| TRANSFORMING THE ISA: Old Poison in New Bottles Posted: 29 Sep 2011 01:13 PM PDT The BN government's pledge to annul the three states of emergency in force since 1964 shows their recognition of the fact that there is no justification for any state of emergency in Malaysia. So why is there a justification for new anti-terrorism laws when our existing laws can cope with any eventuality? By Dr Kua Kia Soong, Director of SUARAM Prime Minister Najib Razak's recent announcement to repeal the much loathed Internal Security Act (ISA) does not give us cause for celebration when he simultaneously says that it will be replaced by two anti-terrorism laws. There is no doubt that these new anti-terrorism laws will again allow the government-of-the-day to detain people without charge. The entire function of the ISA since 1960 has been for the Alliance and then the Barisan Nasional government to deal with the Opposition and other dissidents through detention without charge. Before we look at the way in which other countries deal with terrorism, it may be worth our while to ask if an emergency situation exists in Malaysia to warrant such legislation. The US, UK and other western countries are the objects of terrorism mainly because of their support for Israel and their aggression against Iraq, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries. September 11th 2001 of course provided President Bush and Prime Minister Blair with the perfect excuse to launch their offensive against Iraq, Afghanistan and now Libya and to pass anti-terrorism laws in their own countries. Articles 149 & 150 which enabled the legislation of the Internal Security Act (which is inconsistent with Articles 5, 9 & 10 guaranteeing liberty of the person, freedom of movement and freedom of speech, assembly & association respectively) were included in the 1957 Federal Constitution because the Emergency of 1948-60 was on-going. The BN government's pledge to annul the three states of emergency in force since 1964 shows their recognition of the fact that there is no justification for any state of emergency in Malaysia. So why is there a justification for new anti-terrorism laws when our existing laws can cope with any eventuality? If an emergency situation should arise in the future, the government still has Articles 149 and 150 to fall back on and to legislate appropriate laws to cope with the situation as they have done in the past. Alas, as with other lapses in their governance, they have been most tardy in annulling the states of emergency once the emergency had blown over. And their tardiness has been most costly for many victims of their draconian laws. Based on its record, the government cannot be trusted to use detention-without-trial laws responsibly. Apart from the detention of peace-loving citizens like me under the ISA, it is worth pointing out that out of the more than 10,000 ISA detainees since 1960, few if any have been charged in court for terrorist crimes. It is also an indication of the warped priorities of the government and its security forces that the alleged terrorist in the Bali bombing killed by the Indonesian police, Mat Top had never been detained under the ISA! The Importance of Due Process Many people are not aware of the fact that throughout the repugnant career of the ISA since 1960 when the Emergency had been declared over, the ISA was more draconian than similar laws in South Africa under apartheid or even Northern Ireland during the IRA campaigns. In 1962, a black South African was picked up after returning from training in bomb-making and guerrilla warfare in Ethiopia. He then spent 27 years in jail but he was given access to lawyers and his prosecutor had to follow rules of due process. That man later became the president of South Africa. Terrorism laws must be clearly worded, passed by parliament, and the powers of the executive must be balanced by wider review, new checks and balances. The government will try to justify long period of detention without charge by claiming that the police need time to scrutinize mountains of documents, computer data, etc. However, this excuse does not carry water because major fraud and pornography trials face similar challenges. The government must bear in mind that suspects are not terrorists. Existing anti-terrorism laws Britain already has 200 pieces of anti-terrorism legislation, while Malaysia also has terrorism-related offences in the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of 2006. There is also an Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001. Moreover, the police can detain people on less serious charges and still question them on the more serious ones as they sometimes do. In the UK, terrorism is defined as: "Any politically motivated violence against people, property or electronic systems designed to influence the government or intimidate the public for a political, religious or ideological cause…" This raises the question of whether people have the right to take up arms against tyranny, injustice or foreign occupation. And what about the assault on civilian targets by states as we have seen in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere? The definition of terrorism is also intended to proscribe organisations whose activities "glorify, exalt or celebrate terrorism." What happens is that in the process, peaceful organisations can be banned and support for mainstream Muslim causes criminalized. Consequently, this will drive more to go underground. It is instructive to treat "terrorists" as criminals (as in the UK) based on justice and due process and not as combatants in war based on fear and suspicion (as is the case in the US). The Executive's Extraordinary Powers The US president possesses extraordinary powers compared with the executive in the UK. Even so, it is instructive that in the Special Registration Program soon after September 11th 2001, 80,000 men from Arab and Muslim countries were "ethnically profiled" but it resulted in not a single terrorist conviction. With the US resolution of 18 Sept 2001, the US Congress authorised the President to use force against any person or entity he might determine to be responsible for Sept 11, providing for indefinite detention of suspected terrorists anywhere in the world without any guarantee of charge or trial. Then by a secret order, President Bush authorised the National Security Agency to intercept communications (wire tapping) without judicial warrant. Period of detention without charge in the West With the war in Northern Ireland, Britain has had detention without charge although there is judicial review unlike the case of Malaysia's ISA. In 1997, there was an upper limit of four days' detention without charge and in 2000, it became seven days. After 2001, it became 14 days. In 2005, the Terrorism Bill was proposed for 90 days of detention without charge but this was defeated in the House of Commons. The new Terrorism Act then allowed 28 days of detention without charge. In 2008, the House of Lords defeated another Bill asking for 42 days' detention without charge. In the other European countries, the period of detention without charge is as follows: • France…………………. 4 days • Greece…………………. 5 days • Spain..……………………13 days • Australia………………… 7 days • Canada…………………. 1 day In France & Spain, an independent judge decides if there is a case to answer while in Australia, detention is under ordinary remand provisions.
The US PATRIOT Act 2001 This Act stands for "Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism." The first thing about this Act is that it can only be used against foreigners. This begs the question: Why is the same act not "terrorist" if committed by US citizens? Secondly, the US government is required to press charges within 7 days. Since the passing of the Act, US have detained more than 80,000 people, nearly 800 of them at Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo Bay prisoners are not given Prisoner Of War status nor charged nor given lawyers. The US government uses "enemy combatant" designation to detain indefinitely, allowing no access to lawyers. There is a repeated pattern of extraordinary powers first used only against non-citizens, but then extended to include citizens. Judicial Checks on the Executive President Bush has got away with a lot since September 11 th 2001 and detainees have suffered for it. But the US judiciary has also stood up to the US Commander-in-Chief. Thus in Rasul v Bush in 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that a non-citizen had the right to challenge detention: "Executive imprisonment has been considered oppressive and lawless since King John at Runnymede pledged that no free man should be imprisoned, dispossessed, outlawed or exiled save by the judgement of his peers or by the law of the land." After each defeat in the Supreme Court, the US government amended the law but once again in Hamdan v Rumsfeld 2006, Supreme Court ruled: "The (new) legislation did not prevent federal courts hearing habeas corpus petitions; detainees are entitled to protection of Article 3 of the Geneva Convention (which prohibits cruel treatment and torture) and that detainees were entitled to trial before a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees recognised as indispensable by civilised peoples." After further legislative change, the US Supreme Court ruled in Boumedienne v Bush 2008 that detainees had a constitutional right to habeas corpus and legislation was unconstitutional: "The laws and constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force in extraordinary times. Liberty and security can be reconciled; and in our system they are reconciled within the law." In 2006, the federal judge in Michigan ruled that President Bush's secret order authorising the National Security Agency to intercept communications without any judicial warrant was a violation of federal criminal law and added: "There are no hereditary Kings in America." Supranational Views on Terrorism Laws The Council of Europe pronounced in 2002: "While the state has the right to employ to the full its arsenal of legal weapons to repress and prevent terrorist activities, it may not use indiscriminate measures which would only undermine the fundamental values they seek to protect." In 2004, the International Commission of Jurists in its Berlin Declaration proclaimed that: "In adopting measures aimed at suppressing acts of terrorism, states must adhere strictly to the rule of law, including the core principles of criminal and international law and the specific standards and obligations of international human rights law, refugee law and, where applicable, humanitarian law." Finally, Cicero's old adage is the wisest caution against terrorism laws from the Wild West: "Salus populi suprema est lex" (The safety of the people is the supreme law). Malaysians would do well to demand that there is no return to detention without charge and that we do not accept the old ISA poison in a new bottle! |
| Malays must earn respect with 21st century mindset, says PM Posted: 29 Sep 2011 11:49 AM PDT By Yuen Meikeng and Rahimy Rahim, The Star SERDANG: The Malay community of the 21st century should have the courage and confidence to succeed on their own, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said they should not depend on Government protection if they want to succeed.
"If we want to become a race that is dignified and respected by all, we must have the ability and skills to do so.
Premier touch: Najib launching the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park in Serdang Thursday. With him are President of MTEM Syed Ali Alatas (left) and Datuk Moehamad Izzat Emir (third from left).
"We should not always be seeking protection from the Government, but we must have the bravery and confidence to succeed on our own.
"These are the characteristics of the 21st century Malay. Such Malays would achieve success not because of Government help, but because of their own power of knowledge, skills and their sharp minds," the Prime Minister said after launching the United Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) here last night.
The council is a coalition of 63 Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that promotes sustainable economic development for the Malay community.
Najib, who is also Umno president, said that the Malays should be willing to change and adapt to developments in the coming years.
"We must be more flexible and nimble compared with the past. Being too bureaucratic and rigid will only end up as a hurdle in adapting to new environments," he said.
Najib said the Malays should come up with new projects of their own so that the community could receive a fairer distribution of wealth.
"For example, in the MY Rapid Transit project, the Government had allocated 43% of the project to the bumiputras.
"We do not take from others but we strive to develop new projects," he added.
He urged the NGOs to help the Government implement its projects under the New Economic Model and Economic Transformation Programme.
"These NGOs should act as a "bridge" between the Government and the people and any decision made by them should be deemed as fair," he said.
On MTEM, Najib said that the coalition's formation was historic as this was the first time so many Malay NGOs, which previously operated on their own, were now united under an umbrella body.
"This is a force that can bring change to the Malay community as well as the country as a whole," he said.
Najib added that it was now up to the Malay NGOs to step forward and carry out effective programmes in championing the interests of the community. |
| Selangor Umno warned against arrogance Posted: 29 Sep 2011 11:36 AM PDT By Teoh El Sen, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is wrong in thinking that it can recapture Selangor for Barisan Nasional without MCA's help, according to Yap Pian Hon, who is BN's information chief for the state. He warned Umno against underestimating MCA's influence among Chinese voters, adding that no single BN component party could "go it alone" in the coming general election. "Sometimes people talk big," he said in response to reports quoting Umno sources saying MCA was rapidly losing Chinese support. "What is being said may be merely a perception." However, referring to reports that Selangor Umno was seeking to take over seats traditionally associated with MCA, he said they were "mere speculation". "The seat counts remain unchanged at the moment," he told FMT. Out of the 56 state seats, 35 are for Umno to contest, 14 for MCA, four for Gerakan and three for MIC. Yap called for "more unity" within BN, adding that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak "wants more politeness and for leaders to respect one another". He said the current political landscape did not allow for petty internal struggles. "In this day and age, we cannot have leaders with arrogant attitudes. That must be done away with. We cannot be shouting at each other to solve problems." Yap admitted that the Chinese community regarded MCA as weak, that it is afraid to go against Umno. "They call MCA the running dog of Umno, that we are always begging Umno to be a component party," he said. "Our side has never had the chance to rebut this. We've actually achieved a lot through consultation with Umno – for example, getting Tunku Abdul Rahman College built to help the Chinese community get higher education." Yap, who is also publicity chief for MCA Selangor, also admitted that it would be an "uphill battle" for BN to retake Selangor in the coming election, adding that much would depend on the work of grassroots leaders. He said the fight would be even tougher if BN went to the polls without MCA in a state where Chinese voters account for a substantial portion of the electorate. The Chinese make up about 34% of voters in Selangor. Malays account for 49% and Indians about 14%. "MCA has been here for 60 over years," he said, "and I can tell you that if you don't have the support of the people, you can close shop. READ MORE HERE. |
| Maximum 40pc pay rise as Putrajaya reverts to single-tier civil service Posted: 29 Sep 2011 09:52 AM PDT 
By G. Manimaran, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Putrajaya is to implement a new pay scheme for the country's 1.3 million civil servants that will see salaries jump by up to 40 per cent next year, sources say. Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to announce a return to a single-tier system when tabling Budget 2012 next week after more than 15 years of grumbling from public sector employees who say the current triple-tier system is unfair.
The government will also implement a new Integrated Competency Development Programme (Prospek) appraisal system from next January 1 to replace the controversial Efficiency Level Assessment (PTK) currently in use by the Public Service Department (PSD).
"Government agencies have completed studies into introducing the new system. It is not an adjustment but a new single-tier scheme.
"The increase could be up to RM700, and in terms of percentage this will be up to 40 per cent for some grades," a source told The Malaysian Insider.
Another source confirmed the raise and the appraisal system.
The Malaysian Insider reported last week that the prime minister was considering a hefty bonus or pay increase for the civil service in a "break-the-bank" budget to counter rising costs and keep their support ahead of a general election expected within a year.
The move is similar to former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's move in 2007, who announced a salary increase of between 7.5 and 42 per cent for civil servants and a 100 per cent increase in the cost of living allowance (Cola) a year before calling polls.
The civil service has been seen as a bedrock of support for Najib's ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition but it lost badly in Election 2008 under Abdullah despite his overwhelming win of 91 per cent of Parliament four years earlier.
Critics and analysts said a combination of rising inflation and a push for civil liberties cut BN's support in the polls.
Najib is determined to turn around the coalition's fortunes and recently restarted his reforms agenda by announcing the repeal and revision of several security and media laws in his Malaysia Day address, including the replacement of the Internal Security Act (ISA) with two new laws that focus on terrorism and race and religious issues. READ MORE HERE. |
| WIKILEAKS: BRUNEI-MALAYSIA OFFSHORE OIL DISPUTE – RESOLUTION NEARING? Posted: 29 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT 
It is in the U.S. interest, however, for a resolution finally to be reached given the stakes involved with the potentially extensive reserves that could be opened for production. We understand that the industry's upper estimates for potential reserves in the J and K Blocks reach up to 5 billion (sic) barrels. If proved, these reserves could help ease the pressure on East Asian oil and gas markets significantly for a long period after production begins and so lessen the likelihood of potential conflict over access to energy resources.THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin 
1. (C) In recent weeks we have picked up a number of hints that the long-running dispute between Brunei and Malaysia over delineation of offshore oil exploration zones may finally be nearing a compromise settlement. There has been no exploration activity in the zones, designated as Blocks "J" and "K" by Brunei, since naval incidents that occurred in 2003. A senior oil industry executive told Ambassador that the head of Malaysian national oil company Petronas recently commented to the CEO of a major American firm that he expected the dispute to be solved this year. Working level contacts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told us that, even though their government is confident it could win any international arbitration over the dispute with Malaysia, it might be willing to forego such arbitration and reach a compromise in order to avoid causing a fellow Islamic country to lose face. In our view, these talking points have more to do with avoiding a loss of face by Brunei, which has long maintained that it will accept nothing less than total control over the offshore blocks and that the Malaysian claim has no merit. 2. (C) Local oil industry executives have outlined for us the shape that an eventual resolution could take, at a level of detail not heard previously. They foresee a production sharing arrangement that allocates 65-75 percent of oil and gas output by volume (not revenues) from the disputed offshore blocks to Brunei and the rest to Malaysia. Companies that have signed competing contracts with Brunei and Malaysia would have their contracts honored based on a pro rata calculation of each country's share; for example, a company which had signed a contract with Brunei for 25 percent of the production rights in the disputed zone might end up receiving 25 percent of 75 percent of total output, or 18.75 percent. Royalties, taxes, and the prices charged to third country customers would depend on the terms dictated by the country with which the original contract was signed, either Brunei or Malaysia. One sticking point may be a decision on which firm will be named as overall operator for the production sharing area, and how much compensation it will receive. French company Total, which has a contract with Brunei for exploration in the disputed zones, is an obvious candidate because of its long presence in the region and experience in deep-water drilling, but others will also be interested. 3. (C) The sudden flurry of activity on this long-standing dispute is probably attributable to the start of offshore production earlier this year by U.S. firm Murphy Oil under the terms of its contract with Malaysia. Murphy's rig is in a Malaysian offshore zone undisputed by Brunei, but is located very near the disputed area and taps a reservoir that probably extends under the area claimed by Brunei. The large amount of gas located below the oil in this area produces strong pressure that serves to push the reservoir's hydrocarbons towards Murphy's well. Local oil industry executives who briefed Bruneian government officials on this situation told us that the information was a wake-up call on the need for a resolution sooner rather than later, especially in light of high world-wide demand for exploratory rigs and drilling equipment and resulting long wait times for putting such equipment to use in new locations. The Bruneians have realized that the longer they wait to reach an agreement that allows them to begin drilling in Blocks J and K, the less oil and gas they may ultimately be able to extract. This serves as powerful motivation to get serious in their negotiations with Malaysia and look for a compromise. That motivation is enhanced by the need for Brunei to identify new gas reserves that will underpin the renegotiation of contracts for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas to Japan, due to expire in 2013. 4. (C) Comment: As we previously reported, the ultimate decision on whether and when Brunei should reach a compromise agreement with Malaysia over the offshore fields will be made personally by the Sultan, which is another way of saying the decision process will be deliberate and opaque. It is entirely possible the hopeful signs mentioned above will amount to naught. It is in the U.S. interest, however, for a resolution finally to be reached given the stakes involved with the potentially extensive reserves that could be opened for production. We understand that the industry's upper estimates for potential reserves in the J and K Blocks reach up to 5 billion (sic) barrels. If proved, these reserves could help ease the pressure on East Asian oil and gas markets significantly for a long period after production begins and so lessen the likelihood of potential conflict over access to energy resources. End Comment SKODON (July 2007) |
| Sekali lagi Haris Ibrahim dilarang masuk ke Sarawak Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:17 PM PDT 
(Merdeka Review) -- Sekali lagi, Presiden Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM), juga pengendali blog The People's Parliament, Haris Ibrahim dilarang untuk menjejakkan langkahnya ke dalam sempadan negeri Sarawak, setelah mendarat pada jam 5.15 petang di Lapangan Terbang Kuching, tadi. Beliau dibawa oleh pegawai imigresen setelah tiba di kaunter, dan menunggu di Gate 2 untuk kapal terbang Ak 5217 yang bertolak balik ke Kuala Lumpur pada jam 7.10 petang, sambil dipantau dua orang pegawai imigresen.
Haris Ibrahim (gambar kanan) mempersoalkan, "Apa yang ditakutkan kerajaan negeri Sarawak? Saya datang ke Kuching hanya untuk menghadiri satu forum anjuran Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement, membawa agenda perubahan kepada rakyat, dan agenda perubahan yang diinginkan rakyat. Jadi apa yang ditakutkan kerajaan negeri Sarawak?"
Ketika dihubungi MerdekaReview, beliau berkata dirinya dihalang mengikut Akta Imigresen Seksyen 65(1)(a), sebagaimana apa yang berlaku pada April yang lalu, tanpa dimaklumkan puncanya. Beliau hanya diberitahu bahawa larangan ini adalah "arahan dari atas".
Pada 13 April 2011, Haris Ibrahim menjadi warga Malaysia ketiga yang dihalang menjejak ke bumi Kenyalang sejak pembubaran DUN Sarawak, mengulangi nasib aktivis BERSIH 2.0, Wong Chin Huat pada 8 April; dan aktivis sosial Steven Ng, pada 3 April 2011. Pengerusi BERSIH 2.0 Ambiga Sreenevasan, pemimpin PKR Sivarasa Rasiah, ahli parlimen Padang Serai Gobalakrishnan dan lain-lain turut tersenarai sebagai warga Malaysia yang dihalang menjejak langkah ke bumi Sarawak.
Haris Ibrahim pada ketika itu menyifatkan larangan ini sebagai perbuatan menyalahgunakan kuasa, semata-mata untuk menghalang aktivis sosial daripada menyebarkan maklumat kepada pengundi tempatan Sarawak.
MCLM mengadakan forum bersiri, 27 September di Kota Kinabalu, 28 di Tawau dan pada hari ini, bertempat di Kuching. Forum ini dijangka membincangkan agenda sosial yang lebih inklusif, perjanjian yang dimeterai ketika pembentukan Malaysia pada tahun 1963, sistem kehakiman dan sebagainya. 
