Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Soi Lek slams Nazri for backing Dong Zong
- Youth who ‘insulted Islam’ remanded
- Zeti must now explain forex scandal
- Syed Mokhtar’s debts raising fear of future bailout, says Tony Pua
- Nazri: No probe into ‘copgate’
- Mansor must penalise culprit
- Soros man on Mkini board
- The CIA-Soros Partnership
- GST a ploy to hide economic ills, says Pakatan
- US calls Assange 'enemy of state'
- Najib betting on generous budget
- Stay away from M’sia, Zakir
- Speaker blocks debate on AG Gani Patail
- Mansor did not deny audio contents
- Bersih: We got funds only once
- Pro-Aspirasi sweeps to victory in campus polls
- Clip of DCM’s remarks on Guan Eng on the Net
- GE13 to show if Malays will ditch Umno, says Zaid
- PKFZ trial postponed as Liong Sik hospitalised
- Dr M called to testify in Liong Sik trial
- Another round of fun and games?
- Should Malaysia bear the burden of Australian radioactive waste?
- Najib May Extend Handouts as Malaysia Vote Nears
- Zahid: If not for infighting, UMNO can do better
- Gerakan says stands by claims Guan Eng is corrupt, tenancy doctored
- Former Usno members want seats
- Anti-hopping law against constitution, says Nazri
- NGOs demand NST apology for foreign plot claim
- BN, Pakatan going all out to woo new voters
- Businessman admits private jet loaned to Anwar, declines to reveal for how much
- DAP must help PAS win over Malays
- Khairy: Anwar lying about Pakatan’s need for private jet
- ‘Anwar approved attacks against Guan Eng’
- RPK sowing fear, says ex-comrade
- Anwar: Private jet is friend’s
- Zaid tells Dr M: I rather be an ungrateful Malay than a stupid one
- PR leaders: Tunku Aziz is a BN agent
- Photos of Pakatan leaders in private jet hits cyberspace
- Kepong Umno Youth chief stabbed, in critical condition
- Uproar against Ngeh and Nga at DAP convention
- Dong Zong duo get more flak
- Veteran newsman accuses Malaysiakini of being insincere
- Why Suaram’s status is suddenly so important
- Anwar: Dr M, Daim behind forex scandal
| Soi Lek slams Nazri for backing Dong Zong Posted: 26 Sep 2012 10:06 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek blasted today his Umno political ally Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz for supporting the demands of Chinese-language educationists without understanding fully the real issues that has seen the Chinese party at loggerheads with vocal vernacular education lobby groups. "Minister in the Prime Minister's department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz seems to have said that the demands of Dong Zong is fair and let us hope that he will not sing a different tune in Cabinet.
|
| Youth who ‘insulted Islam’ remanded Posted: 26 Sep 2012 10:01 PM PDT The youth who was alleged to have insulted Islam is being investigated under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. G Vinod, FMT J Gopinath, who was alleged to have insulted Islam on his Facebook page, is currently held under remand by the police. "He will be detained till Oct 1 pending investigations. We'll refer the matter to the Attorney-General's Chambers for advise," said Klang South district police chief Muhammad Mat Yusop. The 25-year old youth is being probed under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act and Section 298 (a) of the Penal Code for deliberately making statements to hurt the religious sentiments of another. Gopinath was alleged to have insulted Islam last week, which prompted several social media users to create the 'Kami Benci Gopinath Jayaratnam' page. The page currently has 5,529 followers. Yesterday, Gopinath's home in Taman Klang Jaya was attacked by several men, who destroyed furnitures and damaged his car. No one was injured in the attack as Gopinath and his family were not at home. A group calling itself Jemaah Fisabilillah Klang said it masterminded the attack and even posted on the Kami Benci Gopinath Jayaratnam's page that they would track down Gopinath's family. Asked on the attack, Muhammad said the police had no leads on the matter for now. When pointed out that Jemaah Fisabilillah Klang had claimed responsibility for it, he said:" This is the first time I'm hearing this. I'll look into it."
Meanwhile, MIC central working committee member S Vell Paari condemned the attacks on Gopinath's home and urged the police to take action on the matter. "What Gopinath did was wrong but we should let the authorities handle it," he added. On that note, the MIC leader also urged the police to investigate what prompted Gopinath to post such derogatory statements. He pointed out that Gopinath was riled up over a YouTube video which showed Islamic speaker Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji ridiculing Hinduism. The video, which was posted in June 2003, is a 10-part series where Shah Kirit is giving talks to a predominantly Muslim audience about Hinduism. FMT's check revealed that Shah Kirit passed insulting insinuations on Hindu gods Brahma and Saraswathy in part five of the video. The video pointed out that Shah Kirit was a Hindu before he converted to Islam in 1996. Shah Kirit is currently working with the Saba Islamic Media, an organisation that is bringing controversial India-based Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik to give talks in Malaysia. Vell Paari said the police should be fair and investigate both Gopinath and Shah Kirit for insulting religions. "Shah Kirit should be probed as well," he said. Vell Paari said at times, some new converts to Islam tend to get overzealous in professing their new faith by insulting their previous religion. "These people try to act more Malay than the Malays themselves. Shah Kirit must remember that it was his Hindu mother that gave birth to him," said Vell Paari, who added that MIC would lodge a police report against Shah Kirit soon.
|
| Zeti must now explain forex scandal Posted: 26 Sep 2012 09:58 PM PDT PKR Youth submits four-point memorandum to Bank Negara governor demanding answers. Syed Jaymal Zahiid, FMT PKR Youth wing wants Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz to divulge details and explain the 1990s forex scandal that cost the bank RM5.7 billion in losses. The wing's chief, Syamsul Iskandar Ikin, said the muted response by the governor at the time Nor Mohamed Yackop was "disappointing". Syamsul said the onus was now on Zeti to clear the central bank's name following allegations that it had tried to bury the controversy from public knowledge. Former deputy prime minister and finance minister, Anwar Ibrahim, told Parliament that BNM's involvement in the foreign currency trading was done under the instruction of his predecessor Daim Zainuddin, the right hand man of then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar also alleged that Mahathir had told him "not to touch" Nor and that he had tried to put a stop to it. Prior to that, a former BNM official had named Nor, now a federal minister, as the foray's main culprit together with another former governor, the late Jaffar Hussein, although Anwar later said the former was not directly involved. Lawmakers from the ruling coalition claimed Anwar was also involved since he was the finance minister at the time but he denied the allegation, saying the "gambling" took place without his knowledge. Clear Anwar's name Jaffar subsequently resigned after the scandal went public. He was then replaced by Nor. In the four-point memorandum submitted to BNM officials today, PKR said the central bank must reply to the allegations made by Anwar. "This involves public interest and the bank must answer," he told reporters under the watchful eyes of the police after meeting BNM officials here. Earlier estimation of losses incurred from the forex venture was said to be in the RM30 billion region but Deputy Finance Minister Donald Lim told the Dewan Rakyat gave a significantly lower number of RM5.7 billion. The opposition had promised to open up investigations into the scandal if they are voted to power at the upcoming national polls. Syamsul said the BNM must also clear Anwar's name if details disclosed on the scandal contradicts Lim's accusation that the former deputy prime minister must be held accountable for the mishap.
|
| Syed Mokhtar’s debts raising fear of future bailout, says Tony Pua Posted: 26 Sep 2012 02:29 PM PDT
Hafidz Baharom, The Malaysian Insider The combined debt of RM34.3 billion accrued by companies owned by Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary is causing genuine fears of a bailout using taxpayers' money, the DAP's Tony Pua said today. The Petaling Jaya Utara MP told reporters that his attempt to raise the issue in Parliament was thwarted when the Speaker rejected his question to the Finance Ministry on the basis that his query was based on assumptions. "If a group of companies owe RM34.3 billion, when one entity cannot pay its debt, the ability of all the companies to pay their debts will be affected. "In 1997, the government had to bail out companies, they had to buy out the LRT, give a loan to Tan Sri Halim Saad who had to pull of a corporate exercise and this led to RM3.2 billion not paid back," Pua said, referring to the collapse of the Renong Group during the financial crisis in 1997. Pua said he regretted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also finance minister, chose not to answer his question in Parliament today as the debt also raises the risk of a financial crisis. "His (Syed Mokhtar) companies owe RM34.3 billion, more than 10 per cent of the national corporate debt; Renong owed about RM20 billion, which was only 8 per cent. "This is a serious matter and a threat to the finance and banking industry of this country," Pua said. Syed Mokhtar has holdings in hotelier Tradewinds, MMC Corporation and earlier this year won the bid to privatise Penang Port which sparked criticism on both sides of the political aisle. Barisan Nasional (BN) Backbenchers Club deputy chief Bung Mokhtar Radin has said that "Syed Mokhtar is like a king with so many banks backing him."
|
| Nazri: No probe into ‘copgate’ Posted: 26 Sep 2012 01:47 PM PDT Home Minister rejected the setting up of an inquiry due to 'lack of evidence', says Minister in PM's Department. Anisah Shukry, FMT The government has not initiated any investigation against former IGP Musa Hasan's alleged links to Johor underworld figures, Parliament was told today. Minister in the PM's Department, Nazri Abdul Aziz, in a written reply to Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, said that Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had rejected the setting up of an inquiry due to "lack of evidence". This is despite the fact that Hishammuddin having admitted to receiving a 2007 letter from former Commercial Crime Investigation Department Chief Ramli Yusuff's lawyer. The letter from Ramli allegedly detailed the actions leading to the exposure of the identity of police informants who had helped in the arrest of Goh Cheng Poh and BK Tan. Nazri also said that as no police report had been lodged over the matter, the authorities had not initiated any investigations since the issue first surfaced six months ago. "No police report was lodged over the exposé by Ramli Yusuff regarding the former IGP's links with these two underword figures whilst he was in service with the PDRM," he said. "As such, no investigations have been made by the police over the issue." Nazri said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) had also not received a single complaint over the matter. But he added that the authorities would investigate if any police reports or complaints were made in the future. Local online media reported in March that several police informants had allegedly been forced to implicate six police officers probing the case of Goh Cheng Poh, also known as 'Tengku Goh'. It is also claimed that AG Abdul Gani Patail, then police chief Musa Hassan and Tengku Goh were behind the move which lead to Goh's release from his restricted residence in Kelantan.
