MELAKA 7 April - Keghairahan pelancong yang ingin merasai sendiri pengalaman menaiki Menara Taming Sari, di sini yang sepatutnya beroperasi hari ini, hampa selepas mereka tidak dibenarkan menaiki menara tersebut oleh pihak pengurusan terbabit.
Rata-rata mereka yang terdiri daripada pelancong tempatan dan sebahagiannya pelancong asing jelas kecewa apabila hasrat untuk menaiki menara tersebut buat pertama kali tidak kesampaian.
Minggu lalu, pihak pengurusan menara tersebut memaklumkan bahawa menara setinggi 110 meter itu akan mula dibuka kepada orang ramai hari ini selepas beberapa kali tertangguh.
Bagaimanapun, tinjauan Utusan Malaysia mendapati orang ramai yang menunggu untuk menaiki menara bernilai RM24 juta tersebut hampa apabila ia masih belum beroperasi.
Lebih mengecewakan tiada sebarang tanda menyatakan status menara tersebut sama ada sudah beroperasi atau sebaliknya, kecuali dimaklumkan para petugas di kaunter bayaran bahawa Menara Taming Sari itu belum dibuka.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2008&dt=0408&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=selatan&pg=ws_06.htm]
Monday, April 7, 2008
Pelancong hampa Menara Taming Sari belum beroperasi - Utusan
Rakyat Selangor bantah -Isu projek ternakan babi RM100 juta - Utusan
Oleh Azian Aziz
SHAH ALAM 7 April – Pengumuman kerajaan campuran Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP dan Pas Selangor meluluskan projek mendirikan ladang penternakan babi bernilai RM100 juta di Sepang dianggap mengejutkan dan ditentang orang ramai.
Hampir kesemua mereka yang ditemui tanpa mengira keturunan tidak bersetuju ladang penternakan itu dibina di negeri Selangor yang telah mendapat status negeri maju ini.
Syahril Shawaluddin, 26, seorang kerani yang bertugas di sini berkata, pembinaan ladang penternakan ini walaupun dibina dengan teknologi moden sekali pun pasti akan mengundang masalah.
Beliau berkata, ia juga melibatkan sensitiviti masyarakat setempat di Sepang yang pastinya akan menghadapi kemungkinan dan risiko wabak penyakit seperti yang pernah berlaku di Negeri Sembilan dan Melaka.
‘‘Ia agak mengejutkan. Saya tidak setuju dengan apa yang kerajaan Selangor nak lakukan ini dan saya minta jangan mencemarkan negeri Selangor,” katanya.
Ahli perniagaan, Azwandi Amiruddin, 29, pula ingin tahu apa niat sebenar kerajaan negeri mahu membina ladang penternakan babi ini sama ada kerana kepentingan politik atau kepentingan rakyat.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0408&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_01.htm]
Tiga Exco Pas setuju - Utusan
SHAH ALAM 7 April - Semua tiga Anggota Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (Exco) Selangor dari parti Pas tidak menghalang pelaksanaan projek ladang penternakan babi bernilai RM100 juta di Sepang.
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pendidikan, Pendidikan Tinggi dan Pembangunan Modal Insan negeri, Dr. Halimah Ali berkata, Pas menyokong projek itu selagi ia tidak mencemarkan alam sekitar.
"Kita tidak ada masalah, kita sokong. Kita orang Islam hanya diharamkan daripada memakan daging babi tetapi orang bukan Islam pula mereka makan babi. Itu hak mereka. Kita sangat rasional untuk kegunaan mereka," katanya.
Beliau yang juga Timbalan Pengerusi Lujnah Perpaduan Nasional Pas Pusat berkata demikian ketika ditemui sewaktu mengiringi pertemuan antara Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim dengan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng di sini hari ini.
Dua lagi Exco Selangor dari Pas ialah Datuk Dr. Hassan Mohamed Ali yang memegang potfolio Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Hal Ehwal Islam, Adat-Adat Melayu, Infrastruktur dan Kemudahan Awam manakala Iskandar Abdul Samad ialah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perumahan, Pengurusan Bangunan dan Setinggan.
Menurut Dr. Halimah, pihaknya menyokong semua projek yang baik serta menepati piawaian antarabangsa dan keadaan itu berbeza dengan penternakan babi di Melaka yang mencemarkan alam sekitar.
"Masalahnya sentimen orang Melayu seolah-olah babi lebih besar dosanya daripada rasuah dan jenayah, pada hal kita tidak boleh makan sahaja, pegang pun boleh tetapi nak kena samak," katanya.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2008&dt=0408&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Politik&pg=po_11.htm]
Umno leaders must listen to the people - Malaysiakini.tv
Former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad claims that the Umno leadership no longer have the support of its supporters. One indication of this is the large number of spoiled votes in the party's stronghold of Johor. "It cannot be that voters in Johor do not know how to vote," he said.
The event was a forum organised by the Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka Umno branch.
Dr Mahathir Should Have Taken On Mantle Of Statesman After Retirement, Says Karpal - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, after retiring as prime minister, should have ridden into the sunset in dignity and grace instead of attacking the government of his successor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said DAP chairman Karpal Singh.
