Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- S’gor govt asked for Selayang council president’s transfer, says Chief Secretary
- Pas members who love the microphones and cameras
- Karpal hits out at Harun over hudud mischief
- Hadi outlines ways to set right the economy
- 'Beware of BN’s plot to create rift among ourselves'
- Cuepacs demands Derek Fernandez apologise over ‘monkeys’ remarks
- PAS committed to change - the Islamic way, says Hadi Awang
- ‘Unholy’ chatter unnerves PKR leader
- PAS Youth's Nasrudin tells what he's worth
- Forging Unity through a Benevolent State
- Hadi: Beware of the 'money hurricane'
- Irene Fernandez insists constitutional provisions inspire racial discrimination
- PAS members firm on hudud
- Anwar comes to daughter Nurul Izzah’s defence
- PAS leaders grilled for turning blind eye on audit report
- PAS Youth shoots down Bersih 4.0 before GE13
- PAS Youth slams party organs
- Perkasa calls Irene Fernandez a traitor after study says Constitution promotes discrimination
- Theologian: It’s a call to return to God
- PAS says will field more women in coming election
- Ex-MIDA chief snubs Selangor invite to head Batu Caves taskforce
- MCA distances itself from Hee, says she will lose without BN blessing
- 'Pas wrong to support DAP's views'
- Selayang Municipal Council chief transferred
- Health DG fined RM3,000 for committing khalwat
- Another Selangor top civil servant to be transferred
- Sparks to fly at PAS muktamar
- Speak up on Nurul Izzah’s statement, PAS leaders urged
- Long After the Nurul Izzah Furore, PAS Could Still Pay a High Price
- Sabah opposition ‘magic’ number is 10
- Stop manipulating religious text: PUM
- PPP submits names for four parliament, 12 state seats
- Promise to cancel Batu Caves project is political bribery, says Pakatan
- Najib promises Indians no Batu Caves condo if BN regains Selangor
- Salang: BN will still rule after GE
- Perak PAS wants clarification from Nurul Izzah
- Najib says has Indians’ best interest at heart
| S’gor govt asked for Selayang council president’s transfer, says Chief Secretary Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:49 AM PST (The Star) - The termination of the secondment of Datuk Zainal Abidin A'ala as the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) president, which took effect Thursday, was made upon a request from the Selangor government, said Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa. He said he was informed by the Selangor State Secretary, through a letter dated Oct 15, 2012, that Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had decided that another officer should replace Zainal Abidin. "Taking into account the decision made by the Selangor Mentri Besar and the local authority, the Public Service Department (PSD) had on Nov 6 issued a letter of approval for the proposed termination of secondment of Zainal Abidin as MPS president effective Nov 15, 2012. "The transfer letter for Zainal Abidin was issued on Nov 9, stating that he would be transferred to the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) effective Nov 15, 2012 in line with the request from the Selangor government," he told reporters here Friday. Zainal Abidin's sudden transfer to Intan had sparked controversy as it was said to have been connected to a 29-storey condominium project next to Batu Caves, Selangor. Dr Ali said in order to fill the vacant top post at the council, the PSD had submitted the names of 14 suitable candidates for the Selangor government's consideration, but it was learnt that the Selangor government already had their preferred candidate.
|
| Pas members who love the microphones and cameras Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:36 AM PST (NST) - Pas Consultative Council ticked off party members who like to issue statements contrary to decisions made by the party on internal matters. Deputy spiritual adviser Datuk Dr Haron Din said there were certain leaders who gave different impressions to the media although they had agreed to decisions made at council meetings. "They are unaware that the enemy will blow out their dissenting views to the media and this will not be to our advantage," he said when answering questions from the delegates on Pas' 2011-2012 annual report at the party's 58th muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa here. Haron said this should not happen as the council's decisions including Pas' co-operation with other opposition parties were approved by the council. A delegate from Perlis, Yaakob Abu Seman also touched on the same subject during the debate session to support the presidential address. He said there was no need for Pas leaders to be too excited to talk to the press on any issue without having the full understanding of the subject. Besides, he said, the leaders had appeared to be contradicting each other on the same issue after their statements were reported by the media. "There are those who become excited to talk when they see tape recorders and television cameras from members of the media," he said. Yaakob said party leaders had also failed to explain adequately to the people on Pas' concept of benevolent state since it was introduced as one of the main party's struggles. He said the people, especially in the rural areas, were in the dark about the benevolent state as they still could not grasp the meaning of the concept.
Read more: Pas members who love the microphones and cameras - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/pas-members-who-love-the-microphones-and-cameras-1.172176#ixzz2CP82tWNf Pas Consultative Council ticked off party members who like to issue statements contrary to decisions made by the party on internal matters.Deputy spiritual adviser Datuk Dr Haron Din said there were certain leaders who gave different impressions to the media although they had agreed to decisions made at council meetings. "They are unaware that the enemy will blow out their dissenting views to the media and this will not be to our advantage," he said when answering questions from the delegates on Pas' 2011-2012 annual report at the party's 58th muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa here. Haron said this should not happen as the council's decisions including Pas' co-operation with other opposition parties were approved by the council. A delegate from Perlis, Yaakob Abu Seman also touched on the same subject during the debate session to support the presidential address. He said there was no need for Pas leaders to be too excited to talk to the press on any issue without having the full understanding of the subject. Besides, he said, the leaders had appeared to be contradicting each other on the same issue after their statements were reported by the media. "There are those who become excited to talk when they see tape recorders and television cameras from members of the media," he said. Yaakob said party leaders had also failed to explain adequately to the people on Pas' concept of benevolent state since it was introduced as one of the main party's struggles. He said the people, especially in the rural areas, were in the dark about the benevolent state as they still could not grasp the meaning of the concept. Read more: Pas members who love the microphones and cameras - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/pas-members-who-love-the-microphones-and-cameras-1.172176#ixzz2CP82tWNf |
| Karpal hits out at Harun over hudud mischief Posted: 15 Nov 2012 06:43 PM PST The DAP chairman says that PAS ulama chief Harun Taib's assertion on DAP's stand on hudud was mischievous and a long way from the truth. (FMT) - DAP chairman Karpal Singh today stressed that his party had never agreed to the introduction of hudud in the country as claimed by PAS ulama chief Harun Taib yesterday. "The position of the DAP on this issue cannot be subject to any compromise. It is fundamental to its existence," said Karpal, who is also a senior lawyer, in a statement. He added that Harun's assertion on DAP's stand on hudud was mischievous and "a long way from the truth". "The DAP has time and again publicly asserted its stand against the introduction of hudud in the country. Hudud cannot exist in Malaysia which is a secular state," he said. Harun, while speaking at the PAS muktamar in Kota Baru yesterday, had said that PAS had clarified its views on hudud with DAP on many occasions, even before Pakatan Rakyat was formed. He also claimed that while Karpal seemed disagreeable to the implementation of hudud, that "does not mean he disagrees". To this, Karpal rebutted, saying that he had always rejected hudud. "I have always disagreed and publicly stated my reasons for saying so based on the provisions in the Federal Constitution and interpretations of this provisions by the highest court in the country," he said. The DAP veteran also weighed in on the current controversy raised by PKR vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar's statement on religious freedom for all, including Malays, in the country. Karpal said that there were cases decided before the Malaysian courts in which the judges had ruled that the federal constitution guarantees a freedom of religion, even for Muslims.
|
| Hadi outlines ways to set right the economy Posted: 15 Nov 2012 04:10 PM PST
(Harakah Daily) -- Warning that Malaysia would go bankrupt if it still remained under Barisan Nasional after the next general election, PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang today offered a series of remedies to rectify the situation. "Implementing economic transformation via a BN government style on par with that of wealthy countries in the West is not what the people desire. The value of our ringgit continues to shrink, such that the abundance of it is now meaningless," he told delegates attending the 58th PAS Muktamar at the Kelantan Islamic Training Centre (Putik) complex, Pengkalan Chepa. |
| 'Beware of BN’s plot to create rift among ourselves' Posted: 15 Nov 2012 04:02 PM PST
(Harakah Daily) -- PAS President Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang has called on all party members and leaders to get themselves prepared for BN's plan to create bickering among PAS leaders in the run-up to the 13th general election. Hadi said all members of the party must be on the highest alert to deal with mischief and provocation from the media, adding that ties between PAS and DAP as well as PKR would continue to be their target to weaken Pakatan Rakyat.
