Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Malaysia secretly deported six Chinese Muslims to face uncertain fate under Beijing
- RPK: Get Mahathir, Anwar to testify
- Dompok scares Christians with hudud
- Dr Pornthip ready to do Sugumaran’s second autopsy, say lawyers
- Deepak won’t assist Bala’s SD probe yet, says Bar chief
- Hisham: Don’t play with racial and religious issues
- Penang under fire for removing CNY banners of Najib
- ‘It’s too late for Sabah Umno, BN’
- Malay Economic Action Council: Give mega contracts to locals as well
- Valentine’s Day business goes on despite PAS’ call
- BN man gives ‘evil’ Dr M a tongue lashing
- Najib: I’ll increase Indians’ equity to 3%
- Muslim youth warned of Valentine's Day trap
- Selangor DAP leader may quit party to join BN
- Pak Lah denies any role in Sabah's Projek IC
- ‘Probe Mahathir’s citizenship’
- DAP has not accepted PAS stand on 'Allah': Karpal
- High chance PAS may field ex-BN leaders in Election 2013, says Hadi
- ‘Truth will prevail, immunity or not’
- Mirzan: I've no share in Petron Malaysia
- ‘Amalilio a nephew of Sabah minister’
- Don’t haggle with PAS over Islam, DAP and PKR told
- Joe the orphaned baby elephant 'wasting away' after mother was poisoned
- Kumpulan Semesta CEO sacked
- Pak Lah takes on Dr M in 'tell-all' book
- Mahathir behind Project IC, says Anwar
- SEB committing a bigger sin, says DAP
- Malaysian Election Deadlock Seen Possible
- Scrapping for every vote
- Chua: Government to present Chinese schools a fixed allocation from next year
- Vote only for Muslims, says PAS rep
- Johor in dissenting gales
- Najib’s fate up to Umno if BN does not improve in polls, says Dr M
- Mahathir blames Anwar for Project IC
- Anwar directly involved in Project IC, says Dr M
- Go ahead, make an offer, Chin tells S'gor MB
- LGBT can be cured - Puad Zarkashi
| Malaysia secretly deported six Chinese Muslims to face uncertain fate under Beijing Posted: 03 Feb 2013 05:52 PM PST
Chinese riot police control a crowd of Uighur protesters in Xinjiang [File] (Harakah) - Malaysia secretly deported six Uighur Muslim refugees to China in what critics have slammed as a grave violation of international law. Human Rights Watch claimed the forced return was done on December 31, 2012.
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| RPK: Get Mahathir, Anwar to testify Posted: 03 Feb 2013 05:04 PM PST The two should be subpoenaed by the Sabah RCI as they know more than what they're telling us, says Malaysia Today editor Leven Woon, FMT Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim, his deputy in the 1990s, should be made to testify in the Sabah's Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), Prominent blogger and Malaysia Today editor, Raja Petra Kamarudin, said it would help in the RCI's probe into Sabah immigrants and the Project IC as they were the decision-makers then. "I feel that both Mahathir and Anwar must be called to testify in the RCI, as should all those others in power since the 1970s until today," said Raja Petra, popularly referred to as RPK. "They know more than what they are telling us. There is more than meets the eye here and finger- pointing is not the right way to go," he said in a blog posting today. Mahathir and Anwar accused each other of being complicit in the citizenship-for-votes scam in the 1990s which saw about 200,000 Sabah immigrants obtaining Malaysian citizenship. Mahathir claimed that Anwar had acted without his orders, while Anwar said the task force to grant citizenship to Sabah immigrants was managed by Mahathir. RPK believed that Project IC was "a series of episodes" which happened at different times due to different reasons. Separate the wheat from the chaff He said despite the typical stereotyping of Sabah immigrants, there were genuine refugees who escaped from Mindanao, Philippines, when war erupted in the region in 1970s.
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| Dompok scares Christians with hudud Posted: 03 Feb 2013 02:19 PM PST Support for Barisan Nasional is plunging and religion seems to be the only weapon left to fight the war against Pakatan Rakyat in Sabah and Sarawak. Queville To, FMT Embattled Upko chief, Bernard Dompok, has raised the "Islamic state" bogeyman to scare Christians in Sabah and Sarawak into voting for the ruling Barisan Nasional in the coming general election. Worried that support for Upko (United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation) and the ruling coalition is plunging, Dompok warned the Christian community in both states that voting in BN would prevent the shift towards a more Islamised country as desired by opposition PAS, a partner in the Pakatan Rakyat pact. The Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister stressed that there is no reason for Christians to believe that BN will go the same route as PAS in changing the religious makeup of the country. "But I think the Christian community also recognises that the present government is always trying its best to see that the interests of everybody are looked after… [because] if you look at the alternative, what is there?" he said during the Penampang-level BN annual Chinese New Year walkabouts in Lido, here, over the weekend. Dompok was commenting on a news report that quoted a local university researcher as saying that Sabah and Sarawak are no longer fixed deposits for BN because the Christian community in the two states have risen against the coalition. He said the "Allah" issue raised by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was "actually a non-issue." "The government has solved the issue by allowing the importation and reprinting of the Bibles into Sabah. "So if you are allowed to import then certainly you are allowed to use it. So it is already a non-issue," said Dompok who is Penampang MP. He also took a swipe at Pakatan for its stand on the "Allah" issue. "All the Pakatan partners got together and said it is okay [for non-Muslims] to use the word 'Allah', but three days later PAS changed its mind. "And there was a time a DAP leader [reportedly] said [impose] the hudud over his dead body. But PAS does not want to respect his body because the next day it said it wants to implement it because it has already implemented it in Kelantan." "And this is the thing that PAS wants because religion is part of its constitution," said Dompok. Christians furious Dompok said once PAS comes to power it is certain it will move to set up an Islamic state. "And I think all of us will not want that…because Malaysia was formed on secularism and not as an Islamic state," he said. He reiterated that the Christian community must support the current government because it does not want an Islamic state.
