| Hasan Ali says willing to discuss PAS-Umno unity with PM Posted: 12 Dec 2011 04:33 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Embattled PAS leader Datuk Hasan Ali has openly announced his willingness to accept any invitation from the prime minister to discuss uniting his party with Umno, claiming he would do so using Islam as his pillar. In an interview with Utusan Malaysia published today, the Selangor state executive councillor, whose political future in PAS currently hangs in balance, said he would give a "positive answer" to such an invitation. "I have no problem (with that). If the prime minister says we appoint you to gain input, that in the name of unity I be allowed to use Islam as my pillar, insyaallah I will give a positive answer," he told the Umno-owned daily. Hasan also said he "hopes" to be invited into his party's top leadership committee to help resolve the matter, adding that if Islam is regarded as the true unifying factor, such talks would be more successful. Asked, however, if he would leave PAS if the party no longer champions Islam, the Malays and the royal institution, the former Selangor PAS chief offered a non-committal comment. "It depends, because this question is for what's to come. Fact is, it is not easy for us to make a decision when it comes to matters like this. To just leave a party is not easy.... it involves careful consideration and on this matter I will first refer to the (party's) ulama, my political friends and religious adviser," he said. Hasan added, however, he was willing to co-operate with any party other than PAS as long as their struggle involves three key elements — Islam, the Malays and the royal institution. He reiterated his readiness to accept the possibility of being dropped from PAS's candidates list for the coming polls, but alleged there may be "interference" from among his party's state leadership. "I feel there is a little interference at the state level. This interference is perhaps to hamper Dr Hasan's progress. I do not know for sure but this is my speculation," he claimed. PAS had denied on Sunday Utusan Malaysia's report that Hasan and former deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa will be dropped as candidates as discussions on candidates have not begun. READ MORE HERE |
| Rep: Karpal-Ramasamy dispute due to DCM ll breaking party protocol Posted: 12 Dec 2011 04:28 PM PST (The Star) - Nobody is eyeing the Deputy Chief Minister II post in Penang which is currently held by DAP deputy secretary-general Dr P. Ramasamy, said Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo. Responding to such claims made through tweets and chats on the social media network platform, Jagdeep said the dispute between his father, DAP chairman Karpal Singh, and Dr Ramasamy was confined to an issue that involved the latter breaking party protocol by declaring DAP candidates for the next general election through a newspaper report. "Usually, our members would not adopt such practices. We toe the line and observe party guidelines on the selection of candidates," Jagdeep said. He said despite the open spat, the matter would likely be resolved via internal channels. Some politicians tweeted on Sunday that the underlying issue behind the spat between the two leaders was that Karpal was eyeing the deputy chief minister's post for his son (Jagdeep). On Sunday, at the Penang DAP convention, both Karpal and Ramasamy shifted their rift out into the open with the latter refusing to apologise for allegedly uttering a "godfather" remark via a Tamil newspaper. Earlier, when opening the convention, Karpal thundered a remark across that he would not tolerate warlords in the party and urged the delegates to respect the party veterans who had slogged and built DAP. The management of the state Hindu Endowment Board is said to be among the issues in the spat. Veteran community leader Datuk R. Rajasingham said the problem was since politicians held the top religious posts in the Hindu body, they tended to use the posts "to benefit themselves politically". Dr Ramasamy defended his role as the board chairman, saying he managed to get RM1mil in grants this year compared with the RM100,000 received during the Barisan Nasional era in Penang. He also said that the board chairman's post was mostly administrative and not one of a religious nature. DAP Youth head Anthony Loke said the party's central executive committee would be meeting today to discuss the spat. It is learnt that the party would also discuss whether disciplinary action would be initiated against Dr Ramasamy after Kuala Juru DAP branch chairman Tan Ah Huat lodged a formal complaint. |
