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• Prosecution wants appeal of Anwar’s sodomy in July
• Ex-Perlis mufti Asri may contest polls
• No reason to retract our statement, says MTEM
• Dr Mahathir: Malaysia's debt level still "healthy"
• Nadi Kasih launched in Sabah
• Revving up Proton's image core idea of turnaround plan: Mahathir
• Rare earth refining in Malaysia without coherent waste management concept
• Dr Pornthip says Putrajaya not happy with her
• BN will continuously deliver Sabah's progress
• Are you ready for BN? Was it a Yes or No?
• Stop Dr M before he burns M’sia, says Bishop
• A-G looking into Deepak immunity
• PKR blames Najib for Pornthip’s no-show
• Jailed for showing obscene sign at Queen
• Ex-lecturer: I’ll be contesting in Sabak Bernam
• Nurul Izzah challenges Nong Chik to a debate
• PSM to continue its bid to join Pakatan
• Valentine’s Day raid: 10, including underage couple, held for khalwat
• Muhyiddin: BR1M may be raised to RM1,000 if BN wins
• ‘Take away Mahathir’s citizenship’
• Water war spills onto Selangor streets
• Mounting anger
• MACC chief: Blame the purchasing system
• Hindraf-Pakatan courtship souring
• Not all said ‘no’ to PM, says Penang BN of open house jeers
• Anwar’s ‘Huguan Siou’ debacle draws flak
• More Penang voters sitting on the fence
• Gerakan: DAP peddling hate politics
• Najib and Rosmah must respond to Deepak
• Deepak’s Open Letter to Dr Mahathir
• Deepak wants Najib out, Muhyiddin in
• Deepak immunity: One month for AG to respond
• Man arrested for flashing obscene hand gesture at Queen
• Rep: Selangor Government abusing its powers
• Pakatan’s seat tussle a boon for Sabah BN
• Dr Pornthip says no to Sugumaran autopsy for ‘personal reasons’, say lawyers
• Who will light the fire?
• We can still talk, Anwar tells SAPP
• Selangor MB to discuss dissolution next week
• Deepak promises second book of revelations
• Polls losers might cause ‘Arab Spring’, says ex-IGP
• Police warn against foreign interference in general election
• Musa’s ‘Arab Spring’ prediction will frighten voters, says Pakatan
• Australia, Malaysia refugee deal in limbo
• Lim will not attend BN CNY open house

Prosecution wants appeal of Anwar’s sodomy in July Posted: 14 Feb 2013 05:53 PM PST (Bernama) - The prosecution has requested that its appeal against Anwar Ibrahim's acquittal on a charge of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, be heard in July. Deputy Public Prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin said this was indicated to the Court of Appeal deputy registrar N Kanageswari during case management in her chambers today. However, she did not give any reason why the appeal should be heard in July. Noorin and one of Anwar's lawyers, Ramkarpal Singh, met Kanageswari in chambers today, for case management of the matter. Kanageswari has fixed Feb 22 for both the prosecution and defence to return and inform her on probable hearing dates. "Prosecution is asking for the appeal to be fixed in July," Noorin told reporters. Meanwhile, Ramkarpal said he needed to consult co-counsel whether the timeframe requested by the prosecution was suitable to them. He said the defence's immediate concern was to get the notes of proceedings in order, before the court could fix the hearing date. Both Noorin and Ramkarpal said the prosecution and defence were still in the midst of finalising the notes of proceedings. On Jan 9, last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Anwar of sodomising Mohd Saiful, 26, at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara here, between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008. Anwar, 65, was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction. The prosecution filed on Jan 20, last year a notice of appeal against the opposition leader's acquittal from the sodomy charge. On July 9, last year, the prosecution filed its petition of appeal which contained nine grounds. The 80-page written judgment by High Court judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah revealed that there was penile penetration but it was uncorroborated by other evidence. He said the court could not be 100% certain on the integrity of samples taken for DNA testing from Mohd Saiful as the samples could have been compromised before they reached the chemistry department for analysis.

Ex-Perlis mufti Asri may contest polls Posted: 14 Feb 2013 04:08 PM PST Syed Jaymal Zahiid, The Malaysian Insider Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has admitted that he is currently discussing the possibility of contesting Election 2013 and is expected to announce his decision soon. Sinar Harian reported today that the former Perlis mufti, one of the country's most influential Islamic clerics, has been "courted" by political parties but did not disclose which ticket he will contest under. "There are talks… I will announce it in one or two weeks' time," Asri (picture) was quoted as saying. Speculation that the maverick ex-mufti could stand in the upcoming elections first surfaced when news broke that both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) aimed to woo popular clerics into their fold, hoping to capitalise on their Islamic credentials and boost either side's standing among Malaysia's Muslim majority. Asri's name was among those mentioned apart from the present Perlis mufti, Dr Juanda Jaya. Speculation that Asri would stand in the upcoming polls was further strengthened when he posted two days ago on Twitter: "Alhamdulillah, back home there are many seats that I can stand for without any contest apart from sickness and death." Prior to that, Asri posted another message on Twitter asking the media to approach him to verify the rumour. "The media that reported I will contest, have they themselves asked me?" he said. Talk is rife that Asri may be fielded in Penanti, a state seat within the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency in Penang, a known fortress of opposition party PKR helmed by its de facto leader and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. There are also rumours that Asri, now a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, would be made a deputy chief minister if PR retains Penang. In the past the former Perlis mufti had been linked to Islamist PAS but he denied the speculation and said he would not be joining any political party.

No reason to retract our statement, says MTEM Posted: 14 Feb 2013 04:03 PM PST (The Star) - The Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM), a group of 47 Malay business groups, said its demand for Petronas president Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas to quit stays despite the national oil company's pledge to look into their grouses. Following a two-hour meeting between them on Wednesday, council chairman Datuk Syed Ali Alatas said Petronas had agreed to set up a joint committee to thrash out issues, including accusations that the oil giant had sidelined local companies in awarding major contracts. While describing it as a "positive meeting", he said the council saw no reason to retract its earlier stand that Shamsul should resign. "People can repent. For example, a divorced couple can reconcile. There is no reason to retract our statement but if they repent... then we'll see. "But now there is no change in our position. Our statement stands," Syed Ali told reporters here yesterday. MTEM would send a letter to Shamsul today (Friday) for him to confirm what had been discussed at the meeting and hopes to receive a reply by Feb 21, he said. Syed Ali had alleged earlier this month that Petronas had awarded its major contracts to foreign companies while equally qualified local companies were left out.

Dr Mahathir: Malaysia's debt level still "healthy" Posted: 14 Feb 2013 03:59 PM PST (Bernama) - The ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP), which stands at 53 per cent currenty, is still considered "healthy" for the country as trading and revenue continue to rise, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "We can still pay our debts. We still can pay as we see investments yielding high profit. During my administration, a RM300mil profit made by Maybank is already considered as large. "Now, Maybank has gained RM6bil," he told Bernama in an interview. Dr Mahathir said Malaysians should remember that one of the European countries, Greece, could not pay its debts as the ratio had exceeded 100 per cent. "Greece may not be able to pay," he said. Dr Mahathir said Bank Negara Malaysia's current savings was about US$140bil compared to only about US$30bil at the time of his administration. (US$1=RM3.08) As at Jan 31, 2013, Bank Negara's international reserves totalled US$140.2bil. He said the reserves position was sufficient to finance 9.5 months of retained imports and was 4.2 times the short-term external debt. The central bank's total assets, including international reserves, stood at US$158bil. Dr Mahathir said Malaysia also has large deposits in institutions such as the Tabung Haji, Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Felda Scheme. Asked whether Malaysia's trade was still dependent on western countries despite their sluggish economy, he said: "We're no longer dependent on the West. Our exports to the West have not increased and the West also cannot afford to invest now." He said foreign investments are now coming from the East and Malaysia's trade with these countries are increasing. "Our trade with China, for example, is good and it's very high. Our trade with Asean member countries has also increased. So, we don't have to assess our economic progress based on our trade with the West," he said. Instead, the assessment should take into account the economic progress Malaysia made around the world, he said. "Our exports to throughout the world are still on the uptrend, our surplus is still growing," he said. Malaysia's total trade posted a three per cent growth last year despite global economic and financial turmoil and tepid demand. "Eventhough growth was below expected projection, Malaysia registered its highest total trade of RM1.31 trillion last year vis-a-vis RM1.27 trillion in 2011. In 2012, exports grew by 0.6 per cent to RM702.19bil, while imports expanded by 5.9 per cent to RM607.36bil. The trade surplus in 2012 was RM94.82bil, the 15th consecutive year of trade surplus for Malaysia. Among the top five trading partners, trade expansion was recorded with Asean (+8.2 per cent) and China (+8.0 per cent), while trade with the United States dwindled by 2.8 per cent.

Nadi Kasih launched in Sabah Posted: 14 Feb 2013 12:50 PM PST (Insight Sabah) - Sabah will receive RM26 million for house repairs in 26 constituencies under the program, which works out to be an allocation of RM5,000 for each of the 5,200 houses to be repaired in Sabah.  About 10,000 people gathered at the Tuaran district today to witness the launching of the "Nadi Kasih Programme" by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The Nadi Kasih programme, which is part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme by the 1Malaysia Development Berhad Foundation (1MDB)  aims to repair dilapidated houses to help the poor and hardcore poor in Sabah. Prime Minsiter, Najib Tun Razak In his speech during the launching of the Programme, Najib said that the Nadi Kasih Programme will repair a total of 200 houses in each parliamentary constituency in the state. A brainchild of the Prime Minister, the Programme began in 2011 and to date, has been allocated RM115,730,000 to repair approximately 23,000 houses nationwide. Sabah will receive RM26 million for house repairs in 26 constituencies under the program, which works out to be an allocation of RM5,000 for each of the 5,200 houses to be repaired in Sabah. Chief Minister of Sabah, Musa Aman Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman commended the 1MDB Foundation on its successful programme, saying that it is one of the best ways of for corporate bodies to assist people  in need. "The Nadi Kasih Programme is one of the many programmes initiated by our Prime Minister for the people. He is constantly thinking up ways of providing  help to the people," Musa said. According to the Director of the 1MDB Foundation Programme, Dato Dr. Shamsul Anwar Sulaiman, the allocation in Sabah is the largest allocation in the country, with RM1 million being allocated to each constituency, as compared to RM500,000 allocated to each area in Peninsular Malaysia. Dr. Shamsul Anwar Sulaiman As of today, RM13 million of the RM26 million has already been delivered to the state. Houses in the Semporna, Penampang, Kota Marudu and Kimanis areas have already been fully repaired. Other programmes under the 1MDB foundation include assistance for the fishing community in Semporna and Sandakan as well as educational programmes for students in the state. In total, the 1MDB foundation has allocated RM33 million for its programmes in Sabah.  -Insight Sabah