|
| Cuepacs demands Derek Fernandez apologise over ‘monkeys’ remarks Posted: 15 Nov 2012 03:39 PM PST
(Bernama) - Cuepacs yesterday demanded that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) member Derek Fernandez make a public apology for allegedly using the word 'monkeys" on civil servants. Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said Cuepacs regretted that such a word was used in referring to civil servants and viewed the matter seriously. "If it is true that he had made the remarks…we want him to apologise to all civil servants and also make a correction of his statement. "Is he does not, Cuepacs will call an emergency meeting and organise a picket in front of the office where he works…we regret this because there has never been a case of a councillor branding civil servants as monkeys," he told a press conference at the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's integrated complex in Kepayan near here yesterday. Omar said this in commenting on the statement made by Fernandez regarding the replacement for MPPJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman ,who has been promoted, by the Public Service Department (PSD). Fernandez was quoted as saying by The Malay Mail on Monday "let's see who the candidates are. If they (PSD) are going to nominate some monkeys, we will reject".
KOTA KINABALU: Cuepacs yesterday demanded that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) member Derek Fernandez make a public apology for allegedly using the word 'monkeys" on civil servants. Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said Cuepacs regretted that such a word was used in referring to civil servants and viewed the matter seriously. "If it is true that he had made the remarks…we want him to apologise to all civil servants and also make a correction of his statement. "Is he does not, Cuepacs will call an emergency meeting and organise a picket in front of the office where he works…we regret this because there has never been a case of a councillor branding civil servants as monkeys," he told a press conference at the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's integrated complex in Kepayan near here yesterday. Omar said this in commenting on the statement made by Fernandez regarding the replacement for MPPJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman ,who has been promoted, by the Public Service Department (PSD). Fernandez was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail on Monday "let's see who the candidates are. If they (PSD) are going to nominate some monkeys, we will reject". — Bernama Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/11/15/cuepacs-demands-derek-fernandez-apologise-over-monkeys-remarks/#ixzz2CMx2PBxv Cuepacs yesterday demanded that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) member Derek Fernandez make a public apology for allegedly using the word 'monkeys" on civil servants. Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said Cuepacs regretted that such a word was used in referring to civil servants and viewed the matter seriously. "If it is true that he had made the remarks…we want him to apologise to all civil servants and also make a correction of his statement. "Is he does not, Cuepacs will call an emergency meeting and organise a picket in front of the office where he works…we regret this because there has never been a case of a councillor branding civil servants as monkeys," he told a press conference at the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's integrated complex in Kepayan near here yesterday. Omar said this in commenting on the statement made by Fernandez regarding the replacement for MPPJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman ,who has been promoted, by the Public Service Department (PSD). Fernandez was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail on Monday "let's see who the candidates are. If they (PSD) are going to nominate some monkeys, we will reject". Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/11/15/cuepacs-demands-derek-fernandez-apologise-over-monkeys-remarks/#ixzz2CMwusUgp Cuepacs yesterday demanded that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) member Derek Fernandez make a public apology for allegedly using the word 'monkeys" on civil servants. Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said Cuepacs regretted that such a word was used in referring to civil servants and viewed the matter seriously. "If it is true that he had made the remarks…we want him to apologise to all civil servants and also make a correction of his statement. "Is he does not, Cuepacs will call an emergency meeting and organise a picket in front of the office where he works…we regret this because there has never been a case of a councillor branding civil servants as monkeys," he told a press conference at the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's integrated complex in Kepayan near here yesterday. Omar said this in commenting on the statement made by Fernandez regarding the replacement for MPPJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman ,who has been promoted, by the Public Service Department (PSD). Fernandez was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail on Monday "let's see who the candidates are. If they (PSD) are going to nominate some monkeys, we will reject". Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/11/15/cuepacs-demands-derek-fernandez-apologise-over-monkeys-remarks/#ixzz2CMwusUgp |
| PAS committed to change - the Islamic way, says Hadi Awang Posted: 15 Nov 2012 03:27 PM PST
(The Star) - PAS is committed to pushing for change the Islamic way, says its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. He said the push for a 'benevolent state' was in line with the party's Islamic agenda. Stressing that the party had never deviated from its Islamic principles, Hadi said PAS was "committed to spur change to gain Allah's blessing, making Islam our core struggle." He said this in his keynote address at the 58th PAS Muktamar at Pusat Tarbiyah Islamiah Kelantan (PUTIK) here on Friday. Hadi said a benevolent state reflected perfect and holistic Islamic teachings, as propagated and implemented by the Prophet Muhammad. Under these principles a leader should be fair even to foes when governing an Islamic system, he said. "PAS is offering the rakyat the concept of fairness in Islam."
|
| ‘Unholy’ chatter unnerves PKR leader Posted: 15 Nov 2012 02:51 PM PST The religious rhetoric by BN leaders was also 'a smokescreen to prevent more important questions being raised'. Joseph Bingkasan, FMT KOTA KINABALU: The theological yammering by politicians in the peninsula should be a wake-up call that the secular nature of the constitution is under threat, a Sabah opposition leader said. PKR deputy secretary-general Darrell Leiking is worried about how politicians are flogging religion and personal opinions to promote their partisan brand of politics of the country. The senior PKR leader, a practising lawyer, said talk of incorporating any religious edicts or any statutes that have theological overtones into the country's laws would be contrary to freedom of belief guaranteed under the constitution. He said Pakatan Rakyat is clear about this and its component parties have spelt this out in their Buku Jingga or the Common Policies of the coalition. Leiking said he was worried how Barisan Nasional was using any means to exploit religious beliefs of various leaders to drive a wedge between the diverse communities in the country. "We have read differing views [of leaders] within Pakatan. It is clear that while PAS speaks to its audience of its mission, PAS speaks and honours its commitment as set out in the Buku Jingga as well," he added. Leiking said the opposition coalition's manifesto spelt out its stand on religious matters clearly and precisely and lashed out at the Umno-led BN coalition for twisting PAS leaders' words for political convenience. The PKR leader was referring to the spate of criticisms by MCA and Upko leaders chastising some Pakatan personalities for being too liberal and un-Islamic while at the same time making overtures to PAS to join them so that Islamic laws could be implemented by BN. He said these components parties were playing a dangerous game to divert attention from their diminishing status in the ruling coalition and to remain relevant. "I would say they have politicised the hudud law. I am almost convinced that Prime Minister Najib [Tun Razak] and Umno may have given these BN leaders the go-ahead to use this issue of hudud to win their case come the general election. "I see it as an act of winning by whatever means they deem necessary and sadly this is at the expense of the harmony that is already in place in our multi-faith society."
|
| PAS Youth's Nasrudin tells what he's worth Posted: 15 Nov 2012 01:16 PM PST
(Harakah Daily) -- To show he meant business, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hasan yesterday laid bare his personal assets during the winding down speech at the wing's muktamar. He also declared that he had RM9,000 in his bank account. Out of his monthly RM2,800 income, RM2,500 is allowance from the party for his duties as PAS Youth chief while RM300 is rental income.  The father of six also tabled the breakdown of his monthly expenses comprising of a home loan at RM530 and his vehicle for which he pays RM1,400 monthly."Meanwhile my wife is paying loan for her own house at RM1,230 a month. These are the assets I am declaring, that I owned, as a gimmick for the assets declaration proposal, insha Allah that will be followed by all PAS Youth exco members," he said. PAS Youth had earlier announced that its executive council members including those not contesting in the coming general election would have to declare their assets. During the opening of PAS Youth's general meeting, party deputy president Mohamad Sabu gave his commitment to turn the proposal into a reality, but reminded that assets declaration must also be made at the end of one's office term.
