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The Malays must wake up konon Posted: 10 Nov 2012 06:30 PM PST   The Malays must wake up konon! Podah! Everything wrong with Malaysia is the fault of the Malays. The non-Malays are mere victims. You buggers deserve to be victims and I hope you will remain victims for another 100 years for your sin of being traitors to the cause back in the 1980s that allowed the country to decline to its present level and for allowing Umno to rule for 55 years. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin I have not written anything over the last two days because Mat Sabu and another PAS leader from Melaka were visiting me in Manchester so I was quite tied up. I must admit that we had a most interesting two days discussing current issues affecting Malaysia, in particular about politics and matters related to politics. Anyhow, all I can say is that Mat Sabu and I share the same views on practically most of the issues. I don't think I need to go into details about what we spoke, though, or else this article is going to run into ten pages. Furthermore, my opinions have already been clearly expressed in the numerous articles I have written over these last 20 years or so since I started writing about politics back in the early 1990s. What I want to address today is the 'favourite' comment many readers have posted in Malaysia Today over the last four years since 2008. And this comment is: the non-Malays have already woken up. When are the Malays going to wake up? These readers are, of course, referring to the March 2008 'Tsunami' where 50% of the Malays voted opposition while the figure for the Chinese and Indians was much higher -- an estimated 70% plus and 80% plus respectively. Many argue that in the coming general it is going to be higher for the Chinese -- maybe more than 80% -- while for the Malays it may remain at 50% or even decline to below 50%. They do not talk too much about the Indians, though, but it is estimated that this time around the Indian vote for the opposition may fall to just 50% or less. It is puzzling as to why you say it is the Malays who need to wake up. The Malays had already woken up back in the late 1980s. And that was 25 years ago. When the Registrar of Societies deregistered Umno in 1988 and two new Malay parties were formed in its place -- Umno Baru and Semangat 46 -- the Malays became divided and have remained divided ever since. In the 1990 General Election two years later, Kelantan fell to the opposition and has remained opposition ever since. The PAS-Semangat 46 coalition called APU (Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah) also captured many seats in Terengganu, although not enough to take the state. Unfortunately, the other two coalitions that Semangat 46 had with the non-Malay political parties -- with DAP on the West Coast (called Gagasan Rakyat) and with PBS in Sabah -- did not do as well as APU. While the Malays voted opposition, the non-Malays on the West Coast and those in East Malaysia refused to do the same. Hence the opposition dream of kicking out Umno and Barisan Nasional and of taking power at federal level was shattered. In the end it became a Malay dream and not a Malaysian dream. Since Umno had been deregistered (Umno no longer existed), MCA had to take over the leadership of Barisan Nasional and the MCA President took over as the Chairman of Barisan Nasional. By right, although not by law, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was now 'partyless' and an independent Member of Parliament should have resigned as the Prime Minister and the MCA President, who was now the Chairman of Barisan Nasional, should have taken over as the new Prime Minister. But Barisan Nasional (meaning the non-Malays) did not do this. They allowed Dr Mahathir, a man without a party and hence with no majority in Parliament, to remain as Prime Minister. In that sense, even Ibrahim Ali or Zul Nordin (who both also have no party) can become the Prime Minister of Malaysia -- going by what they did 25 years ago in the late 1980s. We Malays were very disappointed with the non-Malays in both West and East Malaysia. Dr Mahathir should have been kicked out. Umno no longer existed and Dr Mahathir was no longer the leader of the largest party in Parliament. Dr Mahathir was now merely a calun bebas. Why was he still the Prime Minister? And why were the non-Malays still retaining him as Prime Minister when the majority of the Malays wanted him out. Umno Baru was then formed. Technically, however, it was still an independent party and not a member of Barisan Nasional. Barisan Nasional then called for an emergency meeting, chaired by the President of MCA. No one from Umno (Baru) attended the meeting. At this emergency meeting, it was UNANIMOUSLY agreed (with not a single dissenting voice) that Umno Baru be admitted as a member of Barisan Nasional (not READMITTED but ADMITTED, because Umno no longer existed and Umno Baru was a brand new party). It was also UNANIMOUSLY agreed (with not a single dissenting voice) that Dr Mahathir be invited to take over as the new Chairman of Barisan Nasional. I was there that day (standing outside the meeting room, of course, since I was not a leader of Barisan Nasional and hence could not be inside the meeting room). We were anxiously expecting at least one member of Barisan Nasional to vote against admitting a 'new party' into Barisan Nasional -- and hence Dr Mahathir would have to resign as the Prime Minister and the new Chairman of Barisan Nasional, who was also the President of MCA, would take over as Prime Minister. I was very angry that day. The Malays had made their move. We were going to be rid of Umno and Dr Mahathir. But the non-Malays sold us out. The non-Malays betrayed us. From that day on we realised that the non-Malays cannot be trusted to change the country. We Malays are on our own and will have to do it ourselves. Ten years later, we had our second chance. This time it was because of the conflict between Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Mahathir. In the 1999 General Election we did better than in the 1990 General Election. Not only did the opposition retain Kelantan (without the help of Semangat 46 this time, mind you, since that party had closed down and most of its members had rejoined Umno) but it also won Terengganu after 25 years of trying (since 1974). Furthermore, the opposition won 8 out of the 15 Parliament seats in Kedah (more than half) plus it managed to deny Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in the Kedah State Assembly (which happened exactly one year later in the Lunas by-election). That was a new landmark for the opposition. Unfortunately, all this happened in the Malay heartland of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. In those constituencies where the Malays do not represent 90% or more of the voters, Barisan Nasional still ruled. In fact, any constituency where the Malay voters are less than 80% it was quite impossible for the opposition to win. No doubt, in constituencies where the voters are predominantly Chinese and the candidate is a Chinese from DAP, then there is a strong possibility that DAP can win that seat. But this was the exception rather than the rule -- sometimes even the top guns of DAP suffered defeat because the Chinese voters rejected them. In 2008 that all changed, of course. But whether this change is permanent or temporary is left to be seen -- and we shall know soon, come the next general election. But what perturbs me is that the Malays have been struggling to see change for about 25 years now. But we failed to see change because of the recalcitrant Chinese and Indians, and those from East Malaysia. No doubt, in 2008, more than half the Chinese and Indians from West Malaysia voted opposition while only 50% of the Malays did so. But the Malays have been divided between Barisan Nasional and the opposition since the 1980s. The Chinese and Indians from West Malaysia have only just woken up very recently (while those from East Malaysia are still sleeping). Hence I can't understand why the Chinese (and some Indians) keep asking the Malays to wake up. Can't they understand that the Malays already woke up a long time ago? The Chinese and Indians (and even then only those from West Malaysia, mind you) woke up only very recently. If they had woken up 25 years ago like the Malays had, Dr Mahathir would have ruled Malaysia for only 7 years and not 22 years and Umno would have been in power for only 30 years and not 55 years. So what's all this nonsense about 'ABU' and '55 years is enough' and 'the Malays must wake up' all that shit? We have seen 55 years of Umno rule and we need an ABU movement because of the treacherous Chinese and Indians from West Malaysia and those non-Malays from East Malaysia. And, today, you blame the Malays and scream that it is time that the Malay woke up. What crap is this? And stop giving the excuse that the non-Malays had no choice. Stop saying that back in the late 1980s if MCA had refused to allow Umno Baru to become a member of Barisan Nasional and had refused to allow Dr Mahathir to remain as Prime Minister the army would have stepped in -- hence the Chinese and Indians and those from East Malaysia were forced to do what they did. Are you saying that the army has already been disbanded? Are you saying that only in the late 1980s Malaysia had an army and today we no longer have an army? That is utter bullshit and a bloody lame excuse. If you could not change the government in the 1980s because of the army then what makes you think you can change the government today when we still have an army? Would you accept the excuse that the Malays have no choice but to vote Umno because if Pakatan Rakyat takes over then apostasy would be allowed and Muslims will leave Islam in droves to become Christians? I think this is as legitimate an excuse as the one that the non-Malays are giving as to why they did what they did 25 years ago back in the late 1980s. The Malays must wake up konon! Podah! Everything wrong with Malaysia is the fault of the Malays. The non-Malays are mere victims. You buggers deserve to be victims and I hope you will remain victims for another 100 years for your sin of being traitors to the cause back in the 1980s that allowed the country to decline to its present level and for allowing Umno to rule for 55 years. Let me assure you I have already woken up. 35 years ago back in the late 1970s I woke up to the evils of the government and 25 years ago back in the late 1980s I woke up to the treachery of the non-Malays who propped up Umno and kept them in power. So no need to ask me to wake up! Today I have woken up even more. I have woken up to the hypocrisy of the non-Malays who 'created' Umno and then now blame the Malays for what Umno does.

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• Nurul Izzah's costly remarks
• SapuraKencana moves to next level
• Labis is where MCA’s haunted past may cause a GE13 disaster
• The biggest test for Pas' leadership
• Can Gerakan rise from the ashes?