Revving up Proton's image core idea of turnaround plan: Mahathir Posted: 14 Feb 2013 12:38 PM PST   (Bernama) - "We cannot be always producing cheap cars. If that is the case, we will lose the confidence of Malaysians as it is a general view that cheap cars does not come with quality"  Improving the national car quality and rectifying past misconceptions will be the main drivers of the proposed turnaround plan drawn up for Proton Holdings Bhd, says former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said the plan, slated to be unveiled by next month, envisages short-term and medium-term solutions to bolster the national car maker's image, while creating new sales avenues and income streams for Proton. The turnaround plan would also see Proton paying more attention to its export market as the car manufacturer was now well aware that the domestic automotive market was getting "over-crowded" year-by-year, said Dr Mahathir, who is also Proton's advisor, to Bernama in an interview. Admitting that better quality comes with a higher price, Dr Mahathir said Proton was at a crucial juncture as it has to produce globally-competitive cars to compete with foreign car companies which formed a significant portion of Malaysia's total automotive industry volume. "We cannot be always producing cheap cars. If that is the case, we will lose the confidence of Malaysians as it is a general view that cheap cars does not come with quality," he said. Expressing confidence in Proton's new owner, DRB-Hicom Bhd, Dr Mahathir said the conglomerate was committed to boost the image of the national car company from merely a local company to a global and well-respected car maker. Dr Mahathir said the mentality of Malaysians that local cars are inferior in quality when compared with foreign-made cars must be changed. "Malaysians must understand that Malaysia is not the sole market for foreign car makers, which is in contrast with Proton. Proton relies more on the domestic market. "Foreign car manufacturers' overhead costs are very low. The money they are making here (in Malaysia) are mostly regarded as profit. "That is why these companies can afford to offer discounts of up to RM10,000 during festive seasons, prompting locals to opt for foreign cars instead of the national car," he said. Concerned over the "over-crowding" domestic market, Dr Mahathir said Proton had concrete plans to execute its export strategies in efforts to rake in higher earnings to the national car maker through an enhanced income stream. The total industry volume (TIV) registered a sales of 627,753 new vehicles last year while the number is expected to swell to 640,000 this year. Proton and Perodua made up slightly more than 50 per cent of the TIV while foreign models made the other half. Proton, a brainchild of Dr Mahathir, was established in May 1983. Early last year, DRB-Hicom bought a 42.7 per cent stake in Proton for RM1.29 billion from the government's investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, and subsequently took the national carmaker private. Prior to the takeover, Proton has already executed its turnaround plan. However, with new shareholders and a new top management team, the plan was revisited.

Rare earth refining in Malaysia without coherent waste management concept Posted: 14 Feb 2013 12:04 PM PST   Oeko-Institut is a leading European research and consultancy institute working for a sustainable future. The facility for refining Australian ore concentrate rich in rare earth metals of Lynas Corporation in Malaysia has several deficiencies concerning the operational environmental impacts. The environment is affected by acidic substances as well as from dust particles, which are emitted into the air in substantially larger concentrations than would be state-of-the-art in off-gas treatment in Europe. The storage of radioactive and toxic wastes on site does not prevent leachate from leaving the facility and entering ground and groundwater. For the long-term disposal of wastes under acceptable conditions concerning radiation safety a sustainable concept is still missing. These are the results of a study of Oeko-Institute on behalf of the Malaysian NGO SMSL. In its facility in Kuantan/Malaysia Lynas refines ore concentrate for precious rare earth metals. These strategic metals are applied for example to produce catalysts, Nickel metal hydride batteries, permanent magnets. A number of emerging key- and future-technologies depends from the supply of these rare earths. The ore concentrate to be refined in Malaysia additionally contains toxic and radioactive constituents such as Thorium. The NGO commissioned Oeko-Institute to check whether the processing of the ore leads to hazardous emissions from the plant or will remain as dangerous waste in Malaysia. Storage of wastes insufficient The storage of wastes, that are generated in the refining process, shall be stored in designated facilities on the site, separately for three waste categories. According to chemist and nuclear waste expert Gerhard Schmidt, there will be problems with the pre-drying of wastes that is of a high Thorium content. "Especially in the wet and long monsoon season from September to January, this emplacement process doesn't work", says Schmidt. "The operator has not demonstrated how this problem can be resolved without increasing the radiation doses for workers". Additionally the storages are only isolated with a one-millimeter thick plastic layer and a 30 cm thick clay layer. This is insufficient to reliably enclose the several meters high and wet waste masses. "For the long-term management of these wastes Lynas has urgently to achieve a solution", claims Gerhard Schmidt, and adds: "in no case those wastes should be marketed or used as construction material, as currently proposed by the operator (Lynas) and the regulator (AELB/MOSTI). According to our calculations this would mean to pose high radioactive doses to the public via direct radiation". Mass balance for toxic constituents incomplete „One of the most serious abnormalities is that in the documents relevant data is missing, which prevents reliably accounting for all toxic materials introduced", says project manager Gerhard Schmidt. "So it is not stated which and to what amount toxic by-products, besides Thorium, are present in the ore concentrate. Also in the emissions of the facility via wastewater only those constituents are accounted for that are explicitly listed in Malaysian water regulation, but not all emitted substances." The salt content of the wastewater is as high that it is comparable to seawater. This is discharged without any removal into the river Sungai Balok. Scientists question the issued licenses The scientists at Oeko-Institute evaluate the detected deficiencies as very serious. Those deficiencies should have been already detected in the licensing process, when the application documents were being checked. However the operator received a construction license in 2008 and a temporary operating license in 2012. Especially for the safe long-term disposal of the radioactive wastes a suitable site that meets internationally accepted safety criteria has to be selected urgently. A consensus has to be reached with the affected stakeholders, such as the local public and their representatives. "If it further remains open how to manage those wastes in a long-term sustainable manner, a future legacy associated with unacceptable environmental and health risks is generated", considers Schmidt. "The liability to prevent those risks and to remove the material is so shifted to future generations, which is not acceptable." Strategic role of rare earths Rare earths are important metals that are used in future technologies such as efficient electro motors, lighting and catalysts. In its study from 2011 "Study on Rare Earths and Their Recycling" Oeko-Institute showed that no relevant recycling of these metals is performed so far. Albeit recent positive developments in this direction: satisfying the prognosticated global requires the extension of the worldwide primary production. For many years rare earth metals were exclusively mined and refined in the People's Republic of China. By pointing to their own needs, China finally followed a restrictive export policy. Additionally, the mining and refining of rare earths there is associated with high environmental impacts. To establish additional primary production of rare earths outside China therefore makes sense. However, high environmental standards have, of course, to be met. But this is not the case in one of the first new facilities to be operated outside China, as this study of Oeko-Institute on the Lynas plant demonstrates. Oeko-Institute's full report "Description and critical environmental evaluation of the REE refining plant LAMP near Kuantan/Malaysia" to be downloaded here >> The summary of the report "Description and critical environmental evaluation of the REE refining plant LAMP near Kuantan/Malaysia" to be downloaded here >> Presentation "Description and critical environmental evaluation of the REE refining plant LAMP near Kuantan/Malaysia" to be downloaded here >>

Dr Pornthip says Putrajaya not happy with her Posted: 14 Feb 2013 12:02 PM PST   (The Malaysian Insider) - Dr Pornthip (picture) told The Malaysian Insider via email yesterday that the deputy to the permanent secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) had informed her of a message from the Malaysian government that it was "not happy with my work, especially in (the) case of TBH (Teoh Beng Hock)." Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand has said she declined to perform a second autopsy on security guard C. Sugumar as the Malaysian government was not happy with her previous work in the death of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock. Sugumar's family lawyer N. Surendran said last Tuesday that the Thai forensic pathologist made the sudden about-turn after he announced that she was due to arrive next Wednesday for the post-mortem on Sugumar, who allegedly died from police brutality last month.  Dr Pornthip (picture) told The Malaysian Insider via email yesterday that the deputy to the permanent secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) had informed her of a message from the Malaysian government that it was "not happy with my work, especially in (the) case of TBH (Teoh Beng Hock)." Dr Pornthip had observed Teoh's second post-mortem and testified at both a coroner's inquest and before a royal commission that foul play was likely involved in the DAP aide's mysterious death at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) Selangor headquarters in 2009. The royal commission subsequently concluded that Teoh was driven to suicide after aggressive and relentless interrogation by three MACC officers. "I told the lawyer that I'm (a) government officer under (the) Ministry of Justice that need(s) permission from (the) permanent secretary," said Dr Pornthip, who is the director of Thailand's Central Institute of Forensic Science, which is under the MOJ. Dr Pornthip stressed that she needed to have the authority to perform the autopsy on Sugumar without any limitations, but did not specify if the MOJ had prohibited her from doing so.  "Please send my message to your people that I've never wanted to (be) involved in politics. I understand that each country have (sic) their own justice system, but there should be no barrier for the people to seek justice," she said. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dr-pornthip-says-putrajaya-not-happy-with-her/

BN will continuously deliver Sabah's progress Posted: 14 Feb 2013 11:53 AM PST At the launch of the state-level "Nadi Kasih" house repair programme in Tuaran, Najib said the best was yet to come for Sabah under the BN government. BN will uphold the interests of the state and its people, says Najib (NST) - KOTA KINABALU: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was yesterday given a rousing welcome by some 75,000 Sabahans when he visited the districts of Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran to pledge his commitment and that of Barisan Nasional (BN) to continuously deliver progress and uphold the interests of the state and its people. Najib, who is also BN chairman and Umno president, said BN's solid track record in the state showed that the coalition was credible in fulfilling its promises. This, he said, was in stark contrast to the opposition's failure to bring progress, as only 15 per cent of the promises made at the last general election had been kept in the four states it held. "They come here to sell their promises and ask for sympathy. They pass the blame to others. But talk is easy; to deliver and to implement is another thing altogether. "The BN government has remained in power all these years because it feels the pulse of the people and delivers on its promises." The crowd warmed up to Najib when he used the word mambalut, which means good in the local Bisaya dialect, when referring to BN. He took a swipe at the opposition's tendency for making empty promises and underhand tactics, referring to such ploys as mongumbui, a Bisaya word which, loosely translated, means spreading lies. The prime minister, who was greeted with thunderous applause when he made his speeches in the districts, also announced allocations of more than RM250 million for several projects in Sabah. They include RM226 million to build a water treatment plant at Sungai Padas in Beaufort to provide clean water to the state's west coast districts and RM26 million to repair some 5,200 dilapidated houses. The Federal Government would also assist the state government in the upkeep of Beaufort Middle School, while plans are afoot to set up an Islamic college in the district. The government, Najib said, would also upgrade the Papar-Lok Kawi road in phases. In Papar, Najib told 30,000 people who gathered at the Padang Pekan Papar that they could expect more development for the state and ensure the country progressed under BN's leadership. In contrast, he said, the opposition was only good at making promises they could not deliver, including promises to appoint individuals as the chief minister and ministers should they get the support of Sabahans. "They promised the moon, the stars and in fact they even promised that one could go to heaven. They make all kinds of promises, including on posts of the chief minister and ministers." Najib said when opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the deputy prime  and finance minister, he never cared for the people of Sabah. But now, the opposition leader portrayed himself as being sympathetic to them.   "I heard that in the past, when he came to Sabah, he kept on banging the table ... what he asked for was not for the people of Sabah. I am not going to tell the reason for his action as the other Umno leaders here would know better about the issue."   Najib also took a dig at Anwar for being conferred by a Sabah  Parti Keadilan Rakyat leader the "Huguan Siou", or paramount chief title, which is often reserved for a Kadazandusun Murut leader.   The issue had triggered an uproar among the Kadazandusun Murut community as they felt that it offended their cultural sensitivities.   "(Tan Sri Joseph) Pairin (Kitingan) is the authentic 'Huguan Siou' while the other one (Anwar) is ...," he said three times to the crowd, who then shouted back in reply "Fake!", and to this, Najib exclaimed "Confirmed".   At a press conference later, Najib, responding to a question on when Parliament would be dissolved, said BN's priority now was to meet the people and explain the government's policies and programmes.   "Don't ask me when the election is. It will be when I, the party and the people are ready for the dissolution (of Parliament)."     Najib said BN would only dissolve Parliament after verifying the proposed candidates' backgrounds, getting security details in place and getting a report on the candidates from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.     On how satisfied  he was with the preparations by Sabah BN in facing the general election, Najib said he was happy with the coordination among the component parties.

