| Each folly by Anwar has its costs Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST 
Perhaps he thinks that the end justifies the means. That we will overlook anything he does if that is what he thinks is needed for Pakatan to win the election and for him to be prime minister. CT Ali (Free Malaysia Today) The rakyat will not take it kindly the ridiculous charade of Deepak and Musa to plead their case for their own gains with Anwar's help. Is Anwar Ibrahim a symbol of the newly emerging political correctness that we aspire to or is he a relic of its past, unable or unwilling to unchain himself from its dubious attractions and distractions? Is he a courageous leader who has endured much personal and public pain and odious persecution by a vengeful Umno in order to pursue the courage of his convictions or is he merely at the unfortunate end of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ire for having the temerity to challenge Mahathir's position as numero uno in Umno? Is Anwar an accidental symbol of the people's mounting frustration with a corrupt and arrogant Barisan Nasional government or was he actually the very spark that ignited that tidal wave of change that resulted in BN's heavy defeat in the last general election? I have watched with fascination (and at times with incredulous astonishment) at Anwar's attempts to ride the dragon of change that is now stalking this Umno-led Barisan Nasional, which has failed to see what our people would do, could do and did do at the 12th general election. Anwar himself did not think it possible to become what he did become after the 12th general election – the leader of an effective opposition and the leader of a party that won the most seats in Parliament among the fledgling opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat. The results of the 12th general election gave Anwar a legitimate claim to political relevance within Malaysia. Alas for Anwar and for us, what political capital and reservoir of goodwill from the Malaysian public that he, PKR and Pakatan had gained from the success of the 12th general election had not been used wisely. From the false euphoria of an impossibly ill-conceived announced takeover of Putrajaya, through a series of increasingly questionable decision-makings that smack too openly of political opportunism and self-interest, Anwar has lurched from one political disaster to another. Each folly by Anwar had its costs. And slowly but surely PKR and then Pakatan lost traction in its attempt to take what happened at the 12th general election onto to the next level where Pakatan could have formed the government after the 13th general election. So far we have accommodated his follies, overlooked his personal misdemeanours, ignored his crass stupidity in thinking that we did not know what was happening in Selangor, chuckled at his flights of fancies (taking over Putrajaya) and forgave him his errors – all in the name of Pakatan and mindful of what he has undergone at the hands of a revengeful Mahathir. Perhaps Anwar mistook our lack of a cracking of the whip when we should, as being a licence for him to carry on with his questionable activities – personal or otherwise. Perhaps he thinks that the end justifies the means. That we will overlook anything he does if that is what he thinks is needed for Pakatan to win the election and for him to be prime minister. I think Anwar is sadly mistaken. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/12/10/each-folly-by-anwar-has-its-costs/ |
| EC officers have democratic right to join political parties, says chief Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:17 AM PST 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Election Commission (EC) officers are within their democratic right to join political parties but they must not be partisan in carrying out their duties, says its chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof. The EC chairman disclosed this when responding to accusations by PAS that a senior EC officer in Sabah was holding a key post in the Kinabatangan Umno Youth chapter. The EC's impartiality has been continuously questioned by the opposition and activists over the past years. "There is nothing wring for any EC officer to join political parties. It doesn't matter if they are in PAS, PKR or Umno. "It is their democratic right," he told The Malaysian Insiderwhen contacted over the issue. But Abdul Aziz said that EC officials should not side with any parties or abuse their powers when carrying out their duties. He also stressed that the EC welcomed reports from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) if the commission officials abused their powers, saying the opposition parties should lodge complaints and provide proof of wrongdoing. "If there is proof to show the officer is in the wrong, please submit the proof. If possible, give the name, position and pictures. "We will investigate without favour no matter who the officer is," Abdul Aziz said. The former top civil servant agreed that EC officials who are in political parties should not mix their duties with political ideology, saying it went against the work ethics of those in government service. The EC chairman pointed out there were no regulations or laws that prevent government officials from joining political parties, except that those active in politics must apply for permission from the Public Service Department (PSD). Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ec-officers-have-democratic-right-to-join-political-parties-says-chief/ |
| Absolutely no reason for protracted stateless Indian issue Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:10 AM PST 
Chua Jui Meng
THE plight of some 300,000 stateless Indians is more than enough a reason for you to change the federal government.
This problem should have been resolved long ago and therefore the Indian community in Malaysia cannot continue to trust the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government. These stateless Indians have either lived here for decades or were born in this country. They can also communicate fluently in Bahasa Malaysia. Why must their application for citizenship be rejected or their files left in the cupboard to collect dust? In contrast, why were 600,000 Muslims from Indonesia and the Philippines in Sabah given citizenship and bumiputra status to vote in Malaysia? The majority of the Filipinos cannot even speak Bahasa Malaysia. Clearly, the Umno-led BN's ulterior motive and bad intentions for the people and country were to topple the then PBS state government and then use the foreigners as its fixed deposit voters. And, Anwar has promised to grant citizenship to all the stateless Indians in Malaysia. Come next 13th General Election, the Indians must join us and give Pakatan Rakyat (PR) their ballots to fight BN… Lawan Tetap Lawan (Fight, we must fight). There is absolutely no reason for Indians born in Malaysia and those who have stayed here for decades to remain stateless. To quote (Parliamentary Opposition Leader) Anwar Ibrahim, we are all Malaysian brothers and sisters, irrespective of race. Anwar has also reiterated that a PR government will take care of the interest of all Malaysians and that is why PKR is leading a march to Putrajaya on Wednesday (Dec 12, 2012) to protest and to demand that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak grants the citizenship in the name of justice. I also urge the Indian community to consider our proposed long-term people-centric fiscal policies in PR's Buku Jingga (Orange Book) and alternative Budget 2013 when going to the next national polls. Take whatever sweeteners that the BN is giving you now even though it is a measly RM500, but when it comes to casting your ballots, think of the long-term benefits PR is offering. PR's slew of such benefits include monthly welfare aid for the poor raised from RM300 to RM550, free education for all Malaysian children all the way to university and RM2,000 annual aid for elderly couples. In addition, RM1,000 annual allowance will be given to low-income families for every child aged 12 and below to enable mothers to send their children to day care centres. This will help free mothers who need to go to work for additional income. PR also wants to make cars more affordable to the people by reducing excise duty by 20% every year, the setting up of a national trust fund for the welfare of women in the country akin to the Employees Provident Fund and the scrapping of road tolls. Deepavali or Diwali is celebrated by Hindus annually to mark the triumph of Good over Evil … and in Malaysia today, you know the evil is BN. |
| Indian community will be rewarded for being a ‘fixed deposit’ Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:07 AM PST 
(The Star) - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak admits that the Indian community, while being a long-time "fixed deposit" for the Barisan Nasional in the country's general elections, had not been given the "interest rates" due to them. "They had been our fixed deposit' all this while but we have not been paying high interest ... maybe our interest rates were not good enough," said the Prime Minister, who is also the Barisan chief. "However, in the last four years, the Barisan has been paying them higher interest rates," he said in his keynote address when opening the 66th MIC general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday. "It is the feeling of being sidelined among the Indians that led to a dip in their support for the Barisan at the last polls. "There were, among the community, those who wanted to see changes in the Barisan. They wanted it to be more attentive to the rights and aspiration of the Indians. "It is not to say they wanted the Opposition less or that they love the Opposition, but they wanted a Barisan government that cares for the Indians and all Malaysians," he added. Najib said the expenditure of RM540mil for Tamil primary schools since 2009 was an example of the Government's commitment towards the betterment of the community, adding the Government would consider upgrading the MIC-run Tafe College to university status. The Prime Minister was confident that the changes being made by the Barisan would be accepted by the Indians, based on the nambikei spirit and the trust they had put in the party to defend their future. Telling them to be cautious before casting their votes at the next general election, Najib said there could be chaos and uncertainties for the community and the nation if they voted for the Opposition. He also described the allegations by the Opposition that some 300,000 Indians in the country were stateless as a lie to dupe the community. "Based on records, only about 9,000 had so far come forward to apply for citizenship and related documents. "So far, 4,500 citizenship applications have been settled with 2,000 more in the process," he said, adding that 7,000 MyKad and birth certificates had been issued to the applicants. |
| 'Khalwat' issue: Case could be tip of the iceberg Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:06 AM PST  Indecent charge: The summons which the Kota Baru Municipal Council enforcement officers issued to non-Muslims recently.
(The Star) - PETALING JAYA: The case of the four non-Muslims who were hauled up for "khalwat" in Kota Baru, Kelantan, could just be the tip of an iceberg, says PAS Supporters Congress head Hu Pang Chaw. "There could be more of such cases in which the rights of non-Muslims have been violated, but not revealed," he said. "The couples involved were non-Muslims. And, the enforcement officers were subjective in issuing the summonses from an Islamic stand. This is not fair," he was quoted as saying by China Press. Citing an example on the overzealous enforcement, Hu, a former councillor, said a billboard advertisement by an electrical appliance shop was taken down for containing "indecent images". "It was a picture of a woman covering a man's eyes from behind," he said. "No action was taken against the shop but the billboard was taken down anyway." Throughout the 22 years of PAS rule in Kelantan, Hu said the Islamic policies implemented by the party had affected and inconvenienced non-Muslims. He pointed out that Chinese support for PAS would be affected if the state government failed to resolve such issues. "As party supporters, we are only giving opinions as we know better what the non-Muslims want," he said. Asked on Friday about certain PAS leaders' overzealousness in implementing Islamic policies, Hu said he was disheartened by their actions. "Some have overstepped what's allowed in terms of religion to defend the party struggle. They have not been looking into what the non-Muslims want," he added. Sin Chew Daily quoted a relative saying that there were several cars parked in the area where the two men were issued with the summonses. There were other families and couples there. He said the duo denied any wrongdoing and they would not pay the fine. Meanwhile, Kelantan Chinese Assembly Hall president Oie Poh Choonhas called on the Kota Baru Municipal Council to show evidence that the two men caught in a car near the airport were acting indecently. "Even if they were, an advice would have been sufficient," Oei said. "But if the council wants to fine them, they had better produce evidence." He also urged the council to monitor its "problematic" enforcement officers. Kelantan Gerakan Vice-Youth chief Ong Khang Woon concurred, saying that evidence was crucial and the two could ignore the fine. "While the law is all black and white, the problem lies with such enforcement officers," he said. |
| TI-M president: Malaysians have no conviction to fight corruption Posted: 09 Dec 2012 10:53 AM PST 
(The Star) - Malaysians rather pay their way out of trouble despite knowing corruption is wrong. Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) president Datuk Paul Lowsaid Malaysians were aware of corruption but had no conviction to fight it. "I believe as much as they are aware (of corruption), when faced with a situation, they will probably pay their way out of trouble because to a certain extent, corruption has become a way of life," he said after launching a walk against corruption at Taman Tasik Perdana yesterday. In citing a 2010 Global Corruption Barometer survey conducted by TI-M, Low said that it found one in 10 Malaysians had paid a bribe. However, he believed the actual number could be higher at two or three to 10. He said another survey conducted with businessmen found one out of two have lost contracts or sales due to non-payment of bribes. "We are afraid if nothing is done to tackle corruption, it can be endemic and institutionalised," he said. He said Malaysians should change their attitude by being firm and say no when someone solicited bribes. He said all stakeholders had to fight against corruption and uphold integrity, with society playing the role of a watchdog. "We don't pay, we don't bribe. If someone ask for a bribe or extort from us, we have to inform the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission)," he said. He paid tribute to the Government's seriousness in tackling graft, saying that Malaysia was likely the only country in the world to use the transparency index as part of its Key Performance Index (KPI). He said the Government had also passed the Whistleblowing Protection Act, uploaded names of those charged with corruption on MACC's website and set up a whistleblowing hotline. "Additionally, 14 courts to handle corruption cases are being established as well as getting companies to sign the Corporate Integrity Pledge to uphold anti-corruption principles. "It shows we are prepared to tackle corruption head-on," he said. |
| Najib’s Farcical Presidential Speech Posted: 09 Dec 2012 12:55 AM PST 
M. BARKI MUSA That Prime Minister Najib Razak is oratorically-challenged is patently obvious, and a severe understatement. The pathetic part is that Najib is determined to delude himself that he is otherwise. His presidential speech at the recently-concluded UMNO General Assembly was only the latest example. He confuses ponderousness with deliberateness, equates yelling as emphasizing, and thinks that furrowing his forehead as being in profound thought. In the hands of a gifted actor, those could be great comedic acts. Alas, Najib is also far from being that. I learned early in high school at Kuala Pilah that if I did not know what to do with my hands when delivering a speech, to keep them in my pockets or behind my back. Do not gesticulate wildly as that would only distract the audience. Worse, I risked looking like a monkey on speed. Najib apparently did not learn that at his expensive British school. As an aside from the personal hygiene perspective, I hoped they sanitized the microphone thoroughly after he spoke; there was an awful amount of spit splattered on it during his delivery. Najib should take comfort in the fact that there are many effective leaders who are neither charismatic nor great orators. Germany's Angela Merkel readily comes to mind. Najib should also be reminded that the converse is even truer. Leaders with great oratorical gifts and generously endowed charisma can often be among the most corrupt and inept. Sukarno mesmerized Indonesians with his mercurial personality and spellbound speeches, but that country remained a basket case economically and in many other ways during his presidency. Had Najib delivered his address in his usual persona, without the put-on gravitas or pretensions of grandeur, he could have finished his nearly hour-long speech in half the time. Then he and his audience would not have missed their Maghrib prayers. Besides, there was nothing in Najib's speech that was so urgent or important to justify that. As self-professed champions and defenders of Islam, Najib and his fellow UMNO members do not need to be reminded of the importance of prayer. He and UMNO might need it for the coming election! Or perhaps those UMNO folks believed in the canard that their party is God's choice, and thus dispensed from having to pray. With all the daunting challenges facing Malays, Najib could come up with only two piddling policy prescriptions: One, increasing Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia's (AIM) loan amount to RM100K from RM50K; and two, reviewing the country's bankruptcy laws. This from the leader of a party that purports to champion the Malay cause! In announcing the loan increase, Najib looked approvingly to Wanita members, and they in turn responded in kind. Meaning, they were the intended beneficiaries. I have no problem giving those ladies who are hairdressers or trained pre-school teachers loans so they could start their own beauty salons or kindergartens, but simply by virtue of their being Wanita members would be folly. Besides, if all you have is some vague idea of starting basket weaving, you do not need such outlandish amounts. AIM is Malaysia's government-sponsored version of "micro-credit." Muhammad Yunus, its pioneer, would be flabbergasted to know that a loan of RM100K is considered "micro." This is yet another example of Najib adopting an otherwise brilliant idea from elsewhere and then screwing it up in the implementation. AIM's generous program has degenerated into another massive and lucrative UMNO patronage machinery. As for reviewing the bankruptcy laws, I would have been reassured had Najib made it part of an overall scheme to encourage economic entrepreneurialism and business risk-taking especially among Malays. Alas, none of that! It was prompted simply to rescue the many UMNO leaders who are bankrupt purportedly from guaranteeing loans of their members in return for their support. With the proposed changes, those local leaders would be spared from bankruptcy, and then they could be their party's next "winnable" candidates! Having not learned their lesson, they would then mortgage the country's future. What is obvious here is that Najib and the entire UMNO leadership are bereft of ideas. They are intellectually bankrupt. The brilliant political cartoonist Zunar captures well this degeneration of UMNO leaders with his latest cartoon, "Evolusi UMNO." The only remedy for the intellectual bankruptcy of our current leaders is to have an entirely new leadership. Fully aware what Mahathir did to Abdullah Badawi, Najib heaped profuse praise on the still powerful Mahathir. It was sucking up performance par excellence! Najib singled out Mahathir's commitment of loyalty to leaders, which he (Mahathir) apparently forgot when Abdullah Badawi was in charge. According to Najib, Mahathir had impressed upon UMNO members the importance of loyalty to leaders, presumably in contrast to fidelity to principles. Najib readily or more accurately, desperately hung on to that! These UMNO leaders are nothing but opportunistic characters, modern-day Hang Tuahs. In his speech Najib was like a little kid desperately seeking approval and relishing praises from grown-ups. Apart from gushingly citing Mahathir's approbation, Najib reminded his audience of IMF's Christine Legard's praise for Malaysia's "gravity-defying" economic performance. Najib needs to be reminded that the IMF, World Bank, and other "respected" international bodies were running out of superlatives to describe the country's economic stewardship right up to the day before the 1997 Asian economic contagion. READ MORE HERE |
| About cops and robbers Posted: 09 Dec 2012 12:00 AM PST 
Musa Hassan has many grievances against the government, the present IGP, as well as the Minister. First of all, Musa had requested an extension of service but it was rejected. He then asked to be made the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei and that too was rejected. Instead, he was given just a teaching job, which to him is a great insult when other retired IGPs before him were given 'good' posts. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin This was what an anonymous website published more than five years ago in 2007: 
This Deputy Minister is the most powerful Deputy Minister because firstly he works under a very busy minister so all power has to be delegated to him. Secondly, he has got the prerogative of executive power to order a person to be detained without trail or to be released on his own fancy. Here are three classic cases we can see how YB Dato Johari Bin Baharum, the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, had abuse his power and breach the trust from his boss, i.e., the Prime Minister. His abuse of power must be seen as interfering in police investigations and to a larger extent had also jeopardised the police effort in maintaining peace as well as law and order in the country. The abuse of power by YB Dato Johari must tantamount to corrupt practice and must be stopped immediately. The Anti-Corruption Agency should be called upon to investigate both the money transactions and also abuse of power that amounting to corrupt practice. 