In making the remark in a statement here today, the veteran politician said Dr Mahathir, after retirement, should have taken on the mantle of a statesman instead of attacking his own party, Umno, for whose deregistration in 1988, Dr Mahathir was responsible.
Karpal also said that Dr Mahathir should be the last to attack his successor, Abdullah.
"Gutter politics is alien to statesmanship. Dr Mahathir has too many 'political felonies' in his closet. I say those who live in glasshouses should not undress without drawing the curtains. This utterance aptly and amply applies to Dr Mahathir."
Karpal said he was happy with the statement made by Abdullah yesterday that it was Dr Mahathir who was responsible for "Operasi Lalang" under which 106 people, including Karpal, were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 1987.
"This revelation brings into sharp focus the necessity of setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe into Dr Mahathir's abuse of power in initiating "Operasi Lalang" which brought about national and international outcry."
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=325262]
Najib Thankful, Touched For Being Named Successor By Abdullah - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says he valued the trust and confidence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for naming him as his successor.
"I am thankful and touched by the prime minister's trust and confidence in me," he told reporters after opening the 30th anniversary conference of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre For Arbitration.
Najib said the prime minister had in the past told this to him and several civil servants behind "closed doors" but Sunday was the first time he made it known openly.
"I appreciate very much the prime minister's trust in me and I will honour Abdullah's request to me to continue cooperating with him as the prime minister," he said.
Najib said the request was to strengthen government administration to meet current challenges in carrying out reforms as intended by the prime minister.
Meanwhile, Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said the selection of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment to perform the prestigious "London Public Duties" in Britain was an honour for the 75 year-old outfit.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=325126]
We were sabotaged, says PM - The Sun
By Llew-Ann Phang
KUALA LUMPUR (April 7, 2008) Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Sunday Barisan Nasional (BN) would not have lost control of Kedah and Perak if not for sabotage by Umno members in several parliament and state seats.
“We would not have lost if not for problems created within the areas. We should have won 14 more parliamentary seats and 22 more state seats (in these two states), based on analysis and information we received,” he said, expressing disappointment over the sabotage, which led to the BN’s shortfall of eight seats to retain its two-thirds majority in Parliament.
“The issue of sabotage will be referred to the Umno disciplinary committee,” Abdullah said. He declined to reveal the possible reasons, saying the matter should come before the committee first.
He was speaking to reporters after a briefing for Umno division information bureau members, which was also attended by Umno Supreme Council members, including party deputy president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, and Umno veterans, at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).
At the press conference, Abdullah also hit back at his detractors, mainly his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had been taking pot shots at him to the point of openly calling for his resignation as the prime minister and Umno president.
On Dr Mahathir
“People say I’m lembik (weak) and talk as if the ministers and the cabinet are made up of stupid people and that Khairy (Jamaluddin, his son-in-law) is the only smart one. These allegations seem to have no limits. It’s just blind accusations (hurled at the leadership).
“Didn’t we have limitations before? I know. Reporters were called in with Tun Mahathir when he took over as the prime minister and were told not to write about Tun Hussein (Onn). Who was responsible for Ops Lallang? I know. It’s not that I don’t know.
“Some people can be given coverage while some others were not to be given coverage. These were instructions issued from time to time. I know.
“Looks like many Umno people are now being brave and coming out to speak about things that happened at the time.
“He (Dr Mahathir) is misusing his strength. When we won in 2004, he said it was kuat sangat, tak elok (too strong, it was not appropriate) and there must be opposition.
“But when the Oopposition rose, I thought he would celebrate but hentam pulak (he hit out instead). So attaining great success was a mistake and to secure a slim win is also a mistake. What is it that can be accepted?”
“Give us a chance to do what’s best for the party, the government and for the country.”
Asked if he would “open a file” on Mahathir, Abdullah said: “It is not my business to open files on anybody. It’s a matter for any agency ... if they think it is reasonable to open files on accusations they have evidence against.”
On Anwar and Tengku Razaleigh
“He (Tengku Razaleigh) should be more responsible and look at Kelantan himself. Instead of working together and helping us wrest Kelantan, it is because of him, we lost support there.”
He also compared Anwar to Najib, saying: “He (Najib) sees himself as my successor, not as an alternative leader – like Anwar is saying he is the alternative leader to Mahathir. He can wait. I am the leader today.”
Asked if he was going to “fight it out” with his detractors, Abdullah said: “I need to say what’s reasonable for me to say. I say what I need to, if I don’t need to, I won’t say, but I know the people want me to talk (against these issues) and I do.
“I only talk to strengthen the confidence of the Umno members to the party and to ensure that the leadership has the continued support of its members.”
On reform of the public administration, the judiciary and the party
“There is a need for reform in various systems of the public administration, including the judiciary system which now has a tainted image, due to issues that happened not in my time.
“Our people, especially the business community, think lowly of our judiciary. The evidence is that they don’t want any disputes of contracts to be referred to the Malaysian courts.