Are you ready for BN? Was it a Yes or No? Posted: 13 Feb 2013 07:23 PM PST A Gerakan leader says the crowd at the BN open house roared 'yes' and not 'no' in response to the prime minister's question. Athi Shankar, FMT Two video clips have emerged on cyber space this week showing different versions of the crowd's response to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's question: "Are you ready for BN?" at the state Barisan Nasional Chinese New Year open house on Sunday. In one clip, which was the first to go viral since late Sunday, the crowd shouted "No" thrice when repeatedly posed the question. In the other video, which emerged on Monday, the crowd was heard responding with a big "Yes". In both video clips however, the crowd screamed "Yes" when Najib asked: "Are you ready for Psy?" The open house featured South Korean singing sensation Psy's live performance on his "Opah Gangnam Style" hit. The interesting question now is which video is genuine? As expected, BN critics have used the first video clip to hit out at Najib, claiming that the people have overwhelmingly rejected BN. Critics had described the crowd's resounding "No" as a public vote of no confidence for the ruling coalition. However, local Gerakan leader Wong Mun Hoe hit back at critics claiming that the "No" video clip (below) could just be a make-believe recording by BN's rivals to hoodwink the public. The state Gerakan vice-chairman, who attended the open house, said like many others, he did not hear the crowd roaring "No". He insisted that the crowd actually roared a big "Yes" when Najib asked the question. Wong admitted that there were some shouts of "No" but it was drowned by a loud roar of "Yes". READ MORE HERE

Stop Dr M before he burns M’sia, says Bishop Posted: 13 Feb 2013 07:21 PM PST The vocal Bishop Paul Tan wants the government to act against the former premier and all those who stoke racial and religious tension.  RK Anand, FMT Once the object of love and veneration but now hate and denigration, Dr Mahathir Mohamad's constant outbursts have made him one of the most criticised individuals in this nation. And even on Valentine's Day, it is brickbats and not bouquets for the former premier. Ironically, Mahathir who threw scores of people behind bars without trial on the basis of national security is now considered to be a threat himself. And his unrestrained remarks on sensitive issues had earned him the wrath of a vocal senior clergyman as well. Speaking to FMT, Bishop Paul Tan urged the government to take stern action against Mahathir and all those who stoke the flames of racial and religious tension. The action, he stressed, was vital so that these persons' "evil oil does not flow to others ending in engulfing Malaysia in flames". Similarly, he said the law must come down hard on Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali and others who called or supported the burning of Christian Bibles containing the word Allah. "Action must be taken against those who for political expediency accuse Christians of trying to make Malaysia a Christian country and those who make false accusations against any ethnic group without concrete proof to enflame the already tedious and fragile fabric texture of the Malaysian society. "It is my conviction that all precautions must be taken to ensure that racial or religious riots do not break out in Malaysia. "If a person representing a party fans the already simmering ember of racial and religious tension in Malaysia, vigorous and strong action should be taken against him or her," he added. Vote for the clean and upright With the 13th general election looming, Tan, 72, called on the Christian electorate to cast their ballots with wisdom and to forgive those who had wronged them in the past. "Vote in any person whose track records prove that he/she is clean, upright,transparent and who courageously stands up for justice for all and works effectively for the good of all citizens, even the most discriminated against – the Orang Asli, the poor Malays in the kampungs, the downtrodden Indians in the estates, etc. "We should not forget either our 'modern slaves', the migrant workers, who are being ruthlessly exploited, although they contribute to the building of our country," he added. Tan said that whichever party took over the federal leadership, be it Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, it must protect all citizens. "It must be clean from any corruption even if it is legally done, for example, the government dolling out money to win votes; equitable, transparent and upright. It is for these reasons that I fully support any protest for a just, clean and fair election, for example, Bersih's call. "Although I have not taken any partisan side in saying what I have said, I cannot not take a moral, religious and political stand for justice, cleanliness, equity and fairness. The Vatican would be happy that I dare speak out the truth, without taking any political side," he added. READ MORE HERE

A-G looking into Deepak immunity Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:54 PM PST Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail says the matter will be studied carefully.  Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT The Attorney-General's Chambers today confirmed it is looking into carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan's request for immunity in return for "the truth" about Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Yesterday, Deepak submitted his letter for immunity to the A-G's Chambers and had challenged Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to respond within a month. Abdul Gani said today the matter will be studied carefully and a response will be issued within the given time frame. "We had just received it. Let us consider it carefully. We don't even know head or tail of the matter," he told FMT. He said that it was unwise to make a "split second decision" during an investigation, adding that "even he [Deepak] had given a reasonable time for us to study the case". "Let us in all wisdom clear it [the issue] properly." Yesterday, Deepak said that it was the A-G's responsibility to ensure action was taken against those responsible for the 2006 murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu. In his letter to Gani, Deepak claimed that the details he had given to the press on Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor's role in the gruesome murder was merely a smidgen of what he truly knew. "I am willing to cooperate with the authoritative bodies in the country to provide further information on the prime minister's involvement in the abuse of power involving his family, on the condition that I am given protection from any possible criminal prosecution…" he wrote. But he told reporters today that even if the A-G's Chambers refused to take action, he was optimistic that the truth would eventually come out. "I will just hope that a change of government happens and they [Pakatan Rakyat] would take action." He added that he would do "all that is necessary" to ensure that truth would prevail.

PKR blames Najib for Pornthip’s no-show Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:45 PM PST PKR 'reliably informed' that the PM communicated with his Thai counterpart, says Surendran. G Lavendran, FMT (VIDEO INSIDE) PKR has accused Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak of preventing Thai pathologist Pornthip Rojanasunan from performing a second autopsy on C Sugumar, who died last month in a case of alleged police brutality. "We have now been informed that Najib communicated with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, regarding the autopsy on Sugumar," said PKR vice-president N Surendran, who represents Sugumar's family as a lawyer. "As a result, the Thai government decided that Pornthip should not perform the second autopsy in order not to undermine the relationship between the two countries." Surendran told a press conference here that he obtained the information from an "impeccable source" and had "complete confidence" in its veracity. "The information has been given to us in writing by an authoritative source," he said. Sugumar, a 40-year-old security guard, died on Jan 23. He was allegedly handcuffed and beaten by policemen and villagers in Hulu Langat. Witnesses said a policeman also rubbed turmeric powder into his eyes. A post-mortem procedure carried out at a government hospital concluded that he died of a heart attack. However, his family is demanding another autopsy by Pornthip before an inquest into the death. Subang MP R Sivarasa, also a PKR leader, told the press conference he had two demands on Najib. "Firstly, we urge Najib to come clean with his communications with the Thai government," he said. "Secondly, we want Najib to communicate with the Thai government again to allow Porntip to perform the second autopsy on Sugumar." Neither Surendran nor Sivarasa would shed further light on the source of information about Najib's communication with his Thai counterpart, saying they wanted the prime minister to respond to their allegation first. READ MORE HERE

Jailed for showing obscene sign at Queen Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:30 PM PST Royal offence: Leong (right) leaving the courthouse in Penang. — Bernama (The Star) - A factory supervisor pleaded guilty to two charges of showing an obscene sign in the direction of the Raja Permaisuri Agong and a police officer at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas here. Leong Pei Koe, 28, who was charged under Section 294 (a) of the Penal Code (Act 674) for lewd activity in a public place, was sentenced to a month's jail from the date of his arrest and fined RM6,000 under the first charge by a magistrate's court. He was also sentenced to a week's jail from the date of arrest and fined RM2,000 under the second charge of showing an obscene gesture to ASP Mohd Fakhrudin Abd Hamid. Both sentences were ordered to run concurrently. DPP Charanjit Singh prosecuted. Leong, who is said to be working in Singapore, committed the offence at about noon on Monday. He was outside the arrival hall when he flashed the sign at the passing royal entourage. One of Tuanku Hajah Haminah's bodyguards, who saw the gesture, detained him and handed him over to the police. The Queen was in Penang for a private function.

Ex-lecturer: I’ll be contesting in Sabak Bernam Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:22 PM PST (The Star) - Former law lecturer Dr Abdul Aziz Bari (pic) says he has been picked by PKR to contest in the Sabak Bernam parliamentary seat in Selangor in the coming general election. The former International Islamic University Malaysia academic said he had a good chance of winning the seat, which was in his hometown. "I have been visiting Sabak Bernam for about a year now and we have been getting good response from the people. "I feel my chances are good since Selangor is being administered by Pakatan Rakyat," he said after attending a Chinese New Year anniversary dinner organised by PKR in Balik Pulau on Tuesday night. He was one of the speakers at the event. Other speakers included PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow. Dr Abdul Aziz said the current MP, Abdul Rahman Bakri, from Barisan Nasional and his aide Rosli Busro had been sentenced to six years' jail and fined RM400,000 after being found guilty on eight counts of making false claims. "Taking into account this matter and the current national mood, I think I can win the seat, especially since Abdul Rahman only won by a majority of 1,335 votes in the last general election," he said. In the 2008 general election, Abdul Rahman polled 12,055 votes while PKR's Badrulamin Bahron got 10,720.There are about 37,000 voters in the constituency of which 83% are Malays, Chinese (12%) and the rest Indians. Dr Abdul Aziz was suspended on Oct 19, 2011 for saying that the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's intervention in a church raid controversy was "unusual and inconsistent". The suspension was later lifted but he insisted that the accusations made against him be dropped. Two months later, he decided to leave IIUM on optional retirement, after claiming political interference and that he was resigning "in defence of academic freedom". Although he had received offers from PAS and DAP, Dr Abdul Aziz joined PKR in 2011.

