month, always getting a similar reply. Other members of the pro-tem committee who were at today's press conference were DAP's Anthony Loke and PAS' Hatta Ramli.
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| Australian government pressured to act on Assange Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:34 PM PDT (AFP) - SYDNEY: Lawyers and the mother of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange today ramped up pressure on the Australian government to step in and ensure he gets a fair trial in Sweden. Assange, who is an Australian citizen, lost a bitter legal battle yesterday to block his extradition from Britain to Sweden to face questioning over allegations of rape and sexual assault. Two judges at the High Court in London rejected arguments by Assange, whose anti-secrecy website has enraged governments around the world, that his extradition would be unlawful. Assange now has 14 days to take the case to the British Supreme Court and his legal counsel Geoffrey Robertson called on the government to intervene if the extradition goes through. "I think Canberra may have to do something about it," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "It's got a duty to help Australians in peril in foreign courts. It didn't do anything for David Hicks and that was something of a disgrace," he said, referring to the Australian formerly detained at Guantanamo Bay. "As far as Julian Assange is concerned, Sweden doesn't have bail, doesn't have money bail for foreigners, so he's likely to be held in custody." Robertson added that he does not believe the 40-year-old WikiLeaks founder, who has previously blasted Canberra for not doing enough to protect him in the fallout from the leaks, will face a fair trial in Sweden. "He's going to be tried in secret, and this is outrageous by our standards and by any standards," he said. Assange has strongly denied the rape allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and linked to the activities of WikiLeaks. He has been under virtual house arrest since he was first detained in December. He has expressed fears that his extradition to Sweden would lead to his transfer to the United States to face as yet unspecified charges of spying. His mother told Australian media today she believes her son will go to Sweden to fight the charges as long as the Australian government brokers a deal to ensure he will not be extradited to the US. Christine Assange said Canberra must follow its own diplomatic and legal advice that her son was in "clear and present danger" and seek written guarantees he would not be rendered to the US. "If that was to take place I believe Julian would go to Sweden and not resist it. His concern is that he'll be rendered on," she said. Asked about the matter as she arrived in the French resort town of Cannes for the G20 summit, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said a statement may be issued later. "So we'll get briefed and understand fully what's happened here and make a statement if necessary," she said.
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| MAS-AirAsia deal not violating anti-trust law: Rafidah Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:02 PM PDT (MySinChew) - KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- AirAsia X Bhd chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, said the tie-up between MAS and AirAsia Bhd will not result in monopolistic practices between the two carriers following their share-swap exercise. She also said the share-swap would not result in any behaviour that would violate anti-trust laws. "We (AirAsia and MAS) are guided by strict anti-trust laws overseas and in Malaysia when the competition laws come into force next year. "We'll never be able to do anything that violates any anti-trust laws," she told a media briefing on the Malaysia-Europe Forum's Roundtable here today. The Malaysian Competition Commission is currently reviewing the possible impact of the MAS-AirAsia collaboration on the local market, and would advise both airlines on all possible areas. She said the collaboration may result in cost-cutting for both airlines and it would be beneficial for passengers and customers as they could give better services. Rafidah said the MAS management must continuously hold dialogues with all levels of its workforce through its unions. "This is to explain in detail what's happening and what's going to happen, particularly to the employees, and the areas of cost-saving which will translate into benefits," she said. The Malaysian Airlines System Employees Union (MASEU) has expressed dissatisfaction over the explanation given by the management on the collaboration. MASEU had decided to write to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wanted to meet him to convey their views and opposition to the collaboration. It was also reported recently that the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has urged the Malaysian government to ensure that workers' rights were preserved in any future collaboration between the two airlines. The report said an agreement between the two airlines was reached without union consultation. In a letter dated Oct 19 to Najib, ITF general-secretary, David Cockroft, outlined concerns that a share-swap and collaboration between MAS and Air Asia could lead to the erosion of workers' rights. This could include the right of ITF affiliate MASEU to represent and collectively bargain on behalf of MAS workers. |
