Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Two high profile judges in case-fixing video
- Now, Mani Ratnam’s ‘Kadal’ in trouble
- Islamic authority imposing restrictions on non-Muslims in ‘Allah’ row, says interfaith group
- Muhyiddin: Winning back Penang not impossible
- Don’t jump to conclusions, says EC chief
- Pakatan can only dream about Johor, says Ghani Othman
- Zahid backs PAS on ‘Allah’, tells Karpal to back off
- Hindraf-BN talks: Decision this month
- Pakatan distance itself from burn-Lynas threat
- Malaysia opposition sniffs power
- “Burkas for babies”: Saudi cleric’s new fatwa causes controversy
| Two high profile judges in case-fixing video Posted: 04 Feb 2013 09:05 PM PST VIDEO INSIDE 'Video MP' releases a two-minute video showing alleged case fixing within the judiciary. Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne, who became an overnight sensation with the VK Lingam tapes, has released a new video clip which he claimed showed another case fixing within the judiciary. The two-minute video, recorded by his father Mui Fah, showed an alleged case fixing involving "high-profile" judges a few years ago. The video clip shows Mui Fah discussing a civil case with an accountant in which both were involved. In the video clip, Mui Fah was seen discussing about the accountant's relationship with a certain "W", purportedly a senior judge, and another named J. "W you know very well. Your good friend! So you can ask W to help you," said Mui Fah. "Yeah … but no need. J [another friend] is there! My good friend. J, my old wheeler dealer broker," said the professional. "We have provided information and evidence of continuing malpractice and fixing of cases to the highest bidder," Mui Fah told a press conference here. "Like it or not, justice in Malaysia can be bought and sold," he added. Mui Fah expressed disappointment at the lack of change in judiciary despite the VK Lingam fiasco in 2007 which saw then Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz's retirement after his tenure was not renewed due to objection from the Conference of Rulers. "Despite a lot of reports on changes and transformation, unfortunately behind the scenes, not much has changed," he said. 'Something fishy going on' Despite requests from the press to divulge more details regarding the matter, Mui Fah said he will only release further information once Chief Justice Ariffin Zakaria responds to the issue. "I am not revealing details at this moment because of legal issues surrounding it, but I have provided enough information to the chief justice and the highest authority in the government to look into the complaint," he said. "However, regardless of whether the government responds, in the not too far future we will reveal what is contained in the video," he added. Asked who recorded the video, Gwo Burne said: "I helped set it up and left it in place to record the conversation".
|
| Now, Mani Ratnam’s ‘Kadal’ in trouble Posted: 04 Feb 2013 08:59 PM PST (Agencies) - CHENNAI: After the 'Vishwaroopam' row, now Christian groups have filed a complaint against Mani Ratnam's 'Kadal', claiming that it is anti-Christian. The Indian Christian Democratic Party on Monday filed a complaint with police commissioner S George against the film. They alleged the film had objectionable scenes referring to Christianity and sought their deletion. They warned of intensified protests if police did not initiate action. Christudas, a representative of the organisation, told reporters that the filmmaker had hurt the sentiments of the people belonging to the Christian community. "We have demanded that the director remove scenes which hurt sentiments of the Christian community. They should take action against the director if the scenes are not immediately removed," he said. Such scenes will give wrong ideas about the religion, he added. 'Kadal', was released on February 1. Actors Arjun and Aravind Samy are in the lead roles besides Gautham and Thulasi, children of yesteryear stars Karthik and Radha. Another Christian group lodged a complaint with the chief secretary demanding to ban the movie 'Adhibhagavan' as it hurts Hindu sentiments. Kamal Haasan's 'Vishwaroopam' had faced hurdles after Muslim groups objected to it claiming the film offended their sentiments. The state government had banned it, following which Kamal moved the Madras high court. Kamal and the Muslim outfits arrived at a compromise at a government-brokered meeting on Saturday. Following this, the actor withdrew his petition on Monday against the ban and announced that the tri-lingual 100-crore movie would be released in Tamil Nadu on February 7.