| Sodomy II: ‘Anwar’s statement a bare denial’ Posted: 12 Dec 2011 04:15 PM PST It does not dispute the evidence stacked against the opposition leader, says the lead prosecutor. (Free Malaysia Today) - Anwar Ibrahim's unsworn statement from the dock is a "bare denial" that does not dispute evidence stacked against him, said the prosecution at the Opposition Leader's Sodomy II trial today. Lead prosecutor Solicitor-General II Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden said the court must bear in mind why Anwar was reluctant to be cross-examined when it decides on what weight to give the statement Anwar made at the start of his defence. "This is a bare denial saying 'I didn't do it'. This doesn't dispute the evidence that Anwar had asked complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan to go to his condo… doesn't dispute that the chief-of-staff asked Saiful to go… doesn't challenge the CCTV recordings," Yusof told the court when making the prosecution's closing submissions today. "It is our submission that you fail to dispute all these facts… that it amounts to an admission; it must be accorded as corroborative evidence against him," he said. Yusof also dismissed the defence team's contention that the entire trial was a political conspiracy to send Anwar into oblivion. "You talk about conspiracy. What conspiracy? Nobody, not Saiful or (Prime Minister) Najib (Tun Razak) could force Anwar to do it. If there's a conspiracy, then Anwar must be a willing participant to it," said Yusof. MORE TO COME: READ HERE |
| Activists want Taib Mahmud arrested Posted: 12 Dec 2011 03:26 PM PST They want Taib and 13 family members arrested for massive graft and plundering the rich natural resources of Sarawak. (Free Malaysia Today) - Environmental groups and activists from Malaysia, Europe and Australia called Tuesday on Malaysian authorities to arrest Sarawak chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud and 13 relatives accused of massive graft. Signatories including Greenpeace and the Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund released a letter sent to the Malaysian government that urges the immediate arrest of Abdul Taib Mahmud, chief minister of Sarawak state since 1981. Taib opponents have long alleged systematic corruption and plundering of the rich natural resources of Sarawak, by Taib, 75, and his family. The letter signed by 17 non-governmental organisations and activists, alleged crimes including illegal appropriation of public funds and land, abuse of office, fraud, money-laundering "and conspiracy to form a criminal organisation." The Bruno Manser Fund, which spearheaded the effort, has said public records in several countries show Taib and his family members have stakes in 332 Malaysian and 85 foreign companies worth several billion dollars. The letter added that Taib family stakes in 14 large Malaysian companies alone exceed $1.46 billion. "We allege that only the systematic breach of the law and the use of illegal methods has enabled Taib and his family members to acquire such massive corporate assets," it said. The appeal was sent to Malaysia's attorney general, anti-corruption agency, and inspector-general of police. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said earlier this year it was investigating Taib but its director of investigations, Mustafar Ali, declined comment to AFP on the probe and Tuesday's arrest appeal. An official in Taib's office also declined to comment. Taib has previously denied such allegations. The NGOs said immediate arrests were needed to prevent the accused destroying evidence. READ MORE HERE |
| Feud to hog limelight Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:58 AM PST Karpal, Ramasamy spat likely to be raised at central meeting (New Straits Times) - THE DAP central executive committee meeting tonight might discuss the ongoing feud between party national chairman Karpal Singh and its Penang deputy chairman P. Ramasamy over the "warlords and godfathers" issue. Karpal said yesterday that there was nothing to stop any party leaders from raising the issue, although it was not part of the meeting agenda. He said the meeting was fixed much earlier and the main topic of contention was amendments to the party's constitution. "The issue is not on our agenda. However, there is nothing to stop anyone from raising the issue during the meeting. "Since a complaint (against Ramasamy) has been lodged with the DAP disciplinary committee, we will leave it to them to handle the matter," said Karpal. It is not known when the DAP disciplinary committee will convene a meeting next. The spat between Karpal and Ramasamy arose after a Tamil newspaper quoted Ramasamy as saying that DAP would field three Indian women candidates in the next general election and that several DAP members of parliament would be retained. Ramasamy, who is also Penang deputy chief minister II, was also quoted as saying that he would defend both his Prai state and Batu Kawan parliamentary seats. Karpal responded by saying that DAP would not have warlords going around promising and announcing seats for their cronies ahead of the central executive committee's decision. Ramasamy then shot back by saying that while DAP should not have warlords, there should also not be any "godfathers" in the party, too. Karpal had, during the Penang DAP convention on Sunday, demanded that Ramasamy retract and apologise for his "godfathers" remark against the party elders, in particular, to him. However, Ramasamy has remained unrepentant and said that he was ready to relinquish all his posts and quit the party if the situation demanded it. Meanwhile, despite DAP members being tight-lipped about Ramasamy's predicament in the party, its national publicity secretary Tony Pua said that no gag-order had been issued. "If they (the central executive committee members) want to discuss it, then the can proceed. But for now, it is not on our agenda." DAP youth chief Anthony Loke said: "It is up to the central committee to see how the party should resolve the matter."