|
| Posted: 26 Sep 2012 01:41 PM PDT The leakage of the audio recording involving Mansor Othman is seen as an internal sabotage of PKR's interest in Penang. Hawkeye, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Penang PKR liaison chairman Mansor Othman should act decisively when going after the culprit who allegedly leaked raunchy details of an informal state PKR meeting held earlier this year, said the outspoken Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak. The leak found its way to an online news portal before it created a ripple this week after TV3 broadcast a purported recording of a private conversation that Mansor allegedly had with his PKR members concerning the general election and the standing of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Mansor, the Deputy Chief Minister (I), had allegedly uttered the words "cocky and arrogant" to describe Lim, while also stating that the latter is regarded as a "tokong" (deity) in the eyes of the electorate here. Rahmad said Mansor needed to act fast while at the same time, in a transparent manner to allay concerns that PKR and DAP are no longer on the best terms in Penang. "We are also worried as a community that Mansor, being the highest ranked Malay in the state government, is allegedly having problems with Lim. "Both do not seem to be on the same page. This does not augur well for Pakatan Rakyat. "This is no laughing matter as the public here are disturbed to hear about the alleged disagreements between PKR and DAP out in the open. "It does not reflect a sense of confidence that the state government is united in one purpose, which is to serve the people here well after decades of sub par performances by the previous Barisan Nasional government," Rahmad said in an interview.
|
| Posted: 26 Sep 2012 11:05 AM PDT
(The Star) - The George Soros-linked Media Development Loan Fund (MDLF) chief executive officer Harlan M. Mandel is one of three directors of Mkini Dotcom that runs Malaysiakini while several Opposition figures are among its 50 shareholders. Mandel, who is based in Brooklyn, New York, was appointed as a director in July last year, according to the Mkini Dotcom profile. The MDLF has been funding Malaysiakini operations for over a decade. Subang MP R. Sivarasa, who is PKR's vice-president, admits that he is a shareholder. Sivarasa said he paid RM5,000 for 5,000 units of shares when he was invited to contribute towards the setting up of the Internet news portal 13 years ago. "It was for a worthy cause. And I still own that 5,000 shares out of Mkini's 4.5 million issued shares," he said in an interview. Sivarasa, another shareholder Bruno Gentil Pereira, and director Premesh Chandran are also activists linked to Suaram. Other shareholders include the Selangor Mentri Besar's press secretary Arfa'eza Aziz. Malaysiakini and Suaram have come under the spotlight following reports claiming they were among several organisations that were receiving foreign funding. The two main contributors are the American-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the George Soros-linked Open Society Institute (OSI), which have been financing groups supporting its objectives around the world. OSI is linked to MDLF which in turn claims to be a mission- driven investment fund for independent news outlets in countries with a history of media oppression. MDLF holds 1.316 million units of shares in Mkini, while Premesh and another director Steven Gan own 1.385 million and 1.328 million shares respectively. Premesh had said MDLF owned about 29% of the company shares while its co-founders and staff owned the rest. Despite these and other revelations, Premesh maintained that the portal maintained its editorial independence but several bloggers questioned how he could claim so since there are several Opposition personalities listed as shareholders. According to its financial report that can be obtained from the Companies Commission of Malaysia for the year ended Dec 31, 2011, Mkini recorded a drop in revenue from RM1.85mil in 2010 to RM1.63mil last year. However, its "other income" increased from RM3.26mil in 2010 to RM3.7mil last year. Its operating and administrative expenses was RM5.1mil. According to Mkini.blogspot. com, it received grants from the Dutch Embassy in Malaysia, Canadian International Development Agency, NED, OSI, International Centre for Journalists, Free Voice, and Friedrich Naumann Foundation, apart from MDLF and South-East Asian Press Alliance (Seapa). |
| Posted: 26 Sep 2012 10:58 AM PDT
(Economic Policy Journal) - A curious link between George Soros and the CIA has emerged as a result of disclosures of funding of a Malaysian media organization by the National Endowment for Democracy. It turns out it was NED funding and Soros funding. NED has long been known as a CIA front. In the clip below, one time CIA case officer Phil Agee describes the developments that led up to the formation of NED and how NED operates. This is all noteworthy with regard to Soros, since the Malaysiakini, a Malaysian media organization, has just admitted receiving funds from NED. Read more and watch the video at: http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2012/09/the-cia-soros-partnership.html |
| GST a ploy to hide economic ills, says Pakatan Posted: 26 Sep 2012 10:55 AM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Putrajaya's desire to implement the goods and services tax (GST) in the future is an easy way get more money and divert attention away from economic problems such as inefficiency and corruption, says Pakatan Rakyat (PR) While the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is not expected to introduce the GST till after the general election, Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala was quoted in the Wall Street Journal yesterday that he expects the proposed GST to help boost state revenue and help put an end to the federal budget deficit by 2020. PKR's strategy chief Rafizi Ramli said Malaysia did not meet the conditions for the introduction of GST and it was being used as a "shortcut" to reduce the budget deficit instead of addressing fundamental flaws in the country's economy. "GST is a red herring to cover those economic weaknesses," Rafizi told The Malaysian Insider. He noted that if the ruling coalition instead stamped out rent-seeking activities, corruption and cronyism it would boost economic growth which would in turn boost government income. Rafizi also noted that in other countries, GST was used as a substitute tax, meaning that income tax would be cut if the consumption tax was implemented which amounts to the net effect of the new tax being neutral. He pointed out however that if it was implemented in Malaysia, the net effect would be an additional tax burden on large numbers of Malaysians whose earnings currently fall below the taxable income threshold. Rafizi said that based on PKR's means testing, which involved evaluating the size of the economy, government revenue and people's income levels, Malaysia was a poor candidate for GST at the moment. "There are pre-requisites for GST, you can't implement as you wish," he said. DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua said that while GST was supposed to broaden the tax base as only an estimated 10 per cent of Malaysians currently pay income tax, the question that needed to be asked was why were so many Malaysians earning so little as to fall below the taxable threshold. He said that even if 10 per cent out of the people who are not currently paying tax are tax dodgers, GST still would not make sense as it meant that many more low-income Malaysians would be burdened. "If they can't earn enough, why should they be burdened with additional taxes," he said. "People's incomes have not increased significantly." Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/gst-a-ploy-to-hide-economic-ills-says-pakatan/
|
| US calls Assange 'enemy of state' Posted: 26 Sep 2012 10:53 AM PDT  Julian Assange ... "enemy of the state". Photo: AFP (The Sydney Morning Herald) - THE US military has designated Julian Assange and WikiLeaks as enemies of the United States - the same legal category as the al-Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban insurgency. Declassified US Air Force counter-intelligence documents, released under US freedom-of-information laws, reveal that military personnel who contact WikiLeaks or WikiLeaks supporters may be at risk of being charged with "communicating with the enemy", a military crime that carries a maximum sentence of death. The documents, some originally classified "Secret/NoForn" - not releasable to non-US nationals - record a probe by the air force's Office of Special Investigations into a cyber systems analyst based in Britain who allegedly expressed support for WikiLeaks and attended pro-Assange demonstrations in London. The counter-intelligence investigation focused on whether the analyst, who had a top-secret security clearance and access to the US military's Secret Internet Protocol Router network, had disclosed classified or sensitive information to WikiLeaks supporters, described as an "anti-US and/or anti-military group". The suspected offence was "communicating with the enemy, 104-D", an article in the US Uniform Code of Military Justice that prohibits military personnel from "communicating, corresponding or holding intercourse with the enemy". The analyst's access to classified information was suspended. However, the investigators closed the case without laying charges. The analyst denied leaking information. Mr Assange remains holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London. He was granted diplomatic asylum on the grounds that if extradited to Sweden to be questioned about sexual assault allegations, he would be at risk of extradition to the US to face espionage or conspiracy charges arising from the leaking of hundreds of thousands of secret US military and diplomatic reports. US Vice-President Joe Biden labelled Mr Assange a "high-tech terrorist" in December 2010 and US congressional leaders have called for him to be charged with espionage.
|
| Najib betting on generous budget Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:35 PM PDT With the general election looming, the prime minister is expected to announce measures to help poorer families. (Reuters) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is expected to unveil a voter-pleasing budget on Friday, placing the priority on winning a tough election above addressing the country's rising debt burden. Economists say Najib will likely delay much-needed reforms to broaden Malaysia's tax base and reduce its dependence on oil revenues to at least next year, while announcing measures to help poorer families struggling with rising living costs. Strong revenues in 2012 mean Najib can afford to be generous in the budget for next year without alarming financial markets, but further signs of fiscal slippage would add to investor concerns over a steady deterioration in Malaysia's finances. Malaysia's public debt as a percentage of GDP is just short of its self-imposed ceiling of 55% – up from 43% in 2008 – while its budget deficit of 4.7% in the first half of 2012 is the third-biggest in Asia after Japan and India. Fitch Ratings said in August that Malaysia's public finances were weak compared with other countries on equivalent sovereign ratings (A minus) and on a par with heavily indebted countries such as Italy and Israel. "Very plainly this is going to be an election budget. It's going to be generous," said Irvin Seah, an economist at DBS Bank in Singapore. "At this point, the need for political support will take precedence over some economic considerations." Najib must call an election by next April and has already announced a series of handouts this year, including RM2.6 billion (US$847 million) in cash payments to poor families, to shore up support for the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. Although the coalition is widely expected to win the election, it suffered its worst-ever performance in 2008 polls and faces perhaps the closest-ever election this time as the opposition gains ground. 'People-friendly' The economy grew at a brisk annual pace of 5.4% in the second quarter, but many lower-income and middle-class earners complain their salaries have not kept pace with rising living costs and surging house prices. "The budget will be people-friendly and will ensure the country will achieve its goal to become a high-income nation by 2020," Deputy Finance Minister Donald Lim told reporters yesterday. Helped by strong economic growth, Malaysia's revenues for 2012 are expected to top RM200 billion, well above the government's RM187 billion target. But public spending is also growing, raising doubts over whether the government can achieve its goal of keeping the fiscal deficit at 4.7% of GDP this year. Several large infrastructure projects, including the RM50 billion Mass Rapid Transit transport project in Kuala Lumpur, are helping insulate Malaysia from slowing activity around the world but also risk increasing its debt burden. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Fitch recently warned of rising fiscal pressures in Malaysia that could lead to a downgrade. "While we are relatively positive about Malaysia's growth and inflation outlook, we are concerned about its fiscal position," said Credit Suisse analyst Santitarn Sathirathai in a research note. The ratings agencies want the government to introduce a goods and services tax (GST) to widen its revenue base in a country where only about 10 percent of the workforce pays income taxes and to cut fuel subsidies that are among Asia's highest. Malaysian policymakers have signalled they plan to implement those reforms, but not before the upcoming election. Najib is expected to set the deficit target for 2013 lower than the 4.7% goal for this year. In one bow to fiscal discipline, he is unlikely to announce any corporate or individual income tax cuts. Gundy Cahyadi, an economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore, said the government will be hoping that the heavy spending now will pay off in coming years through higher revenues. "People forget that it's just like any business decision – you need to invest a lot at the initial stage."