Nurul Izzah challenges Nong Chik to a debate Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:16 PM PST (The Star) - Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar has issued a debate challenge to Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin over who is the better choice for voters in the constituency. In a letter delivered to the minister's office here, the PKR vice-president said it was in the interest of democratic practice that they had a frank and open debate regarding various claims and allegations by both sides. "If we intend to get to the bottom of issues in the parliamentary constituency of Lembah Pantai, then he should accept the invitation," said Abdullah Izhar Mohd Yusof, the director of the Complaints and Community Bureau under Nurul Izzah's office. The MP's political secretary, Fahmi Fadzil, added that a public debate would give voters a better picture of what they expected of their leaders. "This is a practice in many democratic countries in the world," he said. According to the letter, Nurul Izzah is proposing that the moderator be an academic who is accepted by both sides and that the debate focus on issues related to the Lembah Pantai constituency, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

PSM to continue its bid to join Pakatan Posted: 13 Feb 2013 04:04 PM PST (The Star) - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) will continue with its bid to formally join Pakatan Rakyat. PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan said the party still had confidence in Pakatan due to the coalitin's Buku Jingga policy. "And we have been working with Pakatan Rakyat for a few years," he said. PSM had sent a written request to join Pakatan last September but the application has yet to be processed. PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar had said that PSM's application would be discussed after the Chinese New Year. The Lembah Pantai MP was reported to have said that PSM's application to join Pakatan was not a small matter as it involved other issues including seat allocation and choice of flag.

Valentine’s Day raid: 10, including underage couple, held for khalwat Posted: 13 Feb 2013 03:56 PM PST A suspect being escorted out of a budget hotel here in Kuala Lumpur. (The Star) - Ten, including an underage couple were detained for alleged khalwat (close proximity) following a Valentine's Day raid at several hot spots in the city by officers from Department of Federal Territory Islamic Affairs to curb vice among Muslims. "We believe the numbers are quite small and it could be because that many are away from the city due to the public holidays," its senior public relations officer Tuan Asmawi Tuan Umar, who spoke on behalf of the Jawi director, said at a press conference after the raid early Thursday. Operations Valentine's Day 2013 began at midnight around Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Ipoh with 60 Jawi enforcement officers, with the help of police, raiding eight budget hotels and scouring the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa area. They found, among others, a 13-year-old boy with his 16-year-old girlfriend at a budget hotel. The boy told the raiding officers that the duo had "running out of cash and couldn't call their parents because they had forgotten their parents' telephone numbers." After further questioning, the boy said he was "just keeping his brother's girlfriend company at the hotel while waiting for the brother to him to come and fetch them." By 4am, the officers had netted eight others aged between 25 and 50 years old, including a couple who had RM15,000 in cash on them. All the arrested couples are looking at possible charges under the Syariah Criminal Offences Act (Federal Territories) 1997 that carries a fine and imprisonment on conviction. Three Muslim men, who were with non-Muslim women, were issued appearance notices to explain themselves to Jawi and to go for counselling. Appearance notices were also handed out to three who were alleged dressed indecently, and another three notices to three others caught drinking alcohol.

Muhyiddin: BR1M may be raised to RM1,000 if BN wins Posted: 13 Feb 2013 03:49 PM PST BR1M is not a fairtale but a conviction, says the deputy prime minister. (Bernama) - The 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) may be increased from RM500 to RM1,000 if the Barisan Nasional is given a new mandate, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said the BR1M is not a fairytale but a conviction that would be continued by the BN government if it is returned to power in the next general election. "Prime Minister [Datuk Seri] Najib [Tun Razak] has mentioned it two days ago in Johor. Some people asked whether there will be BR1M 3 and BR1M 4. "He [Najib] said 'yes' provided BN stays in power. Who knows if our coffers increases, the RM500 aid will become RM1,000," he said when handing over BR1M to 2,042 recipients from the Bukit Serampang state constituency in Felda Sri Jaya here, today. Hence, he urged the people, especially those in the low and middle-income groups, not to respond to good fortune with disdain by continuing to provide a strong support to the BN government to guarantee a better future. Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said various measures taken by the BN government augured well for the country in the march towards a developed country. He said while the government was working hard to improve its services and fulfil its promises, the opposition was spreading lies and misleading the people that the government hardly made any efforts to develop the country. "The opposition says BN is ruthless, makes the people suffer. They say we are not helping the people. The people should not be easily duped by their promises. Whatever good things we have done, we will continue to improve them. "I am not saying that BN is 100% perfect. Even in our family, we have problems, sometime a little misunderstanding. "BN has delivered its promises, except for we have not achieved the goal of turning Malaysia into a developed country," he said.

‘Take away Mahathir’s citizenship’ Posted: 13 Feb 2013 03:18 PM PST A Selangor DAP leader says the former premier's citizenship should be taken away for implementing the illegal Project IC in Sabah. Athi Shankar, FMT The government should revoke Dr Mahathir Mohamad's citizenship for betraying the nation by executing an illegal "Project IC" in Sabah, suggested Selangor DAP leader S Ramakrishnan. He said the former prime minister deserved to be stateless for wrongly granting citizenship and voting rights to illegal immigrants in Sabah during his tenure. The Selangor DAP committee member said Mahathir's deceitful role in executing the illegal, unscrupulous and irresponsible covert operation in the Borneo state had brought disrepute to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He said Malaysians were irked after the royal commission of inquiry exposed the former premier's 20-year key role in issuing blue identity cards to undeserving illegal immigrants. "Mahathir betrayed all Malaysians by giving citizenship and instant bumiputera status to illegal and unqualified immigrants. "If anyone should be stripped off his citizenship it is Mahathir," insisted Ramakrishnan, who heads Selangor DAP bureau for Ex-Plantation Workers and Urban Poor chairman, in a statement here today. The former Senator said Mahathir had deliberately failed to resolve the stateless status of thousands of qualified Malaysian-born ethnic Indians and Chinese during his premiership. As a result, he said some 300,000 non-Malays, especially ethnic Indians, were waiting until today to get blue identity cards and be granted their rightful citizenship rights. However, he said the Mahathir instead granted citizenships to illegal Muslim immigrants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even India merely to expand Umno and Barisan Nasional vote bank. He rebuked Mahathir for attempting to justify his act of betrayal by criticising the country's first premier Tunku Abdul Rahman for granting citizenship to a million legally qualified ethnic Indian and Chinese residents of Malaya. READ MORE HERE

Water war spills onto Selangor streets Posted: 13 Feb 2013 09:49 AM PST   (The Star) - The "water war" between Syabas and the Selangor Government has been dragged onto the streets with booklets containing point-by-point rebuttals of the state leaders' explanation being distributed. Titled Selangor Water Crisis! – Don't Get Misled – Get The Facts, but without attribution to any source, the eight-page A4-sized coloured booklet were seen in several public areas. Syabas corporate communication and public affairs general manager Priscilla Alfred denied that the water company was behind the booklet. Several prominent figures in Selangor were named in the booklet, which rebutted 15 allegations over the unscheduled water supply disruption in the Klang Valley due to the failure of the Wangsa Maju pumping station. The massive disruption reportedly affected about 500,000 people in Gombak and Kuala Lumpur when the pumphouse broke down on Dec 29 and again on Jan 1, prompting Syabas to make remedial works and declaring the crisis over by Jan 18. Two days later, Syabas placed full-page advertisements in major newspapers to rebut Selangor's claims over the water crisis. Those named in the booklet were Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, state executive councillor Xavier Jayakumar, Ampang MP Zuraidah Kamaruddin and Teratai assemblywoman Janice Lee. Priscilla said: "We will be placing several more advertorials next week." She said the distribution of the booklet was not an isolated incident. "We were alerted that two-page flyers with similar wordings were also being distributed. "We believe some of the materials were taken from our earlier advertorial." In SHAH ALAM, Khalid said the state government had decided on the amount it would offer to buy over Syabas' water assets. He, however, declined to give details on the offer, expected to be made public next week. Khalid said he would ask the central government to speed up the process. "I have written to Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui about the state's intention to restructure the state water industry but there has been no reply," Khalid said. "Therefore, I will inform him again because this is not a normal takeover. It involves three parties (Syabas, the Federal Government and the state)," Khalid said after chairing the state exco meeting yesterday. In 2009, the state government made a bid of RM5.7bil but was rejected by water concessionaries. A subsequent offer of RM9.2bil was made last year and rejected byPuncak Niaga and Syabas. Meanwhile, Khalid said a meeting among Pakatan Rakyat leaders this week would discuss the dissolution of the Selangor legislative assembly. The Mentri Besar had earlier said the state assembly would be dissolved after Chap Goh Mei, which falls on Feb 24, even if the Federal Government had still not called for elections.

Mounting anger Posted: 13 Feb 2013 09:18 AM PST   (NST) - SACRED AWARD: Conferment of 'Huguan Siou' title on Anwar riles Sabahans KOTA KINABALU: VOICES of anger and disgust at the conferment of the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) title of "Huguan Siou" on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim continue to ring loud in Sabah. Leaders of political parties, non-governmental organisations and academician said it was inappropriate for Anwar to be given and to accept the title considered sacred and exclusive to the community. "Anwar should apologise to the community," said Sabah Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said, adding that the opposition leader's decision to accept the title was proof that he was ignorant of the culture of the ethnic groups in Sabah. Salleh, who is also United Sabah Bajau Organisation president, said Anwar was interested only in power politics and insulting Sabahans.   "How does he (Anwar) expect Sabahans to trust him?"   Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk V.K. Liew said, to the people of Sabah, there was only one "Huguan Siou", and that was Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president.   "It will be a total humiliation for that person who wants to be 'Huguan Siou' as people will reject him, not accept him."    Suman Yasambun, the KDCA secretary-general, demanded that Ranau PKR and Anwar apologise for infringing on the sensitivity and sacredness of the customs of the Kadazandusun.   "It must be understood that the title 'Huguan Siou', which means paramount leader, is reserved and conferred only on a Kadazandusun leader. It insults and hurts the feelings of the Kadazandusun (when it's given to others).   "'Huguan Siou' is an institution that embodies the Kadazandusun and Murut spirit of unity, courage and self determination.    "He is the guardian of the customs, norms, artifacts and traditions of the  Kadazandusun, which is celebrated every year through the Kaamatan celebration (harvest festival)."   It was reported that Anwar was given the title by Ranau PKR at a political gathering in Kampung Paginatan on Sunday.     He drew flak from Sabahans after photographs of him wearing a headgear and sash bearing the words "Huguan Siou" were posted by Ranau PKR chief Jonathan Yasin on his Facebook account.   Yasin, however, defended Anwar, saying the presentation of the headgear and sash was a symbolic gesture on the part of former native chief Paulus Kimpuang.   The title was first conferred on the late Tun Fuad Stephens, one of the state's founding fathers.     The post remained vacant after Fuad's death in 1976 until Pairin was chosen as the leader in 1984.   Centre for Orang Asli Concerns coordinator Colin Nicholas said Anwar  should not have accepted the award as it was exclusive to Kadazandusun people who had made contributions to the community.   "I think Anwar was either badly advised or the person who bestowed the title on him was overzealous. I don't think Anwar knew what he was getting into," Nicholas told the New Straits Times yesterday.   Gerakan Suara KDM Bersatu demanded an explanation from  PKR about what had  happened in Kampung Paginatan.   "We seek a clarification from those involved on whether there is truth to an allegation, which is hotly debated on Facebook, that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was declared 'Huguan Siou' by Ranau PKR," said its chairman, Lesaya Lopog.   He said the position could be filled by a person who belonged to a political organisation but only if he was respected by the Kadazandusun.   "This title was conferred on someone who is not part of the community. Why was it carried out in a political gathering and why were other KDM community leaders not consulted?   "This latest episode is an insult to our already injured pride."   Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan said the conferment of the title on Anwar was an insult to the community.  "The title should be bestowed on someone who is either from the community or someone who has done a lot for their advancement.   "Anwar does not fulfil either criterion. It's just a cheap publicity stunt that has offended Sabahans," he said during a visit to Balai Berita.   Anwar yesterday reportedly denied that he had received the honour.   "It's not true. I am not aware of it. There was never a public announcement of it," Anwar was quoted as saying in Miri where he was attending a talk. Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, who has been one of those blamed for the "coronation" of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the "Huguan Siou", denied that such a ceremony had taken place in Kampung Paginatan in Ranau on Sunday.    Bumburing, who is Angkatan Perubahan Sabah president, said the issue of the  sash with the inscription of "Huguan Siou" which was presented to Anwar had been blown out of proportion.   He said he hoped Ranau PKR would explain the incident, adding that he believed it was a case of the community leaders being overzealous when welcoming Anwar.