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| How spin-doctoring works Posted: 28 Sep 2011 08:37 PM PDT 
Malay support, which was about 49% in the March 2008 general election, has declined to about 40% over the last three years. Pakatan Rakyat would need to increase this support to at least 60% if it wants to be able to win enough seats in parliament to form the next federal government. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Pakatan stalemate after talks on hudud (The Star). Pakatan: Hudud only if all parties agree (The Malaysian Insider). Pakatan: No consensus for Kelantan to implement hudud (Malaysiakini). DAP won't back down on hudud, says Karpal (Free Malaysia Today). Hudud: PR agrees to disagree, maintains unity (Harakah Daily). Hudud backfires on BN, while a smiling Nik Aziz reaches out to non-Muslims (Malaysia Chronicle). Anwar: Pakatan will not implement Hudud Laws (Malaysian Digest). That was what seven different news agencies/portals reported today. Now, all seven were reporting about the same event. But just from the headlines alone you can see the different slants in those reports. And if you would like to read the body of those reports you can do so below (where again their focus or emphasis is different). Anwar Ibrahim said in his Blog: "Hudud: Pakatan sepakat akui Enakmen Syariah Kelantan, Terengganu". Lim Kit Siang, however, said: "Pakatan: Hudud only if all parties agree". Again, the slant between Anwar and Kit Siang is slightly different. Anwar says that Pakatan is 'unanimous and agrees'. Kit Siang says that they are not unanimous and do not agree (Hudud only if all parties agree). So that makes nine different versions of the same event. Why not make it ten and the tenth version will be from me. And my 'headline' is going to be: 'Pakatan's move to regain lost Malay ground'. Well, that is my version of that same event and certainly it differs from the other nine versions. But I am entitled to my opinion of what transpired just like all the others are entitled to their opinion and interpretation of events as well. As we always say: you can't change the facts of history. But you can certainly interpret events according to the way you see them. For example, my interpretation of my TV3 interview earlier this year is that I reinforced or reiterated what I signed in my Statutory Declaration of June 2008. Others have interpreted it as me having done a U-turn or back-paddled on what I signed in that SD. Can you see how that same event was interpreted differently by different people? Anyway, my headline is: 'Pakatan's move to regain lost Malay ground'. And against the backdrop of this headline, how would the body of my report read and how different would it be to the others below? Well, this is how the body of my report will read: Pakatan Rakyat, realising that the road to Putrajaya lies in the hands of the Malay electorate, is making its move to regain what is apparently declining Malay support by raising the issue of the Shariah law of Hudud. Pakatan Rakyat can see that it has already maximised Chinese and Indian support. However, without more Malay support, it is never going to be able to form the next federal government. Malay support, which was about 49% in the March 2008 general election, has declined to about 40% over the last three years. Pakatan Rakyat would need to increase this support to at least 60% if it wants to be able to win enough seats in parliament to form the next federal government. Pakatan Rakyat realises that even if it manages to win 90% Chinese and Indian support that would not be good enough if Malay support hovers at around only 40%. Pakatan Rakyat can afford to see Chinese and Indian support reduce to 80%, or even 75%. But as long as Malay support can increase to 60% then it can win the next general election even with a reduced Chinese and Indian support. More than half the seats in parliament are 'Malay' seats. This means the Malay votes are more crucial than non-Malay votes. With non-Malay votes above 60%, say 75-80%, then Pakatan Rakyat can still make it. But it can only make it if the Malay support is 60% or so. This appears to be a brilliant move as far as West Malaysia is concerned where 165 of the 222 parliament seats are located. That does not, however, solve the problem of the 57 parliament seats in East Malaysia. In East Malaysia, there are no 'Malay' seats as such. So, while this strategy may be brilliant when it comes to West Malaysia (where Pakatan Rakyat could probably win up to 85 of the 165 parliament seats), it is not clear how this would help in East Malaysia (where Pakatan Rakyat would need to win at least 30 parliament seats if it wants to form the next federal government). Pakatan Rakyat does not seem to have got its act together in East Malaysia. Will this Hudud issue actually work for or against Pakatan Rakyat in East Malaysia or will it have no impact at all? This is not known just yet. Nevertheless, Pakatan Rakyat will need to come out with a different and much stronger strategy for East Malaysia. If not, then Pakatan Rakyat will win not more than ten seats there, which means Barisan Nasional will be back in power with at least 127 seats in parliament. Clearly, the Hudud issue is aimed at the voters in the Malay heartland. Now PAS can go down to the voters to say that it honestly and sincerely tried its best to implement Hudud, in particular in Kelantan and Terengganu. However, Umno, the lead partner in the ruling government, is the one blocking the implementation of Hudud. And yet Umno claims that it is the largest Islamic party in the world. The failure to see Hudud implemented in Malaysia will clearly rest on Umno's shoulders. Umno will be seen as what the Chinese would say the chao lang (arehole, bastard: take your pick) in this whole matter. You can't blame DAP for opposing Hudud, PAS will argue. After all, DAP is not an Islamic party. But what excuse does Umno have for opposing Hudud? The question now would be: what will the affect be to the Chinese or Indian voters? Of course, Pakatan Rakyat might see a slight decline in non-Malay support (but then again it might not or the decline will be very minimal). But if this slight decline can be offset by an even larger increase in Malays votes, then Pakatam Rakyat would be taking one step backwards but two steps forwards. That means, with the plusses and minuses added together, Pakatan Rakyat would be still ahead with some plusses. Pakatan Rakyat's shot at Putrajaya will of course depend on what happens in East Malaysia. And the Hudud issue may not have any bearing at all on what happens there. So how is Pakatan Rakyat going to ensure that it wins at least 30 seats from East Malaysia? That is not an issue for discussion today and is not related to the subject matter: Hudud as Pakatan's move to regain lost Malay ground. ***************************** 1. Pakatan stalemate after talks on hudud (The Star) -- Pakatan Rakyat has failed to reach a consensus on hudud despite a three-hour meeting. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they respected the Syariah criminal enactment drawn in 1993 in Kelantan and in 2003 in Terengganu before Pakatan was formed. "We have agreed to respect the differences of opinions in line with democratic principles," he said after the Pakatan leadership meeting here last night. Among those present were PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, DAP chairman Karpal Singh, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang. Asked if Pakatan agreed to the implementation of hudud laws in Kelantan and Terengganu, Anwar said they would refer to their common policy framework. Anwar said Pakatan leaders had agreed to abide by the Federal Constitution and the Buku Jingga. "Hudud laws cannot be implemented without amending the Federal Constitution," he said. "And DAP's objection must also be respected," he added. The issue erupted after PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said that the party hoped to implement hudud laws in Kelantan. ***************************** 2. Pakatan: Hudud only if all parties agree (The Malaysian Insider) -- Pakatan Rakyat (PR) agreed today that the contentious hudud or Islamic criminal law is not part of its joint policy until all parties agree to it, stepping back from the brink of a major difference that broke an earlier opposition coalition. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told a press conference just after midnight that the set of Islamic laws was "certainly now not PR policy and DAP's objection has to be respected." "Yes, very clear, it has to be together," the PKR de facto leader replied to a question on whether any move to implement hudud would need the unanimous agreement of all three parties in the pact. He had earlier backed imposing the law in Kelantan, just like political foe Umno whose former leader Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dredged up the issue last week. Close to 30 top PR leaders had met for over three hours last night to resolve the longstanding hudud issue which has seen the DAP and PAS repeatedly at loggerheads. Dr Mahathir, who opposed hudud when Kelantan passed the law in 1993, dared Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the state's mentri besar, to implement hudud now that the country's longest-serving prime minister was no longer in power. The PAS spiritual leader then called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to propose amendments to the federal constitution to allow the Islamic law, which prescribes stoning, whipping and amputation as punishment for criminal offences. But the DAP has insisted that it is not part of PR's common policy, leading to the three-year-old pact's unity being questioned. Secretary-general Lim Guan Eng vowed this week that his entire central leadership would resign their posts if hudud became part of the coalition's joint stand. PR issued a gag order earlier this week, barring their members from speaking on the issue until the pact's emergency meeting last night. Anwar also said PR will continue to allow its members to air different views but that no policy would become part of its common platform without the consensus of all. "Why must PAS be denied the right to articulate their views? We cannot deny the right of any party to bring forward any view. PR respects PAS's initiative and aspiration but we have to reach a consensus," the former deputy prime minister said. He added that he could not understand "why (hudud) cannot be discussed? Why the strong abhorrence?" The Permatang Pauh MP also said that the hudud enactments that were passed in PAS-ruled Kelantan and Terengganu in 1993 and 2003 respectively were done before PR had been formed. Anwar said that "both enactments are there, but it requires PR consensus and an amendment to the constitution. DAP is not supportive of that particular position." ****************************** 3. Pakatan: No consensus for Kelantan to implement hudud (Malaysiakini) -- Pakatan Rakyat today said that it will uphold the Federal Constitution in so far as the hudud law is concerned, implying that it will not seek the constitutional amendments required for the law to be implemented. However, the coalition agreed to disagree on existing enactments pertaining to hudud law in Kelantan and Terengganu, as the enactments predate the formation of Pakatan. Speaking after a three-hour meeting which ended at midnight at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said this was to respect the divergent views of PAS and DAP on the thorny issue. "Both enactments are already there as references, but there is a need to refer to Pakatan Rakyat as it involves Federal Constitution amendment. "The (Kelantan) government is here, (state exco) Takiyuddin (Hassan) explained the Kelantan position and the requirement for (the state enactment's) enforcement is an amendment to the Federal Constitution," he said. Asked specifically if Pakatan will be implementing the hudud law if it comes into power in the next election, Anwar said: "No, there is no consensus (on that)." However, the veteran politician noted that Pakatan is not closing the door on hudud and is prepared to pursue the matter to respect PAS' democratic right to voice their position. "We cannot deny PAS, DAP or PKR the right to (present their case)... but we are bound to the Federal Constitution and the Buku Jingga. "There is nothing stopping us from discussing the issue. Why can this not be discussed?" he asked when quizzed by reporters. Of the 26 who attended the meeting, said to have been fairly heated, were DAP leaders Karpal Singh, Lim Kit Siang, Ngeh Koo Ham and Liew Chin Tong, PAS leaders Abdul Hadi Awang, Salahuddin Ayub and Nasruddin Hassan and PKR leaders Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, Azmin Ali and Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin. Takiyuddin was representing the Kelantan government on the instruction of state menteri besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat. Pakatan leaders tightlipped According to Anwar, Pakatan leaders including himself also contacted Nik Aziz, a staunch supporter of the hudud law, on the matter. He added that the meeting was also briefed of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 1993 and Terengganu Syariah Criminal Code 2003 by Takiyuddin and Abdul Hadi. Pakatan leaders approached after the meeting were all tightlipped and refused to divulge information of what had happened in the lengthy meeting. The hudud issue has been used by Pakatan's opponents to accuse the coalition of being a marriage of convenience rather than a formidable pact. Often used as ammunition against Pakatan on the matter is the statement by Karpal that the Islamic laws will only be implemented comprehensively in Malaysia "over (his) dead body". "We stress that we will not be dragged into the desperate political ploy of Umno-BN to drive a wedge between us. We fully believe in the maturity and wisdom of the rakyat to judge this situation for themselves," said Anwar. ****************************** 4. DAP won't back down on hudud, says Karpal (Free Malaysia Today) -- DAP chairman Karpal Singh said the party will continue to oppose any attempts at implementing hudud in the country. "From the very beginning, DAP has also made known its opposition against any attempts by PAS and others to turn the country into an Islamic state," he said. "Let me make it very clear: hudud is not in line with the Federal Cosntitution and therefore it is unconstitutional," Karpal told FMT when commenting on the outcome of last night's meeting of Pakatan Rakyat's top brass to discuss the hudud issue. He said even though PAS leaders were adamant (about implementing Islamic laws), DAP was equally firm in its opposition. "You can't have Islamic laws in a secular state; it's as simple as that," said Karpal, who was also at the meeting at the PAS headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut here. He pointed out that the Supreme Court led by the then Lord President Mohamed Salleh Abas had declared that the country was a secular state in a landmark decision on a case in 1988. He reiterated that there will be "no change" in his party's stand on the matter, adding that he had conveyed this decision to PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim. When asked to describe the atmosphere at last night's meeting, Karpal said it was "very cordial". On calls by several MCA and Gerakan leaders to DAP to make its stand clear over the (hudud) issue, Karpal hit out at both parties, calling them "hypocrites". "Where were they when Mahathir (former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad) declared that Malaysia was an Islamic state?" "There was not even a whimper of protest from any of the Barisan National (BN) component parties," he said. Asked whether he was concerned that the hudud issue will adversely affect relationship among the Pakatan allies, Karpal said that it was normal to have differences. "But we still share a common stand on several key issues like human rights and corruption." ******************************* 5. Hudud: PR agrees to disagree, maintains unity (Harakah Daily) -- Pakatan Rakyat yesterday decided to 'agree to disagree' on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Islamic deterrent punishment for serious crimes, or hudud, saying it respected both PAS and DAP's positions on the matter. After a three-hour meeting, the coalition issued a joint statement to respect the hudud enactments by PAS governments in Kelantan and Terengganu which predate the coalition. "The meeting acknowledges and respects the differences among parties in Pakatan Rakyat as a democratic alliance, including PAS's position on the implementation of the Shariah law. "The meeting also acknowledges the Kelantan's Shariah Criminal Enactment 1993 and Terengganu's Shariah Enactment in 2003 which existed before Pakatan Rakyat was born. PKR and PAS respect the different stand taken by DAP in this matter," said the statement. Speaking to the press later, parliamentary Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said the implementation of hudud would require amendment to the Federal Constitution. "The (Kelantan) government is here, (state exco) Takiyuddin (Hassan) explained the Kelantan position and the requirement for (the state enactment's) enforcement is an amendment to the Federal Constitution," he said. On whether PR would implement hudud if it wrests power at the Federal level, Anwar said there was no such consensus. "We will not be dragged into the desperate politics of UMNO-BN to create a wedge between us," he said. ****************************** 6. Hudud backfires on BN, while a smiling Nik Aziz reaches out to non-Muslims (Malaysia Chronicle) -- With the dust settling on the hudud law issue, PAS' revered Spritiual Adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat has reason to smile. He and his party have won a major concession from coalition partner, the DAP. PAS' aspiration to implement hudud in Kelantan and Terengganu has been acknowledged by its partners DAP and PKR. Both states have already passed hudud into law at their respective state assemblies and whai is now stopping the implementation is the Umno-led federal government's refusal to give the go-ahead. But the 80-year old Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Mentri Besar, is no fool. He is also a gentleman and would never think of forcing hudud on the state just to satisfy his own and PAS' staunch Islamic convictions. Already, he has begun to reach out to the non-Muslims to further calm their fears over hudud, which is feared because of the types of punishment it prescribes which include amputation of limbs, whipping and stoning to death. "My non-Muslim friends, can I know which part of the punishment is frightening to you," Nik Aziz wrote on his Facebook page hours after the Pakatan decision was announced. "I hope you are not afraid of hudud due to misunderstanding or misinformation because that could only be the reason for your fear, because of false perceptions or because you do not know or are not sure. And I would like to understand your concern more clearly and to this end, I have prepare many answers to help you overcome your worries." BN now on the defensive The Pakatan decision and the open manner in which the three parties - DAP, PAS and PKR - handled the contentious issue has put political rivals Umno and BN on the defensive. Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is Umno president, is left looking rather lacking and not just to the Muslims but also to the non-Muslims. In the past week, since the issue was stirred up by former premier Mahathir Mohamad, there has been a groundswell of Muslim support towards PAS and Nik Aziz. Although there are many Malays who are against hudud and believe it is an archaic law, they still leaned towards PAS in appreciation of its willingness to struggle for Islam. They see in Najib's slick disavowal of hudud as a mere political decision, aimed at making himself popular rather than try to find a way forward from the highly sensitive and contentious issue. "We stress that we will not be dragged into the desperate political ploy of Umno-BN to drive a wedge between us. We fully believe in the maturity and wisdon of the rakyat to judge this situation for themselves," Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim had said. Displeasure with Najib grows in Umno While BN has been quick to draw attention to the Pakatan's disgareement over the issue, Umno itself was split over hudud while MCA and Gerakan were strongly against it. Najib's over eagerness to brush off hudud contrasts sharply against his deputy's view that Umno supported hudud but could not implement it immediately. The PM's political faux pas has earned him the wrath of the hardliners in Umno and the anger of the staunchly Muslim. The return goodwill from the non-Muslims, especially the Chinese, was negligible with many seeing through his ploy to gain their votes along with MCA and Gerakan. "The insincerity is glaring. Certainly, it will worsen the relations between the Najib and Muhyiddin camp. Within Umno, the calls to get Najib to step down has grown because of the hudud. He doesn't seem to be able to feel the pulse of his own people," Bukit Gantang MP Nizar Jamaluddin told Malaysia Chronicle. Stunning Facebook support Meanwhile, in a clear testimony that honesty is always appreciated, Nik Aziz's Facebook has chalked stunning support since the issue gained prominence. He now has at least 561,047 followers. For one particular post he made on the hudud issue, he received 4,356 comments. At least 9,146 readers pressed the 'like' button, while 3,054 others pressed the 'share' button to post it on their own facebook wall. The post that drew so much attention reads as follows: "Oh Utusan Malaysia, the paper which claims to protect the rights of the Malays and Islam. Are you aware of what you're doing? Where is the limit to practising politics that you ignore but insist on fooling around with what is clearly stated in the Quran? Oh Muslims…oh Mighty Lord….oh my fellow Mufti…oh Malay/Islamic NGOs…oh my fellow scholars and young scholars of Umno…isn't it obvious that this act is an insult to Islamic law?" Nik Aziz had penned the post in response to a caricature from the Umno-owned Utusan newspaper. In his next posting, Nik Aziz explained that he rarely reads the Utusan. "In my opinion, the newspaper seems more like an Umno mouthpiece. This morning I was shown a cartoon sketch that was published yesterday, insulting the word hudud. I don't want to comment much, what I said was enough, matches the level of thinking in Utusan Malaysia's editorial board," said Nik Aziz. ****************************** 7. Anwar: Pakatan will not implement Hudud Laws (Malaysian Digest) -- Pakatan Rakyat have decided to not implement the hudud law in Kelantan as the implementation of the Islamic law need consensus from all three Pakatan parties. The decision was announced by Pakatan leaders after a meeting over the issue which started at 9pm and ended about 12:30am. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he respects PAS' initiatives and aspirations for the implementation of the law, however, DAP is opposed to it. Despite the decision by the DAP, the other two component parties– PKR and PAS – said they respect the final decision in which a consensus must be reached in order to implement the law. "Pakatan respects PAS' and PKR's support for hudud in Kelantan just as it respects DAP's opposition to it," Anwar told a press conference after the meeting at PAS headquarters. Anwar added that Pakatan acknowledges the ideological differences in each of its component parties – including PAS' stand on the hudud law – as the coalition is a democratic collaboration. According to him, the implementation of hudud law would also require amendment to the Federal Constitution. "Both enactments are already there… but there is a need to refer to Pakatan Rakyat because it involves Federal Constitution amendments," he added. The PKR de facto leader said that the decision by Pakatan over the hudud issue defends the mutual policies contained in the Federal Constitution as well as the Buku Jingga (Orange book). He said, in the meeting, the opposition leaders also addressed the existence of the 1993 Syariah Criminal Enactment II of Kelantan and the 2003 Syariah Criminal Enactment of Terengganu which was created before the existence of the Pakatan coalition. He added that the Pakatan will continue to strengthen its political will to improve its economic competitiveness, income of the people, quality of education, health and the cost of living which has been getting higher. He said that, in the meeting, the three component parties also agreed that they will not be dragged into what he claims to be Umno/Barisan Nasional's "desperate" political games to divide the Pakatan parties. "We are fully confident of the rakyat's maturity and wisdom in evaluating this situation," said Anwar. According to him, during the meeting, the leaders have also decided concurred that cooperation will be given towards realizing Pakatan's main political objective in the next general election (GE13) which is to rebuild the national fundamentals which were "ruined by Umno / BN" following the principles of universal justice, good governance, accountability, transparency and competency to achieve "public good" for all rakyat. He also said that PAS will not be stopped from talking about implementing hudud laws despite not having a consensus on the matter. "We are not an Umno-controlled Pakatan Rakyat… We respect the right of people to present their case, ask questions and raise the matter… and to deny PAS to articulate their position is not fair," he added. |
| Where We Are Right Now Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:01 PM PDT This aptly summarises where we are right now, quite brilliantly. Got this from my friend, no source recorded. 