Kong Cho Heng Kong Cho Heng, also known as Panjang from Setiawan, Perak, was arrested in December 2006 under Sec 3(1) Emergency Ordinance. Panjang is the leader of a Chinese Secret Society. He leads a gang collecting protection money from businessmen in Setiawan. His gang members often use threats, criminal intimidation, as well as force and violence to achieve their objective. They are responsible for several cases of assault and causing severe injuries in Setiawan. Panjang is the younger brother of YB Dato' Kong Cho Ha, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology. Sources said police applied to detain Panjang under Sec 4(1) Emergency Ordinance was rejected in the mid-January 2007 and he was ordered by YB Dato Johari Bin Baharum to be released immediately with no further reasons. Chin Shui On Chin Shui On, also known as Robin or Tian Wong from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was arrested in December 2006 under Sec 3(1) Emergency Ordinance. Robin is involved in organising illegal gambling and book keeping in the district of Penampang and Kota Kinabalu. Robin is the leader of a gangster group and often uses threats and violence to retain control over his illegal business empire. Sources said police applied to detain him under Sec 4(1) Emergency Ordinance but unfortunately it was rejected in Mid-January 2007 and he was ordered released with immediate effect. It was believed that a CEO of a private medical centre in Kota Kinabalu had made a payment of RM3 million to Dato Johari Bin Baharum for his unconditional release. Moo Sai Chin Moo Sai Chin, a.k.a. Ah Yau from Cemor, Perak, was arrested in October 2006 under Sec 3(1) Emergency Ordinance. Ah Yau is a well-known leader of a secret society in the state of Perak. His gangsters often use force and violence to gain control of territories. Ah Yau also runs the vice business by using threats and force against foreign women working in massage parlours known as Big Sister Massage Parlour, Jalan Kampar, Ipoh, Perak. Sources said that police applied to detain Ah Yau under Sec 4(1) Emergency Ordinance but failed. He was later ordered detained under restricted residence in Tampin Negeri Sembilan for 1 year under Sec 7B(1) Emergency Ordinance. Subsequently, in the mid-January 2007, the restricted residence order was cancelled by YB Dato Johari Bin Baharum, the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, and Ah Yau was ordered released immediately. Sources and close associates of Ah Yau confirmed that he 'settled' with YB Dato Johari Bin Baharom for a sum not less than RM2.5 million. *********************************************** Many of you have probably forgotten that particular episode of more than five years ago or maybe you had not been reading Malaysia Today yet at that time. That expose above, published in a one-page anonymous website, got the Deputy Minister, Datuk Johari Baharum, into a whole load of trouble. Johari was actually summoned to the Anti-Corruption Agency office and was interrogated at great length like a common criminal. Luckily he was not 'mysteriously' found dead on the ground floor of the ACA office like some other unfortunate victims. Finally, ACA investigations proved that Johari was innocent of all allegations. Investigations were then conducted as to the person behind that anonymous website and the trail eventually led to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Christopher Wan Sooi Kee. Christopher Wan actually confessed that he had set up that website at the behest of the IGP, Musa Hassan. Christopher Wan was just carrying out the IGP's orders to fix up the Deputy Minister on allegations of corruption. About a year later, Christopher Wan was sent into retirement, as reported by government mouthpiece, Bernama, "after 38 illustrious years in the force". The file regarding the allegation of 'under-the-table' payment of RM5.5 million to release the three underworld bosses was finally closed. The person who ordered the release of the three underworld bosses and who benefited from the RM5.5 million was not the Deputy Minister, Johari Baharum, but the IGP himself, Musa Hassan. Surprisingly, however, no action was taken against Musa. The then Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, saw fit to not rock the boat lest some of his own shit hits the fan, which Musa promised would happen if anything were to happen to him. Musa Hassan has always been the 'Mister Fix It' of the police force. Back in 1998, Musa was the one who informed Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Anwar Ibrahim had punched himself. Hence Anwar's black eye was self-inflicted. Dr Mahathir confidently announced this to the world, which was later, of course, proven to be a lie. Musa, at that time, was serving under Datuk Ramli Yusuff. To redeem himself, Musa engineered the tilam (mattress) incident. In this drama, the mattress that Anwar was alleged to have used to have sex was paraded in and out of court every day for all and sundry to see. Eventually, however, the mattress was rejected as evidence. Fortunately for Musa, though, Ramli testified at the Royal Commission of Inquiry and fingered the then IGP, Rahim Noor, as the person who had beaten up Anwar (hence it was not self-inflicted). That resulted in Ramli being sent into 'cold storage' and Musa going up to become the IGP. But there was a clear and present danger that Ramli was going to make a comeback after his stint in cold storage. That would make Ramli a threat to Musa. For that reason Musa had to fix Ramli up as well. And that was when the allegations of corruption against Ramli first surfaced -- which the court later threw out and actually called the allegations nonsense and the IGP a liar. Judge Supang Lian in Kota Kinabalu called Musa an incredible witness (another way of calling him a Liar) in these words: "This involves an assessment of the credibility of the witness called by the prosecution. His evidence is unreliable and is to be disregarded and whatever he says in court lends to his discredit. I am in total agreement with the case for the defence that this lack of support of the evidence of PW75 (IGP Musa Hassan) on this point lends to his discredit. In this regard I should mention that PW75 in his evidence gave an interpretation that is contrariwise to the testimonies of PW17, PW19, PW57 and PW73. I found however that the evidence of PW75 on this to be unreliable and to be disregarded." Musa Hassan has many grievances against the government, the present IGP, as well as the Minister. First of all, Musa had requested an extension of service but it was rejected. He then asked to be made the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei and that too was rejected. Instead, he was given just a teaching job, which to him is a great insult when other retired IGPs before him were given 'good' posts. Before he retired, Musa made sure that he promoted and transferred the 'right' police officers, those who can kautim with the underworld and the crime syndicate. The Minister, Hishammuddin Hussein, however, as Musa alleges, 'interfered' in this exercise. And this 'interference' by the Minister is causing a lot of problems for the Chinese underworld and crime syndicate. And that is why Musa recently gave his interview -- alleging interference by the politicians in the running of the police force. It is true that the Minister blocked Musa's every move. But that is only because by allowing Musa to do what he wanted would have had a backlash on Umno. They know that the voters are unhappy with the police force and that may cost Umno a lot of votes. Hence if the Minister does not rein in the police then there is a danger that Umno could lose a sizeable number of votes. The fact that the recent Bersih 3.0 rally turned out the way it did is evidence that the top does not know what the bottom is doing. The Prime Minister gave very clear instructions that there must not be any police violence at all costs and this instruction was made clear to the IGP. However, as we all know, the reverse happened. And many suspect that Musa's hand is at play here. Musa wants to undermine the present IGP, Ismail Omar, and to prove to the government that they made a great mistake in not extending his (Musa's) service. And what happened during the Bersih 3.0 rally is proof of this -- or so Musa wants us to believe. According to Musa, Ismail Omar is not capable and just can't do his job. And the only way the government can solve this would be to retire the IGP and replace him with someone else -- someone who is aligned to Musa and who will not 'disturb' the Chinese underground and crime syndicate. Musa Hassan is toxic of the first degree. And for the opposition to flirt with him is quite puzzling. Is the opposition that desperate that it needs to court people like Musa? Surely amongst the 28 million or so Malaysians there are many others of better calibre whom the opposition can work with. READ MORE HERE: Musa Hassan: The Janus-Faced Lying Fraudster *********************************************** (Malaysiakini, April 2012) - It is learnt that Musa's former aide de camp, ASP Noor Azizul Rahim Taharim, had brought this troubling matter to the attention of then minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and deputy internal security minister Johari Baharum. Another informant told Malaysiakini that Tengku Goh, whose real name is Goh Cheng Poh, had met Musa at his hotel room in Johor Baru sometime in 2005 or 2006, and this was confirmed by Noor Azizul. Musa was accused to have promoted officers who were loyal to him as well as those who tacitly support his close cooperation with the alleged underworld figures. The line of succession was allegedly orchestrated to ensure Musa could continue his tenure as the country's police chief. Musa held the post for four years, from 2006 to 2010. He was reported to have been upset when his term was not extended further, and at one time describing his potential successor, Ismail Omar, as not ready to occupy his seat. Ramli told Malaysiakini yesterday that Musa's aide Noor Azizul had informed him about his boss' alleged underworld links. "ASP Noor Azizul Rahim told me about this, and this confirmed my suspicion of Musa that he together with the AG was out to fix me. This was to ensure I would be eliminated from the police hierarchy," he said. "All my fears and suspicions have been proven true by the flimsy charges laid against me. Musa even went to the extent of appearing as the 75th witness in my Sabah case. In the end, Musa was regarded an untruthful witness when he tried to contradict the evidence of all the other police witnesses," he said. Ramli also recalled how Noor Azizul had met several senior police officers, including Musa's deputy Mohd Najib Abdul Aziz and two members of the Police Force Commission, for help but to no avail. Following this, the frustrated Noor Azizul, who was Musa's personal aide from 2005 to 2007, made a statutory declaration on the matter sometime in 2009, said Ramli. A copy of Noor Azizul's SD was published in blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin's Malaysia Today website four years ago. In his SD, Noor Azizul said he was aware of the sworn declarations of several police officers and police informants and their actions in revealing Musa's links with Tengku Goh and Tan. "Based on my personal knowledge and involvement as the ADC (aide de camp) to the IGP, I can confirm the statements made by these deponents concerning Musa are true and do correctly reflect the events as described by them..." "I have personal knowledge and involvement in that I was asked as ADC to compile and coordinate such posting orders based on the drafts and proposals made by Tan. A copy of the draft was subsequently implemented as police posting orders," he said in his statutory declaration. Noor Azizul said the transfers were justified as part of a campaign to root out corruption in the force. It included entrapment to make the affected officers appear guilty of wrongdoing. "This gave the impression that Musa was eradicating corruption and abuses within the force whereas it was the farthest from the truth. The credibility of these officers would be demolished to such an extent that whatever information they had gathered about the IGP would be discredited. These officers would suffer hardships, like being transferred away from their family and home base," he said. "Some of the other agonies inflicted on them were being by-passed for promotions, subjected to disciplinary action minus due process; subordinates with unproven records promoted over them and victimised officers serving as visible warnings of the consequences of defying the 'established' order." The former ADC said the 'mencantas' (trimming the opposition) campaign had led to low moral in the force, resulting in the crime rate soaring during Musa's time. "Not long after that the AG ordered Tengku Goh's release. Many in PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) became demoralised seeing how a criminal was released by resorting to legal niceties whereas our own brother officers were dragged to court," he lamented. "I hope the minister and the government give me protection for this disclosure as it is made with the hope of improving the force in expectation of a new leadership era under Ismail Omar (the present IGP)," he said in his SD. Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission panel member Robert Phang, when contacted by Malaysiakini, confirmed that Noor Azizul had approached him when he was Musa's aide de camp, and together they met a former IGP, seeking his help on the matter. READ MORE HERE: Underworld determined police transfers and promotions |
| Political WTF 3 - OK to leap but why not look beforehand Posted: 08 Dec 2012 04:29 PM PST 
KTEMOC KONSIDERS I would have loved to use the idiom 'out of the blue' to describe the recent antics of former IGP Musa Hassan in his public criticisms of his old boss, Home Affairs Minister Hishamuddin, for allegedly interfering directly in police operational matters and other police issues – mind you, not that I disbelieve his principal allegations against his old boss, wakakaka. 
| Musa Hassan | But given the ringgit-driven politics of our much battered nation, I have to admit (perhaps even boast a wee bit, please allow me that) that I have expected/anticipated such late belakang-pusing (volte-face) entries into our political arena, in the persons of Musa Hassan and Deepak Jaikisian … and perhaps even more. No sirree, we can't depend on Balasubramaniam Perumal alone or even the poor over-exploited soul of Altantuyaa Shaariibuu to invigorate interests in the non-PKR dark side of Malaysian politics. There must be an innovative rafter of fresh sensational exposés to capture and hold voters' interests. 
| Balasubramaniam Perumal | But I must confess I've been influenced by the grapevine info that Anwar Ibrahim has a new and very rich financial backer. There's nothing wrong with having financial backers, which is a normal practice in American, Australian and western politics, except over there, contributors of sums above, say, $ x must be known and recorded/reported, though in the USA, this regulation has been cleverly circumvented by breaking a large contribution into many many contributions of less than $ x. The Jews are far more clever, contributing to both sides of politics … just in case, you know ... making them always winners regardless who wins and rules. To be fair, many American Jews are left leaning liberals so please don't assume they're all Zionists. Perhaps the only chink in their left wing liberal politics is that, as Jews inheriting horrendous memories of the Holocaust, they are obligated in more than one way, to ensure at least the survival of Israel as a state. But such is their political acumen and influence in Western democracies, through a combination of generous financial contributions and exploitation of Western guilt over the Holocaust, that an example of their intrinsic political power has recently manifested itself in Australia, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), which is now ruled by the right-wing Coalition under the leadership of Barry O'Farrell. The NSW Board of Studies and Department of Education has accepted the Jewish Board of Deputies's recommendation to make the study of the Holocaust a compulsory subject in Years 9 and 10 in NSW secondary schools. Previously the NSW Labor government had refused to make the subject compulsory, though it was available as a study option - see Sydney Morning Herald's Study of Holocaust mandated for schools. 
| Nazi concentration camp inmates, Jews and non-Jews | Vic Alhadeff of the Jewish Board of Deputies stated that ''The Holocaust is a warning to every generation about the potential for evil, especially as a consequence of racial hatred, and about the inherent evil of totalitarian regimes. It teaches us that every generation owes it to itself and to future generations to cherish and, if necessary, fight to defend the sanctity of life, dignity and freedom.'' I cannot but whole-heartedly agree with the opposition NSW Greens Party MP John Kaye who said that (since the study objective is to warn younger generations of Australians about the potential for evil arising from the consequence of racial hatred) while the Holocaust is rightly an essential part of the state syllabus, it should be taught in the context of the other 20th-century genocides. 
| Khmer Rouge victims | Indeed, kaytee has in mind studies of genocides and/or atrocities like the ones in Rwanda, Khmer under the Pol Pot Khmer Rouge regime, the massacre in Nanjing (Nanking) by the Japanese military during WWII, Sabra & Shatila and Deir Yassin in Palestine, Gaza during the Israeli Ops Cast Lead, My Lai in Vietnam, Wounded Knee and Indian Reservations in the USA as ugly examples of brutal colonialism, the US-British sanction of Iraq leading to infant malnutrition and deaths by the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi infants and children, etc. 
| Japanese decapitating Nanjing victim and baby genocide at Nanjing alone took between 500,000 to 900,000 lives whichever source for those figures, the victims there were of considerable numbers | Focusing solely on the Holocaust effectively confers monopoly of victim-hood to the Jews and indirectly teflonises Israeli atrocities automatically as defensive measures when the truth could well be otherwise, obviously something the Zionists and pro Israel lobbies want. Anyway, back to financial contributions in Malaysian politics – as mentioned there's nothing incorrect about this, as even DAP strives for this but through election fund raising dinners and donation drives where supporters and well-wishers donate relatively small and accountable sums. Only big political movers (UMNO) or those the financial contributors see as potential big political movers (wakakaka) receive humongous (and in most cases, unaccountable) sums, which enable the big political movers the latitude to 'strategize' and 'campaign' for voters' support, or even without voters' support, wakakaka. For example, it's no secret that there were talks (at RPK's Malaysia-Today) about the 916 coup d'état requiring at least RM 300 million to bring about that aspired change of government, an amazing strategy that had required its Great Conceptualizer to think totally outside the box .... specifically the ballot box, wakakaka. We were informed that it didn't eventuate for the same reprehensible ringgit reason, that the RM 300 million was deemed as, insanely as this may sound, not enough … because the other side had (still has) deeper pockets to counter-offer far bigger sums to the potential political defectors. Well, wow, WTF, one would be totally gob-smacked f* and kau kau too, when one is informed that RM 300 million is NOTmoi, but I'm just not used to such Fort Knox sums being considered as not enough. enough? Pardon Mind, we've gathered too from the grapevine that a Madame reputed to be the Whore of Babylonpang was paid a humongous RM 25 million to metamorphose into Madame Butterfly so as to flutter over to another rose, wakakaka, so perhaps on second thoughts, indeed, what would be a mere RM 300 million for 30 MPs? 
| Whore of Babylon | This leads us to one of the most despised persons in Malaysia, Musa Hassan the former IGP, who has recently and almost on a daily basis, self-canonized himself into some kind of law & order Saint Ralph Nader, in turn leading us to undergo a range of emotions … outrage at what we saw as his brazen hypocrisy, wakakaka at the ridiculousness of an oxymoron-ic reformasi ex-IGP, and finally deep suspicions as to the likely person behind Musa Hassan's pseudo-crusade of righteous criticisms against ministerial political interference in police operational process. People such as blogger Ahmad Lufti Othman leapt at the opportunity to call for serious investigations into Musa Hassan's accusations. In his post Musa Hassan dan aksi Bollywood he wrote: READ MORE HERE |
| A second chance for bankrupts Posted: 08 Dec 2012 04:12 PM PST 
Malaysia has one of the most stringent bankruptcy laws in the world, but a review may be in the offing. According to the Malaysia Department of Insolvency, between 2005 and June 2012, a total of 243,823 people have been declared bankrupt in the country. Shahanaaz Habib, The Star SAM, an engineer, met Ling when they were both studying in college. They dated for years and even made plans to get married. When Ling bought a car, Sam stood as her guarantor. But Ling did not pay her monthly instalment and Sam ended up paying it for her. Then one day, to his horror, Sam found out that Ling was in fact engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, he broke off all contact with her, changed jobs and moved to another state to get over her. But Ling continued her habit of not servicing her car loan till the bank finally repossessed her car and auctioned it off. Even then, there was still a shortfall of RM45,000. Since Sam was the loan guarantor, the bank went after him to recover the outstanding balance and started legal proceedings against him. If he did not settle the amount, he would become a bankrupt. Office executive Nadira is just 28 but she may find herself on the road to bankruptcy unless she changes her lifestyle. Nadira, who has two credit cards, loves to hang out at cool places in Bangsar and spend holidays locally and abroad with her friends. She also enjoys dressing up and splurging on new clothes, shoes and make-up. She shares an apartment with two friends and has an LCD TV in her bedroom. She drives a Viva and owns the latest iPad and Blackberry. Nadira took out a RM26,000 student loan for college but hasn't repaid a single sen because, she says, her RM3,400 monthly salary is not enough to cover her monthly expenses, which include car loan instalment, petrol, rent and living costs. Over the years, the unpaid student loan plus interest has ballooned to RM42,000. Her credit card debts, too, have been mounting up as she doesn't pay the full amount at the end of the month, thereby incurring exorbitant interest and finance charges. Nadira may not realise it yet but it doesn't take much for a person to be declared a bankrupt in Malaysia. If the borrower or the guarantor (who is equally liable) has a debt of RM30,000 or more and has not been repaying that loan, the financial institution or creditor can institute bankruptcy proceedings to get their money back. And it is tough being a bankrupt. When a person is declared a bankrupt, their existing bank accounts will be deactivated. This means they cannot withdraw money, open a new account or use their existing account unless they get permission from the Director-General of Insolvency (DGI). Their assets will be frozen and sold off to pay the debtors; they are unable to get new loans or travel overseas (unless they get written permission from the DGI) and can only use a credit of up to RM1,000 on an existing credit card. Their standing in society is damaged and they can forget about any political ambitions as they would not be allowed to stand for elections. According to Rembau MP and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who has been pushing for a review of the Bankruptcy Law to give people a second chance, Malaysia has one of the most stringent bankruptcy laws in the world. "A creditor can file for bankruptcy for loans above RM30,000. It is not millions. And once a person is declared a bankrupt, it is very difficult for him or her to start life again. "Bankrupts cannot take out loans or start a business. They have to wait years to be discharged from bankruptcy and that process is quite onerous," he says. Statistics reveal that 51% of bankrupts in Malaysia are people below 45, a phenomenon that Khairy finds "very alarming". According to the Malaysia Department of Insolvency, between 2005 and June 2012, a total of 243,823 people have been declared bankrupt in the country. "The statistics keep going up. About 52 people are declared bankrupt every day now compared with 36 in 2007. "If you look at the breakdown, about 16% are (due to non-payment of) business loans, the rest are housing, personal, or car loans. About 25% go bankrupt because of car loans. "You have to address the problem at the source banks are giving out loans too easily. There should be better regulations where car and other loans are concerned," says Khairy, who is Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) chairman. Khairy says PUNB has just approved a loan to a motorcycle dealer who informed them that sales of super bikes have skyrocketed in the country because banks are making it easier for people to get loans to buy these high-end luxury motorcycles. "These are impulse buys and my concern is that when people are faced with easy credit, they tend to live beyond their means.  Tempting promotions: The public is inundated with offers and discounts, with companies spending millions on advertising to get people to buy. — AFP "This whole business of personal debt could be a potential time bomb if we don't intervene now," he says, noting that Bank Negara has rightly imposed stricter restrictions and limits on credit cards but feels that more should be done to rein in easy access to loans. Fomca deputy president Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, who agrees that the bankruptcy law should be reviewed, says that when financial institutions approve loans, they should also be responsible for assisting a borrower who is facing financial difficulty. "Banks should not use their dominant position to victimise their customers," he adds. But he stresses that wilful delinquent borrowers should be penalised accordingly. In genuine cases, he says, there should be a provision in the bankruptcy law where financial institutions have to prove that they made a serious effort to assist the borrower before initiating bankruptcy proceedings. He says banks should also look into the background of the borrowers who default on their loans. Some get into financial difficulty because they have to foot high medical bills as a result of critical illness or are accident victims or retrenched workers who have lost their livelihood. There are also cases where housebuyers who have obtained loans are left in the lurch when the project is abandoned. Even if these housebuyers form a buyers' committee to try and revive the project, Sha'ani says, they often face non cooperation from the financial institutions because the contract terms in the sale and purchase agreement give them a disproportionate advantage to demand their loans. "There should be a new law or an amendment to the Consumer Protection Act 1998 against unfair contract terms in agreements," he adds. He also questions why legal action is taken against guarantors when the principal borrower is easily identified and financially able. Calls to review the country's bankruptcy law are not new. In the past, the government has said it would look into the possibility of an automatic discharge after a certain period of time, which is the norm in most countries. Currently, the law does not allow an automatic discharge. Thus, a bankrupt can only be released of his bankruptcy status after applying to the court for the bankruptcy order to be annulled on grounds that the debt has been settled, or apply for a discharge which would be subject to stringent requirements and with the Insolvency Department putting in a report emphasising the conduct and cooperation of the bankrupt with the department. After five years of bankruptcy, the person can also apply to the DGI for a discharge under section 33A of the Bankruptcy Act 1967, which is subject to the DGI's discretion. Khairy says one of the things they are asking for is an automatic discharge of a bankrupt. He points out that in Australia, a bankrupt is automatically discharged after three years if there are no objections. In the United Kingdom, it is a year but the bankrupt still has to pay his student loan and alimony (which are non-dischargeable loans), in Canada it is nine months for the first bankruptcy, and in Thailand it is three years as long as the bankrupt is not involved in fraud. "In Malaysia, it is a minimum of five years and that is at the discretion of the DGI. It is difficult. Not everyone can settle all their debts. And people want to move on. I don't think we should punish them forever. So we would like a timeline for an automatic discharge. Two to three years is ample," he says, adding that bankrupts should be given a second chance to re-build their lives. But he stresses that it is not a second chance to be a spendthrift and there has to be a balancing act between lifting the life sentence of bankrupts and not wanting to create a spendthrift bankrupt culture. He points out that some people become bankrupt because of unexpected incidents like a flood or downturn. There are also cases where a good business idea did not quite take off due to weaknesses in execution and implementation. He says that in innovation, nine out of 10 businesses fail. "If you send out a message to people that if you fail you are screwed up forever, it is not an incentive for them to go out there and try. We don't have enough entrepreneurs and SMEs in this country. "And you don't want this to be a death sentence, like a guillotine over their heads. "You want to make sure they get a second chance as long as they still have the idea and the drive. The moment people are scared of taking risks, of taking business loans, of starting a business (because they fear the stringent bankruptcy laws), it is a disincentive." There are many who became bankrupts because they were guarantors for someone else's loan. Khairy says people should be very careful and do their homework before agreeing to be a guarantor. He also fears that if the law is not amended to give bankrupts a second chance, then these people might end up turning to Ah Longs to borrow money and end up in deeper financial trouble because they cannot get loans from the legitimate financial institutions. Khairy does not believe that an automatic discharge would be an incentive for young people to get into debt, become bankrupt and then wait out the two- to three-year period to be automatically discharged from bankruptcy. In any case, he says, even if a person has been discharged as a bankrupt, this will remain on his financial record. Financial institutions know this and will weigh the risk before giving him another loan. "We will not disqualify a former bankrupt if he applies for a loan because the purpose is to allow him a second chance. But we will want to know why he became a bankrupt and whether it was because of mismanagement." Khairy also says the public is inundated with offers and discounts, with companies spending millions on advertising to get people to buy. In comparison, the government and consumer groups are not spending as much to create awareness on personal financial management. "The whole world is geared towards consumption. Our concern is consumption based on credit. Young people out of university have student loans to pay off, they want to get married, take a housing loan and a car loan. "We need to educate people from young that they have to live within their means. And when they take out a loan, they have to project their income over the next five to 10 years and be realistic about it," he adds. When PUNB goes through loan applications, they will ask for details on the person's business debt exposure and personal debt as well. "Sometimes an entrepreneur's business is doing okay but his personal finances are not. We look at the houses he is buying or the type of cars he is driving. If his salary is not going to meet the monthly payment for the loans and I don't want him to start embezzling from the firm to pay for it we will reject the applications. "We want to make sure that when a loan is given out, the money comes back to us." The Insolvency Department say they are looking at all issues as the insolvency policy should not stand alone because it has an impact on other government policies. As such, a holistic approach and comprehensive study is required to ensure effective implementation, they state in their e-mail response. |