|
| Forging Unity through a Benevolent State Posted: 15 Nov 2012 01:07 PM PST (Harakah Daily) -- The following is translation of the full text of the presidential address at the 58th PAS Muktamar held in Kota Bharu, November 16, 2012. 1. The Honourable Permanent Chairman, Mursyidul Am, Deputy Mursyidul Am, members of the Shura Council, the Deputy President, Vice Presidents, Chairpersons of the Ulama, Youth and Muslimat wings, the Secretary-General and Daily and Central Committee members, PAS State and Federal Territories Commissioners, executive councils of the wings, PAS Supporters Congress chairman and members, leaders and friends from Pakatan Rakyat, NGOs, print and electronic media personnel, all party representatives, observers, ladies and gentlemen. 2. Welcome to all the delegates and guests from across the country and afar. Welcome to those attending this muktamar for the first time as PAS members, ordinary people, artistes, laureates, sportspeople, academicians, former high-ranking public officials, corporate and society figures and all who wish to be with PAS in carrying the message of Islam in our country. Your attendance will surely enliven our muktamar and inject spirit into and promote closer bonds between us to uphold Islam as Allah's gift to all when the world is asking to be rescued amid waves of humanitarian crisis in every field. 8. We must realise that politics is just a test for humankind, to see whether they will establish a government which pleases Allah by upholding Islam, which is fair to all, or whether they will anger him by choosing others. In this regard, PAS is extremely committed to drive change towards seeking Allah's grace by holding Islam as its principle, with the elasticity of an Islamic system suitable for all times and places, by referring to the Quran, the Sunnah, the consensus of the ulama and analogical reasoning, based on the tenets of the Sunnah wal-Jama'ah and the guidance of political law (fiqhus-siyasah) in its actions. 9. This is the core struggle of PAS after witnessing UMNO, the core party of Barisan Nasional, fail to uphold Islam and, as maggots with thousands of millions of dollars in bribes, display a bad example to people, not to mention the latest RM40 million political corruption in Sabah, power abuses, social injustices and so on. UMNO has also failed to empower the Malays with Islam and to show an example of true Islam to the people, leaving Muslims in this country to be challenged and belittled by rude statements by MCA leaders, who are close allies of UMNO in BN.
|
| Hadi: Beware of the 'money hurricane' Posted: 15 Nov 2012 12:52 PM PST
(Harakah Daily) -- PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang has warned members of what he termed "hurricane of money" to be unleashed by Barisan Nasional in the run-up to the much-awaited general election, and said the party must be prepared to face such a challenge. "In the run-up to the 13th general election, the nation will see a hurricane of money going into houses and into every human soul in our country. PAS will be faced with this challenge, to face people being persuaded with money, development projects and so on, apart from the various scams that have become the main weapon of our opponents," Hadi said in his presidential address to open the 58th PAS Muktamar. The muktamar, the final general assembly before the next polls due in March 2013, is being held at the Kelantan Islamic Training Centre (Putik) conference hall in Pengkalan Chepa.
'Different type of Malays' Hadi said the continued delay by prime minister Najib Razak in calling for the elections was part of a strategy to not only weaken the opposition morally and financially, but also to create issues and tensions. "During this period, too, we will be confronted by attempts to create racial discord and tension by the mainstream media, the very tools to defend the voracious UMNO-BN government. Be firm with the congregation and surely we will be safe and able to cope with this challenge," said Hadi. He also thanked party workers, including Harakah and the online daily Harakahdaily who "are faced with the BN media", saying they had been dedicated in their struggle despite being paid lower than their counterparts in the same profession. 'Clogs' Ulama |
| Irene Fernandez insists constitutional provisions inspire racial discrimination Posted: 15 Nov 2012 11:45 AM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Human rights activist Irene Fernandez has stood by the findings of a report citing the Constitution's protection of Malay rights for racial discrimination in Malaysia, insisting that certain provisions in the country's supreme law should be amended or entirely removed. The outspoken executive director of rights group Tenaganita said that the form of affirmative action in government policies that were inspired by Articles 89 and 153 of the Federal Constitution had only succeeded in benefiting an elite few among the Malay upper class. "This form of affirmative action, these provisions, they are no longer relevant as they have failed and only benefited the top few. "And this is clear even among the Malays and the Muslims themselves," she pointed out when contacted by The Malaysian Insider yesterday. On that note, Fernandez (picture) insisted that the joint study by Tenaganita and international charity organisation Equal Rights Trust (ERT) had been spot-on in suggesting the total repeal or amendment to certain provisions in the Federal Constitution. She acknowledged that the study had ruffled the feathers of a few Malay right-wingers, including Malay rights group Perkasa, but said she would stand by the findings. Perkasa Youth has labelled the veteran activist a "traitor" for the ERT-Tenaganita study titled "Washing the Tigers: Addressing Discrimination and Inequality in Malaysia", and lodged a police report against her for allegedly questioning the special position of the country's dominant ethnic group. But Fernandez pointed out that the study, published on the ERT's website on Monday, had been thorough in its research, even including case studies and interviews with numerous individuals before drawing up a conclusion and issuing recommendations. "You can pull the yarn as far as you want," she said, when pointed out that Perkasa members had even linked apostasy to the study's recommendation to review constitutional provisions on Malay rights. "But the issue in front of us is this — we as a nation, do we want to achieve equality and non-discrimination? If we do, we have to be bold enough to ensure that everyone has equal treatment that is guaranteed in the Federal Constitution," she said.
|
| Posted: 15 Nov 2012 11:41 AM PST (The Star) - The pent-up frustration of the PAS grassroots over its testy relationship with Pakatan Rakyat partners has come out in the open. The Dewan Ulama reaffirmed its hudud agenda while hitting out at leaders who "confuse" members. Dewan chief Datuk Harun Taib declared that PAS would be steadfast on its plans to implement hudud law despite the barrage of contrary views from outside the party. He said the dewan had the role of addressing the confusion among new members who were made to believe that hudud was not a matter to be discussed because of the pact with Pakatan partners. "Some are confused, thinking that the time is not right to implement hudud because Malaysia is a multi-racial country. "This is happening because members fail to understand the party'starbiyah (nurturing and strengthening) effort," Harun said when opening the Dewan Ulama general assembly here yesterday. His speech was read out by dewan vice-chief Dr Mahfudz Mohamad. Harun said the championing of hudud was part of the party's Islamic agenda to make it the law of the land. "Major crimes like theft, robbery, illicit sex and apotasy are serious problems affecting the people. hudud must be implemented to solve them," he added. Later, at a press conference, Harun reiterated that PAS would push for hudud to be implemented if it was given the mandate to rule the country. According to him, Pakatan had agreed that not only hudud but also Syariah law would be implemented if PAS had the majority in Parliament. Harun said DAP chairman Karpal Singh was against hudud because of his failure to attend dialogues organised by PAS. On press reports that Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria had asked PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar to repent for her freedom of religion remarks, Harun said that Harussani himself should repent for not supporting the Islamic struggle. The Youth wing also pushed for hudud while pledging support for the ulama leadership and asking PAS to take the lead in Pakatan. Negri Sembilan delegate Mohd Zulkarnain Mohd Zaki rapped the Youth leadership for not setting policies on entertainment, sports, jobs and the economy for PKR and DAP to follow. Johor delegate Mohd Faizal Khalid criticised the Youth leadership for failing to speak up against Pakatan leaders "who have erred". "The wing is supposed to be a pressure group pushing for change but we do not hear any criticism from them against Pakatan governments," he said when debating the keynote address of Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan at the 53rd Youth Muktamar yesterday. Penang delegate Hasbul Wizar said PAS should be the dominant party in Pakatan. Selangor delegate Sharhan Humaizi Halim said that Pakatan-controlled states should be administered according to the Islamic model. Pahang delegate Fadli Ibrahim said the ulama leadership should be maintained because "they were instrumental in ensuring great victory in the last general election". He said that "germs, snakes and poisons" should be eliminated from the party.