Nurul Izzah's costly remarks Posted: 10 Nov 2012 04:37 PM PST WORRYING STATEMENT: There is nothing courageous or inspiring in espousing the merits of religious freedom for Muslims in the context of Malaysia Already, PKR -- the smallest party in Pakatan Rakyat -- is caught in a cross-fire between Parti Islam se-Malaysia (Pas) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over conflicting ideologies. A. Jalil Hamid, NST DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim's politician-daughter's statement over religious freedom has not only turned unnecessary spotlight on religion but, more importantly, how their party is being perceived by Muslim voters. Anwar's recent pronouncements on the subject of Muslims and Islam have not helped the struggling Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Islamic agenda, at least in the eyes of their political rivals. In his most recent comment in a British newspaper, Anwar seemed to agree with a Westerner's view that there is a problem with the psyche of Muslims -- that they are easily enraged and emotional. To the uninitiated, his inflammatory remark came following violent reaction by Muslims from around the world to a blasphemous video insulting Islam. In the interview published by The Scotsman, Anwar (whom it described as a modern traditionalist) also "scorns the 'crazy' move by Malaysia's Ministry of Education to publish a guide on how to spot if someone is a homosexual". This is the same man who sensationally told the Wall Street Journal in January that he "supports all efforts to protect the security of Israel". We know that the Palestinian issue is something very close to the hearts of Muslims in Malaysia. Any intended or unintended endorsement of the Tel Aviv regime, which is the cause of Palestinian suffering, is a big no-no for Muslims. Just after that, his party leaders in Penang had to apologise for the controversial K-pop performance by a group of sexily-clad dancers during a party dinner in Bertam, Kepala Batas, much to the embarrassment of their Pas counterparts. Already, PKR -- the smallest party in Pakatan Rakyat -- is caught in a cross-fire between Parti Islam se-Malaysia (Pas) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over conflicting ideologies. Pas, as we are all aware, is pushing for hudud and an Islamic state, while the DAP is fighting for a secular state and better rights for non-Malays. How Anwar is going to balance these contrasting demands (and the squabble over electoral seats among them) ahead of the coming general election is anybody's guess. But his immediate concern is to try to put out the fire that is raging following impromptu remarks by his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, at a public forum in Petaling Jaya last week. That comment, which won an applause from the audience and upset some Muslims, could alienate Malay-Muslim voters and further polarise Muslims and non-Muslims in this country. No doubt there are people who cheered her for her views. However, there is nothing courageous or inspiring in espousing the merits of religious freedom for Muslims in the context of Malaysia. Any rebuttals in mainstream media against Nurul Izzah's comments should not be construed as waging a smear campaign against her. To be sure, she herself messed things up by trying to play to the gallery. When Nurul Izzah, the first-time member of parliament for Lembah Pantai and until now a rising star in PKR, accepted the invitation to speak, little did she realise her remarks would haunt her and her party for years. More worryingly for her, this could be politically costly in her bid to retain her seat. But the damage could be even bigger. For the PKR-led Selangor, a big swing of Malay-Muslim votes in favour of Umno and Barisan Nasional could mean a loss of the prized state. In the 2008 general election, Pakatan won 36 state seats against BN's 20 seats. Of that, PKR has 15 and Umno 18. To start with, the PKR leadership is not that cohesive in Selangor. There are two PKR camps in Selangor, with deputy president Azmin Ali not seeing eye-to-eye with party vice-president Nurul Izzah and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. Anwar is the so-called economic adviser for the Selangor state government. Sadly, there is no economic agenda to speak of. The state is also embroiled in major issues, ranging from water supply to the controversial Talam and PKNS deals that have angered ordinary people. Pakatan leaders themselves have to be blamed if the people decide to turn their backs on them. The tide could be irreversible.

SapuraKencana moves to next level Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:31 PM PST Jagdev Singh Sidhu, The Star ON Monday night after announcing a US$2.9bil deal that will make SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd the world's largest tender rig operator, president and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shahril Shamsuddin got a phone call from the United States. It was from a fund manager of an institution who just heard about the deal with Seadrill Ltd. "Someone called in last night asking for a placement of a block of shares. And these are big overseas funds, guys whom we saw in the US recently. Our company was fresh in their minds and we were at a certain ebitda level (before the proposed deal) and with this deal, we have crossed the threshold in terms of size and liquidity of shares," he tells StarBizWeek. The non-binding MoU with Seadrill, once completed, will see SapuraKencana take a 51% share of the global tender rig business, in the process making the company more appealing to investors who want exposure to large companies. With 21 tender rigs, and with its next closest competitor globally having four, the deal lifts SapuraKencana to another platform. Analysts too have become bullish on SapuraKencana, with many raising their earnings projections and target prices. "We are positive on this deal, operationally and financially speaking. This exercise instantly transforms SapuraKencana into the largest tender-assisted rig operator in the world, by fleet size. This is an earnings accretive deal," says Maybank Investment Bank in a note after the deal was announced. Amresearch raised its forecast of SapuraKencana's earnings per share for its 2014 and 2015 financial years by 24%-30%. It says earnings from the injection of 10 tender-assisted rigs (TAGs) plus a 49%-stake each in five TAGs was partly offset by a 7% increase in share capital. How the deal came about Prior to the merger between SapuraCrest Petroleum and Kencana Petroleum Bhd, the former had a working relation with Seadrill after Semdvig, a company it had a joint venture with, was taken over by Seadrill. The new-found relationship with Seadrill took off and Seadrill's chairman John Fredriksen started to work closer with SapuraKencana. He introduced the Malaysian company to Brazil where it won a US$1.4bil contract from Petrobas to build and operate three pipe-laying support vessels (PLSVs). Shahril says discussions then proceeded over combining the rigs SapuraKencana had with that of Seadrill. "We said why don't we combine and strengthen our position and instead of just the five rigs, why don't we look at the whole tender rig business. About a month ago, we looked at it again very seriously and in the last two weeks we intensely had negotiations. The deal was closed Friday night (Nov 2)." "It's a way for them to refocus and reposition their business and at the same time help SapuraKencana transform itself into a very solid high margin business. The tender rig business brings pretty strong margins and overall what will happen is our margins will be a bit more robust." The tender rigs bought by SapuraKencana have contracts up to 2019 and an orderbook of US$1.6bil. Furthermore, the tender rig business is a higher margin business and at 40%, is larger than what SapuraKencana is currently enjoying. Consolidating the operations also settles the issue of the company having 2 licences from Petroliam Nasional Bhd. One concern analysts have voiced is that the acquisition of the tender rigs will change the make-up of the group from an oil and gas service provider to that of a tender rig operator where the price earnings multiple investors are willing to pay is lower. Shahril disputes that assumption, saying the acquisition re-inforces the vision of the company to become a fully integrated oil and gas service company. "In our business there are four verticals. There is offshore construction services, fabrication, drilling and energy. Energy is the one that takes on all the RSC (risk-service contract) opportunities. And with RSCs, there are so many services that go into supporting that business and drilling is one of them. There are a lot of symbiotic relationships between the verticals to support each other." "The more rigs you have, the more chances there will be to mature. Overheads are spread over and we get scale. And in this business, it is very difficult to compete globally without scale. So the choice was very obvious. It is facilitated by the fact the relationship was good, the assets are young, it has a good backlog and it's margin enhancing and value accretive," he says. What it means for SapuraKencana Apart from being more profitable, the scale of the business will allow SapuraKencana to be more competitive in its bids. But it's the balance sheet size that was created from the merger between SapuraCrest and Kencana that allowed the Seadrill deal to happen. "You have to be of a certain size before something like this gets presented to you. The merger allowed us to get onto a lot of people's radar to see where the big deals come in," says executive vice chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir. "But Seadrill is unique because of the relationship SapuraCrest has had, both on the personal and working level that has been established over many years. That's why this deal was made possible." "In terms of value, it meets all of the requirements the board has asked us to look at, such as in terms of value, synergy, growth, control and management... everything. So we are quite comfortable with it." Completion the deal will see SapuraKencana have an order book of RM18.5bil and its cashflow should improve as a result of the contracts the rigs have secured. It's ability to cross-sell its services will improve and Shahril says multiple rigs, newbuilds and the company's track record will help in access to new markets and opportunities. Shahril says the improved financials will help but the group has already planned and allocated on the capital requirements for the four segments it "We have almost fully invested for the next 5 years in offshore construction services with the 5 new vessels coming up. That's going to grow," he says. The transaction with Seadrill settles the expansion in the rigs segment and the company has already calculated just how much it needs to take advantage of the marginal oilfield business. Capex for the modernisation of its fabrication business has also been settled. Both Shahril and Mokhzani feel securing more marginal oilfields will depend on how the company bids and the larger tender rigs business will only help in its proposition to Petronas for more RSC jobs. "The more integrated services you have, the better chance you will have in order to quickly deploy the development of these marginal oilfields," says Shahril. Although the group's gearing will rise, Shahril says that's momentarily and will rapidly climb down after 2 years. "Any acquisition will have borrowings and the borrowings will be depleted over time as we payback. We are comfortable with the gearing and its in line with the growth companies in this sector anyway. " Shahril says allocating more cash for dividends as cashflow improves will be balanced by the needs of the business versus reward for shareholders. "Once the debt levels goes down in 2 years, then we will start increasing our dividend payments," he says, adding that the value of the company to shareholders will be either captured in dividends or in the value of the shares. If there is one risk from the transaction with Seadrill, it is the execution of the business. "Execution risk is always there. When you do business in the oil and gas, execution risk is everything. But we have the asset and the people to deploy and execute projects and in that sense, the risk is minimal for us anyway," says Mokhzani. "I don't think Seadrill would have sold this to anyone else because they know we can take care of this business for them. I think that is also why John Fredriksen has agreed to join the board because he is not going to let go of this business, this asset to anybody and he is comfortable with the people he is dealing with now." Fredriksen on board The acquisition of the tender rigs from Seadrill will see Fredriksen join the board of SapuraKencana, a move that both Shahril and Mokhzani feel will add value to the company given his experience, contacts and knowledge of the oil and gas industry. But is there also a risk in Fredriksen and Seadrill increasing its stake in SapuraKencana from 6% to 13% from this deal given his previous record of trimming down Seadrill's shareholding in SapuraCrest? "I don't see that, not with him coming on the board," says Shahril. "The last time he sold he had invested in the company when it was worth 49 sen and then the value of the shares grew tremendously. He had a US$450mil exposure in a company he had no control over. By him coming onto the board, he can have influence as opposed to before it was just an investment. So he liquidated half," says Shahril, who says Fredriksen liquidated the shares in the past and re-invested it with SapuraKencana in Brazil. Shahril also doesn't think Fredriksen on board will lead to a clash of personalities and influence. "Good solutions come out of constructive conflicts. Differences in ideas is not a bad thing. He identified with our direction and now he is endorsing it by coming on board. He will not have taken that step if he did not see the value in this company," he says.