| Non-Muslims feeling the heat Posted: 08 Dec 2012 04:05 PM PST 
We are merely kidding ourselves if we think the rules by PAS only apply to Muslims. But for political expediency, and for selfish political ambitions, there is now a deafening silence from allies of PAS. The only exception seems to be DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who has also consistently spoken up against the hudud laws pushed by PAS. However, his party comrades have decided to keep silent and, worse, are encouraging us to elect more PAS leaders into Parliament and the state assemblies. Wong Chuan Wei, The Star THERE they go again. The PAS-controlled Kelantan state government, which has yet to resolve the controversy over the gender segregation ruling on hair salons run by non-Muslims, has now found itself in another explosive issue. Four non-Muslims two men on a plane-spotting outing and a couple in a park have been issued with summonses for khalwat. The summonses were for "indecent behaviour" but the four have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the municipal council enforcement officers were "merely abusing their position". The first case involved two men in their 30s who were in a car parked beside the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. They claimed they were watching planes land in the night when they were issued with the summonses by these Taliban-style officers. This writer can only deduce that Kota Baru must be so boring the result of a ban on entertainment outlets that the two young men have to watch planes landing at the airport for entertainment. How these officers can consider their action an offence is mind-boggling. But we know that the PAS politicians have a great sense of imagination and can conjure up fantasies out of seemingly ordinary situations. They think that getting a haircut from a person of the opposite sex can lead to moral decay and watching concerts can lead to hedonism or excessive pleasure, whatever that means. Malaysians know that these cranky politician-theologians also frown upon the mixed company of males and females, but two non-Muslim men being punished for being in a car together, that's a new one. Are they telling us now that two men together can lead to immoral activities or that watching planes at the airport can be sexually arousing? Even if they had committed a "gay act", does the council have any jurisdiction over non-Muslims? The other case involved a 17-year-old boy and a girl aged 15. They were together at the Tengku Anis Park in the town centre, in broad daylight, when they were arrested. They were approached by the enforcement officers and issued summonses on the spot for purported indecent behaviour. Nothing seems to be safe any more for non-Muslims in Kota Baru. You get fined for having a hair cut by a hairstylist of a different sex, you get fined for being in love and sharing private moments in a park in broad daylight, and you also get summoned for being in a wrong queue in a supermarket check-out. Before anyone accuses this writer of filing another PAS-bashing piece, it is important to point out that the protest over the latest controversies was started by the National PAS Supporters Congress president Hu Pang Chaw, who is known for his apologist stand for the Islamist party. Interestingly enough, Hu has also revealed that the male victims had complained to him that the officers had even sought RM500 "to settle the matter", which means that these holier-than-thou officers were open to corruption. Hu added that "as far as I know, the council has no right to issue summonses to non-Muslims for close contact with their girlfriends in the dark or out in the open". But Hu shouldn't plead ignorance now because the PAS rules have always infringed upon non-Muslims. This is not the first time and it won't be the last. Don't blame PAS either because they have consistently told Malaysians that their objective is to turn Malaysia into an Islamic State. Barisan Nasional tells us that we are already an Islamic State, but they still keep intact the secular laws and the British-style courts. But for political expediency, and for selfish political ambitions, there is now a deafening silence from allies of PAS. The only exception seems to be DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who has also consistently spoken up against the hudud laws pushed by PAS. However, his party comrades have decided to keep silent and, worse, are encouraging us to elect more PAS leaders into Parliament and the state assemblies. It is also pertinent to note that during The Star's interview with the Sultan of Selangor, the Tuanku had revealed that there were politicians who tried to prevent the opening of cinemas in shopping malls in Shah Alam! This is in Selangor and not even in Kelantan. We can also assume that this must be the work of PAS elected representatives. We know for a fact that the PAS state assemblyman for Bangi, Dr Shafie Abu Bakar, has prevented a cinema from being set up by a non-Muslim, and that the Kuala Selangor PAS wants to stop unmarried couples from watching movies in a cinema there. We are merely kidding ourselves if we think the rules by PAS do not affect non-Muslims. Despite the promised intervention by PAS' top leaders over the hair salon ruling, nothing has changed until today. In an interview with The Malay Mail on Friday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was quoted as saying "even Chinese wives don't agree with (unisex) salons". He seems out of touch with reality, or pretending to be. |
| Pas berated by Guan Eng Posted: 08 Dec 2012 03:46 PM PST 
UNACCEPTABLE: DAP leader takes issue with Pakatan Rakyat ally over 'khalwat' summonses (NST) - PAS has come under fire from all quarters including its ally, DAP, following a report that municipal enforcement officers in Pas-ruled Kelantan had issued summonses for khalwat (close proximity) to four non-Muslims. In a statement yesterday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng urged Pas leaders to take action against the officers who allegedly issued the summonses to the non-Muslims. "If the Kelantan Pas-led government fails to act against errant municipal council saboteurs who issue summonses against non-Muslim for indecent behaviour, this will adversely undermine Pakatan Rakyat's message of respect for freedom of religion and damage existing cooperation within PR." Lim, who is also the Penang chief minister, said he had also directed Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong to speak to the Pas leadership to get an immediate resolution on issues relating to the allegations of non-Muslims being subjected to Islamic laws. In Kota Baru, political parties and non-Muslim organisations had criticised local authorities in Kelantan for taking such action against the non-Muslims. Gerakan Youth vice-chairman Ong Khang Woon said the action was unthinkable and a gross misuse of power. "I have asked my Muslim friends and they told me that there is not a verse in the Quran which allows action to be taken against non-Muslims for khalwat," said Ong, who is also Kelantan Gerakan Youth information chief. Ong said action should be taken instead against the municipal enforcement officers who issued the summonses as they might have other motives. Kelantan Siamese Association chairman Eh Chot Cha Chan said the Malaysian Constitution guaranteed that Islamic laws would not be imposed on non-Muslims. "When such an incident happens, there will surely be questions raised by the people. "All parties including government agencies and local government authorities in the country must respect the Constitution. "The peace and harmony among the various races and religions must be maintained." Kelantan Federation of Ting Hwa Associations chairman Oie Poh Choon also voiced concern over the action of the enforcement officers. "Such action disrupts the life of non-Muslims. It is unfair for Islamic laws to be imposed on us. I don't agree to this." Meanwhile, the Pas leadership has denied the contents of the report and is threatening to take legal action against English daily, The Star, which published it. Party's secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali said contrary to the newspaper's front-page report yesterday, no summonses for khalwat against the non-Muslims had in fact been issued. "I have checked with the authorities in Kelantan and found that no such incidents had occurred. "As such, we have decided to take action against The Star for their misleading report," he said when contacted yesterday. |
| ‘Pakatan will shut down Lynas’ Posted: 08 Dec 2012 03:37 PM PST 
Lynas' admission that it will not ship out rare earth waste is an opportunity for the BN government to cancel the plant in Gebeng, says Lim Guan Eng. By Lim Guan Eng, FMT
The DAP demands that Barisan Nasional should stop the operation of Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp) now or four Ministers should resign to take full responsibility for failing to fulfill their own promise that the rare earth waste will not remain but be exported out of Malaysia. BN's insincerity and lack of commitment to make public health and safety the utmost priority follows a recent admission by Lynas' Managing Director, Mashal Ahmad that no residues from Lamp would be exported out from Malaysia. The admission by Mashal contradicts the seven-paragraph joint ministerial statement on Feb 22, 2012 by four ministers whose portfolios are directly associated with Lynas' application to set up and operate the plant. The four ministers, namely International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamad; Science and Technology Minister Maximus Johnity Ongkili; Natural Resources and Environment Minister Douglas Unggah Embas; and Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai, said as follows: "Prior to the issuance of the Temporary Operating License (TOL), Lynas shall submit a letter of undertaking that it will accept a return of any residue generated by its factory in Gebeng to its original source." Lynas' admission that rare earth waste will remain and not exported out of Malaysia presents a rare opportunity for the Malaysian government to cancel the Kuantan rare earth facility for breach of compliance without needing to pay compensation. Mashal had confirmed that Lynas have no plans to export the rare earth wastes because Lamp needed to abide by international conventions which prohibit the export of toxic wastes to overseas countries. Earlier, the Australian government has repeated that they will not take back the radioactive waste. Clearly Lynas' managing director has shown that this is an empty BN promise and another example of "Janji Tak Ditepati". Condition unfulfilled
Only by revoking Lynas' temporary operating licence (TOL) or issue a stop-work order until the Permanent Disposal Facility (PDF) proposed by Lynas can save the credibility and the jobs of these four ministers. READ MORE HERE |
| Who is Deepak Jaikishan? Posted: 08 Dec 2012 03:29 PM PST 
Carpetman' Deepak Jaikishan has stoked the curiosity of many Malaysians, with his 'timely' or 'untimely' decision to expose the prime minister and his spouse. G Lavendran Who really is Deepak Jaikishan a/l Jaikishan Rewachand? To begin with, he is 40 years old, unmarried and a "successful" Malaysian Indian businessman. He is perhaps best known now as the "carpetman", although i3investor.com describes him as coming from a family "pioneering" in property development and investment. But it also notes that he's been in carpet manufacturing for 15 years. Under his leadership, both his Carpet Raya Sdn Bhd and Tek Holding Sdn Bhd (the property development and investment company), chalked billions. Bursa Malaysia notes that from 2000 to 2009, Deepak had completed property investment projects totalling about RM3 billion. In the carpet field, he initiated and successfully acquired the largest manufacturing plant in Malaysia known as Noble Carpet Sdn Bhd. In the year 2000, this manufacturing unit was said to be the only one that produced its own carpet yarn. In 2003 he set up the biggest manufacturing plant (Premier Weavers) with the latest weaving technology in Malaysia. Deepak is one of five directors in Carpet Raya Sdn Bhd, and an equal shareholder too. It's this company that he's been most associated with of late. 'Rosmah's like my elder sister'
Why the focus on this particular man? Because Deepak has had close ties with the family of Najib Tun Razak, the Malaysian Prime Minister. But more importantly now perhaps is the fact that his name first saw the limelight in the Altantuya murder case. Altantuya, who was named in French police documents as a translator during the talks to purchase the Scorpene submarines for the Malaysian Ministry of Defence was murdered in October 2006 by two members of an elite police unit. The two were later convicted and sentenced to death for the crime. Deepak's link was to the disappearance of PI Balasubramaniam after submitting two conflicting statutory declarations (SD) on the Altantuya incident. The first one implicated Najib and Rosmah while the second claimed otherwise. Deepak was named when PI Bala vanished after submitting a second SD. How did Deepak get close to the PM?
 According to Deepak, he supplied carpets and other interior products for the PM's family. Explaining his closeness to the family, he once said: "Rosmah, I treat her like my elder sister". But that quote didn't bring him fame. His name came up again when a claimed conspiracy by the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) came into play. KFH is currently suing Jaikishan for an unpaid banking facility amounting to RM170 million. Through a letter of offer dated Nov 16, 2007, Deepak was awarded RM170 million worth of Islamic financing facilities which consists of : i) KFH Ijarah Muntahiah BitamlikAsset Backed Financing-i Facility of RM26.6 million. ii) KFH Ijarah Muntahiah BitamlikAsset Backed Acquisition Financing-i Facility of RM93.4 million. iii) Interchangeable and Combined Limit Facility not exceeding RM50 million. 'Najib exceeded his authority'
Shortly after that Deepak – the family friend of Najib and Rosmah – turned whistleblower on the premier's family. Why did he suddenly become a turncoat? Was it the discovery that his company Astacanggih Sdn Bhd had lost a portion of land purchased from Umno senator Raja Roopiah's Awan Megah (M) Sdn Bhd, that angered him? According to media reports, Deepak had testified that after obtaining the letter issued by the Defence Ministry's deputy secretary-general on the transfer of the land to him, he and Awan Megah worked out an agreement to formalise this. Cebur Megah was the nominee company or third party vehicle, to obtain the 223 acre land while 23 acres of the land would be returned to Raja Roopiah, who is currently a woman leader in Umno. But something appeared to have happened inbetween and land parcel slipped out of Deepak's grasp. Deepak claims that Najib had bypassed the cabinet in deciding to pull back the land, but says little else. "You could say he (Najib) exceeded his authority (in relation to his decision)" Deepak was reported as saying. According to Deepak, the land involved was owned by the government and the rightful process was not followed. "There is no question of any breach of confidentiality (here)…there's just a lot of fishiness from some people" he was quoted as saying. Deepak is currently suing Awan Megah (M) Sdn Bhd, the Ministry of Defence and the Pejabat Tanah dan Galian. READ MORE HERE |
| ‘Do not belittle intelligence of Indians’ Posted: 08 Dec 2012 03:25 PM PST 
Najib asks the Indian community not to fall for the lies of Pakatan Rakyat. S Retnanathan, FMT Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak launched a stinging attack against the opposition today, saying that the opposition pact, made up of DAP, PKR and PAS, was trying to cheat the people, especially the Malaysian Indian community. "They say that there are 300,000 Indians in the country who do not have any documents… 300,000 stateless Indians they say. This is a lie. There are only 9,000 Indians who do not have documents. "Out of this 9,000 people, we have sorted out 4,500 applications for documents. Another 2,000 applications are still being processed. The registration is open. If there are any Indians without documents, they can walk in and apply to get their citizenship. "With all this going on, they (the opposition) can cheat that some 300,000 Indians are stateless. This is belittling the intelligence of Indians in the country. You can fool some people some time, but not all the people all the time," he told some 3,500 people at the opening of 66th MIC annual general assembly here. He said the opposition had promised that the 300,000 stateless people would be given citizenship within one month after Pakatan Rakyat takes power of the federal government. "This means, they will process, 10,000 applications in a day and grant citizenship to 10,000 so called stateless Indians daily for a month. This is really belittling the intelligence of Malaysian Indians… can this be achieved…this is another lie," Najib added. Pakatan demolished seven temples
He said when the opposition started governing four states in the country after the 2008 general election, they promised not to demolish any Hindu temples or shrines but this changed soon after. READ MORE HERE |
| Musa Hassan dan aksi Bollywood Posted: 08 Dec 2012 12:52 AM PST 
Oleh Ahmad Lutfi Othman Semakin dekat dengan PRU13, bermacam-macam kejutan berlaku. Pendedahan bekas Ketua Polis Negara, Musa Hassan dan pembongkaran ahli perniagaan, Deepak Jaikishan, yang rapat dengan Najib Razak dan isterinya, Rosmah Mansor antara kejutan yang menarik perhatian umum. Bagaimanpun, ramai beranggapan, "jalan ceritanya" masih panjang ... malah kemungkinan ada kejutan lebih sensasi sebelum kisah kontroversi itu berakhir. Tidak mustahil akan terakam tragedi lebih besar apabila kita melintas tahun baru 2013 nanti. Ketika menulis kolum ini, jam 11.30 malam, 4 Disember, khabarnya ada darah yang tumpah gara-gara samseng Umno menganggu Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat di Gombak. Mungkin ia merupakan manifestasi semangat berkobar-kobar ekoran pidato berapi-rapi Najib Razak yang mengisytiharkan perang kepada Pakatan semasa menutup Perhimpunan Agung Umno (PAU) 2012! Dalam masa sama, Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat yang berlangsung di seluruh negara, bermula di Seremban sebulan lalu, mendapat sambutan cukup memberangsangkan. Selain mencatatkan kehadiran luar biasa, ia juga menyaksikan sederetan nama-nama besar, termasuk bekas pegawai kanan kerajaan dan swasta, serta tokoh korporat menyertai PAS. Terbaru di Batu Pahat, Johor, bekas Pengerusi Dewan Perniagaan Melayu dan Dewan Perniagaan Kebangsaan, Abdul Rahman Maidin menyerahkan borang keahlian PAS kepada Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang, sekali gus membuktikan "kubu kuat" Umno di negeri asalnya itu sudah pecah dan roboh. (Ramai pembaca meminta Harakah menyenaraikan kembali tokoh-tokoh atau personaliti besar yang telah bersama PAS berserta profil masing-masing). Tidak hairanlah jika ada pihak seperti terpinga-pinga melihat apa yang berlaku. Menonton televisyen atau menatap akhbar harian milik Umno berbeda sama sekali dengan realiti yang dipaparkan media baru. Ya, dalam politik tempoh seminggu sudah terlalu lama, dan pelbagai kejutan bisa tercetus dalam waktu singkat. Tanpa diduga, Umno-BN menerima tamparan dahsyat daripada mereka yang selama ini menyokongnya. Lebih kalut jika ia membabitkan individu yang dilihat boleh membocorkan rahsia atau konspirasi besar pemimpin utama Umno. Inilah risiko segalanya jika diatur melalui komplot jahat; sampai masanya terdedah jua. Daripada pelbagai senario yang menggamit perhatian itu, saya lebih tertarik dengan kenyataan Musa Hassan. Dalam sidang media Badan Bertindak Pemerhati Jenayah Malaysia (MyWatch) di Petaling Jaya, baru-baru ini, Musa mendakwa pasukan polis yang diterajuinya sering berdepan campur tangan dan gangguan Menteri Dalam Negeri, Hishamuddin Hussein. Katanya, Hishamuddin pernah mengeluarkan arahan terus kepada pegawai bawahannya dan juga ketua polis daerah tanpa pengetahuannya. "Saya pernah membangkitkan kepadanya mengenai Seksyen 4 Akta Polis 1967 yang mengatakan bahawa arahan dan kawalan terhadap pasukan polis dibuat oleh KPN, bukan menteri. Sudah tentulah saya tidak boleh bertindak kurang ajar dengannya sebab dia menteri. Saya beritahu dia cara baik tetapi dia tidak boleh terima," kata Musa. Arahan terus kepada pegawai polis, dengan mendahului KPN, kata Musa, bukan sahaja membabitkan Hishamuddin tetapi juga menteri-menteri lain. Selain itu, ujarnya, terdapat ahli-ahli politik dan "orang atas" cuba campur tangan dalam kes penangkapan penjenayah tertentu. "Saya boleh bagi contoh. Apabila saya menangkap orang jahat yang terlibat dengan aktiviti-aktiviti haram, pasti akan ada panggilan telefon meminta mereka dibebaskan dan ia datang dari orang atas," katanya dengan menyambung bahawa perkara sebegitu kerap berlaku. Musa turut "menyerang" penggantinya, Ismail Omar, yang dilihat banyak pihak sebagai "orang baik" tetapi dipersoalkan kualiti kepimpinannya . Ismail dianggap boneka yang cukup mudah diperalatkan dan tidak berupaya berdepan tekanan elit politik. "Saya bercakap ini bukan sebab saya nak hentam orang..., tidak... tetapi untuk betulkan keadaan. Keadaan sekarang makin teruk, makin teruk dan saya tidak mahu orang tidak percaya kepada polis," kata Musa. Manurutnya, sejak akhir-akhir ini campur tangan menteri semakin dalam pasukan polis semakin parah berbanding dahulu. "Dulu tak kerap berlaku begini. Dulu tak ada saya rasa. Masa Menteri Dalam Negeri yang lama-lama kita tak pernah dengar jadi begini. Tapi yang baru-baru nilah," tegasnya. Sebenarnya pendedahan Musa bukanlah sesuatu yang menggemparkan. Sejak lama -- mungkin kemuncaknya semasa pemecatan Anwar Ibrahim dan era reformasi -- masyarakat memandang serong pasukan polis, yang dianggap institusi kritikal tetap paling kerap dan mudah dimanipulasi elit penguasa sehingga tugas asasi, seperti menangani jenayah terabai. Pengendalian polis terhadap isu-isu politik, yang disamarkan sebagai isu keselamatan negara, cukup menjolok mata. Lihat saja siri demonstrasi Bersih, protes sekitar Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman tahun 1998-99 dan perhimpunan aman lainnya. Orang ramai disepak terajang, dibalun, ditembak gas dan ditangkap tanpa mengikut prosedur yang ditetapkan. Kebenaran untuk mengadakan ceramah politik juga begitu sukar. Pemberian (dan juga pembatalan) permit sering dibuat berdasarkan faktor kepentingan politik Umno-BN, dan bukannya keselamatan negara. Ya, integriti dan wibawa PDRM sudah terkambus. Ia perlu dipulihkan segera, melalui proses reformasi menyeluruh, bersama institusi strategik lainnya seperti Jabatan Peguam Negara, media, badan kehakiman, SPR dan SPRM. Sukar untuk membayangkan natijah buruk buat rakyat dan negara ini jika pihak polis, AG dan para hakim pun boleh dibeli, yang menyebabkan keadilan sukar untuk dilaksanakan. READ MORE HERE |
| Kit Siang: ‘Need to win 70% of new voters’ Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:02 PM PST 
DAP veteran says the opposition pact must attempt to win four million unaffiliated voters and an additional 3% of the swing voters to reach Putrajaya. Leven Woon, FMT DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang has asked Pakatan Rakyat's coalition partners to focus on winning over the four million unaffiliated voters in order to takeover Putrajaya after general election (GE). In a statement yesterday, Lim pointed out that there are three million new voters who registered after the last GE, 60% of whom are under the age of 30. He said the new voters would make up 25% of the 13 million electorates in the next general election.
"They, together with the 10% or so of the swing voters from the 2008 GE, constitute about four million voters in the next GE. The will decide who will govern in Putrajaya after GE13." Lim said it would not be sufficient for Pakatan to solely rely on the new voters' support, as the opposition pact could only win 109 out of 222 parliamentary seats even if 70% of three million voters chose them. "To get to Putrajaya, Pakatan must also convince a larger percentage of the 2008 voters to switch their vote to us. "Only if Pakatan manages to win 70% of nett new voters and an additional 3% of GE 2008 voters can Pakatan reach Putrajaya with a comfortable majority of seven parliament seats, which is 119 seats," he said. Hudud issue
Lim noted that the PAS' proposal to introduce hudud law and multi-cornered fights are among the factors that impede Pakatan's unity and turn away the voters. "PAS passing the hudud legislation in the Terengganu state legislature in 2001 did not stop BN from regaining this state by winning 28 out of 32 state seats and 7 out of 8 parliament seats in Terengganu in the 2004 general election. "The hudud issue led to the dismantling of the Barisan Alternative and it took the historic 2008 general election to bring together the three parties again," he said. The Ipoh Timur member of parliament said the focus should be on the ongoing corruption and abuse of power within the BN rather than to push the Islamic state agenda. "(The Islamic agenda) does nothing to win over the middle ground and swing voters," he pointed out. Lim said new voters and swing voters are inclined to compare BN and Pakatan on their capability to reduce corruption, to strengthen national unity, uphold social justice, reduc e poverty in Sabah and Sarawak and user in a governance of democracy. "Pakatan Rakyat should not let itself be distracted by narrow issues but focus on the larger picture to win these swing voters and to capture the middle ground to win the battle for Putrajaya in the 13GE," he added. READ MORE HERE |
| Ku Li warns of ‘prostitution’ among professionals Posted: 07 Dec 2012 06:00 PM PST 
The Umno veteran lashes out at professionals for kowtowing to their political masters Anisah Shukry, FMT Professionalism is at its lowest point in history, said Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, citing "prostitution" in the law, police force and education, among others. "There can be prostitutes in each and every professional practise… people who are motivated by power, lust and greed for which they are willing to sacrifice the sacred trust that society has placed in them," said Razaleigh. In a strongly-worded speech at a dinner last night, Razaleigh, popularly refered to as Ku Li, said that unprofessional conduct was "most blatantly evident" in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). "Although established in the midst of much fanfare as part of the government's reform programme, sad to say, the hopes of the people were dashed soon after it was formed," declared the Gua Musang MP. "The people were disappointed when the agency appeared to show interest in petty matters while failing to address more urgent and important cases of corruption." The death of two witnesses in the anti-graft agency's headquarters, he said, had further stirred speculation about the professionalism and integrity of the officials there. "We are not unjustified in wondering if the agency is really serious about fighting graft, or merely finishing off political 'enemies'," said Razaleigh. He also levelled criticism at civil servants in general for "constantly pandering to political masters". He cited their "deafening silence" in cases such as the alleged destruction of the Selangor state government's records five years ago, after BN lost the state to the opposition coalition. "Not a whimper was heard from the custodians of public records in this country, despite the fact that they are believed to have their own code of professional ethics," said Razaleigh.