|
| Anwar comes to daughter Nurul Izzah’s defence Posted: 15 Nov 2012 11:37 AM PST
(The Star) - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim defended his daughter Nurul Izzah over her alleged remarks about freedom of choice in religion for Muslims. Saying that Nurul Izzah had not been given a fair chance to defend herself, Anwar said that even former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said in 2007 that there was no compulsion in religion and that there was nothing that can stop Muslims leaving Islam. "Nurul Izzah's statement didn't even come close to that. She just said that there is a verse in the Quran that says that there is no compulsion in religion, but we are bound by the constitution," Anwar told reporters after attending the opening ceremony of a Maal Hijrah seminar at the Tabung Haji Complex here yesterday. Abdullah, speaking after opening the 18th Conference of International Islamic FIQH Academy in Putrajaya on July 9, 2007, had said that religious authorities should find out the grouses of Muslim converts who wanted to return to their former religion. The then Prime Minister had said this in response to a question about the spate of court cases at the time involving people seeking to leave the faith. News reports of the 2007 event by The Star, New Straits Times, The Sunas well as wire service Reuters showed that Abdullah had made no mention that there was no compulsion in religion or that nothing can stop Muslims from leaving Islam as Anwar has alleged. [And the spin goes on ... - MTadmin] Asked to comment on Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's statement that faith should not be politicised or used to gain political mileage, Anwar said: "I think what Tuanku meant is that you shouldn't use religion to demonise people in the media, (or to) to attack your political opponents." Nurul Izzah had allegedly made the remarks at a public forum on Nov 3, titled Islamic State: Which vision? Whose responsibility?, where she had purportedly implied that religious freedom should be accorded to all races including Malays. The Lembah Pantai MP and PKR vice-president has since drawn flak from many quarters for her alleged remarks but has said that her words during the function had been misquoted.
|
| PAS leaders grilled for turning blind eye on audit report Posted: 15 Nov 2012 02:29 AM PST (Malaysiakini) - Delegates at the 55th PAS Youth Muktamar today grilled their top leadership in the wing, for failing to voice out against PAS-led states which had been criticised in the Auditor-General's Report 2011, as well as on other issues.
Criticism part of wing's culture Several other delegates were also critical of the leadership, ticking them off for not making enough effort to lend their voices in ceramah at the state level, as well as inconsistencies in foreign policies.
|
| PAS Youth shoots down Bersih 4.0 before GE13 Posted: 15 Nov 2012 02:27 AM PST (Malaysiakini) - In a near unanimous decision, delegates at the PAS Youth Muktamar in Kota Bharu today rejected a motion for a Bersih 4.0 protest before the next general election. Delegates who spoke against the mooted protest when debating the motion, argued that party resources should be channeled towards facing looming polls rather than organising a mega protest. Pas Youth chief declares assets In another development, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan surprised delegates by publicly declaring his asset before them during the closing of the Muktamar.
Income: RM2,500 per month allowance from PAS Youth Rental income: RM300 per month Housing loan: RM530 per month Car loan: RM1,400 per month Spouse's income: RM4,000 per month Spouse's housing loan: RM1,200 per month Assets: A house worth RM130,000 (2004); Pajero Sports (2011); and Hyundai Trajet (2007); RM9,000 in savings. "And those are my assets. I hope the PAS Youth exco can follow suit in declaring their assets," he said. Nasrudin said all exco members in PAS Youth must fill a form to declare their assets and this would be for party consumption. However, he added that if any of them were to contest in the next general election, this information would be made public online.
|
| Posted: 15 Nov 2012 02:16 AM PST (The Sun Daily) - PAS Youth slammed party organs Harakah and Harakah Daily today, claiming they had strayed from the original intent for which they were created. Federal Territory Youth chairman Kamaruzaman Mohamad, who tabled the motion in the annual muktamar (general assembly), said the standard of reporting of the newspaper and news portal has deteriorated and their credibility as party organs is diminishing. He said the PAS central committee should re-structure the editorial line-up for both the two media outfits. "For example, when the crises involving our ex-leaders such as Nasharuddin Mat Isa and (Datuk) Hassan Ali surfaced, Harakah front-paged it. "It should not have happened. Harakah as the party organ should hide this kind of stories and not publicised our leadership problems," he said. Kamaruzaman said Harakah has also carried several articles that promoted allegedly "deviant teachings". Delegates from Kedah and Selangor defended Harakah but the motion was strongly supported by almost all of the 800-strong representatives and will be brought to the the party's muktamar that will start tomorrow. On the other hand, the delegates rejected a motion for the wing to mobilise another rally calling for clean and fair elections, as a follow up to the July 9 Bersih 3.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur. Tabling the motion, Malacca delegate Aminuddin Abdul Jalil argued that the rally must be held as the Election Commission had failed to address concerns raised over the integrity of the electoral roll. "The Bersih (rally) is our (only) avenue ... It is a people uprising and I am confident PAS Youth can play a leading role in this movement," said Aminuddin. His motion was supported by Pahang delegate Mohd Fadhil Noor Abdul Karim but objected by Kedah delegate Mohd Azan Awang and Johor delegate Sheikh Omar Ali. Other motions accepted during the muktamar were to slam MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek on his anti-hudud statements; to postpone the implementation of the Automated Enforcement System; and to demonstrate against the Israeli offensive on Gaza after Friday prayers tomorrow.
|
| Perkasa calls Irene Fernandez a traitor after study says Constitution promotes discrimination Posted: 14 Nov 2012 07:48 PM PST
Ida Lim, The Malaysian Insider Perkasa Youth today urged prominent activist Irene Fernandez to return her citizenship, claiming that she is a "traitor" to the country, over her involvement in a study on discrimination that questioned constitutional provisions surrounding the position of Malays. "If she cannot obey (akur) this country's laws, please return the citizenship voluntarily, she can go any country that she likes, to any countries where she finds the laws suitable, so please return the citizenship, since she's also not Malay," Irwan Fahmi Ideris, the Perkasa youth chief, told reporters at the Dang Wangi police station today. "So here we ask the authorities to investigate and take the necessary action against the traitor," he said after lodging a police report against Fernandez over the study that was carried in The Malaysian Insider yesterday. Irwan also said they feared for Fernandez's safety, saying that such statements would incur the wrath of ignorant villagers and fellow Malaysians. "We ask that her safety be guaranteed," he said, saying that he was "sympathetic" to her. When asked if Perkasa Youth would seek an apology from Fernandez, he said that he thinks this matter "cannot be forgiven", again insisting that she returns her citizenship. "This is already overstepping the limits, when our religion, our kings are disputed. But we practise a system that is the same as Britain's," he added, pointing out that UK also has a monarch. Perkasa is a Malay right-wing group that is known to champion Islam, the rights of Malays and the royal institution. Yesterday, The Malaysian Insider reported that a UK-based study on discrimination and equality in Malaysia showed that the country should repeal or amend two constitutional provisions protecting the special rights and land of the Malays to avoid discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity. The study was jointly conducted by international charity organisation Equal Rights Trust (ERT) and Malaysian rights group Tenaganita. Fernandez is the executive director of Tenaganita. The four-part study said the existence of Articles 89 and 153 of the Federal Constitution were among the strongest causes behind racial discrimination in Malaysia as both had purportedly failed to meet the original intention for positive action. Instead, the provisions had "violated international law standards", it was said in the executive summary of the "Washing the Tigers: Addressing Discrimination and Inequality in Malaysia" study published on the ERT's website late Monday.
|
| Theologian: It’s a call to return to God Posted: 14 Nov 2012 03:20 PM PST
(The Star) - Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary are usually associated with calls to return to God, said a Catholic theologian. Malacca-Johor Diocesan Pastoral Institute director Rev Deacon Dr Sherman Kuek said while some people believed that Jesus Christ's mother's appearance heralded tribulations times, this was not always the case. "Whenever our Lady appears," Kuek said, "it is usually because people need to be assured, need hope or to be uplifted." He cited the 1858 apparitions in Lourdes as an example, saying he believed Virgin Mary had appeared there to give hope in a time of social turmoil. He reminded Catholics to always be focused on Jesus. "An apparition is never an end in itself. Our Lady never points towards herself. It is always Her Son she points to." Kuek reaffirmed, however, that the veracity of the image on the Sime Darby Medical Centre's window would only be confirmed following tests by the Church.