Labis is where MCA’s haunted past may cause a GE13 disaster Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:02 PM PST The next general election is expected to be the closest fight to form the new Malaysian government. And several seats across the nation are likely to be heated battles with the slimmest of majorities. The Malaysian Insider takes a look at some of these hot seats in what will be an intense election for control of Malaysia. Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider Labis feels like an island, secluded and quiet with nary a sound from the hustle and bustle one would expect to see in a constituency held for six terms by two prominent MCA stars — former president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and current chief Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. Like its name, which some historians believe was derived from "labi-labi" or river terrapins, the daily pace here is almost tortoise-like; slow and sleepy. Most of its residents work in rubber estates or oil palm plantations, while the others are petty traders, government servants or merely passing through to the busier parts of Johor. Here, one can neither hear the buzz of industries nor see white plumes of smoke polluting the skies as the nearest factory is miles and miles away. After 7pm, buses no longer ply the town's roads — rarely do passengers get off at this stop, anyway. "Labis becomes a remote area after 7pm... a dead sea. The irony of it all... Ling Liong Sik was the transport minister when he held the Labis seat," local resident S. Madhavan remarked recently when met in the evening of a characteristically quiet Monday in this sleepy hollow. Dr Ling held the Labis seat from 1986 to 2003. Sixty-three-year-old Tey Koh Hout, offering a toothless grin, had the same to say. "MCA... they are all the same, aren't they? They have big-shot government posts and they forget who gave them the opportunity," he told this news portal. "There is so much anger with the MCA... sometimes, they are so angry that people cannot even remember why they are angry. But they know for certain that they want a change," said Tan Chin Guan, a local DAP leader. "The Labis people get slaughtered in so many ways... but many do not even know, they are so innocent. "But today, some have leapt off the fence... they say they want to try something new," former Education Ministry officer G. Krishnabagwan said. Madhavan, Tey, Tan and Krishnabagwan, who each spoke at separate interviews recently, are among the estimated 22,600 non-Malay voters who make up a sizeable 62 per cent of the 36,000-strong electorate in Labis. Their voices echo a growing resentment among the non-Malays here against the MCA and may well be the death knell for the party, which has been struggling since its dismal performance in Election 2008 to recapture at least some of its lost Chinese support. But during the interviews, there was one resounding sentiment that could not be avoided — Labis' non-Malay voters have largely gone pro-opposition. At every step of the way, those interviewed were too quick to blame the MCA and Barisan Nasional (BN) for every hardship they face — from the common flooding of their neighbourhoods and the lack of street lamps to the lack of job opportunities and affordable housing. Tan, a 60-year-old who spoke in halting English, lent voice to a perceived sentiment when he said that some voters feel so strongly against the MCA that they have even forgotten their reasons. "But it makes sense... when you see the same faces everyday, read about the same names, and your life remains the same, you tend to want something different. It's always been MCA's... Tun Ling for so many years, then Soi Lek... now Tee Yong," he said, the last referring to the incumbent MP, a son of Dr Chua, the town's previous parliamentary representative. "You begin to think to yourself, let's try something new. What's the harm in that? We could always change the government again," he said, during the interview at his home in the Labis town centre here. Dr Chua won the Labis seat in the 2004 general election, but stepped down in late 2007 after a sex scandal. Dr Ling, who was transport minister and MCA president for 17 years until 2003, held the Labis parliamentary seat for five terms from 1986, the same year he took on his government and party posts.  He was succeeded by Dr Chua in the 2004 polls, after which the latter was appointed health minister in the Abdullah administration. The seat is held today by Datuk Chua Tee Yong, son of Dr Chua, who took his father's place after a sex scandal in late 2007 forced the veteran politician to exit politics briefly, just months before the 2008 election, no less. Tee Yong is said to possess the same boldness and bravado exhibited by his outspoken father. Taking into account his relative youth — he is now 35 years — and his reputation as the man who accused the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government of a RM1 billion Talam Corp accounting scandal, Chua junior is said to be a popular face among his Labis constituents. But youth and passion may not be enough to win the game for the MCA in Labis, which is fast becoming the stage for a political battle that could very well spell the party's demise in its southern fort. It is not Tee Yong that the non-Malay voters are against — it is the flag that he flies and memories of the years of alleged neglect that it carries with it. "The present MCA president, he is doing better. His son comes here often, we see him a lot. "Last time, Dr Ling never came at all... I think his reputation itself has ruined things for MCA," said one drinks stall owner, who only identified himself as Mr Tan. "Everyone called Dr Ling a yes-man. A weak man. The Chinese here, when we speak of MCA, we equate it to weakness.  "It is not a deep-seated hatred. But for sure, the non-Malays are for the opposition, for the DAP," Mr Tan said. The father of two agreed that Labis town has seen no development over the past few decades, pointing out that its population is ageing and disappearing quickly to seek better opportunities elsewhere. READ MORE HERE

The biggest test for Pas' leadership Posted: 08 Nov 2012 11:18 AM PST Zubaidah Abu Bakar, NST PARTI Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) is holding its annual national assembly in Kelantan next week, the last before the next general election, with analysts and political watchers looking for some clues on the party's state of health and how well it would do in the coming polls. In 2008, Pas won 23 parliamentary seats compared with only six wins in 2004. The question is whether they can repeat this performance given the changes that have taken place in the past four years. The biggest test for Pas this time around is the strength of its alliance with its Pakatan Rakyat allies -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat and DAP -- given the recent spate of public bickering over issues from hudud to apostasy. The latter even led to the sacking of Datuk Hasan Ali from the party earlier this year. These are some of the issues to be mulled by the more than 1,000 delegates at the three-day 58th Pas Muktamar at Pusat Tarbiyah Islamiyah Kelantan (Putik) in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, the party's stronghold state for the past 22 years. Party officials are not ruling out the possibility of sparks flying during the debates, as delegates push the party towards becoming a better Islamic organisation than it is today. Over the years, Pas has evolved to become more inclusive to suit present times, and has grown to be the largest opposition party with close to one million members. But Pas is not free from internal conflicts. Some members remain disenchanted that the organisation they joined to make Islam a way of life, appears to have been sidetracked. The party's readiness to dilute its Islamic agenda, particularly putting plans for an Islamic state on the back-burner, is causing concern among hardcore members. For them, this "new thinking" is hard to swallow, despite explanations from senior party leaders, including the party's mursyidul am (spiritual leader) Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. At last year's muktamar, the Pas leadership shifted from the call for an Islamic state to the aim of creating a benevolent state. Delegates appeared to agree with the now-mellowed Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang that the difference between the two was only semantic as both concepts upheld the people's well-being. Nik Aziz had come to Pas' defence on the change, saying it was the right move since some people found the term unacceptable, even scary. He also said Pas had not discarded the principles behind its struggle as an Islamic movement. But the reality is that Pas suspended its ideals for the sake of a cohesive strategy for Pakatan Rakyat; the party had taken flak from the majority of Malaysians for its hardline stance on issues concerning Islam, including the setting up of an Islamic state and implementing hudud. The coming muktamar will also test the effectiveness of the Hadi-Mat Sabu partnership and of the "general election team" that was voted in last year. The party elections saw the progressives capturing crucial positions, and Mohamad Sabu, a non-ulama, ousting Nasharudin Mat Isa to become deputy president, much to the dissatisfaction of the conservative ulama in the party. Bridget Welsh, an associate professor in political science at the Singapore Management University, wrote in an article that the new leaders continue to face an internal battle within the party as the conservatives -- one group tied to the narrow concept of the Islamic state and the other tied to the "Unity Group" reminiscent of the 1970s -- are fighting hard to hold onto their positions. "Both visions -- tied to old guards in Pas -- are outdated, but they remain powerful ideas within Pas, and still permeate parts of the elected party leadership. Pas' progressives thus face a difficult path ahead." The muktamar is also taking place amid questions over the health of Nik Aziz, although not many senior party leaders want to discuss it openly. The rank and file in Pas fear losing Kelantan if, due to health reasons, Nik Aziz doesn't take the lead in their campaign to retain power in the state. Nik Aziz, 82, who has been menteri besar since Pas came to power in Kelantan in 1990, has been in and out of hospital following a major heart attack in 2004. Speculation about his health mounted after Harakah recently published a quotation from an interview with him, where he told Pas members to carry on his struggle to bring victory to Islam after his death. Nik Aziz was also absent at the 230th meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara on Wednesday, raising questions on whether his health would permit him to attend the muktamar.

Can Gerakan rise from the ashes? Posted: 07 Nov 2012 02:53 PM PST Gerakan is placing all its hopes on the prime minister's projects for its survival. Humayun Kabir, FMT It seems that now Gerakan's only hope of a revival is by hitching its bandwagon to Najib Tun Razak's various 1Malaysia projects. The Gerakan leaders, at least those in Perak, are singing praises of Najib's projects and how it is going to help the party to rise from the ashes. In the 2008 general election, the party was almost annihilated. Gerakan won only two of the 12 parliamentary seats that it contested in 2008 and four state seats out of the 31 it contested. Gerakan national deputy president Chang Ko Youn told FMT that the party will see a brighter future and win more seats under Najib's various 1Malaysia projects and economic programmes. He said "under the 1Malaysia theme, Najib has brought a lot of changes and reforms that are effective, which is better than [under the administration of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]". Chang, who is also Perak state chief, said: "We will be contesting in the three parliamentary seats of Taiping, Beruas and Teluk Intan and four state seats of Aulong, Kuala Sepetang [both in Taiping area], Jalong [in Sungai Siput] and Canning [in Ipoh] in the coming general election." "We have submitted our list of candidates to Najib and we are waiting for his approval," added Chang. Younger candidates Gerakan has bowed to the party's Youth wing's pressure of fielding younger candidates and has agreed to have 50% new faces. In Perak, according to party insiders, the three parliamentary seats and one state seat may be contested by party veterans while the remaining three state seats may see new faces. It will be the second attempt for Chang to contest in Beruas against incumbent DAP state chief Ngeh Khoo Ham while state vice chief Mah Siew Keong will once again challenge either incumbent DAP's M Manoharan or probably a new DAP candidate in Teluk Intan. Meanwhile, party Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe, who is also deputy domestic trade and consumer minister, will stand for the first time in Taiping to challenge incumbent DAP strongman Nga Kor Ming. READ MORE HERE

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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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• MIC snubs Najib-Hindraf talk
• Now it’s time for Felda folk’s children to enjoy windfall
• Nong Chik: Elections after Chinese New Year
• Pahang, Selangor PAS back asset declaration move
• PAS Youth mulls declaring assets, upping ante on political foes
• Karpal vindicated by FMT poll
• Hindraf doubts Najib’s sincerity
• Karpal: Three-man team to decide DAP election candidates
• ‘Spent force’ Zaid should retire
• Freedom of religion only for non-Muslims: Masing
• Freedom to choose religion equals changing faith, says Umno sec-gen
• DPM: We’ll continue to help Chinese schools
• PM hands out RM563mil to Felda households
• SIS: Recognise freedom to change faith
• SIS: ‘Islam is not a one way street’
• Nurul Izzah submits transcript to JAIS, to proceed with suit
• DAP shoots down Karpal's 'one candidate, one seat' proposal
• Selangor land deal draws flak
• Tengku Adnan: Problem of perception main challenge for Umno
• Nurul: Under-21 persons registered as voters
• Hadi wants Nurul to explain
• Reprimand Pakatan leaders for sensitive remarks on Islam, DPM urges Nik Aziz
• Airing Muslim convert’s dream stirs trouble
• Cops probe Malaysiakini for sedition
• PKR launches election website
• Nurul Izzah to tell JAIS apostasy row is Utusan’s fault
• Non-MPs barred from Parliament PC area
• ‘I am disappointed with Nurul’
• ‘Stop targetting Nurul’
• Cops search home of suspect’s sister in royal Facebook slur probe
• Malaysian government's Malay policy failure
• Bahrain revokes citizenships of 31 people

