Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Lynas: A colossal catastrophe waiting to happen
- Umno missing religious edge in Kelantan, says Mustapa
- Kit Siang: Shouldn’t someone go to jail in cattle farm scandal?
- Ambiga seeks RCI into citizenship-for-votes claims
- Karpal: Strong Umno move to ‘knock off’ Najib
- Belanja RM10 bilion tapi rakyat tidak dapat faedah
- BN tepis dakwaan Azmin, tinggalkan RM1.4 bilion untuk Pakatan
- PRU-13: BN Lembah Pantai bergelora
- Overseas M’sians indignant with MCA
- Najib has ‘forfeited his right to govern’
- Wrong way to become creator of transformation
- Citizen Empowerment Programme 19 & 20 Nov 2011
- Sabah BN needs ‘phantom voters’ to win
- Europe-Malaysia, partners in difficult times
- Malaysia needs to boost marketing efforts to further attract FDIs
- Malaysian states to punish homosexuality
- Police record statement from Malaysian Bar Council President
- Philosophy as taught by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
- ‘Aunty Bersih’ promises to show polls reform panel how to fix system
- Is Time to Move Bangkok?
- Political freedom would threaten peace and unity, says UiTM's VC
- States eye harsher laws for Muslim gays
- The Bangsar beef pie in the sky
- Karpal wants open inquiry on Saiful-DPP love affair
- Anwar like a chameleon, says Tee Yong
- ‘Rosmah, a thorn in Najib’s side’
- Najib’s magic trick for 13th GE
- SPOTLIGHT: A test of Umno's reinvention
- RM10m cattle condo was an investment, says Khairy
- Anwar just placating civil servants — Abdul Karim
- Karpal quizzed on PM choice
- Populist policies will undermine reform
- PKR’s load of bull
- Cops open new probe on Anwar’s Datuk T report
- 5 Reasons Why Penang Will Not Go To The Polls This Year If Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun ...
- Poll outcome rests on bread and butter, survey finds
- “1311 Whack a Pinata Family Day at Taman Gelora”
- Who is the one short-changing Malaysians - BN or Pakatan?
- UBF Urges CM to Intervene in Sukau Tragedy
- MCA says no to overseas voting
- Koh Ready To Give Up Penang BN Chairmanship To Other Component Parties
- Najib better liked than Anwar, PKR survey shows
- MACC raids Petronas over alleged graft among key employees
- More hot air over 'Sept 16' dreams
- Mahal Tali Dari Lembu
- Malays will become minority if they are divided, says Mahathir
- The meaning and role of civil society
- No affair between Saiful and DPP, says Nazri
- Uzbek Connection!
- Kalimullah takes the stand against Matthias
| Lynas: A colossal catastrophe waiting to happen Posted: 12 Nov 2011 12:55 PM PST By MN D'Cruz, Aliran I am writing this as a concerned citizen, living in Kuantan for the past 60-odd years. My concern is not about my personal safety or health, as I am well into my eighties and the call may come anytime, sooner rather than later. May I also add that I have no political agenda in this matter and I am not a member of any political party, Barisan Nasional or Opposition. But my real concern is about the safety and health of generations of our children to come, as well as the expanding population that has to work, live and perhaps die in the vicinity of the proposed plant. This vicinity includes Kuantan Town, Beserah, Batu Hitam, Jabor, Balok, Sungei Karang, Cherating and other settlements along the coast, right up to Kemaman and may be further on into the neighbouring state of Terengganu. Most of these villages are well populated and growing. The proponents of this project and those in the authority of the state/federal governments now have a solemn duty to ensure the health and safety of the people in these regions for generations to come. But I am really concerned that whatever assurance they may give verbally or in writing may not hold good for ever. Nobody, except God, can predict natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, tidal waves and floods, which may strike anytime. I am sure those who built the plants in the Three Mile Island in USA (1979), Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) had taken utmost precautions to prevent disasters and yet they happened. Thousands of people died in these disasters and thousands more are still suffering the after-effects of these disasters. Do we want to have a similar situation in this country? The biggest question is "Why do we want this plant in Gebeng or for that matter anywhere in Malaysia?" Are we so hard-up for foreign direct investment that we are prepared to accept a backyard industry, rejected in its own country? Western Australia has all the required facilities, viz. less populated region, accessibility to seawater and port, good transport system and infrastructure. So why do they want to come to Gebeng to do this job? According to Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, "the state government did not approve the project and it had no power to stop it…" "When Lynas first proposed the project, International Trade and Industry Ministry had given the project to Terengganu . However, due to delays (or rejection by Terengganu?) the Ministry asked us to consider having the plant in Gebeng" (Press report, 20 April 2011). Does it mean the state government has no power to refuse permission for the plant to be built in Gebeng? Land usage is a state matter and the state should have the last say in such matters. So it is surprising to note the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has forced the Lynas Gebeng Project, down the state's throat. "Atomic Board has limited jurisdiction" (press report). Does it mean that in matters outside its jurisdiction, it can wash its hands and put the blame on other agencies like the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, the Department of Environment and even the State Development Corporation? "A full operational licence will not be issued if Lynas does not meet the requirements that have been set" (press report, April 23, 2011). So, if the requirements are not met with, will the RM700 million Lynas plant under construction now become a white elephant? "Lynas, which hopes to begin operation in September 2011, expects to bring in RM8 billion a year from 2013 that too tax-free, based on current prices." Who are the real beneficiaries of the RM8 billion a year income — the state government, Lynas Australia, the federal government, Lynas (M) Sdn Bhd? I understand there is LYNAS (M) Sdn Bhd in existence. Who are the directors, shareholders and stakeholders of this company? It has been reported that a delegation of state exco reps visited the Lynas headquarters in Australia. Who sponsored their visit? Did they see any plant in operation there? What technical or scientific expertise did the members of the delegation have to do an objective study of the pros and cons of operating such a plant? Who paid for their expenses? Lynas or the state government? The raw-material is to be imported from Lynas Australia. Why bring the raw materials from Australia, when it could safely be processed there? Is it because the 41 safety and health regulations by the Australian government are more stringent than whatever conditions we may impose in Malaysia? According to some experts the public is already exposed to naturally occurring and ionising radiation. Do we need an extra dose of radiation? The finished products will be taken back to Australia but the "tailings" will be "safely" left behind in Gebeng. Why should we hold on to this toxic waste for many, many years, even if they are deposited underground? Isn't it true that there is no 'safe' level of radiation, as far as its effects on the health of the people is concerned? (Letter to the Press by Mr David K C Quek dated May 27, 2011). Do we want a repeat of Bukit Merah, Perak, where the Japanese Company which ran the rare-earth plant is spending RM300 million to do the clean-up and even after more than 25 years, they have not succeeded in cleaning up, leaving behind those with birth defects and eight leukaemia cases — seven have since died (New York Times, March 8, 2011) "Chinese farmers in China pay the price for rare-earth addictive" (press report).
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| Umno missing religious edge in Kelantan, says Mustapa Posted: 12 Nov 2011 12:43 PM PST By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has admitted that Umno's efforts to regain Kelantan are being hampered by the lack of religious scholars in the party's state leadership. The Kelantan Umno chief told The Malaysian Insider in a recent interview that while it could channel federal resources to develop the east coast state, the shortage of "ulama (Muslim scholars)" was a "challenge for us" in "deeply religious Kelantan." "For that reason, PAS has a strong foothold in Kelantan," the international trade and industry minister said of the Islamist party that has governed the mostly rural state since 1990. "On our side, we do not have as many religious scholars. That's a challenge for us. We've not been able to attract people with a solid religious grounding to be in the Kelantan Umno leadership," Mustapa said. PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has maintained his popularity as a symbol of PAS's brand of Islam — religiosity and moderation in governance — since becoming mentri besar over two decades ago. "I can bring up many issues on mismanagement by the state government, but at the end of the day, what people will see is me attacking an old man wearing a jubah (robe) in the Dewan Negeri (state assembly)," state opposition leader Datuk Che Alwi Ahmad told The Malaysian Insider recently. Politicians also told The Malaysian Insider that PAS's success or failure in implementing hudud, the Islamic penal law, in Kelantan will serve as an indicator of Malay voter support there ahead of a general election expected to be called soon. But state Umno leaders have also said that economist Mustapa, who is their MB candidate of choice, has a "squeaky-clean" and "scandal-free" image, and have made it a point to burnish the minister's credentials "every chance" they get in forums and even public events. Mustapa, who is Jeli MP, has been working with Umno officials on its "Gelombang Merah" campaign to take back the state. The economist, with a first class honours degree in Economics from University of Melbourne, Australia and a Masters in Economic Development from the Boston University, also said in the interview that PAS is "running out of ideas" to spur the state's economy. "The people who have been driving the economy are civil servants, small traders and people who work outside of Kelantan.
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| Kit Siang: Shouldn’t someone go to jail in cattle farm scandal? Posted: 11 Nov 2011 07:26 PM PST By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider DAP's Lim Kit Siang asked today if anyone will be jailed over the alleged financial abuse in a publicly-funded cattle farm owned and run by a federal minister's family. The opposition leader's comments come in the wake of last week's public debate on the National Feedlot Centre (NFC), operated by Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil's husband and children. Allegations of financial impropriety have dogged the project after the Auditor-General revealed last month that the NFC had failed to meet production targets for 2010, despite benefiting from a RM134.72 million soft loan from the government. "The prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak or his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was agriculture minister when the NFC project was first mooted and approved, should answer this question in the minds of most Malaysians: 'Shouldn't someone go to jail?'" Lim said in a statement today. He said the question was uppermost in the minds of Malaysians after Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin defended the NFC's purchase of a RM10 million upscale Bangsar condominium as a "strategic" investment. Lim also questioned the inaction of the national anti-graft agency in probing claims that millions in federal funds meant for the cattle farm had been used for other purposes, in violation of strict loan conditions. "If the cast of personalities involved in the NFC scandal had all involved Pakatan Rakyat leaders and their family members... there is no doubt that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would have swooped in on the case from day one," he said. Shahrizat's husband and children should come forward to clear the air given the numerous contradicting statements issued in defence of the NFC by Umno leaders like Khairy, Lim added. "It is time that her husband Mohamad Salleh Ismail, her children Wan Shahimur Izran, Wan Shahimur Izmir and Wan Izzana Fatimah, break their silence," he said.
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| Ambiga seeks RCI into citizenship-for-votes claims Posted: 11 Nov 2011 07:23 PM PST By Melissa Chi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan today pushed for the establishment of a royal panel to investigate claims the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) has been fast-tracking citizenship applications for foreigners in return for their votes. The prominent lawyer and civil rights activist noted the federal government has been plagued by such claims recently and that the allegations persist despite repeated denials by its officials. "I'm sorry but to me that's the highest treason to this country, that we are registering foreigners as citizens for the purposes of voting," the prominent civil rights activist told a bipartisan parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform. "If that is the case and if there is evidence, then we must have a Royal Commission to examine this," she proposed to the nine-man panel on Day Two of its public hearing. A unit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office had allegedly posted on its official website last September 17 that its citizens who are working in Malaysia had been asked to vote for the ruling BN coalition in exchange for fast-tracked citizenship requests. The allegation triggered a public uproar prompting an Opposition MP to moot the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the issue. Both Putrajaya and Dhaka — the latter through its High Commission here — have denied the claims. The controversial webpage has since disappeared from the Bangladesh NGO Affairs' Bureau's official website. |
| Karpal: Strong Umno move to ‘knock off’ Najib Posted: 11 Nov 2011 05:14 PM PST If the next election ends with a hung-parliament, then there should be a re-election, says Karpal Singh Immediately after the fall of Pakatan's Perak government in Feb 2009, Karpal rapped Anwar for predicting a usurpation of Putrajaya administration few months earlier via the backdoor of parliamentarian crossovers from Barisan Nasional. Athi, Shankar, Free Malaysia Today DAP national chairman Karpal Singh believes Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah) president Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is 'living in his own world' and unrealistic in his view that snap polls should not be held until after reforms have been carried out. Karpal said the former Semangat 46 president had 'missed his opportunities' of becoming Malaysia's Prime Minister after he dissolved Semangat 46 and rejoined Umno. "His own people like Rais Yatim and Ahmad Shabeery Chik have betrayed him to become ministers," said Karpal. He slammed Razaleigh, who is commonly known as Ku Li, for not having the stamina to last in opposition politics and succumbing to former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed' political trap. Touching on Prime Minister Najib Razak, he said the premier was under tremendous internal pressure to call for a snap poll by next March to ensure his own survival rather than in larger public interests. He pointed that a recent book titled 'Kesilapan-kesilapan Najib' (Najib's Mistakes), authored by former Wangsa Maju deputy Umno Youth chief Shahbudin Husin, documented frequent criticisms by Ku Li and Mahathir and clearly showed there was a strong Umno factional move to knock Najib off his perch. "Pressure is piling up on Najib to call for at least a snap parliamentary poll to secure a fresh mandate for his rule," stressed Karpal. On the PAS state government's insistence to implement the Islamic hudud law in Kelantan, he said the DAP would oppose any unconstitutional move to implement it in the country. He called on PAS to stop the hudud politics to avoid frightening off the non-Muslim voters. "The groundswell favours Pakatan to form the next federal government. "PAS should not scuttle it," he said. Anwar still DAP's choice On the this issue of Anwar Ibrahim, Karpal said that DAP was under no illusion as to who would be premier if Pakatan Rakyat came into federal power. The party's choice, Karpal said, is undoubtedly Anwar, who is parliamentary opposition leader. Karpal said both his party and another Pakatan ally, PAS, backed the PKR supremo as the coalition's premier-designate because of his proven credentials as political leader and government administrator. Anwar was previously the deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. He has also held other ministerial positions during his 16-odd years in the federal ruling party, Umno. Describing Anwar as an astute politician, Karpal said the Permatang Pauh MP was fit and competent enough to become the Prime Minister. "For DAP, Anwar is the right man for the job," he insisted Karpal, who is the leading counsel defending Anwar in the on-going Sodomy II trial, however expressed hope that the PKR leader would not be disqualified (vis-vis a conviction) from contesting in next polls. "It will definitely complicate matters if he was convicted," Karpal told a press conference during his Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency visit here today. He was responding to a question raised by MCA president Chua Soi Lek on whether Karpal would still back Anwar as the premier after criticizing the PKR leader on his Sept 16 takeover fiasco three years ago. Karpal in turn has challenged Chua to stand in any Chinese-majority seat against top DAP leaders to prove that MCA had the community support. "Chua can stand in Ipoh Timur, Bagan or even Bukit Gelugor," said Karpal. He counseled the MCA leader to first look into stabilizing his own rocking party rather than going around challenging others without any substance.