|
| PAS says will field more women in coming election Posted: 14 Nov 2012 02:52 PM PST
(Bernama) - PAS is looking at increasing the number of women candidates for the upcoming 13th general election, said its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. He said the move was made considering the encouraging performance of its women leaders at the parliamentary and state levels. Hadi was speaking to reporters after opening the 52nd annual assembly of the party's Dewan Muslimat (women's wing) at the Kelantan Trade Centre, here, yesterday. Earlier, in his speech, Hadi said PAS recognised women's role including its women wing's since 59 years ago. PAS Dewan Muslimat chief Siti Zailah Mohd Yusof, in her address, urged all the party's women members to be prepared in facing the coming general election.
|
| Ex-MIDA chief snubs Selangor invite to head Batu Caves taskforce Posted: 14 Nov 2012 02:46 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Former Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief Datuk N. Sadasivan has rejected the Selangor government's offer for him to lead the state's taskforce on a controversial Batu Caves condominium project. Sadasivan, who received the offer yesterday, confirmed with The Malaysian Insider this morning that he had declined the appointment but did not state a reason. "Yes, I did receive the Selangor government's offer but I rejected it. At this juncture, I cannot comment," he said when contacted. Yesterday, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim announced the state executive council's decision to appoint Sadasivan to the taskforce, two weeks after the state issued a temporary stop-work order on the Dolomite condominium pending the committee's findings. Khalid had cited Sadasivan's vast experience, noting that the latter had previously served as a director in private companies and two government-owned financial institutions ― Bank Negara and Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad ― as well as on state oil firm Petronas's board of directors. Khalid said he would meet with the committee this week to inform them of the state's purpose and added that the committee would also be tasked with studying other construction projects within the Batu Caves area. "Among the committee's scope are to re-evaluate all the development projects that have been done and planned in Batu Caves, and take into account each aspect – including the people's welfare, the Hindu community's interest, environmental safety and existing legislation." "The state government is of the opinion that this committee's scrutiny will benefit and add value to efforts to make Batu Caves a UNESCO World Heritage site," he said. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in his speech at MIC's Deepavali open house at Batu Caves, promised that Barisan National (BN) would stop the project were it to recapture Selangor in the next polls. He had also said the BN government would apply to make Batu Caves a UNESCO World Heritage site after Malaysia's term as a member of the World Heritage Commission ends in 2015. The 29-storey Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project has turned into a political crisis as Batu Caves is the religious focal point of Hindu Indians who form the majority of the 1.7 million Indians and are a key voting group in many urban seats in Selangor. About 300 Hindu and non-governmental activists joined a "Save Batu Caves" rally in the Batu Caves temple complex to protest against the condominium construction on October 26, saying it was an environmental risk that would jeopardise the temple grounds but did not furnish proof to substantiate their allegations. The project was given the nod by state authorities in 2007, but MIC and Barisan Nasional (BN) have in recent weeks pressured the current Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration into calling a halt to the project amid a battle for Indian votes.
|
| MCA distances itself from Hee, says she will lose without BN blessing Posted: 14 Nov 2012 02:43 PM PST
Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Hee Yit Foong will likely lose her Jelapang seat if she insists on contesting in the polls without Barisan Nasional's (BN) blessing, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said today, distancing his party from the former DAP leader who was instrumental in Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) fall in Perak. Dr Chua clarified that despite Hee's claim to the media on Tuesday, MCA had neither discussed giving up contesting the Jelapang seat in Perak to an outsider nor agreed to field Hee as its candidate for the coming 13th general election. He reminded Hee, who was once described as the "most hated woman in Perak", that any decision on seat distribution in BN was made collectively as it is crucial for the candidate to receive support from both the voters and component parties. "While Hee can announce that she is the candidate for Jelapang in the coming general election, without the support from the MCA division and especially the grassroots members, it is unlikely that she will win in the election," he warned her.  Hee reportedly said she will be contesting as a BN candidate. — File pic At the time, the former Perak assembly deputy was said to have left the DAP in a huff, after repeatedly complaining to have been sidelined in the state administration and left out of positions of power. She turned into a BN-friendly independent following her defection, a decision that earned her harsh criticism from Jelapang voters, most of whom are said to be hardcore DAP supporters. Media reports in the months after she left DAP said Hee turned into an outcast in her own constituency, having to move around in a delegation complete with bodyguards to keep her safe from angry voters. But in an interview with Oriental Daily published on Tuesday, Hee said she will recontest Jelapang "under the BN flag", even adding that she would let Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announce the details later. She boasted that anger against her had dissipated over the years following the Perak crisis, even adding that those who once took out newspaper advertisements to declare they no longer supported her have now returned to apologise. According to Malaysiakini's report on the Oriental Daily interview, Hee also claimed that some voters have even told her, "Datuk, your service is no worse than theirs (DAP). If you contest again, they might not win!"
|
| 'Pas wrong to support DAP's views' Posted: 14 Nov 2012 11:51 AM PST
(NST) - MUSLIMS in the country are aware that Pas' struggle is no longer about upholding the religion, after it decided to collaborate with DAP. This was the opinion of Gerakan Anti-Penyelewengan Kedah chairman Khairul Anuar Ramli, who said the statement on Monday by Pas life member and national laureate Datuk Dr Shahnon Ahmad reflected the reality that the party was subservient to the DAP. "What DAP wants is clearly against Islam, but Pas is still in partnership with them. "Pas should be fighting for Islam and its principles, not supporting DAP's struggle," he said yesterday. Shahnon was reported to have said that Pas had deviated from its original Islamic struggle after it chose to conform to views from opposing parties such as the DAP. He had also said that Pas' stand was in contradiction with Islam as the party was supposed to spearhead the religion. Khairul Anuar said Pas' deviation began last year when opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's supporters within the party won support in the muktamar (conference) after they were backed by the DAP. "Pas' stance on hudud law and its Islamic state aspirations have faded now that the idea has been struck down by DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng and Karpal Singh." He alleged that Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was afraid of his DAP counterparts. "They had probably warned him privately that Pas would be ejected from the Pakatan Rakyat coalition if its leaders continued to champion hudud." Following Shahnon's statement, Pas assistant secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan came out in defence of the party, claiming the national laureate's views were merely personal opinion. "He (Shahnon) is just an ordinary member and his comments on party matters do not reflect Pas' stand," he had said. Takiyuddin also said no action would be taken against Shahnon as it was normal for party members to have differing views. |
| Selayang Municipal Council chief transferred Posted: 14 Nov 2012 11:34 AM PST
(The Sun) - Don't misunderstand me when I say that this is an unusual move and it has elements of victimisation. Zainal executes his duties with dedication but is now transferred at the time when the state needs him most. Another head of a local council has rolled. The president of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala (pix)has been transferred, less than 18 months after occupying the hot seat. The transfer, the second in as many months after the transfer of Petaling Jaya City Council head Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, has caused yet another round of acrimony between the state and federal authorities, especially the Public Services Department (PSD). In an immediate response to Zainal's transfer to the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), Selangor executive council member in charge of local government Ronnie Liu said it "was an unusual move" and there are "elements of victimisation". A letter from the PSD, dated Nov 9 and signed by its deputy director-general, ordered Zainal to report to Intan tomorrow. MPS councillor Lee Khai Loon said the announcement came as a shock to the council and it does not agree with the decision. "I personally feel this sudden notice from the JPA is related to the Batu Caves condominium controversy. "We don't agree with this decision, as it was unilaterally made without any proper discussion with the council or the state government," he said yesterday. Lee said that the transfer will also have negative implications on the Special Task Force set up by the state to investigate the Dolomite Park Avenue controversy. "He is one of those in the know on the course of events which led to the approval of the project. Our aim is to retain Zainal as the head of the council," he said. Liu added: "Don't misunderstand me when I say that this is an unusual move and it has elements of victimisation. Zainal executes his duties with dedication but is now transferred at the time when the state needs him most." The announcement comes in the wake of the controversial 29-storey condominium project near the limestone cliffs at Batu Caves by Dolomite Industries Company Sdn Bhd. The controversy erupted after the MIC, which has been at the helm of protests against the two tower blocks two weeks ago, claimed the project was approved by the current Pakatan Rakyat state government. However, Zainal on Oct 30 said that approval for the condominium project given in November 2007 – when Selangor was still under the Barisan Nasional administration. Documents have since surfaced which show that three MIC representatives – Rajakupal Sinnathamby, Jayakumaran Govindasamy and Rajandran Muniandy – and Deputy Foreign Minister A. Kohilan Pillay endorsed the decision of the One-Stop Centre committee to approve the project.