MIC snubs Najib-Hindraf talk Posted: 10 Nov 2012 07:29 PM PST Denying that Najib has lost confidence in MIC, Palanivel claims that the people are returning to MIC's fold.  Leven Woon, FMT MIC president G Palanivel was today left unimpressed that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has bypassed his party to approach harsh government critic Hindraf on a talk of issues plaguing the Indian community. He also shunned the idea that such talk was a sign of the premier's deteriorating confidence on MIC. "Let it be within the PM and Hindraf. I don't worry about (PM's) confidence, MIC's support has increased a lot among the public. "I don't worry what the Hindraf and PM are talking about. I am not going to interfere," he said when met by reporters after a Deepavali celebration here today. Palanivel's comment came amid an announcement made by Minister of Prime Minister Department Nazri Abdul Aziz on Wednesday that Najib has invited Hindraf and other Indian groups for a discussion. Yesterday, Hindraf cast aspersions on the sincerity of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's invitation, saying that it could be related to the general election. However it was willing to talk to the government for the sake of the Indian community. Keeping mum on Batu Caves project Meanwhile, the MIC president dodged questions on the 29-storey condominium project near Batu Caves Hindu temple, two weeks after Pakatan Rakyat leaders showed evidence that MIC councillors were involved in approving the project in 2007. READ MORE HERE

Now it’s time for Felda folk’s children to enjoy windfall Posted: 10 Nov 2012 04:08 PM PST (The Star) - After their parents' windfall earlier this year, it is the second generation of Felda settlers who are now at the "receiving end". Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday handed out RM563mil to 112,635 Felda households, with the funds specifically targeted at the younger generation. Each family received RM5,000. The handout was the third and final instalment that the Prime Minister had promised Felda settlers in recognition of their 56 years of toil. On May 8, Najib announced a windfall of RM15,000 for each first-generation settler's family at 317 Felda schemes nationwide. The first RM5,000 was paid to the head of the households and the second instalment to the wives. "The Barisan Nasional government has never broken a promise; Janji ditepati' (Keeping our promises) is not merely a slogan," Najib told 12,000 settlers at the Felda New Generation gathering at Universiti Teknologi Mara. Najib said the windfall was possible due to the successful listing of Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH), which the Opposition had tried to block. "They only know how to condemn, incite and make empty promises," said Najib. "They do not seek anything beneficial, but want to ruin our good efforts. Do not dream of getting RM15,000 (from the Opposition)," he added. Also present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan and Felda group chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad. Isa said the windfall was a short-term reward for the settlers, adding that a trust fund had been set up for the long term. "This durian runtuh (windfall) isn't going to be an annual occurrence. "If that was the case, it would be akin to kutip durian (harvesting)," he added. Felda also showcased new housing designs for settlers which included a RM70,000 bungalow that could be completed in a week. Isa said Felda planned to build 4,000 houses each year.

Nong Chik: Elections after Chinese New Year Posted: 10 Nov 2012 03:53 PM PST Nong Chik was quick to add that the date was only his forecast.  Md Izwan, The Malaysian Insider The 13th general elections will be called after Chinese New Year, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin predicted today, because the major festivals celebrated in multicultural Malaysia would be done with by then. "We have celebrated Raya Haji, after this we will be celebrating Deepavali and Christmas. Then next year, the Chinese community will be celebrating their new year. "But let us not forget the biggest festival for the people, which is the victory for the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the most important celebration that is after the Chinese New Year," the Federal Territories Minister said after officiating the 1 Malaysia For Youth (1M4U) launch here this afternoon. The Lunar New Year festival is expected to fall on February 10 next year. The Chinese community typically celebrate it for 15 days. However, Nong Chik was quick to add that the date was only his forecast and the decision to call for elections was with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. READ MORE HERE

Pahang, Selangor PAS back asset declaration move Posted: 10 Nov 2012 02:48 PM PST Ida Lim, The Malaysian Insider PAS Youth's idea to declare their assets gained speed today as the Islamist party chiefs in Pahang and Selangor announced today their support for the initiative—a move that is likely to increase the pressure on their Barisan Nasional (BN) foes, namely Umno, to be equally transparent. The party appears to be taking the lead in getting its candidates to reveal their assets, even as intense campaigning for the coming elections goes on, with the issue of battling corruption being a core campaign issue for political parties. Declaring Pahang PAS' support for the party's youth wing's proposal  for assets declaration, Pahang commissioner Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (picture) said this move would help candidates in their contest against political foes that "like to hide". "PAS leaders and candidates have to be presented in a transparent and  reputable way to fight opponents that like to hide. "This asset declaration gives an opportunity to the people to choose clearly and without suspicion the candidates that will represent them in DUN (state assembly) and in Parliament," Tuan Ibrahim, who is also the PAS information chief, told the party paper Harakah today. Selangor PAS chief Dr Rani Osman has also joined the asset declaration queue. "Selangor PAS' candidates for GE13 will also declare their assets to be evaluated by the people and to fight Umno," he told Harakah today. The annoucement from Pahang and Selangor comes after PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali praised PAS Youth for the initiative, describing it as in line with the principle of transparency and resposibility as recommended by Islam. "PAS has long practised this matter internally which involves those in public office like the mentri besar and the excos. It is good for this matter if done openly," Mustafa told Harakah yesterday. PAS Youth has proposed that its executive council members declare their assets at its next assembly this week, a move that is calculated to raise its public profile and pressure its political peers to do the same in the run-up to the 13th general elections (GE13). The conservative Dewan Pemuda PAS was reported to have mooted the idea last week in what is seen as a challenge to other political parties as they seek to temper the public's image of them as radical Islamists opposed to flesh-baring foreign artistes at concerts here and promote themselves as capable progressive Muslim leaders in tune with current issues. "There's a big possibility we will have an asset declaration ceremony. At the muktamar this time. With the hope it will pave the way for all PAS leadership," the wing's secretary, Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil, was reported as saying by Harakah on Friday. READ MORE HERE

PAS Youth mulls declaring assets, upping ante on political foes Posted: 10 Nov 2012 02:32 PM PST Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider PAS Youth has proposed that its executive council members declare their assets at its next assembly this week, a move that is calculated to raise its public profile and pressure its political peers to do the same in the run-up to the 13th general elections (GE13). The conservative Dewan Pemuda PAS was reported to have mooted the idea last week in what is seen as a challenge to other political parties as they seek to temper the public's image of them as radical Islamists opposed to flesh-baring foreign artistes at concerts here and market themselves as capable progressive Muslim leaders in tune with current issues. "There's a big possibility we will have an asset declaration ceremony. At the muktamar this time. With the hope it will pave the way for all PAS leadership," the wing's secretary, Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil, was reported as saying by its party paper Harakah on Friday. Khairul Faizi reportedly said the youth wing's executive council had suggested the move even though not all of them will be nominated to contest in the GE13 in an effort to show transparency and would table the motion at the party's muktamar, or national conference that will be held over two days from November 15 to 16 at Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali was reported to have lauded the youth wing's initiative to declare their assets, calling it inn line with the principle of transparency and resposibility as recommended by Islam. "PAS has long practised this matter internally which involves those in public office like the mentri besar and the excos. It is good for this matter if done openly," the party senior told Harakah yesterday. In offering to declare their assets, PAS Youth will be joining its other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) opposition partners who have proven they walk their talk. Earlier this year, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive councillors (excos) declared their assets.  Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, had pointed out that asset declarations were one of the six key "integrity measures" he had introduced in his administration of Penang, in line with its CAT (Competency, Accountability, Transparency) principles. READ MORE HERE

Karpal vindicated by FMT poll Posted: 10 Nov 2012 12:16 AM PST The poll carried out by FMT revealed overwhelming support for the DAP chairman's 'one man-one seat proposal'. Athi Shankar, FMT DAP national chairman Karpal Singh is vindicated by overwhelming public support for his "one man-one seat" proposal as indicated by a FMT poll. He said the news portal poll showed that his proposal had caught the public's imagination as it had become a major political issue of national interest. The FMT poll on "Do you agree with Karpal Singh's 'one candidate-one seat' policy?" showed 2,037 or 78% out of 2,622 readers, who voted as of today (Saturday) backing the formula. Another 499 readers or 19% did not support it while 86 or three percent voters were unsure. "The people overwhelmingly supported the 'one man – one seat' proposal. I feel vindicated," Karpal told reporters during his Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency visit here today. Asked on party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's call on members not to discuss the issue in public, he concurred that the public debate should be laid to rest for now. But he conceded that it would be difficult and improper to control the public, especially party members, from airing their views on an issue of such importance. "The FMT poll showed it has become a major public interest issue," he noted. Currently, DAP had nine double seat elected representatives, both as MP and assemblyperson. Apart from Lim, who is Bagan MP and Air Putih assemblyman, Penang has executive councillor and party state chairman Chow Kon Yeow as Tanjung MP and Padang Kota assemblyman and Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy as Batu Kawan MP and Prai assemblyman. Perak had party's state chairman Ngeh Koo Ham as Beruas MP and Sitiawan assemblyman and secretary Nga Kor Ming as Taiping MP and Pantai Remis assemblyman. Selangor's executive councillor and party chairman Teresa Kok is Seputeh MP and Kinrara assemblyperson while DAP's Negeri Sembilan chairman and Youth chief Anthony Loke Siew Fook is Rasah MP and Lobak assemblyman. In Sarawak, there are Sibu MP and Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng and Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen. CEC approved the formula Karpal also revealed that the party's central executive committee (CEC) had delegated its power to a three-man special committee to ultimately decide on the "one man – one seat" issue and its exemptions, and choice of candidates for each constituency. READ MORE HERE

Hindraf doubts Najib’s sincerity Posted: 09 Nov 2012 05:57 PM PST (FMT) -- Hindraf has cast aspersions on the sincerity of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's invitation to hold a discussion. The premier's courtship, said Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy, had not left the movement flushed with excitement as it could be related to the coming general election. "We are not exactly excited about this invitation but we have decided to give him the benefit of doubt," he told reporters here. He said the invitation had come late on the part of the government since the Indian poor had been marginalised for decades. Waythamoorthy also urged Najib to lift the ban on Hindraf imposed by his predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration. "It does not make sense for the prime minister to meet leaders of a banned organisation. "There is no timeline on when it should be lifted but of course we would like for the ban to be lifted as soon as possible," he added. Hindraf had become a foul word during Abdullah's tenure after the movement staged a massive street protest in 2007, which was seen as the catalyst for the following year's political tsunami. Meanwhile, Waythamoorthy also called on Najib to shed his "current box of thinking" in order to facilitate meaningful discussions between them. "He must be able to come far with us to consider our suggested solutions which are permanent, comprehensive and practical," he added. On Aug 29, Hindraf made open requests to both Najib and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to hold discussions on finding solutions to the long-standing problems plaguing the Indian poor. Anwar responded first and talks between them had started, with more meetings in the pipeline. On a related matter, Waythamoorty said Hindraf would unveil its five-year blueprint to bring the Indian poor into the mainstream of national development on Nov 25. This would be its prioritised plan as derived from its 18-point demand given originally to the government in August 2007. Asked for a preview of the blueprint, Waythamoorty said he was not in a position to reveal its contents but gave an example of the condition of 350,000 stateless Indians in Malaysia. "The solution would be for anyone born in Malaysia from Aug 31, 1957 onwards to be declared as citizens of Malaysia. "A statutory declaration by those involved should be sufficient for the National Registration Department (NRD) to issue them with a blue identity card," he added.