Judiciary a tool of the executive He said the trend continues to this day, referring to a case in which a former Directive of the Archives in Sabah made a political statement over the 20-Point point document signed prior to the formation of Malaysia. "The constant pandering to political masters on their own free will calls into question the extent of their professionalism," said Razaleigh. He also slammed the judiciary, maintaining that it had declined in professionalism in"epidemic proportions" since the removal of Tun Salleh Abbas as Lord President in 1988. Salleh's dismissal had been sparked by a fallout between Razaleigh and Mahathir Mohamed following a narrow Umno presidential election which the two contested in. Mahathir grew unhappy with the judiciary when Razaleigh's supporters filed a suit in the High Court to obtain a court order for new elections, after Mahathir defeated Razaleigh with 761 votes to Razaleigh's 718. This eventually lead to a tribunal against Salleh, which found him guilty of, among others, "undermining public confidence in the government's administration". "Since then, the impartiality, independence and basic honesty of the judiciary has been called into question time and time again," said Razaleigh. "Since then, the Attorney-General's Chambers has become the object of public odium, being perceived as a willing tool of the executive." Brain drain and racial polarisation Even the education system was not spared; Razaleigh claimed that it was in "tatters" and placed the blame squarely on the BN-led government's shoulders for creating the "rot". "The drastic drop in educational standards is such that many parents shudder to think of putting their children through the Malaysian school system… "We may not like to hear it, but the sad truth is that the rot in our education system started with the executive interferences linked to the New Economy Policy," he said. READ MORE HERE |
| Always consistently inconsistent Posted: 07 Dec 2012 05:10 PM PST But why is no one talking about this? Is it true that the MAS multi-billion scandal is linked to the RM30 billion Forex losses? And why say that the RM30 billion Forex losses is an old issue? Yes, it is 20 years old. I agree. But are not the Sabah and Tanjung Kupang air crashes and the Jalil Ibrahim murder even older than that? Yet you want me to talk about those issues, which are even older than the RM30 billion Forex losses episode. And the MAS issue is still current. It is not an old issue. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin There are some readers who have demanded to know why I have not written about this issue or that issue. They have even mentioned some of the issues I should be writing about such as the Sabah air crash, the Tanjung Kupang air crash, the Jalil Ibrahim murder in Hong Kong, and so on. Why do they want me to write about issues of days gone by? And why pick on these issues in particular? The answer is simple. These issues would be extremely unfavourable to those who walk in the corridors of power. Hence, anything that is unfavourable to those who walk in the corridors of power would be favourable to those in the opposition who aspire to be the ones to walk in the corridors of power. If I were to write about those issues, would this see justice for the victims of the air crashes or for the family of Jalil Ibrahim? Is there anything new I can write about, which you do not yet know, or will I merely be rehashing the same old story, which everyone already knows about anyway? In short, what do you hope to achieve by me writing about this 'old story' other than to embarrass certain people who may have been involved in those incidences, assuming some of these people are still alive? There is a question of motive here. You are the very same people who always question motive. When Deepak Jaikishan makes his revelation you question his motive. Why now? What is his motive? When ex-IGP Musa Hassan makes his revelation you question his motive. Why now? What is his motive? Motive appears to be at the top of your list of ten questions. Should that not also be what we ask you? Why now? What is your motive in asking me to write about this, that or the other? When I do write about something that happened in the past and by coincidence it involved someone who was then in the government but now in the opposition, you lament that that is an old story. You do not want to read about an old story. You want to read about something new. So, when do you want to read about an old story and when do you not wish to read about an old story? You demand that I write about an old story. And when I do write about an old story this angers you and you pose questions like 'why now?' and 'what is your motive?' and so on. You may not have noticed this, because it takes an intelligent mind to be able to notice it, but I normally write about something that no one talks about. And when every man and his dog start talking or writing about that issue, I lay off the issue. I do not jump onto the bandwagon and scream the same thing that others are screaming. How many of you had even heard the name Deepak Jaikishan until Malaysia Today revealed that name and identified who he is in relation to the 'First Family'. Now he is a 'household' name so I do not need to talk about him any longer. Today, people the length and breadth of Malaysia, are talking about him. How many of you had heard about Birkin handbags until Malaysia Today revealed that the First Lady has a collection of those bags in all the different colours? Many people did not even know about the existence of Birkin and I bet many of you till today have not even seen one 'in the flesh' other than the photographs that Malaysia Today published. Today, you know about ex-IGP Musa Hassan's links with BK Tan and 'Tengku' Goh, the underworld bosses. Had you ever heard of BK Tan and 'Tengku' Goh before this? And Malaysia Today did not just make a wild allegation of these links, we published eight Statutory Declarations, two by underworld figures, one by the IGP's ADC, and five more by serving (not retired) police officers confirming what Malaysia Today alleged. So, yes, today, everyone is discussing these issues. But you are able to discuss these issues only because Malaysia Today exposed these issues. If not you would never have known about these issues. And that was the reason why Malaysia Today revealed these issues. We wanted you to know about these stories. We wanted you to talk about the matter. And now that you know, and now that you are talking about them, our job is done. We can then sit back and allow you to talk about the matter and then come to your own conclusion as to what you should be doing about it. Most of the issues being discussed today came from Malaysia Today. I admit that the NFC issue is not ours. That was one expose that we missed so we do sometimes miss one or two. But missing one or two out of 20 or 30 is not too bad a track record, though. But what about the many other issues that we raised which no one seems to be talking about? For example, we revealed that the MAS multi-billion fiasco is linked to the RM30 billion foreign exchange losses of 20 years ago. And we published Tajudin Ramli's Affidavit that he filed in court as evidence to support our allegation. Tajudin Ramli filed an Affidavit in court. If he lied in that Affidavit he can be sent to jail. Hence, until and unless the court can prove that he lied (which they did not) then we have to assume that what he said in that Affidavit is the truth. Since then, MAS has settled its case with Tajudin Ramli 'out of court'. This gives an impression that Tajudin Ramli's case is strong and that MAS realises it may not win. Or maybe MAS is worried that if it proceeds with this case then the truth about what Tajudin Ramli said in his Affidavit might surface. Hence better they 'kill' this case and allow it to go no further. But why is no one talking about this? Is it true that the MAS multi-billion scandal is linked to the RM30 billion Forex losses? And why say that the RM30 billion Forex losses is an old issue? Yes, it is 20 years old. I agree. But are not the Sabah and Tanjung Kupang air crashes and the Jalil Ibrahim murder even older than that? Yet you want me to talk about those issues, which are even older than the RM30 billion Forex losses episode. And the MAS issue is still current. It is not an old issue. I have not written anything in this column for the last ten days or so. I thought I would sit back and monitor your comments below the news items and articles written by others, which I published in Malaysia Today. And one thing that is very clear is: you regard anything that is not right with this country as Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's fault. He is to be blamed and he must be accountable for all the ills facing the country. In other words, the buck stops at the top man's table. I can buy that. After all, someone has to take responsibility when something goes wrong. And the person who should take that responsibility must be the top man. But then who should take responsibility when something goes wrong on the other side? The Selangor, Penang, Kelantan and Kedah State Governments have come out with certain policies and have done certain things that have upset the people. Who must take responsibility for this? When something goes wrong under the Barisan Nasional administration, whether at federal or state level, the Prime Minister must take the blame. But when something goes wrong under the Pakatan Rakyat administration, the Opposition Leader cum Prime Minister-in-Waiting is not to be blamed. When the Local Council demolishes Hindu temples, Dr Xavier screams sabotage. It is not Pakatan Rakyat's fault. It is not the Advisor to the Selangor State Government cum Opposition Leader's fault. It is sabotage. What about the confiscation of beer at the 7-Eleven? Is this also sabotage? What about the ruling regarding the segregation of males and females in the cinema? Is this also sabotage? If all this happened in a Barisan Nasional run state then Najib must take the blame and Najib must resign because of it. But when it happens in the Pakatan Rakyat run states who should take the blame and who should resign? Today, Selena Tay wrote an article in Free Malaysia Today called Political blockbuster: Dragon vs Dinosaur. In that article, she compared Malaysia's economic growth during the time when Anwar Ibrahim was the Finance Minister from 1992 to 1997 to the time when Najib is Prime Minister from 2009 to 2011. Basically, what Selena says is that Malaysia performed better when Anwar was the Finance Minister compared to when Najib is Prime Minister. Note, and I repeat, the analysis that Selena did compares Anwar as Finance Minister to Najib as Prime Minister. Now, when Anwar was Finance Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the Prime Minister. So, should not Dr Mahathir be credited for the good performance instead of Anwar Ibrahim? Okay, let us assume that Dr Mahathir had no hand in this. Let us assume that it was the Finance Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who should be credited for this good performance. However, during that same period, 1992 to 1994, Malaysia also lost RM30 billion 'playing' the Forex market. So, who is to be blamed for this? Since the good economic performance of the country during the period when Anwar was the Finance Minister must be credited to Anwar, should not Anwar, therefore, also take the blame for whatever bad that happened? In this case, no! The RM30 billion Forex losses are Dr Mahathir's fault. Dr Mahathir was the Prime Minister so he must take all the blame -- just like Najib, the present Prime Minister, must take all the blame for whatever happens to Malaysia today. Who, therefore, is at fault here? Najib is both Finance Minister and Prime Minister. When something bad happens to Malaysia we blame Najib. But do we blame him because he is the Prime Minister or because he is the Finance Minister? If we blame Najib because he is the Prime Minister and hence the Prime Minister must take all the blame -- and hence take all the credit as well -- should not Selena credit Dr Mahathir rather than Anwar for Malaysia's good economic performance from 1992 to 1997? Assuming Selena feels that the Finance Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and not the Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir, should be credited for Malaysia's good economic performance from 1992 to 1997, then why is Dr Mahathir and not Anwar being blamed for the RM30 billion Forex losses during that same period? We need to be clear as to who we put the blame on -- or give credit to -- for what happens in Malaysia. On the one hand we say that the blame must go all the way to the top. On the other hand we say that the buck stops at the bottom and the top is not to be blamed. Why do we change the rules as and when it suits us? |
| Malaysia's 3 Million Blacklisted and Bankrupts: Who Will They Vote For? Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:42 PM PST Making a person bankrupt in Malaysia is such a cinch. To inflict economic death on an individual, creditors need not serve bankruptcy papers to these individuals personally but embark on substitute service in the cheapest newspapers and our courts actually buy this. Bankruptcy is a quasi criminal act and our judges dish out convictions without the presence of the convict. Malaysia must be the only country in the world that executes judgments of this nature. John Wilson It appears that Najib has finally woken up to some of the economic ills facing the man on the street by announcing significant changes in bankruptcy laws. But it may be too little too late. An entire generation may actually have lost out due again to the Barisan Nasional not having their eyes and ears on the ground. 1997 appears to have been yet another watershed year where Malaysia's cyclical economic downturn affected its economy adversely. That year Mahathir placed the blame exclusively on currency speculators. He left the country's economy completely exposed to serious financial difficulties by embarking on poor economic and development schemes resulting in almost half its banks closing. Together with their closing, the country's economy slid with a significant number of businesses shutting down. Yet again, despite the reservations of the then Finance Minister, Daim Zainuddin, taxpayers' monies were utilized to bail out banks. And despite utilizing taxpayers' monies, banks were given vesting orders unauthorized by Parliament, where banks that went bust were allowed to reclaim lendings from whatever businesses that were still tottering to survive. The mantra, that if you are dead in business you are exactly that and had no further claims, did not apply to our local banks because the Malaysian government have never viewed them as businesses in the first place. They always survived even if it meant bankrupting half the nations' industries. The culture of protecting the banks is so perverse that even judges in Malaysian Courts are directed to ensure Banks always win their cases even though they may be grossly at fault and be the main culprit for a financial crisis as demonstrated in the poor management decisions and fraudulent practices that brought down Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Madoff who started the financial disaster of 2008 bringing both the US and the world at large to the brink of an economic catastrophe. But unlike the US where the Feds make certain banks pay for their indiscretions, Malaysian banks walk, and in fact get to grow bigger to bully both the customer and the government. The BN failed to understand fundamental economics of the 21st century where a sneeze at Wall Street or Fleet Street or gross mismanagement in Greece, Ireland, Spain, Portugal will and can affect a man working his heart out trying to make ends meet in Pasir Gudang. Or, as in 1997, that same man in Pasir Gudang can lose his job due to the poor economic policies of his own Prime Minister and end up being unable to pay for his home or car. Bankruptcy is no more about that neighbor who borrowed big time and decided not to pay up. BN was and still is fixated with enriching cronies and did not fathom the serious economic and social devastation inflicted on almost 20% of the country's workforce. With the coming 16 trillion dollar economic calamity building up in the US, entire savings can be wiped leaving a person here in Malaysia bankrupt through no fault of his. The late 1990s was also the age of the haves and have nots. Anwar Ibrahim, then Deputy Prime Minister, was terminated abruptly due to differences in opinions on how to resolve the financial crisis and amidst cries of reformasi stemming from his brutal beating by police officers, Malaysia's political awakening had started. This was also the year Mahathir's Finance Advisers, Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan and the discredited Nor Mohamed Yaacob involved in Malaysia's worst forex losses, allowed the establishment of credit rating agencies like CCRIS and CTOS. The age of blacklisting, never before applied in Malaysian history was established in an age where there was and still is no one to monitor online blacklisting of consumers' personal information. The age where a human being became a digit in a system unknown to him had begun. The Insolvency Department clocks an average of 50 bankruptcies per day although some claim there may be much more judging from the growing morning surges at the bankruptcy counters at our courts throughout the country. This is obvious when lawyers hired on a flat rate commission by bankers go after Malaysians unable to meet their car installments, housing installments and business repayments on time. Making a person bankrupt in Malaysia is such a cinch. To inflict economic death on an individual, creditors need not serve bankruptcy papers to these individuals personally but embark on substitute service in the cheapest newspapers and our courts actually buy this. Bankruptcy is a quasi criminal act and our judges dish out convictions without the presence of the convict. Malaysia must be the only country in the world that executes judgments of this nature. No one seems to know the actual number of bankrupts although the Insolvency Department has placed the number at about a half million with 30% being Malays, 30% Chinese and remainder others. Some sources indicate that there are actually more than 1.7 Million bankrupts in Malaysia with more than 90,000 being civil servants just because they failed to pay their car loans or being a guarantor to one. Apart from bankrupts, over and above that, anyone slipping up on their loan repayments even though payment has been late for a few days are blacklisted. This blacklisting list has now become so contentious that civil liberties of the average Malaysian citizen are seriously affected. You can be blacklisted by Maxis for not paying your bills on time - by TM, by P1Max, by an unsecured creditor, by any bank, by PTPTN, by the police for a traffic offence, by JPJ: in fact by anyone who can gain access to your personal information. No one seems to know the ratio between blacklisted citizens to that of a bankrupt. If the estimate of 500,000 bankrupts is taken with an average of 1 bankrupt to 5 blacklists, this may work out to be 3 million bankrupts and blacklisted citizens if not more. The consequences of being bankrupt are ominous. They lose all their property. Their bank accounts are frozen, and if they are Muslims/Malays, they will have their Tabung Haji and Amanah Saham Bumiputra accounts sealed. They will be prevented from leaving the country; meaning if you are working out in the Middle East or in Singapore you may now risk losing your job. They always say that the Insolvency Department will take care of you. The reverse is probably more accurate. Insolvency officers not only don't have the time of day for you as 1 officer has to apparently monitor more than 5000 bankrupts, but worse still they are poorly trained and have no clue if a bankrupt has been mistakenly declared bankrupt. Bankruptcy officers don't take the trouble to go to court and investigate properly if the terms adjudicating orders and receiving orders have been properly complied with. To make matters worse, judges are poorly versed in bankruptcy laws. The general public is now on the receiving end. On one end it is perceived that banks who are in fact businesses are unfairly supported by the government at the expense of the rakyat having to suffer at their indiscriminate handling of this entire issue. The days of feudal bondage have finally been replaced by economic bondage. Despite repeated calls to the government and Law Ministry to quickly reform bankruptcy laws in this country, these calls have fallen on deaf ears. Apart from ordinary folk who have to suffer the humiliation of bankruptcy, genuine businessmen and entrepreneurs have been stopped in their tracks by these laws, thereby effectively halting the country's economic progress. Entrepreneurs who have gone down are the best people to restart and develop a business due to their experience and not a fresh graduate with no field experience. But the worst thing of being blacklisted or bankrupt is, aggrieved parties don't talk about it in public. They keep the lid on themselves. But soon they may be able to make their displeasure known. And that displeasure could be at the ballot box. This government which has repeatedly bailed out banks, gave them vesting orders therefore surreptitiously and illegally gave them the leeway to keep collecting monies through merged banks, third party debt collectors some based in countries as remote as South Africa and even New York, is nothing more than circumventing the law to indulge in money laundering. You just don't sell a loan to a third party without the consent of the borrower. The message is clear. These 3 million or more affected borrowers or businesses will vote, and when they do, it will not be for the Barisan Nasional. |
| DAP bimbang tangkapan khalwat ke atas bukan Islam Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:18 PM PST 
Md Izwan, The Malaysian Insider DAP menyuarakan kebimbangan ekoran tangkapan khalwat ke atas pasangan bukan Islam baru-baru ini di Kelantan sambil menggesa kerajaan PAS di negeri tersebut mengambil langkah sewajarnya untuk menangani isu tersebut dengan secepat mungkin. Dalam satu kenyataan hari ini, Setiausaha Agung DAP Lim Guan Eng mempersoalkan sikap penguatkuasa agama di negeri tersebut dan berharap tindakan segera diambil. "Jika kerajaan PAS Kelantan gagal mengambil tindakan ke atas tindakan penguatkuasa itu yang mengeluarkan saman kepada pasangan bukan Islam tersebut, ia adalah membelakangi prinsip dalam Pakatan Rakyat (PR) yang menghormati kebebasan beragama," kata Lim (gambar). "Ia juga akan merosakkan hubungan dalam PR." Dalam laporan The Star hari ini, empat orang bukan Islam ditangkap di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra dan dikenakan saman kerana "tingkahlaku kurang sopan". "Walaupun saman itu adalah kerana 'tingkahkalu kurang sopan', parti lawan (Barisan Nasional) dan media pro-kerajaan telah memutar-belitkan isu ini sebagai khalwat dan mengatakan undang-undang Islam cuba dikenakan kepada bukan Islam," tambah ketua menteri Pulau Pinang itu. Lim dalam kenyataan itu lagi juga mengecam penguatkuasa negeri tersebut kerana menyalahguna kuasa apabila meminta wang untuk menyelesaikan hal itu daripada empat orang bukan Muslim tersebut. "Pengerusi kelab penyokong PAS, Hu Pang Chaw, berkata mangsa lelaki telah mengadu kepadanya dengan mengatakan pegawai penguatkuasa telah meminta RM500 daripada mereka untuk 'selesaikan masalah'," kata Lim. "Ini jelas pegawai itu salahguna kuasa dan tindakan segera perlu diambil ke atas mereka yang bertanggungjawab dalam isu ini," jelasnya lagi. Selain beliau, ketua pemuda MCA negeri Gan Han Chuan juga bertindak mengecam langkah oleh penguatkuasa kerajaan negeri Kelantan tersebut. Beliau mendakwa kerajaan PAS cuba mengenakan hukum hudud kepada bukan Islam. "Ini adalah kali pertama dalam sejarah apabila bukan Islam dikenakan saman kerana berkhalwat," kata beliau dalam akhbar pro-kerajaan, The Star hari ini. Insiden ini adalah yang kedua selepas berlaku pertikaian ke atas denda yang dikenakan kepada pengendali salun yang membenarkan pendandan memotong rambut berlainan jantina tidak kira individu tersebut adalah orang Islam ataupun tidak. Kebanyakkan peruntukkan undang-undang tersebut memberikan kesan buruk kepada peniaga salun bukan Islam khususnya di Kelantan. |
| Non-muslims nabbed for 'khalwat' in Kelantan Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:12 PM PST 
(The Star) - Four non-Muslims two men on a plane spotting outing and a couple in a park have been issued with summonses for khalwat, a first in the country. The summonses were for "indecent behaviour" but the four have denied any wrongdoing, claiming instead that the municipal council's enforcement officers "were merely abusing their position". State MCA Youth chief Gan Han Chuan said the officers "have gone crazy", trying to enforce hudud laws on non-Muslims. "This is a first in history where non-Muslims have been issued summonses for khalwat," he said. "It is unbelievable! What they do with their by-laws is now affecting the lives of even the non-Muslims," Gan said of the two cases which occurred recently. The incidents came in the wake of a nationwide uproar over the fines imposed on salon operators who allowed their stylists to cut the hair of a customer of a different gender regardless of whether they were Muslims or not. Most, if not all, of the salons affected were owned by non-Muslims. In the latest incident, the two men in their 30s were in a car parked beside the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, watching aeroplanes land in the night, when they were issued with the summonses. The duo claimed that they were not doing anything indecent. The other two were a 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old girl. They were at the Tengku Anis park in the town centre in the middle of the day when enforcement officers approached them and issued them with summonses for indecent behaviour. The two incidents have riled up even the National PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw. Hu said the male victims had complained to him that the officers had even sought RM500 from the duo "to settle the matter". "As far as I know, the council has no right to issue summonses to non-Muslims for close contact with their girlfriends in the dark or out in the open," he said. "I believe this by-law only applies to Muslims. And, I cannot understand why the four were issued the summonses," Hu said, adding that the council cannot impose "khalwat" laws on non-Muslims. The men have written a letter to council president Fauzi Mat. Hu said: "This is a serious allegations that needs immediate attention." |
| Kelantan slammed over ‘khalwat’ for non-Muslims Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:09 PM PST 
(The Star) - Local authorities in Kelantan have been criticised for taking action against four people for what has been viewed as khalwat (close proximity) cases involving non-Muslims. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that if PAS could subject non-Muslims to such laws in Kelantan, it could do so nationwide if Pakatan Rakyat came to power. "This should also serve as a wake-up call to the Chinese because it shows that DAP is no political superman, as it is a toothless tiger before PAS," he said. Dr Chua said this in response to dissatisfaction voiced by National PAS Supporters Congress chairman Hu Pang Chaw against the local authorities for issuing summonses for indecent behaviour to two non-Muslim men who were caught in a car parked by the roadside near the Kota Baru Airport. The other case involved a non-Muslim teenage boy and his non-Muslim girlfriend who were found together in a parked car in Tengku Anis Park recently. The four have denied any wrongdoing. Dr Chua said it appeared that PAS was slowly pushing for Syariah laws and ultimately its brand of hudud. "PAS is so sure of coming to power that it has ignored fundamental rights of non-Muslims enshrined in the Constitution," he said. Dr Chua pointed out that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had made it very clear that pushing their Islamic agenda was a religious obligation. "DAP is willing to go along because it is confident of securing Chinese votes. Let's hope the Chinese wake up before it is too late. "As a developing country, we should not be bickering about what is clearly written in the Constitution," he said, adding that PAS appeared to be fixated on moral policing. He also said the PAS Supporters Congress should have the political integrity to acknowledge that it did not have a standing in PAS, as it could not even vote in the party. PPP president Datuk Seri M. Kayveas said the people must use their votes to tell PAS off. "The people must realise that by supporting DAP and PKR, they are also empowering PAS," he said. Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said if the claims were true, it would be beyond comprehension, as non-Muslim were not subjected to Islamic laws. "It is unacceptable if they want to expand khalwat laws to non-Muslims. "If PAS intends to amend the Constitution to subject non-Muslims to Islamic laws, then it should say so," he said. |