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| Dr Pornthip ready to do Sugumaran’s second autopsy, say lawyers Posted: 03 Feb 2013 12:43 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand has agreed to perform a second autopsy on security guard C. Sugumaran who allegedly died from a police beating, Sugumaran's family lawyers said today. Dr Pornthip is the Thai forensic pathologist who had 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. "On behalf of the family, we have urgently written to the prime minister, health minister and the director-general of the Health Ministry to issue the necessary authorisations for Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand(picture) to conduct the second post-mortem on Sugumaran's remains," said Sugumaran's family lawyers N. Surendran and Latheefa Koya in a joint press statement. "We have no objection to a government pathologist being allowed to observe the procedure. We call upon Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak and the other relevant authorities to respond immediately to this request, as the family are unable to carry out the last rites until the second post-mortem is concluded," they added. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dr-pornthip-ready-to-do-sugumarans-second-autopsy-say-lawyers/ | ||||
| Deepak won’t assist Bala’s SD probe yet, says Bar chief Posted: 03 Feb 2013 12:40 PM PST
(The Malaysian Insider) - Carpet dealer Deepak Jaikishan has declined to help the Bar Council investigate a possible professional misconduct in a murder trial witness' sworn statement despite making the allegation, says its president Lim Chee Wee. Despite the lack of witnesses, Lim said the council has issued letters to several people to help its queries but he did not name those asked to explain their role in private detective P. Balasubramaniam second statutory declaration (SD) over the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu. Balasubramaniam later repudiated the second SD. "It is unfortunate that despite our request for assistance, Deepak Jaikishan has decided not to assist in the enquiries until after March 16, 2013 and that no one has stepped forward to assist us by disclosing the relevant facts regarding this issue," Lim (picture)wrote in an email toThe Malaysian Insider. When contacted over the phone, Lim said that Deepak had said "he only wants to deal with the new Bar Council president" who will come into office this March 16. Lim also confirmed in the same phone conversation that the Bar Council had in the course of making enquiries asked a senior lawyer, believed to be Tan Sri Cecil Abraham who has been alleged to be involved in the drafting of the SD, "to explain" his role in the matter. In the email, Lim said: "The Bar Council has started making the necessary enquiries by issuing various letters to relevant persons whom we believe would have knowledge of facts and seeking their explanation/assistance. "Such explanation/assistance would assist us to determine whether there is any prima facie evidence of professional misconduct surrounding the preparation of the Second SD." Lim said the council would lodge a complaint to the disciplinary board (DB) — the ultimate adjudicating body for complaints against lawyers — if prima facie evidence of misconduct is found. "Of course, there is nothing to stop anyone else equally concerned with this matter to lodge a complaint to the DB." Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/deepak-wont-assist-balas-sd-probe-yet-says-bar-chief/
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| Hisham: Don’t play with racial and religious issues Posted: 03 Feb 2013 11:33 AM PST
(The Star) - The Government will not hesitate to take action against those who sensationalise racial and religious issues, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Without naming any individual or group, he said the Government had the right to take legal action against anyone who jeopardised national harmony. "More baseless allegations linked to racial and religious issues will surface with the upcoming general election. "If such matters are proven wrong, we will not hesitate (to take action) as the laws are there," he told reporters after launching the My Beautiful Malaysia Day programme in Batu Berendam here yesterday. Also present were Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and other state leaders. Hishammuddin said that recent allegations against agencies such as the police force and National Registration Department were made to divert people's attention from the good things that were taking place in the country. He cited the claims of 300,000 Indians being stateless and the sending of uncollected identity documents to Sabah, which he said were untrue. "The rakyat must not be manipulated and become angry or emotional before finding out the truth. "We must be wise to see the current political scenario by remaining calm, followed by investigation before action," he added. He also called on Malaysians to focus on the "bigger national agenda" instead of getting themselves carried away with baseless accusations and politics of hatred.
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| Penang under fire for removing CNY banners of Najib Posted: 02 Feb 2013 07:28 PM PST
(Bernama) - The DAP-led Penang Government has come under fire for removing banners depicting Pime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak extending Chinese New Year (CNY) greetings to the people. Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (picture) said it was also unbecoming of the state government as feedback received had also indicated that some people had stepped on the banners bearing the prime minister's image, after they were pulled down. With guns blazing, the tourism minister minced no words when she said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should apologise for the disrespectful behavior towards a prime minister of Malaysia. "He (Lim) must remember (Najib) is the prime minister of Malaysia, including Penang. Stepping on the prime minister's face is tantamount to stepping on Malaysia's face. "If a banner (bearing the image of the prime minister) is torn down, it means turning down Malaysia," she said. Dr Ng was asked to comment on the Seberang Prai Municipal Council's action of removing the banners, as those who had put them up had reportedly not applied for a permit. She was speaking to reporters after attending a 'My Beautiful Malaysia' programme, together with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, at Dataran Taman Negara in Teluk Bahang here today. She said, the federal government was always there to help develop Penang for the good of its people, despite the state not being administered by the Barisan Nasional. "Don't be too political. Somethings you cannot politicise if it is for the good of the Penang people. Be a responsible government and serve the people well. If the federal government wants to help, let it be," she reasoned. Dr Ng hoped the people of Penang understood and felt the federal government's sincerity at prospering the state as some RM140 million was given in the past to boost its tourism industry. Meanwhile, she said the tourism ministry would work together with tour guide institutes to enable trained guides who had completed 75 per cent of the course to work as temporary guides during the CNY festive season from Feb 1 to Feb 28. She said, 25 tour agencies were reported to be in need of an additional 450 tour guides to meet the influx of tourists from China and Taiwan, especially during the CNY festive season. As motivation, Dr Ng said, a tour guide stood to earn RM440 each for the first and second day of CNY -- double what was normally earned by a guide.
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| ‘It’s too late for Sabah Umno, BN’ Posted: 02 Feb 2013 04:14 PM PST BN leaders in Sabah can chastise the opposition as much as they want in order to serve their peninsular master, but their end is nearing, says opposition STAR. Raymond Tombung, FMT Sabah Barisan Nasional's 'incessant holler' and attacks on opposition parties especially the State Reform Party (STAR) has not deflected grassroots perceptions of the BN's unworthiness. In fact the more BN leaders defend the alleged wrongdoings of their Umno-BN bosses and justify the coalition's continued presence in Sabah, the more compelling the need to boot them out, claims STAR chief Jeffrey Kitingan. In a statement lambasting state BN secretary Abdul Rahman Dahlan for hitting at the opposition's insistence on the Borneo Agenda which includes Sabah becoming a nation 'within' Malaysia, Jeffrey said the current 'domination' by the peninsular was "morally wrong' "Rahman has been very vocal in his defence of Malayan domination over Sabah, justifying it with all sorts of rationales. "This is understandable because he needs to show partiality to his bosses in Umno, but his rationales are contrived and in the final analysis he doesn't care very much about the rights of Sabahans within the Federation. "Why must we be subservient in our own house when we should be the masters of our destiny?" he asked. He said unlike in Sarawak, Sabahans were constantly being bullied and their rights trampled on as proven by the witness testimonies in the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry into the legalised illegal immigrant situation. "Unfortunately, there are selfish leaders in Sabah and Sarawak who have no qualms about being traitors to the people, betraying them by willing to be the proxies and rogue elements of neo-colonialists. "The RCI has proved that we have been subjected to the worse acts of treason by KL leaders who saw it fit to drown Sabah in a flood of illegal immigrants who then were made citizens and voters overnight. "I want to ask if Rahman is happy with the now confirmed Project IC what he as a Sabahan wants for the future of Sabah. "What do you see for your children and grandchildren now that the immigrants have outnumbered the KDMs and Bajaus?. "Are you not ever going to voice your objections to this criminal act and keep defending the federal government or keep talking as if the opposition leaders are wrong in defending Sabah's rights?" asked Jeffrey.
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| Malay Economic Action Council: Give mega contracts to locals as well Posted: 02 Feb 2013 03:42 PM PST
(The Star) - A coalition of Malay non-governmental organisations have expressed disappointment towards Petronas, alleging that all of its major contracts were being awarded to foreign companies. Claiming that equally qualified local companies were not getting any, the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) wants Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to intervene and ensure that the contracts are awarded fairly. "We have received various complaints from entrepreneurs and other stakeholders who said that they had been denied the opportunity for major contracts from Petronas and that Petronas is giving priority only to foreign companies," MTEM chairman Datuk Syed Ali Al-Attas said yesterday. He claimed that Petronas had also been awarding huge contracts to inexperienced or "troubled" foreign companies, such as the one that was being investigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. MTEM is a coalition of Malay non-governmental organisations that promote sustainable economic development for the Malay community.
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| Valentine’s Day business goes on despite PAS’ call Posted: 02 Feb 2013 03:40 PM PST
(The Star) - Florists and gift shop owners have snubbed the call by PAS for a stop to any activity linked to Valentine's Day. They felt that the call by PAS reflected its lack of understanding of the significance of Valentine's Day. "Maybe some of them have misunderstood the meaning of Valentine's Day. It is about expressing love and care for your loved ones, including spouses and family members," said florist David Yu. It was akin to giving flowers or soft toys during birthdays or other occasions to show appreciation towards someone, he added. However, Yu said the call by PAS had not affected his business as most people, especially young people, could decide what was right or wrong. PAS deputy Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz had reportedly said that Valentine's Day celebrations went against the religion. Terengganu PAS deputy publicity chief Azman Shapawi Abd Rani had also said that any such celebration should be completely stopped as they might lead to immoral activities. Gift shop owner Kim Ching said it was important to respect each other's beliefs in a multi-racial society. "It all depends on how you look at it," she said. Kim also said the PAS ban had no effect so far as Batu Pahat was a small town and most of her customers were non-Muslims. In Johor Baru, several shopping malls are already putting up kiosks selling chocolates and candy popular gifts for Valentine's Day and items like glass decorations to promote the Feb 14 celebration. Some hotels are also promoting Valentine's Day dinner with free gifts for couples seeking romantic, candle-lit meals.
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| BN man gives ‘evil’ Dr M a tongue lashing Posted: 02 Feb 2013 03:03 PM PST Seeing red over the former premier's call for Najib Tun Razak to quit if he does not secure a two-thirds majority, S Vell Paari fires a vitriolic salvo. RK Anand, FMT Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to relinquish his post if he is unable to secure a two-thirds majority for Barisan Nasional in the next election has ruffled the feathers of a ruling coalition leader. Without mincing his words, MIC strategy director S Vell Paari fired a vitriolic salvo on the former premier's "evil actions" during his 22-year tenure in office. He also reminded Mahathir that his constant rantings and his association with groups like Perkasa were among the main resons why Najib would find it difficult to obtain the desired majority. "Was it not Mahathir who said 'even if I win by one vote, I would still rule'. Was it not Mahathir who said 'under the Westminster (British) parliamentary system even if we win by one seat, we would continue to rule'. "Mahathir defeated Tungku Razaleigh by a mere 43 votes (in the Umno election). Did he not continue to rule for another 15 years. So why should Najib resign?" he asked. To illustrate his point further, Vell Paari quoted the words of the "great soul" Mahatma Gandhi to criticise the "not so great soul" Mahathir. Gandhi, he quoted, said that the spirit of democracy was not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms and that it required a change of heart. "Mahathir treated democracy as a mechanical object that he could control to suit his whims and fancies via policies of racism and inequality to remain in leadership," he told FMT. Taking a swipe at the former premier for criticising his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's leadership, Vell Paari said the latter inherited a government that was replete with Mahathir's "evil policies". "Abdulllah returned sanity into the government via a change from dictatorship to freedom," he added. Quoting Gandhi, who said that leadership at one time meant muscles, but today meant getting along with the people, Vell Paari said Mahathir ruled with an iron fist, using the courts and draconian laws against citizens and political opponents. "Abdullah brought back justice and independence into our justice system when he compensated the judges who were victimised by Mahathir. "Najib, on the other hand, introduced the 1Malaysia concept to cement racial ties while Mahathir continues to drive a wedge between the people to remain relevant. Najib also repealed the draconian laws which Mahathir used to silent dissent," he added. Vell Paari also recalled another quote from Gandhi, where he said that constant development was the law of life, and a man who always tried to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drove himself into a false position.
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| Najib: I’ll increase Indians’ equity to 3% Posted: 02 Feb 2013 02:57 PM PST He also says the government will consider providing full aid to qualified Tamil schools. Leven Woon, FMT Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak rolled out a list of pro-Indian policies before a large crowd gathered at the Ponggal festival celebration last night, including the pledge to increase Indians' economic equity in the country to 3%. He told some tens of thousands of Indians at Dataran Merdeka that his cabinet would also come out with three additional scopes of work with regards to the community. "These are namely, to increase Indians' equity to three percent, to provide access in higher education and to find ways to reduce crime rate and the involvement of Indians in crimes," he said to a cheering crowd. Though the latest Indian equity figure was unclear, it was reported that the Indian equity has dropped from 1.5% to 1.2% during the period of Eight Malaysia Plan (2001-2005). The premier also promised to look into converting qualified partially-funded Tamil vernacular schools (SJKT) to be fully-funded. He did not explain how schools would qualify for this scheme. He said he would discuss with Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is also the Education Minister about the possibility of converting these schools in stages. "We would also set up pre-school facilities in all Tamil schools because pre-school education is important," he said. He added that his government would also award university college status to the MIC-run Tafe College in Seremban, and allocate funds to build 15 community centers and 15 crematoriums. "The 13th general election will be held soon, I can assure you that I would not disappoint the expectation and aspiration of the Indian community. "It's important for us not to split vote to the opposition. If we stand united and vote for all BN candidates in the coming GE, and for sure we will conduct more reforms," he told to rousing applauds. Najib acknowledged that the challenges and problems faced by the Indian community must be given due consideration by the BN government. "Please give me 'nambikei' (trust), please believe and have confidence in me. If you give me and the BN government 'nambikei' we will certainly do more for the success of the Indian community in the country," he said.
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| Muslim youth warned of Valentine's Day trap Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:39 PM PST
(Bernama) - More than 300 volunteers between 19 to 25 years-old today joined a programme to make Muslims aware of the importance of not celebrating Valentine's Day. The programme called "Jerat Hari Valentine" (Valentine's Day Trap) targets several locations in Kuala Lumpur, said director-general of Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Datuk Othman Mustapha. "The young volunteers can advise and explain Valentine's Day to the Muslim community. This is the first time that Jakim is involving young people in addressing the Valentine's Day issue. "They will target Muslim youths, parents and the community to create awareness about the importance of not celebrating Valentine's Day," he told reporters after launching the programme at Masjid As-Syakirin, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here. The programme involves locations around KLCC and Bukit Bintang, Masjid India, KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC). Jakim director of Family, Social and Community Division, Saimah Mokhtar hopes parents take the ban on Valentine's Day celebration seriously as it has elements of Christianity and mixed with vices forbidden by Islam. The ban was issued at the 71st meeting of the National Fatwa Council Committee for Islamic Affairs in 2005. Participant Siti Balqis Samsudin, 23, said the programme could help build confidence and courage to combat social ills among young people. "The programme is also able to educate myself with knowledge to help other young people," said the university student. Siti Wan Norain Mohammad Azman, 19, said despite feeling scared of advising others, she remained positive by lending support and aid to the programme. Her goal was to educate young people who still do not know why Valentine's Day celebration is in conflict with Islamic teachings.
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| Selangor DAP leader may quit party to join BN Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:30 PM PST
Bernama) - A Selangor DAP leader is said to have expressed a desire to quit and join Barisan Nasional (BN) due to dissatisfaction with internal problems plaguing the party. This was revealed by Kapar BN chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Palil (picture) today who claimed receiving an SMS from the DAP leader few days ago. He claimed that the DAP leader had lost faith in the DAP top leadership which appeared to be unrealistic in its political cooperation and struggle. "I cannot reveal more details. This matter is being discussed seriously," he told reporters here today. Commenting on reports that some Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members are trying to topple Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Abdul Rahman said this is no surprise. | ||||
| Pak Lah denies any role in Sabah's Projek IC Posted: 01 Feb 2013 06:52 PM PST
The former PM says the accusation by Anwar Ibrahim was to cover-up Anwar's own wrongdoing. (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has denied opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's claim that he was involved in the 'Projek IC' in Sabah. He said Anwar implicated him in the issue to cover his own wrongdoing. "He (Anwar) is constantly blaming others. He will accuse other people and then he'll wash his hands off it. I know him too well," he told reporters after the presentation of 1Malaysia People's Assistance (BR1M) 2.0 to 262 Kepala Batas Chinese residents at the Tau Boin Temple Keong Hall here today. Abdullah - who is the area's MP - was commenting on a press report which quoted Anwar as saying that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) should investigate Abdullah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for their alleged involvement in the project. Anwar who is also Permatang Pauh MP was also reported to have denied his involvement in the issue but said he was prepared to give his statement to the RCI. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had earlier claimed that Anwar was directly involved in the project to issue citizenship and identity cards to ineligible foreigners in Sabah in the 90s. He claimed that although Anwar did not give orders directly, he was always taking the initiative, sometimes more than was necessary. Meanwhile, Abdullah said 12,060 people in his constituency were eligible for the first phase of the BR1M 2.0 and the distribution would be carried out throughout February.
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| ‘Probe Mahathir’s citizenship’ Posted: 01 Feb 2013 05:24 PM PST
A PKR leader said Mahathir was half Indian, so he and his ancestors might have obtained their citizenship through illegal means. Leven Woon, FMT Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad should have his citizenship probed by the authorities, if he thinks that the granting of citizenship to Chinese and Indian prior to independence was wrong , said a PKR leader. R. Suresh Kumar, the special assistant to Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, said this was because Mahathir was also a half Indian whose ancestors were given citizenship to become Malayan at that time. "The full name of Mahathir is Mahathir Mohd Iskandar Kutty. The word Kutty suggests that his dad was an Indian Muslim. "If he is questioning the granting to citizenship to Indians and Chinese before independence, then his ancestors must be investigated too. And also his own citizenship," he said at a protest rally against Mahathir in Brickfields today. Last month, the former premier said the granting of citizenship to Sabah immigrants during his tenure could be equated to the same policy by Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman to Indian and Chinese immigrants prior to Independence. He claimed that Tunku has awarded citizenship even though it was not provided in the law at that time. "This situation came about because the Malays are generous and prepared to dilute their power, and this is very different from what happened in Sabah because they had the right to have citizenships," he added when asked to comment on the criticisms against him regarding the granting of citizenship to immigrants in Sabah. Various opposition leaders have since condemned Mahathir's statements and labelled it as inappropriate and misleading, while MCA chief Chua Soi Lek said he was unsure whether Mahathir was saying that in jest or not Today, a group of 60 people from various NGO and political parties staged a 30-minute protest at the elephant fountain in Brickfields against Mahathir. Holding up banners bearing Mahathir's portraits with the captions "The nation's traitor", "The biggest liar", "the most insulting individual", they demanded an apology from the former premier within a week. The group later lodged a police report against the Mahathir for uttering seditious statements. Jus soli is a right by which nationality or citizenship can be recognized to any individual born in the territory of the related state.
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| DAP has not accepted PAS stand on 'Allah': Karpal Posted: 01 Feb 2013 05:01 PM PST
(The Star) - It is wrong to say the PAS' Syura Council's decision regarding the Allah issue is well received by non-Muslims, including DAP's leadership, said DAP national chairman Karpal Singh. Karpal told a press conference here that he was disappointed with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's statement to this effect. He was commenting on a news report quoting Hadi as saying the prohibition on non-Muslims from using the "Allah" word in their holy books was settled and that the DAP's top leadership had also accepted the explanation on the matter given by PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat during a brief meeting with him (Karpal Singh) in Penang last Monday. Karpal stressed that nothing was discussed regarding the Allah issue when he met with Nik Aziz at the informal meeting. He said the Syura Council should not stick firmly to its stand as it conflicted with the stand taken by Pakatan Rakyat which is made up of the DAP, PAS and PKR. Karpal added that the DAP was not meddling in the internal affairs of PAS but instead was upholding a stand which had already been taken by PR.
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| High chance PAS may field ex-BN leaders in Election 2013, says Hadi Posted: 01 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST PAS may list former rivals from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) bloc to run for both federal and state seats on the PAS ticket in Election 2013, its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has said. But Hadi (picture) insisted the opposition party does not lack candidates to replace its maverick lawmaker Nasharudin Mat Isa and those who have left the Islamist party since Election 2008. "It is not the time yet for me to make the announcement but there is a high probability that former BN leaders, who were ministers and deputy ministers, will be listed as candidates to contest parliamentary and state seats," the Marang MP was reported as saying by the New Straits Times (NST) today. Nasharudin, who was once the party's deputy president, was booted out of the powerful syura council last month just ahead of the 13th general election due to be called by April and which PAS, a senior partner in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) opposition pact, is hoping will form the new federal government. Hadi said Nasharudin was still a member of the party but whether he will be fielded as a candidate in the polls will be decided by Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who is Kelantan mentri besar and the state's PAS commissioner. "Whether Nasharudin will remain as a candidate will be decided by Allah, even I do not know what is in store for me. That is why I would like to advise him to pray that Allah softens up Nik Aziz's heart to list him as a candidate. "Don't ask me why he was dropped from the syura council, but if you ask me on whether he will be a candidate, that is my answer. Pray to Allah. The power to list the candidates (in Kelantan) is in Nik Aziz's hands," Hadi was reported as saying by NST.
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| ‘Truth will prevail, immunity or not’ Posted: 01 Feb 2013 03:42 PM PST But the carpet dealer says he expects "some sort of immunity" after his Feb 6 meeting with Mahfuz Omar. Anisah Shukry, FMT Controversial businessman Deepak Jaikishan said he would not remain silent even if Pakatan Rakyat was unable to guarantee him immunity from prosecution. "I will do whatever is necessary to come out with the truth. Truth will prevail. It cannot go away," Deepak told FMT. Deepak said this when asked to comment on PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar's announcement that he must "convince" the Pokok Sena MP as well as several legal advisors during their Feb 6 meeting that the immunity was necessary. Deepak is banking on Pakatan Rakyat to provide him protection should the opposition coalition come to power this year. The immunity is in exchange for incriminating evidence Deepak allegedly has which implicates Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor in the 2006 murder of Mongolian translater Altantuya Shaariibuu. But Deepak said that regardless of the outcome of the meeting, he would still carry on with his slew of press conferences revealing the details of Najib's alleged hand in Altantuyaa's murder. "If I were to remain silent, I will be guilty of complicity," said Deepak, quoting Albert Einstein. "I cannot remain silent, so my press conferences will start immediately after my meeting with Mahfuz." But Deepak said that he expected "some sort of immunity" from Pakatan which "would work within the legal system". "I wish to thank Dato' Mahfuz, vice president of PAS, for granting me the opportunity to discuss my immunity request with Pakatan," he added. "I am very very greatful [sic] for his vision for truth and justice and readily accept the invitation and will be at PAS headquarters on Feb 6 2013 at 11am." 'No promises of immunity for Deepak' However, when contacted, PKR vice-president Tian Chua reiterated his stance that Pakatan could not directly promise Deepak immunity from prosecution. "We promise a a legal and transparent process that will guarantee justice for people who wish to come up with the truth," said the Batu MP. He said that Pakatan would try to explain this to Deepak during the Feb 6 meeting – a meeting that Tian Chua approved of.
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| Mirzan: I've no share in Petron Malaysia Posted: 01 Feb 2013 03:23 PM PST
(Business Times) - Mirzan Mahathir, who is the second son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has reiterated that he does not own shares in Petron Malaysia. "As one of the directors at San Miguel Corp, I admit that I have 1,000 shares in Petron Corp but only because I sit on the board. I have no interest in Petron Malaysia whatsoever," Mirzan told reporters here on Thursday on the sidelines of the Malaysia Strategic Outlook. | ||||
| ‘Amalilio a nephew of Sabah minister’ Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:58 AM PST
(Philippine Star) - Manuel Amalilio is a nephew of the chief minister of Sabah, who blocked last week his repatriation to Manila where he is wanted for a P12-billion pyramiding scam. This is according to Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who called on his country's police to "act in accordance with law and not be seen taking orders from political masters." "Yes, his mother is Musa's first cousin," Anwar told The STAR when asked for details about Amalilio's ties to Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman. "Amalilio's real name is Kamal bin Said, born in Beaufort, Sabah," Anwar said. "The mother is Zubaidah Omar, cousin of Chief Minister Musa Aman. Haji Aman (Musa's father) and Haji Omar (Zubaidah's father) are brothers." One reason given by Sabah airport police in stopping National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, at the last minute, from flying Amalilio to Manila is that he is a protected Malaysian citizen. "Amalilio is married to a Filipina, and holds a Philippine passport," Anwar said. Amalilio is facing court cases for duping last year more than 15,000 Visayans and Mindanaoans in a get-rich-quick scheme of his Aman Futures. He is hot news in predominantly Muslim Malaysia because most of Amalilio's victims reportedly are from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. When President Aquino ordered his arrest last November, Amalilio fled to Sabah, where he reportedly was often seen in public. Last week the Interpol branch in Malaysia arrested Amalilio, and promptly informed Manila. The NBI dispatched a team to pick up Amalilio the other Friday. But the agents came home empty-handed. Sabah police retook Amalilio at the airport minutes before the flight, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who had helped the thousands of victims sue Amalilio, revealed that no less than Chief Minister Musa intervened for the fugitive. Read more at: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/02/02/903893/amalilio-nephew-sabah-minister
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| Don’t haggle with PAS over Islam, DAP and PKR told Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:53 AM PST
(The Star) - DAP and PKR should not "haggle" with PAS over the Islamist party's decision on the issue of the word "Allah" or any matter concerning Islam, says PAS ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib. "We are sticking by the (PAS) Syura Council's decision that the word Allah should not be used by other religious faiths," he said. The party's information chief Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party's decision on the matter was final. He added that PAS would not entertain Pakatan Rakyat's recent decision that indirectly allows the word "Allah" to be used in Bibles in the Malay language. "We will abide by the Syura Council decision. We will not change our stand on matters concerning the religion," he said, adding that PAS is not a flip-flop party that changes its stand for the sake of political expediency. They said this in response to reports that DAP chairman Karpal Singhhad allegedly asked PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to ensure that the Syura Council abided by the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council's recent decision to allow non-Muslims to use the word "Allah". The Syura Council is the highest decision-making body in PAS that decides on the party's policies and direction. On Jan 14, the council decided that the word "Allah" cannot be used to describe God in any non-Muslim publications. However, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Pakatan's stand remained the same despite the council's decision. Abdul Hadi had said earlier this year that Islam did not forbid people from other faiths from using the word "Allah" – provided it was not misused. | ||||
| Joe the orphaned baby elephant 'wasting away' after mother was poisoned Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:49 AM PST
(The Telegraph) - A baby pygmy elephant that was pictured nuzzling the body of its dead mother in a heartbreaking attempt to wake her up is said to be losing weight fast amid fears he may not survive. The three-month-old calf, named Joe by wildlife officials, made headlines earlier in the week when the poignant photograph was published. His mother was one of 14 rare Borneo pygmy elephants that have been found dead of suspected poisoning in recent days in a series of fatalities that has shaken conservation efforts. The decomposed remains of the latest known victim were located on Wednesday, said Laurentius Ambu, director of the wildlife department in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island. Officials believe the animals may have been poisoned, possibly by substances left out by workers at nearby oil palm plantations to deter the animals from eating their palm fruit. A wildlife official tends to Joe. Picture: SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT/AFP/Getty Images They fear more dead pygmy elephants - an endangered species - could be found because they usually roam Borneo's jungles in herds of 50 to 60 animals. Masidi Manjun, Sabah's tourism, culture and environment minister, warned it would be a "challenging task" to keep Joe alive as he was consuming only half his normal 30 litres (7.9 gallons) of milk daily. "(Joe) is surviving, but it is going to be a challenging task," he told AFP news agency by phone from Sabah. Joe is being kept in quarantine at a wildlife park and has lost 22 pounds after being traumatised by an 800 kilometre (497 mile) road journey to the park, the Star newspaper said Thursday.
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| Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:39 PM PST
Wan Ab Halim Wan Ismail has been on leave since November, and terminated from service last month. Meena Lakshana, fz.com Wan Ab Halim Wan Ismail, who is chief executive officer (CEO) of sand mining company Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB), a subsidiary of the Selangor government, had been sacked effective last month for abuse of power and violating company procedures. ALSO READ:1. EPISODE 4: The Selangor sand-mining scandal 2. Sand mining: RPK reveals 'dirt' on two reps 4. Haris: What happened to the 2010 findings? When contacted, sources in the Selangor government confirmed to fz.com that Wan Ab Halim, who was appointed CEO in July 2010, had received notice of his firing in early January. A Sinar Harian report today, quoting sources, said the KSSB board of directors fired Wan Ab Halim for abuse of power and violating operating procedures. The move came as a surprise for many quarters within KSSB as Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had extended the CEO's contract for another two years last July. The company, too, has been doing financially well under his watch. The sacking follows an independent investigation by a firm appointed by the board of directors to look into financial operations of the company. Sources close to KSSB told the Bahasa Malaysia daily that Wan Ab Halim was alleged to have sanctioned illegal sand mining last year. Last November, he received notice to go on leave from the Selangor MB, and this was then extended till end-December. The CEO position at KSSB was created after two of the company's directors, who are state assembly members, were investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2010. Wan Ab Halim, 62, has wide prior experience with companies that are involved in the mining of mineral resources such as sand, tin, iron and gold. KSSB was established on June 26, 2008 to pioneer the mining of sand and other minerals in the state.
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| Pak Lah takes on Dr M in 'tell-all' book Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:25 PM PST
'Elegant silence' no more. 'Mr Nice' is set to do battle with his predecessor over spiteful remarks. Mohsin Abdullah, fz.com Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is finally countering allegations hurled at him by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a "tell-all" book to be published after the coming Chinese New Year, say sources. The book is edited by well-known academics and political analysts Bridget Welsh and James Chin. If this is indeed true, then it will be the first time Abdullah is addressing attacks from his predecessor, which began soon after he took office in 2003. The attacks arose from what was seen as Abdullah "pushing aside" development projects started by Mahathir (including cancelling the "crooked bridge" link to Singapore) and unwillingness to continue certain policies. The barrage of attacks escalated following Barisan Nasional's poor showing in the 2008 general election, which Mahathir blamed on Abdullah, accusing him among other things, of being "a weak leader leading a half-past-six government". And that was one of Mahathir's "softer" tirades. Mahathir also openly called for Abdullah's resignation and famously quit Umno in May 2008, citing a lack of confidence in the party leadership. (Abdullah eventually stepped down in April 2009, to make way for current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak). Abdullah's response to Mahathir's attacks was, well, a non-response – prompting former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam, who agreed with the former's stance, to coin the now famous term "elegant silence". And Abdullah or Pak Lah as he is fondly known, has stuck to his code of "elegant silence" religiously, at least in public. Until now. With the publication of the book the "elegant silence" will finally, it seems, be broken. "Well, it is done in Pak Lah's style which is different from Dr Mahathir's," said another source, who is privy to the publication of the book. This means whether it would "satisfy" those who expect a hard-hitting response from the veteran politician remains to be seen.
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| Mahathir behind Project IC, says Anwar Posted: 31 Jan 2013 04:54 PM PST The opposition leader points his fingers at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed instead. Anisah Shukry, FMT Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated his stance that he had nothing to do with the citizenship-for-votes granted to Sabah immigrants in the 1990s. Instead, he accused former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad of being responsible for the task force allegedly responsible for the citizenships granted to the immigrants. He also claimed that the exercise was ongoing and suggested that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) haul up Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as well. "I am ready for the [Royal Commission of Inquiry]. You can ask all the ministers, it was never discussed with me in the Cabinet, there are no minutes no reports, no related records," Anwar said at a press conference today. "Because the task force [to oversee Project IC] was managed by the then prime minister and handed over to (Mahathir's political secretary) Aziz Shamsuddin and (former Deputy Home Minister Tan Sri) Megat Junid (Megat Ayub)," claimed Anwar. "This is Mahathir's method [to make accusations against me]; but can he deny that he is responsible for founding the taskforce? All the reports were to his knowledge. He must answer this first." Yesterday, Mahathir had claimed his former deputy was the main man behind the so-called "Project IC", which is now under probe by the RCI. He said that there were times when Anwar had acted without his orders, and that the exercise was Anwar's own initiative. "He normally takes the initiative and sometimes do more [than is required]," online news portal Malaysiakini quoted Mahathir as saying. "What happens on the ground is often different from the directive [from above]," added Mahathir. Last week, Anwar had stated his willingness to testify in the ongoing RCI, but was quick to add that he was in the dark about the project. He also said that the RCI had not summoned him because "they know I have nothing to do with it". Today, Anwar again said that he would readily testify before the RCI. "As I said from the beginning, I am prepared to be investigated," he stressed.
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| SEB committing a bigger sin, says DAP Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:40 AM PST
(FMT) - "About RM100 million worth of electricity consumed is not accounted for and the SEB has gone on a rampage trying to catch these electricity thieves. On the other hand, it thinks nothing of giving discounts to the tune of RM1.3 billion to four companies" Giving discounts in the billions to favoured companies is worse than electricity theft committed by local factories and businesses. Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) in giving discounts in the billions to four companies is committing a worse sin than electricity theft by local factories and businesses, said DAP. "About RM100 million worth of electricity consumed is not accounted for and the SEB has gone on a rampage trying to catch these electricity thieves. "On the other hand, it thinks nothing of giving discounts to the tune of RM1.3 billion to four companies," said Chong Chieng Jen, the state DAP secretary. "I think SEB has got its priority wrong. We do not encourage stealing of electricity, but if we look at SEB projects, it has given mega discounts to cronies and individual companies. "The amount is more than 10 times the RM100 million it is attempting to recover. For example, the Murum dam which was initially valued at RM3.7 billion went up to RM4.52 billion." "This alone is RM550 million over the budget," said Chong. "The second project is the tender for the construction of the 500KV backbone transmission line from Samalaju, Bintulu to Tondong in Bau." "The project was to be awarded to a company allegedly owned by a son of Sarawak Chief Minister [Taib Mahmud] at RM1.15 billion, although the lowest tender was RM 1billion," he added. Chong said that the SEB had entered into an agreement with Press Metal Bhd (smelting plant in Mukah) to sell electricity up to 600MW at a price of 10.5 sen. "If you compare to what the local manufacturers, factory owners and businessmen are paying [at 10.5 sen per kw/hour rate], there is a discount of RM671 million per year to the company. "For Tokuyama, SEB is selling 140MW at a price of 11.5 sen. If you compare this rate with what is paid by the local companies, it gives this company a discount of RM145 million. "These figures add up to RM1.3 billion. This amount, given in the form of discounts, wastage or favourable rates payment to cronies is more than 10 times what the alleged theft has cost SEB. "If SEB wants to make profits and reduce expenses, it should look into those over-run projects, fishy deals and mega discounts to individual companies instead of persecuting the public," he said. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/01/31/seb-committing-a-bigger-sin-says-dap/ | ||||
| Malaysian Election Deadlock Seen Possible Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:34 AM PST
(Asia Sentinel) - One Malay businessman told Asia Sentinel recently that he plans to vote as early as possible on election day, which hasn't yet been announced, and then get on an airplane immediately to get out of the country until he sees which way the wind blows. Several of his friends have made the same decision, he said. Even before the election is called, the political scheming grows in volume Malaysia's national elections, tentatively to be held sometime in late March or early April, are shaping up as a free-for-all that could end with neither the government's Barisan Nasional nor the Pakatan Rakyat opposition winning enough votes to take power, resulting in what is called a hung parliament, political observers in Kuala Lumpur say.
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| Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:28 AM PST
(The Economist) - THE smell of fresh paint in Taman Sentosa, one of the poorer districts of Malaysia's capital, can mean only one thing: elections are at hand. And lest anyone forget to whom they owe their good fortune, prominent signs up outside every block remind them: the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government. THE smell of fresh paint in Taman Sentosa, one of the poorer districts of Malaysia's capital, can mean only one thing: elections are at hand. The walls of the numerous public-housing blocks in the area are gleaming, all painted within the past year. The redecoration of one block, 1A Pinang, was finished only on January 3rd, and the lucky residents got some shiny new guttering as well. The caretaker says it is the first time the place had received any attention since it was built 20 years ago. And lest anyone forget to whom they owe their good fortune, prominent signs up outside every block remind them: the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government. The paint-job is a federally funded project in an opposition MP's constituency. A general election must be called before the end of April, and it might be the tightest ever. The BN has never lost an election since Malaysia's independence from Britain in 1957. Last time round, however, in 2008, the party suffered its greatest rebuff at the polls, losing its two-thirds parliamentary majority as well as five out of 12 contested state governments. This time the opposition People's Justice Party (PKR) and its allies, led by the veteran Anwar Ibrahim, hope to go one better, so the BN is leaving nothing to chance. Taman Sentosa is in the Lembah Pantai constituency in central Kuala Lumpur, and what happens there will decide the fate of the election as a whole. It had always been a BN stronghold but was lost by a narrow margin in the electoral meltdown of 2008. The new MP was Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of Mr Anwar, who won by just 2,895 votes. If the BN can wrest back this seat they will be safe; if the PKR win again they will know they have a chance of ending the BN's run in power. It has thus become a totemic race, and Nurul Izzah believes that the BN are not only deploying paint brushes to give them the edge. The constituency used to have 149 postal votes, but the total has now jumped to 2,180, she says—all policemen, traditionally BN supporters. As in other urban constituencies the overall number of voters has risen since 2008, by about 15,000. Many of these live elsewhere but have registered to vote in Lembah Pantai, and Nurul Izzah claims that hundreds of these are known BN voters, which could make a big difference in a tight race.
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| Chua: Government to present Chinese schools a fixed allocation from next year Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:26 AM PST
(The Star) - A fixed allocation will be given to Chinese schools from next year. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said he was informed of this by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, also the Education Minister, on Wednesday. Dr Chua said Chinese primary schools had been allocated RM100mil last year and the same amount this year as development fund. He warned that with the general election approaching, the Opposition had been going all out to mislead the people on the status of Chinese schools in the country. Dr Chua said the DAP had to intensify such efforts this time around to counter the positive development for Chinese schools under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the last two years. He added that the increasing demand for places in Chinese primary schools among the Chinese and other races also showed the people's confidence in the schools. "Over 92% of Chinese send their children to Chinese primary schools now. "Non-Chinese pupils comprise 15% of pupils in Chinese primary schools now, against 5% some 20 years ago," he said. The expansion for Chinese primary schools between 1999 and 2010 also saw the building of 17 new schools, relocation of 75 schools to areas with high demand for places and the rebuilding of more than 1,000 classrooms, said Dr Chua. "The people must be made aware of the development so that they will not fall prey to the opposition," he said after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new block of classrooms for SJK (C) Kopisan here yesterday. Dr Chua said 820 tertiary institutions in China and 71 universities in Malaysia had mutual recognition. Another 157 tertiary institutions in Taiwan and 121 in Malaysia also had similar recognition. This, he added, had opened more tertiary education opportunities for students from Chinese schools, especially Chinese independent school students who hold the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) which is equivalent to STPM. "The graduates are recognised in Malaysia," he pointed out, adding that this showed the Government had neither neglected Chinese education nor the students or belittled UEC. Pending recognition for UEC, Dr Chua said the MCA and Government had been making all efforts possible to make tertiary education accessible to the students. Every year, beginning last year, 50 top UEC scorers get a RM45,000 scholarship each without any bond, he said. Dr Chua also advised Malaysians to strive to be multi-lingual to enhance their competitiveness. Citing examples, he said many of the Chinese in China speak good English compared to 20 years ago. Later in Ipoh, Dr Chua advised grassroots leaders in all divisions not to organise any overseas group holidays from now until after the general election. "It is important to focus fully on our election preparations, especially in our services to the people and reaching out to them," he said after chairing the Perak MCA liaison committee meeting. | ||||
| Vote only for Muslims, says PAS rep Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:18 AM PST
(The Star) - "If the PKR candidate is a non-Muslim, it is best for voters to vote for the Umno candidate to safeguard the interests of Islam" A PAS assemblyman has urged Muslim voters to vote for a Muslim Umno candidate if a non-Muslim PKR candidate is fielded in a seat in the general election. PAS Gaal assemblyman Dr Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad was quoted by online portal Mole.my as saying that it was better to vote for a fellow Muslim to ensure that Islamic principles are defended. "In choosing between a Muslim Umno candidate and a PKR candidate, a voter must evaluate which candidate is better. "If the PKR candidate is a non-Muslim, it is best for voters to vote for the Umno candidate to safeguard the interests of Islam," he said. He also noted that Malaysian Muslims have two choices of leadership, the Islamic and non-Islamic governance, and it is vital for them to choose the party that fights for Islam. However, Dr Nik Mazian stressed that between Umno and PAS candidates, it was wajib (compulsory) for Muslim voters to vote for PAS. "Muslims in this country have a better choice for a government that upholds the Islamic principles. "Only PAS has been upholding Islam in its struggle, unlike Umno and Barisan Nasional. It is a clear choice for Muslims," he said. Asked why PAS had chosen to work with DAP which does not share the same principle of upholding Islamic principles, he told The Mole online that: "In democracy and politics, it is only wise for PAS to accept help from other parties which can help us to topple the Barisan Nasional Government. "They can have their own opinion. We work together to ensure that the Barisan Government will be defeated." | ||||
| Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:15 AM PST
(My SinChew) - The opposition's landslide win in the by-election at Punggol East of Singapore might signify little to the central, northern and eastern Malaysians but was definitely an inspirational impact to the neighbouring Johoreans. "Will this gale-force dissenting wind in Singapore a paragon for Johor state?" is the question posed by my politically aware acquaintances these days. No definite answer is available though. Accurate prediction is wanting since the date for the general elections is not finalised and ballots are not cast. My rejoinder could go as such: There definitely will be impact but I am not sure how strong it will be. One thing I am very sure of is that the some hundred thousand Malaysian workers in Singapore could play a crucial role in the next election. Supposing the election is to be held after Chap Goh Meh as raised, then those working in Singapore will have to abandon their voting rights since they have to oblige office. But this is only a matter for conjecture notwithstanding reasonable basis. Yet another undeniable reality is that the voters nowadays are in general politically aware. Under this dissenting umbrella, one thing I am sure of is that those who work abroad or in Singapore might take leave to exercise their civil right back home. It could be a bit too far to travel back to east Malaysia but going back to west Malaysia for voting will not be that woeful in this transportation advanced age. I believe those who work in Singapore are predominantly Johoreans. To these Johoreans, faring home to cast their ballots is not a trouble. The question is whether you are politically aware, taking this as an obligation. The tricky question currently is, given that the mentioned permanent residents and workers of Singapore are politically aware, which party will they fancy, BN or Pakatan Rakyat? Pakatan Rakyat has since taken these expatriates as their immediate supporters. The truth seems to be so nonetheless the MCA would argue as the result is still fluid. What's more, polling is strictly confidential. The past election result in Skudai constituency probably can serve as a reference: in the 1999 general elections, Gerakan Rakyat's Khoo Kong Ek defeated DAP's Boo Cheng Hau with a majority of 11,245 votes. But in 2008, Boo was given the mandate contesting against Gerakan's Teo Kok Chee. In these eight straight years, Skudai turned from BN's strong bastion to an indifferent neighbourhood. The reason, to a great extent, has something to do with Boo Cheng Hau's personal charisma and endeavour. Another inextricable element is, there are many expatriates working in Singapore and they exerted their crucial role in the 2008 elections in response to DAP's calling. MCA president Chua Soi Lek stated last year that there wasn't any secured region in Johor for their party. The remark could be goading but under the 2008 dissenting wind blowing southward along with the forceful northward gale from neighbouring Singapore, MCA is set to confront a life-and-death fray, formidably. | ||||
| Najib’s fate up to Umno if BN does not improve in polls, says Dr M Posted: 30 Jan 2013 09:51 PM PST
Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider It is up to Umno members to decide if Datuk Seri Najib Razak should step aside if Barisan Nasional (BN) fails to get a stronger mandate in Election 2013, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today. But the former prime minister (picture), a staunch supporter of the administration, said Najib was unfortunately faced with the disadvantage of inheriting a weak government headed by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. "I think he's trying to do better than Tun Abdullah. And I think he can," Dr Mahathir added. Dr Mahathir said it was his personal opinion that Najib should give way to Deputy Umno president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin if BN only scores a slim majority in the elections. "If he fails, he should move of course," Dr Mahathir told reporters during the 15th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference here. However, he said that the decision ultimately lies with party members to decide the fate of their president. The matter of Abdullah's weak cabinet cropped up several times during the event today, with Institute of Political and Economic Affairs (IKAPE) chairman Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad declaring that significant gain by PR in the last polls was a fluke, brought by a response against former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. "It was more of a protest against the inept Abdullah administration of broken promises, infantile behaviour and abuse of power," he said in a forum discussing the outlook of Election 2013.