MACC chief: Blame the purchasing system Posted: 13 Feb 2013 09:17 AM PST   (fz.com) - It's the same story every year. The Auditor-General's (AG) Report is released, the glaring irregularities fill the news and an indignant public demands that the culprits be investigated.  At this point, the heat begins to rise around the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).     The MACC has faced strong pressure to open cases highlighed in the AG's reports, especially after the much-debated 2006 report found that the government had spent RM224 for a screwdriver set worth a mere RM40.    In 2010, the pressure intensified when the AG reported that the Marine Parks Department had spent astronomical sums for some equipment. Among other things, the department paid RM56,350 for a pair of night vision goggles worth RM1,940 and another RM56,350 for a pair of Bushnell binoculars worth RM2,827.    That year the MACC opened 36 files on, among other things, non-compliance and falsification of documents involving government agencies.    As time passed and too few cases were hauled to the Corruption Court, the MACC came under fire for its inability to pursue the culprits.    However, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed defends the authority. He said his organization cannot press charges for irregularities that the AG points out if the cases stem from flawed procurement procedures and criminal intent cannot be proven.    "When five suppliers submit a bid, the company with the lowest overall price will get the contract," Abu Kassim explained in an interview with fz.com.    "But if you really study the list, you'll find that the company has tremendously inflated the cost of one item - like the screwdrivers - and reduced the cost of the rest."    "Yet that company has still offered the lowest overall price. That is the system and I can tell you that (these irregularities) will keep recurring every year," he said.    Abu Kassim has advised the government to modify its purchasing procedures by requiring procurement officers to review an itemised checklist and conduct proper market surveys so they could then negotiate prices with their chosen supplier.   "So you see, it's not because we don't want to bring them to court, it's because we can't," Abu stressed. "They have followed procedure."    He pointed out that the MACC had in fact charged former Deputy Director of Customs, Zameri Ibrahim, with falsifying claims in the purchase of digital cameras.   In the case that was highlighted in the AG's Report 2011, Zameri was found to have submitted a false invoice to his superior for 40 DSLR cameras at RM9,000 each.    However, the cameras that were supplied to the Customs Department were prosumer digital cameras valued at RM6,000 each.   "We found an element of fraud and we charged him," Abu said. "So where there is a clear criminal act, we can charge them. But most of these cases are disciplinary cases, so we can't go further than that."    Read more at: http://fz.com/content/macc-chief-blame-purchasing-system

Hindraf-Pakatan courtship souring Posted: 12 Feb 2013 05:55 PM PST The romance between Pakatan and Hindraf appears to be fizzling out as the numerous dates since last November have failed to see a progress in the relationship. K Pragalath, FMT On the eve of Valentine's Day, Hindraf reveals that its courtship with Pakatan Rakyat is on the brink of failure due to lack of progress in the relationship. Blaming the Pakatan Rakyat leadership, Hindraf secretary P Ramesh said the break-up appeared imminent "Unfortunately after more than three months of trudging through these meetings there is nothing to show in the form of progress," he added in a statement. Six meetings were held involving top guns from both Pakatan and Hindraf such as Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and P Waythamoorthy. There were also an additional 15 informal meetings since last November. Ramesh also blamed Pakatan's failure in forming an electoral pact and its delay in endorsing Hindraf's five-year blueprint to include Indian poor in mainstream development as a factor. "Hindraf has made it clear to Pakatan from the outset that any support from Hindraf in the coming 13th general election is incumbent on Pakatan endorsing the blueprint. "Hindraf has been extremely accommodating to facilitate the endorsement and adoption of the blueprint programme by Pakatan," he said. "However we are deeply concerned by the inordinate delay on the part of Pakatan in endorsing the blueprint and forming an electoral pact with Hindraf. This will cause serious setbacks to all parties wanting to see a change in the political landscape of Malaysia," he added. In November last year, Hindraf national adviser N Ganesan made six demands while unveiling the five-year blueprint at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The six demands were: 1) Stop displacing Indian plantation workers and provide reasonable compensation as well as offer skills training to them; 2) Resolve Indian stateless issue; 3) Provide equal education opportunities to all Indian students via meritocracy; 4) Provide equal job and business opportunities to Indians; 5) Stop police brutality and death in custody, and set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC); and 6) Stop institutionalised racism and ratify the United Nations convention against racial discrimination. Ganesan had also suggested the setting up of a Minority Affairs Ministry after the 13th general election and said that Hindraf should be allowed to operate the ministry. READ MORE HERE

Not all said ‘no’ to PM, says Penang BN of open house jeers Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:28 PM PST Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) believes rivals sent saboteurs to heckle the prime minister and his entourage during its Chinese New Open House event on Monday, Sinar Harian reported today. State BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow said he suspected it was this group that yelled "No!" when Datuk Seri Najib Razak asked the crowd, "Are you ready for BN?", purportedly to offer the impression that Penang residents did not support the ruling coalition. "Not everyone present had yelled 'No'. We have video records showing a large segment of the audience had yelled 'Yes' when the PM asked that question several times. "I believe there were those sent to sabotage the open house that we organised and we also found that there were those who wore colours that DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had asked them to wear as a sign of protest," he was quoted as saying today in the Malay daily. He added that it would only have been worrying if those who had shouted "No" were BN members or supporters. Global pop sensation Psy, the Korean singer who shot to stardom for his viral "Oppa Gangnam Style" hit, drew rapturous applause from the crowd during his appearance. Videos of the hoots, boos and "No" shouted to Najib, and the "Yes" to the prime minister's question of whether the crowd was ready for Psy, have been posted on the Internet, attracting observations that BN was unlikely to win back voters in Penang during the coming polls. Penang, which was held by BN's Gerakan for some four decades, fell to the opposition's hands when the ruling coalition recorded historic losses in Election 2008. DAP's Lim Guan Eng was then installed the state's chief minister, and since then, the state has been seen as PR's sturdiest fortress against its political foes in BN.

Anwar’s ‘Huguan Siou’ debacle draws flak Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:02 PM PST A PKR branch's decision to name the opposition leader as the paramount chief of the Kadazandusun people has backfired.  Luke Rintod, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Three days ago, PKR's Ranau branch conferred upon its supremo Anwar Ibrahim the "Huguan Siou" or paramount chief title. Anwar accepted it but soon the matter became the talk of town. The event was held while Anwar was on a whirlwind visit to Ranau and Keningau during Chinese New Year and so it was not reported in the newspapers as the media were on on a break. It surfaced online, complete with a photograph of the opposition leader wearing a sash with the words Huguan Siou, a title normally reserved by the Kadazandusun for their paramount chief who is currently Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Proclaiming Anwar as the Huguan Siou was Ranau PKR head Jonathan Yasin, a Kadazandusun lawyer who is also the brother-in law of Sabah PKR senior leader Ansari Abdullah. Today, the State Reform Party (STAR) took Ranau PKR to task for "selling" Sabahans' pride by playing with the honorific title normally bestowed on a fellow Kadazandusun. STAR state deputy chairman Daniel John Jambun said PKR was in a mode of "surrendering" and "submission" and that explained why Jonathan chose to give Anwar the title. "While it is within Ranau PKR's right to honour whoever it wanted, it is insanity to play with a title that is already established for some purpose. "Can you imagine someone conferring on a leader the title 'Yang Dipertuan Agong' or even just 'Agong?'" Jambun opined. An activist from Kota Marudu, Felix Kain, who is a campaign director of NGO, Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo, said while it was an internal affair of PKR, the act was tantamount to an insult to the Dusun community who must only have a fellow Dusun as Huguan Siou. "This event brings memories of 1981 when Dr James Ongkili refused the conferment of Huguan Siou but instead counter-proposed that the title be given instead to then chief minister Harris Salleh, who is not a Dusun. "The Dusun abhorred such a gesture by Ongkili, later causing him to lose in Tamparuli, followed by a complete depletion of any respect for his leadership. But that was for the real Huguan Siou title, perhaps Jonathan meant well but it was still out of place," he said. READ MORE HERE

More Penang voters sitting on the fence Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:51 PM PST With all the developments taking place in BN and Pakatan, these voters cannot decide who has the right to lead the country. Hawkeye, FMT The number of fence-sitters (undecided voters) in Penang has grown in the past few months with the general election around the corner, says an academician. Universiti Science Malaysia's political scientist Sivamurugan Pandian said this is largely because of developments in Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat. He said that on the BN side, the ruling coalition has been dangling many "carrots" such as handing out RM500 to those who qualify under the BR1M aid scheme. It has also been making promises to solve socio-economic problems such as resolving housing woes and traffic congestion. Other "carrots" dangled include building a monorail (public transport), reviving the free port status for the under-performing Penang Port and new incentives to boost healthcare, tourism and manufacturing. On the Pakatan side, the opposition has been hit by a series of controversies such as the Allah issue, and the nomination of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to be the prime minister if Pakatan wins. On the Allah row, PAS took a different stand from PKR and DAP when its Syura Council ruled that Christians cannot use the word Allah in the Malay-language Bibles. Then came reports that PAS was not in favour of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim becoming the next prime minister, which Hadi has since denied. Do all these developments mean that BN has an edge over Pakatan? Or that Pakatan is crumbling? Sivamurugan said nobody can predict for now, but the fact remains that more people are now undecided over who deserves to lead the country. Act of desperation In one corner is BN led by the "1Malaysia" campaign founder and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and in the other, is his nemises, Anwar, who continues to "sell" the storyline that the country is on the wrong track because of corruption, nepotism and cronism. BN is trying hard to endear itself to the people with some initiatives that it hopes will translate into favourable "ratings" for its popularity. For example, Sivamurugan said BN brought over South Korean online rap superstar, Psy (Park Jae-sang), here to usher in the Chinese New Year. It was part of the state BN's Lunar New Year open-house celebration. It was reported that a crowd of some 100,000 jammed the Han Chiang Private College ground here to watch Psy perform his "Gangnam" style song and dance. READ MORE HERE