READ MORE HERE |
| Perkasa wants Sime Darby to drop E&O share buy Posted: 28 Sep 2011 05:33 PM PDT 
By Syed Mu'az Syed Putra, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Perkasa called today for Sime Darby to cancel the 30 per cent purchase of Eastern & Oriental (E&O) as the government-linked company (GLC) already has expertise in real estate development. "We are confident that Sime Darby does not need the services of other companies," said the Malay lobby group's information chief Ruslam Kasim after handing over a memorandum protesting the move to Sime Darby. Sime Darby's acquisition of the 30 per cent stake in E&O is being probed by the Securities Commission (SC) following allegations of insider trading that also involves the husband of the SC chairman. Perkasa's memorandum called the planned RM776 million purchase at a 60 per cent premium over the market price a betrayal of trust. "It represents the fall of moral responsibility and credibility of Sime Darby, damaging the image of the government for failing to monitor (Sime Darby's) operations. "The rise of such corruption will damage the government's efforts to transform the entire sector," the memorandum said. Just before the Hari Raya break, Sime Darby announced it wanted to buy a 30 per cent block (involving 273 million shares and 60 million irredeemable convertible secured loan stocks) in E&O at RM2.30 per share from three vendors. READ MORE HERE. |
| Military training for media covering war, disasters Posted: 28 Sep 2011 05:23 PM PDT (Bernama) - Media personnel being assigned to war zones or disaster areas will be required to undergo training with Defence Ministry's Territorial Army Media Team to prepare them physically and mentally for the tasks ahead. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision was reached at the Cabinet meeting on Sept 28. "The training session will ensure that media personnel are aware of safety aspects when undertaking their duties," he said at an Aidilfitri gathering with non-governmental organisations here tonight. He said media organisations should be willing to send their staff for the training ahead of their assignments abroad. The minister also called on organisers of humanitarian missions to equip the teams with safety equipment, including bullet-proof jackets. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the Burundi army should pay compensation to the family of BernamaTV cameraman, Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, who was killed in a Sept 2 shooting incident in Somalia, in which Burundi troops were believed to be involved. The African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has apologized over the incident and sacked the four soldiers who are to be sent back to Burundi to face trial. Noramfaizul, 39, was killed after the vehicle he and other Malaysian media personnel were travelling in to return to their hotel in Mogadishu came under fire. The media team was covering a relief mission to help famine victims in Somalia. |
| Hacked off: Assange moans about unofficial ‘autobiography’ Posted: 28 Sep 2011 04:12 PM PDT 
The correspondence, published as an appendix to an earlier Assange statement complaining bitterly about Canongate's release last week of "Julian Assange: The Unauthorised Autobiography", offers rare disclosures by Assange about his personal finances and well-being, and those of WikiLeaks. Reuters He laid bare the secrets of governments and corporations. But until now, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange fiercely fought demands for more transparency in his own personal and financial affairs. But a bizarre dispute between Assange and a Scottish publisher who last week released an "unauthorised" version of Assange's autobiography has prompted the WikiLeaks frontman to make public some of his own secrets. Late on Tuesday, WikiLeaks published a sheaf of e-mail correspondence and transcripts of phone conversations between Assange, his literary agent and lawyers, and Canongate, an independent publisher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The publisher signed a book deal with Assange shortly after he was released last December from the London prison where he was briefly held following a Swedish request for his extradition for questioning in a sexual misconduct case. The correspondence, published as an appendix to an earlier Assange statement complaining bitterly about Canongate's release last week of "Julian Assange: The Unauthorised Autobiography", offers rare disclosures by Assange about his personal finances and well-being, and those of WikiLeaks. "At least until the Swedish case ends that's how my life is — full of constant struggles and interventions," Assange complained to a Canongate executive in a phone call in early June. "I can't not respond to these things that put me and the organisation in jeopardy." The financial picture presented by Assange's disclosures is ambiguous and confusing. It surfaces as Assange awaits a court ruling on his long legal fight against extradition. According to figures published by Assange, the financial deal that he signed with Canongate ought to have brought him a level of financial reward commensurate with what he and his supporters regard as his status as an anti-secrecy crusader and international celebrity. US$1 million (RM3.16 million) deal In a transcript of a June 16, 2011 phone call he had with a Canongate representative, Assange talks of how £250,000 (RM1.2 million) he got as a book advance were under the control of Finers Stephens Innocent, a London law firm which represented him in the extradition case. Assange claims that the advance was transferred to the lawyers "wholly without my consent," and that the law firm was refusing to release it due to a billing dispute. Mark Stephens, the lawyer who principally represented Assange, declined comment. It's unclear why Assange chose to publish details of his personal affairs at this juncture. He did not respond to requests for further comment. In other newly-published correspondence, Assange discloses for the first time what he says Canongate agreed to pay him if his book was completed as planned. Assange's lawyers claimed in a September 12 letter to Canongate that the publisher owed Assange £225,000 on delivery of a completed manuscript and another £175,000 on the book's release in Britain. Together with the advance, this meant the book deal was apparently worth at least £650,000 to Assange — more than US$1 million at current exchange rates. It is not clear whether this figure included an advance payment to Assange from US publisher Knopf, or whether it included payments intended for Andrew O'Hagan, a British author who agreed to be Assange's ghost-writer. A former member of Assange's inner circle said that, with additional revenues anticipated from deals Canongate struck with foreign-language publishers, the total received by Assange could have run as high as £2 million — one of the biggest such deals since former US president Bill Clinton's memoirs. However, Nick Davies, Canongate's publishing director, told Reuters that while his company at one point had lined up 38 international publishers to put out local editions of the book (as well as Knopf), these publishers walked away when it became clear the book was in trouble. Davies said that in March, when a first draft of the book was due to be delivered, Assange began to show disaffection with the project. "He felt it was and is too personal," Davies said, adding that Assange later declared: "All memoir is prostitution." Computer glitch Davies said Canongate made various efforts to resurrect the deal and draw Assange back into it, including a proposal that Assange would get another six months to fix the book. However, Assange failed to deliver, at one point informing the publisher that he had lost all of the work he had done to fix it through a computer glitch — an explanation which Davies said "rang alarm bells" given Assange's reputation as a computer wizard. Earlier this month, Davies said, the publisher gave Assange a final opportunity to serve up a "new vision and timeline" for the book. But Canongate warned Assange it would go ahead and publish a draft which had been finished by O'Hagan in March with or without Assange's assent if he didn't cooperate. In reply, Assange threatened Canongate with an injunction to stop publication. The injunction has not materialised. Canongate then went ahead with a well-publicised launch of Assange's "unauthorised" memoir. Davies said the publisher had to "mitigate our losses" because when they asked Assange for their advance back, he admitted he had signed a paper instructing his agent to turn the money over to his lawyers. The publisher concluded Assange was "never" going to be able to repay the advance, Davies said. After the publisher went ahead with publication, Assange complained, "This book was meant to be about my life's struggle for justice through knowledge." "It has turned into something else. The events surrounding its unauthorised publication by Canongate are not about freedom of information — they are about old-fashioned opportunism and duplicity — screwing people over to make a buck," Assange said in a statement posted on WikiLeaks. So far, the book is turning out to be a bonanza for nobody, with UK sales for the first three days of publication totaling 644 copies. Davies said Canongate hopes sales will pick up steam, and says some of his firm's erstwhile foreign-language partners have expressed interest in returning to the fold. For the moment, however, the publisher said, "The only person who has made any money out of this is Julian. He's got our advance money." |
| Babyrina and four witnesses Posted: 28 Sep 2011 03:43 PM PDT 
In Malaysia, people often get confused between politics in Islam and politicising Islam. If I were to take a narrow interpretation of the Islamic law, one would need to produce four witnesses when accusing someone of adultery or indecent behaviour and by virtue of that a video, picture or any form of scientific proof deems invalid as it was never mentioned in the Quran. But of course, Islamic laws are not that narrow nor is it that idiotic. There's no such notion that all scientific empirical evidence is excluded for the sake of four witnesses. By Zaidel Baharuddin, Free Malaysia Today If you remember the days of dialling 1515 through a 56kbit dial up modem, chances are you know who Babyrina is. During the days of 'Jaring' being the only Internet Service Provider, Babyrina was somewhat of an urban legend. Some say she's actually a Latino while others say she's an ex-MAS stewardess who resides in United Kingdom. Whoever she may really be, in the days of limited bandwidth and having the patience to wait several minutes for pictures to load, Babyrina filled the exciting imaginations of many pubescent young men in the early nineties. Yes kids, this is before Facebook, heck it's even before Friendster, this was the time where the definition of social network is #kampung at MIRC. Anyway for the sake of some readers I should do some explanation. Babyrina is supposedly the first Malay porn star whose pictures hit the Internet in the early nineties. This were the days when handphones have yet acquired the capability of taking pictures and recording videos ( hence 3GP production was not yet available) thus randy photos of a Malay lass in action was something very rare which in turn propels Babyrina to stardom. She became a household name amongst the few netizens back in those days. I believe she hosted her own site complete with paid membership and all the jazz of an adult entertainment entrepreneur. Of course this was eons ago. Now locally produced videos are abundant around the net in the form of pixelated 3GP formats and some even in high quality high definition infra-red spy camera videos shot from various angles. From the stairs of a low cost flat to hotels and fancy apartments indeed it has been a long journey since the days of Babyrina. The rise of the infidels Ironic it may sound, it seems that today, Babyrina is even more related to the Malay society more than she was during her heydays of cyberspace. The only difference this time around is that unlike before, where her name was being mentioned in discussions amongst amorous netizens who has time to spend on waiting for things to load, this time she is more related in the realm of politics and morality. Now if you follow Malay politics you should notice by now that one of the favourite subjects when it comes to politics amongst the Malays is Islam. Not that there's anything wrong with it for aligning your political ideology with the values of Islam, it is something that every Muslim should do. The only problem is that thanks to politicians, when it comes to a political discourse it usually ends with the conclusion that the other side are infidels. You can't win when face with righteous self-proclaimed honourable teacher who somehow seems to give out 'fatwas' that coincides with political expediencies. After all they say who is he who lacks knowledge to question the honourable teacher? Take for example when politicians began to preach that videos and DNAs shouldn't be used in courts and that a true Islamic way to settle disputes is to bring it to a syariah trial hence the need to produce four witnesses. Some even go as far as bringing in 'Qazaf' as a measure of proving innocence because of the prosecutors' failure to produce four witnesses. I have been accused of many things when posing questions on these 'interpretations' of the Islamic laws, from the usual 'Kafir' (infidel) to 'Yahudi' (Jewish) though I don't really mind being the latter as my usual retort being "Ok lah tu, Nabi Isa pun Yahudi jugak" If I were to take a narrow interpretation of the Islamic law, one would need to produce four witnesses when accusing someone of adultery or indecent behaviour and by virtue of that a video, picture or any form of scientific proof deems invalid as it was never mentioned in the Quran. Quite stupid don't you think? And even more amazing, let's just say authorities wanted to press charges to Babyrina, the infamous Malay pornstar for "indecent morally detrimental activities", they would then need to produce four witnesses who saw her in action right before their eyes (meaning live). Any failure to do so, Babyrina can file for Qazaf in the very same court to sentence authorities for wrongdoing and false accusation. But of course, Islamic laws are not that narrow nor is it that idiotic. There's no such notion that all scientific empirical evidence is excluded for the sake of four witnesses. READ MORE HERE |
| Is Petronas Dr M’s next target? Posted: 28 Sep 2011 03:32 PM PDT 
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 'moves' from one extreme to another without any feeling of guilt. Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today The real Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is emerging. Former prime minister Mahathir looks out for the welfare of the corporate world – the big businesses, the crony capitalists. He wants to ensure subsidies go to Independent Power Producers, juiciest of deals go to highway toll operators, big business continue to get bigger businesses. He will support the Gamuda-isation of Malaysia. Yes sirree folks, Mahathir is the champion of corporate welfarism. Under this version of welfare, the power of the state is used to protect the rich and powerful rather than the poor and the society in general. Mahathir is now the spokesman of welfarism. Contradictory Mahathir Mahathir continues to be the embodiment of contradictions. He moves from one extreme to another without being burdened with the feelings of guilt. He is generally seen as the man responsible for breeding the culture of corruption, yet he can also be the spokesman for a clean government. Ex-ministers who listened to his solemn intonation that the government is corrupt from the top to bottom, could have puked all over the place in one of those gatherings of ex-ministers. He quits Umno when he thinks Umno is rotten to the core. Each level of the Umno leadership is corrupt, he has said. And this, he had told a social gathering of ex-minister, would include premier Najib Tun Razak. And when Umno was led by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he left Umno. READ MORE HERE |
| ‘Name the 1,000 companies’ Posted: 28 Sep 2011 02:39 PM PDT By Joseph Tawie, FMT KUCHING: The government's decision to do away with the 30 percent Bumiputera equity quota has received the opposition's conditional acceptance. Welcoming the move, Sarawak DAP, however, insisted that the government reveal the names of the 1,000 companies which the government would help to grow bigger and better. "We want to know the 1,000 companies. Are they related to Umno or to Barisan Nasional politicians? "How many of these companies are based in Sarawak, and who are the shareholders? "Are there Ibans, Bidayuhs, Lun Bawang, Kayans and other natives of Sarawak holding shares in those companies?" asked DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen. Chong, who is the Kota Sentosa assemblyman, was reacting to the move announced by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Najib said that the 30 percent quota had not served its purpose. He said that it instead hampered Bumiputera companies from developing. He said the government would instead adopt a different approach to support Bumiputera companies in order to make them more competitive. What are the criteria? Najib also said the government would help more than 1,000 companies which have been identified through Teraju (Bumiputera Agenda Coordinating Unit) to become bigger and better. Said Chong, who is also Bandar Kuching MP: "The government's move is a small step forward. But we want to know the selection process and the criteria." He said that Najib has been making some major announcements purportedly to reform the whole system in the country. But in terms of impact, it did not truly reform or change the system for the better. Citing the move to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) as an example, Chong said: "I see the move by the government towards reform as very insincere. "You only make the announcement to repeal ISA but, on the other hand, you are going to replace it with two new laws. "And those detained under ISA will continue to be detained after the announcement," he said. GST still on the cards Chong also cited the GST (goods and services tax) as yet another example of the government's insincerity. He said it was common knowledge that the GST is a regressive tax policy. "GST taxes people from the lower income group. Previously, they don't have to pay income tax, but with GST the poor people will indirectly pay taxes. "After making the announcement, the government received adverse reactions and opposition from the people. "The government claimed it listened to the opinions of the people and deferred the Bill. "Since the announcement, I have been attending Parliament and still GST is on the order paper. It has never been removed. "The government is just waiting for the right time to implement it, which I believe will be after the general election provided it is given a strong mandate to govern," Chong said. READ MORE HERE. |
| Stocks, commodities fall on euro crisis fears Posted: 28 Sep 2011 02:18 PM PDT (Reuters) - Asian shares and commodities fell today on growing worries that Europe's intractable debt problems will plunge the world into a second global financial crisis. Copper fell three per cent, gold slipped towards US$1,600 (RM4,800) an ounce to stand more than US$300 below its record high earlier this month, and commodities-related stocks such as global miner Rio Tinto were dumped on worries that demand will weaken as the international economy slows. The past week has seen a broad sell-off of commodities, equities and emerging markets bonds and a rally in the dollar that has been reminiscent of the rout surrounding the collapse of Lehman Brothers investment bank three years ago. "It seems periods of optimism are getting shorter and the pessimism is getting longer," said David Land, analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. "This is being driven by the clear realisation that while there are many plans as to how to deal with the Euro situation, the reality of getting agreement will be that much harder." Tokyo's Nikkei share average fell 1 per cent, while MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.8 per cent, with its materials sub-index shedding more than two per cent. S&P 500 index futures were mildly negative, after Wall Street's broad benchmark dropped 2.1 per cent yesterday. "The market situation is still tough, with worries about global growth," said Fujio Ando, senior managing director at Chibagin Asset Management in Tokyo. The latest source of nervousness was a vote in Germany's parliament at 0900 GMT today to approve new powers for the euro zone's €440 billion (RM1.76 trillion) rescue fund. While opposition votes will ensure the bill passes, a big rebellion within Chancellor Angela Merkel's own centre-right coalition could weaken her politically and cloud future policy making at a time when financial markets and other nations are urging euro zone leaders to act boldly and decisively. The euro was a little firmer around US$1.3555, while the dollar rose 0.2 per cent against a basket of currencies. "You would suspect weakness until Germany votes, given that it is the big guy that has to fund it," said Gavin Stacey, head of Australia and New Zealand research at Barclays Capital. "The euro is most likely to continue its trend deterioration until it gets really bad, forcing a resolution to come." Commodities continued to slide, with copper, which is highly sensitive to expectations for global growth, falling to US$7,036.75 a tonne. US crude oil futures fell 0.6 per cent to US$80.70 a barrel and Brent crude lost 0.4 per cent to US$103.37. Gold , which has seen a shift from a negative to a positive correlation with riskier assets over the past week or so as investors seeking safety have turned their back on the metal in favour of the dollar and US Treasuries, fell 0.2 per cent to around US$1,605 an ounce. Japanese government bonds were in demand for their safe haven appeal, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling one basis point to 0.995 per cent following similar moves in Treasuries, where the 10-year yield dipped back below two per cent yesterday. |
| The hudud hubbub Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:39 AM PDT 
