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Selasa, 14 Jun 2011

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

PAS warns Perkasa against causing trouble

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 11:42 PM PDT

L-R: Hatta, Suhaizan and Mat Sabu

(Harakah Daily) - PAS leaders have warned UMNO's sister organisation Perkasa against any act of violence to thwart the planned rally on July 9 by electoral reform group Bersih.

Kuala Krai member of parliament Dr Hatta Ramli, who is also in the Bersih committee, described Perkasa's threat to disrupt the rally with its own gathering as "terrorist-like".

"We never stop Perkasa from gathering. But (we hope) it gathers to fight for (what it believes as) their right, not to stop us.

It looks like a physical war had been declared. That's not the way, this is terrorist way," Hatta said when met at the Parliament.

Perkasa's chief Ibrahim Ali vowed to stop the Bersih rally by countering it with a similar rally on July 9, hoping both gatherings would clash.

"(If they proceed) there will be a clash (pertembungan). If that happens, it is for the better. I cannot imagine, when they bring a big crowd and start throwing stones, burning cars...Perkasa will go down to make sure we stop (the Bersih rally)," said Ibrahim, who again invoked the term "jihad" to describe his right-wing activities.

"Jihad is to prevent bad things from happening... I have every right to stop (the rally)," he added.

Johor PAS Youth meanwhile said Ibrahim's plan to disrupt the Bersih rally was proof that Perkasa was only interested in creating trouble, and urged police to take action.

"The police with all their equipment should be able to use their wisdom to prevent any disturbance. They can ensure peace during the Bersih rally by placing policemen along the road leading to the Palace," said its leader Suhaizan Kayat, referring to Bersih leaders' plan to hand over a memorandum to the Agung on that day.

He added that if Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali (left) was interested in holding any gathering of their own, they can also be allowed to do so by using another route.

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said it was not up to Perkasa to determine whether chaos would happen during the Bersih rally, the second such major gathering in the city since its successful 2007 rally which saw tens of thousands demanding for electoral reforms before the general election.

Mat Sabu, saying Bersih chairperson had guaranteed the rally would be peaceful, said it was the police's job "to determine whether it is peaceful or not."

Mat Sabu also dismissed the threat from Ibrahim, while acknowledging Perkasa's right to gather.

"We will continue, Perkasa wants to do the gathering, it's their right. But Perkasa, if you really want to do a gathering, choose a different date, as this date (July 9) we have proposed long time ago," said Mat Sabu, who has been spearheading efforts to mobilise PAS members for the rally. Earlier at the PAS Muktamar, PAS had pledged 300,000 members to attend the rally.

Earlier, Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan said the group would not be cowed despite whatever the threats or police reports lodged.

"We will not be intimidated," she said.

 

Anwar vs Khairy: Seeking an out of court settlement

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 11:30 PM PDT

(Bernama) - The parties in a defamation suit brought by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim against Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin are to explore possibilities of an out-of-court settlement.

Khairy's counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told the media here today that High Court Judicial Commissioner Nik Hasmat Nik Mohamad had asked the parties to do this when meeting the parties in her chambers today.

Khairy was also represented by counsel Sarah Abishegam while counsel Mohd Haijan Omar acted for Anwar. Muhammad Shafee said he would discuss with his client (Khairy) on whether he agreed to settle the matter out-of-court.

The court set June 24 for case management for them to inform the court of their decision.
Anwar filed the suit on Sept 7, 2007, claiming that Khairy, who was then Umno Youth deputy chief, had defamed him at a political function in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, in August 2007.

He said the defamatory statements were carried by the print and electronic media in the country on Aug 3, 2007.

Anwar claimed that the statements portrayed him as a politician who could not be trusted by the Malays; who did not give importance to the struggle of the Malays and their rights; and that he was capable of betraying the Malay struggle and rights just to get the support of the non-Malays in the country.

Anwar contended that Khairy had made the statements to insinuate that he (Anwar) was a political agent of the United States and the Jews, as well as to ruin his political career, and that he had ill-intention when making the statements, which were lies, baseless and without truth.

Khairy defended in his statement of defence that the statements were made on an occasion of qualified privilege, justification and fair comment.

 

Parliament: Motion To Discuss Customs Officer Ahmad Sarbini's Assets Rejected

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 11:18 PM PDT

(Bernama) -- A motion to discuss the revelation of deceased Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamad's assets, was rejected at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, here, Tuesday.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandie rejected the motion tabled by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) under Standing Order 18(2) as he found the matter to be not urgent.

"The case of Ahmad Sarbani's death has been referred by the police to the Attorney-General's Chambers whereby an inquest will be conducted.

"I'm also aware that the court had fixed July 4 to 15 for the inquest into the case. Therefore, I find the motion to be not urgent," he said.

Ahmad Sarbani, 56, who was attached to the Port Klang Customs office, was found dead on the badminton court located on the first floor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) Federal Territory branch office in Jalan Cochrane, here, on April 6 this year.

He was reported to have gone to that office to meet an MACC investigation officer over an investigaiton into alleged corruption and money laundering involving 62 Customs officers.

When tabling the motion, Lim referred to a report by Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin that the police investigation into Ahmad Sarbani found that he had "no extraordinary wealth".

Following his death, reports had portrayed him as having a lot of assets which could imply that he was involved in corruption.

Lim urged that the police investigation be revealed before further action was taken including conducting an inquest or setting up a royal commission of inquiry.

 

PAS will never cooperate with Umno, says Mat Sabu

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 04:21 PM PDT

 

(Bernama) - PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said the party would never cooperate with Umno even in the name of Malay unity, saying that it was tired of Umno's antics.

"We do not want a repeat of the 1969 incident when, after they win on the Barisan Nasional ticket, we are kicked out (of the coalition) before the following general election."

"Umno leaders are now trying to befriend PAS ... I will not respond to the extended hand," he said in a talk at the Kedah PAS complex here last night.

 

 

Sarbaini inquest set for July 4

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:44 PM PDT

 

(The Malaysian Insider) - An inquest into the mysterious death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed will be held from July 4 to July 15.

Sarbaini, 56, was found dead on the badminton court of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) building in Jalan Cochrane on April 6 at about 10.20am, barely two hours after walking in.

His death, which occurred while the Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission of Inquiry was still ongoing, came as a huge blow to the anti-graft body's already battered credibility.

Teoh, a DAP aide, fell to his death at the then-Selangor MACC office on July 16, 2009. An 18-month inquest returned an open verdict, ruling out both suicide and homicide in Teoh's death.

The police have recommended an inquest be held for Sarbaini and the Attorney-General has agreed but Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have criticised the idea, citing Teoh's case as reason to back their doubts.

Police filed an application for an inquest at the Jalan Duta court complex on June 3.

Coroner Aizatul Akmal Maharani said today the Sarbaini inquest would be heard at the magistrate's court here.

Ahmad Sarbaini was among those detained by MACC on April 1 during a graft probe involving Customs officers who allegedly caused the Government to lose RM2.2bil in under-declared taxes.

He had been released on bail but went to the MACC building, apparently to change his statement.

READ MORE HERE

 

 

Nazri says Mugabe, Bashir not welcome in Malaysia

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:34 PM PDT

 

(The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said today that he will "strongly recommend" that the federal government withdraw invitations to Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for an international economic forum here.

The two presidents are scheduled to attend a forum to be held in Putrajaya from June 19-21.

The minister in the prime minister's department said today that Malaysia had a responsibility to ratify the position taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC), since it was a member.

ICC had issued a warrant of arrest in 2008 for Bashir over Khartoum's genocidal campaign in Darfur.

"I am taking this matter seriously, will discuss with Cabinet ... we should comply with the charter. As such, I strongly recommend the government withdraw the invitation," the minister told reporters today.

He said that he was surprised that Mugabe and Bashir were invited, and that the matter was not discussed during Cabinet meetings.

READ MORE HERE

 

Amnesty urges Malaysia to arrest Sudan's Bashir

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:30 PM PDT

 

(AFP) - RIGHTS group Amnesty International urged Malaysia on Tuesday to withdraw its invitation to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and arrest him if he travels to the South-east Asian country.