Karpal: Three-man team to decide DAP election candidates Posted: 09 Nov 2012 03:02 PM PST (NST) - All DAP candidates appointed to contest in the coming general election will now be decided by a three-man team. Party national chairman Karpal Singh, advisor Lim Kit Siang and secretary general Lim Guan Eng form the three team members. "we will look into all recommendations of candidates and then endorse it," Karpal said at a press conference in Air Itam adding that the trio were delegated the task by the central executive committee. Karpal also said he would want the discussion on the single seat single candidate policy to put to rest.

‘Spent force’ Zaid should retire Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:26 PM PST (FMT) -- A PPP leader has suggested that former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim consider retiring from politics following his decision to quit the Kita party which the latter founded. In view of the uncertainty which Zaid allegedly created following his decision to leave Kita, Perak PPP deputy chairman Naran Singh said the outspoken personality should just leave politics. He said Zaid is showing the reflection of being a "spent force" by making statements that he wants to contest in the Pekan parliamentary seat where the incumbent is none other than Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. This, he charged, showed that Zaid wanted cheap publicity from this episode and many pundits are wondering if the latter is indeed sincere in carrying out his plan. "Zaid should contest against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim or PKR deputy president Azmin Ali if he wants to make a political impact," Naran added. The Kelantan-born political maverick was once considered a rising star in Umno and he was made a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (overseeing law) during former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's last tenure. He quit on principal grounds after disagreeing with the federal government's move to impose the now defunct Internal Security Act law on a few individuals including a vernacular newspaper journalist. Zaid subsequently joined PKR and was jostling for the deputy president post with the party's present incumbent Azmin. The lawyer, however, lost his bid for the deputy presidency and later quit PKR, citing voting irregularities as the reason. He eventually formed Kita but was then involved in a spat with one faction which broke away from the party before recently announcing that he was quitting Kita altogether. To this, Naran said Zaid was highly respected at one time, but now, many cannot seem to fathom what he wanted to do. The political leanings of Zaid also seemed uncertain as he seems to side with Pakatan Rakyat, but had previously lambasted PKR, Naran said, adding that the electorate now needed leaders with strong convictions on how to move the country forward. "Zaid must understand that voters prefer leaders who are steadfast in their struggle," he added. Meanwhile, Naran also lent his support to DAP chairman Karpal Singh for calling on the party to only allow its members to contest one seat each during the next general election. Read more

Freedom of religion only for non-Muslims: Masing Posted: 09 Nov 2012 02:10 PM PST (Borneo Post) - Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) viewed the recent statement by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar as nothing else but an attempt to gain popularity among the people. The party president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said he had always been given to understand that freedom of religion in Malaysia was only applicable to non-Muslims. "Therefore, I am surprised when she (Nurul) said that religious freedom in Malaysia is inclusive," he quipped. Masing, who is Land Development Minister, said the statement by the Lembah Pantai MP also shows that PKR was a populist party with no fixed agenda to administer the country. He stated this when commenting on Nurul's statement that irked many Muslims, including the Sultan of Selangor, Islamic scholars and some BN leaders. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassan has described the statement as unwarranted especially when it comes from a fellow Muslim. Nurul was in the limelight after expressing her view on religious freedom by suggesting that Muslims should be allowed to follow any religion of their choice. Her father Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the opposition de facto leader, in defending his daughter claimed that Nurul's statement was not only misinterpreted but also manipulated.

Freedom to choose religion equals changing faith, says Umno sec-gen Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:54 PM PST (The Malaysian Insider) - Telling a Malay he can choose his faith is the same as telling him he can change it, Datuk Tengku Adnan Mansor said as he weighed in on the growing uproar sparked by a recent remark from PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar expressing her support for religious freedom for all Malaysians. The PKR vice-president's remarks at a forum last week drew widespread backlash among conservative Muslim groups and Umno hardliners, who accused the opposition rising star of supporting apostasy. "Recently, we want to ask Nurul Izzah Anwar, what's the difference between choosing religion and changing religion?" Tengku Adnan, who is secretary-general of Umno, the country's oldest and largest Malay political party, told Malay daily Utusan Malaysia in an interview published today. "To me, it is the same but this is what she had applied and I am confident that in the end Malaysians will realise this." The veteran politician's comment backing the conservatives is likely to stir up religious debate and could drive a bigger wedge within the Malay-Muslim community, who form some 60 per cent of the country's 28 million population and whose vote is crucial to form the next government at the 13th general elections due soon. Umno, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's mainstay, has some three million members but the Malay-Muslim vote is split three ways with the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact's Islamist party PAS and its urban-based reform ally, PKR, drawing increasingly greater support. Race and religious issues are inseparable in Malaysia, where the Malays are constitutionally defined to also be Muslims. The country's supreme law states that Islam is the religion of the federation but also provides for other religions to be practised freely. Nurul Izzah has denied supporting apostasy and accused Utusan Malaysia and its other pro-BN Malay newspaper Berita Harian of allegedly twisting her statement. An Umno deputy minister has also said the first-term lawmaker for Lembah Pantai could be prosecuted for her remarks purportedly insulting Islam. "There are no such provisions for now, but it can be included under provisions on insulting Islam or causing Islam to be insulted," Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, deputy minister in charge of Islamic affairs, told Parliament last week. "Anyone who orally or in written form mocks or causes Islam to be degraded, can be imposed with a penalty of not more than RM3,000 or jail of not more than two years, or both." But Nurul Izzah has found support from popular Islamic scholar Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who backed her remarks that there is no compulsion in Islam. The Univesiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer said he had written an article two years ago titled "Iman Tidak Boleh Dipaksa (Faith Cannot be Forced)", and added that the content was "the same" as that which Nurul Izzah had stated. "Malays cannot be forced and [they] believe voluntarily. But, through preaching, a person can be brought back to the faith," he was quoted by another Malay daily, Sinar Harian, as saying last week.

DPM: We’ll continue to help Chinese schools Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:50 PM PST (The Star) - The Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated the Government's assurance that Chinese schools will stay and that Barisan Nasional will continue to assist in their development. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister, said the Barisan government would continue to assist the national-type Chinese schools based on the real need of the Chinese community. "It is the wisdom of our past and present leaders that, not only is Chinese education preserved in this country, but it also becomes part of the national education system," he said when opening the 14th World Chinese Book Fair at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. Also present were Deputy Education Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong and founder of Country Heights Holdings Berhad Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew. Muhyiddin stressed that the Government was always committed to raising the quality of education in all types of schools. He hoped that the Chinese community would not fall prey to the agenda of certain quarters who liked to politicise education for their political gain. "At the same time, let us not forget the role of education as a means to unite Malaysians of all races. "Let us make all schools in this country as unity schools, where children of all races can mingle freely, learn to accept differences and respect each other," he said. Separately, Muhyiddin's nine-day working visit to Australia starting today will be used to gain new ideas especially in the field of education, besides forging closer bilateral ties, reported Bernama. Muhyiddin, who begins his visit to Australia in Melbourne, among others, will deliver a keynote address at the 4th World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF) rganised by the Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute (Asli), the first time it is being held outside Malaysia.

PM hands out RM563mil to Felda households Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:47 PM PST (The Star) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday handed out RM563mil to 112,635 Felda households under the third phase of windfall handouts specifically targeted at the young generation of settlers. Each will receive RM5,000 each. The handout is the final instalment promised by Najib earlier this year, in line with the move to channel profits made by listing Felda Global Ventures on the stock exchange. The first handout of RM5,000 was given to the settlers and the second RM5,000 to their wives.

SIS: Recognise freedom to change faith Posted: 09 Nov 2012 01:33 PM PST The Islamic NGO condemns the attacks on PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, and points out that faith by compulsion may lead to hypocrisy. Leven Woon, FMT Freedom of religion as a right enshrined under the Federal Constitution must also recognise the freedom to change faith, said Sisters In Islam (SIS). Rallying behind PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar's call for freedom of religion for all, the NGO said faith in any religion was based on free will. "How can Muslims demand this notion of religious freedom for those wishing to convert to Islam and at the same time argue the denial of this freedom to leave Islam? "Faith by compulsion may lead to hypocrisy," SIS said in a statement. The Muslim women rights advocate maintained a strong position against legislation of faith, saying that such practice was meaningless. "Islam itself means submission to the will of God – not the will of men. The willing submission of the self to faith and belief must therefore be attained through conviction and reason of the individual, not by coercion and duress. "This is clearly mentioned in the Quran, Surah Yunus 10:99, 'And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then would you compel the people in order that they become believers?'," SIS added. The organisation also condemned the attacks against Nurul over the latter's remark made during a forum last week, pointing out that it reflected the shrinking of democratic space for civil public discussion. It noted that Malaysians were routinely reprimanded or attacked for raising issues pertaining to freedom of religion even though the right was enshrined in Article 11 of Federal Constitution. It said problems and conflicts would always arise in a multi-religious society like Malaysia, such as non-Muslims who convert to Islam without resolving their duties to their earlier non-Muslim marriage and born-Muslims who never led a Muslim life as they were raised by non-Muslim families. There are also cases where one converts spouses to Islam unilaterally and coercively and born-Muslims who wish to leave Islam out of their free will. "There have been court judgments allowing Muslim converts to leave Islam. "The Administration of the Religion of Islam (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 2003 contains legal procedures by which one may do so," it added. SIS noted that the Quran was explicit and consistent in its recognition of freedom of religion.