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| Christians used as ‘pawns’ for votes, say church leaders Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:45 AM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Many Christians feel victimised and are convinced they are being used as political pawns to win Muslim votes in the next general election, a number of church leaders have said. The church leaders told the New York Times in a report published today that there was generally a feeling of Christian-bashing among the community which makes up less than 10 per cent of the population and consists of most major denominations. "I think Christians are generally feeling that there is kind of a Christian-bashing going on," Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) vice-president Rev Thomas Philips told the newspaper. The report pointed out that recent events had worsened religious tension here, particularly after the controversial August 3 raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in Petaling Jaya. During the incident, Islamic religious authorities had moved in on a dinner function held at the church premises after receiving complaints that Christians were proselytising to Muslims there. While no concrete proof was found and no action taken, Muslim politicians here and Muslim group Himpun had continued to claim of a plot by opposition parties and Christian organisations to Christianise the country. The NYT pointed to Himpun's series of planned nationwide rallies to "save and protect" Islam and cited Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan's recent statement as examples of the continuing accusations causing "unease" in the Christian community even as they prepare for Christmas. During the just-concluded Umno annual general assembly, Ahmad had warned that Islam would be "lost" if Pakatan Rakyat (PR) made significant gains in the polls and had called the DAP "agents of Christianisation". Under fire for his words later and dubbed as "Hitler" by his opposition foes, Ahmad chose to stick to his guns, insisting that his statement was nothing but the truth. READ MORE HERE |
| Dr M predicts polls in a few months with Barisan winning Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:27 AM PST (Bernama) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Barisan Nasional is in a good position to win the next general election, which he predicted may take place early next year. The question, however, is whether the Barisan will obtain a two-third majority, he said. The former prime minister said a weak government is open to attack by the Opposition. "I think they (Barisan) are busy campaigning to make sure they can win. The (just concluded) Umno general assembly was quite good," he said at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here yesterday. Dr Mahathir said the election might be held sometime next year, although Parliament is not due to end its term until 2013. He said if the election is held too early, states under the control of the Pakatan Rakyat might not want to go through with it. He added that it could be their strategy because they want to retain those states and make a bid for other states. "It is up to the Government to consider this," Dr Mahathir said. Asked whether the court case of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will play a role in the coming election, Dr Mahathir said: "One way or another he will play a role." Recalling the 1999 general election, he said when Anwar was found guilty of the court case then, the PKR adviser made use of the "black eye incident" and Barisan lost about 300,000 Malay votes. "The Chinese voted for the Barisan. They were strong supporters because many of them were saved from bankruptcy. "That's why we retained the two-thirds majority, although Umno lost a lot of seats," Dr Mahathir said. |
| ‘We welcome new ideas’ Posted: 12 Dec 2011 09:11 AM PST (New Straits Times) - THE government is always open to new ideas and opinions from young people to develop and transform the nation. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the younger generation today could be considered as superheroes because they have the power to make changes. "And when all the superheroes work hand-in-hand with the government, all our transformation programmes can become a reality easily," he said in his speech at the "Youth Defined: Shape Our Future" dinner last night. The programme was attended by some 500 undergraduates from institutions of higher learning in the country. Najib said the government was also open to constructive criticism as this offered a better solution to an issue or problem. "You can criticise the government; the opposition does it every day. But, can they offer something better?" Najib said the strength of a nation today was not judged by its military prowess, but the empire of the mind. Superior ideas could bring success despite global competition, he added. "That is why we encourage it and we listen to the people. You represent the young people in the country and we must listen. This is part of the engagement process with the young people." He said the government was working hard to ensure a prosperous and developed Malaysia before 2020. "We are working hard today so that when you receive the baton one day, you will inherit a developed nation. "So my message to the young people today is that we are here for you. I like to work with you. "If you have good ideas, we will take it to the board. This is not mere political rhetoric but something which we must back with empowerment and plans."
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| Hasan may quit Pas if problems continue Posted: 12 Dec 2011 08:39 AM PST (New Straits Times) - Pas central committee member Datuk Dr Hasan Ali said he would consider resigning if he continued to face difficulties in the party. However, Hasan, who is also in the Selangor executive council, said quitting Pas would not be that simple. "I have been a Pas member for a long time now. It will not be easy to leave just like that. I have many friends to consult, mufti, advisers and political veterans, whom I must talk to first. "Well, if any organisation no longer supports the principles that I strive for, then it may happen," Hasan said yesterday. Hasan, who is also the former Selangor Pas commissioner, added that he would continue to work closely with Pas and the opposition as long as they "promoted and defended the principles of the Malays, Islam and the monarchy". He was reacting to a statement by Selangor Pas information chief Shaari Sungib last week that Hasan would be dropped in the next general election as he had not garnered enough nominations from party branches to secure his candidacy. On Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's statement on Sunday rebuking Shaari over his statement, Hasan said: "It is a clear reminder to Pas leaders in the state to not make statements that precede the central leadership. "I do not blame anyone within the party for disclosing the matter to the media as they may have good intentions. "However, issues like branch nominations, which are yet to be referred to the Pas national leadership must be kept under wraps," said Hasan, the Gombak Setia assemblyman. Hasan said he was puzzled over the timing of Shaari's revelation at a time when he was conferred a datukship by the Selangor sultan on Sunday. "When I was about to receive the award from the sultan, suddenly the newspapers were abuzz that I did not gather enough nominations. "I was not even told about this. "I feel that there was some hindrance at the state level for my future in politics. "This is my speculation and I hope this does not happen again. "I do not need recognition from anyone, including the Pas president. I do not need DAP or PKR to like me.