|
| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 04:05 PM PDT The call is growing louder for the government to bar controversial Muslim preacher from coming here. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Hindraf Makkal Sakti and a local Gerakan leader have called on the government to bar controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik from Malaysia. Former president of Malaysian chapter of Transparency International, Tunku Aziz Ibrahim, meanwhile cautioned Zakir not to "come here and insult Malaysians". Hindraf national coordinator W Sambulingam was uncompromising with the movement's stand, saying that Zakir must be banned from the country. He said Zakir was known for pouring scorns on other faiths, pointing out that the controversial orator was banned in Canada and United Kingdom. He said Zakir would be a menace to the country's multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-culture and multi-language landscape. "He is a national threat against peace and harmony that we all cherish. He must be barred and banned altogether. "He is the last person that Malaysia wants," Sambulingam told FMT here today. Gerakan's Baljit Singh concurred with Sambulingam, saying that Malaysia had no place for religious fanatics like Zakir. He said the government should be sensitive to all religious sentiments as Zakir would likely insult other religions in his speeches. "His reputation precedes him," said Baljit, who heads Penang Gerakan's legal and human rights bureau. He noted that all Malaysians had demonstrated a united stand in condemning the controversial US-made movie "Innocence of Muslims". Similarly, he called on all Malaysians to also speak out with one voice to compel the government to stop Zakir coming here. Zakir of Mumbai, India, is expected to address several forums across the country, including in PWTC, until Oct 7. "Malaysians should demonstrate their consistent stand against religious extremism. It's time for all Malaysians to oppose Zakir and stop him from coming here," said Baljit. "The government should not issue a visa to Zakir. The government should be sensitive to all religions," he added.
|
| Speaker blocks debate on AG Gani Patail Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:10 PM PDT In a letter to Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, Dewan Rakyat secretary Rosmee Hamzah said that oral questions posed at the House should not be based on hearsay and insults. G Vinod, FMT Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai's application to submit an oral question to debate on the allegations contained in the controversial book "Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail Pemalsu, Penipu, Penjenayah" was rejected by the Dewan Rakyat. In a letter to Tan, Dewan Rakyat secretary Rosmee Hamzah said that any questions at Parliament should not be based on hearsay and insults. "Standing Order 23 (1) C states that oral questions should not be based on prejudice, slander, praises, insults, confusing terms or any issue which is trivial," said Rosmee. A copy of the letter was also sent to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia and Home Ministry secretary Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi. In August, former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel member Robert Phang challenged Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to deny the allegations made in the book authored by Zainal Abidin Ahmad. The book lists details on Gani's alleged criminal acts ranging from abuse of power, corruption to other criminal acts. "I challenge the MACC and the police to probe the allegations made against Gani by the author," Phang was reported saying. He also lodged a police report against Gani. Gani has come under fire from various quarters over the years, with even former Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim calling Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to establish a tribunal to investigate the alleged wrong-doings of the AG. The former policeman alleged that Gani had tampered with evidence during the Sodomy I trial in 1998 involving former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. "I believe Zainal, by himself, is unable to prove Gani's wrongdoings. But I can, and am able and ready to prove the allegations against Gani, in particular with regard to the falsification and fabrication in the investigation of the black-eye incident that is being debated until today," Mat Zain reportedly said.
|
| Mansor did not deny audio contents Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:04 PM PDT PKR has identified the culprit who allegedly leaked the incriminating audio recording involving Penang DCM Mansor Othman. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Just when PKR thought the worst was over, the CAT has reared its ugly head again, much to the chagrin of the party's Penang chief and Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman. CAT here is not the "competency, accountability and transparency" tune routinely sung by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng about his Pakatan Rakyat state administration. In this instance CAT means "cocky, arrogant, tokong", a refence Mansor allegedly made to Lim. Ties between the two top state leaders are now at its lowest ebb, with Pakatan sources claiming that "Lim is really pissed off with Mansor". Mansor had allegedly voiced these words during a closed door meeting between him and come local Chinese leaders, including incumbent elected representatives. An alleged audio recording of the closed door meeting was aired during TV3′s prime time Monday night. If the audio recording was authentic, as claimed by TV3 sources, then Mansor could clearly be heard using the words "angkuh" (cocky) and "sombong" (arrogant). He also allegedly described Lim as a "tokong" (deity) to the Chinese community. When the CAT controversy emerged as a hot issue last month, Mansor denied he described Lim as "cocky and arrogant", but admitted saying "tokong" in a positive note. But, when asked today, Mansor did not deny the aired audio recording contents, instead suggested that the leaking and airing of audio recording were all tied up with the coming general election. He mused over how much the television station paid to obtain the audio recording. Whether or not Mansor's alleged description of Lim was spot on, the Penanti assemblyman has surely fueled Lim's wrath. Mansor now faces a tough political future in Penang so long as Lim, from Malacca, hangs around in the island-state. A PKR source said Mansor, who is a party vice-president, must now move out of Penang to safeguard his political interests, alleging that Lim could be "vindictive and vengeful." The source said PKR feared that Lim would order DAP leaders and members not to help Mansor's campaign in the coming general election. The leaked details of the meeting were first published in June postings of a blog "Gelagat Anwar", which sources said was being operated by some insiders close with a top state PKR leader. In its postings in June 16, 18 and 19, the blog revealed that state PKR deputy chief Law Choo Kiang, Bukit Bendera division deputy chief Felix Ooi, Bayan Baru deputy chief Tan Seng Keat, 2004 candidate for Bayan Baru Raymond Ong, Tanjung Youth chief Ng Chek Siang; Batu Uban chief Cheah Peng Guan and Mansor's assistant John Ooi were among those who attended the casual meeting. Notable absentees were assemblymen Jason Ong Khan Lee of Kebun Bunga, Tan Hock Leong of Machang Bubok, Sim Tze Tzin of Pantai Jerejak and Ong Chin Wen of Bukit Tengah.
|
| Bersih: We got funds only once Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:42 PM PDT
(The Star) - The Bersih movement had received funds from the George Soros-linked Open Society Foundation only once, which was for an electoral delineation project last year, said Bersih chairman Datuk S. Ambiga. The group is now "fully supported" by Malaysians, she told a press conference here yesterday. Present were representatives from five other non-governmental groups the Centre for Independent Journalism, Lawyers for Liberty, Merdeka Centre, Southeast Centre for E-Media and Suaram. Ambiga said the Open Society promoted democracy and there was "nothing wrong" receiving funds from it. "All these about him being responsible for the (1997/98 Asian economy) collapse should be looked at again," she said, in an apparent reference to a report in an English newspaper that blamed Soros for wrecking the Malaysian economy in 1997/98 through currency speculation. Ambiga said there were many sides to the story, with some saying that locals not Soros were responsible for it. Ambiga said another English daily had written a "one-sided and irresponsible" report that two global funders and nine organisations were part of a "plot to destabilise the Government". She has demanded an apology from the paper within 48 hours. In a statement released at the end of the press conference, Bersih and the other groups claimed that the report in the daily was a crude attack on civil society in Malaysia.
|
| Pro-Aspirasi sweeps to victory in campus polls Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:27 PM PDT
(The Star) - The pro-establishment group, Pro-Aspirasi, has won with huge majorities in campus elections in seven public universities. It won in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). In UPM, Pro-Aspirasi took 39 of the 47 seats while Pro-Mahasiswa bagged seven. Pro-Aspirasi candidates also swept 34 of 36 seats in UUM, 18 of 20 seats in UMT, 22 of 24 in UMP and won every seat in UPNM. Fifteen public universities held their campus elections yesterday. Pro-Aspirasi is seen to be pro-establishment while Pro-Mahasiswa is perceived to be anti-establishment. However, in Universiti Malaya (UM), conflicting reports have emerged about who actually won the campus elections. Although the Pro-Mahasiswa student group claimed that it had won 22 of the 43 seats contested, edging out its rival which had 19 seats, Pro-Aspirasi insisted that it had actually won 21 while Pro-Mahasiswa only bagged 20. Two more seats were tied between the two groups. Marwan Kahar, chairman of Penggerak Mahasiswa, which is in the UM's Pro-Aspirasi camp, claimed that the Pro-Mahasiswa supporters had jumped the gun in declaring their win. "Of the 22 candidates they claim are theirs, two candidates are actually independent. "We'll leave these two candidates to decide which side they'll be on," he said. However, Pro-Mahasiswa alleged that their rivals actually only garnered 17 seats instead of 19 because the other two seats were won by independents. The UM campus polls results are unofficial as it is subject to a 24-hour objection period and a further 24-hour appeal period. The final results will only be known tomorrow. In Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Pro-Mahasiswa won 18 out of the 28 seats while Pro-Aspirasi bagged 10. Pro-Aspirasi won most of the 45 seats contested in the three Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) campuses in Penang and Kelantan. At the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), deputy rector (Student Affairs) Datuk Dr Mizan Hitam said the election results could not be formally announced due to a technical problem during the e-voting process. "Some votes were not captured due to the incomplete encryption process," he said, adding that a re-election exercise was expected to be carried out in a week's time.