SIS: ‘Islam is not a one way street’ Posted: 08 Nov 2012 05:55 PM PST Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider Freedom of religion must also include the liberty to change one's religion, a Muslim women's group said today following the uproar sparked by a speech by PKR lawmaker Nurul Izzah Anwar on the issue. In a press statement to the media, Sisters in Islam (SIS) asked how Muslims demanding freedom for potential Islamic converts to enter the religion could at the same time deny exit to those looking to leave Islam. "Faith by compulsion may lead to hypocrisy," the group said. When contacted by The Malaysian Insider today, SIS programme manager Suri Kempe clarified that the NGO is not asking for anyone to "actively leave Islam", merely the freedom to leave the religion for those who no longer believed. "Islam is not a one way street," Suri said. The PKR vice president's statement at a public forum entitled "Islamic State: Which version, whose responsibility?" in Subang Jaya last Saturday, has resulted in attacks from several religious hawks and Umno politicians suggesting that her remarks meant she supported Muslims renouncing Islam and turning "murtad" or apostate. Nurul Izzah has since lodged a report with Selangor religious officials to clarify the matter, and will take legal action against Umno-owned newspapers Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian as well as a number of blogs for allegedly twisting her statement. Apostasy and freedom of religion is a contentious issue in Malaysia, where the Malays — who make up 60 per cent of the 28 million population — are constitutionally defined to also be Muslims. While freedom of religion is guaranteed for non-Muslims under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, all Malays are Muslims under the law. Islamic laws forbid Muslims from renouncing their religion and the country's Islamic legal system has provisioned that a state must impose mandatory punishment for apostasy. The country's dual system of both Islamic law and federal law has resulted in controversies to the freedom of religion under Article 11 when Muslims try to convert to other religions. The prominent cases include Lina Joy (Azalina Jailani), Revathi Massosai and Nyonya Tahir (Wong Ah Kiu).

Nurul Izzah submits transcript to JAIS, to proceed with suit Posted: 08 Nov 2012 04:51 PM PST Amin Iskandar, The Malaysian Insider Nurul Izzah Anwar, who has been accused by Umno of supporting apostasy for Muslims, met with Selangor religious officials today and submitted her a transcript of a speech she made to clarify her statement on religious freedom. The PKR vice-president's statement, at a public forum on "Islamic State: Which version, whose responsibility?" in Subang Jaya last Saturday, has resulted in attacks from several religious hawks and Umno politicians suggesting that her remarks meant she supported Muslims renouncing Islam and turning "murtad" or apostate. "I have lodged a report which tells the real story to JAIS director Datuk Marzuki," she said, after meeting with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department. "Thank God, JAIS had given good co-operation." Nurul Izzah was accompanied by her lawyer Fadlina Sidek while meeting the director and three officers of JAIS to lend her co-operation on the matter. Fadlina told reporters that the legal action against Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian and a number of blogs for allegedly twisting her statement in the recent forum will go ahead. Nurul Izzah also confirmed that she had lodged complaints against the publications to JAIS. Datuk Zulkifli Noordin, vice-president of Malay right-wing group Perkasa, was quoted yesterday as being willing to provide a lawyer to Utusan Malaysia if Nurul Izzah decides to go ahead with her suit. In a forum organised by Perkasa last night, Zulkifli said that he was willing to defend the daily pro-bono,  "We're not defending Utusan Malaysia, we're defending the Malay race, Islam," he said. Race and religion issues are inseparable in Malaysia, where the Malays — who make up 60 per cent of the 28 million population — are constitutionally defined to also be Muslims.

DAP shoots down Karpal's 'one candidate, one seat' proposal Posted: 08 Nov 2012 04:28 PM PST (NST) - The DAP central executive committee (CEC) has shot down its national chairman Karpal Singh's "one candidate, one seat" proposal. Instead, party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the question of whether a candidate stands for both parliamentary and state seats should be decided on a case-by-case basis. He said the decision was unanimously made by the CEC at its meeting on Monday night. "It was decided that any decision on this matter (one seat, one candidate) should be decided on a case- by-case basis as it relates to political strategy and winnability," he said in a statement. Lim, who is a member of parliament and also a state assemblyman, said all party members should refrain from publicising the issue. He said talking about such issues, which touch on the internal party mechanism, would only expose the party to further attacks, especially from the mainstream media. The CEC decision effectively buries Karpal's proposal that the party only allocate one seat for every candidate it fields in the coming general election. The veteran party leader had proposed that only Lim be given an exemption as the latter needed to bring state issues to Parliament in his capacity as Penang chief minister.

Selangor land deal draws flak Posted: 08 Nov 2012 04:13 PM PST PUZZLING: Cultural centre to be built on land belonging to Yayasan Selangor (NST) - THE state government has been asked to explain the status of a 7.4ha land  belonging to Yayasan Selangor, which has recently been approved for the construction of a Chinese cultural centre. Yayasan Selangor (YS) Alumni Action Committee chairman Badrulzaman Baharudin said the failure of Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to defend the land, with an estimated value of RM60 million, was proof that the state government had been selling all the foundation's assets to fund its losses. Badrulzaman, who represents more than 20,000 alumni members, called on the state government to cancel the proposal, after it had earlier decided to demolish the Tun Dr Ismail and Toh Puan Norashikin hostels at Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, for development at the end of the year. "State executive councillor Elizabeth Wong had issued a  letter to the menteri besar, dated March  21 last year, requesting the approval for the cultural centre to be built at land lot PT 4221. "We also received information that the land transaction had happened at short notice with approval gained on May 18 last year. "How did the deal go through so soon in less than two months? Who made the call? And why was there no discussion within YS management  prior to the decision?" YS Hostel Alumni Association president Captain (R) Azme Dollah  claimed that the Kampung Pandan hostel would be closed after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination was over at the end of the year.   He said Form Two and Four students had  been ordered to move out of the hostel early this year. "The aim was to provide students from rural areas a chance to adapt to urban life.  What will happen to them?"   Azme said the excuse to close down the hostel for development to generate income made no sense as YS had declared RM51 million in reserves while the state government had declared RM2.1 billion in its reserves.

Tengku Adnan: Problem of perception main challenge for Umno Posted: 08 Nov 2012 03:57 PM PST   (Bernama) - Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the problem of perception is the main challenge in strengthening the image of the party. He said after the 2004 general election, Umno not only faced accusations of practising cronyism, being elitist and corrupted, but also ex-members, who could not get positions when in Umno, sowed negative perceptions about the party. "Those disappointed, they leave we know. When they do not succeed in the party they quit. He should ask why he did not make it in Umno. There must be a reason. Don't think they were blocked (from moving up) or pressured (to leave)," Tengku Adnan stressed. He said this to Bernama in an exclusive interview at Umno's headquarters at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here in conjunction with Umno's general assembly from November 28 to December 1.  He said despite facing difficulty of confronting the "enemy", he was optimistic the image of the party would improve further through efforts implemented, including the political transformation initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Umno president.  Tengku Adnan said as the government, Barisan Nasional headed by Umno was not free of making mistakes but the new leadership under Najib had carried out numerous innovations to overcome shortcomings.  "I am not saying we are perfect as a government… indeed there were mistakes made but we can see our new leader is making, and has made changes. We want to move forward, we don't want to go back. Give him a chance," he said. Touching on the general assembly, he said delegates could touch on any issue under the topics of the president's address, economy, politics, religion and education subject to the guidelines set by the Committee on Resolutions which is chaired by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. "We do not restrict because the committee will have discussions with delegates and issue guidelines because some get over-excited when given a microphone. "We also remind delegates not to use the gathering as a platform to project themselves and attract the attention of the leaders to pick them as candidates for the general election," he said. Tengku Adnan said the delegates must also focus their speeches on the importance of believing in the policies of Umno which was fighting for all the communities and not only as an umbrella of the Malays. He said their excitement to debate also must be moderated so that what would be said would not offend any party. He said those debating must also be sensitive to the accusations hurled by the opposition against Umno and insert reminders in their debates that the party did not promise riches to individuals but fought in the interest of the people. The general assembly this year will be attended by 2,759 delegates.  Meanwhile, Umno's two-day Wanita, Youth and Puteri general assemblies will start on November 27. Each wing will be represented by 991 delegates.

Nurul: Under-21 persons registered as voters Posted: 08 Nov 2012 03:43 PM PST (FZ.com) - A total of 772 individuals under the eligible voting age of 21 have been registered as electorates in the Lembah Pantai constituency, its MP Nurul Izzah Anwar revealed on Thursday. Citing an example, she said, a voter born on June 19, 1990 was listed in the master electoral roll on March 2, 2011, three months before the individual turned 21.   "The Election Commission (EC) must explain if those not of legal age can be registered as a voter," Nurul Izzah told a press conference in parliament.   Apart from that she pointed out that postal voters in her constituency had increased by a staggering 1,500% in the past four years.   The number stood at 154 in 2008 but rose to 2,227 by the third quarter of 2012.   They included 383 postal voters who were previously objected to during the display of the quarterly supplementary roll.   The MP said that these voters were supposed to be listed at the Bukit Jalil temporary holding facility, but they are now registered as postal voters at the Travers police station.   "In early 2011, I found that the Bukit Jalil temporary holding facility, which  is 12 km away from Lembah Pantai and located in the Bandar Tun Razak constituency in 2008, was included as a Lembah Pantai postal voting centre.   "After making several objections to the EC, I am now shocked to find the latest data indicating that the 383 postal voters have been moved from the Bukit Jalil temporary holding facility to the Travers police station," she added.   Nurul Izzah also complained of more than 31,544 voters on the electoral roll who are without complete addresses. And of 31 voters, 22 of whom were moved from Seputeh, and all of them were registered to seven units at the Kampung Limau low cost flats.   She said attempts to meet with the Federal Territories Election Commission chief on these issues have failed despite having tried repeatedly.   "So we have met with (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department) Datuk Seri Nazri (Abdul Aziz), who has instructed the EC chairperson and his officers to come and address MPs in Parliament on Nov 19 on these issues," said Nurul Izzah.   Nevertheless, in order to have make the EC's job easier, she said opposition MPs who have found similar irregularities in their checks will proceed to submit their findings to EC by tomorrow.   Kuantan PKR parliamentarian Fuziah Salleh who was also at the press conference expressed frustration as she claimed that EC in her constituency claimed ignorance of the discrepancies.   "The point is, it's not our job to audit the electoral roll. We have other things to do as MPs, this is taking up our valuable time. And we should not have to hire staff or recruit volunteers and spend late nights checking the roll," she said.   Among others, Fuziah said she has raised issues over rubber-stamping the ballot papers instead of the previous practice of ballot papers with perforations.   "This opens up to more fraud. Anyone can make a rubber stamp. We are within six months of elections and still these problems are there," she hit out.