| Malaysia bans steamy 'Islamic sex guide': report Posted: 02 Nov 2011 03:53 PM PDT (AFP) - KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has banned an "Islamic sex guide" by a controversial group that reportedly urges Muslim men in polygamous marriages to have group sex with their wives, a report said Thursday. The book was published by the Muslim "Obedient Wife Club", which was formed earlier this year and has sparked controversy with its radical suggestions on sex and marriage in conservative, Muslim-majority Malaysia. The Home Ministry has banned the book, titled "Islamic Sex, Fighting Jews to Return Islamic Sex to the World" with immediate effect, The Star daily reported. It cited Abdul Aziz Mohamad Nor, a top official in the ministry's publications division. Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying the book, the existence of which was first reported last month, was banned because of the wife club's links to the outlawed group Al-Arqam. Some people from the Obedient Wife Club and related organisations are former members of Al-Arqam, a Malaysian-based Islamic sect that was banned in the country in the 1990s as a deviationist cult. Those found in possession of the book face fines of 50,000 ringgit ($15,800) while anyone caught reproducing it can be jailed up to three years, The Star reported. Abdul Aziz could not immediately be reached by AFP. The wives' club caused a stir earlier this year by calling on women to be "whores in bed" to prevent their men from straying and pursuing divorce. Malaysian media reports have said the book suggests Muslim husbands have sex with all their wives simultaneously. One chapter, "How Sex Becomes Worship," reportedly contains unusually explicit sexual descriptions for a Malaysian publication, such as a tutorial on breast-fondling. AFP has not seen a copy of the book. Open discussion of sex is frowned upon in Malaysia, which regularly bans books deemed to be obscene or offensive to Islam. Club organisers have previously said the book was exclusively for its members and was not intended for general distribution and thus should not be banned. |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2011 03:50 PM PDT By Jeswant Kaur, FMT The recently released Auditor-General's Report comes as poetic justice for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in particular and Barisan Nasional's nemesis, Pakatan Rakyat in general. The report is full of praises as to how the state has successfully improved its financial position. According to the report, Penang last year improved its financial position over 2009. "The audit analysis found that consolidated funds of 2010 had improved compared to previous years and is at the highest level compared to the previous five years," the report stated. Lim took over the state's top post in 2008 after DAP, a member of the Pakatan coalition, nudged Gerakan out in the 12th general election and took charge of Penang. In the three years, despite all brickbats from his BN counterparts, Lim remains steadfastly focused on improving the state's performance. The result? Words of praise by the auditor-general. Still, like all hardworking people, Lim faced and continues to experience stinging criticism from Umno and BN which have left no stone unturned in belittling and condemning his efforts in transforming Penang for the better. With the latest Auditor-General's Report validating Penang's achievements, the state under Lim's leadership promises hope, of ensuring that Penangites continue to enjoy progress. As far as the report goes, Penang has "passed" with flying colours. The state has been lauded where implementation of projects is concerned. The report has hailed the state's performance as "very good", with 99% of the 9,003 projects successfully carried out. The Auditor-General's Report adds: "The state is recommended to make sure revenue collected is put into the correct account and continue its efforts to increase revenue and maintain its prudent spending to ensure a better financial position." It urges the state to continue with its efforts to collect arrears in student loan repayment, rental of properties, land tax and other taxes. These arrears totalled RM78.78 million at the end of 2010. On development under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the AG rates the state's performance as satisfactory, with Penang spending 77.8% of the allocated RM1.01 billion. BN green with envy There is no denying that the thumbs-up given by the Auditor-General's Report to Penang has caused the federal government under the aegis of the BN coalition to turn green with envy. While the Lim administration has received straight "As" for its good management of the state, it is otherwise for three companies owned by Johor which performed badly. The Auditor-General's Report said the three companies – YWJ Citra Holdings Sdn Bhd, Johor Skills Development Centre Sdn Bhd and Kumpulan Pendidikan YPJ Sdn Bhd – were found to be unsatisfactorily managed with two companies facing losses. It will do BN good to buck up and emulate Penang in delivering nothing but the best to the rakyat, instead of resorting to gutter politics, using the dirtiest means possible to force their opponents out. For Lim, in the 36 months that DAP has been helming Penang, much trial and tribulations have come his way, both professionally and personally. Personal attacks on Lim came about when pro-Umno blogs had a fortnight ago accused his 16-year-old son of outraging the modesty of a female classmate which resulted in him being transferred to another school. The bloggers also claimed that Lim had paid the girl's family RM200,000 to keep the issue under wraps. The accusations, however, turned out to be baseless after the girl was found to be a 21-year- old chess champion from Hong Kong named Anya Corke who has since issued a statement denying the incident.