Gerakan: DAP peddling hate politics Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:48 PM PST DAP is forcing people to take sides and wants partisan politics to be the order of the day, says a Gerakan leader.  Hawkeye, FMT Politics in Malaysia has taken a turn for the worst now compared to the last decade, said a state Gerakan leader. Malaysians have generally entered a phase where hatred reigns over rational thinking or national unity, according to Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Wong Mun Hoe. And he blames DAP for encouraging such hatred by instigating people to disrespect their political rivals through the distortion of facts and by adopting partisanship at all times. "DAP is forcing people to take sides. They want partisan politics to be the order of the day. This is unhealthy in a country as diverse as Malaysia where different races and religions or value systems are trying to co-exist," he said. Wong said that one cannot practise politics of "either you are with us or against us" and must understand that some people (fence-sitters) take a longer time to decide and some may not want to decide at all. Essentially, he added, politics in Malaysia should be about nation building and uniting the people, not the opposite of fueling hatred at every corner. Unity is democracy at its best and its roots can only be strengthened if everyone learns to respect each other's opinion and ways in a constructive way, Wong said. He added that politicking is essentially about furthering one's own causes and beliefs but not to an extend of imposing one's belief on others. If one wants to impose things then it is tantamount to becoming a dictator or advocating communism, he stressed. "Real support comes freely from those who accept it. Those who are forced to accept it, would only do so insincerely," he pointed out. READ MORE HERE

Najib and Rosmah must respond to Deepak Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:42 PM PST FMT LETTER: From Sivarasa Rasiah, via e-mail Yesterday, Malaysia Chronicle carried an article by Deepak Jaikishan.  The article stated some very serious allegations against Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Deepak alleged in writing that an unnamed person had actually prepared a statutory declaration stating that he had been instructed to kill Altantuya by his immediate superior, and, that that immediate superior had taken instructions from Najib. He also said that the unnamed person changed his mind after seeing private investigator Balasubramaniam's second SD. In so saying, Deepak had finally belled the cat by actually speaking in writing for the first time the whispers that have been circulating in this country from the time of the murder in October 2006 regarding the alleged involvement of Najib and his spouse in the high profile murder of Altantuya. His statements are sufficient for the relevant agencies, the Attorney General's office and the police to immediately re-open the murder investigation and record a full statement from him. No action from them will mean a continuing conspiracy to hide the truth. It is also in the Prime Minister's interest that his name is cleared if Deepak's statements are indeed false. Secondly, Deepak again reiterates the involvement of Rosmah Mansor in the process of the making of the second SD done by Bala.  He repeats, amongst other things, that he was instructed by her to remove "certain facts and certain spicy details in (sic) the affair between Najib and Altantuya". The Malaysian public will need to hear from Rosmah what her riposte is to this. Thirdly, Deepak alleges that he made payments to Najib and Rosmah from "the proceeds of Glomac Tower to a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House" and this evidence was recorded by one Dato Jamidan, a senior director with MACC in 2011. MACC has to explain immediately to the Malaysian public whether this allegation of payment to Najib and Rosmah is true, and if so, was it for any corrupt purpose. We also await the response of the MACC on Deepak' allegations supported with documents that he had made expensive presents in diamonds and jewellery to Rosmah. A serving Prime Minister going to the public for an electoral mandate to govern cannot be the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand in respect of these very serious issues. Deepak's statements are specific. Malaysia needs specific answers. Silence will be taken to mean that Deepak's allegations are credible and with basis. READ MORE HERE

Deepak’s Open Letter to Dr Mahathir Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:35 PM PST FMT LETTER: From Deepak J Tekwani, via e-mail Tun, I refer to your statement 'Ignore Deepak' as your advice to Najib Tun Razak and Rosmah Mansor. I also take heed of your advice to me to seek the courts' involvement and not use political channels to claim my rights and remedies. For your kind information, this is exactly what I have been doing the last two years from 2010 till to date and the courts have been fair and granted judgment in my favour. However, Najib's administration is "ignoring" these judgments and evidence produced in courts and almost all the government institutions have either swept Rosmah's dirt under the carpet or just not replying to our various written testimonies and court's judgment; as such I would like to seek Tun's advice. What would Tun do in my place? Being of similar paternal ancestral background, I am sure what I put forward in this letter would be exactly what Tun would have done in my situation or already done under different circumstances when Tun wrote the "historic June 17, 1969″ Open Letter to Tunku Abdul Rahman. I was raided by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2010 for foreign currency exchange through money changers amounting to substantial sum of Singapore and US dollars. The investigation was for a period of six (6) weeks and we divulged that the foreign currency was delivered to Najib and Rosmah as payments for various deals that I had acted on as their conduit including Bangunan Angkasa Raya, Bukit Raja Land and Glomac Tower (now known as Wisma Prestige). The matter was not pursued any further. I was also asked to be part of an investigation by MACC into the sale of an office building at KLCC to an international Islamic Bank, for which we had proved through payment slips, video statements and written testimony that I was merely acting as a conduit for Najib and Rosmah and monies were given by hand to both of them on various occasions over a period of two (2) years. Now why is it that after such clear incriminating evidence, till to date there has been no investigation on Rosmah, Najib or Nazim (Najib's brother)? This takes selective prosecution to an entirely different level doesn't it? How does Tun suggest I seek duress then? Let's talk about my court experience now. I had bought a 200-acre piece of land from Senator Raja Ropiah Raja Abdullah in 2007. She is now Selangor Umno Wanita chief and the state's BN Wanita chief. We paid her RM13,000,000.00 in cash and issued a Land Bond (Bank Guarantee) of RM72,500,000.00 to complete the purchase consideration. Raja Ropiah after collecting the money, purposely delayed the issuance of the land title to us by completely neglecting her responsibilities to deliver this land title and on the sly by committing CBT, sold the land to another company at a higher price and also collecting close to RM90,000,000.00 in cash and bank guarantees from them, this too while our "Land Bond" was still valid and collecting RM13,000,000.00 from us in cash. We also paid as disclosed in open court RM8,000,000.00 to Najib's family. I have lodged police reports and to date zero action has been taken on Raja Ropiah and the other "R". Instead I had to go through a harrowing experience of receiving a foreclosure notice called a "16 D" by none other that Najib brother's, throught his law firm exactly 24 hours after my press conference informing the media of the corruption and malpractice of this couple. Tun, pray advice me which bank does a foreclosure without even going through the legal process involved? Anyway by sheer "coincidence" their foreclosure was for RM30,000,000.00 and Boustead Holding suddenly appears out of nowhere to agree to purchase our company that owns this 200 acre land under the name of Asta Canggih Sdn Bhd for the same RM30,000,000.00! Wonders of wonders right ? The best part is Boustead also paid us in "advance" before signing the agreement on condition that we withdraw the case from the courts immediately as the open court date was in the same week. Now Tun, please advice me what you would have done in this circumstances? The best part is that Raja Ropiah was paid a further RM29,000,000.00 as her "sentence" for the CBT. We had sold a building to a subsidiary of an international Islamic Bank in 2008 and they defaulted in the payment to us in 2010 when the new shareholders came in. Now we won this landmark case in court via a judgment on Nov 7, 2012 and the court judgment found that the international Islamic Bank: a) used unlawful means to conspire against us with the predominant purpose of injuring us, b) committed breach of the Letter of Undertaking they issued to us, c) involved in the issuance and release of fraudulent letters to injure us and our business The bank was also exposed in open court of: i) Cheating its depositors by purchasing assets using an "associate" company where they initially claimed ownership of 19% but in actual fact owned 100% through a "Declaration of Trust Deed" which they later were forced to admit in open Court upon the presentation of the "Declaration of Trust Deed" ii) Cheating the various statutory bodies like Bank Negara Malaysia, SC, FIC and ROC by using these Malaysian nominees' shareholders to circumvent foreign ownership declarations and Approvals required. iii) Cheating Bank Negara Malaysia by showing loans exceeding its own Paid up Capitalat the material time as loans to third party companies when in fact it was loans to its own subsidiary. We had written to Bank Negara Malaysia to take necessary action against this international Islamic Bank as per the banking laws: a) Removing the CEO immediately b) Limiting or revoking the bank's license to prevent the bank from taking depositors c) Having the bank announce this unlawful conspiracy and breach to depositors and shareholders in Malaysia and the middle east where it is a public listed company and also governed by a Board of Trustees. My numerous letters to Zeti Akhtar and the Board of Directors of Bank Negara Malaysia till to date have remained unreplied. Why? Because Bank Negara knows that Rosmah and Nazim were involved in the building sale. READ MORE HERE

Deepak wants Najib out, Muhyiddin in Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:29 PM PST In an open letter to Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the carpet dealer is asking the former premier to call on Najib Tun Razak to quit and allow his deputy to take over. G Vinod, FMT Who is behind Deepak Jaikishan? This has been the burning question since the carpet dealer decided to spill the beans on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor. Speculations abound, with some claiming that he is working for the opposition while there are also those who believe that he is linked to Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Deepak, however, claims that he is acting on his own in order to protect the dignity of the nation. But in an open letter to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the carpet dealer's remarks have strengthened the suspicion that Muhyiddin is pulling the strings. In the letter, Deepak expressed his disappointment with Mahathir's statement that Najib should ignore the allegations levelled against him. Pointing out that Mahathir himself has described Najib as a weak leader, Deepak called on the former premier to urge Najib to resign before the 13th general election. "I'm just concerned that there might be chaos after the 13th general election. "So it's best for deputy prime minister (Muhyiddin) to lead a rejuvenated Barisan Nasional for the general election," he added. Deepak also denied having links with the opposition and described himself as a nationalist just like Mahathir. "We are both defending the nation's dignity. Mahathir may think that I'm working for the opposition but it's not true. I'm a nationalist and we will never allow anyone to compromise our nation's dignity," he said. READ MORE HERE

Deepak immunity: One month for AG to respond Posted: 12 Feb 2013 03:27 PM PST Deepak Jaikishan has given the Attorney General one month to respond to his request for immunity in return for "the truth" about the prime minister. Anisah Shukry, FMT Controversial businessman Deepak Jaikishan submitted his letter for immunity to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) today, and has challenged Abdul Gani Pattail to respond within a month. "The country's last bastion of justice lies with the AGC…if no justice is served, then it is clear that we need a change of government," Deepak told reporters after handing his application to a representative. "One month is more than enough for them to respond. If by March 11 the AGC has not made any decision, then clearly they are useless and should cease to even exist," he added. Deepak stressed that it was the AG's responsibility to ensure necessary action was taken against those responsible for the 2006 murder of Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu. "If they can't settle even this small thing, then how can we rely on them to settle other criminal cases?" Deepak asked. "If the AGC doesn't address this issue, we might as well just shut down the courts," he added. In his letter to the AG, Deepak claimed that the details he had given to the media on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor's role in the gruesome murder was merely a smidgen of what he truly knew. "I am willing to cooperate with any authoritative bodies in the country to provide further information on the prime minister's involvement in the abuse of power involving his family, on the condition that I am given protection from any possible criminal prosecution…" he wrote. But he told reporters today that even if the AGC refused to take action, he was optimistic that the truth would eventually come out. "I will just hope that a change of government happens and they (Pakatan Rakyat) would take action." He added that he would do "all that is necessary" to ensure truth would prevail. READ MORE HERE