| 200 stage protest over altar demolition Posted: 07 Dec 2012 02:04 PM PST  Pathma Subramaniam, fz.com About 200 MIC members and activists staged a protest outside the Selangor State Secretariat today over the demolition by the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) of a Hindu altar within the gated compound of a house. Led by MIC Youth chief T Mohan, the group marched from the nearby Dataran Shah Alam at 11.15am and gathered there for about an hour under the scorching sun. Security personnel prevented them from entering the building to meet Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. After several rounds of negotiations with the police, Mohan handed over a memorandum to state executive councillor Dr Xavier Jeyakumar's aide, Abdul Razak Ismail. MPSP enforcement officials demolished the altar located in the compound of M Gobikumar's house at Taman Seroja in Bandar Salak Tinggi on Nov 20, according to news reports. The family had earlier received a notice from the council to tear down the structure for alleged violation of council by-laws, followed by another letter warning them that they could be fined RM250 a day if they did not demolish it. News reports quoted Gobikumar as saying that the council enforcement staff demolished the altar even while he was negotiating with the council. At today's protest, the participants blamed the Pakatan Rakyat state government for the high-handed action, with Xavier in particular coming under strong attack. Many of the protesters were seen hoisting up banners and placards calling for Xavier's resignation over his alleged remarks that local governments had the right to take action against illegal structures built inside or outside a house and that the state government could not meddle in such matters. However, in a statement yesterday, Xavier said the state government had in 2008 instructed all local councils and the land office not to destroy any place of worship. Xavier added that the altar demolishment was carried out by certain MPSP officials without the knowledge of the state government and the MPSP president, and that there was reason to suspect that their action "bordered on sabotage." Mohan, however, claimed that Pakatan representatives were present when the demolishment took place. "At the time of the incident, a PAS councillor representing the Sepang Municipal Council was also there together with the constituency's coordinator from DAP," he said. "Is it a crime now to build an altar to worship in our homes? Why must we apply for permits when it is within our compound?" asked Mohan, demanding that the councillor and the enforcement officers involved be sacked immediately. He also demanded that the menteri besar issue an open apology to the Indian community. Mohan said the Barisan Nasional lost power in Selangor in the 2008 general election after the BN-led state government demolished a Hindu temple in Shah Alam a few months earlier, which led to the Indian community taking part in a massive protest rally in Kuala Lumpur. "We did it before and paid for it in kind, but we learnt our lesson. I can assure you that BN will never do this if we make a comeback in the next general election," he said. "Don't take this issue lightly. Resolve it once and for all for all our good," he said.  |
| Ex-top cop questions Musa’s credibility Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:57 PM PST 
Ramli Yusuff, the former CCID director embroiled in the copgate affair, cites three instances in which he says Musa Hassan was dishonest. Anisah Shukry, FMT Ex Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan is not a credible person and this is proven throughout his time in the police force, said his former colleague Ramli Yusuff. In the last few weeks, Musa has attracted attention for accusing Cabinet ministers and politicians of interfering with police investigations and arrests, naming home minister Hishammuddin Hussein in particular. But his motives for 'coming out' have come into question due to the timing of it all; while he served as IGP for four years, no word was mentioned to the public of the allegedly meddling ministers. Instead, the startling announcement was made on the eve of the Umno General Assembly's opening, leading the home minister to maintain that it was just an attempt to sidetrack the public from issues discussed during the gathering. To add further fuel to the fire, retired Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) Ramli, who is perhaps most known for his investigative role in the 'Copgate' affair, has cast aspersions on Musa's character by dredging up old issues implicating the ex IGP. "Musa served under me for almost six years. I was partly responsible for his promotion in 1995 from the post of junior superintendent to become my assistant, and in the end, he fixed me up," said Ramli. "So do you think his character is credible? I liken him to 'melepaskan anjing tersepit'," he said, referring to a Malay idiom which means helping someone who is ungrateful. Ramli was alluding to the five charges he faced in 2007 and 2009 in which he was eventually acquitted for – charges which he claimed were masterminded by Musa along with Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail and former Anti-Corruption Agency director of prosecution Nordin Hassan in an attempt to discredit him. The charges include allegedly failing to declare his assets, for violating laws prohibiting civil servants from being involved in private business, and for abusing power after allegedly using a Royal Malaysian Police Cessna Caravan aircraft to fly him to see plots of land in Ulu Tungku and Lahad Datu. Ramli claimed he was framed due to his role in the Copgate affair, in which he and his team took action against an underworld figure who allegedly had Musa's backing – only for that figure to be released four months later. Musa was subsequently investigated and cleared by Abdul Gani and the ACA, and his contract renewed until his retirement in 2010, according to Malaysiakini. Ramli told FMT today that he had originally pushed for Musa's promotion from junior superintendent to his assistant circa 1995 because the latter was supposed to be laterally transferred to Perlis. "Musa came crying to me, telling me about his predicament…children schooling, very unhappy. So I recommended him [for the promotion] because he served under me in 1987 as one of my officers in the police college in Kuala Kubu Baru. "So at that time, he was a good guy, and I trusted him," said Ramli, adding that he had a tough time convincing the former director of the CID to promote Musa on account of his lack of academic credentials. Even judge said Musa is unreliable Zeroing in on the abuse of power trial which ended in 2009, Ramli said the session court judge's comments on Musa – who was a witness for the prosecution - further reflected the then IGP's dubious character. "During my trial in Sabah, a sessions court judge in her judgement commented that Musa is an 'incredible' witness because he contradicted the evidence of his own officers," said Ramli. "And the judge believed the evidence of Musa's junior offences rather than him. And he was then still serving as IGP. Malu (shameful)," added Ramli. The abuse of power trial involving the alleged use of a police aircraft for his own personal interest, in which his lawyer Rosli Dahlan defended him. According to Rosli, Judge Supang Lian told the court at the closing of the 59-day hearing that Musa's evidence was unreliable and to be disregarded. Rosli told FMT she repeated the word "discredit" twice in her assessment of Musa'sevidence, who, as the 75th witness, was allegedly called last in order to refute testimonies of those who came before him. Among the witnesses were Ramli's pilots, whom Rosli said had flatly denied having flown Ramli to Ulu Tungku and Lahad Datu, in which his real estate company Kinsajaya Sdn Bhd had an interest. Supang Lian ruled that the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case and Ramli deserved to be acquitted and discharged. A year later, the High Court dismissed an appeal by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against the Session Court's decision to acquit Ramli. READ MORE HERE |
| BN needs to do some serious soul-searching Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:53 PM PST 
Najib's role is to protect the rakyat, not stand at the sidelines as he is fond of doing and watch them get abused at the hands of corrupt authorities. Jeswan Kaur, FMT It is a tragedy in the making if the race-based Barisan Nasional coalition wins the 13th general election, contrary to the constant assurances by its leaders that only it can determine the fate of this country. Claims after claims were made by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who is also chairman of BN and Umno president respectively about the feats BN can achieve for the rakyat if only it is given the mandate to rule the country yet again. Honestly, giving BN a two thirds majority win will be suicidal for the rakyat, keeping in mind the 'unfinished business' BN and its chief partner Umno have embarked on. It is imperative that before it cries out for the rakyat's empathy to oust the opposition Pakatan Rakyat pact, BN has to make a clean breast of its many wrongdoings post-2008. The 12th general election defeat has not humbled BN and from the look of things, it is definite that the party has no desire nor interest in repenting and turning over a new leaf. In spite of its unexpected loss in the 2008 general election, the BN coalition continued with its power abuse and disrespect for the rakyat. Had BN learned the bitter lessons the 12th GE brought with it, the party's leadership would have abandoned its addiction to all things nefarious. From premier Najib right down to the BN ADUNs, their failure to live up to the rakyat's expectations has never been more clearer. Wayward If Najib is serious about wanting the best for the people of this country, he has to first take BN for a 'soul-searching' trip. As the Malay saying goes, 'buang yang keruh dan ambil yang jernih', BN has no choice but to reform itself for the sake of the rakyat whose support it so badly needs. All the promises and pledges made by Najib and his men at the recently concluded Umno general assembly would mean nothing if both BN and Umno continue to behave in a wayward manner. The issues that need to be dealt with are aplenty and unless and until BN 'comes around', the rakyat cannot depend on it to solve their woes. From the tribal natives of Penan in Sarawak to the homeless estate workers of Bukit Jalil, they have all given up on Najib and his declarations that BN is synonymous with the welfare of the people. Had it been so, the Penans would not have to risk life and limbs to safeguard their ancestral lands which continue to be ravaged by loggers, no thanks to nod coming from Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud. The Penans were also against the building of the Murum and many other dams there which would leave tens and thousands of natives 'landless' besides destroying Sarawak's rainforests. Was Najib attuned to their worries? If he had been, the angry and frustrated Penans would not have mounted a blockade three months ago on the access road to the Murum Dam site, an effort which attracted the attention of local and international media. According to Save Rivers, a coalition of Sarawak NGOs, the Penans had been protesting against the dam since 2009 but the state dismissive approach and refusal to fulfil its promises prompted the blockade. Where was Najib then when the Penans were left to their own devices to protect their native customary rights land? READ MORE HERE |
| Carpets, mattresses and dirty linen Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:50 PM PST 
Carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan and ex-IGP Musa Hassan have stirred up more political controversies. The question on everyone's lips is, "Why are they singing now?" Is it for selfish reasons, to save their own skins because they believe that Umno will lose in GE-13? Are they turning state's witness, to be the first ones to provide evidence implicating the others, in the hope of escaping punishment should Umno lose in GE-13? Mariam Mokhtar, FMT Former inspector general of police Musa Hassan claimed that he was unsuccessful in his efforts to alert his superiors, the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to the problems in the police force. Should we believe him as it is his word against theirs? Najib and Hishammuddin have not issued a denial. They may be seething on the inside, but have chosen to remain silent. Their "good name" has been kicked into the gutter, and they do nothing to defend themselves. Perhaps they are too stunned to react. It is ironic that senior Umno politicians claim to be able to unite the Malays, when it is clear that the party is itself divided. It is ironic that Musa has blamed the spread of gangster politics in political campaigning when during his tenure as IGP, he allegedly protected gangsters and criminal syndicates. It is ironic that Musa assumes the moral high ground when most people revile him for allegedly fabricating evidence for his political masters. Carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan and Musa Hassan have stirred up more political controversies. The question on everyone's lips is "Why are they singing now?" Is it for selfish reasons, to save their own skins because they believe that Umno will lose in GE-13? Are they turning state's witness, to be the first ones to provide evidence implicating the others, in the hope of escaping punishment should Umno lose in GE-13? Or are they puppets who have been tasked with derailing the opposition, by appearing to act against the interests of Umno? Is Umno just sacrificing a pawn to take a bishop? Are key people, like the former heads of the MACC, the Election Commission, MAS, Proton, TNB, waiting in the wings, ready to provide damning evidence against Umno? The shocking revelations by both men occurred within days of each other and took the public by surprise. The men stole the thunder from the 66th Umno general assembly. Deepak is a business man with close ties to the prime minister's spouse. The other is a former member of the establishment and privy to the workings of government. The timing of their disclosures cannot be a coincidence. Why did they wait years before finally revealing the information?
Insurance policy They are mistaken if they think they will be perceived as men of integrity. Instead, they are seen as opportunists or desperate men who are taking out insurance to protect themselves against possible prosecution. Deepak made public the embarrassing details about land deals closely linked to Najib, and Musa described the interference by Najib's cousin, Hishammuddin in the running of the police force. The silence of Najib, his spouse Rosmah Mansor and Hishammuddin does not exonerate them. It was left to their colleagues, to defend them but the damage was done. The public is now aware of the deep divisions within Umno. Musa's outburst may have given the opposition movement a boost, but that momentum for change was unstoppable, with or without Musa's revelations. The opposition coalition is on a winning streak and the rakyat is passionate for change and reform. The opposition should use any ammunition available, to bring down Umno. The people working in the civil service, the GLCs and the government are gripped by a culture of fear. Musa is not the first to say that he could not speak out when he was in office, but isn't it convenient for Musa to hide his poor leadership and his failings by claiming that he had tried to help his men? He claims that he can speak freely, now because he is no longer a government servant. The rakyat is fed-up with the usual refrain "We couldn't talk then". Musa may choose to adopt the moral high ground but our minds are etched with the image of Musa, the policeman who paraded the semen stained mattress in the trial of Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim in Sodomy I, and the memory of Musa who let his men down with his lies and cover-ups, by acting for Umno politicians and their cronies. Musa failed to uphold the professionalism, tenets and traditions of the police force. The rakyat is weary of the games played by corrupt politicians. They are tired of frogs and turncoats. They despise men who are self-serving and think nothing of sacrificing their professional integrity. When will men from the judiciary come forward and reveal all? Will the men from the MACC do the same? And the immigration department? Or the Election Commission? And key government departments and GLCs? READ MORE HERE |
| UMNO's karmic cycle Posted: 06 Dec 2012 09:59 PM PST 
There was a strange but pleasurable sense of "being a Johorean" back in the day, even for a little child like me who almost felt that life back then was about the freedom to roam the kampong/village and walk five miles to the smoke and dust-filled and Segget River-smelling town of Johor Baru. A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE Dr Azly Rahman Alpha-Omega, a beginning and an end, life coming around in full circle, "wa asal balik asil," "kalam baru balik pada kalam asal" - all these words came to me this last hour as I pondered upon the origin of Umno in its birthplace, where I, too, grew up fondly in - Johor Baru. Will Umno die a natural death at age 70 or from circa 1946 when it was born? And will it be buried in its kampong/village near Bukit Senyum in Johor Baru? I am now imbued with nostalgia of those growing-up years - of place names such as Kampong Mahmoodiah, Wadi Hana, Wadi Hassan, Bukit Senyum, Jalan Meldrum, and of course Stulang Laut where my grandparents (long deceased but fondly remembered) lived - all these bring me back to those memories of the Johor I once knew ... birthplace of "Malay nationalism" approved and perhaps sponsored and branded by the colonial masters, so that the channel of exploitation could still be opened in post-colonial times, notwithstanding the rhetoric of "Buy British Last" and the "Look East Policy" of the 1980s Mahathirist era. Almost weekly to visit relatives, I frequent the vicinity where the Malay para-royalist of Turkish origin Onn Jaafar's (left) residence was, a British-installed Blenheim-Palace-looking structure (Blenheim was Churchill's birthplace) that stood on a hill befitting of a home for a British "little-brown brother". And that was a Johor historic site where I am quite sure discussions on the formation of Umno were held; almost like a "revolutionary-period French salon" to fuel the opposition to the British proposal of the Malayan Union. There was a strange but pleasurable sense of "being a Johorean" back in the day, even for a little child like me who almost felt that life back then was about the freedom to roam the kampong/village and walk five miles to the smoke and dust-filled and Segget River-smelling town of Johor Baru. Fun it was too that one would be constantly exposed to the British names that were installed on the "material landscape of the city" in the form of street names, buildings, etc - names such as Larkin, English College, Woodlands, St Joseph School, Our First Lady of Fatima Church, Lido Beach, and Century Gardens... all these installed at different periods of history. And of course there were names of human beings such as Sir Abu Bakar, Lady Marcella Ibrahim, and those Malays knighted by the British. And there was the Anglicised JMF or the Johor Military Force that served as private army to the Johor royalty. And of course there is this name in English as well, that is now synonymous with power, dignity, glory, ideology, hegemony and of late unnecessary idiocy - "United Malays National Organisation" or one christened as "Umno". I have been a philologically-philosophically-semiotically sensitive person and would be obsessed with thinking about language and reality, how language constructs or destructs reality, and how language is also reality. "From word becomes flesh," "kun fayakun (be and thou shall become)," and "Om .... " - all these notions of the primacy of literacy fascinate me. When I was a child when I would sit quietly, like Miss Rosa Parks, on the T, Hakim Bus, the Seng Hup Bus, or the Johor-Singapore Express bus, or any bus or vehicle I was travelling in and read "signboards" and names of kampongs, towns and cities, of business store-front signs, whatever... get intoxicated by language, and start thinking and thinking about how these places get named and who decides how they are named. 'High on names' I was always "high on names" perhaps not getting as high as the "... Lu Gua .. Lu Gua gua cakap sama lu - speaking - "Mat Gian" or "Mat Fit" of Kampong Ubi, Bakar Batu or Tampoi high on shabu or glue or daun ketum or whatever they were smoking ... but "high on words, concepts, etc". Nonetheless, till now I maintain that "highness" for better or for worse ... Back to Umno's karmic cycle and its rendezvous with moksha (end of cycle of birth and death). How will it all end? Here is the essence of these notes - how many generations would it take to destroy a seemingly good idea of nationalism and would that destruction be just another phase of a karmic cycle to allow the rebirth of a new style of consciousness that no longer takes nationalism nor its ugly child "communal politics" as a mortal ideology but to allow for a natural birth of the new body with a new spirit? And that spirit is of supra-nationalism with a Rawles-ian brand of distributive justice, foundationed upon cosmopolitanism and the idea of "multiculturalism and pluralism" in its most intellectual and practical sense - unlike the one ill-understood by Umno. And how will other communal-based parties in Malaysia (MCA, MIC, etc.) meet their death, too - at a time, as they say in the "Arab Spring", when revolutions will find each one of us? ********************************** OUR USUAL REMINDER, FOLKS:
While the opinion in the article/writing is mine,
the comments are strictly, respectfully, and responsibly yours;
present them rationally, clearly, politely, and ethically. https://www.facebook.com/#!/azly.rahman http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/ |
| A gulf of 44 years separates us from 13 May 1969 Posted: 06 Dec 2012 06:33 PM PST  Koon Yew Yin, CPI As the countdown to the general election begins in earnest, we are getting more and more calls from desperate and irresponsible politicians drawing attention to the possibility of a repeat of the infamous May 13 violence if the election results should go against the expectations of various political parties and interests. The fact that these calls are directed towards the Bumiputera component of our population, are expressed in the national language, and are widely carried in the Malay mass media and Internet world makes me suspicious of the intentions of these politicians who claim that they are simply doing Malaysians a favour by warning of the backlash should the election outcome not bring about a continuation of the present power structure. To my mind, these politicians are not only applying crude pressure on the Malay electorate to vote for them but they are also blatantly revealing their trump card – that violence, chaos and political instability will automatically erupt in the event that the opposition parties win the elections. This blackmailing of our electorate as well as incitement of disruptive and hooligan elements in our society is totally unacceptable. Various academicians and politicians from the opposition have spoken up against such fear mongering in the recent past. However, not enough has been done by members of the business community and other professional organizations to speak out against these warnings and threats although they will be the main losers should another May 13 episode take place. Much more needs to be done by key stakeholders to condemn the individuals and organizations making the threats as the risk of these threats becoming self-fulfilling prophesies increases by the day. Shahrizat's not-so-veiled threat 
The latest invocation of May 13 took place at the Umno general assembly held recently. In that meeting, the Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil warned that the May 13 tragedy might be repeated should Umno became weak and not be able to overcome its challenges. That this warning was not made obliquely but was served up as part of her opening speech text testifies to the way in which this kind of desperado thinking has become the mainstream in certain political circles. What is more worrying is that both Najib Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin as Umno president and deputy president, and more importantly as the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, failed to repudiate or rebuke Sharizat for fear mongering. Instead the Deputy Prime Minister attempted to defend the speech by explaining that chaos will be inevitable under Pakatan Rakyat rule. Other Umno leaders, notably its vice-president Hishamuddin Hussein have even gone so far as to dismiss the attention brought by Shahrizat's May 13 statement as a case of "spinning" and to put the blame on a pro-opposition media and other opposition elements. "Shahrizat has already told me that this will be another matter that will be used for spinning by certain quarters, just because it coincides with the general assembly", the country's minister in charge of internal security is reported to have said in his dismissal of public concern when questioned about it. Even if it is a case of over-reaction by the media and a fearful public, it is hoped that Shahrizat and her colleagues will not play with fire or pander to the psyche of insecurity found in Umno party members by constantly harping on the possible recurrence of 13 May and even worst, by condoning or justifying violent and catastrophic racial riots as they appear to be doing in the run-up to the elections. Aftershocks of electoral violence Should there be bloodshed and violence arising from the next elections, it will not be non-Malays primarily who will lose out or be hurt by the collapse of the share market and the larger economy as we see a rush to exit the country by local and foreign businesses and investors. It will be all Malaysians especially those who are now enjoying the good life. Malays must bear in mind that while in 1969 they may have had less to lose, today the situation is completely different. There is Malay control of a major part of the commanding heights of our economy such as the banks, manufacturing, hi-tech industry, etc. and the largest listed companies. These gains which have given birth to the creation of a sizeable Malay middle and upper class will be put at great risk should there be another May 13. They may even disappear as the economic aftershocks and loss of economic confidence spiral out of control. Another May 13 is unthinkable and unforgivable except to those who are so blinded by ambition and their lust for power that they need to keep reminding themselves and their supporters of that horrific possibility. However, should it happen, unlike in the first May 13 incident, it will be clear as to who are the instigators. Conclusion: I trust this article will encourage more stakeholders – bankers, business leaders, academicians and leaders of all political parties – to speak out and condemn those who are using the threat of another May 13 if there is a change of government. The Malays must remember that even if Pakatan Rakyat wins control of the government, there will be more Malay Members of Parliament than from any other races. The Malays will be the biggest losers if there is another May 13 riot. READ MORE HERE |
| We'll take you on, Selangor PAS Youth warns UMNO 'thugs' Posted: 06 Dec 2012 06:22 PM PST 
(Harakah Daily) - Selangor PAS Youth has warned the state UMNO Youth to rein in thuggery among its members so that they could get involved in politics as 'gentlemen'. "The Selangor PAS Youth is ready to take on any challenge by UMNO Youth should they continue with provocations in future," said Selangor PAS Youth leader Hasbullah Mohd Ridzwan (pic).
His warning followed an incident in Gombak on December 4, where a group of UMNO supporters attempted to disrupt an event featuring Pakatan Rakyat leaders by staging a march and shouting provocative slogans.
Their action later led to a melee among opposing crowds, resulting in several injuries including a PR supporter who was stabbed on his shoulder.
Hasbullah said the incident which he blamed on Gombak UMNO Youth members only helped to convince the public about UMNO and Barisan Nasional's uncivilised character.
He said it also exposed the division's Youth leader who had been issuing denials over UMNO's involvement despite video clips and photographs showing otherwise.
"Selangor PAS Youth does not rule out the possibility that UMNO and Barisan Nasional are desperate to restore their damaged image in the eyes of the public, and thus they would commit violence and then play the victims to evoke people's sympathy," said Hasbullah.