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| Belanja RM10 bilion tapi rakyat tidak dapat faedah Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:37 PM PST Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said sendiri mengakui Monsoon Cup satu pembaziran tetapi diteruskan untuk memperkenalkan negeri di mata dunia (Free Malaysia Today) - PAS Terengganu mendakwa kerajaan negeri telah membelanjakan lebih RM10 bilion royalti minyak tetapi tidak emmberi manfaat kepada rakyat. "Kerajaan negeri membelanjakan wang itu tetapi sesetengah projek masih tidak siap kerana penyelwengan yang dilakukan oleh pemimpin Umno," dakwa pemangku Ketua Penerangan PAS negeri, Azman Shapawi Abdul Rani. Menurutnya, antara pembaziran itu ialah projek Monsoon Cup – pertandingan kapal layar di muara sungai Terengganu yang diadakan setiap tahun. Beliau berkata, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said sendiri mengakui Monsoon Cup satu pembaziran tetapi diteruskan untuk memperkenalkan negeri di mata dunia. Bina mahligai Tetapi, tambah Azman setelah lebih lima tahun tidak banyak manfaat yang diperolehi oleh rakyat Terengganu. "Kononnya penganjuran Monsoon Cup untuk memberi peluang pekerjaan dan faedah kepada nelayan Pulau Duyong tidak berjaya kerana mereka masih ditakuk lama," katanya.
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| BN tepis dakwaan Azmin, tinggalkan RM1.4 bilion untuk Pakatan Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:34 PM PST Ketua Penerangan BN Negeri yang juga Adun Kuang Syukur Idrus berkata, `kalau tidak salah ingatan saya Dr Khir memberitahu wang tunai waktu itu ialah RM1. 4 bilion. (Free Malaysia Today) - BN Selangor menafikan mereka meninggalkan hutang ratusan juta ringgit kepada Pakatan Rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum 2008. Menteri Besar waktu itu ialah Dr Mohd Khir Toyo yang memegang jawatan nombor satu negeri termaju itu sejak tahun 2000. Beliau merupakan Adun Sungai Panjang Ketua Penerangan BN Negeri yang juga Adun Kuang Syukur Idrus berkata, `dalam pengetahuan saya wang tunai RM1. 4 bilion ditinggalkan oleh bekas Menteri Besar, Dr Mohd Khir Toyo. Manakala wang dalam akaun syarikat milik kerajaan negeri juga dalam berbilion ringgit. Syukur terkejut dengan dakwaan pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat Azmin Ali yang mengatakan BN meninggalkan 40 jenis hutang bernilai RM829. 9 juta pada 2008. Azmin yang juga Adun Bukit Antarabangsa berkata, bagaimanapun kerajaan negeri sekarang berjaya membayar hutang tertunggak sebanyak RM253.16 juta termasuk anuiti semasa RM79.7 juta. Syukur berkata, wang berbilion ringgit yang ditinggalkan BN telah habis dibelanjakan oleh Pakatan Rakyat.
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| PRU-13: BN Lembah Pantai bergelora Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:31 PM PST Orang-orang Raja Nong Chik bertepuk tangan bila timbul skandal projek lembu feedlot. (Free Malaysia Today) - Barisan Nasional (BN) Lembah Pantai semakin bergelora apabila penyokong tokoh tertentu dari Umno mula bersaing sesama sendiri bagi memastikan pemimpin yang disokong mereka dicalonkan dalam Pilihan Raya Umum ke 13 nanti. Seorang ahli Pergerakan Wanita Umno, yang memegang potfolio yang tidak kurang penting dalam pergerakan itu memberitahu, isu ini semakin panas semenjak timbulnya isu Pusat Feedlot Kebangsaaan yang dikaitkan dengan Menteri Pembangunan, Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Datuk Seri Sharizat Abd Jalil. Beliau yang mahu dikenali sebagai Ani berkata, selain Sharizat yang dianggap sebagai calon tradisi di parlimen itu, nama lain yang disebut sebagai calon ialah Menteri Pembangunan Wilayah Persekutuan dan Kesejahteraan Bandar, Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin. "Sekarang angin gelora pilihan raya siapa akan dicalonkan memang semakin panas, dah semacam tak terkawal lagi dah di Lembah Pantai ni. "Walaupun semua orang tahu dah berapa penggal Sharizat bertanding di Lembah Pantai, tetapi Raja Nong Chik juga dah lama cuba masuk jarum, berkempen sana-sini. "Yang buat saya sakit hati tu, bila timbul pula skandal projek feedlot tu, orang-orang Raja Nong Chik, bukannya nak membantu atau pun sekurang-kurangnya simpati, tetapi bertepuk tangan lagi adalah. "Kalau penyokong pembangkang tu tak kisahlah, tetapi saya tengok dia orang pun sama juga macam penyokong pembangkang, itu yang buat saya sedih tu," kata beliau. Beliau juga memberitahu walaupun anggapan sesetengah pihak bahawa Raja Nong Chik adalah calon boleh menang di Parlimen Lembah Pantai tetapi belum tentu dapat mengatasi prestasi Sharizat sekaligus boleh menjamin kemenangan BN di kawasan itu. "Saya berpendapat kalau ada orang kata Raja Nong Chik adalah calon 'winnable' di sini, itu belum tentu lagi, sebab Sharizat adalah calon favourite di sini kalau nak bandingkan dengan Raja Nong Chik. "Memang kita akui dia adalah Ketua Umno di sini, tetapi jangan lupa Sharizat pernah berkhidmat sebagai YB selama tiga penggal, banyak bantu penduduk dan dah tentu lebih mengenali pengundi di sini berbanding Nong Chik.
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| Overseas M’sians indignant with MCA Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:26 PM PST Malaysians abroad are insulted over MCA's claim that they are ignorant about current affairs in the country. (Free Malaysia Today) - MCA president, Chua Soi Lek, swiftness in clarifying the party's stand on overseas voting came a little too late. Word had already reached Malaysians abroad and they have taken the party to task for it. MCA central committee member, Ei Kim Hock, told the parliamentary election reform panel yesterday morning that Malaysians living abroad were unqualified to vote as they were "out of touch" with the country's current affairs. He added that MCA's research had shown that most of these Malaysians only received information from dubious sources which may not paint a true picture of the situation here. Within a few hours Chua chastised Ei for his improper explanation and clarified that MCA opposed overseas voting because of the "logistical nightmare" and resources needed for its success. But by this morning FMT had received emails from Malaysians mostly residing in the US and UK expressing indignance over Ei's statement. Slamming Ei's comments as "ludicrous", "rhetorical" and "patronizing", these Malaysians stated that they made an extra effort to keep abreast of Malaysia's current affairs because of the very fact that they live abroad. They also emphasized that their news sources comprised mainstream and alternative news portals, TV channels and blogs including Buletin Utama, Harian Metro, The Star, FMT, Malaysiakini, The Malaysian Insider and NST. Juliana Zulkifli, an academic in Essex, said that Ei's statement 'is expected' from a Barisan Nasional (BN) component party that stands to lose the most when Malaysians abroad vote. She also noted its irony given the amount of effort and money spent by BN over the past decade in coming to "talk and update" the overseas Malaysian community of matters back home. "The statement also seems counter-intuitive to movements such as the overseas Umno, MCA and MIC clubs sprouting here which are not exclusively helmed by students," Juliana said. "If BN is actively engaging members of the Malaysian community abroad then why deny them the right to vote?" she added. MCA 'clueless' Ken Vin Lek, a student in Warwick, pointed out that overseas Malaysians encompass thousands of students sponsored by the Public Service Department and other government-linked companies who would one day return to Malaysia. "So if they're trying to say prospective employees don't know Malaysia merely because they reside abroad then they've not kept up with times and are not apt to lead a nation. "News sources on Malaysia are easily accessible via the internet and scholars are more than able to afford smartphones and laptops to keep up with such information," he said. Susan Abrahm, an author in Dublin, added that MCA has a "very narrow view" of how the digital word works and is in danger of forgetting the monumental power of sharing sites like Twitter and Facebook. Aaron Nair, a student in Boston, further flayed MCA for "patronizing the intellect of overseas Malaysians" and wondered if the party was more clueless about the situation back home than "us far-flung Malaysians". "I have a keen objective view of ongoings back home and I give wind to both alternative and mainstream media although we all know who are the soothsayers and who are the real deal," he said.
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| Najib has ‘forfeited his right to govern’ Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:24 PM PST Former de facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim is of the opinion that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has made a mistake in dismissing the National Feedlot issue. (Free Malaysia Today) - Kita chief, Zaid Ibrahim believes that Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak's, defence of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) fiasco is an indication that his time is up. "Najib should have done the sensible thing and admitted that the whole NFC issue was a mistake. "That's how a reformist government would react." "You don't give a project worth a few hundred million ringgit to a minister and say its because no one wants it. If no one wants it then don't start the project," Zaid said during an interview with FMT yesterday. The NFC project is being run by the husband and children of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. The recent Auditor-General's Report described the NFC project as a "mess" and since then PKR has exposed details of alleged business and financial mismanagement within NFC. Najib however has dismissed allegations of abuse of power in the federal government's RM250 million soft loan to NFC. 'Gives govt a bad image' But Zaid stressed the irrelevance of debating business technicalities when very act of awarding the project to a federal minister's family was in itself unprincipled. "If you can give RM200 million or RM300 million to one minister, you could have probably given the same to other ministers as well… "It gives the government a bad image and Najib made a mistake by saying it is above board because it is not," said Zaid. Zaid added that even if the minister was the most capable and the project was objectively evaluated no one would have believed it. He said Najib's failure to respond to the issue has as such given the opposition its ammunition. "And this issue would last quite awhile," he warned. "People cannot tolerate case after case of blatant abuse." "When you give a minister a project like this and say nothing is wrong, then your time is up because you can no longer differentiate between what is right and wrong. "And so you forfeit your right to govern," Zaid said But he emphasized that the project was done via a tender process and not through direct negotiations. "Six companies submitted a bid and two were ultimately chosen – NFC and Australia's Lambert Corporation. "When Lambert withdrew halfway (through) it affected the project timeline hence why NFC couldn't meet the production target," he said. Rahman also shot down the opposition's allegation of mismanagement within NFC and insisted that everything had been done in order. "The government and backbenchers have provided constant and dependable replies. "And (Rembau MP) Khairy (Jamaluddin) has provided a very good explanation on his blog regarding the condo," he said refering to the controversial RM9.8 million condominium in Bangsar.
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| Wrong way to become creator of transformation Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:20 PM PST Daniel John Jambun I must say I am very irritated by a little-noticed news story published in your esteemed paper last October 27, titled "Undergraduates told to become creator of transformation." It was as a report of a speech by the Prime Minister delivered by Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein at the closing of the Prime Minister's Trophy Debate between students of institutions of higher learning at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur on October 22. In that speech the PM outlined five major aspects to be played by undergraduates in the country's development, including becoming creators of transformation "instead of spreading controversies." He said "undergraduates must become solvers instead of causing disasters besides becoming lovers of knowledge instead of becoming dream merchants." At this point my patience ran out. How is it possible for young people not to create controversies in the pursuit of change, in the effort to transform the Malaysian society? What if the social or political situation is so bad that they have to voice their opposition to what are being practiced? How are they going to transform society if they are just puppets trying to follow and join what is going on, for better of for worse? And what does the PM mean by causing disasters, becoming lovers of knowledge instead of becoming dream merchants? These are all conflicting concepts! We must all be dream merchants, selling our dreams to transform the Malaysian society into becoming a great example for other countries. How can we be lovers of knowledge and then don't apply them and just support the government even if it is doing a lot of things wrong? Is that causing disasters? No! That is changing a bad system, and that is the very purpose of the democratic system under a constitutional monarchy that we enjoy in Malaysia . Najib himself had said that the age when the government is supposed to know everything is over. Very often, the new generation knows what they want for their country's future, and they want to dismantle old and outdated systems that are making our administration obsolete. Najib also said that the young people shouldn't "become merely vendors of empty stories just to gain sympathy in continuing the personal agendas of certain groups" and then admitted that "We all know the voice and ideas of the young generation today, particularly the undergraduates, must be taken as the best capital which will drive the country's development." What he seems to be saying is that students shouldn't try to be politicians but they are the ones with the best ideas to drive the country forward. That's another contradiction in terms. As I see it, the ideas of the younger generation cannot be stopped or controlled by the current crop of government leaders. It's way too late for that. The young people know what they want for their country, for their children and grandchildren and they have been too much exposed and educated through observations of developments in other countries to be so easily influenced by sweet talks from their leaders. Najib said in the same speech, "At the very least, they can act as an effective reciprocal instrument for all the government policies and plans" which to me meant that he expect all undergraduates should reciprocate (react positively to show gratitude). This means they shouldn't oppose or criticize. But, again, what if the policies and plans are wrong and against the interests of undergraduates like the provision in the Universities and University Colleges Act which prohibits students form becoming involved in politics? The best way is to have the dialogues open from both sides, with the government being receptive to criticism and not just expecting support for everything it does. If the government cannot tolerate criticism from the younger generation, the country's forward move will be stalled, and the opposition will have even more reasons to want to change the government.