By Kapil Sethi (TMI) Has PAS decided it is better to continue ruling a state or two than take a shot at running the country and maybe lose a state or two? It certainly looks like it when Nik Aziz Nik Mat reiterates his insistence on turning Kelantan into a medieval caliphate, complete with gibbets, stoning and amputations. But why is the issue of implementation of hudud, which is after all a part of wider sharia, such an emotive issue that it has the potential to dramatically affect electoral fortunes? Why are the likes of Mahathir Mohamad, Chua Soi Lek, Nik Aziz, Lim Guan Eng and Karpal Singh so invested in this issue to issue rapid fire statements in this regard? There are significant differences of opinion not only between PR and BN, but internally too between Umno and the MCA, and between the DAP and PAS. Clearly while the image of Malaysian Islam is at stake, the issue goes beyond being an internal Muslim community debate. At its core it is actually a debate between liberals and conservatives, tradition and modernity, regression and progress, and the state versus the individual. While the concept and principles of hudud may be relatively benign, it is the eye-catching nature of the punishments that distort perception. Logically, is there a big difference in hanging people or beheading them, or between flogging people behind bars or in public? The conflict arises because in the Western paradigm of progress, justice must shift broadly from a retributive to a rehabilitative paradigm. Therefore, the increasing anger in the developed world over the execution of convicts. In a broad sense the liberal worldview sees itself as focused on individual liberty and as such humane, reformist and modern, and conservatives as barbaric, retributive and medieval. The conservative worldview equally believes in the primacy of social good and that the modern condition of an absence of shared values is leading to a soulless world plagued by rising crime, greed and anarchy, the solution to which is in a return to original guiding principles that fostered social cohesion in an earlier time. Therefore, the perception of the nature and impact of hudud depends on how well these differing worldviews mirror our own. Conservatives, whether Muslim or otherwise, feel much more comfortable with the status quo than with change. In an era of rapid technological driven change and rising economic uncertainty, they look for reassurance in that which is perceived as timeless such as traditional occupations, traditional social and familial bonds, and traditional spirituality and religion. For this group the answers to the problems of modernity are all around in a past based on a set of unchanging values, whether it is caning our children if they break the rules or in chopping off the hands of those who steal. Liberals on the other hand want to deal with the uncertainties of modernity by advocating even more change. Broadly in Malaysia, this seems to boil down to the advocacy of reform in every sphere. Reform the police to reduce crime, reform the government to save the people and reform children through love. While we are at it why not just a general slogan of Reformasi? But for a lot of everyday people the boundaries are not so clear cut. Especially in urban areas, people are forced to juggle the tightrope of both tradition and modernity. The reaction to the very cosmopolitan demands of urban public life is often a retreat into tradition in our private lives. English at work and the vernacular at home, foreign holidays and balik kampung, respect for other races and faiths in public and looking down on them at home — these contradictions are real and present in what is termed Middle Malaysia. This is why every politician recognises the power of this issue. Are rural voters who are comfortable with tradition more important the urban voters who have given up on the past in the quest for a brighter future? Or is it the large mass of people in between who handle these apparently contradictory philosophies quite easily in their daily lives the most important? Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/the-hudud-hubbub/ |
| The lazy country Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:35 AM PDT Lazy people should be made to bear the consequences of their own doings. Greece is not the only lazy state on this planet. By Tay Tian Yan (MySinchew) The menace that Greece poses to the world today is comparable to the threats of Alexander the Great to conquer the world 2,000 years ago. Alexander the Great launched his tireless assaults across thousands of miles of terrain, much to the fright of the world. Today, the self-destructive Greeks are taking global finance system for a ride, and vows to trample stock markets worldwide. The trumpets heralding an imminent downturn of global proportions chill the bones of many. Two millennia ago, the Greek troops scourged a vast mass of land stretching all the way to India, but the debt crisis of modern-day Greece has a spillover effect that easily wraps up the entire planet. Just as governments across the world are cracking their heads to seek workable solutions to fix Greece's problems, and entrepreneurs and investors lamed under the mounting pressure thanks to the debt crisis of the Mediterranean state, the Greeks respond by holding one after another street parties. Greece's transport workers, civil servants, teachers, etc. take to the street for massive strikes, which are pretty common in that country, some having their dates scheduled all the way to next month. The objective of the demonstrations and strikes is to protest against the government's decision to trim wages, pensions, benefits and subsidies as well as an intention to perk up taxes. The measures adopted by the Greek government have been made to satisfy the demands of IMF and other creditors. Their rationale is straightforward: Greece needs to fix its own house before it can secure foreign assistance. The Greek economy has headed downhill since its admission into the Eurozone club. Nevertheless, the government has remained lavishly generous and its people addicted to all the benefits and enjoyments befitting the people of a developed state. Everyone wants a comfortable life, and the government has to issue bonds to meet their needs so that they can continue with their extravagant lives and the government continues to get a ticket to rule. As such, the government hires a multitude of civil servants. One in ten employed Greeks draws his salary from the national coffers, complete with all the perks. In addition to easy work, they can advance their retirement benefits after they turn 40. In the event they pass away, their children can inherit the annuities. The private sector is just as lucrative. The government continues to fork out medical subsidies, education, food and accommodation bills. You don't need to worry about the taxes, for the enormous underground economy offers a way out for tax evaders through bribes. Over the decades, Greece has evolved into a Lazy Country, where the people are unproductive, the government incapable and the country uncompetitive. When the mountain of debts begins to fall apart and all the prosperity turns into bubbles, the people remain recalcitrant with their good old life. They would rather take to the street than to soberly accept a more simplistic and thrifty lifestyle. They believe they can go on with the good life by holding on to the Euro Big Brother Germany or holding the world for ransom. But, the world has already got sick of Greece. Many economists feel that Greece should be thrown out of the Eurozone, or allowed to go bankrupt. Only utter destruction could give Greece a ray of hope for regeneration. Lazy people should be made to bear the consequences of their own doings. Greece is not the only lazy state on this planet. |
| Because of NFA Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:11 AM PDT By One Malaysia Towards the end of August, a notification was sent as to alert the respective departments about the syndicate that just hoisted some cash in terms of the Money Changer robbery in KLIA in September 2011. No actions were taken at all from any of the departments that were alerted. The letter was sent to various departments; the immigration, SPRM, Kementerian Dalam Negeri, the Secretary General, Lembaga Getah Malaysia and DAP but none chose to respond to it. If only someone from the above-said departments had taken the initiative to investigate further, this whole episode could have been prevented. The person who MASTERMINDED the whole thing (KUMARAN THANIMALAI I/C NO. ************) is now comfortably settled with his family overseas (Europe) under the dependent pass of his wife (who is attached to Lembaga Getah Malaysia) who is there to further her studies. The ironic part is there was even a mention, with details, on the person who is now being hunted by the police. According to some reliable sources, the said person (Sritharan) is now either in Sarawak or in India. Just to re-establish the fact, Sritharan is the younger brother of Kumaran. And the interesting substance is, Kumaran left the country in the first week of September itself and this robbery happened within 3 weeks. Kumaran and Sritharan share a close relationship with Tamilselvam A/L Sinnaiah IC No. ************ (who is behind bars as of now) and also with Mr. Vijay, MACC, Putrajaya (TEL NO: **********).This is the same Vijay who was caught by the Sepang Police for the investigation with regards to this KLIA robbery investigation. Again, out of my highest concern to our precious Malaysia and her well-being as a loyal citizen, all details can be extracted out from Kumaran Thanimalai as he is the master-planner of this KLIA robbery incident. As he is on a dependent pass, it should be easier to bring him back for full questioning so that not only this robbery case is solved but other matters as said in the earlier letter. Please take this matter seriously as this is the second time it is being sent. If only the first was treated with concern, this whole embarrassing episode could have been prevented. ONE MALAYSIA
From: To: zakariah@lgm.gov.mySubject: FW: Mdec Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:44:05 +0800
From: To: kpi@imi.gov.my; kaisan@imi.gov.mySubject: FW: Mdec Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:43:01 +0800
From: To: shahrir@lgm.gov.my; amzaimah@lgm.gov.my; fauzi@lgm.gov.my; suhawati@lgmn.gov.mySubject: FW: Mdec Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:42:01 +0800
From: To: kpkpm@moe.gov.my; hishammuddin@moha.gov.mySubject: Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:41:23 +0800 Y. A. B. Tan Sri Mohd. Sidek Hassan
Chief Secretary to the Government
Office of the Chief Secretary to the Government
Level 4, East Wing,
Perdana Putra Building,
Federal Government Administrative Centre,
62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia. Approximately 10 years ago, a Mr. Kumaran Thanimalai(herewith referred to as 'the former') bearer of the IC No. ******-**-****, utilized his Malaysian passport for the benefit of 'exporting' an illegal immigrant from India to Europe. This special operation is done smoothly through a network of syndicates specializing in transferring self-printed illegal Malaysian currency. Once the transfer is done, the former then quickly lodged a police report stating that his passport was lost/ stolen. In actual case, the said passport was alighted as having some legal issues in an foreign country. Since then (till 2010), it has been a struggle for the former to obtain a new passport in spite of numerous attempts and struggles, not forgetting other means & methods too. Then, came a time last year, when an officer by the name of Mr, Vijay (MACC Head Office, mobile number **********) to provide 'special assistance' in obtaining a new passport for the former. This was accomplished by Mr. Vijay in using his 'influence' & 'power' and not to mention his ability in misusing the MACC power entrusted to him by our Malaysian government to liaise with the Kementerian Dalam Negeri department officers alongside with two immigration officers. An alliance was formed and after much negotiation, a new passport was processed & released in the name of the former with no hassle at all. The price for this is a special all-paid-for trip to Indonesia. This was arranged by Mr. Vijay and of course was handsomely & gratefully paid for by our Mr. Kumaran Thanimalai. With such a convenient ally, the former started asking more 'legal' favours from Mr.Vijay which of course the latter obliged happily. Even a land scandal investigation that involves Mr.Sritharan (Mr. Kumaran's brother) is terminated& closed by MACC, and of course by our wise Mr. Vijay from MACC Headquarters. And of course, these favours are also extended by other personnel from the Malaysian Government agencies & offices too. Another worth mentioning incident being the significantly pending (for a few months) payment for a Proton Iswara car (WPJ ****) which is used by Mr. Kumaran Thanimalai but the HP loan is registered under his beloved wife, Mdm. K******** (bearer of IC No. ******-**-****) who works in a reputable position in LGM, Jln Ampang. One lump sum payment was settled using the illegal self-printed Malaysian currency which of course by then was already being circulated in the market to be legalized. To spice all these up, Mrs. Kumaran has been offered to pursue her studies in Europe by LGM and this opportunity is taken to the benefit of this couple to migrate to a well-known country in Europe in the pretense on studying abroad for 2 years. They have taken the necessary steps to leave the country as soon as possible (very soon indeed). Another interesting turn of event here is, which adds icing to the cake…..The couple has conspired to use up the MDEC grant of value RM3.0 million which is to be offered to the ever-cunning Mr. Kumaran Thanimalai on his latest 'achievement' in obtaining the MSC status for his partnership company, Perfect Colour Sdn. Bhd. very recently. And of course, this was also achieved through the influence our very dear Mr. Vijay & not forgetting a few personnel from the higher authority in the Government bodies. This MDEC grant is to be utilized for the purpose of research & development in the particular IT field for the enhancement of IT in Malaysia but again, it will be misused. Another loss for the MDEC of Malaysia in terms of releasing grants to an undeserving citizen. Please take the necessary actions to investigate this matter as all of the above issues involves not only immorally wrong but also involves a large amount of currency exchange which can be channeled for a better cause. This is supposed to be public serving personnel with good & conscious mind and money of the public to be used for the development of our nation. ONE MALAYSIA Your Sincerely, Citizen of Malaysia cc – 1. YAB TAN SRI DATO' HJ MUHYIDDIN HJ. MOHD YASSIN,
Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister's Department Level 4 West Wing Perdana Putra Building Federal Government Administrative Centre 62502 Putrajaya Malaysia 2. Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia
Blok D6, Kompleks D
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan
Persekutuan
Peti Surat 6000
62007 Putrajaya, Malaysia |
| Stupid law, stupid results part II Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:05 AM PDT If a matter as serious as Perak power grab can be brought to several round of court hearing, then how come a set of electoral roll ladden well proven to be full of issues, is not subject to judicial review? By Lee Wee Tak In the run up to an anticipated snap GE, the prime minister dangled previously unimagined sweet promises.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Najib: We value an independent judiciary
PUTRAJAYA: The prime minister said that his administration respects and understands the need for an independent judiciary.
"My administration is committed to an independent judiciary, which is an essential ingredient in nation-building," Datuk Seri Najib Razak said in his speech during his maiden visit to the Palace of Justice (POJ), here yesterday, which houses the Federal Court and Court of Appeal. http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Najib_ISArepealedtomakeMalaysiabestdemocracy/Article/ Najib: ISA repealed to make Malaysia best democracy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, he got a very easy thing to do to prove how serious he is with regards to those lofty goals and put away the ghost of Perkasa torpedoing his previous flagship called NEM (not to mention a tragic waste of tax payers' money succumbing to subcontractor of some sorts to a political party) Take a look at this section of Election Act, 1958.  Whoever drafted this piece of injustice is basically telling the judiciary to f@#k off if a concerned tax payer notice something amiss with the electoral roll.
This is a piece of legislation by the best democracy in the world, basically saying that basic democractic right of seeking justice from courts is denied.
This is a piece of legislation by the administration that respect the judiciary, basically saying that a set of bureacrates who are proven incompetent (by, from numeorus examples, registering lesbian army couple as postal voters) is a force above the judiciary.
Holy goreng pisang, if a matter as serious as Perak power grab can be brought to several round of court hearing, then how come a set of electoral roll ladden well proven to be full of issues, is not subject to judicial review?
Isn't seeking redress from courts a foundation for democracy?
Isn't separation of power - independent legislation, execution and judiciary are basic tenets of democracy, let alone the best shiok-sendiri-promise-everything-darling-before-sex-find-a-way-out-later democracy?
Then how come the legislation is telling the judiciary not to look at the proven incompetent executive over matters of public interest? Read more at: http://wangsamajuformalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/09/stupid-law-stupid-results-part-ii.html#more |
| Yo, Yo. Check it out. He's Namewee! Posted: 28 Sep 2011 09:44 AM PDT 
People question his controversial lyrics, but few actually try to understand what he wants to say. By Dan Lim Namewee, does this name do anything for you? Actually, when he created the song 'Negarakuku' many people were pissed as hell. Many called him a traitor because he had apparently insulted the Malaysian anthem. The issue was heavily politicised. Many asked for his citizenship to be revoked. He received death threats. People were camping outside his house in Muar. His father was ridiculed for "not teaching his son enough." Yes, "Negarakuku" was certainly crude. He opened the Pandora's Box by touching on the rather sensitive issues that few Malaysians dare touch. And I believe I need not mention what I mean by those. Actually, fuck all these. He's a hero alright. People question his controversial lyrics, but few actually try to understand what he wants to say. In that particular song, he spoke about social injustice in Malaysia. He spoke about the social problem in Malaysia. What he did was to state the truth, about what has happened in Malaysia. He is not a politician, and certainly does not have any political allegiance. People feign ignorance. They know that there are serious problems with Malaysia. They choose to be quiet as long as they can make money and eat. But not to him; he knew that something must be done to set things straight. He does not need to be polite with what he says to please the people. Only politicians do. When he doesn't like what he sees, he speaks about it. In the end, he is an artist. He chose to speak it in his own way. Let's be realistic. If he chose to convey his message through other means, such as writing an opinion piece to a newspaper or whatnot, will it reach the people this easily? I doubt that it will even be published. Even if it does, the impact will be really insignificant. Mainstream media in Malaysia are freaking mad. Their writings mostly consist of propaganda, who's bonking who and whatnot. Social injustice will never be important to them as they will focus on things like Rosmah visiting an orphanage and what a 'penyayang' she is. That is why we cannot expect them to highlight all these things that matter to us. It is akin to hoping a cat will grow horns, as the Malay proverb goes. (I'm studying journalism, by the way. And I don't know why the fuck I chose this subject in the first place.) I am sure that the average Malaysian does not like to read. They care more about sensational news like gossips or sex scandals of politicians. I bet my RM100 on this. That is why we need people to take the first step. And that is what Namewee did in 2007. Since then, a lot of discussions have been going on about race relations in Malaysia, and it is certainly a nice development. Not all people agree with what he did, but it sure has raised awareness among Malaysians though there are still many close-minded people that hate him. 4 years have passed. And he surprised us with his new film Nasi Lemak 2.0. The development of the film was hampered by lots of problems but nevertheless, he completed it in order to show his idea about the relationships amongst the various races in Malaysia. It has been well received by Malaysians. The film genre such as Nasi Lemak 2.0 has been rare since the last film by the late Yasmin Ahmad. From then till now, I can see that he is maturing. He might well be the next person that plays an important role to change the social landscape of Malaysia in future. Good luck, Namewee. |
| Celebrating Malaya being Conquered Posted: 28 Sep 2011 09:18 AM PDT If Malaya can celebrate being conquered, why not celebrate the day the Japanese took over Malaya on 8th December? And while we are at it, celebrate 14th January as the date which the Dutch took over Malaya. Or how about the day when the Dutch handed over Malaya to the British? Why not celebrate that too? By John Doe I call your attention to this WEBSITE:
http://www.worldheritage.com.my/2011/09/portuguese-celebrating-500-years-in-melaka/
and I quote:
"... Malaca will commemorate a attainment of a Portuguese here in 1511 where they built a Fort A'Famosa (above). Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association boss Michael Singho says a eventuality is approaching to attract thousands of tourists KUALA LUMPUR: Historical city Malacca will reason a informative spectacular subsequent month as it relives a attainment of a Portuguese here in 1511." Here is what happened on that day.
In 1511, the Viceroy of India, Afonso de Albuquerque, decided to organize an expedition destined to conquer Malacca. At the head of 1100 - 1200 men and 14 ships, Afonso de Albuquerque arrived in view of Malacca in June of 1511 and immediately demanded the rescue of the Portuguese that were taken prisoners in the 1509 expedition. The Sultan tried to gain time to strengthen the town defenses. He was well aware of the small number of Portuguese troops and was confident of his powerful army of 20000 men and 2000 guns. Albuquerque wasted no time. At dawn on 25 July 1511 the Portuguese attacked the town concentrating the assault on the bridge of the river dividing the town. The attack was successful and the Portuguese finally succeeded in establishing a bridgehead in the town. There were then several days of siege in which the Portuguese bombarded the city. On 24 August 1511 the Portuguese again attacked only to discover that the Sultan had escaped. With Malacca now in Portuguese hands, they sacked the town. However, following Albuquerque's orders, they respected the property of those who sided with them. B. W. Diffie and G. D. Winius in the book "Foundations of the Portuguese Empire 1415-1580" write: "the capture of Malacca by a mere 900 Portuguese and 200 Indians must rank as an event in the history of European expansion no less stunning than the better known conquest of Tenochtitlan by Hernando Cortés"." So, on 24th October, the Ketuanan Sultan in Malacca died. Is this what the upcoming celebrations are about? On that day, hundreds died by canonball fire, and the city was razed to the ground. Is this what the celebration is about? On that day, Malacca stopped being a state of China, as per requested personally by Bai-li-mi-su-la on the 11th Nov 1405. Is this what the celebration is about? If Malaya can celebrate being conquered, why not celebrate the day the Japanese took over Malaya on 8th December? And while we are at it, celebrate 14th January as the date which the Dutch took over Malaya. Or how about the day when the Dutch handed over Malaya to the British? Why not celebrate that too? Back to Malacca. Not only is the Malaysian Government celebrating the attack which brought about the death and misery of many Malayans, it made the Portuguese into Bumiputras as well!! So, it is timely that I bring up this question. And the question is: "Were those fighting against the Portuguese Troops heroes, or were they villains?" Without waiting for an answer, I'll chime in the next immediate question: "Were those against fighting the British in 1950 heroes or villians?" Back to the Portuguese again. How come the invaders are made Bumiputras? Should all invaders be Bumiputra then? Is this how *Mahathir bin Kutty al Kerala* came to be PM? Back to the earlier statement of mine. The records clearly show that Malacca BEGGED to be part of China. Here is the Translation for those who are unaware:
"In the ninth month of the third year of the Yong-le reign (Sep/Oct 1405), the envoy sent by *you, king of the country of Melaka, came to Court and made known your sentiments.* He said that your land is in harmony, the people are healthy, things are abundant, the customs are pure and splendid, that you cherish virtue and admire righteousness *and wish to become like a division of China, so that you will be superior to the other border regions, and you would forever remain our subordinate state* and annually carry out your tribute duties. Bowing your head and requesting our command, your perfect sincerity is to be commended.
... And their king, devoted to all that is good and right, *wishes to turn to our Court,* *He wants his country to become like the divisions within China and to follow Chinese ways*, ...."