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| Muhyiddin: Decision on PPSMI final Posted: 02 Nov 2011 03:47 PM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider The government's decision to scrap the use of English for science and mathematics (PPSMI) in schools is final, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today. In a response directed towards the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE), the deputy prime minister said there would be no more negotiations on the matter as the government had already decided to do away with the policy in 2009. |
| AirAsia received RM249m subsidy for rural flights Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:51 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — AirAsia was paid RM249 million in public funds to subsidise the budget carrier's rural flight services in Sabah and Sarawak between August 2006 and September 2007, the government said today. Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat also told Parliament that when Malaysia Airlines (MAS) took over the routes from the low-cost airline's subsidiary Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) in October 2007, "they needed less than half the amount of subsidy." "Between August 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, the subsidy paid to FAX was RM249 million. "MASwings only needed less than half the subsidy as it is more organised and uses newer aircraft which cost less to maintain," the Saratok MP said. The return of the rural air services (RAS) routes to MAS after just 14 months had raised concerns of whether it would affect the national carrier's turnaround plan under then chief executive Datuk Seri Idris Jala. But then Transport Minister Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy had said that it would continue subsidies of RM60 million per year to retain low fares. Pendang MP Datuk Mohd Hayati Othman said in Parliament today that the government overpaid RM65 million in subsidies to FAX, which was later restructured to AirAsia X, a long-haul budget service, as it ended its RAS prematurely. The PAS man also claimed that MAS had to spend RM35 million to modify seven aircraft to ply the rural routes in Sabah and Sarawak. MAS's poor financial performance of late had resulted in the share swap with AirAsia on August 9. It saw state investment arm Khazanah Nasional taking a 10 per cent stake in Asia's top budget carrier in exchange for a 20.5 per cent stake in MAS. This allowed AirAsia boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes to sit on the MAS board, ostensibly to help turn the ailing airline around.
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| Anwar predicts ‘Malaysia Spring’ in next polls Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:46 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has predicted the coming of a "Malaysia Spring" in the next general election, confidently telling US newswire Bloomberg in an interview that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will wrest Putrajaya from Barisan Nasional (BN). "We're taking over the government at the rate we're going," he was quoted as saying in the interview carried today on the newswire.
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| Nazri: Govt paid FBC Media to repair image abroad Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:46 PM PDT (The Star) - The Government engaged FBC Media (UK) to improve Malaysia's image abroad which was damaged due to remarks made by the Opposition, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz. He criticised Opposition leaders for making disparaging comments about the country internationally, which had damaged the country's reputation. "If they do not bad mouth the government by feeding lies to the international media, we do not have to pay any money to repair our image," he told Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) in Parliament. Nazri said the use of FBC Media did not breach any local laws. "We were informed that the company was now under investigation for conflict of interest by broadcasters for making editorial programmes without declaring that it had commercial interest with some programmes it had featured. "This may be an offence of UK broadcasting and ethic guidelines but they did not commit any criminal offence during our engagement," he told Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli PAS-Kuala Krai) during Question Time. Nazri said that the government paid FBC Media 19.6mil Euros (RM83.304mil) for three years of services since 2007. Nazri also revealed that the Government spent RM323,268.19 on a two-day trip to Turkmenistan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Five memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed to strengthen existing bilateral relations.
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| Pakatan: GST won’t save Malaysia from bankruptcy Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:41 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - The federal opposition said today that implementing a goods and services tax (GST), as suggested by Datuk Seri Idris Jala, will not stop Malaysia from going bankrupt as "it is like throwing money into a pocket with holes." Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers told a press conference that it was government wastage, corruption and mismanagement that caused national debt to jump to 53 per cent of GDP. "The operating expenditure has more than doubled from RM89 billion in 2005 to RM182 billion next year. Until you stitch the hole in the pocket, throwing more money will only make the hole bigger," said DAP publicity chief Tony Pua. Idris, who is the minister in charge of Putrajaya's Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), repeated yesterday his warning that Malaysia could be bankrupt within a decade if it spends borrowed money on operational expenditure such as subsidies. "If our economy grows less than four per cent ... and we don't cut our operating expenditure, if we borrow at 12.5 per cent, if our annual debt rises to 12.5 per cent and our revenue does not grow, then it will happen," the senator said. He also accused the Opposition of forcing the government to delay GST as "every time the government wants to do it the Opposition makes life difficult for them, saying that they will lose votes." But Pua pointed out today that the government did not need more money as revenue has nearly doubled from RM99 billion in 2005 to RM187 billion projected in Budget 2012. "The issue of GST does not arise. Bankruptcy will be due to wastage," said PAS research chief Dzulkefly Ahmad.