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| Citizen Empowerment Programme 19 & 20 Nov 2011 Posted: 11 Nov 2011 04:14 PM PST Citizen Empowerment School (CES) is initiated by Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) to Raise Awareness Amongst the Rakyat. Curently, CES offers Citizen Empowerment Programme which will be conducted over two days on every month. Participants will have the privilege of listening to and learning from some of Malaysia's leading social activists, including MCLM Chairman Raja Petra Kamarudin and MCLM President Haris M. Ibrahim. The CES 's programme offers an incisive analysis of the state of our nation, Malaysia, offering an accurate picture that cuts through political rhetoric and popular misconceptions. Topics will cover poverty and social injustice, the Federal Constitution as well as electoral fraud and other abuses. Subsequently, CES will help participants to explore all the possible steps and actions they can take to contribute to making Malaysia the nation envisioned by our founding fathers. CES is a very intensive and interactive workshop. However, we are confident that participants will come away with a profound understanding of their role as the Third Force, and with that, a powerful sense of empowerment. It is our hope that with each session of CES, more and more Malaysians will join us in our efforts to take our country back on the right path as a democratic, just and inclusive nation for all. REGISTER HERE: https://sites.google.com/site/citizenempowersch/tests
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| Sabah BN needs ‘phantom voters’ to win Posted: 11 Nov 2011 02:14 PM PST By Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: After years of timid pleas for an investigation into the overwhelming presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah by state government leaders, the calls are becoming shriller as the countdown to the 13th general election takes shape. Sounding panicky and even hysterical over the last couple of weeks almost all the state Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition partners have trotted out one after the other to 'demand' the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI). Joining the list of parties demanding an RCI on the issue which would invariably expose a host of illegal activities by past and present high-level government figures, is newly-empowered Gerakan. Gerakan in Sabah is a controversy in itself because it gained power in the state through the back door. But the notable absentee from the alphabet soup of acronyms which is the roll-call of BN partners – PBS, UPKO, PBRS, LDP, MCA, Gerakan and MIC – is however the party that calls the shots in Sabah – Umno. Umno is the overlord in Sabah's ruling regime. The outspoken demands have also, however, raised the long-held suspicions that support for such parties is fading in the state and they are acting in desperation to fend off a backlash by the electorate if elections are called. Former BN supporter, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) which is now in the opposition ranks believes the various state BN component parties are desperate. Weary electorate Its information chief Chong Pit Fah pointed out that despite all their calls for an RCI in the newspapers, none of the government MPs had made any move to file a motion in the Parliament to ensure such a body is formed. "Anything less is an insult to the people of Sabah," said Chong who sees the latest round of public demands by the BN components as being toothless. "The 13th general election is just around the corners," he explains, emphasizing the view held by a weary electorate who understand the various nuances of BN party 'demands'. Chong was commenting on a local MCA division leader joining the RCI chorus, when the party's top leadership has denied that there is anything illegal in how thousands of illegal immigrants in Sabah gained citizenship documents and become voters. Lee Chee Liong, the Deputy Home Minister and the party's MP for Kampar during a visit to Sabah astonishingly dismissed the existence of 'Project IC' as the secretive scheme to register illegal immigrants as citizens and use them as a BN vote bank in any election is known. Chong said that given Lee's stand, the turnaround by the local MCA leader was nonsense. Sabah MCA leadership did not refute what Lee said and "apologize to the people of Sabah for his insulting remarks", said Chong. 'Fixed deposit' of immigrants He said it was now a well-known fact that all BN components had used such "new Malaysians" or "phantom voters" to sway past elections and would likely do so again in the coming polls. But BN now can ill-afford to disenfranchise this "fixed deposit" of BN voters.
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| Europe-Malaysia, partners in difficult times Posted: 11 Nov 2011 02:11 PM PST By Vincent Piket, Ambassador, head of delegation of the European Union to Malaysia via The Star THESE are difficult times for the global economy. People are following the debate about the economic and financial challenges facing Greece and some other members of the euro area. Economic growth is forecast to slow in Europe as well as in the United States. But the wilder speculation is wrong. The European Union (EU) is responding forcefully to the crisis and the euro is here to stay. The EU remains the world's largest economy, and the EU and Malaysia enjoy a strong and growing economic relationship. |
| Malaysia needs to boost marketing efforts to further attract FDIs Posted: 11 Nov 2011 01:55 PM PST By Jasmine Chin, The Borneo Post KUCHING: Instead of speculating on uncertain conditions surrounding the macro-environment, Malaysia needs to place a deeper emphasis into marketing its local corporations as this will weather its economy through tough times. Commenting on this was director and head of research of OSK Research Sdn Bhd (OSK Research) Chris Eng, who observed that Malaysia had remain attractive in the eyes of foreign investors, as seen through positive responses received from the recent 'Invest Malaysia Hong Kong 2011'. "The event proved to be a success with a 27-per cent increase in the number of corporates showcased as well as the number of fund managers attending compared with the previous year. "We believe there is a substantial interest in Malaysian investment stories among Hong Kong investors. A lot of them were keen to identify good buys from among the participating corporate, with many new investors seeking to be briefed on the background of these corporations," he told The Borneo Post in a recent phone interview. In view of this, Eng was aware that although Malaysia was increasingly active in its pursuit to attract more foreign investments, the country's marketing efforts must be sustained and be improved. This was to ensure that longer term transformation plans in the country would appeal to the longer term investors in Hong Kong. "We are already gaining traction in terms of inflow of investments from Singapore and participants in Europe are confident of our country in light of the progress of our Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). "Hong Kong by itself is an ideal market and therefore we hope to change the perspective of Hong Kong investors towards Malaysia. This will be done by further highlighting the tenacity of Malaysian companies in achieving sustainable long-term growth beyond the country's borders," he said. 'I can see that we have a lot of potential companies out there and the participating groups during the event have drawn out some impressive plans for the coming year. Defensive companies like Aeon Co (M) Bhd, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, QL Resources Bhd and SEG International Bhd have highlighted their respective niches which should see them through challenging periods. "While Hong Kong investors, especially those with Asean funds are generally familiar with bigger caps in Malaysia, continued marketing of our mid and small cap companies should be done to ensure as well as sustain interest in this rewarding segment of the Malaysian market," he explained. Despite noting his concerns for the country's marketing endeavours, Eng was confident of the nation's prospects. This was premised on the announcement made by government-backed Performance Management and Delivery Unit's (Pemandu) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala in its 'One-Year Report Card'. In line with the theme 'Change Perspective' fitting the ETP, the 14 corporates which participated during the event were either from sectors that would see long term transformation over the next nine years to 2020 were shorter term beneficiaries of the ETP, or regional and global champions in their respective sector. |
| Malaysian states to punish homosexuality Posted: 11 Nov 2011 01:52 PM PST The Guardian Two Malaysian states are set to change their Islamic laws to punish Muslims who engage in homosexuality, increasing the prospect of gay Muslims being punished under both federal and state religious laws and adding to concerns about rising intolerance. In Malaysia, homosexuality is punishable by law by caning and up to 20 years in prison, but the amendments planned by the Pahang and Malacca religious authorities would give the state governments additional powers. If the proposed changes come into force, jail terms could run consecutively if a gay Muslim person is punished under both laws. Malacca's chief minister, Mohd Ali Rustam, said the state would review its Islamic law provisions to allow Muslim gay men and lesbians to be tried in court and punished by a prison sentence or a fine to "deter" homosexuality. "So many people like to promote human rights, even up to the point they want to allow lesbian activities and homosexuality," Ali told Reuters. "In Islam, we cannot do all this. It is against Islamic law," he said, adding that gay Muslim people would also be required to attend counselling. Ali, who is also the Malacca Islamic religious department chairman, said the proposed penalties would also apply to those who "supported" homosexuality. "We want to put it in the enactment so that we can enforce it and bring them to our sharia court. Then we can charge them for promoting or supporting these illegal activities," he said. On Thursday, the leading cleric of central Pahang state was quoted in the Star newspaper as saying it would also amend its Islamic laws to allow for action against homosexuality. "Islam prohibits deviant sexual orientation or behaviour," Abdul Rahman Osman was quoted as saying. "Appropriate action should be taken to address these problems. We fear that this abnormal behaviour will be regarded as a norm." In Malaysia, religion is within the respective states' purview and the authorities do not need federal government approval to effect legislative changes. Last week, organisers were forced to cancel an annual sexuality rights festival in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, after police threatened to crack down on the event, claiming it could create unease and public disorder. About 60% of the country's 28 million population are Muslims, and Islamic law tenets are used as an official yardstick for the behaviour of followers. Nevertheless, Muslims often throng Kuala Lumpur bars that serve alcohol. Extramarital sex is frowned upon and same-gender relationships often draw criticism, although the rise of alternative media channels has resulted in a greater openness in debates about homosexuality. But public discussions involving sexuality often assume a conservative veneer. Films and music are also heavily censored to remove explicit content, and gay people and transvestites complain of professional and social discrimination. |
| Police record statement from Malaysian Bar Council President Posted: 11 Nov 2011 05:47 AM PST (Bernama) - The police have recorded a statement from Malaysian Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee in connection with the banned '2011 Seksualiti Merdeka' program. The statement was recorded at 3.20pm, at the Duta Court police station here today. Later, Lim told reporters he was called up by the police to answer questions over the council's involvement in the program. He said, as the council was listed as one of the organizers of Seksualiti Merdeka, the police wanted to know who its organizers were, and the council's role, among others. The program, which was held for the fourth time since 2008, was scheduled to have begun from Nov 2 until Nov 13, but was discontinued by the organizers when there was strong opposition from various groups as it was alleged to promote the rights of lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transsexuals in the country. In the interest of public order, the police have banned functions organized by any group relating to the 'Seksualiti Merdeka' program.
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| Philosophy as taught by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Posted: 11 Nov 2011 01:54 AM PST Unless the Malays unite they are going to be reduced to a minority, said the one-time Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Indians are united into seven political parties. The Chinese are united into six political parties. But the Malays are divided into three political parties. And this is not good for the future of the Malays. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin 1. We should not allow political freedom for students. Political freedom will threaten peace and unity, said the VC of UiTM. The most peaceful countries in the world are those that do not allow political freedom. |
| ‘Aunty Bersih’ promises to show polls reform panel how to fix system Posted: 11 Nov 2011 12:57 AM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Annie Ooi Siew Lan, the retired teacher dubbed "Aunty Bersih", challenged today the polls review panel's sincerity to electoral reform and vowed to show it her list of how to fix the system in the next seven days.
The slight, skinny 65-year-old became an accidental icon when she was pictured battling chemical-laced water cannons and tear gas shot by the police into the locked-down capital city to join in the Bersih 2.0 march on July 9 for cleaner elections.  File photo of Ooi during the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2011. To this, she cited as examples nurses, doctors, soldiers and policemen on duty on polling day. "We don't want any more corruption," said the short-haired woman dressed in a pale yellow top reminiscent of the Bersih T-shirt she wore on July 9. The coalition of 62 civil societies has adopted yellow as its colour. The nine-man PSC appeared perplexed by Ooi's statement. Its chair, Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, explained that it was the panel's aim and asked her for suggestions, which appeared to vex Ooi. "There are eight demands out there. Loud and clear. I've no need to repeat them," she said, referring to Bersih 2.0's list of demands. "Cakap pun tak dengar, ada yang dengar pun tak bertindak, apa lagi? Susahkah ini keadilan? [What's the point of speaking further, those who hear don't act, what else is there? Is justice so difficult?]" she asked. When Kangar MP Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad ventured to reply that it was because those who qualified to vote did not do so, Ooi shot back: "Why is it so hard? Why so long and hard [to register voters]?" "You want solutions? Solutions to what?" she pushed the panel to answer before promising to return in seven days with her list of practical solutions to carry out electoral reform. "If the sick can't go to the voting stations, can't you do something about it?" she asked, her voice rising as with her temper. "I speak for the voiceless. What you're asking from me is solutions. I'm just a simple, simple, simple person," she cried out, prompting Ongkili to plead with her to calm down. Bersih 2.0 has been pushing the Election Commission to carry out eight steps they claim can be carried out immediately and will improve the electoral system before the next national polls are held, widely expected to be called early next year.
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| Posted: 11 Nov 2011 12:48 AM PST THE DIPLOMAT The flooding in Bangkok shows little sign of getting better, and its impact on Thailand's economy and the global supply chain of many computer and automotive components has yet to be fully tallied. Japanese companies in particular have made enormous investments in Thailand and have been particularly hard hit by the flooding, but all computer disk drive makers and many car manufacturers have been affected. People are stranded throughout Bangkok, the government's messages are still confusing and hard to understand, and the divisions in Thai political society have prevented the type of unity in the political system that should be necessary at such a time of crisis. In addition, diseases carried by the fetid water are beginning to be a problem in Bangkok and the outlying suburbs. Many foreign investors will now rethink their decisions to place so much of their supply chain in Thailand. But even more worrying, these floods, which are the worst in Thailand in 50 years, could be a harbinger of the future. In an excellent story by Agence France Presse, reporters in Bangkok examine why the Thai capital is likely, in years to come, to face similar if not worse floods. Such floods could repeatedly devastate Thailand's manufacturing base and threaten the millions of people in the capital, which dominates Thailand as the country's political, cultural, and economic epicenter. Urbanization in the city's outlying areas has reduced regions of vegetation that absorbed water in the past; overbuilding in the city core has done the same. The capital, built on swamp, is still sinking every year, and with global temperatures rising and weather patterns changing, Thailand is likely to face a longer, more intense rainy season for years to come — which would in turn make the city harder to drain and would more consistently overflow the Chao Praya River. The OECD has classified Thailand's capital as one of the ten most endangered cities in the world, according to the AFP report. "In 50 years…most of Bangkok will be below sea level," Anond Snidvongs, an expert on water management, told AFP.