"I just want Allah's blessings for the little things I do." Hasan had been involved in controversies with DAP and PKR leaders over his stand on Islamic issues. Asked whether the speculation that he would be dropped as a candidate was true, Hasan said he would let various factors such as time and circumstances to determine his next course of action if Pas did not select him as a candidate. |
| DRB-HICOM buy plan revs up Proton shares Posted: 12 Dec 2011 08:30 AM PST What investors are now eager to find out is how much is DRB-HICOM buying the stakes for and at what price or terms would the general offer be, says a research head Business Times  Shares of Proton Holdings Bhd rose by more than 6 per cent to RM4.23 yesterday after its adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed confirmed that Khazanah Nasional Bhd will sell its 42.7 per cent stake in the national carmaker to DRB-HICOM Bhd.
Speculation of DRB-HICOM acquiring stakes in Proton, which has been going for years, resurfaced recently.
Over the past two weeks, Proton shares were actively traded, with its mother shares rising more than 63 per cent at one point.
"With the statement from Dr Mahathir, it is highly likely that a deal will be reached. What investors are now eager to find out is how much is DRB-HICOM buying the stakes for and at what price or terms would the general offer be," said a research head from a local brokerage when contacted
yesterday. DRB-HICOM shares closed unchanged at RM2.12, although it hit a high of RM2.19 during the morning session. On the sidelines of the MIDF Investment Forum in Langkawi last Saturday, Dr Mahathir said that he "understands Khazanah will sell shares to DRB-HICOM, although it hasn't been announced yet". He added that the share sale deal between Khazanah and DRB-HICOM had his "blessings". Although DRB-HICOM has a proven record in handling large projects, Dr Mahathir said he had concerns on its ability to come out with funds for Proton's needs. "DRB-HICOM has to invest a lot of money. This is a very big deal. I'm worried if the buyer doesn't have enough money to pump into Proton. "Since there are three bidders, the buying price is very high, higher than the market price. So, making profit would be difficult," he said. Earlier, Business Times reported, citing sources, that of the initial four bidders, only two had been shortlisted for the sale. They were key shareholders of the Naza Group and DRB-HICOM. It was also believed that the bids were between RM6 and RM7 a share. On whether Khazanah should sell its stakes in Proton, the former prime minister said it is Khazanah's right to do so. DRB-HICOM used to own more than 27 per cent of Proton before selling that stake to Petronas in 2000. Proton posted RM155.61 million net profit on the back of RM8.96 billion revenue in its last financial year ended March 31 2011.