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| Husni dismisses debt fears, says government has enough funds Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:39 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Husni Hanadzlah said today that the government could still fund its spending as it has large reserves including some RM30 billion in trust funds which are under review. This comes as concerns rise over whether the government was at risk of going bust due to spending outstripping revenue. The second finance minister also said that the RM407 billion national debt that grew 12.3 per cent last year was still manageable as it had yet to breach critical thresholds such as revenue to debt service ratio. Husni said that the government has asked the Accountant-General to review trust funds worth more than RM30 billion. "These funds were for various programmes but some are dormant," he told reporters at the sidelines of the MIA-AFA Conference here today. "We have huge reserves." The minister also said that the government had more than RM4 billion in contingency funding, RM5 billion in Kumpulan Wang Amanah Nasional, approximately RM1.2 billion in land assets that could be monetised and that it had plugged loopholes in tax collection and has been conservative in estimating its revenue. Husni said that the national debt was still below the critical level of 55 per cent of GDP and that its loan payment to national revenue was at 10 per cent which was below the "prudent" level of 15 per cent. He also pointed out that external loans were well below the RM35 billion limit and the debt serving ratio for external loans was at about two per cent. "It is well within our capability," he said.
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| Bahasa Malaysia has no global economic value Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:30 PM PDT Whats the point of flagging Bahasa Malaysia when our economy is weak? (Free Malaysia Today) - Sarawak opposition has called on the federal government to be both sensible and practical in dealing with the issue of Bahasa Malaysia as a useable national language. Drawing attention to Sarawak's multi-dialectical communities, state DAP secretary general Chong Chien Jen said it was disappointing to see the government's 'overzealousness' about pushing the Bahasa Malaysia agenda. Said Chong: "From a Sarawakian perspective it is a stupid move…in Sarawak, Bahasa Malaysia, English and native languages are used alongside each other. "This is written in our Malaysia Agreement…there is no issue. "We understand Bahasa Malaysia is our national language. It is important, but we have to also understand that the country is not an island. We are playing in global fields," he said. No economic value He said from an economic point of view the move would be detrimental to the country in the long run. "When the economy is weak, you cannot be overzealous about Bahasa Malaysia. "If our economy is strong, not only our people will start to learn Bahasa Malaysia, foreigners will also start learning the language. "Just like China now where a lot of foreigners are learning Mandarin because her economy is strong," he said alluding to Malaysia's public debt and the frail global economy.
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| Greek govt heading for meltdown Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:28 PM PDT (Agencies) - ATHENS: Greece's government appeared headed for meltdown ahead of a confidence vote after Prime Minister George Papandreou called a referendum on the country's EU debt deal. The shock announcement sparked a call for early elections and a defection that left Mr Papandreou's parliamentary majority on a knife edge, while shares plunged 6.92 per cent. Adding to the chaos, Greece's foreign minister cancelled meetings with three foreign ambassadors, while Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos was hospitalised with an inflamed appendix. Amid the political upheaval,Venizelos – a former party rival of Mr Papandreou – appeared to distance himself from the referendum bombshell on Tuesday when sources close to him said he was unaware of it. The assertion was at odds with an impassioned speech Venizelos gave in parliament on Monday in support of the move. The semi-state Athens News Agency said Venizelos made a flurry of phone calls to European and International Monetary Fund officials to brief them on developments. Papandreou, fighting to keep the country's troubled economic rescue on track, will travel to Cannes, France, on Wednesday where G20 leaders are holding a summit on Thursday and Friday. He will attend a working dinner with host Nicolas Sarkozy of France, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European council chief Herman Van Rompuy, EU commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, eurozone head policymaker Jean-Claude Juncker, new ECB chief Mario Draghi and IMF managing director Christine Lagarde. In a phone call with Ms Merkel on Tuesday, Papandreou insisted that the referendum would "strengthen" Greece in the eurozone and globally, his office said. His call for a referendum was meant as a bid to secure approval of his disputed economic policies without early elections. But the gambit backfired when a former deputy minister defected, reducing the ruling party's majority in the 300-seat parliament to 152 deputies. Papandreou had faced increasing dissent within his own party over the tougher austerity policy monitored by the EU and the IMF that has sparked general strikes and widespread protests, many of them violent. Although the EU deal agreed last Thursday after marathon talks in Brussels included an agreement to write off 100 billion euros of debt owed by Greece, the Athens government still has to implement a painful package of austerity measures to get its hands on bailout funds.