|
| Islamic authority imposing restrictions on non-Muslims in ‘Allah’ row, says interfaith group Posted: 04 Feb 2013 05:08 PM PST
Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider A non-Muslim interfaith group chided today the Selangor Islamic Council (MAIS) and a former top judge for trying to control the rights of Malaysia's religious minorities in the tussle over "Allah", which they said was against the country's highest law. The Malaysian Consultative Council Of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) was weighing in on recent statements issued by MAIS and ex-Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheik Abdul Halim, barring non-Muslims from calling their gods "Allah". "This is tantamount to imposition of restrictions by an lslamic Council or body against non-Muslims. It could also be seen as an attempt to control the religious practice of a non-Muslim religion by an lslamic body or organisation," it said in a statement today. The council warned against the "unhealthy practice" of pushing the idea that non-Muslims were bound by a fatwa or ruling from Islamic bodies like MAIS, saying it could spark religious tension. "Any attempt to govern non-Muslims or interfere with non-Muslims' practise of their religion by any Muslim body must be stopped immediately. It would be against the Federal Constitution. This unhealthy practice could also lead to unwanted social repercussions and raising of tensions between communities," it added. The statement was signed by Tan Hoe Chieow who is MCCBCHST president and head of Taoism here; deputy president Jagir Singh for the Malaysian Gurdwara Council; and Sing Kan and Prematilaka KD Serisena for Buddhism; and Rev Thomas Philips for Christianity; Datuk RS Mohan Shan for Hinduism. The non-Muslim interfaith group said there are no laws, whether at federal or state level, to impose rulings or fatwa on non-Muslims. It stressed that the only law applicable to non-Muslims was laid in Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution, which restricted them from preaching their religious doctrine or belief to Muslims. MCCBCHST said no non-Muslim was disputing Islam's position as the religion of the federation. It urged Muslims who disagreed that non-Muslims had a right to call their gods "Allah" to read the Constitution carefully and holistically, pointing to Articles 3(4) and 11(4). Referring to Ahmad Fairuz, the group said it failed to understand "how the former Chief Justice could overlook the fact that all the enactments of the 10 states are made under Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution, and that Article 11(4) only provides for the control or propagation of any religious doctrine or belief amongst persons professing the religion of lslam."
|
| Muhyiddin: Winning back Penang not impossible Posted: 04 Feb 2013 04:55 PM PST
Opalyn Mok, The Malaysian Insider Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) has regained public support recently so it is not impossible for the coalition to win back the state, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. "It is not impossible to recapture the state but it will not be easy too. "I don't want to sound arrogant by saying that we can easily win back the state as it will be an uphill battle," he (picture) told reporters at a press conference at Equatorial Hotel here today. He noted that in general, the public are beginning to realise the good that BN has done for them and that they are now more receptive to the coalition. "A recent survey by our election machinery has revealed an increase in support for BN and there are a few parliamentary seats that we could win back," he said, adding that those seats were lost to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) due to internal issues and not due to a lack of support for BN. In Election 2008, Penang fell to PR when the opposition coalition consisting of DAP, PKR and PAS, won 29 out of 40 state seats, totally wiping out Gerakan and MCA while Umno only managed to retain 11 seats. PR also won 11 out of 13 parliamentary seats in Penang. "Now, we can see that we are regaining support from people in some of the constituencies, so we are sure to win back a few seats," he said. He said Penang BN would have to continue working hard to win back the support of the people just as PR is now working hard to retain it. Muhyiddin also said he has heard complaints from Penangites against the current PR state government over various issues from land disputes to housing matters. "There are now so many unresolved issues and the people have realised that and opened their eyes to really evaluate Pakatan Rakyat," he said. Earlier, he said all 345 BN election machinery were now fully prepared for Election 2013 while hinting that the polls could be called in a matter of days or weeks. A total of 13.3 million registered voters will be casting their ballots in the upcoming polls for a total of 222 federal seats and 505 state seats across 12 states and three federal territories. In Penang, about 840,000 registered voters will cast their votes in 13 parliamentary constituencies and 40 state constituencies.
|
| Don’t jump to conclusions, says EC chief Posted: 04 Feb 2013 04:50 PM PST (Bernama) - The Election Commission (EC) is requesting all parties not to jump to conclusions to implicate the EC in the on-going Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) investigating the illegal immigrants issue in Sabah. EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof (picture) said today as long as the RCI was carrying out its task, no one should comment on matters raised during the proceedings. "Don't conclude anything before the proceedings are complete. Don't simply accuse the EC of anything. The investigation is not complete yet," he said. Speaking at a press conference here, he said making a comment now was like making a premature conclusion on the outcome of a movie. "One quarter into the movie, the hero appears to be shot dead. But don't jump the gun that he's dead. Towards the end, it transpires that he was just unconscious," he said. Abdul Aziz said the EC had budgeted RM78 million for Sarawak for the 13th general election, with more than half the amount allocated for rental of vehicles for staff. He said the amount was the highest compared to other states due to Sarawak's vastness and terrain. Earlier, he presented appointment letters to eight non-governmental organisations who were made domestic observers for the 13th general election in Sarawak. Speaking at the ceremony, he said four of the associations — Dayak Bidayuh National Association, Orang Ulu National Association, National Islamic Youth Association Sarawak Branch and Sarawak Malay National Association — would be observing the election process in the Kuching area. The observers for Sibu would be the Sibu Melanau Association and Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, while the Federation of Orang Ulu Malaysia and Miri Chinese Association would be observing in Miri, he added.