Bashir and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe are among several African leaders expected to take part in the Langkawi International Dialogue from June 19 to 21.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Bashir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the wartorn western Sudanese region of Darfur.

'Malaysia should not turn itself into a port of call for fugitives from international justice,' said Donna Guest, Amnesty's deputy director for Asia Pacific. 'The Malaysian government should bar Bashir from its territory and arrest him if he turns up,' she added.

Bashir is the first sitting head of state to be targeted by an ICC warrant, and ICC statutes dictate that any member country should arrest him if he visits. Malaysia is not a party to the ICC but Parliamentary Affairs Minister Nazri Aziz said earlier this year that Kuala Lumpur plans to recognise the ICC's jurisdiction to declare that it rejects crimes against humanity.

'Malaysia's invitation to Omar al-Bashir flies in the face of its decision to join the ICC,' Guest said in the statement. 'Instead of hosting people wanted by the ICC, Malaysia should reaffirm its commitment to justice,' she said in a statement.

 

‘PAS trying to get Anwar off the hook’

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 02:52 PM PDT

 

PAS has urged those accusing Anwar of immorality to back it up by producing four credible witnessess to accompany the accusation.

(Free Malaysia Today) - PAS is trying to get Anwar Ibrahim off the hook by insisting there must be four witnesses if he is accused of being the man in the sex video tape.

"If this is the case, then PAS must draft a new legislation, as all khalwat (close proximity) cases would be tainted if the prosecution cannot bring forward four witnesses," Kedah Kita chairman Zamil Ibrahim said.

He said PAS – a party with Islam as its bedrock – must champion morality and justice in the right frame and not revert to just pure politicking to champion its cause.

PAS has urged those accusing Anwar of immorality to back it up by producing four credible witnesses to accompany the accusation.

The onus is on Anwar to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is not the person portrayed in the tape, having sex with an unidentified woman, Zamil said.

Kita is an independent party set up by former federal minister Zaid Ibrahim last year, of which some political observers are describing as a third alternative to Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

Kita executive committee member Christopher Firdaus said PAS should not be misguided by its alliance with Anwar.

They should allow the rightful authorities such as the police and the justice system to take their course, he added.

"PAS should know that in this modern age, it is difficult to produce four witnesses. Some may be intimidated to come forward as Anwar is a major political personality. We cannot allow the accusers to be victimised by political leanings. We must be neutral."

READ MORE HERE

 

Ditamas director: No choice but to sell property to Khir Toyo at RM3.5m

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:14 PM PDT

(Bernama) SHAH ALAM: A company director told the High Court here Monday, June 13 that he had to sell two plots of land and a bungalow here at a price of RM3.5 million to former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo in 2007 for fear of jeopardising his housing projects in Selangor.

Ditamas Sdn Bhd (Ditamas) director Shamsuddin Hayroni said he had to do so after taking into considerations his position as a businessman in Selangor and Mohamad Khir's position as the then menteri besar.

"Mohamad Khir and I had discussed the price in 2004 and he wanted the property to be sold at RM3.5 million. I personally did not agree because it was too low and I told him that it should be at least between RM5 million to RM5.5 million.

"When I bought the property, it was priced at RM5 million and with renovation cost of RM1.5 million, the price should be RM6.5 million. I gave him a little discount and set the price at RM5.5 million, but Mohamad Khir did not agree with the price, saying that he could only afford RM3.5 million," he said when questioned by deputy public prosecutor, Abdul Wahab Mohamed.

Shamsuddin was testifying on the fourth day of the trial of the former menteri besar who is accused of acquiring for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45, two plots of land and a bungalow at No. 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1L, Shah Alam from Ditamas through Shamsuddin.

Mohamad Khir is said to have paid RM3.5 million for the property in Section 7 here, which Ditamas had bought on Dec 23, 2004 for RM6.5 million.

Mohamad Khir, who is also Sungai Panjang assemblyman, is alleged to have committed the offence at the official residence of the Menteri Besar in Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 1, here on May 29, 2007.

When asked to explain further why he had agreed to sell the property at a lower price, Shamsuddin said he made the decision after discussing with his wife and after telling her that he had secured a major project in Selangor and that a menteri besar had wanted to buy his house at a price of RM3.5 million.

"I agreed because I was afraid of losing my position as a businessman in Selangor and feared that my housing project in the state would be affected," he said.

Shamsuddin also said that the property, which he bought under Ditamas Sdn Bhd, was sold to Mohamad Khir and Zahrah in 2007 and that the ownership was also transferred to the couple the same year.

He said Mohamad Khir gave him a cheque of RM500,000 as deposit on May 28, 2007 and a cheque for RM3 million for the balance on Aug 16, 2007 via his lawyer Doris Getrude Mayappen.

Shamsuddin said he was forced to buy the two plots of land from Syarikat Permodalan Kebangsaan Berhad chief executive officer Saiful Aznir Shahabudin at a price of RM6.5 million on Dec 23, 2004 after being told to do so by Mohamad Khir.

"Initially, Mohamad Khir was the one who was interested in the property and asked Datuk Sumadi Ismail (a friend of Saiful Aznir's father who introduced Mohamad Khir to Saiful Aznir) to purchase them, but when Sumadi said he had other commitments, Mohamad Khir asked me to buy the house. He was the then menteri besar and I did what he told me to do," Shamsuddin said.

Earlier, landscape designer Nasir Ismail maintained his testimony that he was paid more than RM6 million by Mohamad Khir for renovation work on his luxury home in Shah Alam.

He said this when questioned by lawyer A.Athimulan who suggested that he did not have any document concerning the transaction.

Nasir, however, admitted that he did not keep any document or receipt and could not remember clearly about the payments made for the renovation work.

He also said that he could not remember the actual date of each payment made by Mohamad Khir, except the fact that he was paid in cash.

Athimulan also submitted to the court an agreement worth RM1.5 million signed by Nasir and Mohamad Khir in May 2007, which he said was the actual contract between the two of them and that the renovation work had only taken place that year.

Nasir, however, defended his earlier testimony and stressed that the renovation work for Mohamad Khir's luxury home in Shah Alam began in 2006 and that he was paid more than RM6 million.

The trial before Judge Mohtaruddin Baki continues on Tuesday.

Two Singapore women made to strip, do squats by JB immigration

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:12 PM PDT

The Malaysian Insider

SINGAPORE, June 14 — Two Singaporean women who drove to Johor Baru for supper were questioned by Malaysian immigration officials, handcuffed, thrown behind bars and made to do squats while naked, the Singapore Straits Times reported today.

The two women said they had driven into Johor Baru without getting their passports stamped, through an unmanned immigration lane.

Following their punishment, they were allowed to return to Singapore after 48 hours with a warning.

"We thought it was a small issue, we didn't think something like that would happen," the Straits Times quoted one of the women, a manager in an insurance company who wanted to be known only as Ms Chang.

A Malaysian immigration spokesman in Johor Baru confirmed that two Singaporean women had been detained for an immigration offence.

Chang, in her late 30s, had been driven to Johor Baru by her friend, a property agent in her late 20s, who wanted to be known only as Lim, at about 1.30am last Thursday, the Straits Times reported.

Lim was driving her new Nissan Latio. It was the first time she had driven to Malaysia, although she had been driven there before by friends, according to the Singapore newspaper.

"We just wanted to go for supper, polish my car and explore a bit," she said. "I just bought my car a month ago, so we thought we'd make it an adventure."

At the Malaysian immigration side of the Causeway, they drove into a lane that was not manned.

'There wasn't anyone at the station and the green light was on," Lim told the Straits Times.

"I pressed the intercom and couldn't hear anything because of the static, so I just continued driving when the barrier opened."

Chang told the daily they drove on because they thought that Malaysia's newly introduced biometric system — which has been in the news — would be ahead.

The women realised that they had proceeded without getting their passports stamped, and immediately did a U-turn.

By 2am, they were back at the checkpoint and explaining their mistake to the officers there. But they said the officers did not buy their story, although they pointed out that their Singapore passports would show that they had just entered Malaysia, the newspaper reported.