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| Political freedom would threaten peace and unity, says UiTM's VC Posted: 11 Nov 2011 12:42 AM PST
(Bernama) - There is no necessity to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) because politicking will only split the students, said Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar. He said the university was not in favour of the proposed amendment to the UUCA as political freedom would only threaten peace and the unity of Malay and bumiputra students in the university. "My wards (UiTM students) are peaceful and in harmony in their struggle for knowledge to become a useful human being. "What is important is that all of us are united and not divided," he told a press conference. He was commenting on the proposal by several groups who wanted the UUCA to be amended to give space and freedom to the university students to be involved in politics. Sahol Hamid said currently, the students had been given an opportunity to express their views and opinions through the associations and campus elections that were being held, and these were sufficient for them. "In fact, I personally have my own Facebook account which is used to contact the UiTM students directly. "They can make whatever complaints to me and appropriate action will be taken," he said adding that Malay politics these days would lead to division instead of unity.
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| States eye harsher laws for Muslim gays Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:45 PM PST
(REUTERS) - Two states are set to change their Islamic laws to punish Muslims who engage in homosexuality, raising the prospect of gay Muslims being punished twice and stoking concerns about rising intolerance towards same-gender relationships. Homosexuality is punishable by law by caning and up to 20 years in jail, but the legal amendments planned by Pahang and Malacca religious authorities would give the state governments additional ammunition. If the proposed changes came into force, a Muslim homosexual could be punished under both federal and state religious charges, meaning that jail terms could run consecutively and result in longer time. Analysts said the proposed amendments hinted at an increasing intolerance towards homosexuality and could erode support for the government among the majority ethnic Malays, who are Muslims by birth. "The irony of the situation is that the overwhelming majority of gay people in this country are Malays," said James Chin, a political analyst at Monash University. "When they have these laws to target non-mainstream sexual minorities, they are actually targeting their own people." Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state would review its Islamic law provisions to allow Muslim gays and lesbians to be tried in court and punished by a jail term or a fine to deter homosexuality. "So many people like to promote human rights, even up to the point they want to allow lesbian activities and homosexuality," Ali told Reuters. "In Islam, we cannot do all this. It is against Islamic law," he said, adding that Muslim homosexuals would also be required to attend counselling. Ali, who is also Malacca Islamic Religious Department chairman, said the proposed penalties would also apply to those who supported homosexuality even if they did not practise it. "We want to put it in the enactment so that we can enforce it and bring them to our sharia (Islamic law) court. Then we can charge them for promoting or supporting these illegal activities." Yesterday, the top cleric in Pahang was quoted in The Star newspaper as saying the state would also amend its Islamic laws to allow for action against homosexual-related activities. "Islam prohibits deviant sexual orientation or behaviour," Abdul Rahman Osman was quoted as saying. "Appropriate action should be taken to address these problems. We fear that this abnormal behaviour will be regarded as a norm." Religion is within the respective states' purview and the authorities do not need federal government approval to effect legislative changes. Last week, organisers were forced to cancel the annual sexuality rights Seksualiti Merdeka festival in Kuala Lumpur after police threatened to crack down on the event, saying it could create widespread unease and public disorder. About 60 per cent of the country's population of 28 million are Muslims, and Islamic law tenets are used as an official yardstick for the behaviour of followers. Still, Muslims often throng bars serving alcohol in Kuala Lumpur. Extramarital sex is frowned upon and same-gender relationships often draw criticism although the rise of alternative media channels has bred a greater openness in debates about homosexuality. But public discussions involving sexuality often assume a conservative veneer. Films and music are also heavily censored to remove explicit content, and homosexuals and transvestites complain of professional and social discrimination.
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| The Bangsar beef pie in the sky Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:37 PM PST
THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER It is understandable that Khairy Jamaluddin wants to defend fellow Umno ex-officio vice-president Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil over excess public funds for a cattle-farming project being used to buy a luxury condominium in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. It makes good financial sense. Get into real estate rather than livestock and see your money multiply quickly in the capital city's upscale residential suburb. Except, the money for the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) project wasn't for such investments. The money is part of public funds for a project to reduce Malaysia's dependence on beef imports. And the NFC and the National Meat and Livestocks Corporation (NMLC), a management company owned by Shahrizat's family, is in the business of cattle-farming, not real estate. If Putrajaya wanted to make quicker money, it might as well play poker in the casinos. Or buy and sell properties in Bukit Tunku, Bangsar and Ampang to reduce the federal deficit. The Umno Youth chief said today that when the government ran out of funds to develop satellite cattle farms, NMLC was left with surplus funds that had been disbursed to it and that it decided real estate investment was a good way to get returns. "Should they have left the money in the current account which does not have a high yield while waiting for the satellite farms or should they have invested the money while waiting?" asked Khairy. "The management made a decision that the best return on investment would have been from real estate." He was referring to PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution's statement yesterday that the luxury apartment at One Menerung, Bangsar, was recorded by NFC, a cattle-farming project managed by the minister's family, as part of a RM83 million "loan" to the NMLC. Khairy also said the condo has since been rented out and has also appreciated in value since it was purchased but did not specify the rental yield. His explanation might make sense to Umno delegates at its annual congress at the end of November as much as one can believe there's a pie in the sky but not to the public or even civil servants who have to account for every sen spent for specific projects. If anything, Khairy's stout defence of Shahrizat and her family, while admirable, only draws further scrutiny to the project that the government auditor said was "in a mess". Right now, the stench from the project has just become a lot more overwhelming.
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| Karpal wants open inquiry on Saiful-DPP love affair Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:32 PM PST
Anwar's counsel Karpal Singh says the AG's clearance raised more questions than answers and that there should be an independent inquiry into the alleged affair. (Free Malaysia Today) - The allegation of an affair between deputy public prosecutor Farah Azlina Latif and Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan cries out for an open inquiry and should not have been investigated and closed by the Attorney-General's Chambers, veteran lawyer Karpal Singh said today. Responding to the findings of the Attorney-General's Chambers in clearing the two from having an affair, Karpal said the Attorney- General cannot be judge and jury in his own cause. "It is elementary that there should been an independent investigation by a body with no affinity to the Attorney-General's Chambers. The position cries out for transparency," he said in a statement today. He added that the findings of the AG Chambers raised more questions than answers. Farah Azlina was part of the prosecution team in Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial while Saiful is the alleged victim. Yesterday, in response to Karpal's question in Parliament on the matter, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Razak said the AG's Chambers had probed the matter and found that the allegation to be "baseless" and that there was no "concrete evidence" to suggest of a love affair. Following the allegation, Nazri said Farah Azlina was removed from the prosecution team to prevent any further allegations of impropriety and to maintain the prosecution's credibility. Karpal, who is Anwar's leading lawyer in the case, however, was not satisfied with the explanation given by Nazri on the alleged affair. No public denial He noted that there had been no public denial by both Saiful and Farah Azlina on the affair. Neither have they denied in court under oath despite the opportunity being there, he added. He also asked as to why Farah Azlina was reassigned to a different section within the AG's Chambers if there was no basis to the allegation. "Why should she have been punished through this move if she was innocent of any impropriety?" asked Karpal. He said that if an affair between the pair existed, then questions arise as to their criminal culpability in a Syariah Court.
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| Anwar like a chameleon, says Tee Yong Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:55 PM PST
(The Star) - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a political chameleon who changes his stand when facing different crowds, said MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong. Chua said the Opposition Leader had openly supported the implementation of hudud law in Kelantan in September but in November, he backpedalled to a Chinese crowd in Selangor by saying that hudud law was not part of Pakatan Rakyat's policy. He said Anwar's backing of hudud law and for PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat was made only to cater to the large Muslim population. "This is where we see his political chameleon ways' in full play. There is no sincerity in his words at all," Chua said in a statement yesterday. To gain the support of the urban Chinese community and leaders of 65 Chinese associations and guilds at a function in Subang Jaya on Nov 8, Anwar had stated that Pakatan would not implement hudud law, Chua added. He said that if PKR or DAP were genuine in ensuring that hudud law would not be enacted as a federal policy, Pakatan should spell it out clearly in its Buku Jingga or Orange Book. "Such recourse is more so pertinent in view of PAS' backing for the Orange Book," he said. Chua said Anwar and other PKR leaders had fervently denied Pakatan's plan to reduce the number of civil servants when it was revealed by DAP MP Tony Pua but they did not demonstrate the same enthusiasm in pushing back PAS' plan to implement hudud law in Kelantan, despite concerns and condemnation by Malaysians. "This clearly shows the double-standard treatment by Anwar and the lack of courage by PKR to challenge PAS, even if it means putting the interest of non-Muslims at risk. "What's more, should Pakatan come to power, there would be no guarantee that the implementation of hudud law nationwide could be stopped by either Anwar or DAP leaders," he said.
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| ‘Rosmah, a thorn in Najib’s side’ Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:43 PM PST
Umno grassroots members wish BN would lose at the polls just so her antics and extravagant lifestyle can be toned down, says the author of 'Kesilapan-kesilapan Najib'. Several of the chapters headings include: 1Malaysia Silap Pertama Di Hari Pertama Sebagai PM (1Malaysia the first mistake on the first day as PM); Pelantikan Apco (Engaging foreign public relations consultancy firm Apco Worldwide) and; Gagal Mengawal Karenah dan Gaya Mewah Rosmah (Failure to control (his wife) Rosmah (Mansor)'s luxurious lifestyle. Tarani Palani, Free Malaysia Today The author of "Kesilapan-kesilapan Najib" (Najib's Mistakes), Shahbudin Husin, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak should step down if he does not rectify his errors soon. Shahbudin, a member of Umno's Wangsa Maju branch, said: "It serves as a warning… he should correct his mistakes before the next general election." "If he fails to do so, then he should step down. We support our party but we cannot support a weak leader," added the former deputy Youth chief of Wangsa Maju. Shahbudin's 267-page book touched on various issues, including Najib's 1Malaysia concept, his use of international public relations firm Apco and the alleged influence of his wife Rosmah. Several of the chapters headings include: 1Malaysia Silap Pertama Di Hari Pertama Sebagai PM (1Malaysia the first mistake on the first day as PM); Pelantikan Apco (Engaging foreign public relations consultancy firm Apco Worldwide) and; Gagal Mengawal Karenah dan Gaya Mewah Rosmah (Failure to control (his wife) Rosmah (Mansor)'s luxurious lifestyle. "I even caught my 12-year-old child's friends discussing Rosmah's hairstyles and her luxurious spending. Her antics have not gone unnoticed by many of the Umno grassroots members." "Many didn't like ex-premier Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) because he crossed so many people. But no one made nasty comments about his wife Siti Hasmah. Rosmah gets everyone talking," he told FMT. Shahbudin added that her antics were so distressing to some Umno members that they wish Najib will not retain two-thirds in the polls so as prevent Rosmah's antics from getting worse. He also touched on the US$24 million (RM73 million) diamond ring fiasco implicating Rosmah, which was exposed by Pakatan Rakyat NGO, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM). Its president, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, claimed that the ring had passed through Customs without import duties paid on it. 'No smoke without fire' Pro-Umno bloggers came to Rosmah's defence, claiming that the ring was brought into the country for a four-day private display. Forced to respond to the issue, Najib denied that the ring was purchased by Rosmah or used for private display. Asked if he, as an Umno member, believed that pro-Pakatan bloggers may have exaggerated the issue, Shahbudin said that there was no smoke without fire. "I believe there has to be a basis for such an extravagant story. In three to four days they wanted to return the ring. But why did it come here in the first place?" he asked. He said that history has shown many leaders fell because of their spouses such as former Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos, and his infamous wife Imelda Marcos. But Najib seems to pay no heed to it. Shahbudin whose first book, "Najib, the last Prime Minister", which was also highly critical of the premier's leadership, denied that he was sponsored by any faction within Umno. "I did it on my own time and money. I paid for the 13,000 copies of the first book with my own money. In fact, I was quite embarrassed to approach Harakah daily to advertise my book because I'm an Umno member. "So how can people say that someone within Umno or even the opposition is funding me?" he asked.
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| Najib’s magic trick for 13th GE Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:29 PM PST
The rakyat should support calls for the 13th general election to be postponed until after ALL the recommendations (on electoral reforms) have been implemented. Any reforms, which BN announces now, are purely cosmetic. They give the appearance that Najib is listening. It is like a roué wooing a schoolgirl with sweet talk, before he has his way with her. He walks away smiling, because she was fool enough to believe him. He outsmarted her. Mariam Mokhtar, Free Malaysia Today Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's flurry of reforms in the last couple of months, raises disturbing questions about his desire to make Malaysia the "best democracy in the world". Who stands to benefit most from his idea of the "best democracy" in the world? The rakyat or the Barisan Nasional (BN) political elite? The naïve rakyat, who are lulled into a sense of security by Najib's rash of reforms, may think it will be the main beneficiaries. On the other hand, BN's political elite and their cronies hope to woo the electorate by appearing to accede to calls for political reforms and then undo the reforms, after they have secured a win. Judging by the number of times BN has reneged on election promises in the last 54 years, it will be the latter group who will benefit. Any reforms, which BN announces now, are purely cosmetic. They give the appearance that Najib is listening. It is like a roué wooing a schoolgirl with sweet talk, before he has his way with her. He walks away smiling, because she was fool enough to believe him. He outsmarted her. That is the danger the rakyat faces now – to be lulled into thinking Najib will enact the reforms that he has promised. After the 13th general election (GE), he will sing a different tune, if BN wins. BN's promise of reforms is pointless when all other aspects of BN rule ignore human rights, the rule of law, endemic corruption and economic enhancement. The "best democracy in the world" is not one which elevates one race but ignores the others. A government which allows family members and close associates to benefit in multimillion ringgit projects is not fit for purpose. Launching personal attacks on members of the opposition and smearing their children's reputations are morally wrong, distasteful and will backfire. The prime minister's reputation was trashed after his disastrous handling of the July 9 Bersih 2.0 "pro-democracy march". This was a terrible blow for someone who values spin and image above all else. So, Najib felt compelled to pull out all the stops to try to rebuild his image both within his own party and with the rakyat. He started with the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA). Just like the magician doing his illusory show, who made the rabbit disappear, he then produced two more from a hat. Yes, Najib promised that there would be two new laws to replace the ISA. Why did a sea change envelope Najib and make him repeal the ISA? For several decades, various groups which wanted the ISA abolished were ignored, but with the 13th general election around the corner, Najib acquiesced. Paramount importance Najib's deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the education minister, was adamant that science and mathematics should be taught in Malay. Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad joined in the chorus to maintain the teaching of these subjects in English. Parents vowed to vote for the opposition. The day after announcing his final decision, Muhyiddin was forced into an embarrassing U-turn. In Najib's "best democracy in the world", a Muslim girl can get married and start a family as soon as she reaches puberty, without her parents' consent. Some girls reach puberty at nine years old. At 18 years old, teenagers can drive a car and buy cigarettes, but they can't vote until they are 21. Furthermore, the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) prohibits students from engaging in any political activity. It isn't just the students who are restricted. Any academic who does not toe the political line may find himself suspended and his academic career in jeopardy. Compare the two university lecturers, Professor Abdul Aziz Bari and Ridhuan Tee. Mind control is what Umno-BN is after and not freeing the mind for intellectual expression and advancement. As we have only one chance to reform our government and vote for a party that will govern properly, the run-up to the 13th general election is of paramount importance. It matters to all of us. Najib and BN are doing a magic trick. What has BN done to improve the lot of the rural population in the more economically deprived areas? Some kampungs and longhouses still lack water, electricity and proper roads. Schools and clinics are poorly funded. And yet, the prime minister, his self-styled "First Lady", their family and his political party have spent billions of ringgit on personal travel, luxury goods and bribes, all funded by the taxpayers. One way is to deprive these people of their luxuries, so they can focus their efforts on solving the nation's problems. For example, we should make them commute to work using public transport. That means taking away their chauffeur-driven cars, their outriders and the police who restrict traffic on the roads when these VIPs travel. Once they suffer the traumas we go through, our public transport system might not be in such a deplorable condition. When Najib made his maiden speech at the UN general assembly, he talked about rejecting extremism and being a moderate. So why does he don the cloak of racism at home? Does he have a split personality or is he just a scheming con-man who knows which side his electoral bread is buttered?