|
| Pakatan can only dream about Johor, says Ghani Othman Posted: 04 Feb 2013 04:21 PM PST
Boo Su-Lyn, The Malaysian Insider Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can only dream of capturing Umno stronghold Johor in the general election, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman has said amid rising confidence from the opposition that it can make a dent in the Barisan Nasional bastion. Sinar Harian Online reported Abdul Ghani as saying yesterday that voter support, especially among the youth, for Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Umno birthplace remained strong and has never faltered. "Like the past 50 years, the youth of Johor still support BN. In fact, their support has increased lately," Abdul Ghani (picture) was quoted as saying in Muar yesterday. "That's why we will remain a fort for the party. The opposition's confidence is actually based on other people supporting their parties," he added. Abdul Ghani called on young people to uphold Johor as a BN bastion in the 13th general election that must be called by April. "We want to return the record of Johor winning 100 per cent in all 56 state seats and 26 parliamentary seats that are being contested. With the support of the youth, we are confident that we can achieve this objective in the general election this time," he said. Despite sweeping Penang, Perak, Kedah, Selangor and Kelantan in Election 2008, the loose coalition of PAS, PKR and the DAP won just one federal and six state seats out of 26 and 56 seats respectively in Johor. Johor PR leaders admitted last November that they were facing difficulties in securing the Malay vote. The Malays make up close to 60 per cent of the three million-strong population of Johor, which is also home to a staggering 74 Felda settlements spread out across 21 state constituencies. The Felda Malay vote is often played by BN as its trump card during electoral battles, and has also been credited as one of the key reasons behind the ruling pact's survival in the 2008 political tsunami, particularly in Johor. But Johor PR leaders believe a slight 35 per cent vote swing among Johor's Malay electorate should suffice to topple BN in Johor in the next polls, provided PR goes all out in ensuring that Johor's non-Malays go anti-BN. PAS Youth chief Shuhaizan Kaiat has said that with an estimated 70 per cent support from the state's Chinese community, who make up over 35 per cent of Johor's population, PR could well capture the state in Election 2013.
|
| Zahid backs PAS on ‘Allah’, tells Karpal to back off Posted: 04 Feb 2013 04:03 PM PST
Karpal Singh should not interfere with PAS's decision on the "Allah" controversy as he has no authority to speak on Islam, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi said today, in a move seemingly aimed at driving a deeper wedge between the Islamist party and its DAP allies. The DAP national chairman had disapproved of PAS's statement that non-Muslims had received well the decision against allowing the use of the word "Allah" in translations of their religious texts, a decision he said was reached without prior discussions with other Pakatan Rakyat parties. "I do not make statements along political lines but what was said by the syura council was right," Zahid (picture) said, in reference to PAS's highest decision-making body. "And Karpal Singh should not comment on the syura council's decision. It is not within his expertise," added the defence minister. Following weeks of controversy over the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims, the party's religious council said that the Arabic word cannot be translated into or translated from other languages. The council explained that the word "Allah" is a specific and holy word used to refer to the Muslims' God. "Therefore, translating the word God or Lord from any non-Muslim kitab agama (religious texts) to the word Allah tidak dibolehkan (cannot be allowed) because it is wrong from the aspect of meaning and wrong usage, does not fulfil the actual purpose and can bring about an obvious confusion. "Therefore, it has to be prevented," said PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and his deputy Datuk Dr Haron Din.
|
| Hindraf-BN talks: Decision this month Posted: 04 Feb 2013 03:31 PM PST Feelings at the grassroots are ambivalent, say sources. Athi Shankar, FMT Hindraf will decide this month whether to hold talks with the Barisan Nasional leadership to find permanent solutions to the socio-economic problems plaguing Malaysian Indians. The movement's central executive committee (CEC) met on Sunday to discuss the matter but could not reach a decision after hours of deliberation. Sources said the CEC members paid particular attention to the ambivalence of grassroots feelings. Apparently, while many grassroots members are in favour of an electoral tie-up with Pakatan Rakyat, they are also dissatisfied with the performance of Pakatan state governments in championing the cause of marginalised working class Indians. Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy said the 15-member committee would meet again this month to make a decision. "Personally, I feel there is no harm meeting the prime minister," he told FMT today. "But the CEC must collectively sanction any decision in the community's interest, not personal interests. We will announce our official stand." The idea for the talks with BN emerged after the government lifted its ban on Hindraf last week. This came months after Hindraf had held talks with PAS and PKR and submitted its "Indian Blueprint" to both parties for their adoption. The movement has said that it would support any political organisation that would agree in writing to adopt the blueprint, which recommends a five-year programme aimed at the betterment of the Indian community. Waythamoorthy told FMT he was upset that "certain quarters" had spread "rumours and misinformation" about Hindraf merely because the movement did not respond immediately to the lifting of the government ban.