Saying PR programmes had so far been conducted peacefully, Hasbullah stressed that there was no way such violence was started by PR supporters. |
| ‘AG Chambers aiding human traffickers’ Posted: 06 Dec 2012 06:02 PM PST 
A labour activist claims that the AG Chambers is working hand in glove with the Bangladeshi High Commission to aid human traffickers. Teoh El Sen, FMT Labour activist Abdul Aziz Ismail has accused the Attorney-General's Chambers of colluding with the Bangladeshi High Commission to aid human traffickers. In an open letter to the government, the Selangor Anti-Human Trafficking Council member said he came to such a conclusion after his appointment as a workers welfare adviser under the Bangladeshi High Commission here was suddenly revoked. "The sudden cancellation of my appointment by the commission under the instructions of the AG Chambers is beyond their boundaries and perimeter and it was done in bad faith," he wrote. He said he suspected that the AG Chambers and the Bangladesh High Commission had, willingly or unwittingly, become the tools of human trafficking syndicates, by protecting them. In 2007, Aziz said he was officially appointed to assist or represent Bangladesh migrant workers on matters concerning their welfare by the commission. He was then empowered to assist them to obtain temporary stay visas, lodging police reports and accompanying them during legal proceedings as a translator. He said in the years of voluntarism in this manner, he succesfully secured about more than RM700,000 of unpaid wages for exploited foreign workers. He said that his work had began somewhere between 2006 and 2009, when most of the Bangladesh migrant workers were brought into Malaysia and issued fraudulent "calling visa" by the Immigration Department approved by the Home Ministry to bogus employers or outsourcing companies. He alleged that those workers were later sold to a third party by their bogus employers or outsource companies, and abandoned. "These traffic victims were later detained and arrested as undocumented, illegal entry, over-staying and violating employment pass," he said. Aziz said he was much involved during that period and represented victims of unpaid wages, unlawful dismissal, unlawful detention and all other suppression by agents, employers or the authorities. All these he did without being paid a single sen by the commission or by the victims. He said that the current 6P amnesty programme was akin to a "Re-Trafficking Programme" that caused hundreds of thousands of foreigners to be cheated and victimised by enforcement agencies. READ MORE HERE |
| The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 14) Posted: 06 Dec 2012 05:20 PM PST 
By the time the sellers found out whom the real buyers were, it was too late to do anything about it. The money had already been paid and the transfer completed. Masjid Rhusila now owned all the land surrounding the mosque, which used to be owned by Umno people, and nothing was going to stand in the way of the mosque expansion. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin By the late 1970s -- by then I was past my 27th birthday -- I began going to the mosque for Friday prayers. Then I started going to the mosque for my daily/regular prayers, especially Suboh, Maghrib and Isyak, plus during the entire month of Ramadhan for my Tarawih prayers. But I would sit in the rows behind and keep all to myself. I was, after all, a novice and had much to learn about the religion I was born into but hardly practiced. Apparently, my presence in the mosque -- called Masjid Kolam, in Kuala Ibai, Kuala Terengganu, and not far from my house -- did not go unnoticed. One day, the imam, Haji Abbas Bin Khatib Muhammad a.k.a. Pak Abbas and a few members of the mosque committee came over to my house. The Chairman of Masjid Kolam was Kol. Haji Zubir, a chap who lived across the road from where we lived, a housing area called Taman Purnama. And Kol. Zubir had just set up an Umno branch with himself as Chairman. And this upset the mosque committee who were all PAS supporters. They requested that I take over the Chairmanship of the mosque (they told me that they were intending to oust Kol. Zubir). I was quite taken aback. I was a sort of 'newcomer' to Islam -- which is why I refer to myself as a 'Born Again' Muslim -- and could not even recite the Qur'an. And here we had a bunch of hafiz (those who have memorised the Qur'an) requesting me to head their mosque. Incidentally, just to digress a bit, after I became the Chairman of the mosque, Pak Abbas came over to my house twice a week to teach Marina and me to read the Qur'an and within six months we were able recite it fluently, with maybe some pronunciation errors. Pak Abbas was surprised. He told us that it normally takes a few years but we were able to do it in a mere six months. After I took over as the Chairman of Masjid Kolam, we embarked upon an expansion exercise. The mosque was an old mosque, three generations old, but there was hardly any progress or development since it was first built. We bought up the surrounding land and expanded the mosque. We also built a school and increased the area for the graveyard. Marina's mother, my mother-in-law, is in fact buried there. Invariably, without realising it at first, I soon became very involved in opposition politics, PAS in particular. Our area was a PAS area but under Umno. Not long after that, PAS won that area and has held it ever since. One day, officers from the Terengganu Religious Department visited our mosque to announce that they (the Terengganu Religious Department) were going to conduct an AGM the following week because our mosque had never held an AGM to elect its officer bearers. There were loud protests from the congregation. Actually, we did hold AGMs every year not only to elect our committee members but to also table our audited accounts and annual reports. We also hold committee meetings every three months and the minutes of these meetings are also made public. We were probably one of the most transparently run mosques in the state of Terengganu. The Terengganu Religious Department, however, said they did not recognise these elections or the committee. The government must first approve the committee and ours had not been approved by the government. I happened to be in Kuala Lumpur that week and was not present when this happened. When Pak Abbas came to my house to inform me about what happened it was decided that I should not be present the following week so that I could deny any knowledge of whatever was going to happen. And what was going to happen was not going to be pleasant, maybe even bloodshed, so I should stay away. The following week, officers from the Terengganu Religious Department came to our mosque with a truckload of riot police. They were not only going to sack the entire committee but the imams and bilals as well. The entire mosque congregation walked out of the mosque in protest and marched to the Rhusila Mosque to pray. That coup attempt by the Terengganu State Government failed miserably. They eventually gave up and left us alone. However, from that day on, I was a marked man and a target for political assassination. And I would soon learn what happens to a businessman who crosses swords with Umno. But that is another story for another time, though. I wrote in the previous episode how I first met Tok Guru Abdul Hadi Awang. I soon began to frequent his mosque, Masjid Rhusila, to listen to his lectures and sermons. It was then a small wooden mosque just like Masjid Kolam. They were trying to expand the mosque but could not because the mosque was sitting on a very small piece of land. And the land surrounding the mosque were all owned by Umno people who refused to sell it to the mosque or to PAS people for any amount of money. I spoke to a member of the Terengganu royal family to seek her assistance in this matter. She then approached the various landowners to offer to buy up their land. The landowners agreed to sell their land not knowing that I was actually the secret buyer and that this member of the Terengganu royal family was merely my nominee or 'front'. The price was agreed and I arranged to make the payments, but through the lawyers. And the money would be released once they sign the transfer forms. Only the seller would be signing the transfer forms. The buyer would sign later, which is allowed as long as it is done and the transfer registered within 30 days. Once the buyers had signed the transfer and the money was paid to them, I collected the transfer forms and handed them to PAS. PAS then appointed three nominees to act as trustees to hold the land on behalf of the mosque. By the time the sellers found out whom the real buyers were, it was too late to do anything about it. The money had already been paid and the transfer completed. Masjid Rhusila now owned all the land surrounding the mosque, which used to be owned by Umno people, and nothing was going to stand in the way of the mosque expansion. There was a third mosque I was involved in. And this mosque is located in Cendering, midway between Masjid Kolam and Masjid Rhusila. There is this 'famous' mosque in Cendering where the Sultan and members of his family go to do their Friday prayers. One day, the committee invited Tok Guru Hadi to give a talk in this mosque and this upset the government. And for this 'crime' the mosque committee was sacked. The government then appointed an 'Umno' committee to take over. The sacked committee came to see me to tell me that they wanted to set up a new mosque. And they had identified an old dilapidated surau in Simpang Empat, also in Cendering, which could be used for this purpose. I agreed to help raise the money and they proceeded to take over the surau. Extensive renovations were then done to turn this wooden shack into a proper mosque. When the government realised that a third anti-government mosque was about to emerge (sandwiched between two other anti-government mosques -- Masjid Kolam and Masjid Rhusila) they sprang into action. Three truckloads of riot police were sent to the mosque and they used a chain and padlock to lock up the mosque. The kampong folk broke the padlock and 'occupied' the mosque. A couple of thousand villagers faced the police head on and bared their chests (literally). They then challenged the police to shoot them. The police just stood there dumbfounded. The kampong folks had challenged the police and had won. The police soon left without doing anything and until today that mosque still stands and is a PAS stronghold. The Special Branch reported to the Menteri Besar, Wan Mokhtar Ahmad, that I was the one who was behind the Cendering mosque. In fact, I was also behind Masjid Kolam and was instrumental in helping Masjid Rhusila acquire its land for expansion. One day, a judge by the name of Sulaiman invited my business partner to lunch. The judge said he had something very urgent to tell my partner. And what he told my partner was: the government wants to detain me under the Internal Security Act. (Hence the plan to detain me was actually mooted 20 years before they did detain me in 2001). The judge cautioned the government to tread very carefully on this matter. I was, after all, the nephew of Tengku Ampuan Bariah, the Sultan of Terengganu's consort. Hence that made it very dicey. The judge advised them to talk to me instead. The Head of the Special Branch summoned me to his office. He then showed me my file, a very thick file indeed, and told me that I was just one step short from detention. He suggested I go meet the Menteri Besar to make my peace with Umno. The following morning, at 7.00am, I was brought to the Menteri Besar's residence. The Menteri Besar advised me to tone down my anti-government activities and not get involved with the setting up or the expansion of any anti-government mosques. If not the government would be forced to act against me. And that was when I decided that I had done enough in Terengganu and that it was now time to 'export' PAS to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. And that would involve the story of Masjid Mujahidin in Damasara Utama that I related in the previous episode. 
Masjid Rhusila as it was 30 years ago in 1982 
Masjid Rhusila today TO BE CONTINUED The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 1) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 2) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 3) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 4) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 5) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 6) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 7) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 8) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 9) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 10) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 11) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 12) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 13) |
| Mahathir to Campaign for Najib in Shift From 2008 Malaysia Vote Posted: 06 Dec 2012 03:30 PM PST 
Barry Porter and Chong Pooi Koon, Bloomberg News Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's longest- serving leader, will hit the campaign trail to help Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition win a 13th straight general election after sitting out during the 2008 vote. "I have promised that I will campaign," Mahathir, 87, said in a Dec. 5 interview in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative center near Kuala Lumpur. "I don't know whether I have enough influence or not, but I think people still remember me." Mahathir led calls for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign after the National Front coalition won the last election by its narrowest margin since independence in 1957. Najib, who took over as leader in 2009, told a party congress last week that he aims to restore the alliance's two-thirds majority in parliament during the next election, which must be held within 60 days of an April 28 deadline to dissolve parliament. Najib's ruling United Malays Nasional Organisation is seeking to stave off a challenge from the opposition alliance led by Anwar Ibrahim, a former finance minister who Mahathir fired in 1998 during an Asia-wide financial crisis. The party is more aware of the opposition's strength than in 2008 and has moved to win back support with budget handouts and political reforms, according to Ooi Kee Beng, deputy director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. 'Payback Period' "It's Najib's to lose," Ooi said by phone from Singapore, referring to the next election. "He does have a certain advantage of incumbency. Just like 2008, a lot will depend on the nominations and campaigning. Things can shift very quickly." Mahathir, while predicting a win for Najib's coalition, questioned whether it was possible to regain the two-thirds majority in the 222-member parliament, which allows legislation to be passed easily. Mahathir led the National Front to five consecutive victories as prime minister before retiring in 2003. "This is payback period for me," Mahathir said. "I must admit, I didn't support during the last election." Anwar's three-party People's Alliance opposition coalition made gains in the 2008 election, winning control of five of Malaysia's 13 states. The National Front, also known as Barisan Nasional, later won back Perak state when several lawmakers defected. In 1998, soon after Mahathir ousted him, Anwar was arrested and imprisoned for almost six years on corruption and sodomy charges, which he said were politically motivated. Malaysia's Federal Court quashed the sodomy conviction in 2004, while upholding the corruption charge. He denies wrongdoing. 'Go Quietly' Najib's ruling coalition will transfer power peacefully to Anwar if it loses the next election, Mahathir said. The police, military and civil servants are professionals who would back any elected government, he said. "It will go quietly," Mahathir said, referring to the National Front. "I have been preaching to people about democracy, even to the Arabs. I tell them if you want to have democracy you must be prepared to lose." Najib, 59, cut income taxes, boosted pay for government workers and extended cash handouts for the poor in his 2013 budget announced in September. While the global economy has slowed, Malaysia has maintained gross domestic product growth above 5 percent for the past five quarters and its benchmark stock index closed at a record in October. Unrest Concerns The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index was little changed at 12:30 p.m. in Kuala Lumpur today. It has risen 5.6 percent this year, Southeast Asia's worst performing leading benchmark gauge. A disputed vote could trigger civil unrest that would involve the intervention of the king and a group of royals that have constitutional powers to appoint elected leaders, according to James Chin, a professor of political science at the Malaysian campus of Australia's Monash University. Much depends on the margin of victory, he said by phone. "There will be problems if it is razor thin and it is disputed," he said, referring to the election outcome. "We don't really know what will happen because we've never had a change of government in Malaysia." The National Front held a clear two-thirds majority for four decades until 2008. The last time it lost two-thirds control of parliament was in the 1969 election, which was followed by race riots. Asked if there could be civil or religious unrest should the National Front fall, Mahathir said: "There will be some, but not the kind of violent unrest like demonstrating every day. If every time you lose you want to hold strikes and demonstrations, that means you don't understand democracy. You have to accept losing." Mahathir said he has traveled the country to urge UMNO party members against sabotaging the vote if they are not selected as candidates to stand in the election, echoing Najib's warning last week. "I told them that this is committing suicide," Mahathir said. "You don't do that." |
| Menyuluhi Musa Hassan: Apa Sebenarnya? Posted: 06 Dec 2012 03:13 PM PST 
MOHD SAYUTI OMAR Kemunculan secara aktif bekas Ketua Polis Negara, Musa Hassan bercakap mengenai beberapa tindakan jabatan atau pasukan yang pernah dipegangnya, Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM) ke belakangan ini menimbul sedikit tanda tanya. Apa lagi penglibatan beliau itu memberi kesan negatif kepada PDRM dan terutamanya mereka yang bertanggungjawab dalam menjaga hal ehwal polis. Orang menjadi sasaran beliau ialah Menteri Dalam Negeri, Hishamuddin Hussein sendiri. Kritikan itu dilihat sebagai satu keberanian yang pelik kerana jarang bekas pegawai tinggi kerajaan yang sedang menikmati kemudahan selepas bersara membuat kritikan terbuka seperti itu. Selalunya adalah sesuatu yang berlaku, pelik.. kerana kalau tidak masakan tempua bersarang rendah.
 | | Musa Hassan | Apa ditimbulkan Musa kononnya Hishmuddin mencampuri urusan polis dengan memberi arahan kepada pegawai junior polis dan seorang ketua polis negeri melakukan sesuatu tanpa memaklumkan kepadanya. Perbuatan Hishamuddin itu dianggap mencampuri urusan polis dan salah mengikut akta polis. Lantaran itu ada orang bertanggapan beliau berbuat begitu kerana dendam disebabkan kontreknya kali kedua sebagai KP tidak disambung oleh Hishmuddin. Bagaimana pun beliau menafikan, apa dilakukan untuk memperbetulkan sesuatu yang salah dalam pasukan itu demi menjad imej dan intergriti polis. Pendirian dan pengakuan itu ada munasbaah dan boleh diterima. Tetapi ia tetap menjadi persaolan kenapa Musa tidak berbuat begitu semasa dia masih menjadi ketua polis? Apakah sekiranya dia sambung kontrek dia juga akan berdiam diri dan terus bersubahat dengan kekotoran itu? Kalau begitu adalah baik pegawai tinggi kerajaan tidak diberi kontrek (sambung jawatan) untuk menyaksikan berlaku pendedahan keburukan sesuatu jabatan? Dalam hubungan di atas kalau difahami Musa tidak mengkritik PDRM tetapi mengkritik menteri yang menjaga hal ehwal dan urusan kepolisan negara. Ini juga menimbulkan tanda tanya, kenapa? Harus difahami Umno selain daripada sedang mengheret dada untuk menghadapi pilihan raya umum ke-13, parti itu juga akan berdepan dengan pemilihan pemimpin pada tahun depan. Apakah Musa melakukan itu bagi mempastikan Hishmuddin terguling dari kedudukannya sebagai salah seorang Naib Presiden Umno kini. Bahawa Musa ada nawaitu memprojekkan seseorang untuk mengambil alih tempat itu atau memberi keselesaan kepada dua lagi Naib Presiden, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dan Shafei Afdal? Apakah Musa sedang berkempen untuk menyelamatkan Ahmad Zahidi Hamidi yang dikatakan kurang selamat sekiranya Muhyiddin Yassin menjadi Presiden akan datang, begitukah? Zahid kini sedang mencatur kedudukannya sendiri di dalam Umno yang semakin kabur kini.  | | Abdul Rahim Noor | Pastilah bila ada ubi tentu ada batasnya, bila ada budi pastilah ianya diharap atau fahm-faham agar dibalas. Mungkinkah ada kerjasama di antara Musa dengan Zahid dalam soal ini secara faham memahami? Oph... ini hanya andaian tetapi ada kemungkinan ia berlaku. Politik itu serba mungkin. Juga, sebelum Musa membuat pendedahan yang boleh memburukkan reputasi Hishmuddin beliau telah melakukan sesuatu yang nmengejutkan orang ramai bila mana menarik balik saman malu ke atas Anwar Ibrahim tanpa semena-mena. Musa bertindak menyaman Anwar kerana menuduhnya mereka-reka fakta atau menyembunyikan fakta sebenar dalam siasatan kes mata lebam melibatkan Anwar. Dalam satu laporan polis oleh Anwar terhadap Musa dan Peguam Negara, Abdul Ghani Petail, menuduh Musa bersubahat dengan Ghani melakukan kekejian itu. Laporan polis Anwar itu ekoran penemuan maklumat baru daripada bekas pegawai tinggi polis Mat Zain Ismail yang ketika itu menjadi ketua penyiasat kes itu. Bagaimana pun Musa menafikan dan merasa malu dengan tuduhan lantas mengemukakan saman kepada Anwar. Menjeutkan seluruh umat, tiba-tiba saat kes itu hendak dibicarakan Musa menarik balik saman itu tanpa ada apa-apa perundingan ketat dengan Anwar terlebih dahulu? Tindakan Musa itu dianggap anih dan songsang dan ia mula menjadi perhatian umum. Tindakan Musa itu menyebabkan timbul berbagai andaian dan lenggang lengguk politik negara menjadi semakin menarik. READ MORE HERE |
| Selangor Sultan: I am above politics, let’s be clear about this Posted: 06 Dec 2012 03:01 PM PST 
Wong Chun Wai and Loong Meng Yee, The Star Selangor will be one of the hardest fought states in the coming general election. As polling day nears, the Sultan finds himself a victim of attempts to drag his name into politics. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he was sad that he had become the target of groups and individuals who deliberately twisted his words and actions to imply that he was partial towards Umno. "Why should I? I have nothing to gain from siding with Umno, PKR or any party," he said. "What has Umno given me? "Those that brand me as an Umno man, prove it. Show me when was I inclined to be with Umno. Do not blindly accuse me of things I am not guilty of. I have no political agenda. "As head of the state, I am above politics. Let's be clear about this," the outspoken Ruler said.  Speaking his mind: The Sultan of Selangor gesturing during the exclusive interview with The Star. Sultan Sharafuddin said he had now adopted a cautious mode when making speeches; but said he would speak up on issues affecting Islam and the welfare and harmony of the people. In a candid interview with The Star, the Sultan said he would remain consistent against allowing mosques to be used for politics in Selangor, saying: "Politics and religion should not mix." He said politics was out of place in a mosque. "These are sacred places to find spiritual solace and not to sow hatred among one's brethren." The Sultan also revealed that there were attempts by certain politicians to change the landscape of Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor. "There was a move by a senior elected representative to name Shah Alam as the Islamic City of Selangor. Then, there were other politicians who tried to ban cinemas at shopping malls because they were immoral, forgetting that we live in a multi-racial country. "Then, there were other elected representatives who suggested that an arch be built over Little India in Klang. "I don't like such an idea to re-brand Shah Alam. Next, someone may want to have Petaling Jaya declared as the China Town of Selangor. "Kuala Lumpur was part of Selangor and we already have a China Town in Petaling Street and Little India in Brickfields; these are enough. "What next? Create a little Bangladesh when another person suggests it? I don't like the rakyat being separated into groupings." Sultan Sharafuddin said he had to step in in cases where certain politicians' interferences affected the people's harmony. Shah Alam is named after the Tuanku's grandfather Sultan Alam Shah. The name was chosen by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the present Sultan's father. Sultan Sharafuddin said Shah Alam's demographics had changed drastically as development moved away from Kuala Lumpur. "My primary duty is to care for my rakyat," he said. "I don't cross the line and I don't wish for my name to be misused." The Sultan said he always welcomed feedback from the rakyat, but this should be channelled appropriately. "My rakyat can write to me through the palace," the Sultan said. "Don't use blogs to spread hatred against me. If I have done wrong, tell me, but use the proper channel." The Sultan's interview was held in conjunction with his 11th year on the throne, and his 67th birthday celebration on Dec 11. |
| Selangor Sultan: I'm on Rakyat's side Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:56 PM PST 
Ruler plays down talk linking him to any political party, saying he only has the people's interest at heart. The Star Q&A with the Sultan of Selangor THE Sultan of Selangor, by his own admission, is certainly more cautious with his words and speeches of late. He goes through the draft of speeches with a fine-toothed comb, sometimes taking up to two weeks, to ensure the message he wants to deliver does not come across as taking sides with any political party. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah tells WONG CHUN WAI and LOONG MENG YEE that the only team he wants to be on is that of the rakyat.  Disinterested in politics: The Sultan of Selangor speaking with Star Publications (M) Bhd executive director and group chief editor Wong during the exclusive interview. > Tuanku, with the general election season, it must be difficult to express your views but yet, be fearful what you say will be misinterpreted by irresponsible parties. It is very difficult, the speeches I prepare, I will go through them many times, write and rewrite again. I want to be specific, but unfortunately, some will twist my words to say I am on the side of such and such a party; or that I am hitting out at such and such a party. For instance, in a speech I made to university students, I stressed the importance of respect for our Malaysian flag as some people wanted to change it easily. This is the symbol of our national sovereignty. In some countries, people are willing to die for their flag. Malays, Indians, Chinese, we should be proud of our flag. But, some blogs twist my words, to say I am supporting a certain political party with my statement. Maybe some do not like Rulers who speak up. > There are some wild accusations that Tuanku is partial to Umno. Why should I be? I have nothing to gain from siding with Umno, PKR or any other party. I have known Najib's (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) father for a long time. I have known Najib and his brothers from their younger days. I cannot cut ties and make enemies with him now. But, I am clear where I stand. For instance, no politician, not even Najib, can use mosques for politics in Selangor. Those who brand me an Umno man, prove it. Show me proof that I am inclined to be with Umno. Do not blindly accuse me of things I am not guilty of. I have no political agenda. As the head of the state, I am above politics. > Tuanku has stressed that politics must be kept out of mosques as well. You have recently met with the imams (heads of congregrations) to reiterate your stand. Yes, mosques should unite the congregation, not sow hatred. But, some imams are still stubborn. I warn them, but I do not want them to be jobless either. They must know the right thing to do. In churches and temples, too, my advice is pray for unity. Pray that our country will be harmonious, be thankful that we are free from natural calamities. Be united with one another. Look, many other countries are suffering there are natural and economic setbacks. In Malaysia, thank God, we are free from all those superstorms. Be grateful and remain united as a nation. Always keep the good name of Malaysia. > What will be Tuanku's advice to politicians out campaigning during the general election? Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat want Selangor as their jewel in the crown. When campaigning, do not hurt people's feelings. I am sure my rakyat are not stupid. Be calm, do not disrupt the racial harmony. And, after the elections, I say this sincerely, let us work together to move forward for a better life and I am sure the rakyat will feel the same way. > There is the impression that Shah Alam must not have entertainment. In the past, the development of Shah Alam was on a much smaller scale. My father did not wish to have cinemas in Shah Alam because of the small population and he did not want students here to spend too much time in cinemas. My father also did not want cinemas near the state mosque. Likewise, if anyone asks me, I will also not approve of having cinemas near places of worship of other religions, too. Places of prayer must be respected. But now, Shah Alam is developing much wider. I have no objection to having cinemas in areas in Setia Alam, Bukit Jelutong or I-City; as long as they are away from the mosques and located at shopping malls. But, the approval comes from Shah Alam City Hall, I only provide my input. > Water remains a stand-off issue between the state and Federal Government, even as Tuanku publicly raised your concern two years ago over the danger of an imminent water crisis if the inter-state raw water transfer was not resolved fast. I have repeatedly written letters to both the state and Federal governments. They know my stand, they know I do not wish to have my subjects become the biggest losers when the taps run dry. I also do not want the existing industries in Selangor to move out because of this issue. > Cases of snatch thieves, robberies and burglaries continue to worry many. Some say they fear the streets are no longer safe although police are doing all they can to combat crime. Even my sister was a victim of snatch theft and my brother had his house robbed. I feel CCTVs can be a helpful tool in reducing crime. I did ask the police when I was in England, and they replied such a system was even better than alarms because CCTV recordings can be used as proof of crime. But do not install CCTVs that will later break down frequently. That will defeat the purpose. Learn from countries that have successfully used CCTVs to reduce crime. Perhaps developers can help by contributing the units to the police as well. The state government must seriously look into this matter. > It has been another busy year for Tuanku. Last year around this time, Tuanku was excited over the unveiling of the Raja Tun Uda library, which has now become a gem in Shah Alam. Any other people's project under Tuanku's supervision? I am very pleased with how the library turned out. Some have said it is the best in the country and there are many users. There have been generous donations of books as well and I am very appreciative. For this year, I have created a small football museum at the compound of the main palace, the Alam Shah palace in Klang. The state has produced so many football greats in the past. There is so much to show and tell. It has been my intention, for the past 20 years, to have a proper sports museum in the state. The ideal location will be near the stadium in Shah Alam. People from all over the country come here to watch the football games. The games start in the evening, but some arrive in the morning. If there is a museum, they can spend their time at the museum first. > As 2012 draws to a close, Tuanku's wish for 2013? I hope and pray, really, that next year will be good for all of us. And, whoever governs the state, be nice, work with all to develop the state so that the rakyat can improve the quality of their lives. |