Read more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/two-singapore-women-made-to-strip-do-squats-by-jb-immigration/

Najib unveils nine new ETP projects worth RM2.27b

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 06:33 AM PDT

A total of 15 initiatives within seven NKEAs will bring in about RM63 billion in investment.

(Bernama) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today announced nine new initiatives under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) which will bring in a total of RM2.27 billion in investment, gross national income (GNI) impact of RM18.67 billion and create 36,595 jobs by 2020.

He recapped six ETP projects that were announced recently which include a refinery and a petrochemical integrated development costing RM60 billion.

Combined, these 15 initiatives within seven National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) will account for about RM63.38 billion in investment, RM66.31 billion in GNI and 63,531 new jobs.

On a cumulative basis, the ETP has to date recorded RM170.28 billion in investment, RM220.15 billion in GNI and 362,396 new jobs, Najib said at the ETP Progress Update Six here today.

Among the initiatives announced today were the UCSI Group, parent organisation of the UCSI University, to develop a 64ha integrated health education cluster in Bandar Springhill, Port Dickson.

The development will comprise the first private teaching hospital in the country. The 1,000-bed UCSI University Hospital will feature Malaysia's only anti-ageing, aesthetics and regenerative medicine facility.

The group is expected to invest RM850 million by 2012, which will generate RM1.3 billion in GNI and 2,000 jobs by 2020.

Another initiative, a consortium comprising SEGi Education Group and eight early childhood care education (ECCE) providers will upgrade qualifications of existing workforce to a minimum of diploma level and provide multiple and accessible training as well as develop national programme standards for ECCE training.

The ECCE will be fully operational by 2015, the investment is worth RM700 million and will generate RM900 million in GNI.

Others include Sime Darby Healthcare Group investing in the establishment of two specialist hospitals, Sime Darby Medical Centre Ara Damansara (SMDC AD) and Sime Darby Medical Centre Desa ParkCity (Parkcity).

SMDC AD and Parkcity will cost RM240 million and RM40 million, respectively.

Under the ETP Progress Update Six, the Agriculture NKEA initiatives will feature two star products – premium shrimps and swiftlet nests.

Najib said JEFI Aquatech Resources Sdn Bhd was spearheading an initiative to develop Malaysia as a leading shrimp producer for the global and halal market by developing agro-entrepreneurs in the country's rural areas.

The three main components of this project are the establishment of the Jefi Aquatech Centre and Jefi Aquatech Farm, which includes the development of Agro-Entrepreneur Programme.

This initiative will require RM575 million in investment.

In another initiative, Yanming Resources Sdn Bhd is investing RM5 million to increase its edible bird's nest production capabilities, which will increase mechanisation in the processing line, up to 60% from the current 10%. It is expected to create RM88.7 million in GNI and 103 new jobs by 2020.

On the Communications Content and Infrastructure NKEA, VADS Bhd and Cisco have signed a collaborative agreement to build the first TelePresence Exchange Infrastructure in Malaysia to offer Managed TelePresence Services to the private and public sectors in the country and the region.

This investment is worth RM11.3 million.

Meanwhile, the government-funded initiative to stimulate sales of energy-efficient appliances will cost RM50.2 million in 2011. The programme is spearheaded by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry to improve energy efficiency in the country through five initiatives.

Lastly, to create stronger growth for the retail sector, the Unified Malaysia Sale will unite the three main sales events into one central coordinated event.

This year, the 1Malaysia Unified Sale will be introduced for the first time from Wednesday to Aug 31 which will encompass more than 50 sectors as compared with just garments and footwear previously.
Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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Why Is Perkasa Against Bersih?

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 11:52 PM PDT

It may be that the Government takes no action against him because it considers him a clown, or even a paper tiger. Or it may be that he is actually helping the Government by opposing the Bersih 2.0 rally because the ruling party seemingly does not endorse the idea of free and fair elections. After all, the 2007 rally was partly instrumental in its loss of its two-thirds majority. The ruling party would no doubt be worried that another such rally could dim its prospects at the next general election.

by Kee Thuan Chye, Malaysian Digest  

MANY people have come to regard Ibrahim Ali as a clown, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz. One hopes Ibrahim was just talking like a clown when he recently announced that his organization, Perkasa, would oppose the planned Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9 by staging a counter-demonstration. "That means," as he himself says, "on that day, there will be confrontation."

This is militant talk. This is a threat to cause violence. And to add fuel to it, Ibrahim has pledge that in the event of a clash, "I will fight to the end".

But why would Perkasa want to oppose the Bersih 2.0 rally? The rally has nothing to do with race – it is not demonstrating against Malay supremacy, which Perkasa was set up to defend. The rally is calling for electoral and institutional reform. It is calling for the electoral roll to be cleaned up, postal voting to be reformed, indelible ink to be used at elections, all political parties to be given free and fair access to the media, automatic voter registration, a minimum of 21 days for the campaign period, the strengthening of public institutions, a stop to corruption, and a stop to dirty politics.

Is Perkasa against free and fair elections? Is it against calling for a stop to corruption?

Ibrahim explains: A big demonstration like the Bersih rally, which expects to draw about 100,000 protestors, will cause chaos. It could be like the protests in the Middle East.

Ibrahim thinks people will throw stones, burn cars, and injuries will result like in Tunisia.

History has shown that this was not the case during the last Bersih rally in 2007. About 40,000 people were estimated to have taken part then, but it was an entirely peaceful rally, except when the police fired water cannons and hurled tear gas at the protestors. No one was out to throw stones or burn cars.

This time around, the rally is expected to be peaceful as well, aimed at creating awareness among Malaysians of the need for electoral reform. If no one intervened, including the police, if the permit was granted and the police kept vigil merely to pre-empt untoward incidents, there should be no harm done.

So, what Ibrahim has predicted is unfounded. Besides, his reference to Tunisia is ironic. The protests there actually brought down an unpopular and repressive regime. Is such a positive cause, like Bersih 2.0's, to be spoken of in negative terms?

In fact, what will cause chaos is the clash that could result if Perkasa and the other NGOs he proposes to co-opt take to the streets at the same time to oppose the Bersih 2.0 rally. What he is proposing to do is the real danger. But Ibrahim knows he can get away with expressing it because he has always been untouched in the past. Many have been the times when he said things that could have caused him to be charged with sedition, but never has he been called to account for them. Last month, he said he would launch a jihad against Malaysian Christians if they tried to usurp the position of Islam, and before that, he had said other things that incited hatred against non-Malays.

It may be that the Government takes no action against him because it considers him a clown, or even a paper tiger. Or it may be that he is actually helping the Government by opposing the Bersih 2.0 rally because the ruling party seemingly does not endorse the idea of free and fair elections. After all, the 2007 rally was partly instrumental in its loss of its two-thirds majority. The ruling party would no doubt be worried that another such rally could dim its prospects at the next general election.

Whatever the reason or reasons, in the context of Ibrahim's current pronouncement, it looks bad for the Government. Speculation has already been rife that Perkasa is actually affiliated to Umno, that it is the organization to which Umno has outsourced the job of defending Ketuanan Melayu so that Umno is not seen to be racist; now, with Perkasa going outside of its prescribed agenda and raison d'etre as an organization to oppose Bersih 2.0, it appears to be another Government stooge.

In politics, perception often takes ascendancy over reality, so even if is not true that Perkasa is affiliated to Umno, the perception that it is has now been confirmed.

Ibrahim says he is stopping the Bersih 2.0 rally in the name of democracy. This is based on his reasoning that "there are people who do not agree with this rally". Well, fine. The people who do not agree have a right to express it publicly too. But by the same token, Bersih 2.0 has a right to stage its rally, so stopping it is actually anti-democratic.

He reportedly goes on to say that he is not worried by the expected Bersih 2.0 turnout of 100,000 people because most Malaysians will not accept the movement's demands. If he's not worried, then why bother to oppose it? He reasons that since Malaysia has a population of 27 million people, even if Bersih 2.0 were to bring 300,000 to the rally, there would still be 26 million plus who would not agree with it. His mathematics is okay, but his reasoning is clearly faulty and hopelessly warped.