Hadi wants Nurul to explain Posted: 08 Nov 2012 03:21 PM PST (The Star) - PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang wants Nurul Izzah Anwar to explain her controversial "freedom of religion" statement to clear the air over the issue, which has drawn public outcry and a rebuke from the Sultan of Selangor. "We will not make assumptions based on media reports. We must hear what she has to say," he said when asked about the alleged statement by the PKR vice-president that freedom of religion applied equally to all, including Malays. The Lembah Pantai MP had purportedly said this in response to a question at a forum on the Islamic state in Subang Jaya on Nov 3. She has denied claims that her statement supports murtad (apostasy) and will meet Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) director Datuk Marzuki Husin today to clarify her remarks. "In Islam, we cannot penalise anyone even when 1% is unclear," said Hadi. PAS Youth deputy leader Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz agreed with the party president, saying all quarters should wait for Nurul Izzah's explanation. "Only she can tell what she really meant," he said. Meanwhile, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan has denied that the wing was holding a protest to condemn Nurul Izzah. "We are certainly not staging any protest against her," he said, responding to text messages claiming that the wing would be staging such a protest. Those sending out the SMSes were taking advantage of the situation to attack Nurul Izzah and dampen ties among Pakatan Rakyat allies, he said in a statement.

Reprimand Pakatan leaders for sensitive remarks on Islam, DPM urges Nik Aziz Posted: 08 Nov 2012 03:14 PM PST (The Star) - PAS is trying hard to show solidarity with its allies in Pakatan Rakyat but it is really strange when its spiritual adviser shrugs off sensitive statements made by the coalition leaders on Islam, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said. The Deputy Prime Minister said Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who is also Kelantan Mentri Besar, should be brave to criticise the Pakatan leaders befitting his ulama standing and champion of his party's struggle for Islam. "Instead, he chose to remain silent every time controversial or sensitive remarks on Islam are made by his fellow Pakatan leaders. "Nik Aziz should advise them against making statements that are in contradiction to Islamic beliefs," Muhyiddin told reporters at a village gathering at the Mara Skills Institute at Lubok Jong here yesterday. Present were Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad and his deputy Datuk Dr Awang Adek Husin. "As an ulama, one must right what is wrong. The same goes for the sensitive remarks uttered by other Pakatan leaders, like (DAP secretary-general) Lim Guan Eng and (DAP national chairman) Karpal Singh. "The latest is the controversial remarks on the Muslims' faith by (PKR vice-president) Nurul Izzah Anwar," he said. "In the end, all this is done for political exigency and nothing else," added Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president. Asked about Kelantan, he said the people should judge whether it has a responsible government able to bring socio-economic welfare and development to the state. Muhyiddin said there had been empty promises and little effort to help the poor or to improve the living standards of the lower-income groups.

Airing Muslim convert’s dream stirs trouble Posted: 08 Nov 2012 02:56 PM PST A Hindu group has filed a police report over an 'insensitive' radio programme which featured a speaker who converted to Islam after having a dream. RK Anand, FMT In the latest episode of brewing tensions with regard to issues of faith in Malaysia, a Hindu organisation has filed a police report over a programme aired on a Tamil radio station. State-owned radio station Minnal FM had featured an interview with a Muslim convert last night and his remarks had irked the Malaysia HinduDharma Mamandram. Speaking to FMT, the organisation's secretary-general Rishi Kumar Vadivelu said that the speaker claimed to be a former Hindu born in the priestly Brahmin caste. The Indian national added that prior to converting, he was a pious Hindu and well-versed with the religion's scriptures. "Identifying himself as a 'Mahaguru', the speaker claimed that he had dreamt of the Arabic words which a Muslim recites to profess his faith. "And when he searched for the meaning of those words, he had apparently realised that this was the truth and urged the listeners to evaluate for themselves," said Rishi. Following this, the Malaysia HinduDharman Mamandram convened an emergency council meeting at around 11pm and decided to file a police report on the matter. The report was lodged with the Brickfields police headquarters here. 'This is insensitive' Expressing disappointment with the editorial gatekeepers in Minnal FM, Rishi asked how these officials had allowed such a programme to be aired. "We have nothing against the promotion of Islam but the speaker has no right to make statements that belittle other faiths. "Airing this programme is insensitive on the part of Minnal FM and airing it now, when the Hindu festival of Deepavali is around the corner, is extremely insensitive," he said. In view of this, he wanted the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry and Minnal FM officials to accept responsibility and ensure that such a thing did not recur. Inter-faith issues continued to be a problem in Malaysia, especially with its status still mired in dispute as to whether it is an Islamic or secular state. In the past, Hindus were incensed when a group of Muslims staged a street protest with a severed head of a cow, considered a sacred animal to Hindus. The protest was held to object the construction of a Hindu temple in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood in Shah Alam. Hindu activists and organisations saw red when the authorities had allowed the protest to take place without hindrance and were slow in their condemnation of the act. Of late, the church had also often found itself embroiled in controversies such as the legal tussle over the usage of the Arabic term "Allah", accusations of proselytising of Muslims and even a plot to turn Malaysia into a Christian state. These religious tensions remain a thorn in the flesh of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, putting his much publicised 1Malaysia slogan under the spotlight. 'Will the cops raid Jakim?' Weighing in on the issue, MIC leader S Vell Paari also condemned the airing of the programme on Minnal FM last night. He said while there was nothing wrong with promoting the values of Islam, such programmes however should not serve as a cloak to convert those of other faiths. READ MORE HERE

Cops probe Malaysiakini for sedition Posted: 08 Nov 2012 11:11 AM PST   (The Sun Daily) - About 15 police personnel including six officers armed with a search warrant went over to the office of online news web portal Malaysiakini.com yesterday over a probe into an alleged seditious article published in the website. The police personnel from the Subang Jaya district police headquarters were apparently investigating a report on an article titled "Nurul's watershed idea for the nation" which was in response to the controversy surrounding Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar over her recent statement on religious matters. The commentary was written by the web portal's columnist Steve Oh. When contacted by theSun, Malaysiakini's chief editor Fathi Aris Omar said the police had recorded a statement from him, news editor Gerald Martinez and human resource manager A Shamini. The police team arrived at Malaysiakini's office in Bangsar at about 5.15 pm and spent about 90 mins carrying out investigations over the article under the Sedition Act. Fathi said police did not seize anything but had told the web portal's officials that they would return today (FRI) to resume their probe at the premises. In response to case, Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan said in a news report in the web portal that the police visit can be described as "yet another case of intimidation and harassment". "There is nothing considered as seditious in Oh's letter. We are consulting our lawyers on the matter," he said. Subang Jaya police chief ACP Yahaya Ramli told theSun that the operation was not a raid but police had merely gone to the web portal's office to record statements over the article.

PKR launches election website Posted: 07 Nov 2012 05:56 PM PST www.demirakyat.my is the central point of information on the party's election efforts, says Nik Nazmi.  Anisah Shukry, FMT PKR today launched a website to canvass netizens for votes in the coming election. PKR communications director Nik Azmi Nik Ahmad told reporters www.demirakyat.my would serve as the party's main election platform and the central point for information on its election efforts. "The website is the place the public can visit to find out all they need to know about their candidates," he said. "All our election materials, including candidate lists, will be included on the site. "It will allow netizens to share our election messages, speeches, visuals and other paraphernalia either directly with people in their communities or with their virtual communities in Facebook and Twitter, for instance." Most important, Nik Nazmi quipped, would be the "donation page" because the "resource-strapped PKR" needed funds for its campaign. The site informs donors how their money will be put to use. For example, a donation of RM100 would allow PKR volunteers to reach out to voters residing in rural areas. "The website is a call to action and will be increased in capacity to display information about all election candidates as we progress to the general election," Nik Nazmi said. He said he expected www.demirakyat.my to attract large traffic, adding that it had been receiving 1,500 hits a day even before it was launched. He said the target groups included Malaysians living overseas who might not return in time for the general election but could contribute in ways other than voting for Pakatan Rakyat candidates. READ MORE HERE

Nurul Izzah to tell JAIS apostasy row is Utusan’s fault Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:31 PM PST Mohd Farhan, Darwis, The Malaysian Insider Nurul Izzah Anwar, who has been accused by Umno of supporting apostasy for Muslims, will meet Selangor religious officials tomorrow to explain to them that she has been the victim of slander by Utusan Malaysia, the newspaper owned by the Barisan Nasional (BN) party. The PKR vice-president's statement, at a public forum on "Islamic State: Which version, whose responsibility?" in Subang Jaya last Saturday, has resulted in attacks from several religious hawks and Umno politicians suggesting that her remarks meant she supported Muslims renouncing Islam and turning "murtad" or apostate. "I will go to JAIS office at 11am tomorrow to lodge a complaint against Utusan Malaysia for their slander against me," Nurul Izzah (picture) told the media in the Parliament lobby today, referring to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department. Yesterday, popular Islamic scholar Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin defended her, and pointed out that her remarks that Malays also have freedom of religion meant there was no compulsion in Islam. Mohd Asri was also reported as saying that Nurul Izzah's initial remark could have been misconstrued because it was not explained in detail. He said the first-term federal lawmaker had contacted him to help explain to the public her statement and that he agreed with her remarks that there was no compulsion in Islam. In Parliament yesterday, deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said that legal action may be taken against Nurul Izzah. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also joined Muslim conservatives in dismissing the view that there is no compulsion in Islam, telling those professing the faith not to get too "carried away by western ideals". Earlier this week, Nurul Izzah said she will take legal action against Umno-owned dailies Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian for allegedly twisting her statement in a recent forum. She has reportedly denied that she is supporting apostasy among the country's Malay-Muslim community. Race and religion issues are inseparable in Malaysia, where the Malays — who make up 60 per cent of the 28 million population — are constitutionally defined to also be Muslims.