| As GE13 looms, parties get down to knocking on doors Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:12 PM PST The next general election is expected to be the closest fight to form the new Malaysian government. The Malaysian Insider takes a look at what happens on the campaign trail to give a sense of the battleground. Zurairi AR and Leannza Chia, The Malaysian Insider As the 13th general election grows closer and the public grows restless over its uncertain date, political parties are picking up their pace in the hectic race to reach out to voters by going back to the oldest tactic in the playbook — knocking on doors.  PKR's Wajah team members make a housecall in rural Perak. — Picture courtesy of Perak Wanita PKR While the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) had reportedly spent close to RM3.6 million a year in recruiting around 10,000 bloggers to increase its online presence and lure in support from young voters, some of the grassroots politicians feel that meeting their constituents face-to-face is the way to go. "People still need to see the credibility of their leaders," said the MCA's Liew Ching Hoong, secretary to Kampar MP and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong. Lee, who won the Kampar parliamentary seat in 2008, is a familiar face in the area, serving in the Malim Nawar state assembly seat since 1995 and Tanjong Tualang before that.  PKR Wajah team members check their voters' list during a house call in rural Perak rural. — Picture courtesy of Perak Wanita PKR In 2008, Lee had beat the DAP's Keong Meng Sing with a majority of 2,697 votes. The constituency was previously served by the MCA's Tan Sri Hew See Tong, who had won with a bigger majority of 9,474 votes. Kampar is an old mining town, situated a little more than 30km south of Ipoh, Perak. It is a Chinese-majority area, with 62.58 per cent of them, while Malays make up 26.87 per cent and Indians 10.47 per cent. A significant portion of its 98,534 population consists of pensioners who, according to Liew, insist on meeting their elected representative in person rather than online. Since 1995, Lee had assembled a team of five helpers, whom he had tasked with checking on his constituents daily to better spread the message of reliability and familiarity which comes with MCA. Driving an old Mitsubishi Pajero, which the team dubbed the Mobile Service Vehicle (MSV), a pair from the team visits two villages a day — taking down the concerns of the village heads, registering voters, and helping villagers apply for the Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) cash aid. The other three in the team keep in contact from the office, processing the various requests received by the MSV crew, including helping to pay electricity, water and phone bills for villagers who live too far from a post office. This constant attention given by Lee has endeared him to Kampar residents, who visit him regularly at the booth he sets up opposite the town food court nearly every Friday. "Sometimes we even get those coming from Tapah," Liew told The Malaysian Insider, referring to the neighbouring town some 20 minutes away, which falls under a different parliamentary seat and is currently served by the MCA's BN partner, Datuk M. Saravanan from the MIC. But Lee faces stiff competition from political foe PKR's Wanita's Wajah team, which was set up in July. Wajah (face) is an acronym for Wanita Keadilan Jelajah Kampung (PKR Wanita Village Tour), which was formed to spread the opposition party's message of change and reform to women in the rural areas.  A PAS team meets people in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur as part of its voter outreach programme even after the death of its Titiwangsa MP. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng "We even employ a different logo so we look more like an NGO rather than a political party. We look more approachable that way," PKR Wanita secretary Juwairiya Zulkifli said. Wajah's logo, like its name, is shaped like a face and meant to convey a caring persona, a far cry from the impersonal blue and white PKR logo which is not too popular with the rural women, Juwairiya admitted. Among the many state branches, the Perak chapter of Wajah is regarded as the most active and successful by the PKR central leadership. While The Malaysian Insider was speaking to Liew in Kampar during a recent sojourn there, the Perak Wajah team had just met with voters in Lee's old state seat of Malim Nawar, an area which is predominantly Chinese, and which had fallen to the DAP in the last national elections four years ago. The bulk of Malim Nawar's voters — 73.49 per cent of them — are Chinese, while 17.51 per cent are Malays and only 8.95 per cent are Indian. The DAP's Keshvinder Singh had won in Election 2008 against Dr Chai Song Poh of the MCA with a 1,362-vote majority. "We mainly target villages and estates in the state assembly seats contested by PKR," Perak PKR Wanita chief Fathmawaty Salim intimated, outlining the party's strategy on reaching out to voters in a rural setting. She gave the example of the Bukit Chandan seat, which comes under the bigger Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat and which PKR's Zulkifli Ibrahim lost to Umno's Datuk Wan Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad at the 12th general election. However, with limited resources and manpower, the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lynchpin party also helps out regularly in areas won by its political allies as in the case of Malim Nawar in order to cover more ground in preparation for the next polls that must be called by next April when the ruling BN government's mandate expires. There are 24 Wanita divisions in Perak, and each division volunteers on average three workers who will be divided into two teams of between 12 and 20 volunteers each. READ MORE HERE |
| ‘Saya tidak memihak kepada Umno,’ kata Sultan Selangor Posted: 06 Dec 2012 02:08 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah mengatakan beliau menjadi mangsa kepada kumpulan dan individu tertentu yang mendakwa keyataan dan tindakannya memihak kepada Umno, sambil menegaskan beliau berada di atas politik dan tidak memihak kepada mana-mana parti. "Kenapa perlu saya (memihak)? Tidak ada apa yang saya dapat dengan memihak kepada Umno, PKR atau mana-mana parti. "Apa yang Umno sudah beri kepada saya?" kata Sultan Selangor dipetik dari akhbar The Star. Sultan Shahrafuddin juga meminta pihak-pihak yang menuduh dirinya memihak kepada Umno supaya mengeluarkan bukti dan tidak hanya menuduh secara membuta tuli. "Mereka yang melabelkan saya sebagai orang Umno, buktikan. Tunjukkan bila saya cenderung untuk bersama dengan Umno. Jangan tuduh saya membuta tuli tentang perkara yang saya tidak bersalah. Saya tidak mempunyai agenda politik. "Sebagai ketua kerajaan, saya di atas politik. Kita perlu jelas tentang perkara ini," katanya. Sultan Selangor juga mengalu-alukan maklumbalas daripada orang ramai akan tetapi menurutnya, ia perlulah menggunakan saluran betul dan bukannya menggunakan blog yang menyebarkan kebencian terhadap dirinya. "Rakyat boleh menulis kepada saya melalui Istana," kata Sultan Sharafuddin dalam temubual eksklusifnya bersama akhbar The Star. "Jangan gunakan blog untuk menyebarkan kebencian terhadap saya. Jika saya melakukan kesalahan, beritahu akan tetapi gunakan saluran betul." |
| Pakatan signals power as campaign fodder, says to cut IPP payments Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:59 PM PST 
(The Malaysian Insider) - PKR said today it can save consumers paying exorbitant electricity bills monthly by cutting a new deal that will shave RM3.47 billion off Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) annual payment to independent power producers (IPPs). The opposition party believes it can renegotiate to lower the return of investments (ROI) for the IPPs, which average 19 per cent now, by 9 percentage points, to 10 per cent, which it said was typical by global standards. "This high profit will be able to reduce TNB's debt... and, most importantly, with this high profit TNB no longer needs to raise electricity tariffs which will burden consumers," PKR's investment bureau chief Wong Chen told a news conference at the party's headquarters here. He explained that by lowering the ROI to 10 per cent, TNB will enjoy annual savings of RM2.6 billion from its capacity payments to the IPPs. He said an ROI of 10 per cent would still mean excellent business for the IPPS as it translates to large sums of money over a long-term period in an industry that has little operational risks. Bond repayments and finance costs would be included in calculating the ROI and the financial and bond markets were unlikely to be affected by the 10 per cent cut. Wong said the party will also tighten the reserve margin policy to keep it at 20 per cent instead of at 38 per cent currently. He said that a sum of RM483 million is lost as unneeded or stranded investment for every 1 per cent of reserve margin, adding that an 18 per cent cut will mean stranded investment savings of RM8.7 billion. Coupled with RM2.6 billion savings through the 10 per cent cut in the ROI a year and the RM870 million savings in stranded investments, TNB would be able to save a total of RM3.47 billion a year, he said. Wong also promised that if the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact is elected to Putrajaya, it will consider selling off the 10 per cent share in TNB now held by state investment firm Khazanah Nasional to the power company's 30,000 workers. "This is part of our 'management buy-out' economic policy to create a middle class of manager-owners and also reduce the government's involvement in the private sector," he said. TNB was yesterday forced to deny that energy consumption had been hiked through the replacement of analogue power meters for digital devices to increase the utility's profits. The power company said that contracts for the installation of new meters that were given to four vendors followed the utility's procurement guidelines. On Tuesday, PKR linked the family of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to a company that supplies the controversial digital electricity meters to TNB and alleged that that this had hiked up energy consumption bills and gained the national utility company billions of ringgit in profit. In its statement yesterday, the national power company did not name the vendors awarded the meter installation contract or deny that any one of them was linked to the former PM's family. It said, however, that, figures cited by PKR were inaccurate and misleading. READ MORE HERE |
| Musa: I was upset by Sin Chew reporter’s detention Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:51 PM PST 
The ex-IGP claims Syed Hamid Albar ordered the ISA arrest. Teoh El Sen, FMT Former Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan claims that he was against the controversial 2008 arrest of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng under the Internal Security Act. He told FMT he was in hospital at the time and police made the arrest in obedience to the then home minister Syed Hamid Albar. He said he scolded his deputy – current Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar – over the arrest and the latter wept and offered to resign. Tan's arrest in September 2008 came after the publication of her report on a speech made by the then Bukit Bendera Umno chief, Ahmad Ismail, in which he said the Chinese were squatters in the country and not deserving of equal rights. Reacting to public outrage, Syed Hamid said Tan was arrested for her own protection. He said police were acting on information that her life was under threat. The statement drew ridicule from the public. "The explanation sounded absurd to me," Musa told FMT. "At that time, I was in hospital, in IJN (National Heart Institute), having a bypass." He said he told Ismail, who was acting IGP, to investigate the case under the Sedition Act and not to use the ISA to arrest anyone. He said he was upset at the turn of events and demanded an explanation from Ismail when he visited him at IJN. "Then he started crying, saying that the minister gave the instructions. He told me he wanted to resign, saying things like 'I want to resign, I don't want to work anymore.' "I said to him, 'You shouldn't be allowing yourself to be dictated to. I am in the hospital now, and you are Acting IGP.' I told him 'It's stupid of you, wanting to resign. Next time, just don't do it.'" Asked if he tried to confront Syed Hamid, Musa said he could not because he was bedridden. "But of course the girl was later released. But it was wrong. Using ISA didn't make sense to me. If you think any seditious statement was made, then you have the law to investigate, right?" During the controversy, Syed Hamid told the press the arrest was a police decision and that he had not interfered. More recently, during the Umno annual general assembly, Syed Hamid denied Musa's allegation that home ministers were among the politicians who regularly attempted to interfere with police investigations. Asked to comment on this, Musa told FMT: "Well he can deny it, but Ismail told me at that time that he was directed." Drug raid Giving another example of politicians throwing their weight around, Musa spoke of a drug said at a club in Johor in 2003, when he was serving in the state. "A Johor ADUN [state assemblyman] shouted at my officers asking them to get out," he said. "And then he called me, asking why the officers raided this place. "He told me, 'Do you know I am wakil rakyat so and so?' I answered 'So what? Why are you angry? Is it your place?' He then said he was a frequent customer and asked why we were embarrassing people who wanted to enjoy themselves. "I replied, 'Okay, you can enjoy, but we are looking for drugs. So don't disturb my officers.' "The next day he came to my office, scolding me. I said, 'You shouldn't do this, you should respect the police.'" READ MORE HERE |
| ‘PM, Home Minister ignored my complaints’ Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:45 PM PST 
Ex-IGP Musa Hassan says he had previously informed the Prime Minister and Home Minister about his complaints, but were ignored. Teoh El Sen, FMT Many wonder why Musa Hassan has suddenly become such a vocal man, but the former Inspector-General of Police said that it was not something that happened overnight. He said that his complaints of political interference, of criminal elements which had infiltrated the police force, were not new. When he was in service, these issues were already raised through the "proper channels" to the Prime Minister and Home Minister before, but to no effect. "I have a number of times personally informed even the prime minister and home minister, when I was Johor CPO, when I was director of CID, and also as the IGP. It seems that they do not want to change. "Many times I have raised this, not just now that I am retired," he explained. Musa claimed that the top leaders of the country did not seem interested in addressing these issues. However, he declined to say if it was because they themselves were also involved in these claims. "The prime minister and home minister were not interested. I want to make sure the country is safe. If you do all these things, protecting kingpins and all that, the country's security will go down the drain and people will be complaining," he said. Musa said that various allegations had been levelled against him but he had kept quiet all the while. But now he was being deemed as anti-government for speaking out. "They attack me like mad when I'm not against anyone," said Musa, who served as IGP for four years from 2006 to 2010. READ MORE HERE |
| 1976 plane crash: The unanswered questions Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:39 PM PST 
A test pilot offers a peak into why the fatal 1976 plane crash which killed Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens and several state cabinet members is seen as a conspiracy by locals. It was a routine short flight except for two things: almost the entire Sabah state government's top leadership was on the plane; and the plane stalled and crashed into the sea about two kilometres from its destination airport, killing the pilot and its 10 VIP passengers. By Capt Joseph Lakai, FMT What is the difference between five percent and 20 percent? Well, anyone who has half a brain and who had not been asleep during math class in school will tell you that the answer is 15 percent – which is 20 minus five! Let us convert this to figures and let us hypothesise the figure as RM10 billion. Five percent of RM10 billion is RM500 million. Therefore 20 percent is exactly four times that amount. Twenty percent is therefore RM2 billion – witness how vast this difference is now. Imagine a state government possessing the RM500,000 million to develop the vast state or to give it to its people. Now imagine the same state government in possession of four times that amount. Now, instead of only having the monetary resources to provide aid to a quarter of the state's population, the state government can now do the same to everybody – total coverage! Let's not even get to the full 100 percent, which is the RM10 billion. Now assume that a powerful person in that same state, a tribal leader of sorts, has the influence and capacity to take that state out of the federation. This would mean an income shortfall ranging from 80 to 95 percent of the RM10 billion. Well, money isn't everything but an action as such could propel other states into mimicking parallel actions and this is unquestionably something that must be prevented at all cost; collateral damage is damned. On another note, where were you 13,215 days ago? On June 6, 1976, an Australian manufactured GAF-Nomad N.22B-type twin turboprop engine passenger plane operated by Sabah Air with the tail number 9M-ATZ took off from Labuan Airport on its 113-km route to Kota Kinabalu International Airport with 10 passengers on-board. Investigation reports still secret It was a routine short flight except for two things: almost the entire Sabah state government's top leadership was on the plane; and the plane stalled and crashed into the sea about two kilometres from its destination airport, killing the pilot and its 10 VIP passengers. That abruptly ended the reign of Fuad Stephens (Donald Aloysius Marmaduke Stephens) as Sabah's fifth chief minister, a mere seven weeks from the day he took office for a second term. The lists of fatalities included Sabah ministers Salleh Sulong, Peter Mojuntin, Chong Thien Vun and Darius Binion (assistant state minister). Others were Wahid Peter Andau (Sabah finance ministry secretary), Dr Syed Hussein Wafa (a director in Sabah's Economic Planning Unit), Isak Atan (private secretary to Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah), Corporal Said Mohammad (Fuad's bodyguard), Johari Stephens (Fuad's eldest son) and Captain Gandhi Nathan (pilot). The crash was said to have been due to mechanical problems. Perhaps so but then again the original investigation report should have been immediately published and the coroner should have declared the "accident" as a misadventure. However, this report was promptly classified by the federal government (it still remains classified up to this day) and the coroner, Ansari Abdullah, returned an open verdict. Aviation Safety Network (ASN) reported that the aircraft "stalled and crashed on approach". However, in its narrative, ASN stated: "This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network's opinion as to the cause of the accident. "It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time." What the ASN report did not say was that ground witnesses saw the plane "drop like a stone". What the experts also failed to inform you is that fixed-wing aircraft do not drop vertically but glide to its impact point unless the wings dropped off and the wings on a fixed-wing aircraft do not just drop off by themselves when the engines purportedly stalled. Were there non-mechanical problems? Was it a conspiracy? 
Well, there's is no way of knowing the truth until the original investigation report is declassified, but a few officials have put forth the theory that the aircraft was overloaded. Let's just put it this way. The N.22B variant is rated for up to one or two pilots with a maximum of 12 passengers and unless the pilot and its 10 passengers gorged themselves silly during lunch, there is no way the plane could have exceeded its weight limitations. Was it then a problematic aircraft? Yes, the GAF-Nomad N.22B variant aircraft can be considered so. Since its production, the Nomad has been involved in a total of 32 total hull-loss accidents, which have resulted in 76 fatalities including its chief test pilot and the assistant head designer during the design and testing stage. Was this then a conspiracy? READ MORE HERE |
| Star will work with ‘any’ coalition that wins Posted: 06 Dec 2012 01:35 PM PST 
Jeffrey Kitingan has threatened legal action against those spreading rumours that his party Star is being financed by Umno to split the opposition vote. Luke Rintod, FMT KOTA KINABALU: If politicians and supporters are holding out for a pre-election pact between the State Reform Party (Star) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), they best forget it. Both parties' words and actions point to it being a lost cause. But leaders on either side are nonetheless keeping alive the 'line' that they are working on a deal which opposition supporters in the state and are hopeful of hammering it out in time. They have been maneuvering for this since the beginning of the year and if nothing else, their periodic shout outs for a deal has proved they are no closer to it since they first indicated they wanted one. It is an indecisiveness that has allowed non-local parties to inject themselves into state politics since 1963 and determine the state's direction. SAPP can only win seats if it allies itself with another party or group of politicians, which explains it's need to reach out to DAP, PKR and Sabah Star. On its own, SAPP would find itself in a difficult position if it also had to fight on two fronts. Star may be in a favourable position if supporting crowds can be translated into real votes. Based on their sources they believe they could win in poverty-stricken Kadazandusun areas. The numbers put forward is up to 10 of the 60 state seats and more than five of 25 parliamentary seats in Sabah and one Labuan. Realistically, observers say, Star and SAPP must work together with remnant supporters of Usno under the United Borneo Alliance (UBF) concept of Borneo leaders taking charge of their political destiny. SAPP can say they are close to hammering out a deal with the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, but Star Sabah is looking at these dealings with discomfort and a hint of alarm.
Star adamant SAPP for all intents and purposes is already within Pakatan while Star is adamant that it is independent of both the opposition and the ruling Barisan Nasional coalitions. Star had said it would only ally itself with state-based political parties before the election. But talk is also beginning to surface that Star is being financed by Umno to split the opposition vote and that Jeffrey has been given RM100 million. For his part, the Star chairman has denounced the rumour and has threatened legal action to stop it. "I requests Sabah Star members, should you hear of any such talks, to jot down the name of the person saying that, the date, time and place so that we can sue the individual in court. "To be sponsored by BN is akin to the coalition saying "here take this knife and kill me with it … isn't that stupid?" asked Jeffrey. "We are here to topple BN-Umno so it does not make sense that Sabah Star is sponsored by the coalition," he said after officiating Sabah Star's Wiranita (Women) Wing convention here on Wednesday. Jeffrey also accused fellow opposition parties of spreading the rumours to stop Star's rising popularity. Party officials claim its membership has risen to about 200,000 members since its inception here 10 months ago and is the envy of other parties. "They are scared that their members will join Star which is growing in strength and gathering force as time passes. This shows that Star is strong and they are scared of the party. "It also reflects their desperation because when an individual starts to bad mouth a friend, it shows that the person either has a problem or is desperate. In this case, it is the opposition parties that are desperate to reduce the support and influence of Sabah Star," said Jeffrey. No truth in rumours Speaking to reporters after officiating the conference, Jeffrey in brushing away the party's alleged Umno link, also said the another rumour was also going around. "It said Star was paid RM20 billion – RM1 billion for each of the 20 Points of the special powers it is fighting to have restored to Sabah," said Jeffrey. Making it known that he does not trust SAPP, he called on its party leaders to declare if it would be working with the peninsular-based opposition parties or with local parties like Star. "SAPP needs to make a decision whether they want to be with Borneo Alliance or PR (Pakatan) so that the issue of a straight fight against BN can be resolved. "By making public its allegiance, the issue of seats allocation between Star and SAPP can be resolved," said Jeffrey. READ MORE HERE |
| Sleeping with the enemy Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:46 AM PST 
KTEMOC KONSIDERS A week ago I posted Political WTF 1 - Musa Hassan in which I raised some questions: Is it be likely that Musa Hassan will re-occupy his old job as IGP PDRM if Anwar Ibrahim becomes PM? I ask only because the ex IGP, one of the most despised and most accused person, has lately been rubbing pally-buddy shoulders with PKR-affiliated NGOs, and making virtually anti-Government statements and accusations, some of which, laughingly, had been attributed to his term as IGP.