Nazri may be right after all in calling Ibrahim Ali a clown. But even so, if there is a movement going on to campaign for reform, clowns should not be allowed to spoil the party. Especially if they are clowns who might start an unwanted fire.

 

Umno turning into the old PAS

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:53 PM PDT

 

Regardless of the sincerity of the accusation, Umno and its allies insist that PAS is committing a political betrayal. They claim PAS is abandoning the Islamic state ideal and ejecting the ulama from party leadership. Rather than acknowledging the developments as simply a move to the centre, they are more comfortable accusing PAS of kowtowing to DAP.

Hafiz Noor Shams, The Malaysian Insider 

If one had opined that PAS was more of a centrist than Umno 10 years ago, nobody would have believed it. It would have been an outrageous opinion. Yet today, it is no longer so foreign a prospect.

The recently concluded PAS internal election is the latest evidence of the party's march to the centre. That election saw both the promotion of the so-called professional group to the leadership of the party and the adoption of a more realistic stance with regards to the Islamic state agenda.

The participation of PAS within Pakatan Rakyat has a lot to do with the reconfiguration of the party towards the political centre. While the criticism of ideological difference against the coalition as a whole remains valid, the alliance itself is the great engine that is pulling all of its members to a middle ground. That middle ground is proving to be the Malaysian centre.

This is should be contrasted with trends within Barisan Nasional, or really, just Umno.

Regardless of the sincerity of the accusation, Umno and its allies insist that PAS is committing a political betrayal. They claim PAS is abandoning the Islamic state ideal and ejecting the ulama from party leadership. Rather than acknowledging the developments as simply a move to the centre, they are more comfortable accusing PAS of kowtowing to DAP.

Betrayal or not, as with any move to the centre, those on the fringes will have less hold on the party. That will fuel some discontent.

Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia wants Umno to appease the fringes. Assistant chief editor of Utusan Malaysia Zaini Hassan has gone as far as suggesting that Umno should have its own ulama wing, perhaps thinking that particular manoeuvre could outflank PAS.

He forgets that times are changed.

In the past, the Islamisation race between Umno and PAS always ended up with PAS being the loser. PAS did not budge even as Umno encroached on the traditional domain of the former. That allowed Umno to win centrist votes and gain some voters who could have voted for PAS.

That little trick might not work again after the latest PAS election.

With PAS slowly nudging towards the centre and Umno to the opposite direction, the Islamisation game has only one participant, and that is Umno. With enough momentum powering both sides, Umno might find itself taking the relatively more extreme position compared to PAS. This means Umno is at risk of becoming the loser this time around.

If both parties stay on their course, Umno will turn into the conservative party that PAS was. Meanwhile, PAS the centrist should be very happy with that.

 
Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

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Who Are They Trying To Kid?

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 09:36 PM PDT

Have you heard this unbelievable news HERE:

A whopping RM1,758,432 was spent on developing six Facebook pages to promote Malaysian tourism, the Tourism Ministry said today.

Deputy Tourism Minister James Dawos Mamit said this today in reply to a question from Anthony Loke (Rasah-DAP).

Each Facebook page cost RM293,072 — Cuti-Cuti 1 Malaysia, Citrawarna 1Malaysia, Karnival Jualan Mega 1 Malaysia, Festival Pelancongan Seni Kontemporari 1 Malaysia, Kempen 1 Malaysia Bersih and Fabulous Food 1 Malaysia.

Mamit said that the RM1.8 million included costs for designing, flash programming and coding, testing and debugging, uploading and launching the application, system server deployment and campaign management.

"You need RM1.8 million to run Facebook pages and applications? A six-year-old can start a Facebook page.

"If Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen has problems getting people to help start Facebook pages, DAP headquarters can help her out, we have people who can develop these things at no cost," Loke told reporters later at a press conference.

Loke said that unless Ng explained the reasons behind the "exorbitant" costs for the "social media branding" exercise by her ministry, he would lodge a report to the Malaysian Anti-Crimes Commission (MACC).


Come on!!! Who are they trying to kid? Anyone with some reasonable skills/exposure in FB can build a Facebook page with a few clicks here and there. Anyone knows that setting up a Facebook page is FREE so who are they trying to kid? Morons? Themselves?

Malaysians are not stupid idiots and we have the capacity to think, rationalize, criticize and demand for justification of our hard-earned money given to the government via taxes.

So what is the name of the game? Justify those expenses! Who will take responsibility for this? If it is not justified, who will pay? Certainly not the rakyat!!!

Spend spend spend...and then ask the rakyat to tighten their belts. Remove subsidies..then spend spend spend.

No wonder we cannot provide scholarships to worthy students. The money has gone here and there - every which way except the right way?

By Jove, this means that primary school students can be millionaires if they offer their services to that woman!!!

As if that is not enough, did you know that according to THIS WEBSITE:

Tourism Malaysia will be taking over five of London's iconic red double-decker buses, giving the capital's bustling transport system an altogether tropical feel!.

The bus campaign was launched today by the Minister of Tourism Malaysia, the Honourable Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen at a special reception at the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square, London.

"We are really excited on the working partnership with Transport for London to promote our fantastic destination on the most recognised public transport system and the world's most iconic city that presents a great opportunity for Tourism Malaysia. We hope the buses can bring more sunshine and help put a smile on the faces of London's commuters," said, the Honourable Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen.

For the next 12 weeks, the buses will carry passengers on some of the busiest routes around London, covering the city's centre, north, east, and west, and being seen by millions of Londoners. They will also pass world famous tourist sites such as Big Ben, the Houses of parliament, Piccadilly Circus and Harrods.

Malaysia is world famed for its beaches. But with 14,500 flowering plants, 600 species of birds, 210 species of mammals and thousands of exotic insects and marine life, it is also one of the world's top 12 Biodiversity countries.

Londoners will be able to see giant exotic jungle and aquatic images of Malaysia as part of a drive to promote the country's hugely diverse nature, fantastic diving, and growing ecotourism industry.

 

READ MORE HERE (photo of bus included)

Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, the Prodigal Son, may Return to PBS

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:48 PM PDT

Even though a couple of second rung leaders are rather apprehensive of their own place in the party should Dr Jeffrey be allowed to stage a comeback, Dr Maximus Ongkili is still opposed to his return, known to keep his own counsel in these matters, however, cannot be too pleased at the prospect of one of his more trenchant critics a more capable leader than him being allowed admittance in the PBS.

READ MORE HERE

 

A government of the Cronies, by the Cronies and for the Cronies

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:43 PM PDT

The people who are in power in Putrajaya don't quite behave  like a normal government does  - at leasrt not in a developed world. Some aspects of their behavior are reminiscent of pirates intent on plundering and pillaging the nation 24 by 7. And mind you, this damning indictment comes from the creme de la creme of corporate Malaysia - a former head of national enery firm Tenaga, no less!

On the political front, the opposition has been hollering if indelible ink had been used in the 12th General Election in March 2008, Prime Minister Najib Razak and his rag-tag Cabinet would not be sitting in Putrajaya now.

For those who are tender-hearted, rest assured that if this happened, Najib and the likes of Musa Aman and Taib Mahmud won't be selling durians or nasi lemak. But very likely, they'll be living it up in Monte Carlo, the Alps, London, New York, Paris while the opposition guys, Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang and Hadi Awang, sweat it out trying to balance the unbalanceable Malaysian budget -  irreparably busted by decades of reckless BN spending.

So this is the state of play in Malaysia - for now at least. A rogue-regime with all the characteristics of a robber-regime versus their likely inheritors - the Pakatan Rakyat, made up of a bunch of young smarties and political veterans seasoned by decades of enforced frugality and hard work.

Once they take power, the inheritors will surely be turned into a 'coolie'-regime. Yes, the Pakatan will have to slog 24 by 7 for next decade at least to be able to clear all the dirt and faeces from the Aegean stables vacated by the UMNO elite.  Work has already begun at some of these swills and faeces-farms, which coincidentally mirror the 4 most essential elements.