Source: Geoff Wade, translator, Southeast Asia in the Ming Shi-lu: an open access resource, Singapore: Asia Research Institute and the Singapore E-Press, National University of Singapore, http://epress.nus.edu.sg/msl/entry/516. OK UMNO, the ball is back in your Court. How many times have I told you all NEVER to fight against Soldiers of Truth? We will not hesitate to use our keyboards or pens to bash you till you are black and blue. Lastly, I want you to look at the following pictures, and see if you notice anything strange about them: Picture of *Malaccan Portuguese*
 And now compare the above to pictures shot in Portugal:  and here's a second one also shot in Portugal, thrown in for good measure:  Point is NOT to bash the Portuguese. I have far too many good Portuguese friends whom I love dearly. Point is actually directed at UMNO, with the following pictures.  A Cambodian Buddhist:  Yes, Angelina holds a real Cambodian Passport!! And a Bugis Costume worn by the Prime Minister and her husband:  *Perhaps 31st August was actually a Celebration that Malaya was conquered by UMNO!!* So, last question; those fighting against UMNO, are they Villains or Heroes? |
| Hudud held back by lack of consensus Posted: 28 Sep 2011 08:16 AM PDT Islamic law cannot take place without DAP's agreement, agreed Pakatan leaders tonight. (Free Malaysia Today) - PAS' hudud dreams in Kelantan remained just that today after Pakatan Rakyat agreed that it has to have a consensus among all three partners – PAS, PKR and DAP – for the Islamic law to be implemented. At the same time, the pact also agreed not to stop PAS from raising the hudud issue again. More importantly, Pakatan noted that any implementation of the Islamic law in Kelantan, or even nationwide when Pakatan comes to power, would need a constitutional amendement first in the parliament. "Pakatan respects the PAS initiatives and aspirations (to implement the hudud in Kelantan), but we have to reach a consensus… DAP is opposed to that and PKR and PAS respect that decision," said Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim after a lengthy Pakatan meeting tonight. He said that Pakatan respected PAS' and PKR's support for the implementation of hudud in Kelantan just as it respected DAP's opposition to it. "However (a change to Islamic law) requires a Pakatan Rakyat consensus and an amendment to the (Federal) Constitution, and DAP's position is that they are not supportive of that particular proposal," he told reporters at the PAS party headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut. The meeting, attended by all Pakatan top leaders, started at about 9pm and ended almost after midnight. Anwar was the only leader who spoke at the press conference. The PKR supremo said that Pakatan's leaders acknowledged the existence of the Second Syariah Kelantan Criminal Enactments 1993 and the Terengganu Syariah Criminal Enactments 2003. "Both enactments are already there, but there is a need to refer to Pakatan Rakyat because it involves federal constitution amendments… As it stands, the matter is a non-issue," he said. Anwar said the need for a Pakatan consensus on the matter does not mean PAS will be stopped from talking about implementing hudud laws. "This is not an Umno-controlled Pakatan Rakyat. We respect the right of people to present their case, ask questions and raise the matter… To deny PAS to articulate their position is not fair," he said. Victory for DAP
Pakatan Rakyat's hudud uproar erupted last week following a dare by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the PAS-ruled Kelantan to impose hudud. Kelantan menteri besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat immediately said that the state was ready for hudud laws, a move which was supported by Anwar in his personal capacity. However DAP was opposed to the idea as it claimed that implementation of Islamic laws was not part of Pakatan's common policy framework. READ MORE HERE |
| WIKILEAKS: TRANS-PENINSULA PIPELINE: JUST A PIPEDREAM? Posted: 28 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT With elections expected before spring 2008, pipeline development would provide many opportunities to reward UMNO supporters with lucrative contracts regardless of whether or not the project makes long-term sense. The refinery and pipeline in Bachok would be seen as a potential UMNO deliverable and might just tip the balance in a PAS-controlled state shortly before the election. If environmental concerns subsequently stymied the project, it would offer a face-saving way out after the election, even if UMNO carries the state. In any case, until financing is secured this pipeline is probably just a pipedream. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
1. (U) Summary: According to recent press reports, the Malaysian Government has approved plans for a US$ 7 billion oil pipeline across northern peninsular Malaysia near the Thai border, with a large storage facility in the middle and a refinery at each end. The pipeline is portrayed as a shorter and more secure alternative to shipment through the Straits of Malacca, through which about 18,000 crude carriers pass annually. The GOM recently granted exclusive rights to develop the pipeline to Trans-Peninsula Petroleum (TPP), a small, little-known Malaysian company operated by two former Petronas executives. At this stage, there appear to have been no serious assessments of the project,s economic viability or its potential environmental impact. Moreover, there are no indications that the necessary financing is in place. The Malaysian firm SKS Ventures has been approved to build the refinery in Yan at the west coast end of the pipeline. (Note: SKS Ventures is the same Malaysian company that reportedly signed an MOU with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to develop the Golshan and Ferdos gas fields in Iran (reftel)). According to press reports, NIOC will help SKS Ventures finance the US$ 2.2 billion refinery, while a Saudi firm has signed a memorandum of agreement with TPP to "help secure oil supplies" for the pipeline. Petronas, Malaysia's national oil company, does not appear to be involved. Domestic politics may be a bigger driver for the project than the potential economic payoff. End summary. Pipeline Partners 2. (U) On May 28, Trans-Peninsula Petroleum Sdn. Bhd. (TPP), which holds exclusive rights from the Malaysian government to develop a trans-peninsular pipeline from Kedah to Kelantan, signed several memoranda of agreement with partners, according to press reports. These included Malaysian company Ranhill Engineers and Constructors and Indonesia's PT Tripatra Engineers and Consultants. In addition, Indonesia's PT Bakrie & Brothers reportedly will supply the steel pipes and Saudi Arabia's Al-Banader International Group will help secure oil supplies. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Indonesian President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the margins of the Third World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur. Purpose of the Project 3. (U) The proposed pipeline is portrayed as a shorter and more secure alternative route for Middle Eastern crude oil en route to the Asia/Pacific region which would enable some vessels to avoid the congested Straits of Malacca. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, approximately 43 million barrels of crude oil are transported by ship each day. More than 25 per cent of that volume transits the Straits of Malacca. A trans-peninsular pipeline theoretically could provide an alternative that would reduce risks from piracy and terrorism while easing the expected increase in shipping traffic as the demand for energy grows in the Asia/Pacific region, especially in China. Traffic congestion is aggravated periodically by the reduced visibility caused by a blanket of haze produced during several months of the year by raging brush fires in the region. Plans As Presented to the Press 4. (U) The proposed 193-mile pipeline would run from Yan in the state of Kedah on the west coast to Bachok in the state of Kelantan on the east coast, with a storage facility midway between in Jeli, Kelantan. The storage center would be designed to hold 90 percent of the system's capacity. Construction reportedly would begin in mid-2008, with the first phase completed in 2011, at which time the pipeline would become operational and generate income to help finance phases two and three. The first phase is estimated to cost US$ 2.3 billion and would have a capacity of storing 60 million barrels and transporting 2 million barrels per day (bpd). At completion of the third phase, targeted for 2014, capacity would reach 180 million barrels of storage and 6 million bpd throughput. 5. (U) The project plans offshore mooring facilities at each end of the pipeline, built to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) which require a minimum depth of 25 meters. Many smaller Asia/Pacific ports cannot accommodate such large carriers because of depth requirements; for example, the maximum depth of the Port of Hong Kong is 15.5 meters. Therefore, oil destined for Hong Kong is carried on smaller ships such as the Aframax class, with only a 60-80,000 ton capacity as compared to the 210-250,000 ton capacity of a VLCC. TPP claimed to the media that 60 per cent of the crude carriers passing through the Malacca Straits are smaller vessels, which take on average 21 days to travel from the Middle East to Japan or China. The proposed pipeline would allow VLCCs to transport crude from the Middle East to Yan where it would be pumped into the pipeline. Smaller Aframax carriers would fill up at Bachok and transport the crude to Asia/Pacific ports. TPP predicts the pipeline would divert about 20 per cent of the crude being shipped through the Straits. Pressure on the Environment 6. (U) Malaysia,s Department of Environment has not received an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and does not plan to begin an evaluation until after the companies have submitted financial protocols to the Ministry of Finance, according to press reports. The proposed route traverses the Titiwangsa mountain range, several major rivers, and Lake Temengor in the Belum Forest Preserve. TPP reportedly is working with the state governments of Kedah, Perak, and Kelantan to acquire a 100-meter wide corridor of land across the three states. Opposition MPs have raised concerns in Parliament over the delay and possible avoidance of an EIA and claim the GOM is looking for loopholes to commence the project without concern for environmental impact. 7. (SBU) An Amcit engineer working for a large international oil company told econoff that it would take about 40 hours to empty a VLCC into the pipeline. He was skeptical of claims that much time would be saved, and even more concerned about potential environmental implications, including those involved with building and maintaining the pipeline and the increased risks of spillage and leakage involved with pumping the crude off the ship, across the peninsula, and then back onto another ship at the other end. A similar project was proposed in 2004 for the Isthmus of Kra in Southern Thailand, but never materialized although the distance involved would be shorter and the terrain less challenging. Profit or Politics? 8. (U) How the pipeline will be financed remains unclear. TPP is not listed on the Bursa Malaysia; therefore, little information is available on the company. A press report described TPP as a "small, loss-making company owned by two little-known Malaysian businessmen." Parliamentary sources characterize TPP as a very small entity, registered in the state of Perak and with a listed capital base of RM 150,000 (about US$ 45,000). Press reports attribute self-contradictory statements to both the GOM and TPP with regard to whether this would be a completely private, for-profit venture or a government-led "development initiative." In April, Deputy Prime Minister Najib was quoted as insisting that the proposal was "purely a commercial initiative." However, on May 7 Prime Minister Abdullah was quoted saying that the project was one of the government's major initiatives to develop Malaysia's northern and eastern regions. On May 28, the press quoted TPP Chairman Mohamed Kamil Sulaiman saying, "The savings in using our pipeline to the oil producers, to oil traders, is enough to even pay for one month of storage." However, on May 29 another press article reported that an unnamed TPP source had said the company wanted the GOM to have a "golden share," giving the federal government veto rights over other shareholders, and saying that the project was an essential element of the national economic development plan for the northern and eastern corridors. 9. (SBU) Bachok, the proposed east coast endpoint of the pipeline, is little more than a fishing village just south of Kota Bharu, the state's capital city. However, it happens to be located in the home district of Deputy Finance Minister and UMNO parliamentarian Awang Adek. The State Government of Kelantan is controlled by the opposition Islamic Party of Malaysia, PAS, which holds a mere one-seat majority in the state assembly. In typical rivalry, PAS wants the endpoint of the pipeline in the PAS-controlled parliamentary district of Tumpat, located just north of Kota Bharu nearly on the Thai border, where port facilities already exist. Jeli, the proposed site for the storage facility, is the home district of Minister of Higher Education Mustapa Mohamed. Yan, at the western end, is the home turf for Syed Mokhtar, owner of SKS, one of Malaysia,s richest men and a strong financial supporter of UMNO. Skepticism Among Petroleum Professionals 10. (SBU) An Amcit shipping industry executive told econoff he had mixed views about the project. On the one hand, he was skeptical that the pipeline would be economically viable, given the high costs involved in building it and the minimal time and distance saved. However, he pointed out that economic viability might not be the driving factor. Rather, he saw the project as part of a broader attempt by Malaysia,s leaders to cozy up to the Islamic world, pointing to NIOC's agreement to help finance SKS Ventures' refinery in Yan and Petronas' eagerness to do business with both Iran and Sudan. Moreover, given current oil prices, oil companies around the world are trying to maximize production, he said. The shipbuilding industry can't keep up with demand, and oil companies in the Middle East are absorbing Malaysian human capital, offering people with any experience in the industry three to six times their current salaries. If oil prices remain what they are, he said, congestion in the Straits of Malacca will only worsen, increasing the need for such a pipeline. 11. (SBU) Several Malaysian oil and gas industry experts also expressed mild skepticism in conversations with econoff about the pipeline, but none was prepared to dismiss the idea completely. One Malaysian executive working for a large energy company told econoff he had heard a number of people speculate that TPP was just a front company for someone else -- how could a small, unknown company have the capacity for such a massive, multi-billion dollar project? He also found it strange that Petronas was not involved. Separately, a reporter told poloff that Petronas did not want to have anything to do with the project. Pipeline or Pipedream? 12. (SBU) Comment: The typical order of business for major projects in Malaysia is: someone has vision, companies rush in to acquire "exclusive rights," and only after that are feasibility studies conducted, numbers crunched, and environmental impacts (possibly) assessed. With an expected world-wide shortage of refinery capacity over the next decade, the package might be more attractive for the proposed refineries at each end than the pipeline connecting them. At this stage, deals have been struck on paper, but there appears to have been no solid analysis of the economic viability or the environmental risks of this project. However, these might not be the deciding factors. If Malaysian federal and/or state governments step in to assist, construction contracts and other deliverables to favored parties may become more important than the payoff from the completed project. With elections expected before spring 2008, pipeline development would provide many opportunities to reward UMNO supporters with lucrative contracts regardless of whether or not the project makes long-term sense. The refinery and pipeline in Bachok would be seen as a potential UMNO deliverable and might just tip the balance in a PAS-controlled state shortly before the election. If environmental concerns subsequently stymied the project, it would offer a face-saving way out after the election, even if UMNO carries the state. In any case, until financing is secured this pipeline is probably just a pipedream. LAFLEUR (June 2007) |
| Police: No sabotage or terrorism link to Empire Gallery blast Posted: 27 Sep 2011 09:52 PM PDT 
By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider SUBANG JAYA, Sept 28 — The police have ruled out sabotage and terrorism as being behind this morning's explosion that ripped through Empire Gallery here, confirming the blast was caused by a gas leak that could have been due to negligence. Deputy Selangor CPO Datuk A. Thaiveegan told reporters at the scene that the complex, which comprises a 12-storey office suites tower, five-storey shopping mall, a nine-storey SOHO (small office home office) and a 10-storey hotel, will be closed to the public indefinitely. "Many have called to ask if the incident was caused by sabotage or terrorism. From our early investigations, no proof was found to indicate this. "Meaning, there was no sabotage and no link to terrorism. We regard this as an accident, which could have been caused by negligence," he said. Fire and Rescue Department personnel, police, its forensics unit and the Energy Commission (EC), he said, will press on with investigations to discover what caused the leak. "We know it was a gas leak ... but what caused the blast? There must have been a spark," he said. He also confirmed that the police would be stationed at the mall throughout investigations to prevent any looting from the damaged mall outlets. In the 3.30am incident here, a gas explosion ripped through the mall, causing severe damage to at least five floors. Some 170 hotel guests and 10 SOHO tenants had to be evacuated, while four individuals sustained minor injuries. Hundreds of security and safety personnel, government agency officers, engineers and architects were deployed to monitor the chaotic scene, which had calmed considerably by this afternoon. At press time, the authorities were still inspecting the scene and have yet to allow the mall's management and experts to enter the premises. READ MORE HERE. |
| Mecca for the rich: Islam's holiest site 'turning into Vegas' Posted: 27 Sep 2011 08:58 PM PDT 
Historic and culturally important landmarks are being destroyed to make way for luxury hotels and malls, reports Jerome Taylor In the eyes of Wahabis, historical sites and shrines encourage "shirq" – the sin of idolatry or polytheism – and should be destroyed. When the al-Saud tribes swept through Mecca in the 1920s, the first thing they did was lay waste to cemeteries holding many of Islam's important figures. They have been destroying the country's heritage ever since. Of the three sites the Saudis have allowed the UN to designate World Heritage Sites, none are related to Islam. Independent UK Click HERE to download graphic: Mecca For The Rich (430.39kB) Behind closed doors – in places where the religious police cannot listen in – residents of Mecca are beginning to refer to their city as Las Vegas, and the moniker is not a compliment. Over the past 10 years the holiest site in Islam has undergone a huge transformation, one that has divided opinion among Muslims all over the world. Once a dusty desert town struggling to cope with the ever-increasing number of pilgrims arriving for the annual Hajj, the city now soars above its surroundings with a glittering array of skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury hotels. To the al-Saud monarchy, Mecca is their vision of the future – a steel and concrete metropolis built on the proceeds of enormous oil wealth that showcases their national pride. Yet growing numbers of citizens, particularly those living in the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina, have looked on aghast as the nation's archaeological heritage is trampled under a construction mania backed by hardline clerics who preach against the preservation of their own heritage. Mecca, once a place where the Prophet Mohamed insisted all Muslims would be equal, has become a playground for the rich, critics say, where naked capitalism has usurped spirituality as the city's raison d'être. Few are willing to discuss their fears openly because of the risks associated with criticising official policy in the authoritarian kingdom. And, with the exceptions of Turkey and Iran, fellow Muslim nations have largely held their tongues for fear of of a diplomatic fallout and restrictions on their citizens' pilgrimage visas. Western archaeologists are silent out of fear that the few sites they are allowed access to will be closed to them. But a number of prominent Saudi archaeologists and historians are speaking up in the belief that the opportunity to save Saudi Arabia's remaining historical sites is closing fast. "No one has the balls to stand up and condemn this cultural vandalism," says Dr Irfan al-Alawi who, as executive director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, has fought in vain to protect his country's historical sites. "We have already lost 400-500 sites. I just hope it's not too late to turn things around." Sami Angawi, a renowned Saudi expert on the region's Islamic architecture, is equally concerned. "This is an absolute contradiction to the nature of Mecca and the sacredness of the house of God," he told the Reuters news agency earlier this year. "Both [Mecca and Medina] are historically almost finished. You do not find anything except skyscrapers." Dr Alawi's most pressing concern is the planned £690m expansion of the Grand Mosque, the most sacred site in Islam which contains the Kaaba – the black stone cube built by Ibrahim (Abraham) that Muslims face when they pray. Construction officially began earlier this month with the country's Justice Minister, Mohammed al-Eissa, exclaiming that the project would respect "the sacredness and glory of the location, which calls for the highest care and attention of the servants or Islam and Muslims". The 400,000 square metre development is being built to accommodate an extra 1.2 million pilgrims each year and will turn the Grand Mosque into the largest religious structure in the world. But the Islamic Heritage Foundation has compiled a list of key historical sites that they believe are now at risk from the ongoing development of Mecca, including the old Ottoman and Abbasi sections of the Grand Mosque, the house where the Prophet Mohamed was born and the house where his paternal uncle Hamza grew up. There is little argument that Mecca and Medina desperately need infrastructure development. Twelve million pilgrims visit the cities every year with the numbers expected to increase to 17 million by 2025. But critics fear that the desire to expand the pilgrimage sites has allowed the authorities to ride roughshod over the area's cultural heritage. The Washington-based Gulf Institute estimates that 95 per cent of Mecca's millennium-old buildings have been demolished in the past two decades alone. The destruction has been aided by Wahabism, the austere interpretation of Islam that has served as the kingdom's official religion ever since the al-Sauds rose to power across the Arabian Peninsula in the 19th century. In the eyes of Wahabis, historical sites and shrines encourage "shirq" – the sin of idolatry or polytheism – and should be destroyed. When the al-Saud tribes swept through Mecca in the 1920s, the first thing they did was lay waste to cemeteries holding many of Islam's important figures. They have been destroying the country's heritage ever since. Of the three sites the Saudis have allowed the UN to designate World Heritage Sites, none are related to Islam. Those circling the Kaaba only need to look skywards to see the latest example of the Saudi monarchy's insatiable appetite for architectural bling. At 1,972ft, the Royal Mecca Clock Tower, opened earlier this year, soars over the surrounding Grand Mosque, part of an enormous development of skyscrapers that will house five-star hotels for the minority of pilgrims rich enough to afford them. To build the skyscraper city, the authorities dynamited an entire mountain and the Ottoman era Ajyad Fortress that lay on top of it. At the other end of the Grand Mosque complex, the house of the Prophet's first wife Khadijah has been turned into a toilet block. The fate of the house he was born in is uncertain. Also planned for demolition are the Grand Mosque's Ottoman columns which dare to contain the names of the Prophet's companions, something hardline Wahabis detest. For ordinary Meccans living in the mainly Ottoman-era town houses that make up much of what remains of the old city, development often means the loss of their family home. Non-Muslims cannot visit Mecca and Medina, but The Independent was able to interview a number of citizens who expressed discontent over the way their town was changing. One young woman whose father recently had his house bulldozed described how her family was still waiting for compensation. "There was very little warning; they just came and told him that the house had to be bulldozed," she said. Another Meccan added: "If a prince of a member of the royal family wants to extend his palace he just does it. No one talks about it in public though. There's such a climate of fear." Dr Alawi hopes the international community will finally begin to wake up to what is happening in the cradle of Islam. "We would never allow someone to destroy the Pyramids, so why are we letting Islam's history disappear?" Under Threat Bayt al-Mawlid When the Wahabis took Mecca in the 1920s they destroyed the dome on top of the house where the Prophet Mohammed was born. It was thenused as a cattle market before being turned into a library after a campaign by Meccans. There are concerns that the expansion of the Grand Mosque will destroy it once more. The site has never been excavated by archaeologists. Ottoman and Abasi columns of the Grand Mosque Slated for demolition as part of the Grand Mosque expansion, these intricately carved columns date back to the 17th century and are the oldest surviving sections of Islam's holiest site. Much to the chagrin of Wahabis, they are inscribed with the names of the Prophet's companions. Ottomon Mecca is now rapidly disappearing Al-Masjid al-Nawabi For many years, hardline Wahabi clerics have had their sites set on the 15th century green dome that rests above the tomb holding the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Umar in Medina. The mosque is regarded as the second holiest site in Islam. Wahabis, however, believe marked graves are idolatrous. A pamphlet published in 2007 by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, endorsed by Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, stated that "the green dome shall be demolished and the three graves flattened in the Prophet's Masjid". Jabal al-Nour A mountain outside Mecca where Mohammed received his first Koranic revelations. The Prophet used to spend long spells in a cave called Hira. The cave is particularly popular among South Asian pilgrims who have carved steps up to its entrance and adorned the walls with graffiti. Religious hardliners are keen to dissuade pilgrims from congregating there and have mooted the idea of removing the steps and even destroying the mountain altogether. |
| Indians ‘kingmakers’ in 130 state seats Posted: 27 Sep 2011 06:21 PM PDT 
A PKR survey revealed that urban and semi-urban Indians are still partial to the Pakatan Rakyat coalition (Free Malaysia Today) - A PKR leader is of the opinion that the Indian community is still very much aligned to Pakatan Rakyat and will be the kingmakers in 130 state assembly seats. Malacca vice-president G Rajendran said that a recent survey by an independent team indicated that 60 percent of Malaysian Indians, who were mostly from the urban and semi-urban areas, were fed up with the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration. He claimed that the team, which included him, had visited 62 parliamentary constituencies where the respective Indian communities had played a major role in deciding the winning candidates in the historic 2008 general election. "We've been doing the survey for the last six months. The feedback is favouring Pakatan," he told FMT. According to him, Indians will play a pivotal role in the coming general election. "The survey revealed that the outcome of 130 state assembly seats in Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Johor, will be determined by Indian votes," he said. (A parliamentary constituency has three to four state assembly seats.) Rajendran said currently the BN leaders are playing a "psychological war" with the Indian community. They are pitting the Indian community against Pakatan leaders by saying the community is unlikely support the opposition party. "These are utter lies… the Indian voters still have faith in Pakatan. "Pakatan has excellent state governments in Kedah, Kelantan, Penang and Selangor respectively," he added.