Non-MPs barred from Parliament PC area Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:11 PM PST Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia says this iss because non-MPs are abusing Parliament grounds.  Patrick Lee, FMT Anyone who is not a member of Parliament will no longer be allowed to speak to the media at a special press conference area within the Parliament lobby. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia said the space, reserved for MPs, was misused by others to give press conferences. "This is for those people who purposely use Parliament facilities to sit with the MPs for coverage," he told reporters in his chambers. At the same time, he said that people were still allowed to speak to the media within Parliament grounds, so long as it wasn't within the special press conference area. There had been many times during Parliament sessions when groups or individuals were invited by various MPs to speak to the media. In many cases, some of them had been members of these MPs' own political parties, and would sometimes take charge of these press events. Earlier today, Pandikar told the Dewan Rakyat that with immediate effect, the press conference area could only be used by MPs. Invoking Standing Order 93 and 94, he said the matter would be relayed to the Prime Minister, the Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, the Opposition Leader and the head of Parliament's Administration. At the time, none of the MPs present in the House stood up to object. Pandikar also said that some Parliaments around the world did not even allow the press to enter their grounds. He added that even India's Parliament had a special press conference area outside its gates. READ MORE HERE

‘I am disappointed with Nurul’ Posted: 07 Nov 2012 02:46 PM PST The lawyer who posed the sensitive question on religious freedom is disappointed that the PKR leader has changed her stand.  Leven Woon, FMT A lawyer who posed the question on religious freedom to PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar during a forum last Saturday is disappointed with the politicians 180 degree turn. Siti Kasim, a member of the Bar Council human rights committee, said she was disappointed that Nurul had "retracted" her remark. "I believe Nurul was just trying to impress the people, she didn't think of the consequences," she told FMT. Siti said Nurul should have stood firm on her remark that freedom of religion was a right for all including the Malay-Muslim. "There's nothing wrong about it, she is saying the truth. I expected a hoo-ha after that. But as a politician, you just need to stick to the truth," she added. She wondered if Nurul was merely adjusting herself to the largely non-Muslim audience on that day and making a political remark. At the forum titled "Islamic state: Which vision? Whose responsibility?", Siti asked Nurul whether freedom of religion should be extended to the Malays since the PKR leader talked about the issue in her speech. Siti said while Nurul did not mention about apostasy in her response, the latter however was a clear supporter of freedom of religion for the Malays. "In the following days she 'retracted' her remark, and said she did not support apostasy. But indirectly when you say you support freedom of religion, and if Malay wants to get out from Islam, that's apostasy," she pointed out. The Orang Asli rights advocate said she once posed the same question to Nurul's father, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, but failed to get a direct response. "He was going around the bush and didn't answer directly. We want politicians to be straight forward," she said. Meanwhile, Siti said it was high time for the issue to be debated as the Federal Constitution did not exclude the Malays from their right to freedom of religion. She said the individuals who criticised Nurul were the conservatives who insisted that their version of religion was the correct one.

‘Stop targetting Nurul’ Posted: 07 Nov 2012 02:43 PM PST A MIC leader and a business group express disappointment with the wave of attacks launched against the PKR vice-president. RK Anand, FMT Caught in the eye of a religious storm, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar is staring at the possibility of being probed by the Islamic authorities. But an outspoken MIC leader cautioned the powers-that-be against "doing to her what was done to her father." Party communication chief S Vell Paari said Nurul – whom he described as "one of the few bright sparks in a pitch black room" – should not be hauled up over a political vendetta. Furthermore, he added that Nurul had explained herself. In 1998, Nurul's father Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as the deputy prime minister. He was then charged with sodomy and corruption, which Anwar claimed were trumped up by his former boss turned arch nemesis Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar, now the opposition leader, was once again charged with sodomy in 2008 but had been acquitted this year. Once again, he accused his political rivals of hatching a plot. Conceding that he had no authority to comment on issues pertaining to Islam, Vell Paari explained that he was looking at the matter from a different vantage point. "While it is common for politicians to sing a different tune and issue threats of legal action when the heat is turned on, Utusan however is not the benchmark for free and accurate reporting either. "So Utusan's reports must be taken with not a pinch but rather a fistful of salt," he added. The MIC leader also took a swipe at Mahathir for claiming that Nurul was influenced by the ideals of Western liberalism. Firstly, he said it was wrong for the former premier to presume that the daughter of his nemesis had supported apostasy, when there were two versions to the dispute. Secondly, Vell Paari said Mahathir should stop blaming everything on the West as if this part of the world was free from sin. "If these critics feel that the West is the root of all evil, then they should stop wearing tailor-made designer suits and stop being chauffeured around in continental cars," he quipped. On a more serious note, Vell Paari said the latest controversy highlighted once again how the political climate in Malaysia was now enveloped in hate and fear. "Politics of hate and fear have become the staple diet in this country with both sides of the divide indulging in such antics to seek mileage. This must stop. "Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat leaders must cease this unhealthy brand of politics as it impedes the maturing process of this nation," he added. Give them room to express Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) president P Sivakumar was also disappointed with the attacks launched against Nurul. He told FMT that the younger generation of leaders must be given the scope to express themselves without fear of reprisals, be it from their seniors or the authorities. READ MORE HERE

Cops search home of suspect’s sister in royal Facebook slur probe Posted: 07 Nov 2012 12:42 PM PST (FMT) -- The police paid a pre-dawn visit this morning to the rented home of Asiah Abd Jalil, sister to Ahmad Abd Jalil ― the man being investigated for allegedly criticising the Johor sultan ― and searched the premises without a warrant, just hours after the family held a gathering at the landmark Dataran Merdeka here last night pushing for his release from detention.   Asiah told The Malaysian Insider four policemen had knocked on the door of her rented home in Klang at about 6.30am today and initially asked to record her family's statements. The family declined as they were rushing to Johor Baru where Ahmad was to be presented before a magistrate at 2.30pm today. The police then asked to search the home she shares with her children and another brother, to which she agreed after consulting her lawyer, Fadiah Nadwa Fikri. "They conducted a thorough search but it was done in a professional manner. They asked for permission and allowed my mother and I to cover our aurat before entering," Asiah said over the phone as the family drove through Seremban. "They said they were looking for something but we have no idea what they're looking for." Asiah said she believed the police had gone to her Klang house because it was the address listed on Ahmad's MyKad even though he no longer lived there, having moved to Damansara Damai recently. Ahmad, a 27-year-old quantity surveyor was arrested at his office in Cheras on November 2 and hauled to face the Johor police for allegedly posting seditious remarks against the Johor royal house on Facebook. Yesterday Johor CID deputy director Asst Comm Nor Azizan Anan denied that Ahmad had been forced to confess to the crime while under police interrogation. Ahmad was remanded a further three days from Tuesday under Section 233 (1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for his alleged Facebook insult against the Johor Sultan. Section 233 deals with an "improper use of network facilities or network service, etc". Section 233(1)(b) stipulates that "a person who initiates a communication using any applications service, whether continuously, repeatedly or otherwise, during which communication may or may not ensue, with or without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person at any number or electronic address, commits an offence". Read more

Malaysian government's Malay policy failure Posted: 07 Nov 2012 10:16 AM PST   (PressTV) - It was designed to close the vast economic gap between the Malays and non-Malays, especially Chinese.   Watch video at: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/11/07/270955/malaysian-governments-malay-policy-failure/     When the New Economic Policy was introduced in 1970, the majority Malays only controlled 3% of the economy.  The policy gave Malays a host of special privileges, including in getting government contracts, lower interest rate loans and places in university, aiming to increase their economic share to 30%.  But critics say most of the benefits have just gone to big companies close to the ruling party.  The organisation representing businesses owned by Malays who are also known as Bumiputera says despite a huge increase in membership, Malay businesses are still struggling.  The government says the policy has narrowed the economic gap, reduced poverty among Malays, created a sizeable middle class and prevented tensions between Malays and non-Malays from boiling over.  Prime Minister Najib Razak has acknowledged that the implementation of the policy has been flawed.  Najib has floated the idea of moving to a system of helping those most in need regardless of their race. But he is facing resistance from conservatives in his party who still want to maintain all the privileges for the Malays.

Bahrain revokes citizenships of 31 people Posted: 07 Nov 2012 09:59 AM PST   Some of those stripped of citizenship were never accused of committing a crime, the opposition claimed  (Al Jazeera) - The decision, they said, "is intended to punish them for expressing peaceful dissent and thereby intimidate others from exercising their right to freedom of expression."  List of 31 people, many of them activists and two former MPs, comes amid ongoing government crackdown on opposition.  Bahraini authorities have revoked the citizenships of 31 people, among them two former members of parliament, for having "undermined state security," state news agency BNA reported. The names of the 31 activists, including brothers Jawad and Jalal Fairuz, both ex-MPs who represented the opposition Shia al-Wefaq party, were listed in Wednesday's report, which quoted an interior ministry statement. Also named was Ali Mashaima, son of prominent activist Hassan Mashaima who is head of the Shia opposition movement Haq and who is serving a life sentence for allegedly plotting against the monarchy. The government move comes after Bahrain late last month banned all protests and gatherings to ensure "security is maintained," after clashes between Shia-led demonstrators and security forces in the Sunni-ruled country. The Gulf state, Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet and strategically situated across the Gulf from Iran, has experienced unrest since February 14 last year when protests erupted calling for democracy. Hundreds of people were arrested when the security forces, aided by troops from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, crushed the uprising within a month. However, protests resumed months later and happen on a regular basis in villages around the country.  Many activists, some whose names appear on Wednesday's list, were tried in a special military court set up at the time. Another former MP and leading al-Wefaq member, Matar Matar, told AFP that some named on the list were acquitted by the military court while others were never charged with "undermining state security." Other opposition sources said that some of the named activists are currently living abroad. 'Grave concern' According to the International Federation for Human Rights, 80 people have died in Bahrain since the unrest began. Two local rights groups -- The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights and the Bahrain Center for Human Rights -- voiced "grave concern" over the decision to revoke the citizenships. "The BYSHR and the BCHR express grave concern over the systematic targeting of prominent political activists, former members of parliament, clerics and others," they said in a statement. The decision, they said, "is intended to punish them for expressing peaceful dissent and thereby intimidate others from exercising their right to freedom of expression." Read more at: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012117122240601519.html?utm_content=automate&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=NewSocialFlow&utm_term=plustweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

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