The Water Margin

First of all, the water industry. Tun Dr Mahathir during his tenure as Prime Minister had ordered a privatization of water assets on the basis that privatization would improve services and save the government cost.  But to pundits and many industry experts, it was a bailout. And that is not an unfair premise given that one of the major water players is none other than the treasurer of Selangor Umno - SYABAS' Rozali Ismail.

JBAS (Jabatan Bekalan Air Selangor) which was making profits around RM50 to RM80 million per year was privatized in 1997 and thereafter incurred losses as the treatment of water which was bringing JBAS huge profits was privatized to 3 companies:

1. Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB);
2. Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH); and
3. Konsortium  Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS).

Meanwhile, "non-revenue water (NRW)" was still under JBAS.

JBAS,  after corporatization became PUAS (Pengurusan Air Selangor Berhad) and was put under the management of the Selangor State Government.  PUAS incurred deficits (losses) amounting to RM350 million until it was privatized to SYABAS (Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor) in the year 2005.

The SYABAS shareholders are:

1. Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB) - 70% share;

2. Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) - 15% share; and

3. Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Berhad (KPSB) - 15% share.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance has one 'golden share' in SYABAS.

To the rakyat or populace, the government announced that after privatization, the water services would be more efficient and lessen the government's burden as the private sector would now oversee the water services. Sad to say, at that time, the rakyat lapped up Mahathir's promises.

To the concesssionaires and keen parties in the private sector, who no doubt would have to put up huge capital and long-term investment, the government offered high tariffs, subsidies and compensation. Sad to say, they too believed Mahathir's promises and some of them are now stuck!

In order for the government to keep its promises to the private sector, the rakyat have to be burdened. Just like in the electricity tariffs. For the government to continue subsiding IPPs to the tune of RM19 billion, they must cut the subsidy from elsewhere. Guess where? If the answer is from the rakyat and other Malaysian industries, not fortunate enough to have a crony CEO, then this is correct.

Take for instance Selangor, where the BN government agreed to allow an increase in water rates of 37% (in 2009), 25% (in 2012) and 20% (in 2015). PM Najib now intends to bail out the water concessionaires who have incurred debts of RM6.4 billion to bond-holders.

It's a puzzle where the money comes from, considering that his administration is always yapping about not having enough money for all. Yet, somehow, his government is ever-ready and ever-willing to assist the 'special' firms. Of course, at the same time, the burden of the rakyat is increased.

The Fire Thieves?

Now for the other element, fire or rather, electricity.

TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad), similar to JBAS was a nationalized body and it was efficient and making profits until it was privatized and strangled by the IPPs (Independent Power Producers).

It was the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) that was responsible for this whole fiasco. TNB is able to provide electricity at the rate of 8 sen per unit (for each kWhr) but had to pay the IPPs at the rate of 23 sen per unit. In actual fact, TNB is able to supply electricity at the rate of 17 sen per unit without the IPPs. The reserve capacity of electricity at over 50% is one of the world's highest.

It is obvious that the BN Government is profiting their cronies at the expense of the rakyat. Why should Malaysians pay so much for something they don't use. And the scary thing is that this outsized bill is recurring and continuous - not one-off.

Every month, billions of ringgit of unused power is paid for with the hard-earned money of Malaysian taxpayers. The money eventually leaves the bank account of the Malaysian government and ends up in the accounts of the crony firms. No wonder, the tycoons who head these firms guys are on the Forbes list of the world's richest! Incidentally, they are called cronies because they are the chosen friends of the ruling elite in UMNO, the party that rules Malaysia.

It was this cruel vicious cycle of keeping the poor, poorer and the rich, richer that caused former TNB Chairman Ani Arope to resign years ago. He has been vindicated and no longer fears calling a spade a spade. Recently, he publicly labelled the EPU as the Economic Plundering Unit.

Now it becomes clearer why the BN Government needed to increase the electricity tariffs at the rate of 7.12% on June 1, so that the rakyat pays more to the government and the government can continue to pay the cronies the same benefits as before, without having to borrow more money.

Not that Najib and friends are averse to borrowing more money. mind you. Far from it. But going from past record, Malaysians can expect the new debt will be channelled to other 'nice', new projects meant to create 'nice', new income streams for the pockets of the cronies and from there to themselves.

Meanwhile, Energy minister Peter Chin claimed that 75% of the households will not be affected by the increased tariffs although he failed to mention that the waiver for those who use less than RM20 electricity per month will no longer be applied from 1st Jan 2012 onwards and that food prices will go up tremendously as the food industry is a major user of electricity.

In BN's traditional stiff upper-lip style, Peter Chin only gave the good news but concealed the bad news!

Inflation will definitely go up and the Consumer Price Index is now more than 4.7%.  As expected, food prices have gone up, some items by more than 7%.

Read more at: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=14088:a-government-of-the-cronies-by-the-cronies-and-for-the-cronies&Itemid=2

NST drops to 73,000, B.Minggu loses 30% (ABC sneak peek)

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:15 PM PDT

ADVANCE LOOK at some ABC figures for 2010

report and graphics by uppercaise

• NST sells only 73,000 on the street
• Berita Minggu loses 90,000 copies over three years

These charts are based on figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulation report for July-December 2010 newspaper sales. An image of an advance report to publishers was emailed anonymously to this blog. I have not seen the full report myself, but the image looks genuine enough — and the report will be out soon anyway. (ABC compiles and audits newspaper circulation figures.)

Sales of all four traditional titles are in decline
• Berita Minggu dropped 30% drop since 2007;
• New Straits Times lost 26%
• Berita Harian and New Sunday Times both fell by 22%

Read more at: http://uppercaise.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/nst-sales-drop-2010-circulation-report/

What hypocrisy!

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:08 PM PDT

For internet users, and those who store or download certain files from file sharing sites, the government decision to block these sites comes as a shock.

There are no doubt that certain files stored in these sites are infringing copyright act, but to impose a blanket block of these sites is like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.

Many people store their legitimate files on these sites. Even scientific files are stored and shared.

Sometimes, if a person wants to share a file with his uncle or brother or sister or friend overseas, it would be too tedious to send the file via email, if the file is big.

For example, yahoo allows  a person to send an email with a 20meg limit. To send  friends or relatives certain big files more than 20 meg, a person can upload and store the files in these file sharing sites and the intended person/s can then download it and view. Scientific files/medical files are stored for the same reason.

A person can post his wedding video on these sites for his classmates all over the world to view it. That is how file sharing sites function.

Those who use file sharing sites are not profiting from monetary gains, since most  downloads are free.

It is like you buy a harry Potter book from the bookstore and after finishing it, you lend it to someone else. It is perfectly legitimate, as long as you don't make any monetary gains from it. You can also start a book club, and invite people to share books that they have bought by keeping these books in the library of the book club.

File sharing sites are like book clubs.

Read more at: http://hsudarren.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/what-hypocrisy/

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

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Himpunan BERSIH - Ahmad Maslan Ajak Rakyat Boikot

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Beliau juga menggesa kesemua Pertubuhan dan Persatuan Kerajaan mahupun bukan Kerajaan membuat laporan polis sebagai bukti kukuh seterusnya mendesak agar pihak berkenaan menghentikan serta merta perancangan pembangkang.

Ahmad Maslan turut mendakwa Pembangkang kelihatan buta dengan kerusi DUN dan Parlimen yang diperolehi mereka setelah berjaya merampas 4 buah Negeri dan menguasai Parlimen di Wilayah Persekutuan pada Pilihanraya Umum ke 12 yang lalu.

Ini membuktikan bahawa amalan demokrasi melalui Pilihanraya Umum di Malaysia telus dan bersih dari anasir-anasir kotor.

Beliau turut menggesa Pembangkang menganjurkan Perhimpunan ini di dalam Stadium Tertutup yang lebih efisyen dan tidak mengganggu ketenteraman awam di samping tidak menghalang sebarang aktiviti perniagaan dilakukan oleh peniaga-peniaga di ibu kota.