Fewer people in estates Rajendran pointed out that only 15% of the Indians are now living in estates and rural areas, based on the survey. "This is the group that MIC is focusing on. They (MIC) are hoping that by sorting out this group's simple needs it is enough to win at the ballot box," he said, adding that this group was still true loyalist to BN. Rajendran, however, believes that despite MIC's forays, the rural Indians are unlikely to turn against Pakatan in the 13th general election, even though the community is facing numerous problems to vote. "Many of the voters have no transport to go to the voting centres. "Some do not have identity cards and others are too complacent or are not interested to vote," he said. He added that that there should not be a comparison between a by-election and a general election, where in the former, the BN can give its full attention to the rural areas where Indian reside. He also said the BN would also have trouble convincing the 20% Indians who lived in urban areas to vote for the ruling regime. "BN cannot 'touch' them (urban Indian) at any cost. "Thus, the remaining 65% of the Indians who live in the semi-urban are now seen as the real threat to both sides," he said. READ MORE HERE |
| Namewee calls Utusan ‘trash’ Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:59 PM PDT 
Rapper and Nasi Lemak 2.0 director comes out with a scathing YouTube video in response to attacks by Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia (Free Malaysia Today) - In his usual acerbic style, rapper Wee Meng Chee (better known as Namewee) has come out guns a-blazing against Utusan Malaysia for their attacks on him. Through a YouTube video entitled "Namewee F–k Utusan!!!", the Nasi Lemak 2.0 director slammed the Umno-owned newspaper for claiming that he had offended the Malays. "(The role of the) newspaper is to report, report! You are judging people. You don't write to shiok sendiri (please yourself)." "That kind of newspaper runs down Malaysians, runs down the people… You have a pen, you have a keyboard and you're considered a reporter," he belted out sarcastically in Malay, along with a series of expletives. "Trash newspaper! Scum of society! Trash writer!" he added. Wee was responding to an article entitled "Bukan Nasi Lemak 2.0, soalnya Namewee" (It's not Nasi Lemak 2.0, the question is Namewee) by Utusan feature writer Fauziah Arof. Fauziah stressed that she would not watch Wee's Sept 8-released movie even if she was given free tickets. In several volleys against the rapper, she claimed that he had offended Malaysians, especially the country's "Malays and Muslims". The newspaper said it was strange for Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz to receive Wee without taking action against him. Fauziah also claimed that the rapper was given "too much face" and rubbished Wee's support of the 1Malaysia concept. "Who is this Namewee, and what is so special about him?" she asked, adding that she had no problems with local films, and was willing to spend money to watch "Malay films". In his nearly three-minute-long video, Wee did not appear to be amused with Fauziah's words. READ MORE HERE |
| Sodomy II: Anwar tells PM, wife, to explain meeting with Saiful Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:47 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's defence team insisted today the prime minister and his wife are relevant witnesses for the opposition leader's ongoing Sodomy II trial. In his affidavit-in-reply to Datuk Seri Najib Razak filed today, Anwar said he needed the PM to come to court not to show he was involved in a "conspiracy, but to get clarification" on the latter's meeting with Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 24, 2008, just two days before the alleged sodomy act took place. Anwar raised similar points in a separate affidavit-in-reply to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, saying he wanted her to explain because she had given a witness statement to the police officer in charge of the ongoing sodomy case, DSP Jude Pereira. The High Court is set to hear tomorrow, Najib's and Rosmah's twin applications to skip the trial, which resumes on October 3. "Datuk Seri Najib has said, 'subpoena, I'll come'," Anwar told reporters at court this afternoon. He repeated he was disappointed the PM was reneging on his word. "They have said they are not relevant witnesses and their evidence is not material to the case," Anwar's lawyer, Sankara Nair said, referring to the PM's and Rosmah's affidavits. "We are saying it is," Sankara added. Both Najib and Rosmah were subpoenaed last month after they refused to take part in closed-door interviews. READ MORE HERE |
| ‘Anwar’s moles digging Najib’s grave?’ Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:40 PM PDT 
An Utusan Malaysia columnist suggests that the opposition leader's loyalists may have infiltrated strategic government bodies to topple Najib. (Free Malaysia Today) - Utusan Malaysia, the daily which is no stranger to controversies, has now claimed that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's loyalists may have infiltrated strategic government bodies. And their motive, according to the Umno-owned publication, was to provide the opposition with confidential information to undermine Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. However, columnist Zaini Hassan who wrote the article titled "Musang berbulu ayam dalam badan-badan strategik kerajaan?" (Wolves in sheep's clothing in strategic government bodies?) did not name the agencies involved. He also stated that he was not sure if this was a mere coincidence or a well-crafted plot. But if it was the latter, the writer warned that it was a dangerous situation which could jeopardise the current government. "The information I received shows that it is real and evident," he said. According to Zaini, the information he had obtained revealed that the "enemies within" were feeding the opposition with confidential information pertaining to Najib such as details on the costs of the prime minister's official trips and holidays abroad. The article also suggested that certain strategic bodies now appeared incapable of performing their tasks following the presence of these "elements". Zaini's informant had stated: "I do not wish to provide more examples, but see for yourself how a federal government agency (the name kept confidential) with the important task of defending the policies of the government and to make the public understand (about these policies) so that they would support the prime minister, could absorb and even use the intruments of the opposition working to 'kill' the prime minister."
Confidential information "This is the victory of Anwar Ibrahim, delivered by his strongman in that particular organisation, and (who) is still slowly bringing in (more of) Anwar's people. The applications to bring in new officers are pending with the JPA (Public Service Department) and SPA (Public Service Commission)." On Najib's overseas trips and holidays, the informant had asked how could the opposition obtain such detailed information in an expeditious manner. READ MORE HERE |
| Pakatan leaders likely to close ranks Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:35 PM PDT Opposition coalition will most likely reach an accommodating and conciliatory stand to appease Kelantanese and also the larger segments of Malaysians, say analysts. (Free Malaysia Today) - Despite hogging the headlines the last two weeks, the hudud controversy is unlikely to break the opposition coalition but instead will force it to focus on common policies, say political analysts. They were asked to comment on the possible outcome of Pakatan Rakyat's meeting tonight which will be attended by the top brass of the coalition, like PAS president Abul Hadi Awang and DAP chairman Karpal Singh. Political analyst James Chin said that the hudud issue has been lingering since the Islamisation process which former primer Dr Mahathir Mohamad started in the 1980s. "The current controversy is merely a political game which has little impact on the electorate. It's being blown up by the mainstream press in order to break up Pakatan," said Chin. He does not foresee a break-up of Pakatan but rather the controversy will force the coalition to focus on common-ground policies such as the welfare state. Chin said that social justice was part of Islam's message, adding that there would be little compromise on behalf of PAS, the Islamic party in the coalition. The controversy surrounding hudud began when PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar, Nik Aziz Nik Mat, said that he would want to implement hudud in Kelantan. His call was backed by PKR de facto leader, Anwar Ibrahim, last week.
Playing to the gallery Alarmed, DAP openly criticised PAS over the matter with Karpal vehemently voicing his opposition, saying that Pakatan leaders had agreed to support a secular state. Nik Aziz likened DAP to "a small child who is scared of ghosts", saying that hudud had nothing to do with non-Muslims and thus DAP had no reason to oppose it. This locking-of-horns between two coalition stalwarts, Chin said, was normal as both bigwigs of the coalition were trying to "play to the gallery of their supporters". "Do you expect Karpal to say otherwise? Or do you expect the spiritual leader of an Islamic party to say that he does not support hudud?" asked Chin. When asked if the voters were savvy enough to understand that this was a political game, the Monash University lecturer nodded in the affirmative, saying people knew that matter was an old one and a non-issue. Another political analyst, Abdul Aziz Bari, echoed Chin's sentiments, saying that tonight's meeting will be "conciliatory and accommodating" as there were larger issues to focus on. "Judging by the cordial meetings among the coalition's secretaries-general a few days ago, I think it is going to be conciliatory and accommodating to all. They will appeal to the Kelantanese and to the larger segments of Malaysians," he said. READ MORE HERE |
| Oct 18 hearing for Anwar’s application on tax payable Posted: 27 Sep 2011 05:26 PM PDT 
(The Star) - The High Court has set Oct 18 to hear an application by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to review the taxation imposed in his RM100mil defamation suit against former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Deputy registrar Farah Hana Hashim set the date after meeting Anwar's lawyer S.N. Nair in chambers yesterday. Nair said Dr Mahathir has also filed for a cross review of the taxation amount. "A senior assistant registrar has ordered Anwar to pay RM120,000 to Dr Mahathir (over the suit at the High Court stage). We are disputing the taxation amount," he said. On Jan 27, 2006, Anwar filed the suit against Dr Mahathir for allegedly portraying him as a man with no morals who was dangerous to Malaysian society. The High Court had struck out Anwar's suit with costs on July 4, 2007. On Oct 20, 2009, the Court of Appeal threw out an appeal by Anwar because the memorandum of appeal was not in Bahasa Malaysia. Last year, the Federal Court had dismissed the point of law raised by Anwar's lead counsel Karpal Singh in his leave application to appeal over his RM100mil defamation suit against Dr Mahathir. The point of law raised was whether the grounds of judgments which were written in English, are invalid. |
| Ex-MAS chairman in out-of-court settlement with Malaysian Insider Posted: 27 Sep 2011 04:57 PM PDT 
(The Star) - Former Malaysia Airlines executive chairman Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli confirmed on Wednesday to record settlement with The Malaysian Insider in his defamation suit against the online news portal. The terms of settlement will be recorded on Friday before the High Court judge Justice Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal. Tajudin had named the proprietor of The Malaysian Insider Sdn Bhd, The Malaysian Insider chief executive officer/editor Jahabar Sadiq and its reporter Shazwan Mustafa Kamal as defendants in the suit filed on Aug 18. In his lawsuit, Tajudin claimed the defendants had published defamatory words about him on their website in an article titled "MACC clears A-G of graft allegations" on May 31. The words in the article meant that MAS lost RM8bil during his tenure as its executive chairman between 1994 and 2001, he said. In his statement of claim, Tajudin contended that the words also implied that complaints had been lodged against him for the loss and that he was dishonest in his dealings with MAS, saying the words suggested he had abused his position for his own pecuniary advantage and acted unprofessionally. Alternatively, he said, the words also meant that he had perpetrated a fraud on MAS by making secret profits in transactions involving MAS and was guilty of improper conduct and should be subjected to investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The defendants, he claimed, had replied in a letter dated June 20 that the words were not defamatory and that they had multiple sources to the words, of which some were in public domain. He had earlier sought general damages of at least RM200mil and other relief deemed fit by the court. |
| Nik Aziz: ‘Saya jamin hudud tidak libatkan bukan Islam’ Posted: 27 Sep 2011 04:38 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Dilihat sebagai usaha berterusan mahu meyakinkan bukan Muslim, Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat hari ini memberi "jaminan" undang-undang hudud jika dilaksanakan tidak akan dikuatkuasakan ke atas bukan Islam. Mursyidul Am PAS ini berkata undang-undang itu yang diusahakan sejak 17 tahun lalu untuk dilaksanakan di Kelantan hanya meliputi masyarakat Islam. "Saya memberi jaminan jika hukum hudud dilaksanakan di Kelantan, ia tidak akan dikuatkuasakan ke atas bukan Islam sebab hanya meliputi umat Islam," kata Nik Aziz dalam mesej menerusi laman sosial Facebook hari ini. Ia merupakan mesej ketiga daripada Nik Aziz sepanjang satu minggu ini, yang dilihat mahu meyakinkan bukan Islam mengenai hukum hudud. Pendirian itu diketengahkan pada hari kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat bersiap sedia untuk mengadakan mesyuarat berhubung isu tersebut selepas DAP dan PAS bertembung dan bertegas dengan pendirian masing-masing. Mesyuarat Pakatan Rakyat akan berlangsung di ibu pejabat PAS di sini, malam ini. Pada 24 September lalu, Nik Aziz meminta bukan Muslim memberi pandangan jujur sama ada mereka akan bersetuju jika undang-undang itu dilaksanakan. "Perbincangan terbuka, kepada rakan-rakan bukan Islam yang dihormati, adakah anda akan bersetuju jika hukumam hudud dilaksanakan? "Sila berikan pandangan anda mengenai perkara ini, tanpa prejudis, sentimen politik dan emosi," kata Menteri Besar Kelantan dalam mesej terdahulu. Kerajaan negeri Kelantan pimpinan PAS berusaha untuk melaksanakan undang-undang ini sejak awal 1990-an tetapi tersekat ekoran amaran kerajaan pusat yang disampaikan pada 1994 ketika pentadbiran Mahathir. READ MORE HERE |
| Of wet dream, nightmare and Marty McFly Posted: 27 Sep 2011 03:47 PM PDT 
ART HARUN I have not seen the Buku Jingga, let alone read it. I wonder what Pakatan Rakyat says about hudud. Or whether Pakatan Rakyat says anything about it at all. Whatever public posturing Pakatan Rakyat puts up in relation to hudud, everybody knows that in hudud resides an issue within Pakatan Rakyat which is potentially explosive and may ultimately be destructive. Everybody knows that. Pakatan Rakyat knows that. And Tun Dr Mahathir, unfortunately to Pakatan Rakyat, also knows that. While the Barisan Nasional, particularly UMNO, was busy trying to out-manoeuvre Mat Sabu in history 101 and the Prime Minister eagerly venturing into a state of "coolness" and "sempoi-neity", Tun Dr Mahathir had other ideas. His was a meister stroke of all political strokes in Malaysia. That's because he knows what hurts the most as well as when and where to execute the hurting blow. So, in an interview one day he threw a seemingly harmless challenge to PAS. PAS has always maintained that he (Tun DrM) was the reason why it could not implement hudud in Kelantan. Tun DrM then asked why hasn't PAS written to Prime Minister Najib to implement hudud as he (Tun DrM) is now no more the PM. Those of you who of my generation will remember the character Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy – to digress, I wonder when Hollywood is going to remake this film – apart from the totally cool and sempoi DeLorean DMC-12 in the movie. Marty boy was a smart kid. Very nice and mild-mannered boy. Quite cool and level headed too. That was until the antagonist started calling him "chicken". Upon being called "chicken", Marty McFly would lose all his good manners and level-headedness. He would turn reckless and completely berserk. He would even do really stupid things. Tun DrM knew all the while that hudud is to PAS and Tuan Guru Nik Aziz what "chicken" was to Marty McFly. Mention the word "hudud" and Tuan Guru Nik Aziz would instantly go ape and all bananas. The whole PAS would grimace in orgasmic pleasure like a 13 year old after his first wet dream. That would in turn be a nightmare for Pakatan Rakyat. In Pakatan Rakyat, DAP's stand on hudud is clear. DAP is against hudud. As for PKR, well, it depends on what day the issue is raised and on which side of the bed Anwar Ibrahim wakes up that day. TDM knows very well that hudud will cause Pakatan Rakyat to lose its "pakatan". His challenge was a calculated move to throw Pakatan Rakyat into shambles. That was exactly what had happened after his challenge. TGNA firstly dismissed as laughable suggestions by TDM that Kelantan can now implement hudud now that TDM has retired. He then challenged the present Prime Minister to withdraw Putrajaya's objection to the implementation of hudud in Kelantan. If TGNA was politically savvy, he would have stopped there. No, he did not. TGNA then continued to meet with Prof Aziz Bari and Dr Dzulkefli Ahmad on 25th September 2011 to discuss the implementation of hudud in Kelantan and gave assurance that hudud will only affect Muslims and will not be imposed on non-Muslims. (the full report is here). DAP, quite expectedly, responded. Karpal went into amok mode. Lim Guan Eng, meanwhile, said that the party's entire Central Executive Committee would resign from their position in the party if hudud was ever included in Pakatan Rakyat's Common Policy Framework or Buku Jingga. The Star newspaper of course saw this as an opportunity. On 25th September it apparently reported what Guan Eng said above. However on 26th September, the Star apparently modified the news to report that Guan Eng had threatened the resignation of the DAP's leadership from Pakatan Rakyat. The water gets even murkier when Anwar Ibrahim, quite recklessly (politically) said that he supports the Kelantan State Government's move to implement hudud (see here for the report). He later clarified his statement saying that all decisions affecting the people will have to be based on consensus within Pakatan Rakyat. He was quoted as saying: "We hold firm to the conviction that any issue which affects the interest of the people must be discussed frankly in a civilized manner with the objective of seeking an amicable resolution." That statement actually does not add or detract to what he had earlier said, namely, that he thinks hudud can be implemented in Kelantan. This was what he said earlier: "For now, in general, in principle, I believe this can be implemented…It is a specific area that affects Muslims and does not impeach rights of non-Muslims. The proceeding makes sure that administration of justice is guaranteed." By then a full storm was brewing within Pakatan Rakyat. PAS was again, showing its true colours. READ MORE HERE |
| Can hudud be applied to non-Muslims? Posted: 27 Sep 2011 02:44 PM PDT 
(FMT) - SUNGAI PETANI: The debate on hudud took a new twist with a Kita MP saying it can be applied to non-Muslims. Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng said Kita president Zaid Ibrahim told him recently that non-Muslims can be subjected to the same punishment under the hudud criminal code enactments. Tan said that currently the Syariah (Islamic) laws being practised in Malaysia are on civil and family legislation, which mostly governs individual Muslim family matters. It manages family laws such as marriages, divorce settlements, custody of children, family will, properties disbursement, family disputes – all mainly personal or private legal issues. However, hudud is defined as a set of public punishments to mete out justice to the various types of crimes committed. This falls under the realm of public domain, meaning that everybody, regardless if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, can be subjected to hudud if they are found guilty of committing a crime. The Federal Constitution must be amended to accommodate facets of hudud criminal code in it, Tan said. 'I Was Shocked' For now, he added that the matter is polemic as hudud can only be adopted if the Federal Constitution is amended. It can be passed by certain states, which see a need for it but it cannot be applied unless the Federal Constitution is amended, Tan said. "I was shocked when I was informed that hudud can be applied to non-Muslims. I think Pakatan Rakyat is not telling the whole truth. It has resorted to half-truths." READ MORE HERE. |
| Najib gets a drubbing over ‘Community Chest’ Posted: 27 Sep 2011 02:38 PM PDT 
By Tarani Palani, FMT PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has received a drubbing for claiming credit for the private sector initiative to provide funds for vernacular and mission schools. DAP leader and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said: "He has no right to boast because the funds are from the private sector. He should not mislead the public into thinking that it was provided by the government or Barisan Nasional". On Monday, Najib announced that a minimum of RM100 million of gambling profits would be channelled to these schools annually through a fund called 'Community Chest'. It will be funded primarily by the profits of gaming company Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd, returns from its investments and public donations. Kok also took Najib to task over his statement that NGOs and government linked parties will have a say in how the funds will be allocated. "Najib said, 'the funds will be distributed in close consultation with the government… parties like MCA, Gerakan and MIC as well as NGOs… to ensure that it will be distributed fairly'. "The message he seems to be sending is, "if you support MCA, Gerakan, MIC and BN-affiliated NGOs, I will reward your school with education funds" "It is much the same message as his infamous "You help me, I help you," speech during the Sibu by-election," said Kok in a statement. Staying apolitical Vernacular schools have complained about unequal treatment from the government and Kok said Najib's attempts at associating himself with the funds will not deceive the public. READ MORE HERE. |
| Explosion rips through Empire Gallery, four hurt Posted: 27 Sep 2011 02:08 PM PDT 
By Debra Chong & Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider SUBANG JAYA, Sept 28 — Four people were hurt in an early morning explosion at the Empire Gallery shopping mall here, which was heard from as far away as Bangsar. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with police, ambulances and the fire brigade still on the scene. Police tracker dogs were also present, as were Fire and Rescue Department personnel from stations across Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Damansara and Puchong to investigate the incident. Subang Jaya OCPD ACP Zainal Rashid Abu Bakar told reporters at the scene that the blast was believed to have started in the basement and involved a gas pipeline. "We have yet to determine the cause of the blast but damage is extensive, affecting the parking lot and many outlets on the basement level and even the ground floor," he said. "Our forensics team is still investigating. We have not been able to enter certain parts of the mall . . . the damage is too bad and the areas are sealed off." He confirmed that a distress call was received at 3.45am concerning the explosion at the mall, which is at the entrance of Subang Jaya from the Federal Highway. Zainal Rashid said four people were injured — two Nepalese security guards and a couple. They received minor scrapes and bruises. Rescue workers are still combing the basement in search of more victims. The security guards, who were initially trapped in the basement, have been sent to hospital. The couple, sales executives Daryl Chua, 27, and his girlfriend Hibbie Tan, 23, were taken to hospital in an ambulance but have since been discharged. Nearly the entire stretch of the front portion of the newly-built mall was blown out, damaging a number of cafes, restaurants and clothing stores including Tangs and Starbucks Coffee. Chua told reporters that he was walking with his girlfriend to an parking payment station a few steps from Starbucks when the explosion occurred about 3.30am. "We were at La Bodega earlier for dinner and then we were just hanging out outside my car and talking," he said. "Just as we were heading to the Autopay, there was a loud 'boom', like in the movies. I thought it was a bomb." Chua said he was "literally lifted off the ground" and thrown sideways several metres from the blast, lightly grazing both his arms. The sound of breaking glass, falling debris and metal, and sirens broke the earlier silence, he said, leaving him in a momentary state of confusion and panic. "And then the flames came up. It was all over, the entire front of the mall was razed. I thought I was going to die," he said. When the scene calmed slightly, Chua said he carried Tan, who had sprained her leg, to safety and noticed passers-by and nearby residents rushing to the scene. His car, a black Volkswagen Golf GTI, was severely damaged. READ MORE HERE. |
| Middle Malaysia Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:39 AM PDT Instead of fighting a single opposition, BN perpetuated a structure which has two flanks — PAS for the Muslims and DAP for the non-Malays — and styled itself as the indispensable pseudo "centrist" coalition that caters for the interests across racial, religious and regional boundaries. By Liew Chin Tong (TMI) Middle Malaysia is elusive but it is clear that whichever coalition that is able to win across the traditional fault lines of race, religion and regions takes Federal power. Barisan Nasional is now the world's oldest elected government still in office. Its predecessor, the Alliance party, first won the Federal election for self-government in 1955. BN's longevity in government can be attributed to successful manipulation of the carrot and stick. Carrots range from contracts for big tycoons to rural patronage for the Umno base while the sticks are really big – dissenters can be put behind bars without trial for years while the mass media are muzzled. But there is something deeper: there is no alternative. Or more precisely, the ultimate use of the carrot and stick is to ensure that no BN-clone is allowed to exist. Instead of fighting a single opposition, BN perpetuated a structure which has two flanks — PAS for the Muslims and DAP for the non-Malays — and styled itself as the indispensable pseudo "centrist" coalition that caters for the interests across racial, religious and regional boundaries. Without a clean and fair electoral system and an unbiased mass media, the moment a moderate centrist coalition emerges it is destroyed without mercy. Elections in 1964, 1974, 1982, 1995, and 2004 saw a general swing of all ethnic groups in favour of Barisan Nasional for various reasons. Elections in 1978 and 1986 witnessed Barisan Nasional winning across the races but losing heavily among ethnic Chinese voters. A general anti-establishment swing across races in various degrees towards the Opposition occurred in elections in 1959, 1969, 1990, 2008 while the 1999 election was an oddity with Malays swinging massively towards the Opposition while more than 50 per cent of the supposedly more anti-establishment voted for the ruling coalition out of fear of the Islamic state claim and copycat violence a la Indonesia's anti-Suharto days. The de facto centre plus two flanks structure was almost broken in the 1990 general election until the final days of campaign when BN depicted Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah as a traitor to the Malays for wearing a Kadazan headgear with a symbol that looks like a cross. At the time, the majority of the ethnic Chinese and nearly half of the Malays were psychologically ready for a change of government. Since the 2008 general election, BN's formula to win the next election is not to recognise the two-party reality that it received only 51 per cent of popular votes. In fact, only 49 per cent in peninsular Malaysia voted for BN. Instead, apart from starving the Opposition of material resources and fair mass media coverage, the strategy is three-pronged – to destroy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's credibility as the alternative prime minister at all costs, to lure PAS' leaders into the Malay/Muslim exclusivist discourse and to paint DAP as an extremist villain. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/middle-malaysia/ |
| PM: Break away from Bumi quotas Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:30 AM PDT (Bernama) Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak said today that there was a need to "run away" from quotas for Bumiputeras but they must continue to be supported to grow. "You must run, go away from quotas. But you must support them (Bumiputeras) in a way that will allow them to grow from small and medium enterprises to get bigger and to become even regional champions," he said at a question and answer session at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2011 here.