Man arrested for flashing obscene hand gesture at Queen Posted: 11 Feb 2013 06:38 PM PST A Penang-based NGO lodged a report urging the police to immediately probe the case. Athi Shankar, FMT A Malaysian working in Singapore was detained for allegedly showing an obscene gesture at the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah at the Bayan Lepas International Airport here yesterday. The incident happened at about 12 noon when the Queen, who arrived here on a private visit, was leaving the airport in a car. The suspect allegedly showed his middle finger in the direction of the car. The suspect has been identified as Leong Pei Koe, 29. It is learnt that a member of the Queen's bodyguards saw the alleged gesture and immediately detained Leong. He was handed over to the airport police station before being taken to the south-west district police headquarters for further questioning. Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi confirmed the arrest, saying the case was being investigated under Section 294 of the Penal Code for lewd activity in public. Leong, who holds a science degree from a Scottish university, will be remanded until Feb 14 to assist in the investigation. Initial police probe revealed that Leong has been working as a factory supervisor in Singapore and has a Singaporean Permanent Residence status. He arrived in Penang late last week to join his family in Sungai Pinang for the Chinese New Year celebration. However, he allegedly cut short his holiday and left in a hurry for the airport to catch a flight to Singapore yesterday after a quarrel with his father. The Queen was earlier welcomed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew Gek Cheng, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain, and other officials. Meanwhile, a Penang-based NGO, Pertubuhan Merong Wangsa Malaysia, has lodged a report urging the police to immediately probe the case. Association president Azhar Abdul Majid lodged the report at Balik Pulau police station at 12.40pm today. Azhar told a press conference in Teluk Kumbar that the incident was unpleasant and should not have happened in a multi-racial country like Malaysia. "Such incidents can cause racial tensions. It should be avoided at all costs," he said, calling on the police to charge the suspect in accordance with the law. "We want him to be fittingly punished," he said. Meanwhile, Leong has now emerged as a pin-up hate figure on social network, the Facebook. He is being criticised roundly for allegedly showing the obscene gesture. Leong is said to be a DAP supporter and some critics suggested that he should be banished from the country.

Rep: Selangor Government abusing its powers Posted: 11 Feb 2013 04:05 PM PST (Bernama) - The Selangor Government's move to freeze Syabas' capital expenditure from 2008 until now is an abuse of power, says Permatang assemblyman Sulaiman Abdul Razak. He said the state government took no responsibility when Selangor faced a water supply crisis and denied the company from seeking funds from internal or external sources such as commercial banks. However, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a RM120mil allocation to overcome water supply problems in Selangor recently, it was criticised as a bail-out to save a crony company. "Why didn't the state government extend any assistance in dealing with the Selangor water crisis? They only talk, criticise and dish out allegations about the Federal Government and Syabas but don't help in any way," he said. Sulaiman clarified that Syabas was only a company that distributed treated water bought from companies which processed raw water, and it was up to the state government to ensure the processed water supplied to residents in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was sufficient. "I don't see why they are making the RM120mil allocation an issue when they have not contributed anything to overcome the water problems in Selangor," he said. He urged Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to take some responsibility for the water crisis by retracting the freeze on capital expenditure to allow Syabas to operate without political interference. When asked to give an example of the abuse, Sulaiman said Syabas should have already replaced 2,000km of old pipes to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) as stated in its concession agreement, but only 800km were replaced following the freeze.

Pakatan’s seat tussle a boon for Sabah BN Posted: 11 Feb 2013 03:36 PM PST Mohd Farhan Darwis, The Malaysian Insider Barisan Nasional (BN) will profit from the current seat scramble between Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Sabah's opposition parties to win the next polls, state BN leaders have said. Sabah BN leaders told The Malaysian Insider that they hope to fully use the advantage from altercations between federal PR leadership and parties such as Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Sabah Reform Front (APS) and Pertubuhan Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPPS). "We do have an advantage ... but (BN) will take a look-and-see approach," Sabah BN secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (picture) said here. Silam MP Salleh Kalbi agreed with Abdul Rahman, and explained that the scramble is similar to what happened with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in the past. "Obviously, the alliance did not last long," he added. PBS information chief Datuk Johnny Mositun stressed that the discussions between PR and the component parties were clearly lopsided, considering SAPP was only given a small number of seats. "The discussions have been going on for so long without a conclusion ... I think SAPP's leadership can see for themselves, they might end up with the same fate as PBS before," he said. Mositun explained that PBS has also organised a number of seat talks with PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah, but its demands have largely been ignored. Abdul Rahman pointed out that it has been common for PKR to demand the lion's share of seats, despite failing to win any. "We see this happening in Sarawak elections too, where they contested 49 out of 71 seats, but they could win only three," said the Kota Belud MP. He also predicted that PR will lose most of its contested seats, in particular around 33 to 34 seats in Muslim Bumiputera-majority areas. Mositun was convinced that the seat allocation issue will shift Sabahans' support to BN, since it has been proven that BN component parties can sit together and work their differences out. "With these problems, (PR) is not showing a good example that they can govern the country, whatever that they have been doing was strictly political for the general elections," he declared. Last week, The Malaysian Insider reported that PR's seat talks with the SAPP have come to a temporary halt in yet another indicator that it may be a fractured opposition front that will face BN in Election 2013. READ MORE HERE

Dr Pornthip says no to Sugumaran autopsy for ‘personal reasons’, say lawyers Posted: 11 Feb 2013 03:29 PM PST Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider In a sudden turn of events, Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand today declined the invitation by PKR lawyers to perform a second autopsy on C. Sugumaran, the security guard who recently died allegedly due to police brutality. According to lawyer N. Surendran, the famed director of Thailand's Central Institute of Forensic Science emailed him earlier today to say that she was "unable to do the autopsy for personal reasons". Dr Pornthip's (picture) sudden about-turn came just shortly after PKR lawyers emailed a press statement to media organisations here, saying the Serdang Hospital has finally agreed to the autopsy and Dr Pornthip's team is due to arrive in Malaysia on February 20. "But now, Sugumaran's family will have to look for other alternatives," Surendran said. In his earlier joint media statement with fellow PKR lawyer Latheefa Koya, the duo had said that due to public pressure, the Serdang Hospital had agreed to the second autopsy and would even ensure all necessary equipment and facilities would be available. Earlier, the health authorities had agreed to the second autopsy, despite insisting earlier that there must be a written permission from the police or a court order. When contacted, the police had then declined to say if they would give permission. Dr Pornthip is the same forensic pathologist who observed Teoh Beng Hock's second post-mortem and testified at a royal inquiry that foul play was likely involved in the DAP aide's mysterious death at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Selangor headquarters in 2009. She is well known in Thailand for clashing with the authorities, especially for alleging police killings during then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's anti-drug campaign in 2003. Surendran had earlier confirmed that Dr Pornthip had agreed to perform a second post-mortem on Sugumaran. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has ordered a forensic report on Sugumaran after the latter's death was raised at a Cabinet meeting. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was directed to oversee the forensic report after MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who is also a minister in the Prime Minister's Department, had raised the security guard's death during the Cabinet meeting. Several witnesses who saw Sugumaran collapse on a street near his home in Batu 12, Hulu Langat on January 23 have accused the policemen who arrested him of beating up the man, together with the help of a mob, after he was handcuffed. READ MORE HERE

Who will light the fire? Posted: 11 Feb 2013 12:17 PM PST   (Free Malaysia Today) - At the hint of a looming rout or even a hung Parliament, BN will dig deep into its arsenal for one last weapon to reverse the tide of defeat – and that is creating chaos in the country.  Given the high stakes involved, the people can expect a bruising battle between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat. When the campaign for 13th general election starts, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat will hit the trail for what is likely to be a bruising contest, with no holds barred. These two mortal foes will go all out for the knock-out blow in the race for political power. The contest will be most keenly fought because now, for the first time, BN is facing fierce opposition. There is a real chance for Pakatan to topple BN and write a new chapter in the history of Malaysia. The question then arises: Will violence erupt? Who will light the fire first that will turn the skies blood-red? There are any number of causes that can lead to trouble. Some may be minor ones that can be brought under control, while others may be major ones that can spin out of control. In any election for high office passions will run high and when emotions get the upperhand, reasons will flee, paving the way for hostile confrontations. The first hint of trouble came from the mouth of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who vowed to defend the seat of government at any price, even if it meant at the cost of "crushed bodies and lost lives". This is no idle threat. It must be taken seriously because BN is unlikely to accept defeat graciously after more than 50 years in splendid power. It has come to a stage where BN believes it owns the country and is prepared to shed blood to keep its "property". But in typical BN fashion, Najib wants to put the blame on the opposition should the dam of popular rage burst wide open. He wags his finger at Anwar Ibrahim after reading a dire warning from Dr Mahathir Mohamad – the crusty, washed-out politician – that the opposition leader will provoke street protests should his ambition to become prime minister is thwarted. Najib paints himself as a principled democrat who believes in parliamentary democracy whereas Anwar is tarred as a rabid demagogue who will not respect the voice of the majority. In a subtle way, Najib is telling the people not to place their bets on the Pakatan firebrand. Anwar will destroy democracy. Anwar will bring utter ruin to the country. Art of deception Najib is wrong. It is BN that the people will have to fear the most. The BN dinosaur, now at its most vulnerable and dangerous, will strike out in every direction like a cornered, wild animal. It will summon up every last ounce of strength to push back the tide of destiny. It will fight to the death. This can only mean one thing: Najib and company will practise every art of deception to retain power. They have the Election Commission – the ever loyal poodle – to smooth the way to the finishing line. Even the police and the army will be Najib's shield. With such awesome firepower in its arsenal, BN will not hesitate to use foul means to achieve its end. It is highly probable that BN will cheat at the ballot box rather than accept defeat. At the hint of a looming rout or even a hung Parliament, BN will dig deep into its arsenal for one last weapon to reverse the tide of defeat – and that is creating chaos in the country. Even if the majority decides the baton should pass to Pakatan, Najib is unlikely to let it go. In the end, he will not respect or defend parliamentary democracy. He would rather see the country go up in flame than read his political obituary.  Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2013/02/12/who-will-light-the-fire/