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| Kita is dreaming, says Kedah DAP Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:26 PM PDT Kedah Kita retorts: So were DAP and PKR in 2008. (Free Malaysia Today) - Kedah DAP today dismissed Kita as an irrelevant party in the state and predicted that its candidates for the general election will lose their deposits. State DAP chief Lee Guan Aik said his Kita counterpart, Zamil Ibrahim, was daydreaming when he spoke yesterday of scoring upset wins in the coming election. He said Zamil was "ignorant of political realities" and "Kita candidates are going to lose their deposits." Zamil, whom FMT contacted for a response, said Kita was only doing what Pakatan Rakyat parties did before the 2008 election. "Pakatan did not expect to win then, but it won," he said. "What's wrong in daydreaming then? Their daydream of forming the state government became a reality. Why not ours?" Lee, who is the state assemblyman for Kota Darulaman and DAP's only representative in the Kedah legislature, said Kedah voters did not even know what Kita stood for. "Kita has a long way to go yet to win over the people," he said. "But they have their right to say what they want to say. Nothing wrong in daydreaming." Yesterday, at a function to introduce Kedah Kita's election manifesto, Zamil said his party was looking forward to replacing PKR and DAP in the state government. He claimed that the two parties never had a firm political presence in Kedah and won in 2008 only because of a "political tsunami". Kita is eyeing six parliamentary and 12 state seats in Kedah. Claiming that both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan were besieged by internal political problems in the state, he said "Kita can fish in trouble waters." Lee said Kita could not get anywhere near DAP's political background and service record in the country. "Our political longevity is second only to PAS," he said, referring to DAP's 44 years of existence as a political party.
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| Malaysian companies among the worst ‘bribers’ Posted: 01 Nov 2011 05:07 PM PDT A Transparency International (TI) survey finds that Malaysian companies are most likely to bribe to get businesses. (Free Malaysia Today) - Malaysia is ranked 15th when it comes to companies most likely to pay bribes when doing business abroad, a survey suggests. Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy and South Africa were in 15th place out of 28 countries in a poll of 3,000 business executives conducted by anti-corruption group Transparency International (TI). Companies from Russia and China are the most likely to pay bribes and were the top two 'bribers'. The Netherlands and Switzerland came top, while the UK ranked eighth, just ahead of the US and France. Bribery was reportedly most common to win public sector works and construction contracts. "It is of particular concern that China and Russia are at the bottom of the index," said TI in its report. "Given the increasing global presence of businesses from the countries, bribery and corruption are likely to have a substantial impact on societies in which they operate and on the ability of companies to compete fairly in these markets." Other major developing economies came much higher up the rankings. India was 19th, while Brazil, in 14th place, was one spot ahead of Italy. The report called for more international action to outlaw companies from paying bribes in foreign countries. "G20 governments must tackle foreign bribery as a matter of urgency," said Huguette Labelle, chair of TI, who said that more resources must be dedicated to investigations and prosecutions. Linked to corrupt governments "Unfortunately… there are no islands of integrity in Russian public and business life," said TI Russian director, Elena Panfilova. Survey respondents were asked to say how likely companies from each of the foreign countries were to offer back-handers. Bribe-paying was seen as much more common by businessmen from countries whose governments were also considered to have the least integrity, according to a separate "corruption perceptions" survey carried out by TI last year. The sector most affected by bribery was public procurement – where companies compete to win contracts from governments for everything from waste collection to road building.
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He said that the western ideas such as excessive human rights and homosexuality can easily get into this country as the Muslim politicians who are supposed to guard the constitution and the religion was busy fighting with each other over their political stance.
Masridzi met by Malaysian Digest during a peaceful asembly organized by PEMBELA at the Sultan Salhudin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque compound.
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