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| SPOTLIGHT: A test of Umno's reinvention Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:23 PM PST
The Umno general assembly in three weeks' time will be closely watched for proof that the party has reformed and prepared itself for the next general election "How the assemblies of Umno's three wings, Wanita, Youth and Puteri, take shape will indicate what can be expected at the general assembly proper the next day. The wings are the movers, their assemblies are a prelude to the main assembly," said Prof Datuk Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, head of the politics, security and international affairs cluster of the National Council of Professors.
Umno, the linchpin of the 13-party ruling Barisan Nasional, holds its general assembly in less than three weeks -- likely its last before the 13th general election. |
| RM10m cattle condo was an investment, says Khairy Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:18 PM PST
By Lee Wei Lian, The Malaysian Insider Khairy Jamaluddin savaged PKR today for claiming corruption in the purchase of a RM10 million Bangsar condominium by a federally-funded cattle project owned by a minister's family. The Umno Youth chief claimed the condo was bought as an investment when the National Meat and Livestocks Corporation (NMLC), a company wholly-owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil's family, found itself with excess funds. Khairy, who has appeared as Shahrizat's staunch defender over the National Feedlot Centre controversy, said NMLC was left with surplus funds that when the government ran out of funds to develop satellite cattle farms. It then decided on real estate investment as a means to put the excess liquidity to work. He did not, however, say if the company was authorised to make the property investment. "Should they have left the money in the current account, which does not have a high yield, while waiting for the satellite farms or should they have invested the money while waiting," said Khairy. "The management made a decision that the best return on investment would have been from real estate." Khairy added that the condo has since been rented out and also appreciated in value since it was purchased. He did not, however, specify the rental yield. Many real estate experts have concluded that Kuala Lumpur is facing a glut of luxury properties, with rental yields falling as much as 50 per cent in some cases. PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said yesterday the luxury apartment at One Menerung, Bangsar, was recorded by NFC, a cattle farming project managed by the minister's family, as part of a RM83 million "loan" to NMLC. Today, Khairy also slammed PKR strategic director Rafizi Rami and accused him of lying when the latter said beef from the feedlot project was sold only to elite restaurants. According to the Rembau MP, beef from the project was also sold to Carrefour, Giant and wet markets.
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| Anwar just placating civil servants — Abdul Karim Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:14 PM PST
(Borneo Post) - KUCHING: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was just trying to cool the situation down when he said Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had scrapped its intention to reduce the number of civil servants if it ruled the country. Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said civil servants were very angry with the proposal by DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua, and Anwar was just trying to cool them down. "When he (Anwar) disagreed with the proposal, it is just to cool down the anger of the civil servants towards DAP and PR," Abdul Karim said when contacted yesterday. He was asked on Anwar's online comment on Tuesday that PR had scrapped the proposal to reduce the number of the 1.2 million civil servants if it wins the general election, as earlier proposed by Pua. Abdul Karim, who is chief political secretary to the Chief Minister, said DAP's contention to reduce the number of civil servants was an insult to all civil servants, be they at the federal or state levels. The proposal, Abdul Karim said, also reflected how ignorant DAP was about the role of the civil servants in transforming the country to become vibrant. "Bumiputeras in the civil service should be able to see DAP's real agenda. They just don't have any love for the Bumiputeras," the Asajaya assemblyman said. Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the contradicting statements by Anwar and Pua indicated "the nature of their uncertain "To me, this is one of the few different opinions that surface from PR leaders and I believe there will be more contradicting opinions in the future," Dr Rundi said when contacted. The Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) also said the statement reflected how low PR thought of civil servants, adding that civil servants had done so much to bring the country to what it was today. Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing said he was not surprised at the contradicting statements by Anwar and Pua, adding that differences in opinion would always happen as they seem to politicise every policy. "I just hope Malaysians will see through all these before casting their votes," the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president said. |
| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:12 PM PST
(The Star) - The MCA has taken Karpal Singh to task over a statement by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be prime minister should the Pakatan Rakyat alliance take over the Federal Government. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said he wanted to know if Karpal, the DAP national chairman, would support and stand by Lim's statement that the PKR adviser would be the prime minister. "Since Lim has expressed his views, we want to find out if Karpal and PAS are united in their views as well. "I recall that, not long ago, Karpal had wanted Anwar to resign as Opposition Leader," Dr Chua said after launching the 39th students' excellence award of SJK(C) Ai Chun here on Wednesday. He was earlier asked whether he thought non-Muslims should first convert to Islam if they wanted to be deputy prime minister should Pakatan administer the country. The question followed reports quoting Anwar that a Chinese could be considered for the deputy prime minister's spot should Pakatan take over the Government. Dr Chua said Anwar made the remarks because the Chinese are under the impression there will be a Chinese deputy prime minister under a Pakatan-ruled Government. "So, now I want to know if there is such a thing. Or, do non-Muslims need to convert in order to become deputy prime minister?" he asked, adding that if no proper explanation was given, it could be just another publicity stunt and more political spinning. Dr Chua also asked the DAP to clarify if hudud law being pursued by PAS would affect non-Muslims. "If the answer is no, we need to know why? Because, in order to implement hudud, there would be amendments to the Constitution." In his speech, Dr Chua said the MCA would continue to suggest to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister ways to improve Chinese schools. He added that the party was doing its best to bring up issues faced by Chinese schools to the nation's leaders to find effective solutions.
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| Populist policies will undermine reform Posted: 10 Nov 2011 04:05 PM PST
We can say goodbye to Reformasi if the national agenda for change is usurped by populist desperadoes. Pakatan Rakyat has also indulged in populism since they came into power, which makes us wonder about the substance of 'reformasi'. By Kua Kia Soong, Free Malaysia Today Watching recent events and statements by Malaysian politicians, the urgent need for reform in our country risks being undermined by populism on both sides of the political divide as they jostle for votes in the coming general election. From the Barisan Nasional, we have seen the free hand-outs of RM100 ringgit to every student in the school system without any form of means testing. We have also recently witnessed the extreme form of populism, namely, "mobocracy", whereby mob rule can dictate that a perfectly legal and peaceful gathering, Seksualiti Merdeka be banned by the police. Pakatan Rakyat has also indulged in populism since they came into power, which makes us wonder about the substance of 'reformasi'. First, the Selangor state government gave away free water without any form of means testing and without thinking about "demand management" which is crucial to water conservation. Now, to the suggestion that we should look into making the civil service lean and mean, Pakatan says that while this makes economic sense, it is politically foolhardy. One wonders if the promised rescindment of the New Economic Policy will later be similarly jettisoned because of "political consideration". Progressive means testing During the fifties and sixties, Malaysian schools had some form of means testing to ensure that deserving students (ie. those from lower-income families) could have access to fee-waivers, free textbooks and even free meals. Such a progressive policy was a prudent use of valuable resources and did not create any resentment among the better-off students. In contrast, the hand-out of RM100 recently promised by the BN government to every student regardless of income is not only an imprudent use of taxpayers' money, it is likely to be ridiculed as meaningless by the students from rich families. Likewise, the populist granting of free water by the Selangor state government to all and sundry. Why should those who squander water in washing their cars every day be entitled to free water? How do the Orang Asli feel about such wastage when they were displaced from their ancestral land for the Selangor Dam supposedly because they had been told the dam was vital for the needs of the Klang Valley? Is such a populist measure congruent with the call for demand management which is crucial to water conservancy everywhere in the world? It makes nonsense of the call for rainwater harvesting when we can have access to free treated water. Full audit and action Every organisational transformation – especially in the loss-making government agencies – needs a full audit and swift remedial action to follow. That is what the BN government's recent razzmatazz about "transformation this and transformation that" ought to be about. Nowhere is this more obvious than in our heavily bloated civil service. For example, our power plants have failed to run at full capacity, about which I have repeatedly called for thorough audits. The crisis in our energy industry is certainly not just due to the current gas shortage. The same can be said for the decades-old mismanagement and inefficiencies in KTM. In my 2010 title 'Questioning Arms Spending in Malaysia', I not only called for the drastic reduction of our defence budget but also the conversion of arms production to socially useful production and the promotion of a culture of peace. The billions of ringgit in savings could be used for creating thousands of jobs.