We can still talk, Anwar tells SAPP Posted: 11 Feb 2013 11:35 AM PST   (The Star) - Opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is backtracking on his aides' move to stop negotiating with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) ahead of the polls. Anwar said he considered negotiations between Pakatan Rakyat and SAPP, which is headed by former Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee, as still being open. He said Pakatan had, however, finalised the allocation of 90% of Sabah's 25 parliamentary and 60 state assembly seats. Anwar said Pakatan in Sabah comprised PKR, DAP, PAS and NGOs Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPS) and Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS), headed by Datuk Lajim Ukin and Datuk Wilfred Bumburingrespectively. In an immediate response, Yong said Anwar's remarks were typical of conflicting and confusing statements from the Pakatan leadership. "We have Azmin Ali (PKR deputy president) and Datuk Wilfred Bumburing of Angkatan Perubahan Sabah saying the door is closed for negotiations with SAPP. "Now, Anwar is saying the opposite," he said after the SAPP Chinese New Year open house here yesterday. Yong said SAPP was open to negotiations with any Opposition parties in Sabah, including Pakatan and STAR, headed by Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. "Why should the doors be closed when Parliament and the state assembly have not been dissolved yet?" he asked. He said there had been conflicting formulas offered by Pakatan in the distribution of state and parliamentary seats. "At one point, they offered us six state and four parliamentary seats. "Recently, it was revised to all the seats being equally divided between PKR, PAS, DAP, PPS, APS and SAPP. So which is which?" Yong asked. He said Pakatan's move to allow APS and PPS to contest as political parties under the PKR symbol had added to the confusion. "These are NGOs masquerading as political parties. How will this work?" Yong asked. He said apart from an equitable seat allocation, SAPP's concern was also for Sabah autonomy in that the appointment of the chief minister and the state cabinet should be decided in the state, and not in Kuala Lumpur. "If Anwar can guarantee this, Yong Teck Lee will contest under the PKR symbol," he joked.

Selangor MB to discuss dissolution next week Posted: 10 Feb 2013 07:52 PM PST (Bernama) - Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will discuss the dissolution of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly next week. "I will discuss the matter with Pakatan Rakyat state asemblymen in Selangor. As I said earlier, several decisions will be made after Chap Goh Mei. "I will make an announcement after the discussion is over," he told reporters after attending the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Masjid Ar Rahman in Kampung Bukit Badong, Bestari Jaya, here today. On Jan 30, he said the Selangor state assembly would be dissolved after Chap Goh Mei, but the next day clarified it was made to pressure the Prime Minister into announcing the general election date. On the water issue, Khalid reiterated that Langat 2 project should be part of the restructuring of the water industry in Selangor. "We must act together (Langat 2 and restructuring of water industry). Come up with the overall cost of Langat 2, who will fund the project and how it will effect the water tariff water in Selangor," he added.

Deepak promises second book of revelations Posted: 10 Feb 2013 04:03 PM PST Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion yesterday to ignore all Deepak Jaikishan's allegations has stirred the hornet's nest as the controversial carpet dealer today promised more revelations in his second book. Titled "Black Rose 2.0: Black Magic Women", the 47-page book will discuss rituals used in the country"s administration. "i will be launching my 2nd book BLACK ROSE 2.0 'BLACK MAGIC WOMEN' where d names, photos, address, payments made & rituals ... will be published in this 47page book," Deepak (picture) announced in a text message here. Early last month, the launch of Deepak's first 26-page book "Black Rose 1.0" was derailed after PKR's Rafizi Ramli made his revelation alleging Deepak's involvement as a jewellery middleman for a local dignitary. Yesterday, Dr Mahathir had advised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to not entertain any accusations put forward by Deepak. The longest-serving prime minister said that Najib should expect various allegations to surface while holding a political post, drawing parallels to his time in administration. Deepak has been in the limelight of late, lobbing repeated accusations against Najib and Umno leaders, and has promised to dish more dirt on other scandals linked to other politicians. On Wednesday, Deepak had announced that he will seek immunity under the Witness Protection Act 2009 before exposing further alleged power abuse involving the country's top leadership. PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar had promised to look into the carpet dealer's request for protection after Deepak claimed he had been a victim of government intimidation. The carpet dealer had recently admitted that he helped private investigator P. Balasubramaniam repudiate the latter's earlier statutory declaration on the 2006 murder, including finding two lawyers to draft the new statement. A cloud of mystery has hung over the identity of the lawyer who drew up Balasubramaniam's second SD, dated a day after his first on July 3, 2008, regarding Altantuya's 2006 murder, for which two elite police commandos have been convicted and are facing death sentences. Deepak's first book claims to tell the true story behind Balasubramaniam's second statutory declaration (SD), and can be found online for free.

Polls losers might cause ‘Arab Spring’, says ex-IGP Posted: 10 Feb 2013 04:00 PM PST (Bernama) - Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said an "Arab Spring" can happen here if losing parties in the general election are dissatisfied with the result. "I am confident that the losing parties will use their supporters to create chaos to topple the government just like what happened in the Middle East. "Political parties must restrain themselves and behave appropriately starting now," Musa (picture) told a special briefing to Komuniti 1 Malaysia members at Kompleks Penyiaran Kedah here today. He said the police should start gathering information to prevent an "Arab Spring" from coming to Malaysian shores. "The Internal Security Act (ISA) that was preventive in nature had been abolished while the effectiveness of the new Act is questionable. "Some people were charged with promoting terrorism in a foreign country while those who rioted in our country are not arrested and charged." To a question, Musa said he would not join any political party but would fight alone in the best interest of the religion, race and nation. He lamented that several politicians were willing to gamble the nation's dignity and religion in order to achieve their political ambitions. "Previously, the US intelligence agency the CIA infiltrated governments to cause chaos but now the Jews and Westerners use NGOs to adopt liberalism. "They use NGOs demanding that the government become more transparent, encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). "All these are done to weaken Islam. If liberalism is not adopted, the government is deemed as cruel." Musa said that opposition lies that federal government is corrupt and weak are aimed at influencing the people. "This tactic has managed to influence the people although the opposition which rules four states can't do a good job. "National security will be threatened if the government fails to deal with greedy leaders, organised crime, loan sharks, religious fanatics, incitement and underground movements. "Action must be taken against those involved and it must not be made selectively," said Musa.

Police warn against foreign interference in general election Posted: 10 Feb 2013 03:55 PM PST (Bernama) - The police will not hesitate to act against any interference from foreign parties during the upcoming 13th general election. Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Salleh Mat Rasid said police were monitoring the possibility of such situations.    "So far there is no information on such interference,' he told reporters after a briefing on road safety at the district police head quarters here today.   Also present were Kelantan deputy police chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim and district police chiefs.   He was commenting on fears by certain parties of the possibility of foreign interference in the 13th general election due to the current political scenario.   On concerns that the opposition may cause an "Arab Spring" if it loses in the general election, he was confident such a thing would not occur as people were increasingly aware of the importance of national security.   He added that the police were prepared to face the general election and will co-operate fully with the Election Commission.   The police also needed the co-operation of the people for the general election to proceed smoothly, without any untoward incidents.

Musa’s ‘Arab Spring’ prediction will frighten voters, says Pakatan Posted: 10 Feb 2013 03:49 PM PST Syed Jaymal Zahiid and Nomy Nozwir, The Malaysian Insider Tan Sri Musa Hasan's prediction of an "Arab Spring" here after Election 2013 will intimidate Malaysians from voting freely, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) said today, urging the ex-top cop to trust that all parties would respect the democratic process. National news agency Bernama quoted the former Inspector-General of Police yesterday as saying losers in the coming national polls would create chaos like the uprising in the Middle East to topple the elected government. "As a former IGP he should stop making speculation like this. It is not giving confidence to the people to vote freely in the next election. "His statement is not going the help anything. He should put more trust in the people's choice," DAP central executive committee member Anthony Loke told The Malaysian Insider. Bernama also quoted Musa as saying the police should start gathering information to prevent this "Arab Spring", the term used to describe the violent uprisings in the Middle East, from coming to Malaysian shores. The former IGP also lamented that the fight to curb violent coups has been hindered with the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA), a British-enacted law that allowed detention without trial. The Act was recently repealed and replaced with another security law, as a part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's promise to widen civil liberties. Previously, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed there was an opposition conspiracy to replicate the uprisings should PR fail to wrest Putrajaya. He had alleged that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had spoken openly about it in an interview with an Australian media recently. Several leaders from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition have also made similar allegations. In retaliation, PR leaders said the accusations were intended to coerce voters against backing at the upcoming polls an opposition that was steadily growing in strength. "If it's anyone that is going to launch an 'Arab Spring' it's going to be BN," said PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub. READ MORE HERE

Australia, Malaysia refugee deal in limbo Posted: 10 Feb 2013 03:17 PM PST (couriermail.com.au) - THE immigration department has admitted that Malaysia has not yet agreed to strengthen human rights protections for asylum seekers under the people-swap deal between the two nations. Department secretary Martin Bowles said the two nations had discussed the deal since the federal government's expert panel recommended in August that Malaysia provide more protections for minors. "Until there is a clear way forward here, it's not in the budget and ... we're not changing anything between us and Malaysia in relation to the agreement," Mr Bowles told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday. Asked whether Malaysia had agreed to pass laws to strengthen protections for asylum seekers, Mr Bowles replied, "Not to my knowledge." The expert panel's 22-point plan to stop asylum seekers making the dangerous voyage to Australia by boat recommended the government pursue regional solutions including its Malaysia people-swap deal. Under that plan, Australia would have sent 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia for processing and received 4000 processed refugees in return. But the deal was quashed by the High Court and the government couldn't get enough support in parliament to change legislation to make it legally acceptable.

Lim will not attend BN CNY open house Posted: 10 Feb 2013 03:09 PM PST He is giving the event a miss as he needs to be at the airport to welcome Raja Permaisuri Agong who is on a private visit. (Bernama) - GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he will not be able to attend the Penang Barisan Nasional's Chinese New Year open house which will be held at the Han Chiang High School field here this morning. Lim said could not make it as he had to welcome Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah at the Bayan Lepas International Airport at 11am. He said Her Majesty is scheduled to attend the Chinese New Year open house of a friend. "As the Chief Minister of Penang, I have to welcome the arrival of Her Majesty in Penang. I have informed Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak that I will not be able to attend the (BN's) open house," he told reporters after attending a Chinese New Year open house hosted by the Penang Chinese Assembly Halls at its premises here today. The open house was also attended by Najib. Among the other dignitaries present were Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, ministers in the Prime Minister's Department Koh Tsu Koon and Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister of Tourism Dr Ng Yen Yen and Penang Chinese Assembly Hall chairman Lam Wu Chong. Najib meanwhile arrived at 9.20am and was welcomed with a lion dance performance after which he shook hands and mingled with the guests who had eagerly awaited his arrival. At the function, Najib was also entertained to various cultural performances of the Chinese community and presented a souvenir in the form of a replica of eight horses from the assembly. Later, the prime minister will be joining some 80,000 people at the 1Malaysia Chinese New Year open organised by the Penang Barisan Nasional at the Han Chiang High School field here, the highlight of which will be a performance by South Korean singing sensation Psy.

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