|
| Health DG fined RM3,000 for committing khalwat Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:47 PM PST
(Bernama) - Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman was fined RM3,000 or three months jail in default by the Syariah High Court here after pleading guilty to committing "khalwat" (close proximity) early today. Dr Hasan, 56, admitted to committing khalwat with Wan Syarifah Nooraazmanita Wan Hassan, 36, also an officer with the Health Ministry, at the Pullman Putrajaya hotel here at 2.18 am. Wan Syarifah Nooraazmanita also admitted guilt and was fined RM2,900 or 30 days jail in default. Syarie judge Mohd Amran Mat Zain in handing down the punishment, said he took into consideration that it was their first offence and they had shown remorse, besides the fact that they planned to tie the knot. The duo could were liable to be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed not more than two years for the offence. According to the facts, it took Dr Hasan five minutes to open the door of their hotel room after an enforcement team from the Federal Territory Islamic Department went to check on them following complaints from the public. On entry, the team found both of them fully dressed and investigations showed Dr Hasan was a widower while Wan Syarifah Nooraazmanita was in the process of getting a divorce. They paid the fine.
|
| Another Selangor top civil servant to be transferred Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:21 PM PST
(The Star) - Another top civil servant in Selangor is set to be transferred effective Thursday, according to Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu. He said the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) president Datuk Zainal Abidin A'ala transfer takes effect Thursday, and expressed regret at how the transfer was handled by the Public Service Department (PSD). Liu said he had yet to receive a letter from PSD informing him of the transfer, and did not know when Zainal Abidin received his transfer letter. "We are upset and shocked, as MPS will lose a hardworking and efficient leader. He handled the rubbish collection issue and the Batu Caves issue well," he said This is the second sudden transfer of a top civil servant in the state this year. In September, Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman received a transfer letter on Sept 27 to inform him of the transfer effective Oct 1. The state government objected to the move and the transfer has since been frozen.
|
| Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:55 PM PST (The Star) - Sparks are expected to fly at the 58th PAS muktamar from tomorrow if hardliners, unhappy with several developments within the party, go on a no-holds-barred spree to highlight the actual grouses on the ground. Temperature is said to be getting more heated as PAS' top leadership continues to ignore several contentious issues, including the recent controversial statement made by PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar on freedom of religion. It remains to be seen if the hardliners succeed in making their voices heard against those who wish to keep the issue under wraps so as not to rock the Pakatan Rakyat boat. Observers said the hardliners' patience were being tested to the brim following failure of the party to take Nurul Izzah to task for allegedly implying that religious freedom should also be accorded to the Malays. Sensing possible fireworks, PAS central committee member Khalid Samad called on the delegates not to create friction within the party and among friends in Pakatan. "We must defend Nurul Izzah because her statement was misinterpreted," he said. Describing the next general election as crucial for Pakatan, Khalid said PAS should not over-react to some issues, allegedly fanned by the Barisan Nasional. Another party leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said defending Nurul Izzah would be disastrous for PAS. "Yes, grassroots are upset, but the top leaders appear to be living in a parallel universe where they think whatever they say will be accepted by members and supporters," said the leader. An observer noted the parallel of Nurul Izzah's issue with that of her father Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's alleged sex video tape. PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had come out in defence of the Opposition Leader last year. "Hadi used the muktamar as a platform to defend Anwar, who is a PKR leader, by saying that video evidence was not acceptable as videos are nothing but "iron with no eyes". "But he would be pushing it too far if this year he is to use the muktamar to defend Nurul Izzah," he said. This year's muktamar with the theme "Welfare State Core of Unity" would be held at the Pusat Tarbiyah Islamiyah Kelantan at Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, until Nov 18. Muktamar deputy director Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said among the highlights would be the planned "resurgence of rakyat" gathering at Stadium Sultan Mohamad IV in Kota Baru on Friday. He said 1,100 delegates from 186 PAS areas would attend the event. PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu will open the 53rd Youth muktamar, while Hadi would open the 52nd meeting of the party's Woman's wing. The Youth, Muslimat and Ulama wing will hold their respective assemblies in separate locations tomorrow. Hadi would deliver his presidential speech during the muktamar proper on Friday. Media and publicity committee chairman Aiman Athirah Al Jundi said the Muslimat might push for an emergency motion if they got the green light from the resolution filtering committee.
|
| Speak up on Nurul Izzah’s statement, PAS leaders urged Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:42 PM PST
(The Star) - The PAS top leadership has been urged to take PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar to task if she had implied that religious freedom should be accorded to the Malays, too. PAS Syura Council member Nasharudin Mat Isa said party members and supporters were anxious over what the top leadership had to say of the issue."They are waiting for a stern statement," he said, responding to the outcry over the Lembah Pantai MP's controversial comment at a recent forum on the Islamic state. He said Nurul Izzah should retract her statement if she had not meant to say that religious freedom should also be accorded to the Malays. "She must justify her argument, now that she denies saying something to the effect," he said. PAS Ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib agrees. He said Nurul Izzah should reflect on what she had said and retract her statement if she felt what she expressed earlier was wrong. "If she feels she is not in the wrong, she has every right to refuse to retract her statement," he said. Former Terengganu PKR Youth chief Fakrul Azman called on PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to "stop playing politics" in defending Nurul Izzah. "Otherwise, people will assume PAS is willing to sacrifice its principles for the sake of political expediency," he said. In IPOH, Perak PAS has reiterated the leadership's stand to wait first for a clarification from the MP before commenting on the issue. "We want to hear it from her first," said state PAS commissioner Abu Bakar Hussain. Meanwhile, state DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham has also drawn flak over his tweets over the issue. A posting from one aktivis pendang jr warned: "YB jangan selalu bercakap tentang agama orang lain, hormati setiap agama (YB don't always talk about other people's religion, respect all religion)." He said this in response to a Nov 6 tweet from Ngeh, which said, among others: "Nurul as MP is defending the Fed Const. Art 11(1). Every person has the right to profess & practise his religion."