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| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:56 PM PST
In PKR's original allegation, they characterised NLMC as only handling marketing, hence queried why that would require such a large sum of money. I have explained previously and once again here that NLMC's involvement spans the entire supply chain from processing to marketing. Another allegation explained away by fact and reason. By Khairy Jamaluddin, The Malaysian Insider Over the past couple of days the PKR machinery has gone into overdrive to paint a picture of power abuse surrounding the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC). I have systematically engaged, both in Parliament and through my blog, many of the accusations and insinuations. I took care to be clear and detailed about why this picture the likes of YB Saifuddin Nasution and PKR director of strategy, Rafizi Ramli, are keen to paint does not stand the test of scrutiny. Through a comprehensive examination of the facts, each allegation has been conclusively rebutted and exposed as founded on a fatal combination of shoddy mathematics, cherry-picked figures and outright lies. I will subject Rafizi's latest attempt to flog the dead horse to the same process below. Something that has become terribly clear to me is that throughout this debate, Rafizi has shown himself to be disingenuous, dishonest and in the habit of shifting the goalposts the very moment he realises a line of attack is broken down. Let me explain why. First, he alleged that NFC was given 5,000 acres of land in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, for free. As I have stated, this is categorically false — NFC was only offered 1,500 acres on lease by the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Incorporated. Two major errors: On the acreage of the land in question and the fact that it is on lease, not handed out for free. You will notice that he makes no mention of this in his Malaysiakini piece on November 10, although there is still the November 1 blog entry with the words "1 lembu = 5 ekar". Great math. Secondly, he was also absolutely caught out on the allegation that — and I quote him here — "the (NFC) beef is only being supplied to luxurious restaurant chains owned by Shahrizat's family called Meatworks, Senor Santos and Brawns in Singapore". More about where NFC beef is supplied to later. But for the moment, I reiterate what I have said repeatedly: NFC simply could not have supplied meat to Senor Santos and Brawns because the Singapore government prohibits the import of raw beef from Peninsular Malaysia due to fear of foot and mouth disease. When I directed this to his attention on Twitter, Rafizi, perhaps excitably, sought to correct me by posting a link to the Singaporean Agri-food and Veterinary Authority website purportedly showing that Malaysia is amongst the countries approved to export beef to the Republic. What he failed to do — and I suspect this was more out of incompetence more than anything else — was to scroll down to the footnote on the list, which clearly shows that Malaysia may only export processed, and not raw meat, which relates to NFC. Again, you will not see this allegation in his more recent remarks. Incidentally, in his desperation he did try to deny ever saying NFC sold beef to the restaurants in Singapore. (This was his tweet on November 8: "I nvr said NFC sold its raw meat 2 Senor Santos/Brawn in Singapore"). You would've thought a Strategy Director knows that direct quotes are quite easily searchable on the Internet. He was unceremoniously exposed as a liar within minutes. That jig, too, was up. He then quickly shifted to the question of the RM250 million government loan to NFC. On this matter, he was wrong to say that all RM250 million had been spent or disbursed; to date, the total drawdown available for use by NFC is RM181 million, consistent with the reply given by the prime minister, the minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, and verified by the Auditor-General's report. The remainder of the loan is still in the Special Loan Account (SLA) in which the loan was placed initially or put into fix deposit instruments in order to gain returns while waiting for further operational drawdowns from NFC. I have written about this process extensively on my blog. Rafizi then tried to kick up a storm over the disbursement of the RM81.2 million to a related company of NFC, the National Livestock & Meat Corporation Sdn Bhd (NLMC). But there is no fuss to be made. Such disbursements are reasonable, considering that NLMC is tasked to operate the abattoir, develop the supply chain and market for NFC's products, as well as purchase cattle from satellite farms. This ties in with the feedlot project's broad overall goals, spanning from infrastructure, processing to distribution and marketing. In PKR's original allegation, they characterised NLMC as only handling marketing, hence queried why that would require such a large sum of money. I have explained previously and once again here that NLMC's involvement spans the entire supply chain from processing to marketing. Another allegation explained away by fact and reason. Shifting his sights to another NFC sister company, the Real Food Company (RFC), Rafizi questioned why RFC was given pricing discounts totalling RM3 million — insidiously employing the term "subsidy" for a particular effect. I provided a straightforward explanation for that discount in my earlier blog entry. RFC is the sole distributor of NFC meat; the discount allowed the final product to be sold to wholesalers, wet markets and hypermarkets at competitive prices, which most will recognise as a fairly common aspect of any market entry strategy — the discount was not given to engineer a larger profit margin for RFC but rather passed through to retailers and consumers. When demand is established and economies of scale attained, prices can be normalised. And in any case, is it not the consumers who ultimately benefits through that discount? Where's the beef? But of course, Rafizi only banged on this just so he could link it to his earlier remark about NFC supplying only to luxurious restaurants owned by the minister's family. In his recent article, he wrote, "NFC was entitled to subsidise the operations of Meatworks through a scheme that cost taxpayers nearly RM3 million in 2009". (Note again the conspicuous absence of the two restaurants in Singapore after being exposed on that allegation). This is another lie, because alongside the likes of Carrefour, Giant and numerous wet markets, NFC beef is also supplied to restaurants like Jake's Charbroil Steak, Tony Roma's, Dome Café, Smokin Salma and Jarrod & Rawlins — all of which enjoy the benefits of the discount as Meatworks does. Sure, these are up-market establishments, but premium meat accounts for only five percent of a cow carcass anyway. Most of the rest of the cow are sold in hypermarkets and wet markets and also enjoy this discount that Rafizi so desperately wants to link only to Meatworks. So this talk of "a subsidy for the elites who have expensive taste buds" is absolute nonsense on multiple levels. Having been proven wrong on every single point despite jumping around from one baseless accusation to another, Rafizi's final throw of the dice was to press on over this same issue of disbursements and discounts, but without at all challenging the reasons I offered. Running out of arguments that he can cook up, he accused me of saying that the SLA was an "escrow account but not an escrow account" — even managing to slip in a comment about how he "had spent many years as a chartered accountant and an auditor". I'm not too sure how much good those years did him in terms of understanding the simplest of analogies — we already know from above they didn't help much in building meticulousness or attention to detail. I never said the SLA was an escrow account — it is what it is, a Special Loan Account; not an escrow account. In my press conference on November 9, I merely drew a comparison to an escrow account to illustrate the strict processes involved in any drawdown from the SLA, which requires approval from several parties, in this case both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance. Sure, there is no independent third party disbursing money as per an escrow account, but the principle I was establishing is that monies in the SLA cannot be freely accessed by NFC without the approval of two government ministries. Surely that reference to the principles of trust and accountability also found in an escrow arrangement is not too difficult to comprehend? Despite his lies, deceit and incompetence, Rafizi is right about one thing: "It's not about the cows". It is about his and PKR's politicisation of the NFC issue, simply because it is linked to a minister's family. Make no bones about it, I fully expect the opposition to play a role in pursuing the truth, especially when there is suspicion of wrongdoing. But once facts are provided that do not support that suspicion, the honourable thing is not to demand for the minister's resignation, but to accept that you are wrong and move on. By the way, Rafizi closed his latest article by saying that this debate "is not about technicalities". I disagree. In many ways, it is precisely about technicalities, details and facts — only through rigorous examination and reasoned argument can one decide whether to make the charge of abuse of power. But perhaps you can tell that someone is out of his depth when he relents — no longer wanting to engage you on facts and details, appealing instead to unsubstantiated sentiment. p.s. You're probably wondering where the explanation for the condominium purchase is since that's the latest salvo from PKR. Admittedly it's a great issue to spin. It is easily distilled to a sensational punch line: "Feedlot uses government money to buy luxury condo". People who are prejudiced will be attracted to PKR's cheap shot without wanting to hear an explanation. Anyway, the explanation is provided for below. It is in Bahasa Malaysia and separate from my reply to Rafizi above for reasons of consistency. Rafizi's last article, which the above is a response to, first appeared in English and did not refer to the apartment purchase. Hence my reply above is in English and excludes an explanation for that. The apartment purchase was raised by YB Saifuddin Nasution in a press conference at Parliament yesterday. So, to be consistent, I have responded to that in Bahasa Malaysia as below. Isu apartmen dan projek NFC PKR sekali lagi telah membuat tuduhan tidak berasas untuk memesong rakyat berhubung isu National Feedlot Corporation (NFC). Semalam mereka cuba memesongkan rakyat dengan tuduhan penyelewangan dana bagi membeli apartment One Menerung, Bangsar yang dikatakan hak milik keluarga Menteri Keluarga, Wanita dan Masyarakat. Perkara ini mudah disensasikan kerana jika dilihat sepintas lalu pasti ramai akan tanya apa kaitan projek NFC dengan pelaburan hartanah? PKR mungkin rasa teruja dengan hujah mereka tapi saya ingin tegaskan bahawa tuduhan tersebut jauh terpesong, bak jauh panggang dari api. Mengikut kajian saya, memang benar National Livestock & Meat Corporation (NLMC) telah membeli apartment One Menerung di Bangsar. Pelaburan ini dibuat dengan dana yang telah disalurkan kepada NFC dari akaun pinjaman khas (SLA) yang dikawal selia oleh Kementerian Kewangan dan juga Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani. Daripada sumber ini, NFC telah memindah sebanyak RM81.2 juta kepada NLMC. Antara tugas dan skop kerja NLMC ialah proses operasi penyembelihan, boning atau proses pengasingan daging dan tulang, pembungkusan serta penghantaran disamping berperanan membeli hasil daripada ladang-ladang satelit apabila ladang-ladang ini beroperasi. Dalam tuduhan asal, PKR sebut NLMC ini cuma membuat kerja pemasaran bagi NFC. Jelas disini tuduhan itu tidak berasas memandangkan skop menyeluruh yang diberi kepada NLMC yang memerlukan perbelanjaan operasi yang besar. Sebab itu, NLMC diperuntukkan RM81.2 juta untuk menampung kos operasi. Malangnya, projek NFC telah mengalami kelewatan operasi. Kelewatan operasi ini tidak disebabkan oleh pengurusan NFC. Antara sebab kelewatan ini sepertimana dijelaskan oleh YB Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani di Parlimen pada 8 November ialah Kerajaan tidak ada peruntukan yang mencukupi untuk membangunkan ladang-ladang satelit. Apabila ladang-ladang ini tidak dibangunkan sebahagian dari duit yang ada pada NLMC tidak dibelanjakan. Kerajaan juga masih tidak dapat membina pusat penyembelihan yang menepati piawai antarabangsa atau Export Quality Abattoir (EQA) sepertimana perjanjiannya dengan NFC. Apabila kelewatan ini berlaku, pihak pengurusan NFC berdepan dengan keputusan penting. Apakah mereka hanya biar duit yang diberi kepada NLMC itu dalam akaun semasa yang tidak memberi pulangan yang besar sambil menunggu ladang-ladang satelit dan EQA dibangunkan atau mereka melabur duit itu dan mendapat pulangan sambil menunggu masalah kelewatan operasi tersebut diatasi? Kalau dibiar sahaja duit itu dalam akaun semasa, bukan sekadar ia tidak membawa pulangan tetapi dengan iklim ekonomi dunia yang melihat fenomena inflasi atau kenaikkan harga barang, nilai sebenar duit ini mungkin terhakis. Sebagai contoh mudah, kalau NLMC membeli lembu dari ladang-ladang satelit hari ini, kosnya mungkin lebih murah dari pembelian yang dibuat tahun depan disebabkan kenaikkan harga barang dan komoditi. Jadi apabila semua ini tidak dapat dibeli dan ditangguhkan, sudah menjadi tugas pengurusan untuk memikirkan apa mereka nak buat dengan duit tunai yang ada dalam akaun semasa itu. Pihak pengurusan telah membuat keputusan bahawa pelaburan yang paling selamat, yang memberi pulangan yang besar, yang boleh dijual apabila duit diperlukan untuk operasi adalah aset hartanah. Sudah pasti mereka telah mencari projek perumahan yang berkualiti tinggi dan popular agar pulangan NLMC dalam bentuk sewa dan juga kenaikkan harga apartment itu lebih besar dari pelaburan lain seperti akaun simpanan tetap. Difahamkan, apartmen berkenaan telahpun disewa dan mula memberi pulangan kepada NLMC. Nilai apartmen tersebut juga telah naik sejak dibeli NLMC. Mungkin ada yang bertanya, kenapa duit dari SLA yang dikawal selia oleh kerajaan disalurkan kepada NFC sekiranya ada kelewatan operasi? Harus diingat, projek ini dimulakan dalam iklim ekonomi dunia yang tidak menentu. Krisis kewangan dunia telah memberi kesan kepada perbelajaan kerajaan yang disusun semula mengikut keutamaan rakyat. Saya yakin kerajaan telah meluluskan pengunaan pinjaman dari SLA kepada NFC mengikut perancangan awal tanpa apa-apa kelewatan kepada operasi NFC. Tetapi apabila keadaan ekonomi dunia dan negara menjadi lebih mencabar, adalah menjadi wajar untuk kerajaan menyusun semula keutamaan perbelanjaannya dan inilah yang menyebabkan kelewatan operasi NFC seperti dijelaskan di atas. Saya rasa walaupun penjelasan diatas amat logik dan munasabah khususnya dari sudut perniagaan di mana pelaburan dibuat sambil menunggu kelewatan projek yang disebabkan faktor di luar kawalan NFC dan NLMC, PKR akan tetap mempolitikkan isu ini dan tidak akan menerima penerangan yang diberi. Tetapi walau apa pun tohmahan palsu yang diberi oleh PKR, kebenaran alam kes ini sudah terang lagi bersuluh bagi mereka yang tidak prejudis. Dalam kes apartmen One Menerung, pengurusan NFC dan NLMC telah membuat keputusan untuk melabur duit yang masih tidak dapat diguna disebabkan kelewatan operasi supaya mendapat pulangan. Hujahnya mudah dan jelas. * Khairy Jamaluddin is Umno Youth chief and the MP for Rembau
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| Cops open new probe on Anwar’s Datuk T report Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:43 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - The police are now probing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for allegedly providing false information when questioned about the "Datuk T" sex video, a move PKR says is politically motivated. The probe was opened after investigating officer, DSP Shanmugan Moorthy, lodged a police report claiming Anwar had knowingly given him false information, an offence under Section 182 of the Penal Code. The crime is punishable by a six-month jail term or a fine of RM2,000. The new police investigation is expected to pile pressure on the opposition leader, who has steadfastly denied being the man seen having sex with a purported prostitute in the video. The video was shown to the media in April by former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim – collectively known as Datuk T. PKR today claimed that the probe was yet another politically-motivated attack on Anwar, who is also the party's de facto leader. "This is a very disturbing new development," PKR vice president N. Surendran told reporters at the party's headquarters here today. "What we see here is the start of a new political trial against the federal opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim." Surendran said he had no doubt Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) were colluding with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General (A-G) to bring down Anwar, "just as they were behind the persecution in 1998 and... in 2008". "They are all in it together. They are planning it together," he said, adding that the police should end the probe immediately. PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli said the probe appeared to be an attempt by BN to distract Malaysians from the ongoing controversy over the National Feedlot Centre (NFC), linked to Umno vice president Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil. He pointed out that it was odd the police decided to bring up the issue now even though Shanmugan lodged his report on September 28.
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| 5 Reasons Why Penang Will Not Go To The Polls This Year If Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun ... Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:30 PM PST
LIM GUAN ENG As speculation rises whether Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak will call for snap elections on this auspicious date of 11 November 2011, there are 5 key reasons why Penang will not follow suit and hold concurrent elections with the federal parliamentary seats this year. One, BN has still not fulfilled its promise to repeal the Internal Security Act and disbursed RM 500 to all households earning below RM3,000 per month. Questions are raised as to whether BN will conduct a mere cosmetic exercise of repealing the ISA but replacing it with two ISA-like laws. resulting in Malaysians ending up with two ISAs instead of one. The disbursement of RM100 to students this year when this measure is included in the budget is for 2012 and not 2011 raises questions of legality especially when the 2012 Budget has still not being passed in Parliament. Further if the RM100 is to be paid this year when it is not budgeted in this year 2011 budget, where is the Federal government getting the money from. Lest we forget Malaysia recorded a budget deficit this year as has been a deficit for 15 years. The National Deficit for 2010 is RM43.27billion, for 2011 is RM45.51 billion whilst the 2012 projected deficit for is RM43billion. (4.7% out of RM918 billion nominal GDP projected). Where is the Federal government going to get the extra RM530 million for giving to school students RM100 this year when it is not budgeted for 2011 and will only increase the 2011 deficit further? Two, holding general elections now would be unfair to those performing the haj as they will be denied their right to vote and determine the next government. The last batch of the Haj pilgrims are not expected back until Dec 11 and almost 30,000 Malaysians went to Mecca to perform their pilgrimage Three, the failure and refusal by the BN government to explain the misappropriation of funds, gross irregularities and abuses of power as outlined in the 2010 Auditor-General's Report. The 2010 Auditor-General Report reminds Malaysians of everything that is wrong in the BN Federal government. Night-vision marine binoculars costing only RM 1,940 are bought at a price of RM56,350, a TV LCD and DVD player bought with a contract price of RM16,100 was supplied with an inferior brand valued at only RM195; RM770,000 was spent to supply electricity to one house. The Auditor-General's Report said nine ministries or departments had overspent their operating allocation for last year by a total of RM3.73 billion and even a Minister Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil is involved when a RM73.6 million cattle-farming project is given to her family's company. Her husband is the Executive Chairman while her son is the CEO. The rest of her children, meanwhile, are executive directors. Many questions remained unanswered about this National Feedlot Corporation project in Gemas, Negri Sembilan. Chief amongst its failures is its production of only 3,289 heads in 2010 or 41.1 per cent of its intended target of 8,000 heads. The AG's report also cites poor management as a key factor and points to other failings such as its failure to train enough farmers, a 5,000-acre farmland that is overgrown and poor maintenance of its facilities. Naturally, Malaysians are concerned about public money which includes an additional soft loan of RM250 million being used to fund this "family business", especially when it is turning out to be a monumental failure. In addition, Sharizat has still to deny reports of how the funds were used on non-cow related purposes including an allegation by PKR that nearly RM10 million was spent to purchase a high-end condominium. Four, the Parliamentary Select Committee of Electoral Reforms have still not completed its hearings to carry out reforms to ensure a free, fair and clean elections. Failure to do so would permit the dirtiest general elections in history with phantom voters and illegal immigrants being transformed magically to citizens and voters in a few hours. Would Malaysia's destiny be determined by Malaysian citizens or phantom voters and illegal immigrants? Five, the national agenda for the end of this year should be focused on flood prevention and mitigation. Malaysians should learn from the horrors of floods in Thailand that has caused tragic loss of life and huge financial losses. To hold general elections now during the rainy monsoon season when flood victims are more bothered about surviving than voting, would be not only be a denial of their democratic right of choice but cruel and inhumane. If Najib insists on calling snap polls this year, then the Penang Pakatan Rakyat will hold a special convention where a recommendation will be made not to hold the state election together with the federal parliament.