The Prime Minister said that quotas could hamper capable Bumiputera entrepreneurs from developing their abilities. He feared that "if you give them quotas, they will rest on their laurels and eventually will not gain the expertise to manage businesses."
Najib said that one past criticism he had of the quota system was that the right kind of people was not being promoted. The affirmative action must now be based more on meritocracy.
"So, you must promote the right Bumiputeras. If you promote the right Bumiputeras, not only will they succeed, but the non-Bumiputeras will not begrudge them," he said. Najib alluded to the Bumiputera Agenda Coordinating Unit in the Prime Minister's Department which had identified more than 1,000 companies that would be assisted to grow.
The Prime Minister also said the cabinet will decide tomorrow on the timeline for the proposed amendments to security and press laws to enhance civil liberties in the country and make Malaysia a more modern and vibrant democracy.
In his Malaysia Day message on Sept 15, Najib said the government would repeal the Internal Security Act 1960 and the Banishment Act 1959 and review other laws, including the Printing Presses and Publications Act. Stressing that the government was serious about carrying out reforms, he said: "This coming Parliament session, you will see a slew of new legislation or actions." |
| Suspected teenage robber shot dead in Taman Tun Dr Ismail Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:28 AM PDT (TMI) The suspects were distracted with picking up the items, giving the police officer time to draw his weapon and fire three times at his assailants. A senior police officer shot dead a 19-year-old, one of the six men who allegedly were attempting to rob him in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here, last night, Bernama Online reported. During the 9.45pm incident, the superintendent of police who had returned from dinner, parked at his residence and was about to leave his car when he a group of men with parang accosted him. He fled leaving some valuable items, according to City police CID chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah. The suspects were distracted with picking up the items, giving the police officer time to draw his weapon and fire three times at his assailants. Ku was recounting the events at the crime scene to reporters. The incident at Lorong Burhanuddin Helmi 6 ended the life of a 19-year-old youth, while rest escaped in their motorcycles. The body has been sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital while police have launched a manhunt for the five other men. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/suspected-shot-dead-in-taman-tun-dr-ismail/ |
| Pakatan practising hypocrisy, says Chua Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:26 AM PDT  (Free Malaysia Today) MCA launches fresh attacks on Pakatan for the latter's action to put a lid on the hudud controversy. KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat's gag order on the hudud debate drew instant flak from MCA which described the instruction as proof of the bloc's blatant hypocrisy. Its president Dr Chua Soi Lek said the opposition had "conveniently" tried to conceal its weakness by gagging its leaders from openly discussing the prickly issue that has reignited past hostility between PAS and the DAP. "It is their right (to issue the gag order) but every time they (Pakatan) have problems, they resort to using gag orders while preaching greater democracy, transparency, accountability and openness," he told reporters at the party's headquarters here. Chua, a former health minister, pointed out that Pakatan state leaders in Selangor had issued a gag order following a controversial raid by the state's Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) on a church in Damansara recently, adding that going mute on the issue has not solved the debacle. "The issue is still unresolved. Until now we don't know if there was actually an attempt to convert Muslims to Christians," he said. The raid triggered animosity and heightened tension between Muslims and Christians amid efforts by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to improve relations by forging diplomatic ties with the Vatican last month. But while the issue slowly took a back seat, Kelatan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat gave non-Muslim the shivers when he said his party plans to implement hudud in the east coast state. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/09/27/pakatan-hiding-its-weaknesses-says-chua/ |
| Stupid law, stupid results Posted: 27 Sep 2011 11:03 AM PDT The 3 rules are designed to frustrate initiatives to detect and act against deliberate or mass manipulation of electoral roll. The people drafting and approving this piece of legislation clearly do not have idea what fairness and justice means, or worse, have certain agenda in mind and practice. By Lee Wee Tak Law is man-made regulations. People make mistakes and bad people makes bad decisions. When bad people make law, we ended up with bad laws. For decades, inadequate delivery systems have diverted our law makers from their original legislation duty to that of local councilors, rendering the due process of drafting progressive, fair and reasonable law as a secondary, or even ignored, role. World Class Parliament = World Class Law = Good Place to Live Crap Parliament = Crap Law = Crappy Place to Live Within the MP ranks, with characters such as "close one eye", "bocor" and "RM1 million FB page", how many right minded tax payers can safely say they have the utmost confidence in their ability then? This is what I have in mind when I read some of the laws relating to conduct of general elections. According to section 15 of AKTA PILIHAN RAYA 1958, PERATURAN-PERATURAN PILIHAN RAYA (PENDAFTARAN PEMILIH) 2002, 1. Objections to any addition to the voters' roll must be made within 7 days from the date the supplementary electoral roll is open for inspection; (supposedly every quarter hence 4 times a year) 2. A person can only object against up to 10 registered names only; and 3. A fee of RM10 is to be charged for each name being submitted for protest. Section 15 made me choked on my tau foo fah, I tell you. 1. 7 days only limitation Every quarterly updates may contain hundreds and thousands of names. Is it reasonable to allow only a 7 day window period for public to review and investigate? Revisiting the disgusting errors DAP recently discovered – lesbian marriage involving a female army personnel, dozens of army wives carrying IC which actually belong to their husbands etc. These are not innocent, straight forward errors but sophisticated mischief not visible to the naked eye or reasonable bystander. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/reform-vote-now-as-evidence-mounts-says-dap-leader/ "This shows there are systematic way ways of planting voters by irresponsible parties..."  New voters have to wait for months before they can check if they are being registered properly so why the glaring double standard here? Income Revenue Board can investigate up to 7 years back, testing our memories to the limit and in case of fraud, there is no limit in the number of backlog years. Yet, how come the mistake ridden SPR / EC is so damn well protected with this 7 days only ruling? Does the legislators ever thought of interested citizens do have other things to do in life? After multiple orgamistic screaming of Rakyat Diutamakan, this punter is extremely disappointed with the fake front, all form no substance. How prominent and transparent are displays of these supplementary electoral rolls? We can see the newspaper publishing those lucky ones heading to National Service but where is the electoral roll being located for public inspection? SPR/EC has been doing a very poor job in this respect. 2. 10 objections per person Limiting a person's right to object more than 10, is without logic, especially with an error prone SPR/EC. If a policeman sees 3 men committing a crime should we legislate and limit him to say, he can only arrest 2 persons a day only? Would that make sense? Why limit pursue of correct records? To this tax payer, it appears to be a form of non-financial bailout of a Barisan Nasional dependent/supporting party. If there is a sysmatic abuse, e.g. the dozens of shemales in the army camp, then surely there would be more than 10. A talented and committed individual who uncovered this would be blocked by this stupid rule. I wonder what was said in the parliament when they scanned through this section, or did the ruling coalition bulldozed this through? 3. RM10 fee per protested person It is also adding insult to injury to penalize concerned and justice-minded citizens for RM10 when SPR/EC (already well funded by tax payers) is suppose to investigate and correct their own gross, laughable and irresponsible or even errors. Read more at: http://wangsamajuformalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/09/stupid-law-stupid-results.html |
| WIKILEAKS: NAJIB'S "ISLAMIC STATE" REMARK DRAWS THE IRE OF MALAYSIA'S MINORITIES Posted: 27 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT Responding to a reporter's question at the July 17 opening of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)'s two-day international conference on "The Role of Islamic States in a Globalised World," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak explained that Malaysia is not a secular state, but an Islamic state driven by the fundamentals of Islam. The reporter asked Najib if Malaysia was an Islamic state and to comment on concerns that Malaysia was moving from a secular government to an Islamic state. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
1. (C) Summary: Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak set off a fire storm on July 17 when, in response to a reporter's question, he stated that Malaysia is and has always been an "Islamic state." Malaysia's minorities and opposition parties attacked the DPM's comments as violative of the nation's constitutional history and of the social contract which formed a single nation from Malaysia's Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups. The ruling coalition's largest Chinese party, MCA, defended the country's status as a secular nation and declared secularism to be the unequivocal, original intention of the nation's founders. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan joined the chorus of protesters decrying Najib's statement. Reeling from the growing backlash among Malaysia's minorities, the Ministry of Internal Security issued a directive two days later requiring all print media to cease publication of any discussion of Malaysia's status as a secular or Islamic state other than statements made by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Opposition party DAP vowed to continue the public discussion and plans to hold a public forum on the issue on July 26. Najib's statement may help the dominant UMNO party woo Malay voters away from the Islamist opposition party PAS; however, it also has opened a political can of worms for the non-Muslim electorate and could be used to attract already disenchanted minority voters away from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. End Summary. "We have never been a secular state" 2. (U) Responding to a reporter's question at the July 17 opening of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)'s two-day international conference on "The Role of Islamic States in a Globalised World," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak explained that Malaysia is not a secular state, but an Islamic state driven by the fundamentals of Islam. The reporter asked Najib if Malaysia was an Islamic state and to comment on concerns that Malaysia was moving from a secular government to an Islamic state. Najib answered: "Islam is the official religion and Malaysia is an Islamic state, an Islamic state that respects the rights of non-Muslims and we protect them. I want to correct you, that we have never been a secular state. Secular by Western definition means separation of the Islamic principles in the way we govern the country. But we have never abdicated from those principles. Malaysia has always been driven by and adhered to the fundamentals of Islam. So your premise is wrong." 3. (U) Najib's impromptu remarks to reporters followed his delivery of the opening address to the conference, which he explained was in fact the Prime Minister's speech. The address focused on PM Abdullah's familiar themes of the importance of economic development and education in Muslim countries and references to Islam's golden age and status as the world's first "globalizing force." The address did not explicitly address the issue of Malaysia as an Islamic state, though this was the clear implication. The opening ceremony also featured a highly theoretical lecture by IKIM's Director General Syed Al-Attas on "What it Means to be an Islamic State," which argued that following Islamic principles and revelations was more important to the definition than Islamizing otherwise Western governmental institutions. 4. (U) Najib's words did little to elaborate on former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's June 2002 remarks to Parliament when he declared that, "Malaysia is not a moderate Islamic state but an Islamic fundamentalist state as its policy is to abide by the fundamental teachings of Islam." Furthermore, Najib's statement does not reflect any current attempt to amend the Constitution or make any new institutional changes in favor of Islam. The Islamic state descriptor, however, goes to the heart of concerns from Malaysia's substantial non-Malay minorities, who make up some 40 percent of the population. Understandably, Najib's contemporary remarks on the eve of Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence ignited a firestorm of criticism foremost from the Chinese community, but also from other supporters of secular government, such as the Bar Council. Coalition partner MCA fires back 5. (U) The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Malaysia's largest minority party and founding member of the country's original Alliance uniting Malay, Chinese and Indian political parties, took particular exception to Najib's remarks. Facing immense voter dissatisfaction for cowing to UMNO attacks during last year's UMNO general assembly (ref A), MCA could hardly afford to remain silent. On July 19, MCA's Secretary General Ong Ka Chuan took the lead on countering Najib's remarks. Ong delivered public remarks to the press, openly disagreeing with the Deputy Prime Minister. Ong stressed that, contrary to Najib's remarks, Malaysia hadalways been a secular state and that this was part of the original social contract. Ong quoted the September 27, 1956 Alliance Memorandum to the Reid Commission that stated: "The religion of Malaysia shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practicing their own religion, and shall not imply the State is not a secular state." Ong further cited notes prepared by the Colonial Office dated May 23, 1957 at the London Conference Talks which said: "The members of the Alliance delegation stressed that they had no intention of creating a Muslim theocracy and that Malaya would be a secular state." "This was the unequivocal original intention of UMNO, MCA and MIC," Ong countered. Bar Council says Najib's father would disagree 6. (U) Malaysian Bar Council president, Ambiga Sreenevasan, an ethnic Indian and leader of Malaysia's mostly non-Malay legal profession, also lambasted the DPM's comments. In a July 18 written statement to the press, she too quoted Malaysia's founding fathers and even cited a report from the independence sub-committee chaired by the current DPM's own father, Abdul Razak, recognizing that Malaysia would be a secular state. "It is time," Sreenevasan wrote, "that the proposition that Malaysia is not secular, (which is a rewriting of the Constitution), be put to rest once and for all and that there is due recognition and reaffirmation of the clear legal and constitutional position that Malaysia is, and has always been, a secular State." Anwar joins attack on Najib 7. (U) Former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the opposition People's Justice Party, Anwar Ibrahim, also joined in the attacks on Najib's declaration. Anwar lamented that Najib's "latest pronouncement about Malaysia being an Islamic state shows his dismal ignorance of what such a state really means. In an attempt to pander to communal and religious sentiments, Najib has chosen to blatantly disregard the provisions of the Constitution which, while stating that Islam is the religion of the Federation, safeguards the sanctity of other religions without discrimination one from the other." Media clampdown 8. (SBU) Responding in typical fashion (see refs A and C) to widespread criticism against the Government, and to hot-button racial and religious issues, the Ministry of Internal Security (MIS) issued an order on July 19 to all mainstream media banning any further discussion of the subject. Malaysiakini, the country's leading, independent, online news portal, quoted a senior MIS official: "Yes, we have given the directive to all mainstream newspapers. Islam is a sensitive issue. They cannot publish any news on whether the country is secular or Islam (sic)... Reaction from political parties and the public cannot be published, especially negative reactions." The officer told Malaysiakini that MIS is afraid that allowing such discussions would cause "tension." However, the MIS official said newspapers can still publish statements from the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister on the country being an Islamic state. DAP seeks to capitalize on Chinese reaction 9. (SBU) The country's largest opposition party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), has already begun to capitalize on Najib's racially divisive statements as a rallying cry for their campaign and are seeking to attract even more voters away from MCA and Gerakan. Despite, and perhaps due to, the Ministry of Internal Security's ban on print media, DAP has already announced a public forum to discuss Malaysia's standing as a secular country to be held on July 26 at the Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur. Comment 10. (C) Najib's remarks come on the heels of the court decision in the Lina Joy apostasy case, which reassured Muslim conservatives and disappointed non-Muslim minorities (ref D). Whether planned or not, Najib's statement (like the Lina Joy decision) will play well among the constituents of the dominant United Malays National Organization (UMNO), and allow UMNO to solidify its Islamic credentials among Malaysia's Malay/Muslim majority. These and other issues set UMNO and the ruling government out as the defender of Islam; its increasingly privileged position in Malaysian society continues to polarize the country's ethnic communities. Divisive religious and ethnic issues have been growing in the Malaysian electorate. The 2006 Sarawak state elections, along with several by-elections earlier this year, reflected great voter dissatisfaction among Malaysia's Chinese minority (ref B). Following UMNO's annual general meeting last year, Malaysia's dominant Chinese political parties, MCA and Gerakan, found themselves facing even greater voter apathy and a growing dissatisfaction within their own communities. While Najib's comments certainly strengthen his position among the Malays, they unquestionably undermine the standing of BN's minority parties in their own communities and threaten to weaken Chinese voices within the ruling government. Chinese voters, however, face poor options. The alternative to UMNO as a Malay political partner is the unabashedly Islamist opposition party PAS, known for its advocacy of a much more conservative and far-reaching version of an Islamic state. 11. (C) The Government's heavy-handed order to cease media discussion of this "sensitive issue" came as no surprise to anyone in Malaysia. Although press freedom expanded at the margins following Mahathir's departure, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's 2004 campaign promises to foster freedom of the press never came to full fruition. Quashing media discussion of religious and ethnic divisions has remained a mainstay of UMNO political control (ref A). Despite threats to the print media, these "sensitive" discussions continue on the internet, and the chasm between Malaysia's ethnic and religious groups grows with each passing event. LAFLEUR (July 2007) |
| Ketua Polis Negara harus perjelas program Umno dalam Markas FRU dan logo Umno memenuhi ... Posted: 26 Sep 2011 10:48 PM PDT By Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia
backdrop jelas tertera program Umno dan sekeliling Markas FRU penuh bendera Umno 
Ucapan Dato Ishak sungguh bersifat politik kepartian Pada 26 September 2011, bertempat di Markas Polis Simpanan Persekutuan - FRU (Unit 7 PSP NS) telah diadakan satu program bersama di dengan parti politik UMNO. Pada hari tersebut bendera Umno memenuhi ruang sekitar Markas FRU dan jelas tertera logo dan nama Umno dalam pemidang dibelakang pentas. Malah ucapan Ketua Umno Bahagian Seremban penuh bersifat politik kepartian. Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia Negeri Sembilan memandang serius perkara ini. Ini menunjukkan polis khususnya FRU sudah terjebak mengambil sikap dalam politik kepartian. Ketua Polis Negara harus tampil menyatakan pendiran dalam perkara ini. Dato' Hj. Ishak Ismail hadir bukan sifatnya selaku mana – mana kapasiti jawatan kerajaan tetapi hadir dan berucap atas kapasiti Ketua Umno Bahagian Seremban.