Has there been a done deal between Musa Hassan and PKR?
Or, is the ex IGP just another Dr M, wanting to rewrite his place and performance in Malaysian history?
I had opined that statement by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, plus the absence of any clear-cut repudiation by him that PKR is and will not be accepting/approving any membership application by Musa Hassan regardless of the former IGP rubbing shoulders with PKR-affiliated NGOs at their forums, has been the BIGGEST hint yet that PKR will likely be admitting Musa Hassan into the party as a member. Saifuddin tap-danced around a yes or no confirmation by saying meaningless stuff like "Approval of applications is done on a monthly basis. When we have distinguished names of 'big people', of course we take note of it." Were you any clearer? Then, when he was pressed by the media on whether Anwar Ibrahim would object to his past tormentor joining PKR, Saifuddin did the hula hula dance, stating that "When there are applications made by big names, the decision to approve them is made by the party leadership" and not by any individual (meaning Anwar Ibrahim). I take that as Saifuddin virtually admitting Musa Hassan will become a member of PKR, and that when it happens, shouldn't be attributed to an individual known by his title of The Great Man, wakakaka. Okay, really it's none of non-PKR people's business but it sure as hell bring into focus the saying 'Politics makes strange bedfellows', which incidentally was adapted from Anwar Ibrahim's fave author, Bill Shakespeare (but of course, second to his top fave, al Quran). Shakespeare wrote in the Tempest, Act II, Scene II, of Trinculo saying: Alas, the storm is come again! My best way is to creep under his gaberdine; there is no other shelter hereabout. Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows. I will here shroud till the dregs of the storm be past. Trinculo was philosophizing that in order to avoid a storm, he ended up sharing his sleeping area with Caliban, a dark native of an island but seen as grotesque and savage, and described by the other characters in Shakespeare's play as a monster. We learn that Caliban was treacherous, switching his allegiance from one side to another without any scruples. And it was Robert Phang, former panel member of the MACC advisory panel, who voiced his belief that Musa Hassan's statement against Hishamuddin etc had been 'backed by PKR'. Phang accused Anwar Ibrahim's party of (allegedly) sleeping with their former enemy. Phang must have been shocked to see Musa Hassan flanked by PKR national policy and strategy bureau secretary S Gobikrishnan and Negeri Sembilan PKR youth exco member Sri Sanjeevan, when he (Musa) alleged that Hishammuddin had interfered with the police force under his IGP days. Phang said: "If Musa is backed by PKR, then I must express my utmost disappointment that PKR appears to be a desperate party." " ... going into bed with this cunning man and supporting his cause will mean that the leadership of PKR has no principles. I say to PKR - dissociate yourself from this wolf in sheep's skin." "Ask why is he now attacking the government as evil, whereas he once was its key perpetrator. If PKR keeps supporting this evil man, then PKR will lose the support of the public for stooping so low just to undermine the BN government." It sure as hell didn't help when Saifuddin Nasution tap-danced around the question of Musa Hassan's possible membership in PKR, as discussed above. READ MORE HERE |
| Deepak Jaikishan : Prequel and Sequel Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:34 AM PST 
FREEDOM COME FREEDOM GO When adrressing Mr Deepak Jaikishan so called "explosive" disclosures, we need to recognise actors of both SD I and II, for an in-depth perspective of a very dark and sinister show. All the actors are connected, one way or another, and could lead one to arrive at another point of view or possibilities, prequels and sequels.
The main actor is of course, P. Balasubramaniam, famously or infamously known as, PI Bala.
Recall, Raja Petra does his usual spin of mixing truth and fiction in order to make a story sound interesting. Unfortunately for him, lies remain lies.
He says I invited him to a meeting at lawyer M Puravalen's house on 2nd July 2008 – this is the day before the press conference at PKR Headquarters where P. Balasubramaniam's ("Bala" ) 1st SD made on 1st July 2008 was made public.
RPK was invited to that meeting in Puravalen's house the day before the 3nd July press conference to be given a pre-view of Bala's 1st SD to put up on his blog and write about it which he did. - Press statement by PKR MP Sivarasa Rasiah
This was in response to Raja Petra Kamarudin's, better known as RPK, " The day I met P. Balasubramaniam". Also, PKR MP Sivarasa was deigned to reply, by way of a press statement, because on the day RPK met PI Bala, RPK made these claims, "Sivarasa coached Bala on what he should and should not say at the press conference. Bala was told to avoid answering too many questions from the media and in the event they ask him difficult questions then the lawyers would take those questions. They were worried that Bala might say something wrong and contradict himself."
From the above, we have two others in the co-starring role, Sivarasa and Raja Petra Kamarudin, and we get a bigger picture of who the others are. So, fact or fiction? The date and title of the following is significant. On 4 February 2010 RPK headlined " Nasir Safar, the 'mystery man' the day Altantuya died" and wrote " Yes, that man in the blue Proton Saga was Nasir Safar." Three days later, on 7 February 2010, The Malaysian Insider headlined, " PI Bala: Razak Baginda is innocent" reported, "He has also identified another man who drove past Abdul Razak's house on the night of the murder as Datuk Nasir Safar an aide of Najib's who has since been sacked after he made derogatory remarks about Malaysian Chinese and Indians in a public event."
The same TMI article was posted the same day in RPK's Malaysia Today. A picture is worth a thousand words when you compare the pic at TMI and the pic in Malaysia Today. Get the picture? Never mind. When PI Bala made his u-turn, the Star reported " I believe he was coerced, says lawyer Americk" and to me what was reported is significant, "He said he had first met Balasubramaniam two months ago at a restaurant where he was asked by the latter to help draft a formal document on the Altantuya case."
Corroborated from a Question and Answer article at RPK's Malaysia Today, Q 53. Did they record your statement?
A. Yes. They questioned me for about 6 hours. They did not seem to be interested in my 2nd statutory declaration and concentrated their questions in relation to my 1st statutory declaration.
They wanted to know who was involved in it and how I was led into making it.
I explained everything to them from the time I met my lawyer Americk Sidhu in a pub one night with ASP Suresh, M. Puravalen and Sivarasah Rasiah in April or May 2008 up to the time of my first press release.
ACP Muniandy was the officer asking all the questions while his colleague recorded my statement.
More actors and their co-starring roles. PI Bala in his testimony in the Altantuya trial, excerpted from the Star report, "After Altantuya's visit to Abdul Razak's house, Balasubramaniam met up with the analyst and his lawyer Dhiren Rene Norendra at the Starbucks cafe in Pusat Bandar Damansara" and "He said he, Abdul Razak, Dhiren and one ASP Suresh were supposed to meet up to discuss whether to report the Mongolian women's presence outside the analyst's house to the Immigration Department and have them deported."
Another important supporting actor. READ MORE HERE |
| Two kinds of corruption Posted: 06 Dec 2012 12:12 AM PST 
Alwyn Lau, CPI The news that Malaysia is ranked 54th out of 176 countries in Transparency International Corruption's Perceptions Index (CPI) is more ironic than at first perceived. No, it is not because Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) got it wrong (although how relevant their being 'right' is a separate issue). Neither is it because – as per the remark from the Institute of Democracy & Economic Affairs (IDEAS) – corruption in Malaysia is really 'not so bad'. The truth is that the CPI is less about the hidden evil performed in private than it is about the public evil not at all hidden – and therefore not perceived to be evil. Everybody knows that in Malaysia getting the right contracts often involves buying the right kind of coffee for the wrong kinds of people. Everybody is aware that unusual favours are needed without which the not unusual tasks won't happen. The critical question is not whether corruption exists or how bad corruption is. The key issue, rather, is the role its contrived invisibility plays in sustaining the system. Recall how, during conversations or meetings, we often ignore the other person's body odour, stinking breath and other unsavoury facets? Our social conventions require us to pretend the VIP doesn't smell like a newborn elephant or look past the Tan Sri's (the second highest honour bestoweed to civilians) emerging booger. Why? Because it's safer to feign pretence and carry on talking than to speak the truth and risk reality coming apart. This agreed upon illusion is the form that corruption takes in Malaysia. It's not about what people don't know or should know; it's about what people pretend to not know whilst trying to keep what they do know at bay. In our brightest speeches, we tell each other that the system is inherently good and that corruption is an aberration which must be eradicated. But in our darkest thoughts we fear that the system is itself corrupt to the core and it relies on public/official tenets of ethics and decency as a facade. In conferences we declare that the apple basket of industry is fundamentally sound, notwithstanding the existence of a few corrupted bad apples. But in the boardroom, we whisper worryingly that the entire basket is born of corruption, a fundamental misalignment sustained by the fantasy of justice and virtue. We could mention here again the familiar story of the man suspected of stealing from a factory. The police posted themselves at the factory gate and each night the man came out, they inspected the wheel-barrow he was pushing. This went on for many nights. The man would come out with a wheel-barrow, the police would inspect it, find nothing and let him go. It was only later that they discovered that what the man was, in fact, stealing wheel-barrows. Likewise, the CPI deceives us making us look INTO the wheel-barrow of the system to detect and correct problems whilst at the same time blinding us to the fact of the barrow itself. As per Marx's caution, wages do not have to be 'unfair' for us to conclude that injustice is present; there is injustice even (or especially) when the wages are 'fair'. Rephrased, the problem is not corruption within Capitalism – the problem is Capitalism itself. It is at this point that both TI-M and IDEAS fail us. TI gives us 'data' and tells us to merely repair the system; IDEAS is worse because it tells us nothing is really that wrong and thus only minimal tweaking will suffice. This can be further illustrated by comparing the two villains in the recent installments of Batman i.e. Joker and Bane. The Joker transformed the city's White Knight (i.e. Harvey Dent) into its traitor; Bane showed that the city itself, Gotham, was an intra-social betrayal on a massive scale. The betrayal of the people (in the form of community-wide lies, political corruption and so on), far from being a threat to the city, in fact, constituted it and sustained its being. The Joker manipulated the police; Bane tore up the very idea of the police. The Joker tried to rope in the city's criminals; Bane made it a crime not to be a criminal and thus exposed the biggest crime of all: society itself. In this context, IDEAS is like Harvey Dent and the mafia who love the system (as long as it benefits 'democracy'). TI-M, at best, is like the Joker who wishes to unveil the problems within the system. Unfortunately, what we need is a Bane who's willing to go all the way to transform the system by exposing the corruption at its heart. READ MORE HERE |
| Former IGP: Political violence should not occur in a democracy Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:14 PM PST 
The Malaysian Insider Political violence should not happen in a genuine democracy and the authorities must take stern action to curb such incidents, former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said today amid more reports of violent clashes between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) supporters ahead of elections expected next year. He told a public forum organised by the Sinar Harian newspaper today that he hoped BN would reform and stop the culture of violence if it won the next polls. And if PR were to take power, the former top police officer said he hoped PR would not become "political thugs". Rough house tactics have become a feature of Malaysian politics, and went up a notch yesterday with the first stabbing at a political rally ahead of the 13th general elections. A group of people alleged to be Umno Youth members yesterday attacked a PKR rally in Gombak that left a few opposition volunteers injured, leading to swift condemnation from PR leaders. In the attack, a PKR supporter is believed to have been stabbed with a sharp weapon on his left shoulder, the party's paper Keadilan Daily reported. This is not the first attack on a PR rally, with a similar incident happening in Lembah Pantai earlier this year where a crowd at a rally held by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was attacked. The PKR bus used by Anwar and party leaders for its nationwide pre-election campaign tour, Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat , has also been splashed with paint and attacked with rocks several times. "Political violence does not happen in a democratic country. In a democratic country the election of a government does not see matters that endanger security," said Musa today. He took a swipe, however, at the opposition for supporting street protests and demonstrations. "According to one book it is said that if a leader is not suitable there must be 'reformasi' on the streets. This is now a reference for the young. "Previous general elections were like festivals (but) in Malaysia the politics has been endless. Five years on and there is still politics and the endless blaming of each other." Without naming anyone, he said accused political leaders of failing to control supporters, which he blamed for the rise in the political temperature in recent years. He said election campaigns were no longer like festivals because it was now dominated by "politics of hatred." Musa said that while the authorities must act to curb political violence, he pointed out that the job had become more challenging because of new laws which had introduced more freedoms. "The police must be fair. Previously one had to apply for a permit to organise a ceramah. But with new laws there are now problems and the police have to be prepared better. "In the past the police did not have to station much personnel at rallies but now speakers are challenging the authority of the police," he said. |
| Sepang shrine wrecking: Xavier cries ‘sabotage’ Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:02 PM PST 
Municipal officers acted without authorisation, says the Selangor exco. K Pragalath, FMT Municipal officers acted without their boss' permission when they demolished a Hindu shrine in Sepang last month, Selangor state exco Xavier Jayakumar said today. "The action taken by certain officers was unilateral," he said in a press statement. "There is reason to suspect this action is bordering on sabotage." On Nov 20, 30 enforcement officers of the Sepang Municipal Council (MPS) trespassed into the home of one S Gobi Kumar and demolished a Hindu shrine located within the compound of the residence. A week later, Jayakumar defended the council's action, prompting MIC Youth to demand that he make a public apology. Jayakumar said MPS officials yesterday gave a briefing on the incident to him, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and state excos Teresa Kok and Ronnie Liu. "From the briefing, it was quite apparent that the Sepang council president was neither consulted nor informed prior to the action of breaking the structure," he said. "The Selangor Non-Muslim Affairs Council, co-chaired by excos Liu, Kok and myself, was also never informed of these actions." 
He added that the state government had called for an investigation and demanded that the findings be submitted to it within two weeks. The demolition apparently violates an order issued by the Non-Muslim Affairs Council that forbids the breaking of religious structures. "From 2008, we have given instruction to all local councils and land offices not to break any place of worship that existed prior to 2008," Jayakumar said |
| The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 13) Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:26 PM PST I explained to Tok Guru that for 20 years since Merdeka, PAS has been having an image of a kampong party. In fact, not many people outside Terengganu know Tok Guru and even in Terengganu not everyone knows who he is. Hence PAS needed to be 'marketed' to the urban areas, the big towns and the cities, and places like Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara, Bangsar, etc., are where the cr̬me de le cr̬me live. So Tok Guru needs to have his presence felt in these areas. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin I first met Tok Guru Dato' Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang in 1977, soon after he returned to Malaysia after completing his studies in Madinah and Cairo. At that time, Tok Guru was not yet well known and even I had never heard of him. A member of the Terengganu royal family, the present Sultan's aunty, introduced me to him. I soon began to attend Tok Guru's lectures/sermons at the Masjid Rhusila. That was around the time, as I had written earlier, when I became a 'Born Again' Muslim. I hungered for knowledge and I would visit quite a number of mosques or suraus all over Terengganu to hear popular ustaz or tok guru lecture on Islam. Ustaz Haji Awang 'Tukul Besi' of Batu Enam was another favourites of mine, as was Ustaz Kassim of Marang. And, of course, my 'resident' tok guru was Pak Abas of Masjid Kolam as well as Tok Guru Abdul Rahman Pattani of Taman Purnama. Invariably, each tok guru had different approaches and different interpretations on what 'true' Islam is. Hence it was necessary to get a 'balanced' opinion by learning from as many tok guru as possible. Then you had to sieve through the many different opinions and come to your own conclusion. There was this one chap who would tape-record Tok Guru Hadi's lectures and sell the cassette tapes at the Friday 'bazaar' in Rhusila. I bought a whole box of these cassette tapes and sent them down to my brother, Raja Idris, who was at that time a committee member of Masjid Mujahidin in Damansara Utama. Raja Idris would play these tapes after the Maghrib prayers and while waiting for the Isyak prayers to start. The members of his congregation were fascinated by Tok Guru Hadi's lectures cum sermons. "Who is this guy?" they asked Raja Idris, "he is good." Raja Idris replied that he does not know. He only knows that the chap is a PAS member. The congregation then asked Raja Idris whether he could invite this Tok Guru to come down to Kuala Lumpur to give a talk at Masjid Mujahidin. Raja Idris contacted me and I promised to try to arrange it. I then spoke to Tok Guru Hadi and he told me that he has a full calendar. Anyhow, he will try to cancel one of his programmes and go down to Kuala Lumpur to speak at Damansara Utama. The date was finally fixed and I bought Tok Guru his plane ticket. I also arranged for someone to fetch him from the airport and to 'look after' Tok Guru Hadi. Raja Idris then arranged to install a new PA system so that they could do justice to Tok Guru's lecture. ABIM placed banners all over Selangor to inform people about the impending talk by Tok Guru Hadi. On the day of the event, which was a Saturday night, Masjid Mujahidin was packed. Busloads of people from all over Selangor came. The mosque, which normally would not even be half full, was overflowing and the car park had to be turned into a prayer area. People were praying on the grass and in the dirt. The mosque committee was surprised. Never before had they seen such a crowd. And on that day the people of Selangor got to know, and fell in love with, Tok Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang (then not yet a Dato' Seri). The 45-minute lecture became a two-hour lecture and the mosque committee requested Tok Guru to come again, if possible on a regular and scheduled basis. Tok Guru replied that he only agreed to a one-off thing and he was not sure whether he could devote any time to do this on a regular basis. I explained to Tok Guru that for 20 years since Merdeka, PAS has been having an image of a kampong party. In fact, not many people outside Terengganu know Tok Guru and even in Terengganu not everyone knows who he is. Hence PAS needed to be 'marketed' to the urban areas, the big towns and the cities, and places like Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara, Bangsar, etc., are where the cr̬me de le cr̬me live. So Tok Guru needs to have his presence felt in these areas. Finally, Tok Guru agreed to come down to Kuala Lumpur once a month, on the first Saturday of every month. And Masjid Mujahidin would be his base to reach out to the urbanites. That was 30 years ago. Soon, the congregation of Masjid Mujahidin, which was practically a wooden shack squatting on a piece of land owned by the Fire Department, grew in leaps and bounds. People from all over went to that mosque. And in time that wooden shack became a multi-million Ringgit structure with air-conditioning Рbuilt entirely with non-government money. Umno, of course, was not too happy with the success of PAS in penetrating the urban areas. And they were even unhappier about the fact that Masjid Mujahidin was being used as the base for this. And Masjid Mujahidin was squatting on a piece of land owned by the Fire Department. It was supposed to be a temporary structure, meaning wooden building. Now it was a lavish and multi-million Ringgit concrete building -- which means it has now become a permanent structure. The Political Secretary to Anwar Ibrahim, Ibrahim Saad, got in touch with the Religious Department to ask them to demolish the mosque. It was, after all, 'illegal'. This put the authorities in a dilemma. They knew that to do such a thing was going to invite bloodshed. Instead of demolishing the mosque, as what Ibrahim Saad wanted, the authorities gave the Fire Department an alternative piece of land at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (where the Fire Brigade now sits) and the land that Masjid Mujahidin was squatting on was 'legalised'. That was about 30 years ago and it took almost 30 years until 2008 before PAS managed to gain acceptance in the urban areas when it won seats such as Shah Alam, etc., which in the past would never have been possible. There are no short cuts. Change takes one generation or more to happen. The previous generation in 1980 brought PAS into the towns and cities from its 'home' in the kampongs. The present generation gave PAS its support in the towns and the cities. And it all started because a few boxes of cassette tapes from Rhusila, Terengganu, found its way to Damansara Utama, Selangor. That started the ball rolling. But was that not also how the Islamic Revolution of Iran started, when a few boxes of cassette tapes from Paris found its way to the bazaars of Teheran in Iran? And now do you know why I am a student of history? Because history has taught us that many times history can and will repeat itself. And those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. So, no, 2008 was not an overnight wake-up call, as many believe. 2008 took almost 30 years to happen. And 2008 started in 1980 when we decided that PAS should no longer be a kampong party and a regional player. And when we 'exported' Tok Guru Hadi Awang to the big towns and cities, that began PAS's progression to national politics and launched its Long March to Putrajaya. TO BE CONTINUED The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 1) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 2) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 3) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 4) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 5) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 6) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 7) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 8) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 9) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 10) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 11) The journey in life is never a straight line (PART 12) |
| Amokh ignores Najib as PM with Syed Feisal's appointment Posted: 05 Dec 2012 03:09 PM PST  | | Is it more important for Amokh to please Tun Dol than Najib? |
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL The business papers reported yesterday that Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) announced the appointment of the brother to Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, Dato Syed Faisal Albar, to be an Independent Director of MAHB. This is fuelling speculation that Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad will end his one year extension as Chairman and replaced by Syed Faisal.
The name Syed Faisal is sickening to the stomach. It reminds us of his arrogant and incompetence Arab tak sedar diri brother, Syed Hamid, during the reign of terror of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He lost Batu Putih island to Singapore and interfered to apply ISA on a reporter.
Syed Feisal is himself of questionable integrity and capability.
Doesn't Khazanah Nasional CEO, Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar realised that he is not working for Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi any more?
Thus, why is he still bringing people that was part of the evil triumvirate of Kalimullah-Kamaluddin-Khary into important position? Or is this Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop in his elements?
Since Tun Dol resigned, this is not the first time Amokh is sticking to the cronies of the old regime that wrecked havoc to the Malaysian aviation industry. It is now left to Najib to put the pieces together and attempt a turnaround of MAS.
Amokh had engineered a heavily lop-sided "merger" between MAS and Air Asia that favour of Tony Fernandez-led Air Asia.
Air Asia was a beneficiary of crony capitalism involving Khairy and Dato Zaki Zahid who together with Tony F redid the cabinet-approved National Airline Rationalisation plan. By the following Monday, Tun Dol announced a different plan on the instruction of Khairy and Zaki.
Despite that move resulted in Air Asia taking over MAS routes and Amokh claimed he fought tooth and nail with Tony F for constantly "sailang" MAS, the MAS-Air Asia "merger" only indicate Amokh have a problem realising that the Prime Minister is no more Tun Dol but Dato Najib.
The fact that Dato Najib has set the precedent at IMDB to only bring in professionals and capable people on the Board of Directors and management, it raises issue on Amokh tendencies to bring in his cronies, particularly incompetent ones.
In the MAS-Air Asia "merger" he gave his partner in their firm Bina Fikir, Danny Yusof that failed in the WAU exercise of MAS, a leading role.
Amokh kept his failed MCKK classmate, Dato Harun Johari who repeated his failure at Iskandar Investment Berhad at Khazanah new start-up inolving agriculture. Even in area of logistic which is supposed to be his core competency at Shell, Harun failed also.
There are also Executives Directors retianed by Amokh like Tengku Dato Azmil who failed at MAS and the former Sime Darby's executive that bombed in the privatisation of IJN and Qatar deal.
 | | Dato Syed Feisal Albar | With regard to the new appointment at MAHB, Syed Faisal is not politically and capability wise appropriate. He still remain within Kalimullah circle of evil. Despite New Straits Times withdrawing their lawsuit against blogger and former Malay Mail editor, Dato Ahiruddin Attan@ Rockybru, Syed Faisal remain with opposition backing The Malaysian Insider (TMI) owner, Kalimullah in their lawsuit against Rocky. READ MORE HERE |
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