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| Poll outcome rests on bread and butter, survey finds Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:26 PM PST
By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider The rising cost of living remains the battleground issue in the next general election for undecided voters who make up a fifth of the electorate, a new internal PKR poll shows. This was in contrast to Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) supporters who saw Bumiputera rights and greater government transparency as key issues respectively. Fence sitters who make up 21 per cent of the electorate were more likely to be Chinese-speaking women aged 30 to 39 from Johor, according the survey results obtained by The Malaysian Insider. The report also found that bread-and-butter issues would be the number one factor in deciding how Malaysians voted on polling day (24 per cent), followed by government transparency (18 per cent) and upholding Bumiputera rights (13 per cent). Voters were overwhelmingly dissatisfied with BN's performance on cost of living issues, citing the high price of petrol (68 per cent), road tolls (68 per cent), food and groceries (67 per cent), and the gap between rich and poor (67 per cent). They also highlighted inadequate wage levels (65 per cent), housing affordability (59 per cent) and the country's overall economic management (52 per cent) as particular concerns. But voters were not convinced that PR would do better, with more Malaysians placing greater faith in BN's ability to tackle cost of living issues. Between 34 and 40 per cent of voters polled said the ruling coalition could better address issues ranging from the wealth gap to housing affordability, compared to 19 to 25 per cent for PR.
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| “1311 Whack a Pinata Family Day at Taman Gelora” Posted: 10 Nov 2011 03:04 PM PST Save Malaysia Stop Lynas Media Brief Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) to introduce a new interpretation of the piñata to mark residents' strong opposition of the Lynas rare earth project. Traditionally, a piñata is a papier-mâché that is filled with goodies and then broken as part of a ceremony in Mexico and many Latin-American countries. On Sunday, 26 colourful and stunningly handmade piñatas will be hung up at various locations around the lake for this ritual. Participants will take turn to whack the piñata to symbolise their anger and frustration towards the Lynas rare earth project. Samples of these piñatas will be shown at the press conference today. Yet we find the Chairman of the Pahang Tourism, Arts, Heritage and Family Development Committee, Datuk Shafik Fauzan quoted in Sinar Harian in October 24th alleging that SMSL should focus on picking rubbish and not picking on the Lynas rare earth project! One wonders if Datuk Shafik truly understands the implication and impact of the Lynas project on tourism and family for him to make such a statement. He should be on SMSL's side to fight for the integrity of the tourism industry. After all who will want to spend money to come to holiday near the world's largest rare earth plant? The recent revelation by the AELB that Lynas Corporation has failed to meet any of the conditions set out by the Government is a step in the right direction. It is a stark contrast to Raja Datuk Aziz's earlier careless dismissal of public concern. Similarly, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister for International Trade and Industry (MITI) has very recently slammed Lynas Corporation for pre-empting the government by repeatedly project unrealistic early start dates in the media for its Gebeng rare earth plant. Clearly, Lynas Corporation has proven itself to be a recalcitrant company that have consistently misled its shareholders and potential customers on the progress of its plant against advice by the Malaysian authorities and against the reality on the ground. Why then is our Government allowing the plant construction to be continued? How can we trust such a corporation to operate a plant that will produce so much hazardous waste when it is already not facing up with its home truth? How can we trust our government to be vigilant when it has continued to tolerate Lynas' risky modus operandi? How can Lynas take us seriously when our Government has done nothing to show Lynas Corporation that we mean business by putting an immediate stop to its construction when it failed to meet government's requirement? It is on these bases that SMSL has to continue to do our duty to keep the public informed and to keep creating democratic space for ordinary citizens, mums and dads to take part in legitimate activities to show their concerns. SMSL fear this Sunday's action may well be given the same treatment as the 109 Himpunan Hijau gathering with the government deploying large force of tax payers funded security forces to stop ordinary citizens and their family from taking part in a community event with a legitimate message to keep dangerous project out of our country. Already we have been informed of empty tents being set up at Taman Gelora to take away public space and to create excuse for the authority to stop the 1311 event. We also heard that the police force has recalled all its personnel from their leave in preparation for the Sunday event. Why are our hard earned taxes being used to safeguard a foreign corporation's interest when in the end our taxes will be needed to clean up and manage any accident and dangerous pollution from the plant? How can the state apparatus funded by our own taxes be used to safeguard Lynas' interests in a supposedly democratic nation such as Malaysia? If Lynas is allowed to proceed despite our strong opposition and show of strength, we will be sending a message to the dirty polluting industry the world over that Malaysia is a haven for toxic projects with lax environmental law enforcement. This is a dangerous message to be sending out when industrialised nations are forced to drastically cut their greenhouse gas emissions and shelved their nuclear plans. They will not be any shortage of dirty polluting projects looking for a home to park tax-free under lax environmental conditions. We simply cannot allow Malaysia to become their haven! |
| Who is the one short-changing Malaysians - BN or Pakatan? Posted: 10 Nov 2011 01:08 PM PST Is it fair to say that the modus operandi of the BN government is that when things are done to enrich their cronies, that has to be defended at all costs, but when it benefits ordinary people it has to be protested against? Is it a coincidence that the majority of Umno branch chiefs are Class F contractors? By Douglas Tan Selangor Opposition leader Satim Diman is barking up the wrong tree. He accuses the Selangor State government of selling off government assets in order to fund the Selangor State minimum wage policy which is to take effect next year. Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim explains that the money which they would use does not come from Perbandanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) but through savings from prudent fiscal management and the reduction of corruption within the state. As Mentri Besar of Selangor, Khalid has led Selangor to post the largest state budget surplus in the state's history. By the end of 2010, the reserves stood at RM918 million, and increased state revenue by RM200 million in under six months. The Pakatan state government has also shown their ability to practice good fiscal management. The state is being run effectively, with additional programmes to give assistance to the elderly, children of farm workers, a RM50 million micro-credit schemes and free water to name a few. Added initiatives but increasing revenue year-on-year? They must be doing something right.
Kedai 1Malaysia The irony of the accusations levelled against the Pakatan-led state government is that Barisan Nasional are the ones who are inherently guilty of engaging in land swap deals to generate income. Further to that, they do not even bother to give the money back, but are quite content in keeping it to themselves. Tony Pua and Nurul Izzah has shot down the whole Kedai 1Malaysia (KR1M)scheme. In the lobby of parliament on November 9th, they exposed the BN government of lying to the people that they could potentially save "up to 50%" on 250 items as compared to what one could purchase outside. Although some items were indeed cheaper, the fact remains that you could get Tesco or Carrefour branded items at the same price or even cheaper. The RM40 million subsidy pumped into Mydin who operates the 85 stores cannot besubstantiated. So Satim Diman, who is short changing the public now?
Land Deals Since you talked about land, let's talk about land. The federal government is very clever not to include certain allocations in the budget, so the way to finance a crony project would be to do a land-swap deal. In 2009, the Auditor General raised questions over the RM256 million Skudai 7th Brigade Army Camp project. This was awarded in 1997 but after 15years, is only 18.3% complete. The Kausar Corporation who was awarded thisproject had already collected the construction fee in full, and was given 153 hectares of land. Records reveal that a RM465 million bank loan was paid out for the land,which would place the land valuation in excess of RM800 million in 1997. At todaysland valuation, it could potentially be worth more than double the Selangor State government surplus. This means that Kausar took RM721 million in cash, and 153 hectares of land. The government does nothing over all these years, and the people get nothing. Isthis how this all works? So Tuan Satim Diman, when a company in which the government awards aproject directly through closed tender, who is given land worth 4 times theproject itself, takes all the money but does not complete the project, and walkaway, that is ok? |
| UBF Urges CM to Intervene in Sukau Tragedy Posted: 10 Nov 2011 01:03 PM PST
"Several villagers even reported to me that the local assemblyman was in his car during the operation to bulldoze the houses, and even at one point urging the bulldozer's driver, 'Tunggu apa lagi?' (What else are you wating for?)," he said. "If this is true, it proves that the assemblyman is in cahoots with the company." By Raymond Tombung Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan is urging the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, to take an urgent step to intervene into what it calls the 'Sukau Tragedy' in which houses are being bulldozed by a company which wants natives to vacate an NCR land. In an urgent appeal made here, the UBF Chairman, reported that he had just returned from a visit to the site of Kampung Km. 6, Jalan Sukau, Sandakan where he personally witnessed the debris of two houses which have already been bulldozed by Syarikat Campo Sdn. Bhd. which claims to have receive the title to the land, and considered the people there as intruders although they have been there since 1989. "The Tombonuo natives of the village had applied for the land since then but their application was never processed," he said. "But strangely the said company, owned by Dato' Naser Yeo, Azlan Naser, and Kan Kan Mun, claims to have received the title to the land in 2008. But the record shows that the RSP for the land was issued only last year. Clearly there is a discrepancy somewhere, possibly due to some hanky-panky." He said the village head, Kattif Kussoi, had informed him that the villagers are really distraught by the whole development, and are asking for the authorities to do something. Unfortunately, no party seems to he interested in helping them. "Several villagers even reported to me that the local assemblyman was in his car during the operation to bulldoze the houses, and even at one point urging the bulldozer's driver, 'Tunggu apa lagi?' (What else are you wating for?)," he said. "If this is true, it proves that the assemblyman is in cahoots with the company."
"And it is also unbelievable that the department would have been unaware that there are 29 original applicants to the land," he added. "As of today 11 applicants have withdrawn their applications, leaving 18 remaining applications." He said that if the State Government is truly concerned for the people, the Chief Minister would immediately order a stoppage of the company's 'inhuman rampage' against the poor natives. "This incident is unconscionable," he said. "And a government who claims to defend the people cannot allow this to happen." He propose that the State Government must sit down to form a special task force to look into all cases involving this kind of land grabs that violates the people Native Customary Rights. "This kind of cases have been rampant in Sabah , to the point that the Malaysian Human rights Commission (Suhakam) has been involved very deeply in it," he urged. "But sadly, there seems to have been no solution, and the inhuman act, which seems to suggest we are living in a despotic authoritarian regime, is still happening." He said the people are feeling that the government leaders and officials are now so corrupt that they no longer have any feeling for the people, but are working with big companies for their personal interests. "They feel that even the laws are no longer able to protect them," he lamented," he said. "Why is the government continuing to turn blind eye on these cases when the people are repeatedly being reassured that only the Barisan Nasional can guarantee their wellbeing and future? Can the government really pretend to be deaf while the people continue to be victimized and marginalized at the benefit of big companies from outside Sabah?" |
| MCA says no to overseas voting Posted: 10 Nov 2011 12:40 PM PST
By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider Malaysians abroad are not qualified to vote because they are "out of touch" with the current state of affairs in the country, MCA told Parliament's polls reform panel today. The ruling Barisan Nasional's (BN) Chinese party said its research showed most Malaysians outside the country only received information from questionable news sources, which it said may not reflect the "true situation" ongoing in the country. "The future of Malaysia should be determined by those who have faith and still remained in the country," Datuk Ei Kim Hock, a member of the MCA central committee who headed the party's team told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reform today.
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| Koh Ready To Give Up Penang BN Chairmanship To Other Component Parties Posted: 10 Nov 2011 12:31 PM PST (Bernama) - Gerakan President Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he has always been ready to give up the chairmanship of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Penang to a person who is acceptable by other BN component parties. "The candidate must acceptable by other component parties and can lead them together," he told the media after his address at the National Unity conference in Subang Jaya near here yesterday. Koh said the appointment of the state BN chairman was the right of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who is also BN chairman. "I am saying that if there is a need to hand over...there is no problem. "So wait, if there are any announcements, I will give my views and also other component parties will give their views...it is process of consultation. "When I became Penang Chief Minister and then took over as state BN chairman in 1990, rumours said I would only last for 100 days...so from that day I was already prepared," he said. "The National Unity Department now actively trainx mediator from different groups and religions so that they will have greater understanding and make less conflicts in terms of views and practices," he said. Koh said the National Unity conference was a unique show of patriotism with four young politicians setting aside their differences to meet with young Malaysians at a conference aimed at finding ways to foster greater empathy and unity in Malaysia. Organised by Yayasan 1Malaysia and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) the conference featured prominent MPs including Khairy Jamaluddin (BN), Teo Nie Ching (DAP), Masiung Banah (BN Sabah) and Yusmadi Yusoff (PKR) as speakers while participants comprised young working adults, university students, representatives from NGOs and the media. |
| Najib better liked than Anwar, PKR survey shows Posted: 10 Nov 2011 11:53 AM PST
By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Najib Razak is more popular than Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but is seen as more indecisive and a poorer communicator, a PKR internal poll has found. The prime minister was seen positively by 53 per cent of voters compared to 38 per cent who gave him the thumbs-down, according to the survey obtained by The Malaysian Insider. Much of Najib's support came from the Malay community, where he was well-regarded by 71 per cent of those polled (net positive 46 points), compared to 34 per cent of Chinese voters (net negative 18 points). Voters in the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Johor were more likely to back the Umno president (61 per cent), followed by those in Perak (52 per cent), Selangor (49 per cent) and Kuala Lumpur (47 per cent). In contrast, Anwar scored just a 40 per cent approval rating, with 48 per cent saying they disapproved of the de facto PKR chief. Only 32 per cent of Malay voters said they favoured the former Umno number two compared to 61 per cent that did not. Female voters, in particular, did not like Anwar, with 53 per cent saying they disapproved of him (net negative 21 points), compared to an approval rating of 47 per cent among male voters (net positive two points). Malay women especially saw Anwar in poor light, with 69 per cent saying they viewed him poorly compared to just 24 per cent who did not. Chinese voters, on the other hand, were slightly more likely to back Anwar, with 43 per cent saying they approved of him, a net positive of two points. He was better regarded in PKR-led Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (44 per cent) than in Perak (38 per cent) and Johor (35 per cent). Anwar was most popular among those aged 40 and above (43 per cent) while Najib was best liked in the 30-39 age group (55 per cent). While the opposition leader was almost equally popular among graduates and non-graduates — 42 and 40 per cent respectively — the prime minister found more favour with non-degree holders (61 per cent versus 49 per cent).