Ahmad Maslan berkata demikian di dalam Sidang Akhbar di PWTC, disini sebentar tadi. Turut serta dalam Sidang tersebut Pengerusi PEKIDA Wilayah Persekutuan, Datuk Roslan Dahaman.

 

 

Anak muda Melaka sertai Bersih 2.0

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:16 PM PDT

Pelancaran tersebut disempurnakan bersama oleh Ketua DAPSY Melaka, Tey Kok Kiew, Ketua Dewan Pemuda PAS Melaka, Yuhaizad Abdullah dan Ketua AMK Melaka, Law Bing Hau di Pejabat PAS Negeri Melaka di Semabok.

Dalam ucapan ringkasnya pada program tersebut, Yuhaizad yakin anak-anak muda negeri Melaka akan turun beramai-ramai menyatakan sokongan kepada pimpinan Bersih 2.0 yang menuntut suatu pilihan raya bersih, telus dan adil.

"Kita yakin anak-anak muda Melaka akan bersama-sama dengan anak-anak muda seluruh Malaysia turun untuk menyatakan bantahan dan menuntut pilihan raya yang bersih, adil dan telus.

"Selain itu kita juga yakin seluruh penyokong PR tidak mengira bangsa, agama, umur dan taraf kehidupan akan turun beramai-ramai bagi menjayakan perhimpunan bersejarah tersebut," ujar Yuhaizad yang merupakan bekas calon PAS Pilihan raya kecil Merlimau.

Teh Kok Kiew dan Law Bing Haw juga melahirkan keyakinan yang sama di mana DAP dan PKR kata mereka akan menggerakkan seluruh ahli untuk sama-sama menghadiri perhimpunan aman tersebut.

Sementara itu, Pemuda Pakatan Rakyat akan menganjurkan ceramah untuk mobilisasi Bersih 2.0 pada 16 Jun ini bertempat di Dataran Hamas, Kompleks PAS Kawasan Jasin.

Timbalan Presiden PAS, Mohamad Sabu akan menyampaikan ceramah tersebut bersama-sama dengan Pesuruhjaya PAS Melaka, Adly Zahari, Pengerusi DAP dan PKR negeri, Goh Leong San dan Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin.

 

Bersih 2.0 diteruskan walau Perkasa halang

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:08 PM PDT

Katanya, biarpun kumpulan pendesak Melayu, Perkasa memberi amaran untuk menghalang, namun himpunan tersebut tetap akan diteruskan.

"Kita akan buat terus, dia (Perkasa) nak buat himpunan itu hak dia," katanya kepada Harakahdaily hari ini.

Presiden Perkasa, Ibrahim Ali dalam sidang media di parlimen hari ini memberitahu pertubuhan itu akan melawan habis-habisan himpunan Bersih 2.0 itu.

Sambil menyifatkan himpunan itu sebagai "mengacau", Ibrahim turut memberi amaran akan membuat himpunan serupa bagi menghalang himpunan Bersih 2.0 tersebut walaupun terpaksa berlaku pertembungan.

Ibrahim, yang juga ahli parlimen Pasir Mas, juga mendakwa himpunan Bersih itu akan menimbulkan huru hara apabila ada pesertanya membaling batu dan membakar kereta.

Membidas kenyataan Ibrahim itu, Mohamad yang juga Timbalan Presiden PAS berkata, bukan Perkasa yang menentukan himpunan tersebut huru-hara atau tidak.

"Itu kerja polis la nak tentukan aman atau tidak. Datuk Ambiga (Pengurusi Bersih), sudah beri jaminan kita akan buat himpunan secara aman," katanya.

Beliau turut memberi contoh himpunan Bersih pertama pada 2007 lalu, menyaksikan himpunan berlangsung secara aman.

"Perkasa kalau nak buat juga himpunan, buat hari lain la, kita dah cadang tarikh ni lebih awal lagi," katanya.

Declare perang fizikal

Seorang lagi AJK Bersih, Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli menyifatkan tindakan Perkasa memberi amaran mahu bertembung dengan peserta himpunan Bersih sebagai tidak wajar.

"Kita tak pernah halang Perkasa nak berhimpun. Tapi berhimpun lah untuk memperjuang hak sendiri, bukan sebab nak halang kita semata-mata.

"Ini sudah declare perang secara fizikal. Bukan begini caranya, ini cara pengganas," katanya.

 

 

Himpunan Melayu Pulau Pinang selepas Bersih 2.0

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Katanya, ia akan diadakan selepas berjaya mengadakan perhimpunan aman Gabungan Pilihanraya Bersih dan Adil (Bersih) 2.0 pada 9 Julai nanti.

Semua agenda tambahnya, telah dibincangkan secara tidak formal dengan Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dan akan dipanjangkan kepada Pengerusi PKR Pulau Pinang, Datuk Mansor Othman serta Pesuruhjaya PAS negeri, Ustaz Saleh Man.

"Perhimpunan orang Melayu di Pulau Pinang juga harus diadakan sebagai tanda mereka tidak terjerat dengan mainan politik jahat Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN) yang tidak sudah-sudah melemparkan padangan negatif terhadap Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat," jelasnya ketika ditemui selepas berpidato di hadapan ribuan orang di padang awam, Pekan Penaga malam tadi.

Katanya, sebelum membuat persiapan perhimpunan tersebut, satu pertemuan dengan DAP akan diadakan bagi menerangkan hasrat murni berkenaan supaya kepimpinan DAP tidak salah sangka.

Mohamad yakin, DAP tidak semacam Umno yang berfikiran tidak matang dan jauh ketinggalan dari arus perkembangan politik yang sihat.

Kata beliau, perhimpunan aman itu juga bermatlamat memberikan penerangan sejelas-jelasnya mengenai beberapa perkara yang sengaja dicaturkan oleh Umno setelah gagal mempertahankan Pulau Pinang pada Pilihan raya Umum ke-12 lalu.

Mereka, ujarnya nampak agresif memburuk-burukkan Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang dengan kerjasama beberapa badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang bersembunyi atas nama perjuangan menegakkan kebenaran tetapi pada masa yang sama bersekongkol dengan segelitir kepimpinan Umno dan BN.

"Bila kalah dan rakyat Pulau Pinang menolak kepimpinan yang korup, maka ramailah yang keluar tunjuk perasaan tidak puas hati kononnya habislah negeri ini bila dapat pada DAP atau bangsa Cina," ujarnya.

Tambahnya, tanpa orang Melayu sedar bahawa sebelum ini pun Pulau Pinang diketuai oleh Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, lainlah jika sebelum negeri ini jatuh ke tangan Pakatan Rakyat ia diperintah oleh Umno. 

Jelasnya, bagi PAS siapa pun yang memerintah patut bersikap adil dan tidak mencuri harta rakyat dengan sewenang-wenangnya.

Menruutnya, apabila Pakatan Rakyat diisytiharkan menang, maka DAP yang mempunyai lebihan kerusi akan memegang tampuk pemerintahan.

Ini, katanya berbeza dengan Umno yang menang banyak kerusi pada pilihan raya 1990 tetapi memberikan hak ketua menteri kepada Gerakan.

"Umno dayus dan hanya sanggup melemparkan kenyataan pedas terhadap Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat yang berjaya menghalang mereka meneruskan usaha mempergunakan hak kerajaan untuk kepentingan parti dan kroni," ujarnya.

 
Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

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Bersih 2.0: All heads must rise to the challenge

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:23 PM PDT

The very government that preaches that it is a fair and just government warns of dire consequences if the rakyat proceed with Bersih 2.0 to express their anchored support for justice and fairness in governance. The Bersih Rally 2.0 is not a political rally. It is about democracy and civil liberties – the very fundamentals that this nation earned its independence from.

By J. D. Lovrenciear

The announced Bersih Rally 2.0 is already gaining much momentum as well as generating some heat.

The President of the Malaysian Bar Council must indeed be commended. A lady of resolute will, her passion for justice is exemplary.

Likewise, the newly minted Mat Sabu is a lion at heart. His immediate announcement of pledging 300,000 citizens to the planned peaceful march for justice encapsulates this man's commitment to society and its ethical existence.

On the other extreme we have voices crying out against holding this rally that is a signature event of Malaysians' demand for fair and clean elections. Some betray their very voices by making irresponsible statements. Others are giving extremely self-centered reasons why they do not want the rally to proceed.

Meanwhile, the very government that preaches that it is a fair and just government warns of dire consequences if the rakyat proceed with Bersih 2.0 to express their anchored support for justice and fairness in governance.

The Bersih Rally 2.0 is not a political rally. Far from it, it is also not the 'opposition' camps' revolution. It is about democracy and civil liberties – the very fundamentals that this nation earned its independence from.

Hence, heads of every faction of society must also rise to the challenge proactively. Religious heads – be they be Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs – all of them must express their stand through public and press statements.

Heads of religions cannot disassociate themselves from the Bersih Rally 2.0 by maintaining that this has nothing to do with religion. Yes and no. Yes because it is not about the teachings and practices of one's faith. No because it involves basic human justice on earth. It is about ensuring that God's creation is not the victim of mortal man's deceit and sin.

Hence the Heads of religion must make their stand announced.

Likewise, Presidents and Heads of professional bodies must make an official statement of what and where they stand. They cannot stray away and claim that Bersih 2.0 has nothing to do with their professional institutions.

On the contrary, it has everything to do with professionalism and professional conduct. It is about justice. It hinges on ethics. When justice and ethics are compromised, there is zero professionalism.

The same too goes for NGOs. You cannot absolve yourself from Bersih 2.0 because you cannot live up to your NGO principles in an environment that is devoid of justice and fairness. So you too need to make a stand on behalf of your members.

The bottom-line is this is not about politics or politicking. This is not about opposition or ruling political parties. This Bersih 2.0 is about the fundamental right of live on this planet. It is about humanity. It is about the very conduct of our journey here on earth for a live hereafter.

If we do not correct what is wrong before our eyes; if we do not partake in and through peaceful means an agenda for the good of citizens and visitors; if we divorce ourselves from the realities of life surrounding us; if we cannot work together for the betterment of the nation's governance – then all else is lost. And the price we must pay will be high while still journey in life, failing which we will be held accountable in the hereafter.

Whether we are on the BN side or the opposition camp; whether we are political or a-political; whether we are professionals or otherwise; young or old; rich or poor – as long as we are Malaysians we owe each other that duty to come together in the best interest of government, opposition and all those who promise and hope for better day tomorrow.

That better day and hope is anchored in justice. For the world of tomorrow is going to built not on rising towers and spanking highways alone. Instead the future currency of progress and peace is one that is fashioned after true democracy, civil liberties and ethical principles.

The just world has dawned and we must all be a part of that endeavor. And drawing a leaf from Barack Obama:

For when we have faced down impossible odds, when we've been told we're not ready or that we shouldn't try or that we can't, this generation of Malaysians has responded with a simple creed that best sums up the spirit of a people – Yes, we can. Yes, we can. And together, we – all Malaysians, will begin the next great chapter in the Malaysian story, with three words that will ring from coast to coast: Yes, we have.

And with that we will eventually march into our 13th General Election without suspicion and disputes to witness the emergency of a champion who will be accepted without arguments as our elected government by the people, for the people and with the people. It can be BN again. It can be PR as well. Or it could even be a BN-PR coalition. But it is an honorable battle fought with exemplary justice and fairness.

Hence, in a nutshell, every citizen of Malaysia must share in this role for a just and fair election. Not just leaving it to the government of the day. Not just pinning their hope on the opposition alone. Not abstaining with a mindset 'it is none of my business'.

 

Honorable Prime Minister, perception is not reality for you?

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 01:10 PM PDT

By J. D. Lovrenciear

If you say perception is not reality, are you then suggesting that it is an illusion?

 

What the Prime Minister certainly misses very grossly is that perception is not plucked from the thin air. Neither is it a blinded vision inflicted by others. Perception is not all about what people just think about an issue. It is a precipitate of experiences stretching over periods of time. It is all about one's experiences about what you say, do, do not say and do not do. In short, the rakyat's perceptions about you and/or BN are a result of your thoughts, words and deeds over time.

Further, his and his BN coalition's numerous attempts to re-orientate the public perception that is not favorable to the BN parties, as owed up by the PM himself, appears to hinge on propaganda instead of educating the rakyat.

As Everett Martin (1929) points out, education aims at independence of judgment whereas propaganda offers ready-made opinions for the unthinking masses.

Of course it is clearly understandable why the PM is taking this option. Educating the masses takes time as it is a slow process involving human development and thinking. The government cannot afford this given the imminent General Elections. So rather than teach or tell people how to think, the only option is to tell people what to think. In short, it is all about 'mass effects'.

Now that is not perception management. It is pure propaganda. The symptoms that are cascading like a deluge from the BN quarters clearly affirm that propaganda is the preferred modus operandi.

As pointed out by Jay Black (2001): One, we are witnessing an undue reliance on authority figures and spokespersons to affect people's thinking rather than using empirical validation to establish truths and conclusions.

Two, is the fixed view of people, institutions and situations into broad, all inclusive categories of friends of BN and enemies of BN that is often held by BN and its leaders.

And three, a greater emphasis on conflict rather than on cooperation among people, institutions and situations. The ongoing anti-Bersih 2.0 stances are fine examples here.

Rather than take the propaganda highway, the Prime Minster should have been better advised by his hired public relations bandwagon that persuasion would have been a more justifiable route.

Why persuasion and not propaganda? As Thomas H. Bivens (2004) explains, "persuasion is not unethical by nature. Instead, it is time-honored, democratic tradition based on guidelines formulated by the Greeks over 2,000 years."

But that persuasive communication must be anchored on solid evidence that is transparent and can withstand the test of time. In other words truth, nothing but the truth matters if persuasive communication is to succeed within the perimeters of ethics.

The TARES Test, i.e. the five principles of ethical persuasion (Sherry Baker and David L. Martinson; 2001) must be fully subscribed by the PM and his BN.

For the benefit of the Honorable PM and his team-mates, here are the five principles: to be truthful at all times; the spokesperson or mouthpiece must be authentic; the persuader must respect the rakyat whom he or she intends to influence; there must be equity in the persuasive appeal; and social responsibility must be exercised for the common good.

Hence, perhaps the Honorable instead of lambasting that perception is not reality, he should have humbly borrowed a leaf from Barack Obama who wrote in his "A more perfect Union":

I believe that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our (political) union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for (you and me), our children and our grandchildren.

And with that, join the rakyat in its Bersih 2.0 rally. Or at the least, give the rakyat your full assurance that you will guarantee their safety.


Malaysia: Arrest Sudanese President wanted for war crimes

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 06:27 AM PDT

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE 

The Malaysian government should immediately withdraw its invitation to Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, and arrest him if he travels to Malaysia, Amnesty International said today.

The Malaysian government announced yesterday that President al-Bashir will participate in the Langkawi International Dialogue, an economic forum being held in Malaysia from 19 to 21 June 2011.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for al-Bashir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.

"Malaysia should not turn itself into a port of call for fugitives from international justice" said Donna Guest, Deputy Asia Pacific Director at Amnesty International. "The Malaysian government should bar Bashir from its territory, and arrest him if he turns up."

Amnesty International welcomed Malaysia's announcement on 21 March of its intention to become a state party to the Rome Statute and to recognise the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. In his announcement, Malaysian Law Minister Nazri Aziz said, "This is a declaration that Malaysia rejects war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide."

When the UN Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC in 2005, it urged all states to cooperate fully with the Court. Although Malaysia is not yet party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, it should arrest Omar al-Bashir should he arrive in Malaysia, Amnesty International said.

"Malaysia's invitation to Omar al-Bashir  flies in the face of its decision to join the ICC," said Guest. "Instead of hosting people wanted by the ICC, Malaysia should reaffirm its commitment to justice." 

 

Open Letter to the IGP

Posted: 12 Jun 2011 11:13 PM PDT

So I am quite certain you must be rather pleasantly overwhelmed by the show of support you will receive from an anticipated potpourri of 300,000 Malaysians on the 9th of July. You must be sighing with relief that this outpouring of anxiety from so many right-minded and law-abiding citizens will hopefully make your job a little easier.

Dear Mr. IGP,

I trust you and the Missus are both well and in the pink of health.

I am sure you must have heard about the upcoming Bersih rally planned for Saturday the 9th July. You must be as excited as everyone else over this remarkable event.

Isn't it wonderful that hundreds of thousands of Malaysians of all races are planning to come together with such unprovoked and genuine ease with the sole purpose of showing their support for such a noble cause as this one. Yes, that's right, showing the world that we, as concerned citizens, do not condone chicanery in any form. We are trying to make the point that all the cheating and unfairness that goes on in our parliamentary and state elections is actually wrong.

We want to make it known  to the world at large and to the Election Commission in particular that all these wrongs must be righted because this is actually an issue involving criminal law, which I know you are good at so you will appreciate the necessity for all this.

This is why I am so thankful to you for your anticipated offer of assistance to these true blue Malaysian patriots who will no doubt have to sacrifice quite a bit that day, like giving up a hard earned weekend, walking around in the hot sun, or pouring rain (you know what our weather is like) for no personal benefit other than their concern for the general well being of our country. Don't you think that is so commendable? I know you do.

I also know that you are personally very concerned that all these wrongdoings which happen every time we have an election should not only be stopped immediately but eradicated forever.

We just can't continue to turn a blind eye to all the bribery and corruption that goes on every time an election is held. You know I am referring to all those cash payments made to buy ballot papers from voters, monetary inducements, threats, blackmail, gifts, promises of financial assistance, misuse of public funds and government machinery etc etc. I am sure you are just as frustrated as everyone else is, having to put up with this nonsense every time.

So I am quite certain you must be rather pleasantly overwhelmed by the show of support you will receive from an anticipated potpourri of 300,000 Malaysians on the 9th of July. You must be sighing with relief that this outpouring of anxiety from so many right-minded and law-abiding citizens will hopefully make your job a little easier.

What a relief you must also feel knowing you have the support you so deservedly need in doing your duty to combat this ever present menace without having to look over your shoulder every so often. Take courage in the fact that the rakyat are behind you.

As you are new to this game please permit me to assist you a little. I hope I am not being a little too presumptuous here. Excuse me if I am. You see, your predecessors actually stuffed up big time on many occasions. We have to try and avoid past mistakes. This time we are going to do things right.

May I therefore suggest that you consider putting the following in place in an effort to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly on that glorious day:

1.    You will need to deploy extra police personnel to monitor the procession and to assist those who are taking part. You will need to have your men stationed at intervals along the route to ensure that the participants are protected from trouble makers who may be out to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the day. (There's always the odd whacko around – see points 10 and 11 below).

2.    Therefore I suggest that you give instructions to all your men to volunteer to forgo the incessant assaulting of detainees, with sand filled rubber hoses and telephone directories, in all lock ups in and around KL for just one afternoon and instead put in a mass order for pizza delivery to keep these detainees happy while your men man the streets.

3.    It might also be a good idea to rope in some plain clothes detectives provided of course they are able to disengage themselves from shooting unarmed teenagers at angles of 45 degrees through their respective heads, for just a few hours. I am sure they wouldn't mind…..the detectives I mean, not the unarmed teenagers. Actually, come to think of it, everyone would be happy, so it's a win-win situation.

4.    As a further gesture of good will, I think it would be a good idea to set up drink stalls along the route as the participants might get thirsty and would welcome a cool glass of iced lemon tea prepared by the Police Wives Association. Better still, try and get some of that duty free beer you serve in the police messes and sell cans to the marchers at discounted prices. Can you now appreciate all that goodwill you will be creating?

5.    Don't bother sending out instructions to the FRU boys. No one likes them. Tell them to take the weekend off. The last time your predecessor sought their assistance they got it all wrong. They started spraying peaceful marchers with water from cannons mounted on the back of their trucks. This created a horrible mess. People got drenched to their underwear and the roads became awfully slippery. Worse still some idiot thought it was a good idea to put mace into the water. Well let me tell you, that did not do anything for police/rakyat relations. Bad bad PR. Can't let it happen again.

6.    Which brings me on to the next issue. This tear gas thing. It isn't cool. It may be entertaining for you guys to make people cry but most of us do not find it funny. It is also terribly passé. Lets move on. Your FRU guys watch too many TV action movies. That's why they should be kept away. We can do without the melodramatics.

7.    It might also be a good idea (public perception and all), to perhaps make a short speech at the beginning of the rally, explaining the virtues of a truly democratic society and the role the police play in ensuring that the principles of such a society are protected by the guardians of the peace (that's you guys) without fear or favour, everyone being equal in the eyes of the law and that you will leave no stone unturned in your forces' pursuit of justice and fair play, or something along those lines. Again good PR.

8.    Parking issues. There will be a rather large number of vehicles entering KL with participants as occupants therein and they will need to park their cars somewhere. So instead of setting up road blocks on all the major arteries entering KL (like you guys did the last time) and causing massive traffic jams, perhaps we need to allocate designated car parks near the rally route to make things easier for the participants. Just set aside some 'padangs' for the afternoon. You may need to inform all those VIPs who can't seem to travel anywhere without an escort of at least 9 out riders to just stay home for the day. You will then free up much needed traffic police personnel to help direct traffic instead.

9.    You will also have to get used to the colour yellow. Everyone will be wearing a yellow T-shirt. If your men spot someone wearing one wandering around aimlessly, just point him or her in the direction of the rally meeting point. Take a cue from the tourist police in all those glossy adverts depicting lost Mat Sallehs holding maps on the streets of our capital city. You know, the smiling 'Cik Konstable' in her rather dashing tudung indicating politely in a culturally acceptable fashion, with an outstretched thumb, where the Telekom tower is. That's the way to do it.

10.     Now there will most likely be trouble makers present. You have to make sure these are the guys who are loaded into the back of hot and sweaty black mariahs, not the peaceful protestors. You will be able to identify the 'baddies' quite easily by the glazed and blank looks on their faces. Most will be wearing bandannas and sunglasses and will be found shouting incoherent profanities aimed at no one in general whilst waving yellow white and red flags. If your men spot a severed cows head or a Molotov cocktail or two, then that will be a dead giveaway. These are the ones you need to arrest even if they try camouflaging themselves in yellow T-shirts.

11.    Especially of concern to you will be a gentleman who has made it clear he is going to try and wreak havoc by inciting discord. If you have been reading the news in the blogs recently you will have no trouble identifying him. This man is a menace. He needs to be shipped out to a remote island somewhere so he can rant and rave to himself. I have no idea how he managed to become a parliamentarian. I think this is what the Bersih rally is about.

12.     When the rally is over, don't just let things fizzle out. You will have a huge number of Malaysians in one place and at the same time. Encourage this 'muhibbah' spirit further by organizing a massive get together at Dataran Merdeka with live bands playing and buffet tables set up all around the padang serving local delicacies and refreshment. How to fund this you may ask? Not a problem. I hear Mr. Rais Yatim has a few million bucks to spend on cultural events. Just give him a quick phone call. I am quite certain he will fall over himself to donate towards such an important occasion, especially when it involves encouraging inter racial and inter cultural congeniality. I think that's what his ministry is supposed to be doing anyhow.

When the party is finally over, after the crowds have dispersed and a dawn of a new day breaks, I have no doubt in my mind that you will feel a much better person for your most honourable contribution to such a worthy cause. You will be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing you have done the right thing. Your descendants will hold you in high esteem for being instrumental in helping bring the change this country so desperately needs.

And when you are living out your twilight years sitting in a wicker chair on your verandah, in your 'pagoda' singlet with a sarong wrapped around your waist, you will look back on this auspicious day with pride in your heart and you will say to yourself "I wouldn't have done things any differently".

Syabas my good man.

Yours sincerely,

Mat Malaysia

 
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