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| Demotion or sack for three MACC ‘robbers’ Posted: 26 Sep 2011 09:56 PM PDT 
The trio to face disciplinary action for allegedly extorting and robbing three money changers of some RM1 millionn. (Free Malaysia Today) - The three senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers who allegedly robbed money changers of some RM1 million cash at KLIA airport could be demoted or sacked. The MACC said today that the three officers would face disciplinary action as an internal inquiry on them has been completed. "The disciplinary board which met today had decided that the three had committed a serious offence, which violates Regulation 37 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993," it said in a press statement. Under Regulation 37, a public officer can be dismissed if he has committed an offence that carries a criminal conviction. Other lesser punishments could also be meted out. MACC said that its internal probe and decision would not affect the ongoing police investigations into the case. FMT had reported that the trio, including an assistant commissioner, was arrested after allegedly extorting and robbing three money changers of almost RM1 million on Sept 15. Their remand has been extended for another three days yesterday. Following the incident, MACC had relieved them of their active duties, stripped them of any investigative power, and transferred them to its administrative division. The alleged victims were said to be money changers from Singapore who were at the KLIA to board a flight back home. They were carrying foreign currencies amounting to about RM2 million which they had declared to the customs authorities. READ MORE HERE |
| Kemungkaran politik dan ekonomi - Tanggunjawab rakyat menolaknya Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:37 PM PDT 
ASPAN ALIAS Ramai rakyat berpendapat pilihanraya umum akan tiba dalam tahun ini juga. Faktor banjir musim tengkujuh tidak menjadi hal kerana jika di adakan waktu banjir yang kebetulan berlaku di dalam negeri-negeri tadbiran PR, banjir itu mungkin menjadi 'plus faktor' kepada BN kerana ramai penyokong PR di negeri-negeri itu katanya tidak akan dapat keluar mengundi dengan sepenuhnya. Betul atau tidak pandangan itu saya tidak tahu. Tetapi yang penting sekali kita lihat PM Najib sudah menjelajah ke seluruh negara mengumumkan peruntukan itu dan ini dalam jumlah yang sangat besar. Wang ringgit yang di salurkan kepada rakyat sekarang itu adalah wang rakyat termasuk wang rakyat yang tidak menyokong BN, bukannya wang BN.
Bajet 2012 yang akan dibentangkan pada 7hb Oktober ini adalah bajet pilihanraya. Keseluruhan bajet itu akan penuh dengan janji-janji dan selalunya sebagaimana pengalaman yang lalu tidak semua janji itu akan terlaksana kerana ianya hanya janji dan janji. Samada bajet itu cantik atau sebaliknya kecenderungan rakyat untuk melakukan perubahan semakin kuat dan nyata.
Yang pentingnya rakyat mesti seronok selepas mendengar pembentangan bajet itu. Semasa rakyat sedang seronok itulah pilihanraya akan diadakan kerana jika dilakukan lama selepas itu rakyat akan sedar bajet itu hanyalah janji untuk mendapatkan sokongan yang kebanyakannya tidak akan dapat dilaksanakan.
Najib tidak akan mengadakan pilihanraya sesudah rakyat sedar yang bacaan pembentangan bajet itu hanyalah satu pembentangan yang tidak mungkin terlaksana. Sebelum rakyat sedar pilihanraya mesti di adakan.
Banyak perkara yang akan dilakukan yang memungkinkan rakyat marah semuanya ditangguhkan. Cukai 6% keatas perkhidmatan pra bayar melalui perlaksanaan GST telah ditangguhkan selepas pilihanraya. Dalam isu ini semua rakyat tahu yang mereka akan dikenakan cukai ini selepas pilihanraya nanti. Justru mengundi BN kali ini ialah untuk mempastikan BN boleh mengenakan cukai terhadap mereka apabila mereka mendapat mandat nanti.
Tetapi BN tidak menyedari yang anak-anak muda mungkin tidak akan mengundi BN untuk mengelakan mereka dicukai sebanyak 6% itu. Pendek kata semua yang akan dikenakan kepada rakyat tidak akan dilakukan sekarang ini. Mereka akan dikenakan semuanya itu setelah mereka mengundi BN nanti.
Di peringkat parti-parti kedua-dua belah pihak BN dan PR mereka sedang berusaha menyelesaikan masalah yang ada di antara parti masing-masing. UMNO dan ahli-ahli komponennya sedang berusaha menyelesaikan masalah di antara mereka. BN sedang cuba mengatasi masalah beban yang sedang UMNO pikul untuk menjadikan MCA dan Gerakkan di terima kembali oleh pengundi.
Di pihak PR yang hanya belum selesai ialah masalah isu hudud yang sedang di usahakan untuk dilaksanakan di negeri Kelantan yang kini menjadi masalah di antara PAS dengan DAP. Kedua-dua belah pihak mempunyai masalah.
UMNO berpendapat (kata Muhyiddin) yang UMNO bukan menentang hudud tetapi undang-undang itu belum sampai masanya untuk dilaksanakan kerana belum bersedia. Tetapi kepada yang masih mempunyai daya ingatan yang kuat kerajaan Persekutuan telah menolak usul untuk mengadakan hukum hudud ini bulat-bulat semasa pimpinan Dr Mahathir dulu.
Saya tidak menyalahkan Dr Mahathir dalam isu ini tetapi apa yang salahnya beliau telah mengalihkan kesalahan itu kepada Karpal Singh bukannya disebabkan penolakan kerajaan Persekutuan. Memanglah Karpal menolaknya kerana pemimpin Islam seperti pemimpin UMNO sendiri menolaknya bagaimana pula kita hendak mengharapkan Karpal untuk memperjuangkan hudud itu.
Saya tidak mahu berbahas tentang hudud ini kerana saya tidak faham tentang sistem perundangan hudud ini. Tetapi apa yang saya faham hudud adalah 'preventive Law" sedangkan undang-undang civil itu adalah sebaliknya. Yang saya tahu di Saudi Arabia yang melaksanakan hudud ini pun tidak sampai sepuluh orang yang dipotong tangannya kerana kesalahan mencuri, kerana dengan undang-undang hudud ini orang ramai amat takut untuk melakukan perkara-perkara yang mempunyai elemen mencuri dan sebagainya.
Tetapi biarkan isu itu dihalusi oleh semua pihak dalam PR kerana BN memang tidak bersetuju dengan hukum hudud ini. Hukum hudud ini memang telah dimomokan sebagai hukum yang zalim oleh mereka yang takut menghadapi undang-undang ini. Dalam sistem hudud bukan senang untuk membuktikan kesalahan seseorang kerana saksi-saksi yang sekurang-kurangnya 4 orang itu mestilah dari mereka yang muktabar dan ini susah untuk dicari. Usaha untuk menentukan samada saksi-saksi itu adalah dari mereka yang muktabar itu sendiri adalah susah. READ MORE HERE |
| A global agenda for seven billion Posted: 26 Sep 2011 08:08 PM PDT 
(FMT) - Late next month, a child will be born Рthe 7th billion citizen of planet Earth. We will never know the circumstances into which he or she was born. We do know that the baby will enter a world of vast and unpredictable change Рenvironmental, economic, geopolitical, technological, and demographic. The world's population has tripled since the United Nations was created in 1945. And our numbers keep growing, with corresponding pressures on land, energy, food, and water. The global economy is generating pressures as well: rising joblessness, widening social inequalities, and the emergence of new economic powers. These trends link the fate and future of today's seven billion people as never before. No nation alone can solve the great global challenges of the twenty-first century. International cooperation is a universal need. The 66th session of the UN General Assembly is a renewed opportunity for the countries of the world to set aside narrow, short-term interests and commit to cooperative efforts to address humanity's long-term imperatives. At a time when all nations are experiencing individual challenges, we need to forge a worldwide common agenda that can help to ensure that the seven billionth baby and future generations grow up in a world characterized by sustainable peace, prosperity, freedom, and justice. To help create this future, I am focusing my second term as Secretary-General on five global imperatives Рfive generational opportunities to shape the world of tomorrow by the decisions we make today. Sustainable development The first and greatest of these imperatives is sustainable development. We all must understand that saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, and advancing economic growth are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women's empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all. In the next five years, we need to create a new economic vision for sustainable development and forge global consensus on a binding climate change agreement. Fostering economic growth, realizing the Millennium Development Goals, and combating climate change will all depend on creating a new energy system for the twenty-first century and extending it to every person on the planet. Prevention as a framework for international cooperation is a second opportunity. This year, the UN peacekeeping budget will total $8 billion. Think of what we could save by avoiding conflicts Рby deploying political mediation missions, for example, rather than troops. We know how to do this. Our record proves it Рin Guinea, Kenya, and Kyrgyzstan. A third imperative is building a safer and more secure world. In this effort, we must be courageous in standing up for democracy, human rights, and peace. This year was one of signature achievements in restoring and securing peace Рin C̫te d'Ivoire, Darfur, Egypt, and elsewhere. But hatred and bloodshed still stand in the way of our vision for peace. In the Middle East, we must break the stalemate. Palestinians deserve a state. Israel needs security. Both want peace. A negotiated settlement can produce these outcomes, and the UN is a platform for forging such a peace. So, too, will we continue our efforts to foster democratic governance in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. And, in the name of all of humanity, we will continue to push forward on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, in service of realizing a world free of nuclear weapons. READ MORE HERE. |
| Hah! Padan muka! Posted: 26 Sep 2011 07:55 PM PDT Do you know how low I felt, the nephew of Malaysia's Agong having to join the ranks of the illegal Indonesian immigrants selling food on the streets of Sungai Buloh? I felt, in the interest of justice, I should have at least been given two months notice, not sacked on the spot just three days after the general election. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Yes, padan muka (serves you right)! I am talking about the two items below. Let's talk about the Human Rights Party (Hindraf) piece first (below). They lament that for 40 years the Indians have been sidelined. That means since 1970 or so. Why lament? I have been telling the Indians the same thing for 35 years or so since I first became politically active in the 1970s. I remember, when I told the Indians this, they refused to listen. So now, padan muka! You made your bed, now lie in it. And I hope you suffer more before it gets better. There is no better lesson than suffering. When I said that MIC cannot and will not look after the Indian interest, the Indians replied that they regard Samy Vellu as a God. They revered Samy Vellu even as the MIC President was selling out the Indians. Do you know how much Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave to MIC? But NONE went to the Indians. It all went into the pockets of the MIC leaders. Go ask Dr Mahathir if you want the full details. And while the MIC leaders plundered whatever Dr Mahathir gave the Indians, the Indians sembah Samy Vellu like he was God. I once asked (back in the 1980s) a senior Umno leader: why do the Indians still keep Samy Vellu as their leader when he is not helping the Indians? And this Umno leader replied that it is not the Indians but Umno who was keeping Samy Vellu as the MIC leader. This is because Samy Vellu works for Umno, I was told. Also, back in the 1980s, I had a meeting with Samy Vellu (I was then a central committee member of the Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to discuss some issues concerning the Malay contractors (they were being bankrupted by the 1980s world recession). And do you know what Samy Vellu told me? He said: I am already doing so much for the Malays. I am a leader for the Malays, not for the Indians. Samy Vellu held up his right arm and said: Malay blood runs through my veins. Without Malay votes I will never become a Minister. So I will do everything within my power to help the Malays, he concluded. But when I revealed this to the Indians they still sembah Samy Vellu and call him God. I asked the Indians: why does Samy Vellu not negotiate with the government to start a FELDA scheme for the Indians, in particular the displaced and retrenched Indian estate workers? FELDA settlers are getting rich, I told them. They earn more than even university graduates. They are buying RM30,000 motorbikes (and that was back in the 1980s and 1990s mind you). We have FELDA settlements for retired army and police personnel. Why not also one for the Indians? But no, Samy Vellu is God, even though all he needed to do was move his fat arse and it would have been a fait accompli -- but he did not do so. I personally asked Dr Mahathir why he gave all those shares, etc., to MIC and not directly to the Indians -- like, say, start an ASI (Amanah Saham India)? Dr Mahathir replied that 90% of the Indians vote for MIC. So this means the Indians support MIC and regard it as their legitimate 'wakil'. So there you have it. 90% of the Indians vote for MIC. So MIC receives all the government aid on behalf of the Indians. But it never went to the Indians -- while they sembah Samy Vellu and call him God. Yes, I know, Raja Petra Kamarudin is a racist who whacks the Indians. Sudahlah! Podah! For 35 years I have been telling you this. And for 35 years you refused to listen. Now suffer. I am enjoying this 'I told you so!'. It's the best birthday present I ever had -- the pleasure I get from telling you 'I told you so' after 35 years of failing to wake you Indians from your sleep. Now, on the second piece (below). Pakatan Rakyat is grumbling that the mainstream media (MSM) is lying and distorting what they say. Again, padam muka! Soon after the 1999 general election -- together with Zunar, the late Rustam Sani, Zul Sulong and a few others -- we launched the 'Boikot TV3, Utusan and NST' campaign. The opposition coalition of PKN (now PKR), DAP, PAS and PRM -- called Barisan Alternatif -- shot it down. They disagreed. They said we must practice freedom of the media. So no 'Boikot TV3, Utusan and NST' campaign. We said that freedom of the media is fine, but not freedom to lie and distort. Eventually, we had to launch it as a 'private initiative' outside the party. The four opposition parties would not support the campaign. I was pissed big-time. During one press conference in the run-up to the 1999 general election, I chased TV3 out of the office and threatened them with violence if they ever tried to gatecrash again. The opposition leaders were very angry about this incident (which was reported on TV3 that same night). And, three days after the general election, I was sacked from my post of media coordinator. For many months my wife, Marina, had to fry curry puffs, which I went round Sungai Buloh to sell house-to-house. It was with tears in my eyes that I had to endure a life of hawking to be able to put food on the table -- all because I was a loose cannon whom the party can't seem to control. Do you know how low I felt, the nephew of Malaysia's Agong having to join the ranks of the illegal Indonesian immigrants selling food on the streets of Sungai Buloh? I felt, in the interest of justice, I should have at least been given two months notice, not sacked on the spot just three days after the general election. Later, during the PKR party convention in Kelana Jaya, my wife put up a notice banning the MSM from entering the hall. She also placed bouncers at the entrance with a mandate to beat up anyone who tries to force their way in. When the PKR Deputy President found out, he scolded us and told us to remove the sign. He instructed us to allow the MSM into the hall. My wife was fuming mad. Yes, it has always been an uphill battle to fight back against the lying MSM. And the obstacle has always been the opposition itself. Then, when I gave an interview with TV3 in February this year (like how I have taught to do so by the opposition since 1999), I get whacked to kingdom come and get called all sorts of things. I am happy that the opposition is now facing a problem with this Hudud issue that has been spun and distorted by the MSM. This is another lovely birthday present: the pleasure to say, "I told you so!" ***************************************** A.S.N. launched 40 years ago with World Bank funds but lost opportunities for Indian poor. Only rich & poor Malay/Muslims benefitted. With the RM 200 million pumped in to Amanah Saham Nasional (PNB) (presumably loan from the World Bank) this money was used not for all 1 Malaysian poor but for only the Malay-Muslims the rich and the poor. With this money loans were given to the Malay-Muslims to buy shares in PNB and the repayments were deducted from the dividends, bonus, etc. So the estimated 17 million Malay-Muslims got for "free" at tens of thousands ringgit each after 40 years. This was made possible largely by the UMNO government selling prime pieces of land in the KL city and in major towns. Also by the sale of the UMNO government blue chip shares and prime high yielding investments of PNB. Also this way PNB today after 40 years is worth RM 150 billion (source: PNB website). But only redistributed to the rich and poor Malays under UMNO's agenda in socially engineering the Indian poor if not to become poorer. And to the exclusion and segregation of the Indian poor many of whom have become relatively poorer in these 40 years. But 1Malay-sian Prime Minister Najib Razak says this is the real 1Malaysia. http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/2011/09/27/a-s-n-launched-40-years-ago-with-world-bank-funds-but-lost-opportunities-for-indian-poor-only-rich-poor-malay-muslims-benefitted/ ****************************************** We never threatened to quit Pakatan Rakyat: DAP DAP has strongly denied that its secretary general Lim Guan Eng had threatened to quit Pakatan Rakyat's leadership council due to differences over the Hudud law, and said MCA-controlled The Star, which has been dedicating its pages on the Islamic deterrent punishment for serious crimes, had twisted his words. In a letter today, Lim's political secretary Zairil Khir Johari stressed that Lim had instead pledge that the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) would resign en-masse "if anyone can prove that Hudud law would be implemented in the Common Policy Framework (CPF) or Buku Jingga that has been presented to the public." Buku Jingga, or the Orange Book, outlines the coalition's common policies in governance as well as reforms it said would be carried out within the first hundreds days of power at the Federal level. According to Zairil, the paper had initially published a correct report on its online version, but the next day, it said DAP would quit PR, under the heading "DAP leaders threaten to quit Pakatan council". "This is categorically untrue as Lim had neither made any threats to quit the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council, nor the Pakatan Rakyat in general," he said, and urged the daily to explain the stark contradictions. Earlier, MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek threatened to pull out from Barisan Nasional if UMNO lent support to any attempt by Kelantan to implement the popular Hudud laws there. This followed a statement by UMNO deputy president Muhyiddin Yasin saying that as a Muslim, he could not oppose the laws, but would not implement them at present. Yesterday, PR issued a gag order on leaders across the three parties from issuing any statements on the hudud row, until they meet on September 28. "We do not want to blame anyone for having issued statements about hudud but it has been blown out of proportion now. "Hence we decided that until the 28th (Wednesday), there must be no longer any statements issued on this matter from all three parties, whether PAS, PKR or DAP," said PAS secretary general Mustafa Ali, in a joint statement with his PKR counterpart Saifuddin Nasution and DAP deputy secretary general Anthony Loke. http://en.harakahdaily.net/index.php/berita-utama/3569-we-never-threatened-to-quit-pakatan-rakyat-dap-.html |
| Dr M says fed up with MAS, backs AirAsia swap deal Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:26 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad threw his weight today behind the controversial share swap deal between the national carrier and AirAsia despite strong opposition from the right-wing Malay ground and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) staff against Tan Sri Tony Fernandes' involvement. Critics have accused the budget carrier's ambitious boss of taking advantage of the loss-making national airline to fuel Fernandes' personal ambitions, the latest being the acquisition of English Premier League club, Queens Park Rangers. The national carrier will sponsor QPR's home jersey for the next two seasons, while AirAsia's logo will be emblazoned on the team's away and third kits. The still-influential former prime minister said today he was "fed up"with MAS' management over the years. "Government had supported MAS with funds and protection but MAS had never done well," the country's longest-serving prime minister of 22 years wrote in his blog today,comparing the two airlines. In contrast, he observed that AirAsia being a "newcomer" into the aviation industry had defied the odds and grown from a two-plane operation covering four routes into Asia's biggest budget carrier. "All I wanted to see is Air Asia's management playing a role, indirectly or directly in the management of MAS," said Dr Mahathir (picture). The 86-year-old appears to be pushing AirAsia to the forefront in recent months,including suggesting, during this year's Langkawi International Dialogue at Putrajaya last June, the budget carrier open up new routes from Malaysia to several African countries. MAS and AirAsia inked the deal on August 9, which allows the loss-making national carrier to swap a 20 per cent stake for 10 per cent in Asia's top money-making budget carrier. READ MORE HERE |
| MACC urged to probe not all sugar and sPICE deal Posted: 26 Sep 2011 06:01 PM PDT 
The BN Youth wing suspect something fishy in the way the contracts were given out for the RM300 million sPICE project. (Free Malaysia Today) - The proposed RM300 million subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Center (sPICE) has got the opposition Barisan Nasional all riled up. The BN Youth wing feels that there is something fishy in the way the contracts for the project was handed out. The Youth wing has lodged a graft report at the Penang office of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah here today. The report claims that the project contained elements of nepotism and cronyism. Its Youth chief Oh Tong Keong asked why under the deal, the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) was obliged to set aside a land for free to sPICE developer Eco-Meridian Sdn Bhd (EMSB), a subsidiary of SP Setia Bhd. He claimed EMSB/Setia is being allowed to build 450 low-medium-cost houses (LMS) on the free land and pocket all the proceeds from the sales. Oh also accused Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of misleading the people by claiming earlier that the LMCs would cost below RM72,500 per unit. "However, under the agreement, the LMCs would be sold for more than that," he alleged. In the concession deal inked between MPPP and EMSB, SP Setia, which is financing the bulk of sPICE construction cost, will be allowed to build an extra 1,500 houses each in the various projects it would undertake in Penang island. The developer has also been given various tax concessions for the sPICE project. "Why SP Setia was given so many concessions? Is it an ad-hoc policy based on favouritism?" asked Oh, who is also the Gerakan state Youth chief. 'Guan Eng has misled the people' Previously, Lim claimed that MPPP, which currently maintains the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), would invest only RM11.5 million in the project, via a public-private partnership agreement with EMSB. However, Gerakan lawyers, who were allowed to scrutinise the agreement under a controlled environment in Komtar two weeks ago, revealed that MPPP would contribute a whopping RM50 million for the project. READ MORE HERE |
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