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| Karpal-Ramasamy spat may only be tip of iceberg, says Lau Posted: 12 Dec 2011 08:19 AM PST (The Star) - The open spat between DAP's chairman Karpal Singh and deputy secretary-general Dr P. Ramasamy shows that the party is incapable of managing its own affairs, let alone govern Penang. Penang MCA secretary Lau Chiek Tuan wonders why Chief Minister and party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was unable to rein-in his fellow party members until the party's state convention turned chaotic on Sunday. "Even his gag order on the issue was defied during the convention," he said. Lau said he believed the issue was just the tip of the iceberg, noting that more problems might crop up, especially over the selection of DAP candidates for the next general election. Penang MIC chairman Datuk P.K. Subbaiyah said it was a pity that the post of Deputy Chief Minister II, which is held by Dr Ramasamy, did not come with any important portfolio. "Most of the essential portfolios such as land, local government, tourism and infrastructure are held by other DAP leaders. Ramasamy's portfolio of overseeing education has a limited scope," he said. Subbaiyah claimed that many Indians were losing faith in the DAP due to infighting within the leaders, noting that some members in Prai had left DAP to join MIC instead. "Disgruntled Indian DAP members, who see no future for them, are welcome to join MIC," he said. Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan claims that more trouble is brewing in DAP. "Dr Ramasamy would not dare challenge Karpal. Someone is behind the scenes, plotting," he said. State People's Progressive Party (PPP) chairman and state Barisan Nasional Information chief Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan also believes there is a hidden hand behind the squabble. "Both Karpal and Ramasamy are not the type of people who would want to get into a squabble," he said. |
| Former IGP gets back at bloggers Posted: 12 Dec 2011 08:01 AM PST (The Star) - Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has lodged a police report against several bloggers for allegedly slandering him saying that he married an artiste in a hush-hush RM15mil wedding. In confirming that he had lodged a report on Friday at the Petaling Jaya police district headquarters here, Musa said it was to facilitate the taking of legal action in due course. "I leave it to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the matter. "Once the police and the MCMC have completed their investigations, I would decide on whether to commence legal proceedings," he told The Star yesterday. Allegations about the "lavish wedding" between Musa and local artiste Syella Kamaruddin surfaced in the blogsphere recently. Several blogs claimed that the ceremony cost RM15mil with bridal gifts that included a RM5mil bungalow and an RM800,000 Audi R8. Syella, who did not want to reveal the identity of her husband, had reportedly said her husband was more "younger and sturdier" than Musa. Photographs of Syella cutting a multi-layered cake with the groom were being circulated in the blogs and were also published by the Chinese press. Musa, who retired last year, is currently lecturing at Universiti Teknologi Mara on media warfare. It is learnt that the blog posts had since been removed. OCPD Asst Comm Arjunaidi Mohamed confirmed that police had received the report. "We would seek assistance from MCMC on the matter," he said. |
| 155,343 PTPTN borrowers defaulted on RM929m loans Posted: 12 Dec 2011 07:46 AM PST (Bernama) - At total of 155,343 recipients of National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans have yet to repay their loans totalling RM929.53 million as of last Oct 31, the Dewan Negara was told on Monday. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung said the total amount was arrived at after it has removed the number of borrowers who had duly repaid their loans, comprising of 730,221 and involving a total sum of RM2.8 billion.
"From Dec 1, 2006 till last Oct 31, at total of 267,822 final reminder notices (FRNs) and 189,813 letters of demand (LODs) were issued.
"Following the issuing of the FRNs, a total of 75,530 borrowers have started to service their loans while action has been taken against 81,151 borrowers issued with LODs.
"Legal action was taken against 104,083 defaulters involving a total amount of RM1.12 billion and 69,667 of these cases were settled at the courts," he said when replying to a question from Senator Ahmad Hussin.
Dr Hou also told the Dewan that PTPTN had given exemptions to 10,849 borrowers for graduating with first class honours and that the amount involved was RM312.24 million. |
| Philippines' top judge faces impeachment Posted: 12 Dec 2011 07:27 AM PST (AFP) - MANILA - Philippine President Benigno Aquino's parliamentary allies moved Monday to impeach the country's top judge, who in turn accused his opponents of seeking to destroy the Supreme Court's integrity. The unprecedented push to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona came after the Supreme Court made a series of decisions that hindered government efforts to prosecute ex-president Gloria Arroyo for alleged corruption. House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said 175 members of the 285-member Congress had signed the impeachment complaint, well above the one-third needed to begin the process. Belmonte said Corona was being impeached for "betrayal of public trust", "violation of the constitution" and "undue closeness to Arroyo". He said the complaints largely centred on the decisions that were favourable for Arroyo, but also because Corona had allegedly broken the law by not publicly disclosing his own assets. The impeachment proceedings will now move to the 24-member Senate, which will hold a trial to determine if Corona must step down. Aquino, who won presidential elections last year in a landslide, has never fully recognised Corona's legitimacy as the Supreme Court chief justice. This is because Arroyo appointed Corona shortly before she stepped down as president, in what Aquino said was a violation of a constitutional ban on so-called "midnight appointments" by an outgoing leader. Aquino's allies have said Arroyo planted Corona in the Supreme Court as part of her efforts to protect herself from future criminal prosecutions. Arroyo, who ruled the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, has been accused of rigging elections, plundering state coffers and a wide range of other corruption while in power. She has denied all the accusations. The government filed the first of what it promised would be many charges against Arroyo last month for allegedly rigging the 2007 senatorial elections. Corona made a defiant speech to court officials on Monday in which he vowed to resist the political pressure. "I assure you, I do not intend to leave them to do as they please. I am not going anywhere," Corona said in a speech to court employees. "I want all of you to know that your chief continues to be in command and will lead the fight against any and all who dare to destroy the court and independence of the judiciary." |
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