|
| Pakatan distance itself from burn-Lynas threat Posted: 04 Feb 2013 03:27 PM PST Pakatan Rakyat leaders say they do not condone violence and destruction of property. Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT Pakatan Rakyat leaders have distanced themselves from Himpunan Hijau's threat to torch Lynas Corps' controversial rare-earth refinery. Yesterday, the environmental group's president Wong Tack publicly declared his intention to burn down the Australian miner's plant if the newly-elected government fails to close it down after the upcoming general election. He also pledged support to Pakatan and stated his resolve to topple Barisan Nasional as he believed the opposition coalition will fulfil its promise to close down the plant. However, Pakatan leaders have disagreed with Wong's resort to violence and have distanced themselves from the group. "I disagree and disassociate the opposition from his statement. We do not condone violence and destruction of property," PKR vice-president N Surendran told FMT. He said he understood Wong's frustration and unhappiness over the failure to halt the plants' operations but warned that "this is not a correct way to respond". "I hope Wong will continue using peaceful, effective and principled movement against the plant and does not speak out about using violence," Surendran said. "We welcome the support of any group or individuals as long as their contribution is peaceful and through legal political campaigning," he added. Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said he understood Wong's "passion about the environment" but disagreed with his threat to burn down the plant. "The final analysis is that we have to go by the rule of law. We have to get BN to be open about the issue and listen to the comments and arguments and make the right decision," he said, adding that noted the issue must be "completely free from all political platforms". "What we need is to be more professional in the evaluation of the project as a whole. Even if BN is elected again, it should be more responsible and engage with the public," he said. "This is not just an election issue," he added. Asked if the police should investigate Wong's threat which is akin to Pakatan's call for the authorities to charge Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali following the latter's Bible-burning threat, Khalid said that it was not necessary. "He [Wong] should be given a warning that if he tries to take the law into his own hands, he will have to face the consequences of his actions and there would be no quick, easy way out," he said. "Such fires cause damages, injuries and even death. Wong must understand the additional consequences. He should be advised and warned," he said. However, Surendran said he will leave it up to the authorities to take appropriate action against Wong. "We don't agree with his suggestion. He should not have said it," he said.
|
| Malaysia opposition sniffs power Posted: 04 Feb 2013 12:55 PM PST
(Oman Daily Observer) - Speculation is rife that Pakatan could win enough in the polls to lure ruling coalition defectors and form a government. After the 2008 elections, a more experienced and organised Malaysian opposition is eyeing the once-unthinkable: toppling one of the world's longest-serving governments. Malaysians vote soon with the formerly hapless opposition buoyed by a new track record of state-level government, signs of growing voter support, and what its leader Anwar Ibrahim calls a sense of history in the making. "I am convinced, that we will win government," Anwar said, evoking the winds of change that powered the "Arab Spring" elsewhere in the Muslim world. "Of course we call it a 'Malaysian Spring', but our method is elections (not uprisings)." Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to call a fresh vote in weeks, pitting his Malay-dominated Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition against Anwar's multi-ethnic opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact). The 57-year-old ruling bloc enjoys deep pockets, mainstream media control, an electoral system the opposition says is rigged, and a record of decades of economic growth under its authoritarian template. Few expect the opposition to win the 112 parliamentary seats needed to take power. The three-party alliance won 82 seats in the 2008 polls, up from 21, stunning the BN with its biggest-ever setback. But speculation is rife that Pakatan could win enough in the polls — which must be held by late June — to lure ruling coalition defectors and form a government. "Before this year, many were in denial about Pakatan's potential. Today, we see society beginning to accept that the possibility (of a BN defeat) is real," said Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who runs the independent Malaysian think tank IDEAS. The country's stock market has trembled recently over the uncertainty as opinion polls suggest the vote will be tight. One recent survey put Najib and Anwar neck-and-neck as prime ministerial candidates. Read more at: http://main.omanobserver.om/node/145949
|
| “Burkas for babies”: Saudi cleric’s new fatwa causes controversy Posted: 04 Feb 2013 12:52 PM PST
(Al Arabiya News) - Sheikh Abdullah Daoud, stressed that wearing the veil will protect baby girls. A Saudi cleric has called for all female babies to be fully covered by wearing the face veil, commonly known as the burka, citing reports of little girls being sexually molested.
|
To protect baby girls from being sexually exploited, the Saudi cleric, Sheikh Abdullah Daoud, has called parents to make their female children wear the Islamic headscarf.| You are subscribed to email updates from Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan