Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Pakatan to fight Sabah BN alone
- Address minority issues, BN and Pakatan told
- Stop picking own candidates, Anwar told
- ‘Umno plots ‘sex attacks’, targets Nurul as well’
- Rafizi: Raja Petra is telling tales
- More voter excitement for GE13 as Bersih targets 85pc turnout
- I am not for sale, tweets Saiful
- Kulasegaran’s exit causes concern
- Candidate dilemma dogs MCA
- Police's deeds will be remembered
- GE13: Malaysians who choose not to vote
- Anwar no show, ordered to pay RM3,000
- Are Kula and Fong the sacrificial lambs?
- PBS leader tells Mahathir to ‘shut-up’
- GE13: Many unhappy over parachute candidates
- Hisham must condemn ‘Kill Tian Chua’ threat, says Ambiga
- Daim denies being alleged ‘chief conspirator’ in ousting Anwar
- BN leaders criticised for joining Perkasa demo
- Malaysian Private Eye's Last Case
- ‘Anwar sought Misuari’s help to win GE’
- ‘Anwar met Misuari several times’
- GE13: Opposition hits snag in Johor
- GE13: Selangor — the hottest battle of all
- Hisham blames opposition provocation for rising political violence
- Unite against Tian Chua, Lahad Datu ‘conspirators’, Hishammuddin tells youth
- Daim backs Najib, rejects Anwar
- M'sian Special Branch working with Philippine intelligence on intrusion
- GE13: Zin: BN ready to take back Selangor from ‘caretaker govt’
- GE13: Chua confident BN will retain Johor
- GE13: Karpal: Alternative is to contest under PKR or PAS
- GE13: ‘Guan Eng contradicting himself’
- Pakatan unveils unique manifesto for Sabah
- Sulu sultan disowns 8 accused in Malaysia
- Sulu military commander captured
- Lahad Datu: Kg Tanduo chief's son is coordinator for Sulu group, say police
- Mustafa banks on Tuesday for end of 'guessing game'
- Bersih to ‘name and shame’ candidates
- BANTING MURDER TRIAL: Lawyer surprises court
- Anwar claims of BN plot to implicate him in Sulu clampdown
- Two more Perak DAP big guns heading south
- NGO to take legal action against cyber bullies
- Sultanate: 8 terror accused are Malaysians, not Pinoys
| Pakatan to fight Sabah BN alone Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:46 PM PDT Sabah Pakatan will not engage in any more talk with local parties and will focus instead on solidifying its agenda with Lajim Ukin and Wilfred Bumburing's groups. KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Rakyat will walk alone in Sabah and that means no more discussions or negotiations with local parties. It also means that Sabah will once again see multi-cornered fights in almost every constituency in the state. In the 2008 general election, Sabah had the most number of constituencies with multi-cornered fights. Many had hoped that this time round the situation would be different. Disclosing Sabah Pakatan's decision, its chief Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition will not engage in any more talk with local parties and will focus on solidifying its agenda in Sabah together with its new allies Pertubuhan Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPPS) and Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS). PPPS is led by Beaufort MP and former Umno warlord Lajim Ukin and APS by Tuaran MP William Bumburing. Bumburing was formerly the deputy president of UPKO, a partner in Barisan Nasional. Both Lajim and Bumburing and some of their key supporters quit BN in July last year throwing their support behind Anwar. Since then there have been reports of trouble within Sabah PKR as a result of Lajim's 'incursion'. But Anwar has balked at such talk. With the increasing influence of Lajim and Bumburing in the picture, negotiations with local parties have also been slowly but surely sidelined. Yesterday, following a Sabah Pakatan coalition meeting, Anwar told reporters that Pakatan will take on Sabah BN on its own. "Our meeting is to solidify our stand and agendas in Sabah, all three member parties and our alliances, APS and PPPS are on same page. "There are no other parties. Many of their (other parties') statements conflicted with our stand in Pakatan so we will continue with our agendas for changes (alone)," he said. SAPP and STAR alone Both parties have been, from time to time, rumoured to be 'in negotiations' or 'being financed' by BN or its agents. Both have denied these rumours saying that the speculations were engineered by PKR, a Pakatan member. SAPP and STAR have refused to budge from their Sabah for Sabahans and Borneo Agenda stand.
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| Address minority issues, BN and Pakatan told Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:41 PM PDT Neither coalition has shown any genuine interest in tackling their plight, say two Hindu American right groups. Athi Shankar, FMT Two Hindu American right groups called on Malaysia's main coalitions of political parties to urgently address minority rights issues ahead of the 13th general election. In a joint statement, Washington-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and California-based Malaysian American Foundation (MAF) pointed out that neither Barisan Nasional nor Pakatan Rakyat have initiated any pro-active steps to resolve inequality in Malaysia. Despite its portrayal as a model Muslim democracy with a highly successful economy, HAF-MAF alleged that Malaysia had instituted deeply divisive policies that institutionalised discrimination against the country's ethnic and religious minorities. "The Indian-Hindu minority, in particular, faces systematic inequality, but neither political coalition has shown any genuine interest in addressing their plight," said HAF director Samir Kalra Kalra, who is also a senior fellow for human rights. Posted on the HAF website, the joint statement stated that Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy's ongoing hunger strike was to draw national and international attention to the disparaging conditions facing the majority of the Indian-Hindu community in Malaysia. Local Hindraf branches are currently holding candle light vigils across the country calling on either BN or Pakatan, or both to endorse Hindraf's five-year blueprint, which outlines permanent solutions to end marginalised Indian plight. "Ahead of the upcoming election in Malaysia, the hunger strike renews focus on religious discrimination in Malaysia," stressed the HAF-MAF statement. "Waythamoorthy's effort is a means to bring world attention to the suffering of the Indians." Most of them who were originally brought to Malaysia as indentured labourers by British colonialists since early 1800s, remained politically silent until 2007 when they first challenged the Malaysian government's discriminatory policies.
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| Stop picking own candidates, Anwar told Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:38 PM PDT PKR division leaders say wrong candidates picked by Anwar Ibrahim to contest in the general election may result in sabotage. B Nantha Kumar, FMT PKR's preparation for the 13th general election has hit a snag with several party division leaders complaining that they were not consulted before the potential candidates were picked and made public. They also claim that party de-facto chief Anwar Ibrahim was making unilateral decisions in picking candidates and this would lead to a "major problem" after nominations. "There would be factions after nominations. Those not picked but promised seats would pull back. I do not rule out sabotage. If the candidate does not meet expectation of members then, members will refrain from campaigning and this is trouble for PKR," said a party division leader who declined to be named. He claimed that Anwar was not picking candidates based on their track record but was giving out seats to those close to him. "Anwar is very talented, he is a good orator but his judgement on the selection of candidates is flawed," said a division chairman from Selangor who did not want to be named. "Just look at Hulu Selangor. It is speculated Anwar would field his close friend Khalid Jaafar as PKR candidate in the constituency. The chances of Khalid winning the seat is slim because he is not well liked by the locals," he added. The source said Khalid, Anwar's former speech writer, was defeated in the tussle for the Bukit Katil parliament seat in Malacca during the 2008 general election. "Now, he is trying his luck in Hulu Selangor," said the party insider, adding that PKR was capable of taking back the seat from MIC if it fields a strong candidate. In 2008, PKR won Hulu Selangor when Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad defeated MIC president G Palanivel with a 198 vote majority. However, the seat returned to BN in a by-election following the demise of Zainal in 2010. The source said another example of a wrong PKR candidate was in the Pasir Salak parliamentary seat. "Party members are not happy with Anwar naming Musthapa Kamil Ayub as the candidate. So why pick him? Anwar should talk to grassroots leaders before making announcements on candidates," he added.
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| ‘Umno plots ‘sex attacks’, targets Nurul as well’ Posted: 25 Mar 2013 04:01 PM PDT PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution claims that he was shown footages by several Umno agents purportedly aimed at implicating several senior party leaders. G Vinod, FMT Umno agents are planning to reveal more videos on senior PKR leaders, purportedly linking them to sexual misconduct, said PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution. Speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Saifuddin said that the Umno agents are now targeting four PKR leaders. "They are targeting Anwar (Ibrahim) and Nurul (Izzah Anwar). The other videos supposedly implicating other leaders such as Khalid (Ibrahim) are still being manufactured," said Saifuddin, who was flanked by PKR communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Saifuddin said he received a call from some people about three days ago and was told about the videos and photographs. The Machang MP, together with other leaders, said that he met the agents in Kuala Lumpur, and was shown two videos and photographs. "I don't know who these people are but they seem to be in the know of production work. It looks like they want to inflict maximum damage on us nearing general election," said Saifuddin. Recently, pro-Umno blogger Papagomo, or his real name Wan Muhd Azri Wan Deris, released a video, purportedly showing Anwar engaging in homosexual activity. The Permatang Pauh MP later filed a RM100 million defamation suit against the blogger. Game of perception Asked on what demands the agents made, Saifuddin refused to divulge details, saying the agents employed the carrot and stick approach. When asked if he was rattled by the video clips shown, Saifuddin said, "We don't feel threatened at all. It's part and parcel of politics." Saifuddin said that he believed that the agents merely wanted PKR to know that they have such material, which may be published during the general election. "It's a game of perception. They just want us to fall in their trap," he said. He later criticised Umno and Barisan Nasional for employing dirty tactics in order to win the general election. "When we ask for debate, you reject our request. When we launch our manifesto, you launch a (sex) video," he said. Saifuddin also urged Malaysians to reject the slanderous attacks and not to be tricked by the ruling government's dirty tricks. "All this attacks only make us stronger and propel us to move forward. The people will definitely make a wise choice for a better Malaysia by voting for Pakatan Rakyat," he said.
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| Rafizi: Raja Petra is telling tales Posted: 25 Mar 2013 03:17 PM PDT PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli dismisses the blogger's claims that PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had sought Nur Misuari's help to win parliamentary seats in East Malaysia. G Vinod, FMT PKR today dismissed blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin's allegation that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim had sought the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to win Muslims votes in Sabah and Sarawak. "I have read his article but not a shred of evidence was produced. Dia cerita ikut kepala dia saja (He is just telling tales)," said PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli. Yesterday, Raja Petra, in his article titled 'The Untold Story of the Lahad Datu Incident', alleged that Anwar had sought MNLF founder Nur Misuari's help to win at least 30 parliamentary seats in East Malaysia. The former deputy prime minister claimed to have urged Nur Misuari to convince Filipino Muslims in Sabah to vote for Pakatan Rakyat. In return, Anwar promised citizenship and jobs for non-Malaysian Filipino Muslims residing in East Malaysia.
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| More voter excitement for GE13 as Bersih targets 85pc turnout Posted: 25 Mar 2013 02:55 PM PDT
Boo Su-Lyn, TMI Voters are getting more enthusiastic over Election 2013 compared to the last general election as Bersih 2.0 aims for an 85 per cent voter turnout to mitigate electoral fraud. Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, co-chairman of the electoral reform group, told The Malaysian Insider today that Bersih's "Jom 100" campaign has seen greater awareness about the upcoming national polls among people of all races and ages in both urban and rural areas. "People are raring to go and raring to vote," said Ambiga (picture). "There's a lot of enthusiasm on the ground... people are getting more aware about their voting rights. I also ask the question, did you vote in 2008? They say no. Are you gonna vote this time? And they say yes," added the former Bar Council president. Election 2013, which will be held in weeks, is expected to be the most keenly contested election in recent times, with analysts saying that the outcome is in doubt for the first time in Malaysian history after the historic 2008 general election that saw Barisan Nasional (BN) lose its two-thirds parliamentary majority. There are 13.3 million registered voters, or 83 per cent, out of 16 million eligible voters, according to the Election Commission (EC). In Election 2008, 76 per cent out of 10.7 million registered voters turned up to vote, amounting to about 8.16 million voters. Ambiga said she hoped for at least an 85 per cent voter turnout, pointing out that five to 10 per cent could make a difference. "Any increase will help reduce or mitigate the fraud," she said. The lawyer said Bersih told Malaysians that they should not assume that their favoured candidates would win and that voting would help reduce electoral fraud. "We don't want people to think there are no solutions to the fraud. There is in fact a very effective, not complete solution, but an effective way of reducing it," said Ambiga.
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| I am not for sale, tweets Saiful Posted: 25 Mar 2013 02:30 PM PDT The tweet message comes in the wake of claims from Datuk T that there were attempts to buy them over to retract allegations that Anwar was the man in a sex video released two years ago. K Pragalath, FMT Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's ex-aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan has claimed that he cannot be bought over, reported Utusan Malaysia. Anwar was charged in in 2010 for allegedly sodomising Saiful and was acquitted last year. The prosecution team had appealed against the acquital. In a Twitter message to Anwar, Saiful wrote: "I'm not for sale. Even if you are the prime minister, I will not bow to you. The truth will prevail, the false will fall. That is Allah's promise." Last Thursday, Risda chairman Rahim Thamby Chik claimed that businessman Shazyl Eskay Abdullah was offered a blank cheque to retract allegations that Anwar is the individual in a sex video. Rahim, Shazryl and Shuib Lazim, known as the Datuk T trio revealed the video in 2011. Saiful also claimed that Anwar was using his father, Azlan Mohd Lazim, to counter the alleged sodomy. "Anwar's move to use my father is wrong and would backfire. May Allah continue to give me the strength and patience," he said. On March 8, Azlan claimed that Anwar did not sodomise Saiful and the sodomy episode was a political conspiracy. Saiful through his lawyers refuted Azlan's claims. Three days later, Azlan joined PKR.
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| Kulasegaran’s exit causes concern Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:57 PM PDT
(Free Malaysia Today) - Perak DAP members are pinning for the return of their unsung hero Kulasegaran to once again be their vocal voice but the party veteran might not return. The departure of DAP veteran leader M Kulasegaran from Perak to Johor has cast doubts on the bargaining and political clout of the 20% Indian members in the state party. Some Indian party leaders have expressed fear that their political voice may not be heard in DAP as their "Indian Godfather" moves his base to Johor. Kulasegaran was instrumental in ensuring that the voice of Indian members was heard in the silver state after the 2008 political tsunami. According to a DAP source, it was Kulasegaran who brought in Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran, Sungkai assemblyperson A Sivanesan, Tronoh and Buntong lawmakers V Sivakumar and A Sivasubramaniam respectively, into the Perak political arena. The source said Kulasegaran, who is close to party superemo Lim Kit Siang, ensured that an executive post be given to Sivanesan and that the state speaker post goes to Sivakumar by the newly minted Pakatan Perak state government in 2008. Kulasegaran also advocated that the post of Ipoh City mayor should be given to an Indian but it failed to materialise. The Ipoh Barat MP also ensured that Indian representation in the DAP silver state had at least a minimum of two parliamentarians and four state lawmakers. One party leader even opined that the Ipoh Barat MP might come back to Perak to defend his seat as Kulasegaran only wanted to challenge Segamat incumbent cum MIC deputy chief Dr S Subramaniam in Johor. However, with the PKR Gelang Patah parliamentary seat given to Kit Siang and in the exchange the DAP Segamat seat was instead given to Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng. Perak DAP members are pinning for the return of their unsung hero Kulasegaran to once again be their vocal voice but the party veteran might not return as the bad political experience of Perak still remains in his mind. Team A vs Team B It was smooth sailing between Kulasegaran and party secretary Nga Kor Ming before the 2008 general election as they were united in their political standing. But after the win of the silver state, cracks appeared in the friendship which saw DAP being divided into two camps with Nga and Ngeh Koo Ham in Team A and Kulasegaran in Team B. What was disheartening to Kulasegaran was that two of the three Sivas (Sivanesan, Siva Kumar and Sivasubramaniam) that he had groomed had betrayed him and crossed over to Team A. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/03/26/kulasegarans-exit-causes-concern/ |
| Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:37 PM PDT
(fz.com) - MCA's candidate conundrum over the Pandan parliamentary seat foreshadows similar headaches awaiting the party in other constituencies, particularly its traditional power base of Johor. The dilemma for MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is responsible for drawing up the party's proposed candidate list, was laid bare for all to see in February. Over Chinese New Year festivities, Chua announced that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, his predecessor as party president, will not be fielded to defend the Pandan parliamentary seat for Barisan Nasional. Instead, Ong will be replaced by 39-year-old lawyer Gary Lim whom Chua said represented the party's young talents without political baggage. Ong however insisted on remaining Barisan's candidate. In selecting MCA's candidates, Chua has to weigh the merits of offering "fresh faces" or incumbent candidates who are either big names in their own right or more familiar to voters. There is no sure-win formula to that given the unique political dynamics and needs of each constituency. Johor Umno leader Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed weighs in on the dilemma MCA faces in fielding candidates in Johor, where the party won half the 15 parliamentary seats it holds. Validating the views of political pundits, Nur Jazlan notes that Chua may be reluctant to field Ong for a parliamentary seat in order to thwart a potential challenge for the party's top job later on. The record shows that Chua and Ong have been bitter rivals during the protracted MCA leadership crisis of 2008 which ended with Chua ousting Ong from the presidency. MCA is due to hold party elections six months after the 13th general election. Aside from Tee Keat, Chua will also have to decide what to do with the "Ong brothers", former MCA president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and the latter's brother Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan. Ka Ting and Ka Chuan are members of parliament for Kulai in Johor and Tanjung Malim in Perak, respectively. Although Ka Ting is not keen to stand as a candidate, factions aligned to the former minister are said to be adamant on nominating their own candidate instead of endorsing Chua's choice. "Soi Lek wants to put his man in Kulai so there is a [disagreement], so for nothing they may lose the seat. Read more at: http://fz.com/content/candidate-dilemma-dogs-mca |
| Police's deeds will be remembered Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:34 PM PDT
(Bernama) - Your good deeds will be remembered for all time. The government will continue to look after the welfare of members of PDRM and the armed forces. AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE: Transcript of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's speech at the 206th Police Day celebration yesterday FIRSTLY, let us together raise our thanks to Allah SWT, for with His blessings, we are able to gather at the guard of honour and parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day celebration this morning. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation and gratitude to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for inviting me and wife to join this glittering and meaningful ceremony. Indeed, our beloved Malaysia will not be in the present state -- a country that is becoming more and more successful, a modern industrialised country with medium-high income -- without peace and stability made possible by the noble sacrifice of patriots from the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian armed forces. Since the eras of Emergency until the confrontation, your good selves and predecessors have been loyal and relentless in answering the clarion call of the beloved motherland. We hold in high regard the 10 fallen national warriors, eight of them members of the PDRM, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Let us make their sacrifice the example of an absolute sacrifice and an inspiration to us. Indeed, your service will not be in vain as mocked by certain quarters. On behalf of the government, the people and the country who are indebted to you, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of you who are still adorning and had adorned the security forces' uniforms. Your good deeds will be remembered for all time. The government will continue to look after the welfare of members of PDRM and the armed forces. The government's commitment to the welfare of PDRM officers and men cannot be denied. The government of the day has always fulfilled its promises. We walk the talk. As announced at the Civil Service Premier Gathering, or MAPPA, recently, effective Jan 1, 2013, the government has agreed to harmonise the ranks in PDRM to match the structure in the civil service in line with the levels of posts or salary grades. This entails changes in the scope of job functions, rank structure and qualification in the PDRM. For example, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) on Grade 48 will have the post harmonised to the civil service Grade 52, while a superintendent on grade 41 will have the post harmonised to Grade 48. As for the harmonisation of other ranks, firstly, a corporal on Grade 17 in PDRM will have the post harmonised with Grade 22 in the civil service. Secondly, a sergeant on Grade 17 will have the post harmonised with Grade 20 in the civil service. The government has also streamlined the rates of PDRM allowances, such as the housing, entertainment and fixed allowances. In the quest to improve the welfare of PDRM officers and men, I would like to announce that the government has agreed to approve the implementation of a group insurance scheme that will benefit 112,145 police officers and men. NKRA to reduce crime The government would also like to congratulate PDRM for its success in reducing the crime rate by 27 per cent in the past three years since the implementation of the National Key Results Areas (NKRAs). Hence, the government will ensure that PDRM's capacity is upgraded and restructured to meet the demands of crime-fighting. Indeed, we cannot be complacent. Instead, we should redouble our efforts and cooperation with various quarters to ensure that the crime rate can be reduced to a minimum level by 2020. Thus, the police will be transformed from a security force to a people-oriented police service. This is because the police service will not succeed without the support of the people. PDRM's era as a paramilitary police has ended. Today, PDRM should change to a community-service policing service endowed with high professionalism and integrity. Thus, I would like to urge the people to work hand in hand with the police and authorities, for the security and stability of the country is a joint responsibility. The government will always give support and encouragement to PDRM in ensuring the rule of law, and that peace and public order are maintained. Declaration of Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) To provide a legal basis for the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and to protect the democratic rights and process for the people of Sabah and to strengthen security, public order and prosperity in eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that I have received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as enshrined under the Preservation of Public Safety Ordinance 1962, to declare the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone, comprising 10 districts -- namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau -- effective today. The 10 districts will be administered by a committee that will be formed under the Public Security Regulations 2013 promulgated by the home minister. The committee, which will also be known as the Eastern Sabah Safe Zone Committee, will be headed by the Sabah chief minister and assisted by a chief executive officer and members who will be named later. The chief executive officer, who will be a member of the public, will be responsible for coordinating and safeguarding the functions and activities of the security forces and government departments and agencies in implementing all initiatives in Esszone. The committee, which will be based in Lahad Datu, will be responsible to a steering committee headed by me as the head of government. I would also like to inform you that, today, three cabins that will be used to serve as the headquarters of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) have arrived in Lahad Datu. This means that Esccom will become functional in several days. Apart from this, seven police posts will be set up in eastern Sabah. All these have been verified by the chief secretary to the government, which I have discussed the matter with, the home minister and the inspector-general of police. The seven posts will be in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Banggi, Pulau Mabul, Tambisan, Tanjung Labian, and Cenderawasih in Felda Sahabat, while the Sandakan police headquarters will also be beefed up. It is anticipated that the areas will get cabins that will be used for the posts in early April. This means the implementation is very fast by capitalising on pragmatic methods. By setting up the Esszone Committee, the government is adopting a holistic approach and not purely a military approach to protect eastern Sabah and find a solution to the intrusion issue. Let me reaffirm that the declaration is not an emergency declaration under Article 150 of the Federal Constitution. Secondly, it will not deter a fair, transparent and democratic general election process at all. Thirdly, the regulations imposed under the ordinance will not give additional powers to the police. The police's existing authority is adequate to deal with the situation. Fourthly, anyone who feels that his rights have been undermined can take the government to court through legal process. And finally, life will go on as usual in the designated areas but with heightened security to ensure the people's wellbeing. Hence, I would like to explain that the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which is applied to conduct investigations and make arrests in all cases involving the terrorists in Sabah right now, is merely procedural. It was not enacted as an act to give power to declare a security area like the Internal Security Act 1960. People arrested under Sosma will be charged under ordinary laws and subjected to trial just like in other criminal cases. The Attorney-General's Chambers will hold a news conference today to answer questions pertaining to the legal aspects. Resettlement Realising that the vulnerability of several settlements to the easy infiltration of illegal immigrants and stateless persons was the primary cause of the Sulu terrorist intrusion into Lahad Datu and other parts of eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that the government will launch an initiative to resettle people living in several locations in eastern Sabah to maintain public safety. The initiative, under Part III of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013, will enable the government to resettle any individual or a group of people, particularly any individual or a group of people who are illegal immigrants or stateless persons, in a safe and suitable area determined by the government. It must be emphasised here that the decision to resettle any individual or a group of people is for the sake of maintaining public security. In undertaking this resettlement, the government will take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of not only the people to be relocated but also the people living in the designated area of resettlement. Apart from this, the government will consider all resettlement aspects, including the sources of income of the people involved, and hold discussions with district, native or village chiefs of the community living in the designated area of resettlement. The need to discuss with district, native or village chiefs is to ensure that the interests of the people already living in the area of resettlement are protected. As I have mentioned earlier, in pursuing the government's goal of ensuring the people's fundamental rights and the rule of law will be preserved and protected, the government will ensure that the resettlement: WILL not prevent any aggrieved citizen in the designated area from challenging the government's decision on the resettlement; and, WILL not prevent any citizen from exercising his right as a voter in any parliamentary or state election. Realising that the resettlement will involve Malaysians, either as those to be resettled or those already living in the area of resettlement, the government will help those citizens whose rights under the Federal Constitution have been undermined by the relocation. Under the resettlement initiative, the government will provide a place to live and ensure the safety of the people relocated. This is because the government is aware that the relocation decision will give a major impact on the future of those involved. Migration to a new place involves adapting to a new environment. On humanitarian grounds and to ensure that the people involved can benefit from the relocation initiative, the government will ensure that public healthcare, medical services and sanitation will be provided to the people living in the area of resettlement, besides opportunities for basic education and employment. The government will provide training and equipment, if necessary, to the people living in the area of resettlement to start life anew. Towards this end, the government will request for cooperation, assistance and contribution from organisations or bodies locally or abroad. I would like to announce that the resettlement initiative is not only to benefit those to be relocated but also those living in the surrounding areas, for the government will carry out programmes for their welfare and wellbeing. Although the initiative is confined to eastern Sabah for the time being, it does not mean that western Sabah is being neglected. For the time being, the need for safety is now more pressing in the east. The initiative will be extended to the whole of Sabah at a suitable time. On the whole, I would like to stress that the government has never doubted the loyalty of Malaysian citizens of Suluk descent. They are citizens who enjoy the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution and the other laws of the country, and the government will continue to protect their legitimate rights and champion their welfare. I would like to praise the people of Kampung Senalang in Semporna for their bravery and sacrifice in overcoming a terrorist on March 3. In their attempt to defend themselves and the country, the terrorist was killed. Their deed and bravery are most appreciated. Conclusion To conclude, I would like to congratulate the Royal Malaysia Police on the 206th anniversary celebration. It culminates a long journey for a towering organisation. Let us join hands to chart a better future for us, and our children and grandchildren. The people of Malaysia and I dream of having a professional, effective and exemplary police service. A service endowed with exemplary police officers and men, equipped with adequate and latest equipment, and a well-trained force having world-class skills to implement the 21st-century policing service. We dream of a high-income developed country where the streets, housing areas and public places are free from crime to ensure that Malaysians and their families throughout the country do not fear that their safety is at stake. Let us come together to make this dream a reality. Thank you.
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| GE13: Malaysians who choose not to vote Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:12 PM PDT Lai Voon Loong refuses to vote because he is cheesed off with politicians. He will vote 'only if someone like Mahatma Gandhi' is contesting. (The Star) - Even with most of the country gripped by election fever, some people still have various reasons – or perhaps excuses – for not voting. PROBABLY all of us have friends or relatives who choose not to exercise their right to vote, for what they think are very good reasons. Voting is often seen as a responsibility, and sometimes lauded as a privilege, for it allows citizens to have a say in the future of their country. All Malaysian citizens above the age of 21 have the right to vote under Article 119 of the Federal Constitution. Yet well over two million people have neglected or refused to register as voters. Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof was quoted as saying there are a total of 16 million eligible voters in the country, yet there were only 13.34 million registered voters as of December, as reported recently by Bernama. If voting means having a (small) say in how the country will turn out, does it follow that those who decline to exercise their right, should have little or no right to complain about things? Despite such logic, there are still many who have all kinds of reasons not to vote. A 2008 study on voters' attitudes by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, available on the EC website, found that the main reasons for eligible voters not to register include "not wanting to queue and wait to register", and also, "not having time away from work". However, all the respondents in that study did not believe that they "did not care". Is that a self-contradiction? Not MY concern – yet Musician Izal Azlee, 28, says even though he does care about what's happening in the country, he feels disillusioned by what he has been seeing. He believes that no matter who he votes for, things will never change. "For example, piracy is so blatant, and even though every state has its own state government, you can still get pirated goods everywhere," says Izal.  Law professor Dr Azmi Sharom says the fear that one's vote can be 'traced' and 'punished' is not realistic because an 'astronomical' amount of time, money and effort would be needed to do that."So to me, if they can't even overcome such small matters, then how can they overcome other bigger issues like corruption? Whatever they implement, even though there are laws, people will still do whatever they want to do." Izal is one example that shatters the prevailing stereotype of people who do not vote because they are apathetic or apolitical. He asserts that he does follow current issues and keeps himself updated on the goings-on in the country. But he also says that as long as these issues do not affect him personally in his daily life, he is fine with them. "But of course, I'm married now, and when I have a child, I would fight for free education which I think everyone deserves," says Izal. "As I get older, I'm becoming more aware of these things. I do want change, but to me, it's more about my everyday life." He also cites one more example of why he remains disillusioned. "Whenever elections are near, you will get all kinds of goodies," says Izal. "Suddenly you find that there are no more potholes in the roads. But after the elections, things will go back to the way they were for another four years." 'Politics is bad' Photographer Lai Voon Loong does not care about politics or politicians. But isn't politics important to decide on the future of the nation? "Yes, I am definitely concerned about my future, and even more for my kid's future," he says. "But I haven't seen anything useful coming out of politicians' mouths except empty rhetoric." He believes politicians are "power hungry, money grabbing and untrustworthy megalomaniacs" (plus some other unprintable adjectives) who "don't give two hoots about what's going to happen to my kid." Lai used to work as a press photographer and has attended many political events on the Barisan as well as the Pakatan side. "I have attended enough political events to see for myself the rhetoric that they spew. It's always us versus them, and who gets caught in between? The rakyat!" On the Barisan side, he hears about how leaders always say, "I did this and did that and the rakyat should be thankful". Whereas, on the Paktan side, he hears, "It's always BN's fault, never their fault." Yet, shouldn't responsible citizens try to evaluate what both sides are saying and then decide which is a better choice among imperfect politicians? Or is Lai expecting politicians to be saints? Lai replies, "I wish there were more Mahatma Gandhis in this world. He is someone I will definitely vote for." But at present, he feels that he has no real choice. "I am plain disgusted with both sides." Fear and faith There are other reasons for not voting too. When one of us asked our friends on Facebook why people were not voting, the answers were: > My friend's place only got bulan vs keris (PAS vs Umno) ... so recently she (a Chinese) told us she might draw X on both sides... sigh... > My place (in Petaling Jaya) sure win one ... my vote will not make any difference, just adding another vote... places that will need those votes are Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Malacca and Negri Sembilan. > Find the REAL politicians with integrity, who put their COUNTRY before their own pockets, their own egos and their own race and religion, whatever their political affiliations, and vote for them. There must be some who are not crooks ... > I think I might want to reserve my vote due to my job as a political journalist. >Personally, I don't get the sense that my political party is working for me; perhaps they're more active in the rural areas or their presence is felt more by the poor. As such, the middle to upper classes don't feel the love and therefore don't feel the obligation to love them back. > I don't feel very patriotic. I am tired of the way religious fundamentalism seems to be increasing on both sides. I am dreaming of freedom, of migrating overseas. Kamala N, a Malaysian based in the Middle East, wants to vote but has doubts about the system. "The government said that those overseas can vote by registering at the embassies. But the announcement to register was apparently sent out on Jan 2 only, when most people were away, and the closing date was on Jan 4! "Many Malaysians here were unhappy, and they decided against voting because (the) system does not seem transparent. The word is that the votes will be flown back to Malaysia and used at certain areas rather than an individual's registered voting area." Another reason that people don't want to vote is that they fear their votes can be "traced", resulting in some kind of punishment. However, law professor Azmi Sharom (who has a column in The Star) says that such fear is not a good excuse for not voting. "People have to get real," he says. "The amount of time, money and effort needed to trace who each person voted for would be astronomical. Truly, the fear is all in the mind," says Azmi, who believes it is all just a case of apathy. "We have had the same Federal Government for over 50 years and they look immovable, so some people may say 'Why bother?'," he says. "But if we look at the 2008 elections, the jubilation that came after it was not so much because there was a new Federal Government – there wasn't – but because people felt that their votes counted (in making a difference)." Azmi adds that this is why a fair and clean election process is of absolute importance, to ensure that every vote counts. People will be able to accept the results if they believe the process is fair. "If you lose faith in the election process, it will lead to apathy and worse, the eventual downfall of a peaceful democratic system," he says.
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| Anwar no show, ordered to pay RM3,000 Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:57 PM PDT
(Bernama) -- The High Court here today ordered Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to pay RM3,000 in cost to Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, following the postponement of a RM10 million suit filed by the former. Judge Rosilah Yop made the ruling after dismissing an application by Anwar's lawyer, R. Sivarasa, for hearing of the case, which was scheduled for today, to be postponed as his client was in Sabah. Sivarasa said his client was in Sabah since yesterday for various activities for the coming general election. Rosilah set May 2 for hearing. Anwar had filed the suit on Aug 22, 2008 over Hamzah's allegation that he (Anwar) had harassed his (Hamzah's) wife in 1998 which was published in a Chinese daily, Kwong Wah Jit Poh, on Aug 19, 2008, with the title 'Anwar Harassed My Wife'. Earlier, Rosilah dismissed Anwar's application to bring a compact disc which he claimed was relevant to the case to the forensic for analysis before the trial began. Rosilah said that could be done during the trial.
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| Are Kula and Fong the sacrificial lambs? Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:11 PM PDT DAP sources say that Ipoh Barat MP and Batu Gajah MP are being sent away to their political doom because they oppose the Perak DAP leadership. G Vinod, FMT While many laud the move by DAP to send its top guns to contest in Johor, several members felt that there is more to the decision than what meets the eye. Several DAP insiders told FMT that the decision was a calculated move to finish off Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran's political careers. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a DAP insider from Selangor said that all those who opposed Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming are being sidelined or moved to other places to strengthen their grip on the state. "All those opposed to the cousins are being targeted. Kulasegaran and Fong are being sent away to Johor as they fell out of favour with the state leadership," said the DAP leader. The DAP insider also said that the Ngeh-Nga faction had effectively sidelined the outspoken Fong in Perak. "Fong is a very good MP but she is also quite vocal in the party, which displeased the duo," said the DAP insider. The DAP insider added that it is highly possible that the Fong and Kulasegaran would be told to contest in tough seats in Johor, to ensure that they would not get re-elected to Parliament. On why the DAP national leadership is not doing anything about it, the DAP insider said," They feel the people will support any candidates chosen. They are intoxicated by the massive support." Another DAP source,from Perak, echoed the same sentiments and said those aligned to the Ngeh-Nga faction felt they have no need for Fong in the state any longer. Fong isolated However, the source felt otherwise and defended the vocal MP. "In 1999, Fong was the only DAP candidate that won a parliamentary seat in Perak. Even veterans Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh were defeated in Penang . "She was only in her 20s then but she was an effective MP . However in 2008, Fong almost quit due to the pressure from Ngeh-Nga faction but Lim persuaded her to stay on. "Just because DAP candidates won big in the 2008 general election, some leaders in the state feel she is no longer important for Perak," said the source.
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| PBS leader tells Mahathir to ‘shut-up’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 06:08 PM PDT The more Dr Mahathir defends Project IC, the closer the opposition gets to usurping Barisan Nasional in the coming polls. Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may be the best thing that has happened to the opposition in Sabah, according to a state Barisan Nasional coalition member. Mahathir's continued comments on the clandestine 'Project IC' that was in operation during his tenure is only serving to rile up voters in the state against the BN, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) supreme council member Chin Tek Ming. Chin fears his party could suffer at the polls because the former premier's unguarded comments justifying the granting of citizenship to immigrants in the state was only angering Sabahans more. He urged the 87-year-old Mahathir to think carefully before he gave his opinions on such a sensitive subject as he was only spurring the hatred of Sabahans since he was the prime minister at the time tens of thousands of ineligible immigrants were granted citizenship. "Think to yourself, who was the prime minister at the material time. And who was the deputy prime minister then? Don't comment and incur the wrath and hatred of Sabahans," he urged. Chin, who is also Luyang PBS division chief, said Mahathir cannot just absolve himself of blame by saying that a few government servants had acted illegally but he was unaware of it at the time. He said senior government officers would not dare to do such things as getting involved in the distributing of Malaysian identity cards to foreigners if not given orders by someone senior in government. "Don't treat Sabahans as fools. We were and still are victims of this misfortune. Look at what is happening in Lahad Datu that had cost the lives of our enforcement team who also have families."
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| GE13: Many unhappy over parachute candidates Posted: 24 Mar 2013 03:13 PM PDT
(The Star) - The move by PKR to field parachute "strategic candidates" in Johor has created rumblings among local leaders and grassroots in the state. At least three seats are expected to be contested by outsiders namely Johor Baru, Batu Pahat and Pasir Gudang. Several PKR leaders in Batu Pahat have even set up a Facebook page "Support Syed Hamid Ali for Batu Pahat" after talk surfaced that an NGO leader Datuk Idris Jauzi may be fielded there. Syed Hamid is the Batu Pahat PKR chief. PKR Johor Baru division chief Tan Poh Lai is expected to be snubbed for the Johor Baru parliamentary seat in favour of former army chief Tan Sri Hashim Hussein while Johor PKR deputy chief Dr Ahmad Faidhi Saidi is likely to be overlooked for the Pasir Gudang seat with former army deputy chief Datuk Ghafir Abdul Hamid tipped to contest there. In their Facebook postings, Syed Hamid's supporters said they would reject a parachute candidate. "Macam mana boleh potong jalan? (How can you cut queue?) Syed Hamid has been serving the people in Batu Pahat for years," Tan Leok Soo posted on the page. A large poster stating that Batu Pahat PKR rejected parachute candidates was also posted on the page with a long thread of supportive comments and likes for the post. Tan, who is also the state PKR treasurer and deputy Wanita chief, confirmed that she has been asked to step aside for Hashim due to "strategic reasons". "I do not mind that the leadership wants to field another candidate for this seat but I hope they will allocate a seat for a woman candidate," she said. Her elder brother Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong has been slotted by PKR to contest the Wangsa Maju parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur.
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| Hisham must condemn ‘Kill Tian Chua’ threat, says Ambiga Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:55 PM PDT
Boo Su-Lyn, TMI Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has urged Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to censure Umno supporters for threatening to kill PKR's Chua Tian Chang, or risk being blacklisted by polls watchdog Bersih 2.0 for condoning political violence. Party workers shouted "Kill Tian Chua" when the Umno vice-president urged them to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) and "eliminate traitors" like PKR vice-president Chua, better known as Tian Chua, whose allies in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) have been accused of instigating the Sulu invasion of Sabah. "He (Hishammuddin) should come out and make amends and put things right, and confirm that he does not support the crowd's response," Ambiga (picture) told The Malaysian Insider today. "He should come out strongly against political violence of any sort... failing which, he will go on our list of politicians who encourage political violence," said the Bersih co-chairman. Ambiga said last Saturday that any Election 2013 candidate deemed responsible for violent incidents during political events would be "named and shamed" by Bersih 2.0 on social media sites like Twitter. Hishammuddin admitted yesterday that political violence in the country was worsening, but accused PR of exploiting the situation to sow hatred for the government and the police. He also noted that more incidents of violence might occur during the campaign period of Election 2013, which is expected to be held in weeks, due to the shortage of policemen. Ambiga said today that Hishammuddin should have stopped the crowd immediately when they threatened Tian Chua, pointing out that the Umno vice-president had control over his party supporters. "It is intimidation. When it's a threat to kill, that is an offence under section 503 of the Penal Code that deals with criminal intimidation. He, above all people, should know that," said the former Bar Council president. "This goes for all those who are out there campaigning, speaking to their supporters. They have to make it very clear they will not countenance any form of violence or violent behaviour. I expect those who are running for the elections to behave like leaders and to set the right example," added Ambiga. The lawyer also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to condemn the kill threat against Tian Chua, pointing out that Najib had pledged ethical conduct in Election 2013. "This is all part of ethical conduct in campaigning. It's important for a statement to be made that all those who are campaigning must do so responsibly and ethically," said Ambiga.
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| Daim denies being alleged ‘chief conspirator’ in ousting Anwar Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:46 PM PDT
Ida Lim, TMI Former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has denied claims that he was the "chief conspirator" in getting his then successor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim removed from the Cabinet in 1998. Daim also denied that their relationship had turned sour at any point. "There was no fallout between us until he started accusing me of being a chief conspirator. "When Anwar claimed that I was the conspirator, he knows the truth that I played no part, no role whatsoever. I knew nothing about the case until I was told about it," Daim (picture) told the New Straits Times in an interview published today. Daim also brushed off speculation that his motivation for allegedly ousting Anwar — then the finance minister — was to secure his business interests. "That was his line, that he was this super hero fighting crime and corruption and, therefore, had to be brought down. If you know the things about him that I know, that line of his is hilarious, and the cheek of it all, to claim righteousness. "I had then retired and what business interests did I have? I had to sell all my assets before joining the government in 1984," the former Umno minister said. Daim, who was the country's finance minister from 1984-1991 and 1999-2001, also told the English-language paper that he sold a local bank owned by him when he joined the Cabinet for the second time. He had played a crucial role in steering Malaysia out of the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Later in his reply on the same issue of business interests, Daim claimed that his former colleague in Umno had falsely accused him of trying to procure contracts, before asking for proof that he had received contracts from the government. "Anwar, through his accusations, repeated the lie that I wanted this contract and that contract, and that because he was in the way, I got rid of him. A lie repeated many times, unfortunately, becomes a truth." When asked again if there was a fallout between him and Anwar, Daim said: "There was no particular fallout, I was his scapegoat, among many other scapegoats. I was his friend, Dr Mahathir defended him..."
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| BN leaders criticised for joining Perkasa demo Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:22 PM PDT A Gerakan politician says that by joining the demonstration, the BN leaders are acknowledging that Perkasa is a force to be reckoned with. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional leaders are lending credibility to Perkasa by joining a demonstration in Esplanade organised by the Malay supremacist group yesterday. Baljit Singh, who heads the state Gerakan legal and human rights bureau, said participation of BN leaders would give a wrong perception that the coalition was collaborating with Perkasa. Among those present were state BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow, state Umno's deputy chairman Musa Sheikh Fadzir and secretary Azhar Ibrahim, state MIC deputy chief L Krishnan and Teluk Bahang assemblyman Dr Hilmi Yahaya. Baljit said BN leaders should have realised that they cannot be seen standing side-by-side with leaders and members of an organisation that espoused racial supremacy. He said Perkasa's Malay agenda contradicted BN concept of 1Malaysia, recalling that BN leadership had on countless occasions denied links with the Ibrahim Ali-led NGO. Moreover, he told FMT that Perkasa was despised by non Malays. "Public perception is important in politics. By joining a protest that included Perkasa, BN leaders are lending support to the group. "BN may just lose more non-Malay votes," warned Baljit, who boycotted the event as a protest against Perkasa participation. Themed "Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu Pulau Pinang", thousands of NGO members gathered at the Speaker's Square as early as 3pm yesterday to demonstrate against the Pakatan Rakyat government. Earlier the crowd walked for nearly two kilometres from Masjid Kapitan Keling to the Esplanade, carrying banners and chanting slogans against the state government and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Arguably the biggest demonstration held by NGOs to date against Lim's five-year leadership, the protest included a long convoy of youths on bikes waving BN and NGO flags. Penang Perkasa chairman Yusoff Suhaimi, who was in thick of action, claimed that some 120 NGOs jointly organised the rally. "The NGOs attending the demonstration are under the Sekretariat Penyatuan Rakyat Pulau Pinang umbrella, which was called by me under the Penang Special Affairs Department (Jasa) secretariat,' he said yesterday.
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| Malaysian Private Eye's Last Case Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:21 PM PDT
(Asia Sentinel) - All of the information - the emails, the deposit slip, the purchase agreement for the flat - were sent to Asia Sentinel. Tale of murder, bribery, double cross and a plot against Anwar Ibrahim follow private eye to the grave As if the long-running tale of the grisly 2006 murder of a Mongolian party girl wasn't already complicated enough, evidence has emerged that a recently deceased private detective who once tied Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to the crime, was the focus of an attempt in 2011 to blame opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim for the allegations against Najib. Well before the meeting with Malaysiakini, however, Bala approached Asia Sentinel through his lawyer, Americk Sidhu, and provided detailed evidence of the bribe attempt, along with a request that publication be held off until he gave his approval while he attempted for weeks to arrange a meeting with the prime minister. Approval was never forthcoming. He went to Asia Sentinel, he said, because he wanted to give the evidence to a regional publication that could not be accused of bias against the government, rather than local websites, which were regarded as allies of the opposition. Read more and download documents at: http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5277&Itemid=178
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| ‘Anwar sought Misuari’s help to win GE’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:17 PM PDT Blogger Raja Petra claims that Anwar promised citizenship and jobs to Filipino Muslims in Sabah, in the event Pakatan Rakyat wins federal power. G Vinod, FMT Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim sought the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari to win the general election, alleged blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin. In his latest post titled 'The Untold Story of the Lahad Datu Incident', Raja Petra claimed that Anwar had met Nur Misuari and his top military commanders on July 16, 2012 in Indonesia. He also said that Anwar had good ties with Nur Misuari for a long time, since the former's tenure in the government. The meeting, Raja Petra added, took place at the Crowne Plaza Jakarta Hotel and was arranged by an Indonesian MP close to Anwar. The blogger alleged that Anwar had sought Nur Misuari's help to win at least 30 out of the 57 East Malaysian parliamentary seats to wrest federal power from Barisan Nasional (BN). "Pakatan Rakyat was confident of winning at least 82 to 85 of the 165 seats in West Malaysia. It is the 57 seats in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan that Anwar was not confident [about]," said Raja Petra. Therefore, the blogger claimed that Anwar urged Nur Misuari to convince Muslims in East Malaysia, particularly those from Sabah, to vote for Pakatan in the 13th general election. He was claimed to have made the request as there are many Filipino Muslims in both states, holding Malaysian citizenship and voting rights. In return, Raja Petra claimed that Anwar had promised that Sabah and Sarawak would be given autonomy, once Pakatan wins federal power. "The states will be given 20% oil royalty which will ensure that Sabah and Sarawak become wealthy, with an estimated RM4 billion a year for each state. "Anwar also promised that the non-Malaysian Filipinos in East Malaysia would be given Malaysian citizenship, or at the very minimum permanent resident status so that they could seek employment in Sabah," alleged Raja Petra. The blogger claimed that Nur Misuari had agreed to Anwar's terms and appointed Ibrahim Omar as his coordinator, or "unofficial ambassador" to Sabah to help Anwar garner the support of the Filipino Muslims in the state.
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| ‘Anwar met Misuari several times’ Posted: 24 Mar 2013 02:12 PM PDT Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein confirms rumours that the opposition leader met the Moro National Liberation Front chieftain several times. Leven Woon, FMT Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today revealed that Opposition Leader and PKR chief Anwar Ibrahim met up with Philippines' Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari several times before the Lahad Datu incursions. "I was told that he has met with (Nur Misuari) several times, but I cannot confirm how many times they have met," he said. "But whether it was Anwar or third parties who wanted to take advantage of the situation, I would like to remind them that the people, especially those in Sabah, are with us," he told reporters after launching the Gombak BN Youth machinery today. He said this when asked to comment on reports, especially in pro-Umno blogs, that suggested that Anwar's meetings with Nur Misuari allegedly had links with the invasion of Lahad Datu by followers of the self-claimed Sultan of Sulu in February. Hishammuddin said the government's upcoming measures to get to the bottom of Lahad Datu incursions, be it in the form of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) or a white paper, would provide a platform for the authorities to investigate individuals and third parties over their roles in the invasion. "It could be an RCI, it could be white paper, we must decide on this because the incursion is a very complex issue. "And when I say third parties, it does not only involve individual like Misuari who has been making comments, but also organisations like (Philippines Islamic militant group) Abu Sayyaf and (regional terrorist group) Jemaah Islamiyah," he said. A group of self-styled Royal Sulu Army, claiming to be the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, landed in Lahad Datu village of Kampung Tanduo on Feb 9 to lay claims over Sabah. They clashed with Malaysia's security forces earlier this month after a month of futile negotiations. Since then, 63 Sulu gunmen have fallen while 408 of them have been arrested. Misuari first came into media limelight over the incident when he offered to mediate between the Sulu gunmen and the Malaysia forces. Since then, he had been accused of instigating the Sulu siege in a bid to slow down the Southern Philippines peace deal, of which he denied. Umno bloggers have suggested that a timeline showing Anwar's meetings with Misuari, as well as his mentions of Sabah in his ceramahs, indicated that he had prior knowledge of the Sulu invasion. The bloggers also mentioned a leaked intelligence report from the Philippines which mentioned the Anwar-Misuari meetings. Anwar however has denied any such knowledge although he admitted meeting Misuari. Earlier this week, he told a ceramah that the BN government would be targeting him over the Lahad Datu issue for political purposes.
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| GE13: Opposition hits snag in Johor Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:56 AM PDT
(The Star) - Adding a further dent on Pakatan Rakyat's lofty hopes is the sudden "disappearance" of Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who was not named as candidate for the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat which the latter had been lobbying for. The Opposition's hopes of making inroads in Johor at the coming general election has hit a snag early on with several of its heavyweights reluctant to do battle in Barisan Nasional's bastion state. Adding a further dent on Pakatan Rakyat's lofty hopes is the sudden "disappearance" of Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who was not named as candidate for the Gelang Patah parliamentary seat which the latter had been lobbying for. PKR officials do not where Chua is or what he is up to, with some saying that he is on "protest leave" to show his displeasure at being overlooked for the seat. Chua was absent at the event when Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim introduced DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang as the Gelang Patah candidate last Monday. Chua's griping aside, DAP's Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan has said that she will not contest in the southern state. Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran, another of DAP's leaders said to have been identified to contest in Johor, has not opposed the proposal publicly but party insiders say he had voiced his preference not to follow Lim to Johor. Sources said Fong and Kulasegaran, who have clashed with Perak DAPchairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming, have been identified to contest in Kluang or Kulai, and Segamat, respectively. Johor Jaya PKR branch chief and legal bureau head Jimmy Puah said many were questioning Chua's disappearance from state PKR events with the general election drawing near. "We are having mixed feelings as we are excited about campaigning for the general election but it affects our morale when the leader is not around," he said, adding that he had heard that Chua was "on leave" in Kuala Lumpur. Fong, whose husband is Johor DAP secretary Tan Chen Choon, told The Star yesterday that she would not contest in Johor. "As I have said many times before, speculation that I will be fielded in Johor is not true and is just a rumour," she said. Kulasegaran, a DAP vice-chairman, said he would leave it to the party to decide where he should contest. "I have not been informed of any decision on where I will contest," he added.
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| GE13: Selangor — the hottest battle of all Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:53 AM PDT
(The Star) - The intense battle for Selangor is not surprising. It is, after all, the golden goose of the nation. Economically, it has drawn in large sums of investments from abroad and locally. Barisan Nasional is getting its arsenal ready while Pakatan Rakyat gears up to defend its turf. ONE thing is certain for the coming general election the hottest battleground will be in Selangor. Barisan Nasional has indicated over the past few years that it will go all out to wrest the state from Pakatan Rakyat. Pakatan, however, is determined to defend its turf and hold on to power for a second term. A sign of commitment to Barisan's pledge can be seen in the strength of the state leadership, with Umno being led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak himself while MCA, MIC and Gerakan are represented by a federal minister and two deputy ministers. MCA is helmed by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai. Gerakan is led by Deputy Foreign Minister A. Kohilan Pillay. MIC's charge in the state is spearheaded by party president Datuk G. Palanivel, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. The intense battle for Selangor is not surprising. It is, after all, the golden goose of the nation. Economically, it has drawn in large sums of investments from abroad and locally. Selangor Barisan coordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed has aptly described it as "the heartbeat of the country". Barisan is expected to focus its campaign around thorny issues such as illegal sand-mining, the perceived water crisis, a lack of affordable housing, high land premiums and unfulfilled electoral promises by Pakatan. It will be interesting to watch how PKR, PAS and DAP respond to these issues, as it will the first time they will be defending their position as a state government. Open battle In 2008, some 21.5% of state seats and 13% of Parliament seats were won with a majority of less than 1,000 votes. Many more were secured by slim margins. With these statistics, almost half the state could be considered hot seats. Judging by these numbers, there could be several scenarios. Pakatan commands about 60% of the state seats now. If all goes well for them, it is possible for them to lead the state by a two-third majority as they only need an additional six seats from their current tally. But with the Barisan election machinery in overdrive, it is more likely that either Barisan or Pakatan will form the state government with a slim majority. In Pandamaran, state exco member and incumbent assemblyman Ronnie Liu will face a stiff challenge from his former special assistant Tee Boon Hock if he chooses to defend his seat. If Liu and Tee lock horns, they are expected to be joined by Klang MCA Youth chief Ching Eu Boon. He will be the main beneficiary of a three-cornered fight with the votes split between Liu and Tee. In Gombak Setia, sacked state exco member Datuk Dr Hasan Ali would want to show his former party that he is far from finished. The young turks It will be a battle of the youths, as most of the candidates from both sides will be below 40. Most of the Pakatan incumbents are first term wakil rakyat. They will face the young guns of Barisan such as Selangor Youth Council deputypresident Badrul Hisham Badrudin, Selangor Youth Secretariat (Serang)president Budiman Mohd Zohdi, Selangor Anti-Irregularities Federation (GAPS) president Hamdizun Khairuddin, and Sepang MCA chief Ng Chok Sin. Selangor Gerakan chief A. Kohilan Pillay will take on DAP's Gobind Singh Deo in Puchong, while the four state seats contested by Gerakan will feature new faces. New mentri besar? There is speculation that Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will move from the semi-rural seat of Ijok to urban Bukit Lanjan, replacing state exco member Elizabeth Wong. The rationale is that the former corporate leader can connect better with urban voters, who have different needs and expectations from the rural electorate. Wong is tipped to move to a parliamentary constituency. Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman Azmin Ali is expected to have an easy win. Some of his supporters are lobbying for him to succeed Khalid as mentri besar. This has not been well received by Khalid's camp. Although the speculation has been going on for several years, no senior PKR leader has come out to endorse either Azmin or Khalid as mentri besar. Barisan has so far kept its choice of candidate for mentri besar under wraps. Other developments In Pandan, PKR's Rafizi Ramli is still guessing who his opponent would be. Will it be incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat or Pandan MCA legal bureau chief Gary Lim? Conspiracy theorists are working overtime there, with some even speculating that Ong would contest as an independent should he be dropped from the candidates' list. In Kapar, PKR's incumbent MP S. Manikasavagam is determined to defend the seat despite facing internal pressure from some factions within his party. He will face off with MIC central committee member A. Sakthivell, whose posters can be seen all over the constituency now. A dentist, Dr V. Nedunchelian, has announced his intention to contest as an independent. To complicate matters, Sementa assemblyman and Kapar Barisan chiefDatuk Abdul Rahman Palil has proposed a swap of seat between Umno and MIC, with Umno taking the Kapar parliamentary seat in exchange for the Sementa state seat. 
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| Hisham blames opposition provocation for rising political violence Posted: 24 Mar 2013 11:50 AM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein admitted today that political violence in the country is worsening but accused the opposition of exploiting the situation to sow hatred towards the government and the police. The home minister said that the federal opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was quick to allege the ruling party's involvement in such incidents as well as accuse the police of bias when it purportedly refused to arrest the perpetrators. "I see it getting worse and the way to deal with it (is for) all the relevant parties (to work together). I know the police has made plans to ensure the process of the general election goes through safely but the police on the ground is never enough. "If they (opposition) want democracy and freedom, then why disrupt the process by making allegations like insulting the police and calling them names? "Maybe, it is to create anger or provoke a reaction," he said. The Umno vice-president also admitted that more incidents of violence were possible during the Election 2013 campaign period due to the shortage of manpower in the police force. He, however, promised that the authorities would do their best to prevent any untoward incidents from taking place during national polls which is expected to be held within weeks. Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hisham-blames-opposition-provocation-for-rising-political-violence/
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| Unite against Tian Chua, Lahad Datu ‘conspirators’, Hishammuddin tells youth Posted: 23 Mar 2013 08:58 PM PDT
The Umno vice-president said leaders like Chua had insulted the country's armed forces despite losing their lives to protect Malaysia's sovereigntySyed Jaymal Zahiid, TMI Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein urged the country's youth today to rally behind Barisan Nasional (BN) and "eliminate traitors" like PKR's Chua Tian Chang, whose allies in the opposition have been accused of instigating the Sabah incursion. Speaking before the ruling coalition's election machinery here, the Umno vice-president said leaders like Chua had insulted the country's armed forces despite losing their lives to protect Malaysia's sovereignty. "What is going on in Sabah should not be politicised, this is an issue of our sovereignty. "Whose hand is it behind the intrusion, is there a third party involved? Who is this person who would forsake his own race and nation just because he wants power?" Hishammuddin told some 1,000 party youth supporters who responded with loud shouts of "Kill Tian Chua". Hishammuddin, who is also the home minister, however, did not explicitly accuse Chua and his PKR colleagues of engineering the incursion which has killed more than 70 people including 10 Malaysian security forces personnel. The Umno leader instead said leaders like Chua, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, were promoting divisive politics by spreading rumours about the Lahad Datu conflict. "The youth must reject this politics of division, politics that aims to slander the national leaders, to sow hatred towards the government. "Remember the fate of this country rests on your shoulders, the young, not Tian Chua, not Nurul Izzah, and especially, not Anwar. "So let us fight. Fight against these enemies who are out to divide us," he said. Chua, who is PKR vice-president, was accused of insulting the security forces when he described the death of two police officers killed in the conflict as "mati katak". He was also quoted, as saying by the party organ, that the Sulu armed incursion of Sabah was an Umno conspiracy. He denied the allegation and had taken legal action. Meanwhile, government-owned media have tried to link the conflict to Anwar after its Philippines counterparts quoted a military intelligence officer as suggesting that an opposition leader allied to the PKR advisor had instigated the Sulu Sultunate to launch the armed campaign. The report was carried by Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia and TV3.
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| Daim backs Najib, rejects Anwar Posted: 23 Mar 2013 04:34 PM PDT "I am worried as he does not have the depth in economy, always needed people to tell him — what to think and what to do," he said. So far, he said, there had not been even one significant idea from Anwar as the economic advisor to the Selangor government. Worse, he said, Selangor had badly handled its water issue, which had dismayed developers, investors and the people. (Bernama) - Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin says Najib Tun Razak is doing a fairly good job and should be given the mandate to lead the country and continue with his transformation policies. Urging voters to give Najib the chance for five years, the Umno veteran said: "Test him. Give him the mandate. He is doing a fairly good job. Let's see him deliver and continue with his transformation policies." In an interview with the New Sunday Times, Daim indicated his preference for Najib to win instead of Anwar Ibrahim whom he deemed as not the right candidate to be the prime minister. "If you ask me, between the two, Najib or Anwar, I would choose Najib. I will give Najib the chance. Give him the mandate and see whether he delivers because Anwar has had his chances, but he blew them. "I want Najib to win because I don't think Anwar is the right candidate to be prime minister," he said. "I believe he will mess up the country by getting advice from the likes of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), World Bank and Wolfowitz (Paul Wolfowitz, former World Bank president)," he said. Daim, who served as the finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and as the special functions minister in 1998 before being reappointed as the finance minister from 1999 to 2001, said it was dangerous if an opposition under Anwar was to lead the country. "I am worried as he does not have the depth in economy, always needed people to tell him — what to think and what to do," he said. So far, he said, there had not been even one significant idea from Anwar as the economic advisor to the Selangor government. Worse, he said, Selangor had badly handled its water issue, which had dismayed developers, investors and the people. "Why doesn't he (Anwar) become economic advisor to Kelantan and Kedah if Pakatan believes he is good? Think seriously. Think of our future," he said. Reshuffle the cabinet Daim said he would support Najib but the prime minister must fight corruption and crime, strengthen the nation's security and review the education system. He also said that Najib should reshuffle the cabinet. "Bring in new faces. People think he is carrying too much deadwood in the cabinet. Most are already past their use-by date," he said. On the chances of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general election, Daim, whose prognosis was interestingly followed, said BN would win but there must be unity within the coalition. "Umno has about 3.3 million members, MCA, about one million and MIC, about 600,000. That's already about half of the voters. "Now, you only need some support from the fence-sitters, you should then be able to win. But BN must put new and clean candidates who are acceptable to voters," he said. Daim said that if the BN was not united, the opposition pact would do better, as what happened in 2008. "Stay united, be loyal and don't sabotage. We need a steady and experienced hand. Only BN has the experience. "We have gone through crisis after crisis, and recovered very quickly. We have to tell the Chinese that we cannot experiment. Look at Japan. Look around us. Look at Britain. Study what is happening," he said. Daim said Anwar had repeatedly said that there would be an Arab Spring-like demonstration should the opposition lose in the next general election because of what they deem as "cheating". "He (Anwar) has set the stage to justify their losses if they lose in the next general election. Pakatan is prepping the people so that they can scapegoat the government and the Election Commission. "First, we are not an Arab country. And second, if there was rigging in previous general elections, how did Pakatan win five states in 2008? "Arab Spring has turned out to be an Arab Fall (for the lack of a unifying leadership and the instability it has induced)," he said.
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| M'sian Special Branch working with Philippine intelligence on intrusion Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:26 PM PDT
"Our police Special Branch has good relations with the agency (Nica). We have obtained intelligence on the involvement of a third party and information on the (Jamalul) Kiram group." said Hishammuddin. (Bernama) - Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Royal Malaysian Police's Special Branch was working closely with the Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) to investigate and identify the mastermind behind the recent terrorist intrusion in Sabah. "Our police Special Branch has good relations with the agency. We have obtained intelligence on the involvement of a third party and information on the (Jamalul) Kiram group. "The intelligence could also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Nur Misuari group, politicians or terrorists," he told reporters after opening the Pusat Giat Semberong at the Taman Sri Lambak hall here. He said, the good relations between Kuala Lumpur and Manila were reflected in the Philippine coastguards detaining 38 people who were intercepted encroaching in the waters off Tawi-Tawi. He said the ministry had long established a network cooperation with the regional intelligence agency to ensure stability in the region. The bilateral intelligence collaboration was not only between Malaysia and the Philippines but also with Aseanapol and the member countries involved in it, such as Indonesia, added the minister. On the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the Sabah terrorist intrusion, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would outline it on Monday, in conjunction with Police Day. He said, although the government had not made any decision on the RCI, the ministry had carried out its work to identify the mastermind behind the intrusion in which 10 security force members and 63 of the terrorists were killed. Hishammuddin also reminded the people to guard against exploitation of the terrorist intrusion by certain quarters for their political interest. He cited the preposterous claim allegedly made by former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh that the police were burning the identity cards of the Suluk community. He denied the police had resorted to such a move and challenged Harris to prove his claim. Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the ministry would build seven new police stations in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Banggi and Pulau Gaya, and five integrated customs, immigration and quarantine complexes under the Eastern Sabah Security Command. The ministry would also enhance its agencies, including the Marine Police, VAT69 Commando, General Task Force and Special Action Unit, he said.
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| GE13: Zin: BN ready to take back Selangor from ‘caretaker govt’ Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:14 PM PDT
(The Star) - The current Selangor Government is just a "caretaker government" and the Barisan Nasional is ready to take it back, said state Barisan co-ordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed. With its election machinery in place at all parliamentary and state constituencies, he said the Barisan was confident of wresting the state back from the PKR-led government. "The feedback from the people showed that they do not see anything special about the current state government. "But that does not mean we should be over-confident and leave things as they are. "We should still go to the ground, meet the people and explain further about the improvements and development the Barisan can bring if given back the mandate to rule the state. "The state government now is just a caretaker government. We should take it back from them in the general election," Mohd Zin, who is also the state Barisan deputy election director, said during a briefing for party workers at the Kota Raja Umno division office here yesterday. He raised several issues that had surfaced since 2008, including the state water problems and allegations of rampant illegal logging. Mohd Zin said there were no such issues when the Barisan was running Selangor. Speaking at a press conference later, Mohd Zin expressed confidence that the Kota Raja parliamentary seat, now held by Siti Mariah Mahmud of PAS, would fall back to the Barisan. He welcomed the emergence of new faces in the Barisan, saying: "We are a party that subscribes to the 1Malaysia concept. "Hence, we have to support each other to care for the rakyat's well-being."
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| GE13: Chua confident BN will retain Johor Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:12 PM PDT
(The Star) - MCA is confident Barisan Nasional will continue to govern Johor despite the tough battle expected between the ruling coalition and the Opposition, says Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. "Every state is difficult for Barisan and Pakatan Rakyat. We are confident we will still form the Johor Government," said the MCA president. Dr Chua warned that whatever loss suffered by Barisan would be at the expense of MCA, Gerakan and MIC. "It will be a government dominated by Umno and in the Opposition, by DAP. "So, it is up to the Chinese to decide," he said after paying last respects to the mother of Bekok assemblyman and Labis MCA division chairman Datuk Tan Kok Hong here yesterday. Koh Bee Harp passed away at the age of 81. Representatives from party headquarters, the state and the Labis division also paid their last respects.
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| GE13: Karpal: Alternative is to contest under PKR or PAS Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:10 PM PDT
(The Star) - DAP candidates will contest on PKR or PAS tickets in the coming general election should the party be deregistered following investigations into its controversial central executive committee elections. Party chairman Karpal Singh said "if there is political interference or any steps taken to deregister the party" before nomination day, DAP candidates would have no choice but to contest under the PKR or PAS banner. He said DAP was now "provisionally deregistered" pending investigations into the party's elections, adding that the party would give its full co-operation to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in the investigations. He, however, reiterated that all investigations had to be done fairly. "Every effort must be made by the RoS to ensure that the party is allowed to use its symbol in the upcoming general election," he said at a press conference here yesterday. Karpal said the RoS had begun its investigation last Wednesday, with the party's internal auditor interviewed by the police on behalf of the registrar. He welcomed the statement by RoS director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman who, when responding to a suggestion by former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim that DAP should be suspended, said the registrar could not do that based on complaints but should instead have "solid grounds". Tunku Abdul Aziz had urged the RoS to suspend DAP pending its investigations into the party's elections which were held in December. Several DAP members have also lodged complaints with the RoS over the same issue since January.
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| GE13: ‘Guan Eng contradicting himself’ Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:08 PM PDT
(The Star) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has contradicted himself by saying that the state government would allow toll at the planned undersea tunnel and the second bridge; and yet criticised the Barisan Nasional Government over the same thing, Datuk Chua Tee Yong said. The MCA Young Professionals Bureau chairman said it was "hypocritical" of the Pakatan Rakyat-led Penang Government to implement two new tolls for the tunnel and the bridge. "When the Barisan Government decided to listen to the people and abolish certain tolls by paying compensation to the highway concessionaries, Pakatan then criticised Barisan for paying the companies too much. "However, when Pakatan became the state government of Penang, they, too, decided to implement tolls for the tunnel and the second bridge." Chua pointed out that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said that once Pakatan took over the Government, they would do away with tolls. "Yet, here we see the Penang Government intending to have tolls. So, in the end what is Pakatan's real stand? To have or to abolish tolls?" He said Lim not only failed to abolish the Sungai Nyior toll but instead added more in the state. Lim had reportedly said during a debate with MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek that the Penang Government had built an alternative road for motorists to avoid paying the 50sen toll at the Sungai Nyior toll plaza. Referring to a February 2007 posting on the DAP website that quoted Penang DAP secretary Ng Wei Aik as saying that the Sungai Nyior toll would be abolished if Pakatan took a parliamentary seat and four state seats in the 2008 general election, Bagan MCA Youth chief David Chua said DAP had failed to keep that pledge. The Penang Government has come under fire for its proposed RM6.3bil undersea tunnel and road projects. Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohd Idris had slammed the state for pushing through the projects, saying it was not a long-term solution to traffic woes, but would make Penang "unhealthy and unliveable". In Labis, Chua said DAP's strategy to parachute its heavyweights to Johor showed it had no confidence in its state leadership to face the Barisan Nasional in the general election. He said DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, party strategist Liew Chin Tong and other party heavyweights could contest in Johor, where Barisan was ready for them. "But the question is, doesn't it show clearly that the DAP leadership is not confident with its state leadership in Johor? "They do not have any local leaders here that they can promote or to take up the challenge here?" asked the Labis MP. On DAP's Hew Kuan Yau, the "Superman" who is said to have been offered to contest in Labis, Chua said he welcomed Hew. "Don't be a coward, don't keep on criticising by using vulgarity. If you want to stand, then do it," he said.
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| Pakatan unveils unique manifesto for Sabah Posted: 23 Mar 2013 02:42 PM PDT A higher learning institution to be known as Universiti Kinabalu as well as a new independent television station called TV Sabah is also promised in the manifesto. Queville To, FMT KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Rakyat coalition members in Sabah have sidestepped the delicate matter of who will be their candidate for the Chief Minister's post should Pakatan unseat the Barisan Nasional government in the coming state elections. "It's too early to decide right now … we will decide after the outcome of the elections. This matter is not really important at all, the most important is asking the people to give us a chance to govern for one term," Sabah DAP chairman Jimmy Wong said Saturday. Speaking at a news conference held here in conjunction with the unveiling of Pakatan manifesto for Sabah, he said that the coalition members had identified their candidates for the 60 state and 25 Wong downplayed a separate manifesto by its partner Pertubuhan Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPPS) saying it had been incorporated in the 'People Manifesto: Pakatan Harapan Rakyat Sabah'. The opposition coalition's manifesto contains policies that focus on Sabah and its people and was presented by PKR Sabah chief Ahmad Thamrin Jaini, Angkatan Perubahan Sabah leader Wilfred Bumburing, PPPS leader Lajim Ukin. Among others it touches on the 1963 Malaysia Agreement, Borneanisation, Sabah sovereignty, a more comprehensive inquiry on illegal immigrants, Native Courts and the status of the natives, as The protection of the native customary rights, improvement of infrastructure, upgrading and enhanced social welfare is also given priority including affordable housing and aid for pensioners. Pakatan has also pledged to "recognise, respect and safeguard the native customary rights for land and would withdraw all cases that have been brought by the current government to court and set up a Land Tribunal to review the status of native lands that were given to government-linked agencies and private companies. The manifesto also promises an immediate end to the practice of issuing Communal Titles and replacing it with individual Native Titles.
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| Sulu sultan disowns 8 accused in Malaysia Posted: 22 Mar 2013 07:50 PM PDT
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Are the eight men charged in Malaysia for the intrusion by followers of the sultan of Sulu into Sabah Filipinos or Malaysians? After condemning on Thursday the filing of charges against the eight as "terroristic," the Sulu sultanate on Friday disowned the suspects, saying they were not Filipinos but Malaysians. Abraham Idjirani, spokesman for the sultanate, said the sultanate learned about the "fall guys" from a source in Sabah. At least one of the eight arraigned at the Tawau High Court on Thursday admitted during the proceedings that he was paid to join the group from Sulu. The Star newspaper of Malaysia identified the suspect as Holland (spelled "Holan" by Idjirani) Kalbi. Speaking in court through a Badjao interpreter, Kalbi said he was asked by "someone" to join the group, but did not identify who it was. He also did not say how much he was paid to go with Agbimuddin's group. "I was just being foolish," The Star quoted Kalbi as saying in court. But Gani said Kalbi's statement should not be recorded. The judge reminded Kalbi not to say anything until he has a lawyer. The SLA is providing legal representation to the eight accused. Idjirani said Kalbi was one of Jamalul's followers who were killed in the March 1 "massacre" in Tanduo village in Lahad Datu town. Idjirani was referring to the police assault on Agbimuddin's group in which 18, not 10, of Jamalul's followers were killed. Idjirani apologised for the earlier body count, which proved to be wrong, he said, because full information was not available at the time. 'They are Filipinos' But Syarulnizam Salleh, chair of the human rights subcommittee of the Sabah Lawyers Association (SLA), told the Inquirer by phone on Friday that the eight men charged with launching terroristic acts and waging war against Malaysian King Abdul Halim were Filipinos. Salleh said he learned about the nationality of the eight men during his meeting with Malaysian Attorney General Gani Patail on Thursday night. The SLA, however, said in a posting on its website that Malaysian authorities had arrested not only Filipinos but also Malaysians in the security operations to end the intrusion by followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. The Malaysian authorities have arrested 108 people suspected of links to the Sulu group led by Jamalul's brother, Agbimuddin Kiram. But they're dead Idjirani reiterated that Kalbi was one of the 18 "martyrs" of Tanduo. "Now he is one of the eight accused. So what's this?" Idjirani asked. Another alleged follower of the Sulu sultanate charged on Wednesday and arraigned on Thursday was identified as Lin Mad Salleh. But Idjirani said "Ling Mad Salli" (his own spelling) was also one of the 18 Tanduo "martyrs." "Have the Malaysians resurrected the two RSF men?" Idjirani asked, using the shorthand for the "Royal Security Forces" of the Sulu sultanate. "Our basis for saying that they are not Filipinos is that our source from Sabah called us to say they are Malaysians. They are not Filipinos," Idjirani said. "To confirm this, they (Malaysian authorities) should divulge where they were caught. If they were caught outside Lahad Datu, they were [Malaysian] civilians," he said. "They were set up to make Filipinos afraid, because Malaysian security forces have become abusive because of their internal security act," he added. The accused The eight alleged followers of Sultan Jamalul faced Judge P. Ravinthran of the Tawau High Court on Thursday to be arraigned of the charges brought by the Malaysian authorities against them the day before. Kalbi, Salleh, Habil Suhaili and Timhar Hadir are accused of launching acts of terrorism in Sabah. They face life imprisonment on conviction. Atik Hussein Abu Bakar and Basad H. Manuel are also accused of terrorism as well as waging war against the Malaysian king. If convicted, they will be sentenced to death. Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong are accused of harboring a terrorist group, and face life imprisonment. They were arrested on that charge in Tanjung Labian on March 4, a day before the Malaysian military launched air and ground operations to crush Agbimuddin's group. No plea was entered for the eight accused following an application by Attorney General Gani, who led the team of prosecutors. The charges are nonbailable. Gani told the court that though only two of the accused faced charges that carried the death penalty, the prosecution would see to it that all eight would have legal representation in the interest of human rights. He said he had discussed legal representation for the accused with the SLA and the Bar Council of Malaysia. Salleh of the SLA confirmed earlier information received by the Inquirer that some of the accused were placed in straitjackets. Straitjackets for security Gani applied to the court for the procedure and Justice Ravinthran granted his application "for security reasons," according to a copy of the court proceedings obtained by the Inquirer. Ravinthran subsequently ordered the trial of the eight accused to start on April 12. Gani said some of the accused would be jointly tried while individual hearings would be held for others, as they were arrested at different places or time. Of the eight accused, one is under 19 years old. Some are Badjao and others are Orang Suluk or Tausug. In a statement issued Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said it welcomed Gani's assurance that the eight Filipinos would be given legal assistance. The embassy and Salleh of the SLA said they were coordinating with each other for legal representation for the accused. Mopping up operations Mopping up operations continued in Lahad Datu Friday to clear the villages of Agbimuddin's men. Malaysian authorities said 68 members of Agbimuddin's group had been killed in fighting since March 1. But Idjirani said that by the sultanate's reckoning, only 26 of the 235 members of Agbimuddin's group had been killed. Four were wounded and 10 were arrested, he said. Idjirani identified the 10 he earlier reported as killed in Tanduo as Kalbi, Salli, Ibrahim Suhudah, Junaidi Harain, Adulkader Jumaadil, Hawadi Jumaadil, Tar Undang, Sangkahan Ajan, and Datu and Mrs. Maharajah Sabandal. He did not identify the eight others whose deaths in the police assault the sultanate learned about only later. Other losses In addition to the 18 killed in Tanduo on March 1, Idjirani said four were killed during the air and artillery attacks on March 5, and two others were killed later because they shielded Agbimuddin from soldiers' fire. Idjirani said 36 other sultanate followers were detained at the Philippine Naval Station in Tawi-Tawi after being intercepted at sea while trying to return to the Philippines and charged in a local court two weeks ago. Of the group that sailed to Lahad Datu on Feb. 9, only Agbimuddin and 161 followers of the sultanate remain, Idjirani said.
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| Sulu military commander captured Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:47 PM PDT (Bernama) - LAHAD DATU: Security forces have successfully crippled the movements of the terrorists from Sulu who intruded into Lahad Datu after capturing their military commander in Semporna, early this morning. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said the man, in his 40s, was detained with his wife at a swampy area at 1.30am after a tip off. He said the security forces also detained a local who provided all the needs of the terrorists from the early days of their landing in Kampung Tanduo on Feb 12 until today. Without going into further details on the man who is in his 40s, Khalid said he was caught at 10pm yesterday in Kampung Tanduo and was now being held under the Immigration Act. "The local coordinator has been identified as the individual who made arrangements for food and drinks, accommodation, transportation and medicine for the terrorists since the early part of the intrusion," he said. "With the capture of the commander and a local stooge of the terrorists, I am confident the terrorist group is now crippled," he told a media conference at the security forces operations heaquarters at Felda Sahabat 16 near here today. Khalid said with the capture of the two individuals, he believed the movements of the remnants of the terrorists were now limited and weakened as they were directionless and no longer getting assistance from locals. Thanking the local community for furnishing information which had led to the capture of a most wanted individual, Khalid said "Operasi Daulat" (the offensive against the terrorists) which entered its 19th day today, would still be continued and expected the community in Lahad Datu would resume they normal lives soon. Boosting confidence On the latest statistics of Operasi Daulat, he said to date, 408 people had been detained for numerous offences, while the number of terrorists shot dead remained at 63. He said 38 bodies of the terrorists were also retrieved from the operation area, including eight which were taken out of Kampung Tanjung Batu yesterday. The bodies were now undergoing post-mortems at the Lahad Datu Hospital, he said. On the incident in Kembara Sakti yesterday, Khalid said the number of security forces in the village had been increased to boost the confidence of the residents to continue their normal lives. "There is no reason for them to be afraid and I advise all community members, residents and plantation workers in Kembara Sakti to return home as the security forces will always protect them," he said. He said preliminary police investigation found the matter to be only rumours which was exaggerated and caused worry to residents. About 1,000 residents in Kampung Kembara Sakti were reported to have moved to a nearby religious school and mosque after a housewife claimed four hungry terrorists came to her house when she was alone and tied up her hands and feet. The woman managed to free herself and escaped when the militants were busy looking for food.
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| Lahad Datu: Kg Tanduo chief's son is coordinator for Sulu group, say police Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:44 PM PDT
(The Star) - LAHAD DATU: A son of a former Kampung Tanduo village chief is believed to be the local coordinator for the Sulu terror group. He was among four people, two of whom are key figures behind the group, who were arrested over the past 24 hours. The other is the Sulu group's military commander who was picked up while hiding in the swamps in Semporna as police further crippled the Sulu terrorists network operating there and in Lahad Datu. Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the two key figures were arrested with their wives. He said the local coordinator, in his early 40's, was arrested with his wife in the Felda Sahabat area at about 10pm on Friday. The man possessed a Malaysian identity card, he told reporters. The man is being detained under the Immigration Act pending verification of his identification documents. "He is an important figure as he was the one who arranged for accommodation, food, drinks and medical treatment since the group arrived here (Feb 9)," Khalid said. He said the military commander, in his late 40s, was arrested at about 1am on Saturday and has a Philippines passport. "Now we believe the group has been further crippled. They have lost their source of local support and they now have no direction," Khalid said. He did not elaborate on the identity of the commander. He said the arrests were made possible with the assistance of the local communities. So far, 408 people have been detained under the various laws since the launching of the offensive against the Sulu terror group dubbed as Ops Daulat on March 5. Another 108 people have been detained under the Special Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA). Sixty-three gunmen have been killed in the ongoing offensive. On Thursday's Kembara Sakti incident in Felda Sahabat where more than 1,000 fled their villages after hearing that a woman was held hostage, Khalid said: "From our initial investigation, what happened yesterday was made to be more serious that it actually is." "There is no reason for the community there to feel afraid. They can return home. We will be with them,'' he added. Khalid said he would be meeting the residents to assure them of their safety.
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| Mustafa banks on Tuesday for end of 'guessing game' Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:57 PM PDT
(Harakah Daily) - And the election guessing game continues. But this time, the prediction is based on the insistence by the Election Commission not to have separate polls for 13th general election. The Negeri Sembilan state assembly will automatically dissolve this Tuesday, while polling must be held within sixty days, by May 26.
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| Bersih to ‘name and shame’ candidates Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:51 PM PDT Bersih says it will 'name and shame' candidates who condone political violence. K Pragalath, FMT Election reform watchdog Bersih today announced that it would "name and shame" politicians and election candidates who do not support its campaign against political violence. "We'll name and shame them. Silence is not an option. Vote against the MPs who encourage political violence and those who are silent about it. "We will tell the public not to vote for them," Bersih co-chairman, S Ambiga, said at the launching of Bersih's "Reject political violence" campaign today. The campaign kicked off with Bersih co-chairman A Samad Said sending SMSes to PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad (PAS), Batu MP Tian Chua (PKR), Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang. Besides the SMS, Bersih hopes to use the social media and by word of mouth to spread the message. Ambiga also said that Bersih would accept any invitation to any political ceramah and also to speak up against political violence. She listed nine instances of political violence that have occurred since January this year. The election reform watchdog also announced that it would be releasing a code of conduct for candidates and rules of a caretaker government next week. On another issue, Ambiga criticised Election Commission deputy chairman, Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, for saying that the election would take place before the conclusion of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Sabah, and that the EC was powerless to act as the RCI has not ended.
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| BANTING MURDER TRIAL: Lawyer surprises court Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:23 PM PDT
IN THE BALANCE: Judge fixes May 9 and 10 for submissions and May 23 for judgment SHAH ALAM: AFTER 110 days of proceedings, which spanned almost two years, and 742 exhibits tendered in court, the Banting murder trial came to an end at the High Court here yesterday with the defence closing the case. Counsels Manjeet Singh Dhillon, Gurbachan Singh, Amer Hamzah Arshad and Hasshahari Johari Mawi closed their case yesterday after 138 witnesses had testified. Judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir fixed May 9 and 10 for submissions and May 23 for judgment. In the proceedings yesterday, Manjeet took everyone in court by surprise when he showed "a small demonstration" to witness Roslie Sulle. (Roslie, 36, was the lawyer who represented K. Sarawanan who had pleaded guilty at the Telok Datuk magistrate's court on Oct 15, 2010, to disposing of evidence in the Banting murders. Another man, U. Suresh, also pleaded guilty to the same offence. Both are currently serving 20 years' jail). Manjeet took a bag of ashes, poured it into a blue container and gave it to Roslie to "throw away". Manjeet: You are going to ask me what is this and I'm going to tell you that there was a fight in my house last night. Mann Singh and Mahinder Singh were dancing and I did not like it. "So I killed them and burnt them. Now, I give you this container to be thrown away. You are later charged in court. So have you committed any offence? Do you know who is Mahinder and Mann? Roslie: I don't know them. Manjeet: From the container, can you now separate Mahinder and Mann? Roslie just smiled. Manjeet: This is not a joke. I'm demonstrating how ridiculous your actions and the deputy public prosecutors' conduct were (at the magistrate's court when Sarawanan pleaded guilty). So can you separate Mahinder and Mann? Roslie: No. Manjeet: Did you dispose of Mahinder and Mann? How do you know it wasn't the remains of my cat, or dog? What sort of lawyer are you? Roslie: I had discussed with Puravalen (lawyer M. Puravalen) that day and he was the one who studied the facts of the case. I only prepared the mitigation. Manjeet: So are you saying Puravalen did not think the facts of the case were incomplete and that it did not show any offence? Were you even in court that day? Roslie: Yes I was in court. "I put it to you that this was all a conspiracy to get the two boys out of the way so that the facts of the case can be used in another trial," said Manjeet, to which Roslie disagreed. Roslie was testifying in the trial of N. Pathmanabhan, 44, T. Thilaiyalagan, 22, R. Matan, 23, and R. Kathavarayan, 33, charged with the murders of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, 47, bank officer Noorhisham Mohamad, 38, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, at Ladang Gadong, Lot 2001, Jalan Tanjong Layang, Tanjung Sepat in Banting, between 8.30pm and 9.45pm on Aug 30, 2010. |
| Anwar claims of BN plot to implicate him in Sulu clampdown Posted: 22 Mar 2013 03:39 PM PDT
(TMI) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has alleged of a plot by the Najib administration to include him in its Sulu dragnet, saying last night he was sure he would soon be accused of paying the group of Filipino militants to start the armed incursion in Sabah. The opposition leader, however, said this would not affect his determination but would instead inspire him further in his goal of toppling Barisan Nasional (BN) from Putrajaya in the coming polls. "Accuse me, slander me, but don't expect me to surrender," Anwar (picture) was quoted as saying by PAS organ Harakah Daily in a ceramah at Puteri Centre Park, Bandar Tasik Puteri here last night. According to the daily, Anwar was likely referring to the declaration in the Tawau High Court on Wednesday by one of the men charged with engaging in terrorism in Sabah that he had been asked and paid to do so by someone. In The Star Online's report on the terror trial, Hooland Kalbi, who was among the eight charged over the Sulu siege, had also said he was "foolish" for involving himself in the incursion. "This claim of being paid. This is all part of (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib's (Razak) plan to implicate me," Anwar was quoted as saying by Harakah. "Whether they want to accuse me or arrest me, we will continue our fight to topple Umno in the next election."
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| Two more Perak DAP big guns heading south Posted: 22 Mar 2013 03:22 PM PDT The duo will join DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang to do battle in Johor. Humayun Kabir, FMT Two more Perak DAP leaders may bring the battle to Johor in their bid to boost Pakatan Rakyat's chances of breaching the Umno stronghold in the coming general election. And Perak DAP will also see a shake-up, with new faces being fielded to replace "non-performing" incumbents. The speculation is that Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran and Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan may join DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang to lead the charge into Umno's birthplace. PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has already announced that Lim, the Ipoh Timor MP, will contest in Gelang Patah parliamentary seat of Johor. Kulasegaran was initially picked to contest in the Segamat parliamentary seat, but according to media report, Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng has been identified as the candidate for Segamat. A DAP source said that Kulasegaran, who is closely linked to Lim, will contest any parliamentary seat in Johor that the party picks. After crossing swords with the Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham and secretary Nga Kor Ming over the years, Kulasegaran is preparing to enter a new political frontier of Johor. Ngeh is Beruas MP and Setiawan assemblyman while his cousin Nga is Taiping MP and Pantai Remis assemblyman. It is speculated that Fong, who has also clashed with cousins Ngeh and Nga, may be tipped to contest either Kluang or Kulai. She may join her husband, Johor DAP secretary Tan Chen Choon who is tipped to contest the Bentayan Johor state seat. With the exit of these three party leaders, Perak DAP has reshuffled the cards to fill the vacated slots. For a start, incumbent Pasir Pinji assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong may fill Lim's shoes in Ipoh Timor. Pasir Pinji may go to Perak DAP Youth state secretary Howard Lee Chuan How. Non-performing incumbents Former Pakatan State Legislative Assembly Speaker and Tronoh state assembleman V Sivakumar is likely to be fielded in Batu Gajah, while the Tronoh seat may go to Ngeh's Sitiawan political secretary Paul Leong. State DAP Youth chief, publicity secretary and Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh may be fielded in Ipoh Barat. According to a DAP source, the state is dropping all non-performing incumbents and replacing them with new faces who support the state party leadership and are service-oriented.
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| NGO to take legal action against cyber bullies Posted: 22 Mar 2013 02:56 PM PDT The Malaysian Youth Rights Movement has also lodged a report with the MCMC to stop the bullies allegedly allied to a Pakatan Rakyat component party. Athi Shankar, FMT GEORGE TOWN: A social activist is so fed up with the abuses of cyber bullies allegedly linked to Pakatan Rakyat that he has decided to take legal action against them. Shen Yee Aun, who heads Malaysian Youth Rights Movement (MYRM), has lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). He plans to lodge a police report in next few days and file a civil libel suit against the bullies, who have identified themselves as members of the Red Bean Army (RBA). RBA is linked to a dominant political party within the Pakatan family. With the next general election around the corner, Shen said the cyber war has intensified, with the cyber bullies spinning stories and twisting facts. He said the RBA cyber bullies have threatened, intimidated and racially abused any commentators, who they thought favour Barisan Nasional or are anti-Pakatan. A check by MYRM found that these bullies have posted derogatory pictures, visuals and graphics online especially on Facebook, fed misinformation and misrepresented facts on national affairs, and have become more vulgar, hostile and unruly. "They intimidate commentators with sexual and death threats in various social media platforms," Shen told reporters here yesterday, showing them certain online abuses by these bullies. He cited a student, Wong Kim May, who was recently verbally abused with foul languages and threatened with sexual violence and murder just because she put some BN posters on Facebook. MYRM checks found that the abuses were concerted, coordinated and collaborated efforts to cause racial divisions, fear and anger among the people. Shen, who has also been constantly targeted, is convinced that such unethical cyber abuses were a tactical move by the bullies and their political masters. He claimed that the political masters knew their cyber bullies were abusing and misusing social media channels by using foul languages and intimidating others with violent threats. "The political masters knew it officially vis-à-vis our MCMC report. But they did not stop it," he said. He hit out at the political masters for condoning and encouraging unethical cyber behaviour. He criticised the political party and its bullies for abusing and exploiting the freedom of expression, and warned that such abuses were detrimental to the healthy growth of democracy. "The political party should stop its cyber bullying immediately," said Shen.
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| Sultanate: 8 terror accused are Malaysians, not Pinoys Posted: 22 Mar 2013 02:48 PM PDT
(PhilStar.com) - MANILA, Philippines - Eight men charged with terrorism-related offenses in Malaysian courts in connection with the violence in Sabah are neither Filipinos nor followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani said yesterday. He said one of the men had even assumed the identity of one of the fighters of the sultanate killed by Malaysian forces last March 1. Malaysia's state news agency Bernama said on Thursday that the man – identified as Hooland Kalibi – admitted before a court that he had been paid to join the Sabah incursion. Idjirani said they got the information from "a relative of the wife" of the leader of the sultanate's armed followers in Sulu, Agbimuddin Kiram, brother of the sultan. "What does the Malaysian government intend to do? They are lying through their teeth. They are fooling the Philippine government and the entire world," he said. "Hooland Kalibi is dead, that we are sure about. "Malaysia will continue to lie so that the sultanate will not get any support from President Aquino, from our own government. Malaysia is fooling the world," Idjirani said. Malaysia's Star Online had reported that eight Filipinos – aged between 17 and 66 – had been charged before a Magistrate Court in Lahad Datu with "waging war" against Malaysia's king and with terrorism. Waging war against Malaysia's king is punishable by death, while terrorism carries a prison term of up to 30 years. Idjirani also accused the Malaysian government of waging a disinformation campaign to discredit the Sulu sultanate before the Philippine government and the international community. He also dared Malaysia to allow international media access to the territory. "I think we understand why they did not want international media to enter Sabah. It's because they're hiding something," Idjirani said. According to Idjirani, a total of 108 Filipinos in Sabah have been arrested under Malaysia's Security Offences (Special Measures) Act of 2012 for allegedly supporting the "royal sultanate force" which entered Sabah on Feb. 12. At least 243 others face charges for alleged violation of the country's Immigration and National Registration Acts, he added. Idjirani also denied reports from Malaysia that Agbimuddin had already left Sabah and is now in hiding in Mindanao. Plea for access granted As Malaysia continues to round up Filipinos suspected of having links to the Kirams, Philippine authorities have finally been given access to those in detention. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday that the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, through a note verbale dated March 20, stated the "procedures of the access in due course." "In reply to our requests for access to Filipinos under their custody, our embassy in Kuala Lumpur has received notes from the Malaysian Foreign Ministry that consular access to eight members of the armed group charged for offenses under Malaysia Penal Code will be granted to the embassy," said DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez. The "embassy will submit an application for access to the Foreign Ministry which will be processed within three days," he said. Malaysia's Attorney General, for its part, announced that the eight accused would be assigned local lawyers. "We welcome the announcement by the Malaysian Attorney General's Chambers that the eight individuals who were allegedly involved in the Lahad Datu incidents will be assigned local lawyers to defend them," Consul General Medardo Macaraig said. "To ensure that the eight individuals are accorded due process and fair trial, the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur is in communication with the Malaysian Bar Council and the Sabah Law Association which offered their services in defending the accused," he added. The Tawau High Court has scheduled the hearing on the charges against the eight Filipinos on April 12. "The embassy will ensure the availability of legal counsels to assist the accused in time for the resumption of the court session," Macaraig said. The real sultan As the Kirams in Manila decry what they call lack of government support for their cause, a professor in Davao City claiming to be a daughter of the real sultan of Sulu is urging the government to first help unify the three houses of the Sulu sultanate if it wants to strengthen its claim on Sabah. Rita Tuban said Jamalul Kiram alone cannot speak for the sultanate regarding the Sabah issue. "The three houses should peacefully settle it first among themselves," she said, referring to the houses of Kiram, Sakirawllah, and Alimuddin. Tuban insisted that her father, Sultan Tuban Wizer Hankiram Sakirawllah Alimuddin I, who died in 1997, was the real sultan of Sulu based on the Salsila or the record of genealogy of the Tausug nobility. Tuban had written a book about the genealogy of the Sulu sultanate. Meanwhile, 161 people, mostly women and children, have been rescued adrift in the Sulu Sea on a boat whose engine conked out while sailing from strife-torn Sabah. A Philippine Navy patrol boat spotted the M/L Okay near Tuba Lubak Island at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and escorted it to the Port of Sulu where the refugees were given food and provisions. The group skipped the usual Sandakan-Taganak route to evade Malaysian sea patrols. Refugees yesterday reported intensifying crackdown by Malaysian security forces on suspected followers of the Sulu sultanate, including house-to-house search and setting up of roadblocks and checkpoints. "The Malaysian security forces have started stopping cars and buses coming from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and other major routes heading towards the eastern coast, checking documents of commuters," a Filipino employed in Sabah said. The Malaysian forces were reportedly venting their ire on Filipinos in Lahad Datu, Tawau, Sandakan and Semporna after failing to capture or kill Agbimuddin. "Any day now, the Malaysian security forces are launching a Sabah-wide major operasi (crackdown) against document and undocumented. The operasi is now being felt in Kota Kinabalu," another Filipino said. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Jaime Laude, Edith Regalado, John Unson, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan
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