|
| Long After the Nurul Izzah Furore, PAS Could Still Pay a High Price Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:39 PM PST (The Choice) - Put simply, PAS had no choice. If it doesn't stand shoulder to shoulder with the other members of Pakatan Rakyat on key issues, then the entire edifice falls to the ground. PKR vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar must feel good now that she can pick up the newspapers each day and see that she is no longer front page news. She endured a storm of protest over her alleged "freedom of religion" comments, but after a long and testing week, the story seems to have run its course. But that might not be the case for everyone. Because while Nurul Izzah might rightly think the affair has blown over, PAS has paid a high price for backing her and could continue to do so up to GE13. Put simply, PAS had no choice. If it doesn't stand shoulder to shoulder with the other members of Pakatan Rakyat on key issues, then the entire edifice falls to the ground. That said, this one must have been particularly galling for them. Not only do her alleged comments about whether Muslims can choose their faith strike right at their religious core, but the person charged with speaking up for her was none other than PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who described the issue as "unfortunate". "Unfortunate" - was that really the best he could do? Others were also wheeled out to defend her, including PAS central committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad PAS National Unity Bureau chairman Datuk Mujahid Yusof Rawa. Both adopted the line that she was a victim, cruelly misquoted by the media. The intervention by PAS worked in the short term in that the party's conservatives didn't break ranks and the Pakatan coalition was still in one piece – last time we looked. But it isn't over yet. As predicted by The Choice, the issue is now playing into the hands of Barisan Nasional much to the discomfort of the PAS leadership. Religious adviser to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Abdullah Md Zin picked up the matter this week and he made sure Nurul Izzah wasn't the main focus of his comments. "It is regrettable that PAS leaders, like PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, do not want to correct the statement made by Nurul Izzah on religious freedom," he said, a reference to the fact that by offering some wishy-washy words to keep Pakatan happy, they had turned down the chance to take a stand on behalf of Islam. So the story has indeed moved on – but PAS is still paying the price. And this creates problems that won't go away before GE13, because PAS's pitch to the rakyat has always been clear. PAS is the party that is true to Islam – more so than Umno and a lot more so than those chattering urbanites at PKR. Read more at: http://www.thechoice.my/top-stories/63090-long-after-the-nurul-izzah-furore-pas-could-still-pay-a-high-price
|
| Sabah opposition ‘magic’ number is 10 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:50 PM PST According to PAS, although 60% of the electorate 'favour us', only a one-to-one fight with BN could ensure a win for the opposition. Luke Rintod, FMT Voters in Sabah will have to deliver at least 10 parliamentary seats to the opposition to end the over 50-year reign of the Umno-led federal coalition government. PAS deputy president, Mohamad Sabu, more popularly known as Mat Sabu, reckons that voters in the east Malaysian state will have to make a complete turnaround compared to the last election to allow the opposition to march into Putrajaya. While confident that Pakatan Rakyat would do even better in Peninsular Malaysia compared to the 2008 general election, the popular and down-to-earth PAS leader said Sabah voters would either swing it the opposition's way or help maintain the status quo. He said, "We have very good prospects of winning more seats in Sarawak and can reach the magic number of 112 in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat provided voters in neighbouring Sabah respond to the loud calls for change. "We must win 10 to 12 seats in Sabah for Pakatan to take over at federal level," he said at a luncheon with friends at Chessington on Sunday. Together with the lone parliamentary seat of Labuan, Sabah has 26 seats up for grabs in the coming 13th general election. In the last election, the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition won 25 seats, losing only the state capital Kota Kinabalu to DAP. However, BN lost two more seats when one of its components, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), left soon after the 2008 general election and took with it the Tawau and Sepanggar seats. Another two Sabah parliamentary seats, Beaufort and Tuaran, were recently handed over to the opposition when incumbents Lajim Ukin and Wilfred Bumburing left the BN to become Pakatan supporters. Mat Sabu, who was in London from Nov 7-11 to meet friends and supporters including Malaysians residing around UK, also expressed confidence that the opposition front could win sufficient seats to form the next government if the opposition is united. "We must have a one-to-one fight with BN, otherwise, though 60% of the electorate favour us, we will not win because of the split vote," he said of the threat posed to a consolidated vote by opposition parties outside the coalition. Not worried But the unflappable opposition politician is not worried by the occasional flare-ups between Pakatan and go-it-alone Sabah opposition parties like SAPP and the State Reform Party (STAR) which have yet to thrash out their differences and agree to a one-on-one contests against the BN. "Biarlah kita 'bertumbuk' bincang sesama kita daripada nanti kalah," he said in Malay which loosely means "it is better for all the opposition parties to fight with each other now and arrive at a compromise than wait for a certain defeat".
|
| Stop manipulating religious text: PUM Posted: 12 Nov 2012 11:48 PM PST (Bernama) - The Ulama Association of Malaysia (PUM) has urged Sisters In Islam (SIS) and secularist groups to stop manipulating religious texts to suit their secular perspective, including the issue of religious freedom. PUM secretary-general Dr Mohd Roslan Mohd Noor described their action as defamation of religions and part of the manifestation of 'religionfobia'. "It has been considered a crime at national and international level. PUM supports action in terms of legislation, education, media and the like to ensure that the religion is not denied its right in the name of human rights," he said in a statement tonight. A pro-opposition news portal report recently quoted SIS as saying that religious freedom must include the freedom to change religion. "How can Muslims demand this notion of religious freedom for those wishing to convert to Islam and at the same time argue the denial of this freedom to leave Islam for those who no longer believe," SIS said in the statement. A pro-opposition news portal, in a report on Nov 3, quoted Nurul Izzah Anwar as saying that people should not be compelled to adopt a particular religion, and that this should also apply to the Malays. "When you ask me, there is no compulsion in religion ... how can anyone say sorry, this (religious freedom) only applies to non-Malays, it has to apply equally," she was quoted as saying when speaking at a forum on "Islamic State: Which version; Who's responsibility?" in Subang Jaya.
|
| PPP submits names for four parliament, 12 state seats Posted: 12 Nov 2012 10:11 PM PST
(Bernama) - The People's Progressive Party (PPP) has submitted the names of candidates for four parliamentary and 12 state seats in the upcoming general election. PPP senior vice-president Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz said the candidates comprised mostly of new faces, except for PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas, and this reflected the transformation made by the party. He said it would be up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to decide on the candidates. "We have submitted our list. We believe our candidates are highly qualified and have the credibility to ensure victory for BN (Barisan Nasional) in the general election," he told reporters after attending the Deepavali open house organised by the Federal Territories PPP here. Asked whether his name was included, Maglin said he would not be contesting to make way for new faces. He said if the party's candidates were not selected, it would not stop PPP from working closely with BN for their mutual benefit. In the 2008 general election, PPP was allocated only two seats, namely Taiping parliamentary seat and Pasir Bedamar state seat. In Taiping, Kayveas lost to DAP's Nga Kor Ming by 11,298-vote majority, while in Pasir Bedamar, PPP's Lee Heng lost to DAP's Seah Leong Peng by 7,914-vote majority.
|
| Promise to cancel Batu Caves project is political bribery, says Pakatan Posted: 12 Nov 2012 02:58 PM PST
Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers said today it was "political bribery" for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's to promise cancelling the controversial Batu Caves condominium project if Barisan Nasional (BN) recaptures Selangor, and accused the prime minister of abusing an emotive issue to woo Indian support. "It is bribery... very unbecoming of the Prime Minister, I think," Selangor state executive councillor Xavier Jayakumar told The Malaysian Insider. At the MIC's national Deepavali open house at Batu Caves this morning, Najib promised to cancel the controversial luxury condominium being built near the venue but provided that the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition wins back Selangor from PR. Jayakumar pointed out that despite holding state power, the Selangor PR government had not seen it fit to turn the issue into a political one, and chose instead to resolve it via consultation and discussion with the relevant parties. He said it was unfair issue such ultimatums on voters, particularly since the issue was clearly a sensitive one to the Indian community. "We in the Selangor government do not say ― if the Indians vote for us, we will definitely cancel the project. "What we have done is, we have issued a stop work order and our task force is now workin on looking at different angles to solve this. In the end, we will ensure that it is resolved amicably," Jayakumar said. DAP's Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo agreed with his party colleague and accused Najib of threatening the Selangor Indian community with his promise. He said Najib's words were similar to his "you help me, I help you" promise to Sibu voters during the 2010 by-election, which had earned the prime minister widespread criticism. "Najib should make an effort to resolve the issue, not issue a conditional promise," he told The Malaysian Insider. Selangor has ordered a temporary halt to the construction of the 29-storey condominium near Batu Caves pending the findings of an independent state-level task force to be set up soon, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said on Octber 30. He, however, offered the state's assurance that the matter would be resolved as soon as possible, admitting that the stop-work order would cost the developers financial losses. The 29-storey Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project has turned into a political crisis as Batu Caves is the religious focal point of Hindu Indians, who form the majority of the 1.7 million Indians and are a key voting group in many urban seats in Selangor. About 300 Hindu and non-governmental activists joined a "Save Batu Caves" rally in the Batu Caves temple complex to protest against the condominium construction on October 26, saying it was an environmental risk that would jeopardise the temple grounds but did not furnish proof to substantiate their allegations. The project was given the nod by state authorities in 2007, but MIC and Barisan Nasional (BN) have in recent weeks pressured the current Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration into calling a halt to the project amid a battle for Indian votes.