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| Mahathir blames Anwar for Project IC Posted: 30 Jan 2013 09:13 PM PST The former premier says his then deputy was directly involved in granting citizenships to immigrants in Sabah, and accused the latter of acting on his own at times. (FMT) - Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad today claimed that his former deputy and current Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim was the main man behind citizenship-for-votes to immigrants in Sabah in the 1990s. Clearly disputing Anwar's previous claims of ignorance on the matter, Mahathir said the former was directly involved in the so-called "Project IC", adding that at times, he (Anwar) had acted without orders from him (Mahathir). "He normally takes the initiative and sometimes do more [than is required]," online news portal Malaysiakini quoted Mahathir as saying at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today. "What happens on the ground is often different from the directive [from above]," added Mahathir. He said that Anwar and other implementing officers in Sabah had at times failed to follow instructions from him, adding that the government had taken action against these errant officers. Mahathir was responding to questions if he had ordered Anwar to issue ICs to unqualified immigrants in Sabah so that they could be registered as voters who would support Barisan Nasional. Mahathir responded by saying that Anwar had a hand in possible illegal actions and abuses, adding that he knew of possible wrongdoings by Anwar. He also said that he will testify before the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry into illegals in Sabah if called Anwar claimed to be in the dark Last week, Anwar told reporters that he was ready to testify at the RCI but quickly added that he was also in the dark about the project. "I have no problem whatsoever. I knew for a long time the project was under the prime minister, that it did not involve a Cabinet process, so it is the full responsibility of the prime minister and finance minister. "When I was there, even I was not briefed on the issue [of providing citizenship to immigrants]," Anwar said. He also said that the RCI had not summoned him because "they know I have nothing to do with it". Anwar's response had come following a call from Sabah Umno liaison deputy chief Salleh Said Keruak who had challenged the PKR leader to tell the truth about the illegal immigrants to the RCI tasked with looking into the long-standing problem in the state. He said that Anwar was duty-bound to do so as he was deputy prime minister at that particular period, adding that "he was a powerful man and knew what was going on in Sabah". Jeffrey: Anwar was in charge Sabah's veteran politician Jeffrey Kitingan had also expressed hope that Anwar would "tell the truth" if he ends up testifying in the RCI. "However, I do hope he would tell the truth about his own role in the citizenship fiasco," Jeffrey told FMT last week. "From what I know, he was indeed in charge of Sabah [for Umno]. He was the director of operations and was involved actively in the citizenship project," he added.
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| Anwar directly involved in Project IC, says Dr M Posted: 30 Jan 2013 04:35 PM PST
Hazlan Zakaria, Malaysiakini Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was directly involved in the project to issue citizenship and identity cards to unqualiified immigrants Sabah in the 90s, though without orders from him, claims former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed. "He normally takes the initiative and sometimes does more (than is required)," Mahathir told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
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| Go ahead, make an offer, Chin tells S'gor MB Posted: 30 Jan 2013 04:01 PM PST
Stephanie Sta Maria, fz.com Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin has given the Selangor government the green light to make yet another acquisition offer to the state's four water concessionaires. The four concessionaires are Syarikat Pengeluar Air Berhad (Splash), Konsortium Abbas, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) and Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB). "We have no objections," Chin said during a press conference at his ministry today. "Go ahead and I wish you luck. We have never prevented the Selangor government from making such an offer as long as it's on a "willing buyer-willing seller" principle and follows regulations." Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim yesterday said that he has written to Chin's ministry to inform them that the state government would take over the state water service industry if Chin didn't respond within two weeks. The letter was sent yesterday and the move would be effective from Feb 14. Khalid said that the move was based on a recent statement by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that the federal government had no objection to a takeover. Muhyiddin chairs the Special Cabinet Committee on the Selangor Water Issue which was set up in July 2012. Echoing Muhyiddin's statement, Chin said that previous letters from his ministry to Khalid had stated the same as he viewed it as an ordinary commercial offer that required the agreement of the relevant parties. As such, Chin added, Khalid only needed to summon representatives from all parties for a negotiation rather than publicly discuss his takeover intentions and issue "warnings" to Muhyiddin and him. "If there is an agreement, then report it to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and me," he said. "I hope Khalid will not blow up this issue anymore and make it seem like the Federal government is against Selangor's intention to make a takeover." Chin however said that he wasn't privy to the details of Khalid's latest offer as he hadn't received any information nor Khalid's letter. When asked whether he would respond to Khalid upon receiving the letter, he answered, "Yes! I will respond and I will say exactly what I am saying today. I would also love to see the letter he has written to the concessionaires if he has even written one yet." According to Chin, there had been many unofficial meetings between him and Khalid over the water issue in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Chin said he had always maintained that the Federal government had no power to force the water concessionaires to sell their equity to the Selangor state government. He also pointed out that the Federal government had previously carried out successful water restructuring plans in six states, including Penang, and questioned why Selangor wasn't using this proven method. Chin then criticised the Selangor government for being more interested in politicising the issue instead recommending solutions and said that the takeover offer would not resolve the real issue at hand. "The Selangor government's statements have created unease among many quarters and has spooked shareholders," he said. "Do I need to mention that Selangor has a stake in Konsortium Abass, Splash and Syabas?" Selangor - through Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor (KPS) and Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) - owns a 30% stake in Syabas, a 30% stake in Splash and a 55% stake in Konsortium Abass. The state government has made three previous takeover offers to the four water concessionaires between 2009 and 2012. All three offers were rejected.
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| LGBT can be cured - Puad Zarkashi Posted: 30 Jan 2013 03:54 PM PST
(NST) - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) is akin to a social sickness that can be prevented and cured, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi. Puad said several non-governmental organisations had pledged to stop people from all walks of life, especially students in the secondary schools from getting involved in LGBT.
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"What happens on the ground is often different from the directive (from above)."
Asked how a strong prime minister of a strong government like his could have a deputy and underlings running around not following orders, Mahathir said that even if Superman is a prime minister, he will be hard pressed to be able to look at everything.
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