|
| Clip of DCM’s remarks on Guan Eng on the Net Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:15 PM PDT
(The Star) - An audio clip, purportedly of Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman describing Lim Guan Eng as "cocky and arrogant", has been leaked on the Net. The recording was posted by YouTube user akulah7704, with slide photos of Mansor and the chief minister flashed on the screen, under the title Pendedahan Penipuan Timbalan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang (Exposing the lies of Penang deputy chief minister). Mansor, who is state PKR chief, had allegedly remarked that Penangites viewed the chief minister as a tokong (deity). On Monday night, TV3 aired on its prime time news bulletin the recording of the remarks, said to be made at a party meeting in March to discuss the general election. Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Mansor said action would be taken against those who leaked the minutes of the meeting. "There have been some findings on the investigations," he said, declining to disclose more information. "This is a party matter. Action will be taken," he said, after presenting mock keys for low-cost units to 57 families affected by the third phase construction of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway here. Mansor said the surfacing of the audio clip was a smear tactic because of the looming general election, reiterating that he had not seen the news programme. "I know there was a news report but I did not see it. I was away at the time. "The elections are coming, that is all I have to say." Asked to comment on the issue, Lim said: "TV3 likes to twist and turn." bGr-exGnlAg SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGr-exGnlAg
|
| GE13 to show if Malays will ditch Umno, says Zaid Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:05 PM PDT
Jahabar Sadiq, The Malaysian Insider The next general elections will reveal if the majority Malays are ready to abandon "the path chosen for them by Umno for the last 55 years" and seek other answers to the problems they face, says political maverick Datuk Zaid Ibrahim. The former Umno minister said he sensed the Malay nationalist party was fearful of the community's changing mindset, which has prompted Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to castigate "so-called ungrateful Malays" recently. His comments came as a Universiti Malaya survey showed that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) will continue to govern the country despite rising support for Pakatan Rakyat (PR). "This election, more than the previous ones, will show if the Malays and the Bumiputeras are ready to abandon the path chosen for them by Umno for the last 55 years," Zaid said in an email to The Malaysian Insider. "This election will show if they are now ready to trust themselves. For so long, they have implicit and absolute trust in their leaders. The question is will they continue to do that or will they seek alternative answers to the many problems they face in their daily lives," he added.
The original Alliance comprising Umno, MCA and MIC was expanded to become BN in the 1974 election, after the 1969 race riots that cost Tunku Abdul Rahman his job. Umno was later deregistered in 1988 after a leadership split led to the discovery of illegal branches. The current Umno is officially registered as Umno Baru. A splinter group in 1951 later became known as PAS, which advocates an Islamist state. BN suffered historic losses in Election 2008, losing five states and its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority. The defeat prompted Tun Abdullah Badawi to resign a year later as prime minister in favour of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has been tirelessly campaigning to win back support for the ruling BN. Najib has promised reforms but has yet to indicate when he will call for the election, which must be held by middle of 2013. Former prime minister Dr Mahathir (right) has said November would be ideal for a snap election and, while calling the Malays "ungrateful" and "lacking intelligence", warned that the greed of a few power-hungry Malays in the opposition would see the country's dominant race lose its political power. In his lengthy tirade against the Malays in the Mingguan Malaysia weekly on Sunday, Dr Mahathir expressed sadness that the Malays were now purportedly split into three factions and said that this has resulted in them "begging" for support from the other races. "Who brought on this disaster? No other than the Malays themselves, greedy Malays, Malays lacking in intelligence, Malays easily influenced by lust, easily dominated by hatred when agitated," he continued in typical no-holds-barred fashion.
|
| PKFZ trial postponed as Liong Sik hospitalised Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:57 PM PDT
Hafidz Baharom, The Malaysian Insider Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's cheating trial involving the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal was today interrupted suddenly when the former minister fell ill midway through his testimony and was rushed to the hospital. "My client has been taken ill, and we would like to request a postponement because he is suffering from low blood sugar and needs to be rushed to hospital for treatment," Dr Ling's defence lawyer, Wong Kian Kheong, told the court. Judge Datuk Ahmadi Asnawi said the hearing will resume on Friday.
|
| Dr M called to testify in Liong Sik trial Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:52 PM PDT Hafidz Baharom, The Malaysian Insider Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been issued a court order to testify in defence of former Cabinet minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's ongoing cheating trial involving the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), a source disclosed today. "He's been subpoenaed. For the week starting October 8," a spokesman for the defence team told reporters at court, referring to Malaysia's fourth and longest-serving prime minister of 22 years. Dr Mahathir, who was in office from 1981 to October 2003, had previously been implicated in the multi-billion ringgit land scandal that began as a project aimed at turning Port Klang into a regional transport hub. In his previous testimony last July 13, Dr Ling told the court that Dr Mahathir had been kept "fully involved" throughout the entire conception process of the PKFZ project. "The PM was kept fully involved in everything I did. He (Dr Mahathir) was so kind... he knew I was onto something good so I could fly overseas anytime. "Because when I have meetings with shipping agencies abroad, I cannot wait for Cabinet to approve my leave so he would let me go," he said then when asked to explain how the idea for PKFZ had come about. "In any government, if the PM supports you, three-quarters of the battle is won... and he (Dr Mahathir) was so supportive," he added. The former transport minister who served for 17 years from January 1986 to May 2003 launched into a lengthy tale behind the conception of the PKFZ, which he said was mooted to save the country's busiest port from further decline and to lift it to become one of the world's top 10 ports. The former MCA president is charged with deceiving the Cabinet into approving the purchase of 999.5 acres of land for the PKFZ project, which had resulted in wrongful losses for the government. He also faces two alternative charges of deceiving the Cabinet into believing that the terms of the purchase — at RM25 psf plus 7.5 per cent interest — were acknowledged and agreed to by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) despite knowing that there was no such agreement. Dr Ling faces a possible jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both, if convicted on the first charge under Section 418 of the Penal Code. The alternative charges carry a lighter sentence of five years' jail, or a fine, or both. The trial before High Court judge Datuk Ahmadi Asnawi will resume this Friday.
|
| Another round of fun and games? Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:43 PM PDT
(Free Malaysia Today) - In view of the impending 13th general election, the budget to be presented this Friday will certainly have many goodies to woo the voters but, according to Dzulkefly, whatever is doled out now will be regained a hundredfold and more by the incumbent government via the GST (goods and services tax) if it continues to win at the polls. Last week, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has asked the rakyat to give him a fresh full-term mandate in the coming 13th general election. He must have thought that we, the ordinary rakyat, have failed in our maths. The reason why this columnist makes this statement can be explained as follows: Najib took the oath of office on April 3, 2009. By Oct 3 this year, he will have been prime minister for three and a half years. And if the polls are held in March next year, it will be nearly four years that he has been prime minister. If we were to give him a fresh full-term mandate, he will have been prime minister between eight and a half to nine years overall. Do we want another round of fun and games pertaining to the polls date? Certainly not this columnist! Another round of this silly game will truly drive a lot of businessmen and investors up the wall. For the sake of good governance, it is time to end this tiresome game although the prime minister himself seems to be enjoying all the speculation going around. Many business owners certainly do not find it amusing nor entertaining. The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has earlier this year issued a statement that they preferred the polls to be held fast. "Of course, the polls date is the prime minister's prerogative but he seems to enjoy taunting the rakyat with it," said Dzulkefly Ahmad, the PAS Kuala Selangor MP. In the meantime, three businessmen from an Asian country are having a good laugh at our expense. Their conversation was overheard by this columnist at the food court in a popular tourist spot in Kuala Lumpur. The first businessman was heard saying, "Look at Malaysia's massive national debt. Who would have thought that they would incur so much debt when they have so much natural resources?" The second businessman commented that Malaysia, however, did quite well in the recent Olympics. The third businessman remarked that while that may be so, the transport system in Malaysia has seen very little improvement. "If the current incumbent government continues to win at the polls, then Malaysia will continue to lag behind in Asia," added the third businessman. Slipping further No one in the 1960s and 1970s would have thought that Malaysia would be lagging behind some of its Asian neighbours years later. It is definitely a sorry state of affairs for Malaysians. And the only way forward for Malaysia to mount a serious challenge in the international stage in terms of economy and finance is to vote in a better government. Otherwise, we will continue to fall behind and slip further down the rankings. In the World Economic Forum (WEF) rankings, we have slipped from 21 to 25. We have also seen a deterioration in the Government Budget Balancing Ranking by slipping from 96 to 110 whereas in terms of inequality of wealth, even Indonesia at 36.8 fares better than Malaysia which stands at 46.2. Our heyday seems to be slipping away. We must have a slogan like: "Stop Corruption, Save Malaysia." Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/09/26/another-round-of-fun-and-games/ |
| Should Malaysia bear the burden of Australian radioactive waste? Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:33 PM PDT
In other words, the Australia-based Lynas Corporation's wastes will not be an Australian problem. Instead, they will be a Malaysian and South China Sea regional problem. Australian Mining The radioactive waste generated by an Australian-owned rare earth extraction factory in Malaysia has generated a firestorm of controversy. The factory – the world's largest – is owned by Lynas Corporation, and will extract rare earths from materials shipped in from Western Australia. The factory is at Gebeng, near the city of Kuantan in Malaysia. The population of the metropolitan area is about 700,000. The factory is located very near to the South China Sea. At full capacity, it will be the world's largest rare earth extraction plant: about 22,000 tonnes of rare earth elements per annum will be extracted from material shipped in all the way from Mount Weld, Western Australia. The wastes from production will include radioactive thorium and uranium and their radioactive decay products such as radium and radon. The wastes will not be shipped back to Australia for safe disposal since Australian authorities have explicitly refused to accept them. Lynas has been granted a temporary operating license (TOL) for two years, and a generous 12-year tax exemption. But the project lacks an International Atomic Energy Agency-recommended long-term waste management plan, and there is no "permanent disposal facility" (PDF) for the wastes. Critics are alarmed by the fact that no Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) has been done, no long term waste management plan exists. Meanwhile, wastes are to be stored temporarily onsite. Lee Bell of the National Toxics Network estimated (based on the experience of China) that 22,500 tonnes of radioactive waste (containing water) will be produced per annum. Non-radioactive wastes include:
 Construction has gone ahead at Lynas' rare earths factory, despite concerns about radioactive waste. EPA/Ahmad Yusni Lynas also plans to have liquid discharge of 500 tonnes per hour into the nearby Balok River which flows into the South China Sea. The site is on reclaimed swampy, peat land with a high water table. What's more, it was actually flooded during the monsoon season of 2011-2012. Lynas' "Radioactive Waste Management Plan"¹ is as follows. Wastes generated are to be processed into synthetic gypsum for the manufacture of plaster board; gypsum for the manufacture of cement; magnesium-rich gypsum fertilizer for plantations, crops and for soil remediation; and carbon-enriched magnesium gypsum fertilizer to rejuvenate acidic soils. Lynas alleges that any material remaining can either be "disposed safely in a secure municipal landfill" if classified as non-scheduled wastes or "disposed at a licensed facility" if classified as scheduled wastes by the Malaysian Department of the Environment. Wastes are also to be commercialised as road building material, failing which it will be "permanently isolated" (whatever this means). The public lacks confidence in the regulatory authorities because of experience with the earlier Asian Rare Earth (ARE) project in Bukit Merah, Malaysia. This was partly owned by Mitsubishi. Its aim was to extract the rare earth yttrium from monazite ore. Read more at: http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/features/should-malaysia-bear-the-burden-of-australian-radi
|
| Najib May Extend Handouts as Malaysia Vote Nears Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:29 PM PDT
(Bloomberg) - "This will likely be another populist budget and the last spending spree before elections are called," said Chua Hak Bin, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Singapore, who has covered Malaysia for more than a decade. "Measures to seriously tackle the fiscal deficit and rising public debt will likely be absent. Fiscal reforms will have to come next year, after the general election."
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's efforts to build support ahead of national elections may spur more handouts to the poor and bonuses for civil servants, limiting progress in reducing the 2013 budget deficit. The country will probably post a shortfall of 4.3 percent of gross domestic product for next year, according to the median estimate of eight economists in a Bloomberg News survey before Najib presents spending plans on Sept. 28. The deficit would exceed 4 percent for a sixth year after a 4.7 percent gap projected by the government for 2012. Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings have recommended tighter public finances after Najib, 59, raised state salaries, handed cash to low-income households and unveiled rail and road projects to spur growth. The ruling coalition won re-election in 2008 by the smallest margin since 1957, and its five-decade grip on power will again be tested in a vote due by early 2013. "This will likely be another populist budget and the last spending spree before elections are called," said Chua Hak Bin, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Singapore, who has covered Malaysia for more than a decade. "Measures to seriously tackle the fiscal deficit and rising public debt will likely be absent. Fiscal reforms will have to come next year, after the general election." While the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index has fallen about 2 percent from its record close on Sept. 4, retailers such as Aeon Co. (M) Bhd. and Padini Holdings Bhd. may benefit from measures to boost incomes, according to Maybank Investment Bank Bhd. Record BudgetMalaysia's 2013 budget will be 259 billion ringgit ($84 billion), bigger than last year's record 232.8 billion ringgit, Citigroup Inc. estimates. The government, which joins counterparts from Thailand to the Philippines in increasing spending to protect their economies from the European debt crisis and a faltering U.S. recovery, proposed in June to expand the 2012 annual allocation by 13.4 billion ringgit. The spending boost has helped support Southeast Asia's third-largest economy even as the global recovery faltered, with expansion accelerating to 5.4 percent last quarter as construction and consumption climbed. Stronger domestic demand, particularly investment spending, is helping lift tax revenue and prevent the fiscal deficit from worsening, Chua said. Low Cost"Spending can be front-loaded, to coincide with elections, without harming the structural fiscal position," said Aninda Mitra, a Singapore-based economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. "The Malaysian government's low cost access to local-currency finance, its net external creditor status and recent reforms of its public-sector enterprises provide a cushion against near-term fiscal risks." Over the "medium-term," the rating implications of the drawdown of the current-account surplus amid "a continuing absence of structural fiscal reforms" remain a concern, he said. The cost to protect Malaysia's sovereign debt from non- payment has more than halved since last year's budget. Five-year credit default swaps fell to 91 from 213 on Oct. 3, 2011, according to data provider CMA, which is owned by McGraw-Hill Cos. and compiles prices quoted by dealers in the privately negotiated market. Najib may announce this week measures to make housing more affordable and highlight large construction projects underway, according to Citigroup. He may also repeat a one-off cash handout of 500 ringgit to low-income families, a measure from the 2012 budget, and give a half-month bonus for civil servants, said Lee Heng Guie, chief economist at CIMB Investment Bank. The prime minister will probably delay implementing a goods and services tax next year, United Overseas Bank Ltd. said. Political Bang"Expenditure will likely be reallocated to groups that deliver the best political bang for the buck," said Kit Wei Zheng, a Singapore-based economist at Citigroup. "With the threat of credit rating downgrades, unless progress is made on fiscal consolidation, the budget will have to walk a tight-rope between populism and fiscal prudence." Read more at: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-09-25/najib-may-extend-handouts-as-malaysia-vote-nears-southeast-asia |
| Zahid: If not for infighting, UMNO can do better Posted: 24 Sep 2012 09:31 PM PDT
(Harakah) - Top UMNO leaders continue giving mixed signals about the party's chances of surviving the next general election, which must be called within the next nine months. Quoted by Malay daily Sinar Harian, UMNO vice president Zahid gave a less optimistic prediction, saying UMNO would likely perform better than 2008 but not as good as 2004, when BN won by a landslide majority.
|
| Gerakan says stands by claims Guan Eng is corrupt, tenancy doctored Posted: 24 Sep 2012 08:03 PM PDT
Opalyn Mok, The Malaysian Insider Gerakan said today it stands by its accusations that the Penang chief minister is corrupt and that a tenancy agreement of his rented residence that was publicly revealed was doctored. "We will not retract what we have said and we will not apologise," said Penang Gerakan deputy chief H'ng Khoon Leng. He said Gerakan has been raising the issue regarding the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's rented residence before the latter moved in. "We have also raised so many other issues that Lim evades from answering or responding to our allegations over the years in countless press conferences," he said. He said if Lim could not come clear with all issues raised including his rented bungalow and the controversial sale of the Taman Manggis land, then it shows that he has something to hide. "For the past three years, I have been saying that he (Lim) is corrupt but now when the elections is near, he suddenly wants to take action against me for saying this," he said. "In many press conferences, even on my Facebook profile, I have always said Lim is corrupt but it was ignored. Now, he suddenly wants to clear his name just because the general election is around the corner?" H'ng said. He said Gerakan was not afraid of Lim or the Penang state government as the issues raised are a matter of public interest and should be revealed to the public. "We based our allegations on facts and our own investigations. The issues we raised are not mere stories we made up out of nothing," he said. This morning Lim, through his political secretary Ng Wei Aik, had threatened to take action against H'ng, Gerakan Youth vice-chief Tan Kah Leong and Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng for alleging the tenancy agreement was doctored. Ng said Lim would also take action against H'ng for saying he (Lim) was corrupted if H'ng does not retract the statement within 24 hours. Ng was responding to statements made by H'ng, Kah Leong and Tee Beng that the tenancy agreement for Lim's rented residence was doctored as the landlord's name was obscured and the stamp duty was not clear. The tenancy agreement showed recently listed the rental of the house at RM5,000 a month. Lim is entitled to a RM4,000 a month housing allowance, and his office said the chief minister had been making up the balance of RM1,000 out of his own pocket.
|
| Former Usno members want seats Posted: 24 Sep 2012 07:18 PM PDT These members who have joined Umno believe it is time to 'reactivate the synergy between Umno and Usno'. (FMT) - KOTA KINABALU: Disgruntled former members of Usno in Sabah are wanting their pound of flesh from Umno, whom they claim has shown little regard for Usno historical alliance and its loyalty. Usno, which was once the backbone of the Sabah Alliance government under chief minister Mustapha Harun – from 1967 until 1976 – was the reason Umno arrived in Sabah. Usno, under Mustapha, gave Umno a shortcut entry into Sabah politics to form the government through Barisan Nasional. According to former Usno secretary-general Onn Ariffin, Usno had agreed to allow Umno into Sabah believing that the two could unite the fragmented Bumiputeras under the peninsula-based party. But that has not been the case. The Usno established by Mustapha in Kampung Ayer, Kudat, on Oct 26, 1961 was dissolved in 1991 to allow all its leaders and members to join Umno en bloc. Said Onn: "It has been 20 years since Usno allowed Umno into Sabah. Umno is here due to the blessings and sacrifice of Usno… "[But gratitude has been slow]… there are still grumblings about former Usno leaders not having opportunities to be in the political frontline." Reminding Sabah Umno chief Musa Aman of Usno's history, Onn called on the state leadership to provide room for former members who were "still capable and trusted by the people". "The leaders must allow these people to continue their struggle on Umno's platform and not ostracise or sideline them. These people are still capable and trusted by the people. "It is important for us to expose winnable leaders who have been silent all this while, " Onn said in a statement here. He also urged the Umno state leadership to take stock of the fact that the brand name "Usno" was being flogged by many parties to woo voters. "The election is nearing and we must accept the fact that the name Usno is stuck in the heart of Sabahans and has a high value as a party with a distinguished heritage in the state political history despite it not being in existence for so long. "It is now time to reactivate the synergy between Umno and Usno and whatever differences and negative thinking between them should be set aside," Onn said.
|
| Anti-hopping law against constitution, says Nazri Posted: 24 Sep 2012 03:48 PM PDT
(The Star) - ANY law that prohibits an elected representative from moving from one party to another would go against Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which protects the freedom of association, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz. "Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of association. Any individual is free to join any party without having to vacate their seats as a penalty," he told Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) in a written reply. Karpal had asked the Government whether it would support Pakatan Rakyat MPs idea in proposing a change to the Federal Constitution to bring in an "anti-hopping law". Nazri said any proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution was a policy issue which needed to be studied as a whole, next to other related laws. "The Federal and respective state constitutions, as well as the Elections Act 1958, only authorise the Election Commission to determine whether or not a seat is vacant after receiving notice from the speaker of Parliament or a state assembly." He also noted that existing laws do not empower the EC to determine penalties against elected representatives who change parties.
|
| NGOs demand NST apology for foreign plot claim Posted: 24 Sep 2012 03:35 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Six organisations are demanding an apology from the Umno-linked New Straits Times newspaper for claiming they were part of a plot to destabilise the government. The newspaper was given 48 hours to apologise, failing which the non-governmental organisations would consider legal action. In its September 21 front-page story, the NST had reported that a number of NGOs including human rights group Suaram and electoral reform organisation Bersih had received funds from foreign sources as part of a plot to destabilise the government. Activists said today they are now the target of a smear campaign after a number of newspapers aligned with Barisan Nasional (BN) published stories alleging organisations like Suaram and Bersih took foreign funds as part of a plot to destabilise the country. It is understood the stories appearing in mainstream newspapers and television news programmes are based on a skeleton plan produced by Putrajaya. Activists had previously acknowledged to The Malaysian Insider that many of their organisations had received funds from foreign and local sources, but said the money was meant to help finance their respective causes such as to promote democratic practices and campaign for human rights. They said the funds and their sources were not part of any plot, as suggested by the NST headline. A host of local non-governmental organisations were named in the NST report, including Suaram, Lawyers for Liberty, Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih) and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). A similar story also appeared in MCA-owned newspaper The Star. Both stories quoted sources and unnamed investigators probing the financial background of the NGOs. The stories pointed out that RM20 million had been received by the NGOs between 2005 and last year from foreign sources such as the Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the New York-based Open Society Institute (OSI). It was not stated why the organisations were under investigation and what they had been doing to destabilise the government or the country. But many of these organisations have been involved in recent years with campaigns for electoral reforms and for human rights. Today, six of the NGOs named said the report was unfounded and written in bad faith. "We are taking this very seriously. The matter is in the hands of our lawyers," Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan told reporters today. "We expect to see a response from New Straits Times within 48 hours, failing which we will take all the necessary steps and all the steps that are open to us under the law." The demand was also endorsed by Suaram, CIJ, Lawyers for Liberty, Merdeka Center and the Southeast Asian Centre for E-Media (Seacem). On Sunday former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad suggested that currency speculator George Soros was attempting to usurp political power from the BN government by appointing his own leader as the next prime minister of Malaysia. Dr Mahathir made the statement when asked to comment on several local NGOs that were in the limelight recently after the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry called on the Registrar of Societies to investigate Suaram, which had received funds from Soros-linked organisations. Today, The Malaysian Insider reported that Soros not only funds pro-democracy groups in Malaysia, but has also funded activities of the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) which was led at one time by his chief Malaysian critic's daughter, Datuk Paduka Marina Mahathir. The US citizen has been in the limelight lately after government-friendly mainstream newspapers and a television station said his Open Society Institute (OSI) had funded pro-democracy groups out to destabilise the BN government under Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The media did not offer proof of any destabilisation efforts.
|
| BN, Pakatan going all out to woo new voters Posted: 24 Sep 2012 03:15 PM PDT
(The Star) - Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat political parties are going all out to win the hearts of about 2.9 million newly-registered voters in the coming general election. Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Seri Noh Omar said Barisan MPs would change their approach towards voters. "Normally, MPs would be present at events where the constituents invite us for. This time, we will seek out the constituents and check on their needs instead of waiting for an invitation from them," said Noh, who is also the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister. Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan said the focus was on youths, with a continuous effort in resettlement of rural youths in urban areas through specialised programmes. "The president (Datuk Seri G. Palanivel) has been travelling around the country to reach out and let the public know of Government initiatives for the community, especially for Malaysian Indians," said Kamalanathan, who is also MIC information chief. MCA vice-president Gan Peng Sieu said the party's groundwork had always been a continuous affair, though it was more intense during the election period. "There will probably be more roadshows, campaigns and a mega rally closer to the election date, as the purpose would be to dispel the lies and fabrications against the party, which has even involved character assassinations," he said. The 2,920,828 new voters registered between 2008 and June 30 this year form about 22% of the electorate, or one in five of 13.1 million voters. Gombak MP and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali said his party would not succumb to gutter politics, but would promote its policies to let the public decide. "We will offer the rakyat, especially the youths, with clear policies on various aspects like education and economy and how we intend to address national issues," he said, adding that the Pakatan Rakyat would finalise its budget by Friday. Parit Buntar MP Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said PAS would focus on "bread and butter" issues such as household income and cost of living during the run-up to the polls.
|
| Businessman admits private jet loaned to Anwar, declines to reveal for how much Posted: 24 Sep 2012 02:41 PM PDT
(The Star) - A businessman has admitted to providing a private jet to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim but declined to say for how much. TJets Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Mohd Taufik Omar also denied being the jet's owner. "My company only manages the private jet," said the 48-year-old. "As it is a private jet, it should remain a private matter." Pressed to reveal if he was the real owner, Mohd Taufik said: "Am I that rich? I am just trying to cari makan (earn a living)." Mohd Taufik was asked to comment on the buzz in cyberspace following an expose by blogger John F. Seademon that Mohd Taufik was the businessman who had loaned the jet to the Opposition Leader. Bloggers were abuzz over the "jet-setting ways" of Pakatan Rakyat leaders, following PKR vice-president Tian Chua's tweets on Sept 15 showing photographs of the Dassault Falcon jet and several Opposition leaders enjoying its posh setting. Earlier yesterday, Anwar had said a "KL businessman" owned the jet. Anwar said he had asked the businessman if he had any interests in Selangor, Penang and Kelantan, to which he categorically said "no". Mohd Taufik, who is Malaysia Judo Association president, is also the chairman of LD Sports Sdn Bhd, Kenangan Nilam Sdn Bhd, Asiana Inspirasi Sdn Bhd, KN Capital Sdn Bhd and T Corp Labuan. He is also the director of Health Solutions (SE Asia) Sdn Bhd, CltlTower Sdn Bhd, Aliran Modern Sdn Bhd and Vasseti Bhd. Anwar admitted to having borrowed jets from Arab businessmen when he was invited to lecture at Georgetown University in the United States and from the Saudi royal family for a medical trip to Germany. Tian Chua said Pakatan leaders could now enjoy trips on private jets, adding that some friends had chartered the jet with the registration number N990BB. PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, who was also among the Pakatan leaders on board the plane, said they had used the jet on Sept 15 and 16 to travel to Labuan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
|
| DAP must help PAS win over Malays Posted: 24 Sep 2012 02:31 PM PDT A Penang PAS branch chief opined that DAP lacks an understanding of Islam and if it is to allay local Malay fears, it must give PAS greater leeway. Hawkeye, FMT GEORGE TOWN: There is no need for Penang DAP to field Malay candidates in the next general election, says a PAS grassroots leader. Instead, DAP should focus on ensuring that it can help its alliance partners, PAS and PKR, to achieve resounding victories in the election, former state PAS Youth chief Mohamed Hafiz Nordin said. Hafiz, who is now a party branch head in Butterworth, said PAS has the capabilities and electoral support to represent the Malay and Muslim interests in Penang. "It is just that the PAS grassroots feel they are overlooked here as the party only secured one out of the five seats it had contested." He was responding to statements by state DAP committee member Zulkifli Mohd Noor that the Malays should stand on the socialist party's ticket in view of the fact that PAS and PKR are perceived by many quarters to be politically weak in Penang. Zulkifli's statement was echoed by a civil group, the Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak, who stressed that the best way for more Malay voices to be heard in the state administrative matters, was through DAP, as the others lacked credibility here. This was also in view of the fact that Umno through Barisan Nasional has consolidated its hold on the Malay support here. According to Rahmad, the political dimension of the Malays here, particularly on the island, differs from other parts of the country. On the island, the Malays generally perceived themselves to be isolated due to the current socio-economic conditions where they are struggling to cope with rising living costs, brought on by expensive housing and a limit on quality jobs, Rahmad claimed. Such a perception was also based on the fact that the present state government only has two Malay representatives, while the Malay population number is just slightly behind the Chinese, Rahmad said. Lack of respect To this, Hafiz said the conditions can be changed if PAS was given leeway to contribute in the state. "The one state executive councillor's post or religious portfolio was not accorded to the party. It shows a lack of respect. "DAP should allow PAS to handle religious matters, as the present arrangement is not working out well due to the lack of attention and expertise by the present state exco member (Abdul Malik Abul Kassim)." Pakatan Rakyat has 29 seats in Penang versus Umno's (BN) 11, of which DAP has 19, PKR nine and PAS one. In the last election, DAP contested 19 and won all while PAS only won one out of the five it contested and PKR secured nine out of 16.
|
| Khairy: Anwar lying about Pakatan’s need for private jet Posted: 23 Sep 2012 06:33 PM PDT
(Malaysian Digest) - Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has rubbished Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's explanation that Pakatan Rakyat needed to use a specially-chartered private jet to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan as there were no flights available. Anwar, in a Press conference in Parliament today, had explained that the Pakatan entourage needed to use a private jet on their September 16 trip to East Malaysia as there were no connecting flights available from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu that day. Khairy, however, dismissed the claims and said a simple check would show that there were indeed flights available.