|
| Najib promises Indians no Batu Caves condo if BN regains Selangor Posted: 12 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST
Ida Lim, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Najib Razak promised today to cancel a controversial luxury condominium being built near Batu Caves that was approved by a Barisan Nasional (BN) administration in 2007, if the BN coalition wins back Selangor from Pakatan Rakyat (PR), stepping up the game in the battle for votes ahead of the coming general elections. "I want to give an assurance that if BN is successful in taking over Selangor...the 29-storey project will be cancelled," Najib, who is also the BN chairman, told the crowd at the MIC's Deepavali open house here. Noting that the Batu Caves temple complex is "very close to the hearts of Indians who are Hindus", Najib said that the complex must be defended from any threats to its position. Selangor has ordered a temporary halt to the construction of the 29-storey condominium near Batu Caves pending the findings of an independent state-level task force to be set up soon, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said on Octber 30. Khalid, however, offered the state's assurance that the matter would be resolved as soon as possible, admitting that the stop-work order would cost the developers financial losses. The 29-storey Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project has turned into a political crisis as Batu Caves is the religious focal point of Hindu Indians, who form the majority of the 1.7 million Indians and are a key voting group in many urban seats in Selangor. About 300 Hindu and non-governmental activists joined a "Save Batu Caves" rally in the Batu Caves temple complex to protest against the condominium construction on October 26, saying it was an environmental risk that would jeopardise the temple grounds but did not furnish proof to substantiate their allegations. The project was given the nod by state authorities in 2007, but MIC and Barisan Nasional (BN) have in recent weeks pressured the current Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration into calling a halt to the project amid a battle for Indian votes. Najib today said the BN government would apply to make Batu Caves a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a second step in defending the complex. "We decided that through the Culture, Information and Communications Department, that this Batu Caves can be considered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO," Najib said today. But he said that an application could only be made after Malaysia's term as a member of the World Heritage Commission ends in 2015, saying that this was to avoid a possible "conflict of interest". Najib also announced that Deepavali will now also be a public holiday in the Labuan, the federal territory off the coast of Sabah.
|
| Salang: BN will still rule after GE Posted: 12 Nov 2012 11:56 AM PST
(TMI) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) will still rule the country after the upcoming 13th General Election (GE), said Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang.
He said for this and many other very good reasons, rural folks in the state should not waste their votes in supporting the opposition. "In Sarawak we even have an opposition party, the Sarawak Workers' Party (SWP), which claims that it is actually pro-BN. "This goes to show that it admires the BN and has great confidence in its leaders ability to administer the nation and serve the people," he said at a Natural Disaster Awareness Programme held at longhouse Rh.Kelukot in Nanga Telesa, Sungai Mujok in the interior here last evening. The BN, he said, despite its shortcomings, had as a matter of fact, accomplished much more in terms of bringing unprecendented progress, stability and prosperity to the nation which also benefitted the people. "It has still a lot more that it is going to implement to improve on these accomplishments. "The people, especially those in rural areas must remain with it in order to allow these to continue so that they can benefit even more,"he said. Meanwhile, Salang expressed the hope that all candidates, especially from the opposition parties, would not resort to personal attacks to win the people's support during the campaigning period (for the GE). He said this was because the people themselves could tell whether the accusations and allegations made were true or otherwise and this could backfire on those responsible. On the programme jointly organised by the Julau District Office, the Julau Police and the Bintangor Fire and Rescue Department, he said it was a step in the right direction as there had been recent cases of longhouse fires and next month, the Julau and Pakan Districts were expected to face the seasonal flood. — Bernama |
| Perak PAS wants clarification from Nurul Izzah Posted: 11 Nov 2012 04:01 PM PST
(The Star) - Perak PAS has shied away from announcing its support for embattled PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is alleged to have uttered words perceived as advocating religious freedom for Muslims. State PAS commissioner Abu Bakar Hussain said they were still waiting for a clarification over the matter from the Lembah Pantai MP before issuing a statement on it. "We want to hear it from her first. "We have yet to receive any statements from Nurul Izzah and we hope to get an explanation from her soon," he told journalists during a press conference on Monday. Abu Bakar, however, believed that Nurul Izzah's words might have been manipulated by certain quarters out to tarnish her reputation. "I don't think she meant anything like that. "When people dislike (her), they will have different interpretation of her statement," Abu Bakar said. "Certain quarters want to pit the Pakatan Rakyat parties against each other and to create tension between us," he added.
|
| Najib says has Indians’ best interest at heart Posted: 11 Nov 2012 08:12 AM PST
(TMI) -- Datuk Seri Najib Razak has assured the Indian community that the government would fully honour its hopes and trust and walk hand in hand to help realise its dreams and aspirations.
"We have been consistent in delivering on realistic and responsible promises made to the Indian community as we do not believe in promising the impossible just to gain power and popularity. "I sincerely believe that Malaysia's best times are ahead of us and to scale those great heights of progress and prosperity, we must all unite behind the vision of a just, fair and successful country. "As our transformation programmes begin to show results, we will ensure that every Malaysian, including Malaysian Indians, will have better incomes and importantly, a better quality of life for current and future generations," said the prime minister in his Deepavali message posted on his blog at 1Malaysia.com.my. Najib said all throughout this journey, the Indian community had played a pivotal role that all Malaysians recognised and cherished. "On the occasion of Deepavali this year, I take the opportunity to thank the Indian community for their selfless contribution towards building a safe, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia," he added. The prime minister said while the Indian community fully participated in nation building since independence, it also faced many challenges, especially as they adjusted to life in towns and cities throughout the country. "I am well aware of the problems the Indian community has and is facing, and that is precisely why the government has implemented many specific measures to address problems specifically faced by the Indian community. "In the last three and a half years, we have executed various new and innovative approaches towards resolving longstanding legacy problems faced by the Indian community. "This has resulted in real and positive impacts on Indian families nationwide. Many major challenges in various sectors involving the Indian community have received the attention of the government," he said. Najib said the celebration of Deepavali, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, most fittingly reflects the journey of our multiracial diverse country over the last 55 years. "Our journey from Merdeka to where we are now as a major developing nation on course to becoming a high-income developed nation by 2020 has indeed seen us overcome many obstacles to reach our objectives. "Our forefathers, and the generations that followed them, have worked together as one in fighting against the darkness and the challenges that faced our shared nation so that all Malaysians may enjoy better lives," he said. The prime minister said the government's transformation initiatives and efforts to uplift the Indian community would not have been successful without the trust or "nambikei" between the Government and the people. "Through this partnership which centred on mutual understanding and hard work, we have together brought the light of hope to families and individuals, enabling them to live better and happier lives. "The continued 'nambikei' between the government and the Indian community will empower the government to continuously bring growth and progress to the community. "This will be done through various focused initiatives that will ensure our assistance and services reaches every Indian in Malaysia that needs some help to stand on their own two feet," said Najib. The prime minister said to achieve all shared ambitions for the Indian community, all quarters must realise that they still have a lot of work to do together. "I can't do this alone and only with the support and trust of the Indian community, and all other communities, can we make this journey of transformation a meaningful and successful one," he said. — Bernama |
Hadi said should PAS be given the mandate to rule as part of Pakatan Rakyat, the party would strive for a shift to an economic philosophy that was fairer.
He said PAS members should not get involved in matters detrimental to the party's struggle such as busying over petty matters.
In his speech, themed "Forging Unity through a Benevolent State", Hadi pointed out that since the phrase 'Negara Berkebajikan' (Benevolent State) was introduced as PAS's vision at the last muktamar, many have been accusing PAS of deviating from its Islamic struggle.
Debating on the motion on PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan's (left) speech which was presented last night, Johor PAS representative Mohd Faizul Mohd Salleh pointed out it did not contain a single criticism of Pakatan Rakyat states.
Speaking to reporters later, PAS deputy youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz (left) said criticism of leaders was part of the wing's culture.
"But it is not our intent to frighten anyone but to continue our struggle for a clean general election," he said.
His income and assets are as follow:
| 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