“They would rather take disputes of any contracts out of the country to Singapore or other countries like Australia, Hongkong. They have no confidence. This is bad. We have to do something about it.”
Abdullah said reform will be carried out under the New Economic Policy in incentives through the economic corridors; in the policing system and at the public administration level where the efforts to increase the efficiency and productivity of the public delivery system must be continued.
In the party, a mechanism needs to be formulated to make it obligatory for the top leadership to provide regular briefings to the grassroots.
“Once a year is not good enough, so making this an obligation will better strengthen the relationship from the branches right to the leadership,” he said.
On politics and the election
Abdullah said he told the division information bureau members at the closed-door briefing that there was a need to prioritise the efforts to strengthen Umno because it plays an important role in BN.
“We lost four states, and we have to understand that the election was one that gave us a signal that we must accept and admit and we need to prepare to carry out these efforts,” he said, acknowledging the much-eroded support to the BN in the March 8 polls, compared to the large mandate it won in 2004.
“I understand that the support then was because of the promises we made in our manifesto, which included issues that needed to be overcome due to the weakness of the administration before mine.
“There was high expectation and hope that we could do something about it.
“I admit that in the four years, our government – under my leadership – could not carry through the promises made fully.
“Thank God, our economy is doing well and we hope this position will continue to improve and we hope that it is strong enough to face global challenges that we may find difficulties with.”
Asked to comment on reports of PKR buying over some 30 Umno assemblymen, Abdullah, who described the act as disgusting, said: “Never mind lah. (let them) do whatever they want. They are looking for people in Sarawak who want to leave Umno. They do not care about the people’s choice.”
“They only want power and they want their leader to be the PM, so there will be all these approaches which are not good."
[From http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21330]
Najib will take over 'when time comes' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the natural successor to the Umno presidency, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
Speaking at a closed-door briefing for Umno grassroots leaders here yesterday, the prime minister and Umno president said there had never been any problems between them.
"I assure you there are no problems between us, and he is the one who will be succeeding me."
While not saying when this is likely to happen, Abdullah made it clear he would hand over to Najib when the time is right.
He reiterated that he would not be stepping down.
"I will know when to go, but give me a chance to implement what I have promised," he said.
At a press conference later, Abdullah said unlike former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim then, Najib saw himself as a successor and not an alternative choice for prime minister.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/Frontpage/2206365/Article/index_html]
I have no regrets, says Sufiah - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Maths prodigy Sufiah Yusof, who is now working as a prostitute, claims she is living the life she wants without any regrets.
She does not think being an escort is sleazy and terrible and says her clients treat her like a princess in an interview with British tabloid News of the World.
“People think escorting is sleazy and terrible but I don’t see it like that,” she said in a no-holds-barred interview that was published with pictures of her in skimpy attire and sexy poses.
Sufiah claimed that she wanted to be in control of her life.
“I hate this stereotype society has of escorts as being exploited. It is so far from the truth. My clients treat me like a princess. One guy took me shopping on Bond Street. He bought me a beautiful black Gucci dress for £300 (RM1,920) and then took me to Selfridges, where I could pick a handbag I liked.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20870201&sec=nation]
Dr M: I will stop if leadership stops doing wrong things - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he would stop criticising the Umno leadership “if they stop doing what is wrong which caused the bad election results”.
“I will continue to talk as long as I am invited. I have no intention of becoming the Umno president or the Prime Minister. But as an Umno member and a citizen, I have the right to voice out,” he said at a press conference after speaking at a forum “Bersatu Mermartabatkan Ketuanan Melayu” organised by Umno Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka branch.
Earlier in Langkawi, Dr Mahathir said his criticism would make the party stronger.
“My criticisms will not wreck the party. If I tell lies, Umno will reject me. If they (supporters of current Umno leadership) tell the truth, people will accept them,” he said when responding to allegations that his statements were providing “ammunition” for the Opposition.
Dr Mahathir said he has no favourite choice for Umno president.
“We can’t be hasty in choosing a person. We have to wait and see if they are brave or whether they can perform well.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20871388&sec=nation]
Experts: Switching to higher RON petrol not viable - The Star
PETALING JAYA: The proposal to replace the existing octane ratings of petrol – research octane number (RON) 92 and 97 – with RON 95 and 99 may not be viable, said industry experts.
According to a senior manager of an oil company, who declined to be named, the new plan will not be a positive move as it will make no difference to the current classes of petrol.
“Most cars now run on RON 97 and it doesn’t make sense for luxury car owners to fill up with RON 95 or pay more for RON 99, which may be less subsidised or even not,” he said.
“Just to work out the math and make sure I do not pay a lot more, I could easily fill my tank with 70% of RON 95 and 30% RON 99 and get the same quality as that of the existing RON 97,” he added.
At present, RON 92 (sold at RM1.88 per litre) is used mainly by motorcycles while other vehicles run on RON 97 (RM1.92 per litre).
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad had said on Saturday that the proposed system was to have the petrol subsidy targeted at those who need it.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20870666&sec=nation]