@font-face p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal div.Section1 The Malaysia Airlines flight schedule tweeted by Khairy earlier today. Pix: Twitter/Khairykj Producing Malaysia Airlines' flight schedule, Khairy said it was evidence enough that there were flights catered to Kota Kinabalu from Labuan that day.
|
| ‘Anwar approved attacks against Guan Eng’ Posted: 23 Sep 2012 04:38 PM PDT Independent Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng claims the opposition leader had condemned the Penang chief minister in 2009. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Independent Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng claims that PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had once condemned Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, calling him "kurang ajar" (rude or insolent). Tan alleged that Anwar told him this in a private discussion during a break from a parliamentary session in 2009. He also alleged that Anwar gave him the green light, when he was in PKR, to reproach Lim for his wrongdoings and mismanagement in Penang. Tan had apparently called for a private meeting with Anwar in the Parliament house to find out whether the latter was upset with his (Tan's) constant criticisms of the Pakatan Rakyat state government. When he sought the clarification from Anwar during the November parliamentary sitting, Tan said his former political boss told him that he was not upset, but welcomed it. He said he decided to seek the clarification after he was told by some PKR colleagues that the opposition leader was unhappy with his stinging criticisms against the Lim's administration. Tan claimed Anwar told him that "this young boy [Lim] is kurang ajar. He needs to be taught some lessons". Tan said he started publicly criticising Lim only after receiving Anwar's approval. "Anwar had given his blessings to me to attack Lim. So I was naturally confused when some PKR leaders told me that Anwar was upset," he told FMT. However, Tan said he became frustrated and upset when Anwar failed to shield him against Lim's attacks on him. "Anwar just dumped me. He just washed his hands off me," said Tan.
|
| RPK sowing fear, says ex-comrade Posted: 23 Sep 2012 04:28 PM PDT Haris Ibrahim takes offence at a Malaysia Today article claiming that racism has become worse. K Pragalath, FMT Social activist Haris Ibrahim has accused Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin of fear mongering with his statement that racism in Malaysia has reached a new height. Haris apologised to followers of his blog for an article he posted last January, in which he defended Raja Petra, popularly known as RPK, against accusations that the latter had turned his back against the struggle to oust Barisan Nasional from power. In a blog posting referring to a Sept 21 Malaysia Today article, Haris accused RPK of trying to "sow the seeds of fear". The offending article came under the headline "Cina sudah kurang ajar! Dah lupa 13 Mei ke?" (The Chinese have become rude! Have they forgotten 13 May?") It declared: "Racism in Malaysia has reached a dangerous level never seen before since May 1969." In response, Haris said: "The only thing racist in this country is Umno, BN, Dr M and the mainstream media. "And now, of course, RPK's untiring efforts to sow the seeds of fear." Haris's article argued that the various races in the country had become more united, offering as evidence the Bersih gatherings and other recent public protests against the ruling regime. "Did the tender scenes of the makcik in the Ganesha temple in Jalan Pudu putting bits of salt in the mouths of those anak bangsa Malaysia of all ethnicities and gender, seeking refuge in the temple after being hit by tear gas and chemical-laced water, smack of racism?" he wrote. "Have the anti-Lynas campaigns been racist? No!" Haris and RPK were founders of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement, one of the objectives of which was to identify election candidates for Pakatan Rakyat. Haris quit the movement early this year.
|
| Anwar: Private jet is friend’s Posted: 23 Sep 2012 04:00 PM PDT The deal to shuttle Anwar and other Pakatan politicians to East Malaysia, apparently came with no strings attached. Patrick Lee, FMT A friend, according to Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, arranged for the him and other Pakatan Rakyat MPs to travel on a private jet to East Malaysia earlier this month. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament lobby, he did not disclose the "friend's" name, though Anwar added that the trip came with no strings attached. "I asked him, because I was concerned that he had some interest in Penang, Kedah, Selangor or Kelantan…He said no, it was not tied to anything, so I said okay. "He is not that involved [in politics]. I've known him for some time. He said he will do this for a friend, because he understands the problem of logistics," he said. Anwar was referring to a series of articles and blog posts critical of the Permatang Pauh MP travelling in a private jet on Sept 15 and 16. The criticisms were based off photographs taken and later uploaded to the Internet by PKR vice-president Tian Chua, who accompanied Anwar on the trip. Anwar said: "Why did we ask Tian Chua to take these pictures? Because I didn't want people think that this was a secret." He added that the coverage of this matter was an attempt by Umno and the MCA to frighten businessmen from helping Pakatan Rakyat politicians. He also asked why Umno chose to harp on this issue when there were alleged matters of corruption and irregularities that needed tending to.
|
| Zaid tells Dr M: I rather be an ungrateful Malay than a stupid one Posted: 23 Sep 2012 03:02 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Former Cabinet member Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said today he would rather be ungrateful than stupid, as he mocked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for suggesting that Malays who were unappreciative would cause the community to lose political power. Dr Mahathir told Umno's Utusan Malaysia in an interview published yesterday that Malays were "ungrateful" and "lacking intelligence", warning that the greed of a few power-hungry Malays in the opposition would see the country's dominant race lose its political power. The former PM also alleged that "if any of these Malay (opposition) parties win the elections and form the government, this government would have to follow the dictates of other (races)." Responding on Twitter this morning, Zaid said: "I rather be called ungrateful Malay than a stupid one, who doesn't think, who follow blindly the dictates of arrogant Malay leaders." Zaid was part of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Cabinet but was sacked in 2008, a few months after he resigned as minister in protest against the government's decision to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to arrest an opposition politician, a blogger and a journalist. He became a PKR member before eventually quitting, and is now the leader of an opposition-aligned party, while continuing to push for political and law reforms. Dr Mahathir has become in recent months a vocal campaigner for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Umno, and his growing influence has seen the party shed many of its reform plans in favour of playing the race card. Yesterday, in his lengthy tirade against the Malays, the former prime minister expressed sadness that the Malays were now purportedly split into three factions and said that this has resulted in them "begging" for support from the other races. At another function, Dr Mahathir also suggested that currency speculator George Soros was attempting to usurp political power from the Barisan Nasional (BN) government by appointing his own leader as the next prime minister of Malaysia. The former prime minister made this statement when asked to comment on several local NGOs that were in the limelight recently after the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry called on the Registrar of Societies to investigate Suaram, which has received funds from Soros. Commenting on this, Zaid also mocked Dr Mahathir on Twitter yesterday by saying that if English football club Manchester United won their match against Liverpool yesterday, it must also be because of Soros. "If Man U wins then Soros must hav a hand in this." In another tweet, he added: "Malays must be really stupid to believe the Jewish conspiracy to install puppet PM."
|
| PR leaders: Tunku Aziz is a BN agent Posted: 23 Sep 2012 02:57 PM PDT
Md Izwan, The Malaysian Insider Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders have labelled Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim a Barisan Nasional (BN) agent who lacks credibility following recent reports where the former DAP vice-chairman has openly criticised his former party and leaders. The opposition leaders yesterday slammed Tunku Aziz as a traitor in response to the latter's statement on Friday about his plan to tour the country to open the minds of the people, especially opposition supporters, to make the right decision during the upcoming general election. Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai described Tunku Aziz's actions as representing BN, saying the latter was now an agent of the ruling coalition for his attacks against DAP and PR leaders. "He is now like a BN agent, attacking PR and DAP every day. I pity him for due to his treachery, many have avoided him," Tan told The Malaysian Insider when contacted yesterday. Tan also describe Tunku Aziz as weak and not having any credibility and integrity left. He also accused the former DAP leader of ill intentions for his accusations about the DAP without any basis and proof. Kuala Selangor MP and PAS leader Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed shock over Tunku Aziz's statement, saying the latter's decision to tour the nation was a waste of time. Dzulkefly also regarded Tunku Aziz's actions as being those of a BN agent because of its wide coverage in BN-controlled newspapers and television channels. "This is a wasteful action and a treacherous attitude," he said. "If we look at the coverage given to him by Umno and BN-controlled media, it is clear he is a BN agent," he added. Rasah MP Anthony Loke agreed with his colleagues that Tunku Aziz was no longer credible. "He is no longer credible and his words have made people lose respect for him," Loke said. He added Tunku Aziz's accusations about the DAP were baseless and without proof, expressing confidence that people could judge Tunku Aziz for themselves. Tunku Aziz had in May announced his departure from the DAP over a conflict of opinions with other party leaders over the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28. Following his departure, Tunku Aziz has been increasingly vocal and critical towards the opposition PR especially the DAP, stirring discontent among his former colleagues.
|
| Photos of Pakatan leaders in private jet hits cyberspace Posted: 23 Sep 2012 02:36 PM PDT
Travelling in style: Anwar and DAP vicechairman Tan Seng Giaw pictured in the private jet (inset) during a trip with other Pakatan Rakyat leaders. (The Star) - Photographs of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several Pakatan Rakyat leaders travelling on a private jet have caused a stir in cyberspace. While some bloggers and Barisan Nasional officials criticised their "travel style", Anwar and his team maintained it was merely an easy mode to travel across Sarawak and Sabah. The pictures, originally tweeted by PKR vice-president Tian Chua on Sept 15, were uploaded by several blogs. Apart from Anwar and Tian Chua, those seen in the aircraft included DAP vice-chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw, PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli and Terengganu PKR chief Abdul Rahman Yusof. Some of the blogs even suggested that the aircraft may have been registered to a United States bank. A posting in novandri.blogspot.com said the Opposition leaders had accused the Barisan government of being wasteful while they often portray themselves as being prudent and travel only on low-cost airline AirAsia. "Many supporters were impressed but, unfortunately, this is all an act. "The latest story about Anwar travelling in a private jet with other Opposition leaders will surely leave a negative perception on the people," said the blogger. Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said it was ironic that the Opposition, who accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Government of being wasteful, actually used a private jet for campaigning. "Even if the service was paid for or arranged by a certain party, the rakyat has the right to know who did it and whether it was a local or foreign sponsor," he said. Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said: "Even if it was a loan, they must realise there is no free lunch in this world." Reacting to the criticisms, Anwar tweeted on Saturday: "What's the issue? A friend arranged for a private jet." Defending her father, Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar tweeted: "What's the issue with a jet trip loaned by a friend? Ain't ours, ain't public funds." Tian Chua said they were travelling to several places in Sarawak and Sabah over the weekend of Malaysia Day, adding that it was cheaper and time saving to charter the jet than to fly commercial.