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| MACC raids Petronas over alleged graft among key employees Posted: 10 Nov 2011 11:51 AM PST By Jahabar Sadiq, The Malaysian Insider Anti-graft officials raided national oil giant Petronas in the past weeks after receiving tip-offs of alleged corruption by project consultants working on exploration and production efforts in Malaysian waters, sources said. The Malaysian Insider understands that files have been carted away and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials briefed Datuk Seri Najib Razak before he left for the hajj last week. The prime minister returned to Malaysia yesterday. "The MACC investigators have gone in as there have been many complaints of some seeking gifts in return for making recommendations for contracts," a source told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity. Another source confirmed the investigation into the national oil company, saying the MACC has informed Najib and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The MACC does not confirm investigations for fear of jeopardising their work. Industry sources said corruption has become rampant over the years as Petronas has been giving out a host of contracts for its various operations, including the new push for marginal oil fields. But they did not identify which section of Petronas was being investigated by the MACC. "There's a lot of money to be made in long-term contracts. It's a bit less for spot contracts," one source said, adding middle-men and subcontractors frequent the oil giant's headquarters in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to buy and deliver pricey gifts including brand-name items such as bags for Petronas officials. "It's not uncommon. Everyone knows the game," he added. Another source said the Petronas management has had various meetings to discuss allegations of graft among its employees, who are among the best paid in Malaysia with perks including attractive housing loans, medical benefits and other incentives. "They used to be among the best and honest but there are so many contracts these days and taking a cut is easy and very tempting," he said, adding some Petronas officials have been seen to be living way beyond their means. "There is a lot of gossip and backbiting. Some contractors have complained they have to pay up to be considered for jobs. So it's not surprising that the MACC is here," said the source. He pointed out the management has been working on stamping out corruption, which has been identified as National Key Result Area (NKRA) by the Najib administration. The MACC recorded the most arrests related to graft last year, nabbing 944 people, of which more than 400 were bribe givers.
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| More hot air over 'Sept 16' dreams Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:37 AM PST DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim is anticipating a "Malaysia Spring" when the general election comes. For those who have trouble remembering, Sept 16, 2008, was the date that Anwar had repeatedly and boldly set, just after the last general election, as the time for him and his allies to take over the Federal Government through defections of BN members of parliament. |
| Posted: 10 Nov 2011 05:15 AM PST MASTERWORDSMITH-UNPLUGGED When we first achieved Merdeka, for every RM5 spent, RM1 was for administration and RM4 for development. Today, it's the other way around. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development standards, Malaysia is known to have one of the most bloated civil service in the world! Malays call this 'mahal tali dari lembu' (the rope is more expensive than the cow). But at least we can still see a cow. Better than when some allegedly spend a quarter billion ringgit with no cows to show at all!
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| Malays will become minority if they are divided, says Mahathir Posted: 09 Nov 2011 08:31 PM PST
(Bernama) - The Malays will become a minority group who are incapable of championing their rights if they continue to be divided, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said the Malays were now divided into three factions and that only through unity could they become an effective majority group to protect their interest. "Previously, the Malays were united into one party to the extent that they succeeded in opposing (the proposed establishment of) the Malayan Union," he said when responding to a question from a participant at the premier lecture by him, entitled "The Development of the Civilisation and Culture of the Malaysian Community Towards the Formation of a Progressive Nation", here today. Dr Mahathir, 85, said the voice of the Malays would be drowned if they were divided into several minority groups and needed the support of other groups to achieve the objectives of their struggles to preserve their own race.
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| The meaning and role of civil society Posted: 09 Nov 2011 08:06 PM PST My hope is that the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) can bring awareness to the people that back in the 1800s the Europeans too thought that just by kicking out the crown and/or church and replacing it with a new government all their problems would be solved. This proved to be a fallacy. By the 1900s, they discovered that life could be as bad, or worse, under a democratically elected government. And this is the mistake we must avoid. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin
Joceline Tan's article in The Star today (READ HERE) gives an impression that most Malaysians -- even educated Malaysians like Joceline Tan -- still do not grasp the meaning of civil society and the third estate (or third force if you wish). I already wrote about the third estate earlier (READ HERE). Maybe today I should explain the meaning and role of civil society. Until the end of the American Revolution in 1781, and the signing of the Treaty of Paris between the British and the Americans in 1783, two groups governed the world -- the crown and/or the church. For the first time in thousands of years, the people successfully kicked out the crown and ruled themselves. And, to ensure that the church did not merely fill the vacuum created by the crown, the Founding Fathers of the American Revolution modelled America along the lines of a Secular State cum Republic. Many Frenchmen fought on the side of the Americans during the five-year American Revolution so invariably, when they went back to France, they sparked the fires of a revolution. This eventually saw the Tsunami of civil society action that resulted in the French Revolution six years later in 1789. Over 50 years, Europe was swept by a revolution Tsunami. England (there were riots in Manchester and London), Spain, Portugal, France (that saw a second revolution after the Napoleonic Wars), the Papal States (Italy did not exist yet), The Hapsburg Empire (there was no German Republic yet), the Russian Empire, etc., all saw the people (civil society movements) rise up to overthrow the crown and the church and rule themselves through elections and an elected government. Those that still retained the monarchy reduced it to a Constitutional Monarchy. It must be noted that elections were either not held or only the nobles and clergy could vote in places where elections were held. Women and the common folks (workers, farmers, etc.) were not allowed to vote. Only the rich and the landowners could vote. So elections were basically very controlled affairs and mere thousands of the privileged class decided who got to rule over the millions of subjects. By the mid-1800s, changes began to emerge and power shifted into the hands of the people. The powers of the church were reduced. Most of the land was owned by the church and the nobles -- while the people became slave labour on the land they worked. The people did not own the land but they had to pay taxes on the land they worked while the rich landowners (the church and the nobles) were exempted from paying tax. In short, it was slavery without it being called slavery. The role of civil society (a concept that emerged in the 1800s) was one factor that brought about changes in 19th century Europe. Poverty was another. Europe saw a population explosion in the 1800s mainly because for about 100 years there were no real wars as such (they called this the period of 100 years peace). So less people died. The 1800s was also the era when research improved the health system so less people died from diseases as well. Food production did not improve. Many farmers faced famine so they had to abandon the fields and migrate to the cities to work in the factories that were mushrooming because of the Industrial Revolution. However, machinery replaced manpower so there was not much work for the migrating farmers. That was why in many cities (Manchester included) the people burned down the factories and destroyed the machinery that was denying them work and hence keeping them in poverty. Basically, the Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to the capitalists but not to the common folks. They may have seen the beginning of political change but this did not mean there was any improvement to their economic wellbeing. They merely exchanged a life of poverty as farmers to poverty as factory workers. And that was why socialism became popular. The people realised that mere political change (from a monarchy to a democracy where governments are elected into office) is not enough. The oppression and exploitation of the workers also needs to be addressed. Today, Communism is a dirty word. But then we are looking at it from today's standards where the workers are guaranteed a minimum wage (except in Malaysia), health care, education, housing, can form unions, etc. But in the days of the so-called Industrial Revolution when the workers were treated no better than serfs or slaves, Communism was the only guarantee for the much oppressed and exploited workers (and farmers) who paid taxes but were denied the right to vote. Maybe you can argue that that was in the 1800s, 200 years ago, and today there is no longer any need for civil society as conditions have much improved since 200 years ago. Maybe that would be true in some aspects. But the oppression and exploitation continues. The only thing is the oppression and exploitation today may be different from that of 200 years ago. Nevertheless, the ruling elite still oppresses and exploits the ruled and the capitalists still call the shots, as they did 200 years ago. So there is still a need for civil society. Civil society still has a role to play. And as long as the people still understand that they are the third estate (or third force if you would like to call it that) then the rulers will be conscious of the needs of the ruled. In the past, the two ruling cliques were the crown and the church. Today, those two cliques are the ruling party and the opposition. And since the 1800s it has been proven that by just removing one ruling clique and replacing it with another does not always work. As the Americans said in the 1700s: it is merely removing one dictator 10,000 miles away with 10,000 dictators one mile away. My hope is that the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) can bring awareness to the people that back in the 1800s the Europeans too thought that just by kicking out the crown and/or church and replacing it with a new government all their problems would be solved. This proved to be a fallacy. By the 1900s, they discovered that life could be as bad, or worse, under a democratically elected government. And this is the mistake we must avoid. I know that some readers are now going to comment: why are we talking about something that happened 200 years ago in some distant place called Europe? Well, those who are ignorant about history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. And if Hitler had learned from Napoleon's mistake, then, today, I would be writing this piece in German instead of English. |
| No affair between Saiful and DPP, says Nazri Posted: 09 Nov 2011 06:23 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - The government said today there is no evidence of an affair between Mohd Saiful Bukhari, who has accused Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of sodomising him, and deputy public prosecutor Farah Azlina Latif, who was part of the prosecution team in the ongoing trial. Muhyiddin: Guan Eng's denial of sexual harassment by son 'not enough' Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said in a written reply to a parliamentary question by Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh that the Attorney-General has investigated claims that Saiful had a relationship with Farah Azlina. "But the claims were found to be baseless without any concrete proof," the de facto law minister said. However, the Padang Rengas MP said that Farah Azlina was removed from the prosecution team to avoid any further allegations of impropriety in Anwar's second sodomy trial that began 21 months ago. Opposition Leader Anwar had tried to strike out the sodomy charge following controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin's allegations in August 2010 that Saiful and Farah Azlina were in a sexual relationship. But the High Court ruled that there was no abuse of process as the DPP's role was "limited, therefore Farah Azlina had no access to any investigation papers, including any documents." Judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah made the decision despite noting that the prosecution team had not answered the defence's affidavit concerning the alleged affair, "so the court must accept what has been said as the truth." He had also refused to call Saiful and Farah Azlina to answer allegations about their "affair" during the former deputy prime minister's trial.
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| Posted: 09 Nov 2011 06:01 PM PST
SARAWAK REPORT As the saga of Taib and Najib's global image-building continues to unravel, we can reveal that they not only shared their PR advisors with the notorious dictator of Kazakhstan, but also with the even more horrendous regime of Uzbekistan, where dissidents are boiled alive!
FBC Media's Italian branch concluded a contract with Gulnara Karimova, the notoriously grasping eldest daughter of the country's savage dictator, to boost her public image as she attempted to launch a global fashion and pop star career.
Gulnara is regarded as 'the most hated person in Uzbekistan', according to diplomatic cables released through WikiLeaks, because of her extraordinary raids on the country's wealth (which includes oil and gas) and her own flamboyant self-promotion. She is also regarded as her father, President Islam Karimov's likely successor and the second most powerful person in the country. When Gulnara divorced her husband, he was immediately stripped of his favoured monopoly over soft drinks in the country (which was given to her). He took refuge in the United States, but 24 members of his family were then arrested and sent at gunpoint over the border into Afghanistan! She poses in multiple roles as a billionaire business-woman, pop singer, diplomat, government minister, her country's permanent representative to the UN as well holding a position as a university academic and acting as patron of various organisations – all thanks to her father's patronage!
Above all Gulnara wants to be a famous fashion designer and has poured her country's resources into fashion shows in top locations so she can show-case her talents! Indeed, Karimova, who has been dubbed 'The World's Worst Daughter', appears to combine plain greed with a burning desire to be considered sexy and artistic, as well as clever. As the pictures below would suggest, Gulnara's Daddy has provided her with everything, except an ability to see herself as others do!
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| Kalimullah takes the stand against Matthias Posted: 09 Nov 2011 05:51 PM PST
(New Straits Times) - The former deputy chairman of New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad, Datuk Seri Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan took the stand today in his defamation suit against lawyer Matthias Chang, the former political secretary to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Kalimullah, 53, testified that he filed the suit case against Chang in 2006 as the defendant had allegedly made damaging and baseless statements against him at a press conference which were published in the media. Kalimullah, dressed in a light grey suit, told the court yesterday that the article based on Chang's press conference on June 13 was written and published in the Singapore Straits Times by its then Malaysian correspondent, Leslie Lau. He also testified that according to the article, Chang had allegedly said that Kalimullah was corrupt, and that he, together with the then prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, were the powers behind the throne. "He said that I am a cobra doing work of our enemies and that I am a traitor and that he will spit on the face of those Malays who showed disrespect to Tun Mahathir," he said. When asked if he was a Abdullah loyalist, the witness responded: "He has been my friend for more than 20 years and I am loyal to my friends".
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World's worst daughter? – Gulnara Karimova
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