|
| Kepong Umno Youth chief stabbed, in critical condition Posted: 23 Sep 2012 02:31 PM PDT
(The Star) - Kepong Umno youth chief Datuk Norizan Ali, 41, is in critical condition after he was stabbed in the stomach outside his home early Monday morning. Ampang OCPD Asst Comm Amiruddin Jamaluddin said the incident was believed to have occurred at about 4am after he returned home from watching football with friends at a mamak stall. "It is believed he parked his car about 20m from his double story house at Jalan Dagang 2/4, Taman Dagang when he was approached by two men believed to be foreigners. "We are not sure if there was a struggle, but he suffered injuries before the suspects left," he said when met at the Ampang Hospital. He added that none of the victim's belongings were reported missing and police are still in the dark over the matter and hope to get more details after he regains consciousness. It is learnt that Norizan is now undergoing surgery after he suffered stab wounds to his stomach. One of his fingers was almost sliced off. The case is currently being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
|
| Uproar against Ngeh and Nga at DAP convention Posted: 23 Sep 2012 02:08 PM PDT
(The Star) - A commotion broke out at the Perak DAP convention with delegates accusing two of their leaders of blocking members from forming new branches. A disgruntled delegate demanded that state chief Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming explain the matter. There had been talk that the cousins had been using their influence to strengthen their hold in the party. The delegate claimed he had found out from the national headquarters that Ngeh and Nga had rejected the application for new branches to be set up. Other delegates also pounced on the two men, criticising them of using the Chinese media to attack members for holding party activities. A delegate also lambasted Ngeh over his controversial tweet over the film trailers of the Innocence of Muslims movie, pointing out he should have been more considerate and not hurt the feelings of the Malay community. When contacted, Ngeh brushed aside the grouses, saying there should be proper procedures when dealing with party matters. "The issues raised were old ones, for which I had already made the necessary clarifications," he said, declining to elaborate.
|
| Posted: 23 Sep 2012 02:04 PM PDT
(The Star) - The MCA has slammed the top two leaders of the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia for "using" the organisation to further their personal agenda. Party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said Dong Zong chairman Yap Sin Tian and his deputy Chow Siew Hon had caused a split in the Chinese community instead of bringing them together in developing Chinese education. "We feel it is time to evaluate these two leaders; whether they are suitable to lead Dong Zong," he said after a briefing on Chinese school issues here yesterday. The session was attended by 250 representatives from the board of directors and parent-teacher associations of Chinese schools in Johor. On the Sept 26 rally, which is seeking to oust Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong as the Deputy Education Minister, Dr Chua said the "whole purpose of the 926 rally is to damage the MCA and Barisan Nasional". He said the party had all along been cooperating with Chinese schools to resolve their issues. Later, in JOHOR BARU, the MCA president said the Chinese community should realise the importance of having a good command of at least three languages to have a competitive edge. Aside from the importance of the mother-tongue, he said the community should know two other languages too. "Having a good command of least three languages serves as an added advantage in the competitive world as well as the chance to contribute to the nation better," he said at a dinner on Saturday for SJKC Pei Chih, Taman Desa Cemerlang, to raise funds for a new RM1.5mil multi-purpose hall. Dr Chua recounted his experience in 1992 when he visited Shenzhen, China, where he faced difficulty in understanding the government officials' English. "But the situation is so much better now," he said. "Recently, I visited China again, and I must say that their command of English is better than some of us. "Although China, as an economic giant, still uses Chinese as their main language, they have come to realise the importance of learning another language," he pointed out. Dr Chua also debunked claims by certain parties that the Government did not care about Chinese education, citing how it had helped in the development of Chinese schools besides recognising qualifications from 820 universities in China. After his speech, Dr Chua announced a RM200,000 donation to fund the school hall.
|
| Veteran newsman accuses Malaysiakini of being insincere Posted: 23 Sep 2012 01:56 PM PDT
(The Star) - Veteran journalist Y.L. Chong has challenged Malaysiakini to reveal its annual financial report. He said that while the portal operators claim to promote transparency, accountability and media independence, they neither announced the value of shares nor declared dividends. He was responding to comments by Malaysiakini CEO Premesh Chandran that co-founders and staff of the news portal owned 70% of the shares. Chong quit Malaysiakini 11 years ago following the top manage-ment's refusal to publicly declare its links to currency speculator George Soros. The issue surfaced again recently following reports that Malaysiakini and Suaram were among several anti-establishment organisations that allegedly received foreign funding. The two main contributors are the American-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Soros-linked Open Society Institute (OSI), which had been financing groups supporting its interests and objectives around the world. Chong questioned if Malaysiakini revealed its annual financial statements to its staff. "When I was serving as news editor, I was verbally told during top management meetings that I am also a shareholder. "But I never received in black-and-white how much shares I owned. "And until today, Malaysiakini has never revealed the value of its shares,'' he said. Chong said as the news editor, he was privy to information raised at Malaysiakini's meetings. "I learned that Malaysiakini had then received 10% downpayment of RM188,000 from MDLF (Media Development Loan Fund) for a 10% interest in Malaysiakini,'' he said. "I want Premesh to declare how much is the 70% shares owned by Malaysiakini co-founders and staff worth now,'' he said. In an immediate reaction, Premesh said Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd owned Malaysiakini and the company files its annual returns yearly with CCM (Companies Commission of Malaysia). "This includes all details of shareholders. The par value of the shares is RM1,'' he said, adding that all staff who owned shares had been issued share certificates. However, he said, they had not issued any dividends to shareholders.
|
| Why Suaram’s status is suddenly so important Posted: 23 Sep 2012 01:39 PM PDT By showing that Suaram is a company, the Najib administration can tell the French authorities that Suaram has not legal standing to bring the Scorpene inquiry, says Raja Petra. Free Malaysia Today The ongoing government onslaught on human rights watchdog Suaram is a carefully planned tactic undertaken by the Najib administration to defend itself against a French inquiry into the Scorpene submarine deal. The government intends to show to the French authorities that Suaram is a profit-motivated company and not an international NGO as it had claimed itself to be at the French courts. "As such, Suaram has no locus standi in the 'class action suit' [over the alleged corruption in the Scorpene deal]," popular blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin said today in a posting in his Malaysia-Today portal. Raja Petra said that the French investigation into the sale of the two submarines to Malaysia was launched mainly because of an application made by Suaram, which had applied to the French court for the investigation to be launched on the basis that it was an international NGO. He said that Suaram had claimed that it has suffered damage because France sold the two submarines to Malaysia. He added that Suaram was also seeking compensation. "Suaram has managed to convince the French court that it is an international NGO and therefore has locus standi to take this 'class action suit' against the Malaysian government." Raja Petra also attached a document submitted to the French authorities to indicate that Suaram was "an international NGO that was eligible to sue for compensation as it had personally suffered damages because of the obvious phenomenon surrounding the corrupt sale of these submarines". "The Malaysian government, therefore, now has to defend itself against a possible legal action. "And to do that, it has to bring into question Suaram's status as an international NGO. And if the Malaysian government can prove that Suaram is not an international NGO but is a registered company [and hence profit-motivated], then it may be able to torpedo the submarine investigation," he said. Raja Petra said that the Malaysian government has to "rip to shreds Suaram's status" so that it can argue that "not only is Suaram a profit-motivated company and not an international NGO but also it has no locus standi in this class action suit". In recent weeks, Suaram has come under intense attack over its funding and organisational structure. The government has accused it of being funded by foreign powers to "destabilise the peace of the country". Last week, Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that six government agencies are taking action against Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd, the operating entity of Suaram, for breaching five sections of the Companies Act 1965. Suaram has consistently denied any wrongdoings.
|
| Anwar: Dr M, Daim behind forex scandal Posted: 23 Sep 2012 01:36 PM PDT Referring to the foreign exchange scandal that erupted in the 90s, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said that he instructed Bank Negara to stop speculating in the currency market. G Vinod, FMT Bank Negara got involved in foreign exchange speculation under the direction of the finance minister before me, with the blessings of the then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said this at Parliament today. Anwar served as finance minister from 1991 to 1998. His immediate predecessor was Umno veteran, Daim Zainuddin. Earlier, Deputy Finance Minister Donald Lim told the Dewan that Malaysia lost RM5.7 billion when Bank Negara was said to be involved in the forex scandal. When Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng asked whether action was taken against officers involved in the matter, the deputy minister told the Penang chief minister to refer the matter to Anwar as he was serving as the finance minister then. The hall soon erupted and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin pointed out that on April 27, 1993, DAP MP Lim Kit Siang had said that Anwar must take responsibility for the billions lost. Anwar stood up to defend himself, saying it was he who instructed Bank Negara to stop speculating on the currency market in 1993. He also said Kit Siang was right to ask the question at that time and said that he had admitted to the DAP veteran that Bank Negara made some losses in the scandal. "Then Bank Negara governor, Jaafar Hussein resigned despite not being directly involved in the matter, together with Nor Mohamed Yakcop who was then in charge of the Forex Trading Unit. "But when I was jailed in 1998, Nor Mohamed was promoted to become a minister," said Anwar.
|
Umno was founded in 1946 to oppose the Malayan Union established by the British colonialists to unite all states in the Malay peninsula, which were mainly agrarian then. Umno's second president, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, together with allies MCA and MIC negotiated Malaya's independence in 1957 and later formed Malaysia with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Singapore was then expelled in 1965.
| You are subscribed to email updates from Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan