Khir sees tough elections for BN - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The elections will be difficult for the Barisan Nasional, says Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

“It looks easy, but it is a difficult one,” he said, adding that this was because people were reserved and did not openly show who they would support.

“They look at candidates now, and 60% to 70% would decide based on the quality of the candidates.”

Dr Mohamad Khir was speaking to reporters yesterday after witnessing the signing ceremony between New Era College and Vintage Heights at Wisma MCA here.

Asked whether the MIC would be a liability to the Barisan, Dr Mohamad Khir said it would not.

Dr Mohamad Khir also said he had submitted the state's list of candidates to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

[From http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/2/20/election2008/20380518&sec=Election2008]

Po Kuan sticking to her guns - The Star

IPOH: Incumbent Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan is sticking fast to her decision not to contest in the general election.

In her blog (pokuan.blogsome.com), Fong said it was a tough decision.

“I am unable to reconsider my decision of not to contest in this coming 12th General Election. I am sorry if I have disappointed you. I do hope you all will try to understand,” she said in her comments posted yesterday at 3.14pm.

She started her posting with an apology and stated she was unable to answer all calls, reply messages, e-mails and comments.

“I do appreciate your views, criticisms, supports and encouragement,” she said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/20/nation/20379532&sec=nation]

We need you in Batu Gajah, Guan Eng tells Po Kuan - The Star

IPOH: The DAP is pleading with Fong Po Kuan to contest in Batu Gajah in the general election.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said yesterday that the party and the people needed Fong.

“Fong has the ability, capacity and experience to continue to contribute as an MP.

“I know it was not her intention, but it is definite that without Fong, Batu Gajah will not be a safe seat,” he told a press conference.

Describing Fong’s announcement as a “shock”, Lim said he had cancelled all his programmes yesterday to meet Perak party leaders.

He said that he was still reeling in shock from Fong’s “abrupt announcement” but would try to convince her to stand in the elections.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/19/nation/20372418&sec=nation]

DAP Chief Denies Forcing Out Fong - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang is crying foul, saying that he has been made the "villain" and denied that he was forcing incumbent Batu Gajah member of parliament, Fong Po Kuan to contest in another constituency in the March 8 general election.

The party never asked Po Kuan to change constituencies as all party leaders had expected and fully supported her to contest for the third time in the Batu Gajah parliamentary seat, the Ipoh Timor MP wrote in his blog.

"Very tired, but no thought of sleep until I blog about Fong Po Kuan. Not just because I have been made the villain prompting Po Kuan's announcement that she would not contest in the general election but also because of her qualities," he said.

Lim, who attended two ceramahs with Fong in Batu Gajah parliamentary constituency on Friday night, said he had received calls asking why he had forced the 34-year-old party's assistant publicity secretary and Wanita DAP national organising secretary to retire from politics.

"I never did such a thing and Po Kuan never resigned from the party - but the damage was done, as first impressions (however false) are most lasting, that I had forced Po Kuan to resign from the DAP because I was forcing her to contest in another constituency apart from Batu Gajah. Talking about "eating dead cat"!," Lim wrote.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=314568]

PO KUAN CRIES OFF: Batu Gajah MP declines nomination - NST

By : Shahrul Hafeez and P. Chandra Sagaran

BATU GAJAH: The opposition Democratic Action Party was dealt a major blow in Perak when its firebrand female leader, Fong Po Kuan, pulled out of the general election, citing internal politicking as her reason.

Fong is a two-term incumbent Batu Gajah MP. Her claim to fame was the defeat of Perak MCA chairman Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, who is also the brother of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, in the 2004 general election.

She had been a favourite to retain her parliamentary seat.

Her decision yesterday threw the Perak DAP into disarray, with state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham saying he hoped Fong's decision would not affect the party's bid to win at least four parliamentary seats in the Kinta Valley.

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said they would try to persuade Fong to stay.

"We were surprised to receive her letter. I have been too busy to read it in detail," he said, adding that the party was caught off-guard as he had phoned her the night before to confirm that she would be re-nominated in Batu Gajah.

At a press conference here, Fong, who is one of the more vocal DAP MPs in the house and was elected at the age of 24, said: "My decision is final. It was not an easy decision."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2161057/Article/index_html]

Abdullah condemns illegal Hindraf rally - NST

By : Noor Adzman Baharuddin

YAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi condemned the action of the Hindu Rights Action Force in organising an illegal assembly in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, saying it was an attempt to raise fear in the people and disrupt the general election.

He said the group did not respect the process of democracy because by creating trouble they would scare off the people from coming out to vote.

"The business community, too, would be affected and, like the majority of people, does not support such behaviour because this is not the Malaysian way," he said after launching a project to upgrade a road under the Northern Corridor Economic Region here.

"The country has prospered not because of demands made through illegal demonstrations.

"Everything we do is for the people and we meet their needs and this is what they want.
"This is also the way we have been developing the country and this is what is meant by stability for the growth of the people and nation."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/2160024/Article/index_html]

PM keeps mum on Khairy - The Star

YAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has refused to be drawn into speculation if his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin would contest in the general election.

Abdullah said he had yet to discuss the candidates' lists submitted by the various state Umno liaison committees.

“We have yet to discuss anything,” he said.

It was recently reported that the Rembau Umno division had nominated Khairy to contest the Rembau parliamentary seat.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/17/nation/20359515&sec=nation]

Angry Hindraf supporters mob Samy - The Star

By A. Letchumanan and Derrick Vinesh

BUTTERWORTH: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was prevented by a group of people from leaving a function here.

The group, believed to be Hindu Rights Action Force supporters, surrounded his car last night and demanded for an undertaking for the release of women and children who were detained during a Hindraf rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday morning.

They also locked the door of SJKC Chung Hwa Pusat 3 in Taman Senangin here where a Chinese New Year function was being held.

They relented after Samy Vellu said he would talk to the relevant authorities.

After 15 minutes, police came and cleared the way for Samy Vellu to leave.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/17/nation/20360417&sec=nation]

Ethnic Indians protest in Malaysia - Al Jazeera

Malaysian police clashed with activists demanding greater representation for the country's ethnic Indian minority.

It is the second illegal demonstration in recent years by the Hindu Rights Action Force.

The rally in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, comes days after the government announced early elections.

Teymoor Nabili reports.

160 arrested in Hindraf's 'rose' rally - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested 160 Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters who took part in its “rose” campaign Dataran Merdeka area Saturday and nine of them, including a woman have been held for further investigations.

They will be brought to court for remand orders to be made against them Sunday.

Of the 160 arrested, 138 were men and 22 were women, including an 11-year-old girl. The girl was later released.

The Hindraf supporters with children holding roses had planned to gather outside the Parliament building and the leaders wanted to hand over a memorandum on improving the lot of the Indian community.

Police had earlier declared the gathering illegal and set up roadblocks and closed the road leading to the Parliament building. The road closures resulted in Hindraf changing their destination to the Suhakam office at Jalan Raja Laut.

Police started to fire tear gas canisters and spray water cannons at 9.20am on Jalan Raja Laut after repeated warnings for the crowd to disperse went unheeded.

Many of the supporters scattered to the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Masjid Jamek areas. Then the police began detaining those who refused to budge.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/16/nation/20080216221638&sec=nation]

Ethnic Indians Rally in Malaysia Demanding Rights, Defy Police - Bloomberg

By Manirajan Ramasamy and Soraya Permatasari

Feb. 16 (Bloomberg) -- About 200 Malaysian ethnic Indians defied a police order and rallied in the capital today demanding equal rights and the release of supporters held without trial as tensions rise three weeks before the country holds elections.

Carrying banners and roses, members of the Hindu Rights Action Force, or Hindraf, gathered near the city hall in Kuala Lumpur at 9 a.m. local time. Fifteen minutes later police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the group and arrested dozens of participants.

Hindraf, which is holding its second rally in three months, is demanding an end to alleged racial discrimination in a country where the government gives the ethnic Malay majority preferential treatment for jobs and homes. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has struggled to contain racial tension in his first term, and is targeting a smaller parliamentary majority at the March 8 ballot.

Authorities on Dec. 12 arrested five members of the group under the Internal Security Act, a law that allows for indefinite detention without trial. The order was signed by Abdullah.

``While the yellow roses are a symbol of our cry for justice, we seek the immediate release of Hindraf's five leaders,'' the group said in a statement before today's rally. ``We are going to Parliament as it is a symbol of justice.''

[More at http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aBXTy5O7nVxs&refer=home]

Hadi has no confidence, says Abdullah - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took a swipe at Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for stating that he wanted to contest in Kepala Batas, saying that the PAS president has no confidence in recapturing Terengganu.

The Prime Minister said Abdul Hadi’s statement that he was willing to stand in his (Abdullah’s) parliamentary seat showed that he knew he could not win in his own state.

“He said he wants to contest in Terengganu, then after that, he wants to go somewhere else. This means he knows he cannot win and is looking at other constituencies,” he said after chairing the Barisan and Umno supreme council meetings yesterday.

In Setiu, Terengganu Barisan chief Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said Abdul Hadi knew that his support had diminished in his Rhu Rendang constituency and was now “trying his luck” elsewhere.

On Wednesday, Abdul Hadi said he was prepared to face the Prime Minister in his Kepala Batas parliamentary constituency.

“(Abdul) Hadi is afraid of losing here and he is quickly looking for another constituency.

“However, he is free to contest anywhere. PAS had lost its confidence in Terengganu,” Idris said after launching the Gelombang Biru 66 election campaign at Batu Rakit, Setiu, yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/election/story.asp?file=/2008/2/15/election2008/20338589&sec=Election2008]

Election 2008: Highlights and controversies - NST

The 11th parliament drew up several pioneering legislation but at the same time, threw up controversies, which spilled outside the chamber and into public domain. Here are some of the major events that shaped life in the 11th parliament

1. MPs began the 11th session of parliament on May 17, 2004 with new1 leather seats, plush carpets and giant LCD screens to monitor proceedings, following the RM50 million refurbishment of parliament house.

Not only were the refurbishments meant to upgrade the 40-year-old building, they were carried out to accommodate the increased number of parliament seats from 194 to 219. But at the end of its first session, the roof leaked and it created a public furore.

2. Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) was referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for misleading the house during the swearing-in ceremony before Speaker Tun Mohamed Zahir Ismail on May 17, 2004.

Karpal had questioned the legitimacy of the ceremony and this resulted in the disciplinary action. The committee found him guilty and Karpal was suspended without allowances and perks for six months.

3. For the first time in its 49-year history, the Dewan Negara on July 26, 2004, sent a bill back to the Dewan Rakyat to be re-tabled. In debating the Pesticides (Amendments) Bill 2004 passed by the lower house earlier, the Dewan Negara found that two words - "human beings" - had been excluded from the bill. The upper house was of the view that "human beings" should be among those protected against harmful pesticides.

Senator Datin Paduka Jaya Partiban who discovered the mistake became a celebrity of sorts and left Dewan Rakyat members red-faced.

4. After 22 years in office, Dewan Rakyat speaker Tun Mohamed Zahir Ismail died of renal failure on Oct 14, 2004. Highly respected for his cool demeanour, legal acumen and fair sense of judgment, Zahir held the distinction of being the longest-serving parliamentary speaker in Asia. Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib was appointed the new speaker. It was the first time that a sitting MP was voted into the position.

5. During the budget session on Oct 3, 2005, Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) and Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) were issued warnings by the whip for supporting an opposition motion. Both had supported a motion by Lim Kit Siang to refer International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Sidek Hassan to the Rights and Privileges Committee. Both were given warnings by Chief Whip Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

6.On Nov 24, 2005, DAP MP for Seputeh, Teresa Kok, brought the attention of the public to a video recording of a woman forced to do squats in the nude. The recording, which was made on a mobile phone, resulted in public outcry over the police treatment of those detained in police lock-ups.

The outcry also led to the setting up of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into police standard operating procedures on arrest and detention.

7. Citing differences in opinion, Datuk Shahrir Samad quit as Barisan Nasional Backbenchers' Club chairman on May 4, 2006, when BN MPs did not follow his lead and support an opposition motion to refer the New Straits Times to the Rights and Privileges Committee. The motion was moved by opposition leader Lim Kit Siang following an NST report on an MP who had allegedly asked the Customs and Excise Department to "close one eye" in a case involving the import of sawn timber.

---

NOTABLE QUOTES

- May 25, 2004: "Crazy", "Animal, not fit to sit in the House." - Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) describing Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) after the latter interrupted opposition leader Lim Kit Siang during the debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.

- Oct 13, 2004: "If the minister should be sacked, then replace him." - Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) on Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu's handling of the Gua Tempurung mudslide.

- March 29, 2005: "TV1 and TV2 were fast 'asleep' while TV3 was showing an NBA basketball game. The only station which offered the breaking news was ntv7. I shudder to think what would happen if we did not have ntv7." - Dr James Dawos Mamit (BN-Mambong) expressing disappointment with local television stations which had failed to provide breaking news of the magnitude 8.7 earthquake which hit Sumatra the day before.

- July 6, 2005: "Maybe we can put all those infected with HIV/AIDS on an island and isolate them from others." - Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) offering an alternative to the government's plan to distribute free syringes and condoms to stem HIV/AIDS. He was debating the Syariah Court Evidence (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005.

- Oct 4, 2005: "I am not willing to stand by and allow such fitnah against my family and me. Don't play around. If you say I am the queen, then you are the court jester. I'll sue you." - International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz telling off Lim Kit Siang (DAP- Ipoh Timur) when he questioned her about the awarding of APs (Approved Permits). Lim had earlier referred to Rafidah as the "AP Queen".

- Dec 1, 2005: "I will wonder whether the man who wanted to marry me has a hidden agenda. Does he really want to marry me or does he want the money." - Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun dismissing a proposal by Datuk Idris Harun (BN-Tangga Batu) that "some kind of incentive" should be given by the government to men who marry single mothers with children as they were doing a good deed.

- April 10, 2006: "RTM is always changing channel names just like it is always changing ministers and deputy ministers. So much money is spent on changing names and the image of these stations." - Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) replying to Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datok), who had pointed out that Mohamed had mentioned "TV1 and TV2" when the stations had changed their names to "RTM1 and RTM2".

- April 26, 2006: "The main reason for the large number of failed marriages is because female divorcees are gatal and are easily spotted at functions through their gatal behaviour. It is as if they have no regrets over their divorce." - Abdul Fatah Harun (Pas-Rantau Panjang) commenting on divorcees when Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was winding up her debate on the Ninth Malaysia Plan. He later withdrew the word from his remarks after being urged to do so by female and male MPs.

- May 11, 2006: "All of us have two eyes, but some see with one eye, while some don't even use their eyes. Maybe the ministry can do something concerning this and teach MPs right and wrong." - Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) to Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin), referring to the incident where Mohd Said had asked the Customs and Excise Department to "close one eye" on a consignment handled by his forwarding agency.

- May 9, 2007: "What is the problem? The member of parliament for Batu Gajah also leaks once a month." - Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) and Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin), equating leaks in parliament house to Fong Po Kuan's (DAP-Batu Gajah) menstrual cycle. Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang had drawn attention to the leaks when Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar, displeased that the matter had been raised, had made the comments. They both issued brief apologies on May 14 on the insistence of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil.


[From http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2157519/Article/index_html]

"No PM has the prerogative to tell lies publicly": Kit Siang - Malaysiakini.tv

Parliamentary Opposition leader, Lim Kit Siang, says that no prime minister has the prerogative to tell lies publicly.

PM dissolves Parliament - Malaysiakini.tv

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced the dissolution ofthe Parliament at a specially arranged press conference at his officein Putrajaya.

I won't call election ... oh alright, I will - AFP

From correspondents in Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dissolved parliament to pave the way for snap elections which are expected to see the ruling coalition's majority eroded.

Yesterday Mr Abdullah had tried to quell the rumours that he would dissolve parliament on the 13th - his favourite number - telling reporters: "No, it won't be tomorrow".

Mr Abdullah's popularity has plummeted as the nation is beset by mounting racial tensions, unprecedented street protests, anger over rising fuel and food prices, and high crime rates.

Announcing that the king had consented to dissolve parliament, Mr Abdullah indicated he did not expect a repeat of the 2004 landslide when the Barisan Nasional coalition seized some 90 per cent of parliamentary seats.

"2004 was a special election and it was extraordinary. I pray that BN will get at least two-thirds of the votes in the upcoming election," he said.

"I hope voters will understand the issues affecting our country objectively," he said, adding that the Election Commission would decide on the polling date.

[More at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23207629-401,00.html]

Parliament Dissolved Today For 12th General Election - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the 12th general election.

The announcement was made at a media conference at his office here and telecast live on RTM1 at noon.

The prime minister also advised all the state governments, except Sarawak, to dissolve their state assemblies to enable the state elections to be held simultaneously.

He said he had an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin this morning and had received his consent to dissolve the 11th Parliament.

The dissolution of this Parliament was made 15 months before the expiry of its five-year term on May 16, 2009.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=313580]

Parliament won’t be dissolved today, says PM - The Star

BANGI: Parliament will not be dissolved today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi put an end to such speculation, telling reporters here yesterday: “Esok tak ada (No, it won’t be tomorrow)”.

He also denied that today’s Cabinet meeting would be the last with his present team of ministers before Parliament is dissolved to pave the way for the next general election.

“What makes you think that? How do you know it’s going to be the last Cabinet meeting (before elections are called)?” he asked when responding to a question.

Asked if there would be more Cabinet meetings with the present team, Abdullah said: “Yes, there will be more.”

The Cabinet meets every Wednesday. The Prime Minister’s comments yesterday means it is still a guessing game as to when the polls would be called.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/13/nation/20311649&sec=nation]

Mukhriz: My father will never support the opposition - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth executive council member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said this is not the time to change direction and stressed the importance of continuing with the current leadership.

He was commenting on reports which quoted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as saying that there had been no "gentleman's agreement" between him and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he would only serve as prime minister for one term.

Mukhriz said his father would neither oppose the government nor support the opposition.

"My father will never support the opposition. He has fought the opposition all his life."

Mukhriz, the movement's International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Bureau chairman, said this after accepting a RM100,000 donation for Aman Malaysia's Gaza Humanitarian Fund from Cheras Umno and the Cheras Education Foundation, represented by Senator Datuk Syed Ali Al-Habshee.

Instead, Mukhriz, who is also Aman Malaysia's co-ordinator, said the opposition would try to manipulate the issue to its own advantage and attempt to sow confusion among the people.

"I think both their remarks would strengthen Umno."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2148090/Article/index_html]

PM: There was no gentleman’s agreement between me and Mahathir - The Star

By Shahanaaz Habib

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said there was no gentleman’s agreement between him and his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he (Abdullah) be prime minister only for a term.

“No such thing,” the Prime Minister told reporters yesterday after he launched Pavilion, the latest upmarket shopping mall here.

Asked why he thought Dr Mahathir felt that there was such an agreement, he said, “Each person has his own views.”

When reporters pressed him further on the so-called gentleman’s agreement, Abdullah brushed it aside saying, “Why are you so interested in this? There was nothing.”

Three days ago, the former prime minister had claimed that he had a gentleman’s agreement when he handed over power to Abdullah in 2003, that the latter would stay on for one term only and subsequently pass over the mantle to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

On the general election, Abdullah indicated that it was close.

Asked whether he had received inspiration to call for the election, he replied, “I am about to.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/1/nation/20203570&sec=nation]

CM Koh still coy on federal move - The Star

KEPALA BATAS: Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon continues to evade questions on whether he will remain in Penang or move to the federal level.

“It depends on whether you want me or not. Do you want me or not?” Dr Koh, who is in his fourth term as Chief Minister, replied when asked by reporters if he had made up his mind on his political future.

Last week, Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik was quoted as saying that Dr Koh, 59, was still the best man to lead Penang for the time being.

He said Dr Koh should contest a state seat in the coming general election rather than switch to a parliamentary seat.

Dr Koh said he would reveal his plans when the time was right.

“Just be patient. He (Dr Lim) has his own opinion. I thank him for his confidence (in me),” he said.

“At the same time, I also thank (DAP secretary-general) Lim Guan Eng for his confidence in me to go federal. He looks like he is very anxious for me to go.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/18/nation/20043588&sec=nation]

Minister resigns over sex tape scandal - AFP

From correspondents in Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S former health minister accused his political "enemies" of orchestrating the release of a video showing him having sex with an unidentified woman in a hotel room.

The scandal engulfing Chua Soi Lek, 61, who resigned Wednesday, is the latest in a series of problems facing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government ahead of elections which he is expected to call this year.

State news agency Bernama reported that Mr Chua - the most senior minister to leave the government so far - said the media's role in highlighting his work had led certain groups to target him, but he did not name any specific organisations.

"The press helped to kill me, to be honest," Mr Chua, who is married with three children, told an impromptu press conference after clearing out his office.

Mr Chua was also vice president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a key part of Mr Abdullah's coalition government, before the scandal over the widely circulated tape sparked his resignation.

"The press will always say Dr Chua is one who may be mounting a challenge against the (MCA) deputy president, against the (MCA) president," he said.

[More at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23004680-1702,00.html]

Radzi wants Shahidan to go - The Star

By Sira Habibu

KANGAR: The much talked about rift between Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim is out in the open.

Radzi proposed a change in the state leadership, saying it was the best way to avoid a split in Umno.

“It is nothing personal. I am saying this in the best interest of the party,” he said after opening the Padang Besar Umno election machinery yesterday.

Radzi, who is from Perlis but does not hold any post in Perlis Umno, said Shahidan should be replaced to overcome internal problems within Umno.
The Home Affairs Minister also said that Perlis had not developed like other states because there were no changes at the top.

When contacted, Shahidan said he was not perturbed by Radzi’s comments.

“If the party president said such a thing, I will take note,” said Shahidan, who has served as mentri besar for three terms.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/30/nation/19885669&sec=nation]

Kata dua Hishammuddin kepada Gerakan - Utusan

Oleh Herman Hamid

MACHANG 22 Dis. – Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO mendesak Pemangku Presiden Parti Gerakan, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon segera memberi penjelasan berhubung kenyataan Naib Ketua Pemuda parti itu, S. Paranjothy yang mendakwa UMNO adalah salah satu punca mengapa kaum India terpinggir.

Ketuanya, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein menegaskan, sekiranya penjelasan tersebut gagal diberi atau tidak memuaskan, tidak mustahil hubungan Pemuda UMNO serta Barisan Nasional (BN) dengan Parti Gerakan akan putus.

“Buat masa ini kita tidak mengeluarkan sebarang pendirian berbentuk mengutuk dan sebagainya tanpa terlebih dahulu mendapat penjelasan Gerakan kerana bagi BN, apabila timbul isu dari kalangan parti komponen, kita perlu dengar penjelasan.

“Namun ini bukan bermakna Pemuda UMNO beralah. Sekiranya penjelasan tidak memuaskan, kita sanggup putuskan hubungan. Hal ini bukan main-main,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Program Korban Perdana anjuran pergerakan tersebut di sini hari ini.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/arkib.asp?y=2007&dt=1223&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Politik&pg=po_01.htm]

DPM: Ignore Hindraf - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: The public, especially political parties, should not dance to the Hindu Rights Action Force’s (Hindraf) tune, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said they should not turn hysterical every time the group voiced its comments or criticisms, saying that Hindraf did not speak for the Indian community.

“Who is Hindraf representing? We should not dance to its tune.

“Action can be taken against it if it broke any law, and we have taken action against some of its members recently.

“The situation in the country is still under control, and the people are confident about the measures taken by the Government to maintain peace,” Najib told reporters after giving prizes to the winners of the Felda youth awards here yesterday.
Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional deputy president, said he would ask People’s Progressive Party president Datuk M. Kayveas to explain his statement on Sunday that the protests by the Indian groups recently were aimed at the MIC.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/11/nation/19722714&sec=nation]

Shocked by ‘apartheid’ report - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz was shocked during a recent work trip to India to find a newspaper there carrying a front page article that claimed that Malaysia was practising apartheid against Hindus.

Holding up the DNA newspaper of Nov 28, the International Trade and Industry Minister said that the article quoted a 22-year-old Sri Lankan-born poet who had spent 17 years in Malaysia, as saying that she fled Malaysia last month to escape “systematic racial harassment.”

“Fleeing Malaysia? Oh my goodness gracious. Can you imagine? This is really telling lies,” Rafidah told reporters yesterday after chairing a Wanita Umno meeting.

The Wanita Umno chief said that the poet, Sharanya Manivannan, had also claimed in the article that there had been cases in Malaysia of “body-snatching” of Hindu corpses by the authorities so that the deceased could be buried according to Muslim rites.

She said that the poet, however, had never mentioned that these men had converted to Islam.

Rafidah added that Sharanya had said in the article that “countless (Hindu) temples have been demolished and idols smashed – oftentimes in the middle of prayer sessions and devotees attacked”.

“What a lie. Words like this are terrible. The article really hurts,” she said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/5/nation/19672054&sec=nation]

Government Never Ignored Minority Races In Malaysia, Says Nazri - Bernama

KANGAR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Government has never forsaken the interests and welfare of minority races in Malaysia, what more launching an "ethnic cleansing" to wipe them out from the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said all races are given due protection under the law and adequate avenues to seize opportunities available in the country.

The Government has never imposed restrictions on their freedom to embrace the religion of their choice and practise their respective cultures and traditions, he told reporters after launching the state-level Thai Loy Krathong festival in Pengkalan Asam here last night.

The minister said the well-being of the minority Thai community in Malaysia was also given due protection by the Government.

"Although there are only about 60,000 Siamese in the country, the Government had never ignored their interests and welfare. This showed there was no racial discrimination in Malaysia," said Mohamed Nazri, who is also Malaysian Siamese Association patron.

"I intend to ask for a bigger allocation from the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and the Tourism Ministry to preserve the Siamese art and culture which have been well accepted by Malaysians," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=299800]

Keep out, Nazri tells Tamil Nadu - The Star

By Zulkifli Abd Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR: Stay out of the controversy involving the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) – that’s the stern message for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who rebuked Karunanidhi for interfering, said what happened here had “nothing to do with Tamil Nadu.”

”Do not meddle in our affairs. This is Malaysia, not Tamil Nadu ... lay off,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday, when asked about wire reports that Karunanidhi had written to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to take immediate and appropriate action to end the “sufferings and bad treatment” of Tamils in Malaysia.

Nazri said he would not apologise for calling those who participated in the Hindraf rally on Sunday “penyangak” (thugs), stressing that the demonstrators had violated the law as no permit was issued.

He explained that it was illogical to assume that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would not accept their memorandum.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/29/nation/19608581&sec=nation]

It’s apartheid, says poet who fled Malaysia - DNA

Venkatesan Vembu

22-yr-old Sharanya talks about the plight of Indians

HONG KONG: As a celebrated bilingual poet, Sharanya Manivannan, 22, knows the searing power of words. Yet, as an ethnic Indian-Sri Lankan who lived in Malaysia for 17 years — and fled to India last month to escape systematic racial harassment — she finds even the most powerful words hopelessly inadequate to describe the plight of Indians there.

“What is happening [to Indians] in Malaysia,” Sharanya told DNA from her Chennai home, “is nothing less than formal apartheid.”

Strong words, particularly when you consider that Sharanya doesn’t exactly come from the “bottom of the pyramid”. Her grandfather was a former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia.

On Sunday, ethnic Indians’ pent-up anger over Malaysia’s Constitution-sanctioned discrimination spilled over on to the streets.

This drew international attention to the dirty truths that lie beneath picture-postcard images of “multicultural Malaysia”.

To go behind the headline-grabbing news of temple demolitions and rising Islamo-fascism in the country and get a first-hand account of how this discrimination manifests itself in day-to-day life, DNA spoke to Sharanya.

[More at http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1135947]

Muhyiddin: Other races have poor too - The Star

MUAR: Umno vice-president Tan Seri Muhyiddin Yassin warned yesterday that the country could collapse if the people carry their grievances to the streets.

“To me, the group just wanted to create instability and cause problems, especially to the people in Kuala Lumpur,” he said, when commenting on the Hindraf protest yesterday.

Muhyiddin, who is Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said there were poor people among the Malays and Chinese as well and poverty was not just among the Indians.

He said if Malaysia had treated the Indian community unfairly, as claimed by the organisers of the Hindraf demonstration, the group leader would not have obtained a good education and become a lawyer.

In Penang, Deputy Information Minister Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said there was no need for Hindraf to stage a street demonstration merely to hand over a memorandum to the British High Commission.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/26/nation/19575426&sec=nation]

Ethnic Indians protest in Malaysia - Al Jazeera

Members of Malaysia's Indian community have protested on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the capital.

They are demanding equal rights in a country they believe discriminates against them.

They are also said to place blame on the colonial policies of Britain, and were intending to deliver a petition to the British High Commission in Malaysia.

Al Jazeera's Hamish MacDonald was there.

Malaysian police fire tear gas at ethnic Indian protesters: witnesses - Channel NewsAsia

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian police fired tear gas at ethnic Indian protesters rallying here Sunday in support of a four trillion dollar lawsuit that blames Britain for their economic problems, witnesses said.

At least 8,000 protesters defied a ban and pushed their way towards the British High Commission (embassy) despite a heavy security presence.

Police used water cannon on the crowd that had gathered from around the country despite a police blockade since Thursday.

"Over the last 50 years Indian have been marginalised in this country and we now want the same rights as enjoyed by other communities," M. Kulasegaran, opposition lawmaker with the Democratic Action Party, told AFP.

"They have no rights to stop us from protesting today. This is the will of the people," he said.

The lawsuit targets Britain, Malaysia's former colonial ruler, and is aimed at highlighting what ethnic Indians there say is continuing discrimination.

It seeks four trillion dollars' compensation for the estimated two million ethnic Indians whose ancestors were brought here as indentured labourers by Britain in the 1800s.

[More at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/313580/1/.html]

Police report lodged against Malaysia Today, Raja Petra - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: A businessman has lodged a police report against web portal Malaysia Today and its owner Raja Petra Kamaruddin for an article in the site which he alleged could cause disunity.

Noor Hisham Yusoh, 33, lodged the report at the Brickfields police station at about 7.30pm yesterday accompanied by seven other friends urging the authorities to carry out investigations into the article.

He said the article headlined “What the eye does not see” by Raja Petra had elements of instigation.

“As a Malaysian citizen, I think that his accusations are serious and can convince a lot of people in Malaysia that the country is not peaceful anymore,” he said, adding that the article could make the situation worse.

Noor Hisham from Bukit Subang said he decided to lodge the report after having a discussion with his friends who agreed that the article could cause disunity in the country.

“We are living in a very prosperous country and we do not want such an article to cause any problem,” he said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/19/nation/19513763&sec=nation]

Tuanku Mizan Regrets Claims He Supports Illegal Rally - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Yang di- Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has expressed regret over claims that he and the Palace approved and suppported Saturday's illegal rally in the city.

In a statement issued here today by the Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja of Istana Negara, Datuk Wan Mohd Safiain Wan Hasan, the King also regretted the gathering which was organised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) and supported by the opposition parties.

Tuanku Mizan stressed that he and Istana Negara had at no time approved or given any support, directly or indirectly, to any quarters that organised or was involved in the illegal assembly or any other activities that contravened the law.

On Saturday, Bersih, which comprises several non-governmental organisations, as well as some opposition parties had gathered their supporters at various spots in the city, including around Masjid Jamek, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and the National Mosque, before marching to Istana Negara to hand over a memorandum to Tuanku Mizan.

The following Monday, PAS secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaffar said Bersih had decided to submit the memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after the ruler himself approved of it, and that the presence of Bersih at Istana Negara was to hand over the memorandum to the King's representative.

In the statement, Tuanku Mizan said as the head of state, he was responsible in ensuring that the country's administration based on the constitutional monarchy system as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, was respected and adhered to by all.

[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=296616]

Kayveas raps Puteri Umno - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The People's Progressive Party, irked by recent criticisms by Puteri Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad, has accused her of being arrogant.

“The Barisan Nasional could lose Terengganu in the next general election if she continues to make arrogant statements,” PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas said in a statement here yesterday.

Noraini, at the recent Umno general assembly, had said that her junior movement had about the same membership strength as the PPP, which is a whole party by itself.

Her remarks followed earlier remarks in the Barisan camp against the PPP, which wanted more seats to contest at the next polls.

Kayveas said it was not the size of the party that counted but the voters and the support that they give during the elections.

“No Umno president nor leader in the history of the Barisan has made statements that compared the size of a component party when it comes to seats.

“I am very surprised that the agenda of Puteri Umno is to talk about another component party,” Kayveas said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/14/nation/19463245&sec=nation]

Bersih succeeds in submitting memo to King - Malaysiakini.tv

The Bersih delegation led by Anwar Ibrahim handed the memorandum to theKing's secretary at the gate of the Istana Negara. Anwar is accompaniedby PAS' Hadi Awang and Nasharuddin Mat Isa and DAP's Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng. The organisers are asking the 40,000-strong crowd to disperse.

Reject demos and use polls, PM urges public - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The people should reject street demonstrations and effect any change through polls, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister reiterated that today’s planned demonstration by the non-governmental organisation Bersih was illegal as it did not have a police permit.

Calling the organisers stubborn, he said: “I am disappointed. Are they trying to challenge the Government and leadership? But what they are actually challenging and casting aside is the law.

“People want the country to always be stable and peaceful and that is what they (Bersih) are challenging, not me.

“Saya pantang dicabar (I don’t take to being challenged),” he said yesterday in his winding-up speech.

The Umno president said street demonstration was not the Malaysian way.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/10/nation/19438454&sec=nation]

Pak Lah: Malaysia is for all - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a future in this country for every Malaysian, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Umno president said the party does not engage in duplicity.

“We are not makhluk dua alam (amphibian or semi-terrestrial creatures).

“We do not change our tune to suit the occasion or the audience.

“We are ready to seek intelligent resolutions and win-win solutions when dealing with sensitive issues relating to race and religion,” he said.

However, for these issues to be addressed effectively, they should be discussed behind closed doors, Abdullah said in his presidential address at the Umno general assembly on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said the harmony among the various communities and religions in the country was not an “optional luxury” but a necessity.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/9/nation/19413922&sec=nation]

Malaysian opposition rallies for change - Asia Times Online

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR - A mammoth opposition rally planned for next week threatens to expose examples of vote-buying, gerrymandering, fraudulent electoral rolls and blatant use of public resources to win votes in Malaysian elections, unless the government is able to stop it.

Organized by BERSIH, a coalition of four main opposition political parties and 67 civil rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the rally is the first concerted effort to change the election rules ahead of the country's 12th general election, widely expected to be held by March.

The government is dead set on stopping the rally, which could be the biggest since Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi came to power in 2003. The premier rode a wave of popular adulation that has since soured by his failure to fight corruption and promote the rule of law.

The police have issued a warning, citing a pre-colonial era law that bars gatherings of more than five people that the rally is banned and anybody who turns up at independence square in the capital risks being arrested.

"Despite the concerted threats we expect over 10,000 people to turn up," said Sivarasah Rasiah, a key organizer and vice president of the opposition National Peoples Party. "The threats are not going to force us to back down," he said. "It is our democratic right to gather peacefully to show our unhappiness with the tainted system."

[More at http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IK08Ae01.html]

Hishammuddin: Keris protects all, not just Malays - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The keris is a protector of not just Malays but everyone as the Government will protect Malaysians of all races, said Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

With this assurance, he hoped to lay to rest concerns about the keris which had been a bone of contention among non-Malays.

He said that the keris had been misinterpreted last year by some quarters, who questioned why he had unsheathed and kissed at the Youth assembly.

"They said the keris is a symbol of fighting. It looks like 50 years after independence, there are still some of our people who do not understand the culture of our people and country," he said in his speech at the Umno Youth assembly on Tuesday.

Saying that the keris is a symbol of strength and for centuries a part of Malay heritage, he said it signifies sovereignty, power, dignity, and responsibility.

He added that the keris is unique in the way it is made, sheathed, worn and used, and it carried with it specific dos and don’ts.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/6/nation/20071106153801&sec=nation]

Sparks fly even before start of Umno assembly - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno general assembly begins today but the sparks have started to fly with one politician hitting out at the English media for carrying opposition reports.

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said some media were being used by the opposition to highlight their causes now that there was greater press freedom and transparency.

“Since it has been free, there are some mainstream papers which favour those who do not support the Government.

“Some are done in an indirect manner and some directly, especially in English papers,” he said when speaking to student leaders at the Overseas Umno Club leadership course here yesterday.

Citing the judiciary issue as an example, Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said the media had its own agenda.

“For example, (the Sultan of Perak) Sultan Azlan Shah’s speech talked about various issues but what was only highlighted was the teguran (warning) on the judiciary,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/5/nation/19381403&sec=nation]

Khairy: I want to use ‘protection’ to change things - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin says that being the Prime Minister’s son-in-law has provided him “protection” which he wants to use to change things for the better.

The Umno Youth deputy chief said he was able to “push the envelope now” partly because of that relationship with the prime minister.

“There’s a certain extent (to which) these people in Umno will not go after me. So it gives me ‘protection’ to change things.

“If I don’t use this ‘protection’ to change things for the better, then I’m just wasting time and marking my time to go up the ladder of politics. That’s not what I am about.

“I want to use this time that I have while I have this ‘protection’ to change things, to change Umno for the better,” he said yesterday during a question-and-answer session at the Kancil Awards Festival Speakers series.

Khairy, who is married to Nori, the daughter of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said it was true that this relationship meant he knew which buttons to push and which leaders to pull in to make a particular programme a success.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/2/nation/19355673&sec=nation]

Keris tradition to continue - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth will continue to use the keris as its symbol at the coming party general assembly and believes that with time the non-Malays will become de-sensitised to it.

Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said there was no need for the movement to be apologetic or defensive about it.

He believed there was “nothing sensitive with carrying on” the tradition started by the movement two years ago.

“I feel it is important we continue to do it so that the issue becomes de-sensitised over time.

“We will explain our position without any fear and with time, God willing, people will understand that there is no personal, sensitive and ulterior motives for doing it,” he told reporters yesterday after chairing the Umno Youth executive council meeting.

Hishammuddin said that he would touch on the keris and explain what it means to Umno Youth and the Barisan Nasional Youth in his policy speech at the party assembly next Tuesday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/30/nation/19317957&sec=nation]

ACA to act against those implicated in A-G’s report - The Star

By Lourdes Charles

PUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency is wrapping up its investigations into questionable dealings involving several senior officials highlighted in the Auditor-General’s (A-G) report recently.

The officials, believed to be from at least two ministries, were said to have bought equipment that were “overly priced”, causing the Government losses of millions of ringgit.

The ACA is believed to have questioned several officials before the Hari Raya holidays and is expected to either charge them in court or recommend serious disciplinary action.

ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan confirmed that investigations were nearing completion and that action would be taken against several people.

He declined to elaborate further.

Sources familiar with the investigations said they were centred on three aspects.

One was on whether government officers had received bribes from parties in the private sector.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/20/agreport2006/19227855&sec=AGReport2006]

Action against those implicated in AG’s report - The Star

By Devid Rajah

PUTRAJAYA: Government officers and staff investigated for corruption and mismanagement of public funds under the 2006 Auditor-General’s (AG) report will either be charged in court soon or face disciplinary action.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, told a media briefing yesterday that the Government would use a three-pronged approach to rectify problems highlighted under the AG’s report.

“If it involves corruption and there is clear evidence, the ACA will charge those responsible, and you can expect this to happen very soon.

“If there are clear abuses but the case lacks evidence, disciplinary action will be taken against them,” he said.

The disciplinary action could be in the form of demotions and dismissals.

Mohd Sidek said the Government would also make public the type of disciplinary action taken against civil servants for various offences, other than the impending action against those implicated over the AG’s report.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/12/agreport2006/19154220&sec=AGReport2006]

Highlights from the AG’s reports - The Star

EVERY year, when a new Auditor-General's report is published, the mismanagement of funds and irregularities highlighted in previous reports are forgotten amid fresh outcry for accountability of public funds. Sunday Star looks at some of the “old” cases that made news.

2005

1. Extra expenses: Selangor incurred an additional RM21mil in expenses for the delay in constructing two slaughterhouses. The original cost to build the two slaughterhouses was RM8mil.

2. More repairs needed: Despite RM65.51mil spent on construction costs and a delay of two years, the Gelami Lemi Fresh Water Fishery Research Centre in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan, had to undergo further repairs. The contractor, did not follow specifications, resulting in poor construction.

2004

3. Deals Gone Bad: Three water privatisation deals caused the Sabah state government to be saddled with debts of RM888.08mil.

4. Out of order: The RMAF said it was unable to repair flight simulators for the Hawk and F/A-18 jet fighters in Butterworth because of a lack of funds. This was despite it signing a RM50.3mil contract covering training, hardware and maintenance with a private company in 1988 and extended to April 2005.

5. Complex under-utilised: The RM25mil International Sea Sports Complex in Labuan was left unutilised for nearly two years since it started operations in June 2001. In 2003 and 2004, only 51 activities including the Labuan International Sea Challenge, Labuan Arts Festival, Aidilfitri Open House, and government-department and private functions were conducted at the complex.

6. Delays increase cost: Delays in building four district police headquarters (IPD) plus quarters in Raub, Gua Musang, Kerian and Perak Tengah caused the Government to suffer at least RM5.85mil in losses.

2003

7. Way above market price: The Government paid up to 36% above the market price for certain medicines used in public hospitals and clinics despite sourcing them through open tenders. Although 140 contracts worth RM425mil were awarded through open tenders between 2001 and 2003, 83 contracts worth RM283mil went to one supplier while the rest were distributed among 11 others.

2002

8. Below par pool: The so-called international-sized pool at the RM45.5 million Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre fell short of the required measurements set by the swimming world's governing body, Fina. The length of the aquatic centre's pool is less than 50m, the standard for an Olympic-sized pool.

1999

9. Expensive tailoring: A total of RM3.02mil was paid to alter uniforms at the Armed Forces between 1997 and June 1999. The alteration fees for the 11th Royal Malay Regiment at Semenggo Camp, Sarawak, was RM31 per uniform while for the 15th Royal Malay Regiment Sri Miri Camp, it was RM68. At the Sungei Besi air force base, it was only 70 sen.

1998

10. Expensive Door: Yayasan Melaka, a foundation fully-owned by the state government to provide scholarship for poor students, purchased a door for RM25,000, toilet and floor mats worth RM11,000 and 25 designer briefcases worth RM38,750 among many others without calling for tenders or supporting quotations. Altogether, the foundation was found to have breached financial procedures in spending a total of RM639,423.

11. No letter for RM1.6bil in loans: Two loans totalling RM1.6bil were given to Perwaja Terengganu Sdn Bhd in 1997 and 1998 in which no letter of agreement was signed between the company and the Government.

12. Failure to check account: The Defence Ministry failed to monitor an account which paid for the purchase of military equipment from the United States, resulting in a discrepancy amounting to US$32mil (RM121.6mil). As there was no monitoring done, about US$66.7mil (RM253.5mil) was withdrawn from the account although the equipment supplied was worth only US$34.7mil (RM131.9mil).

1997

13. Poor revenue management: The Immigration Department in Damansara Town Centre did not bank in 4,680 bank drafts worth RM32mil in 1997. They were not cashed within the bank draft's validity period of three to six months. Of the amount, only 1,757 bank drafts worth RM14.97mil were recovered from those who issued the drafts.

14. Medical tools lying idle: Audit checks found 55 pieces of medical equipment worth RM1.41mil lying idle in government hospitals and dental clinics. The equipment included two operating microscopes each worth RM49,950 in Muar and Kangar Hospital, both unused for more than 19 months.

1995

15. Fund for disaster victims abused: The Malacca state used money from an emergency fund meant for flood and fire victims for the purchase of five Mercedes Benz cars for state executive councillors, a RM279,250 on an official car for the Malacca governor's wife, a RM271,500 car for the Chief Minister and a Proton Perdana costing RM60,644. Other purchases included RM13,160 for a computer table and RM13,300 for two chairs. Altogether RM10.18 million for 29 expenses was drawn from the emergency fund in 1995.

1993

16. Exorbitant seminar: The Melaka state government paid RM194,204 for a political party seminar. The Chief Minister's Office paid for the purchase of fountain pens as souvenirs for the delegates and organisation costs totalling RM168,394. Another RM25,810 was for a dinner for seminar delegates. The government also undertook three purchases involving RM216,084 without calling for tenders in 1993. They include the purchase of 1,434 food packets costing RM81,594. – Compiled by RASHVINJEET S.BEDI

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/30/agreport2006/18962785&sec=agreport2006]

M'sia rises a rank in Corruption Perception Index - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has risen a rank up on Transparency International's 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

It was ranked 43rd this year but the score of 5.1 was a minimal improvement from the 5.0 that Malaysia recorded last year.

However, the slight positive change in how people perceived corruption in the country's public sector stopped a five-year downward trend in the rankings, which was 33rd in 2002, 37th in 2003, 39th in 2004, 39th in 2005 and 44th in 2006.

The annual survey was carried out in 180 countries and is a composite index that draws on 14 expert opinion surveys. It was released Tuesday.

There were 16 new countries including Afghanistan, Maldives and Somalia.

The highest Asian country was Singapore which was ranked fourth and is the only non-Western economy to break the Top 10 list, led by Denmark. Somalia and Myanmar shared the last spot.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/26/nation/20070926191634&sec=nation]

No record of purchases - The Star

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Sports Council spent RM2.67mil on sports equipment from 2004 to 2006 but did not keep track of the purchases to prevent wastage or abuse.

The Auditor-General’s report noted that two bicycles worth RM19,800 could not be traced as there were no written records authorising their use elsewhere.

A RM5,300 lane rope for swimming also went missing while 24 types of equipment for silat, athletics and boxing worth RM47,911 meant for various training centres had not been used.

It added that 25 javelins worth RM3,570 were kept unused at the Miri Stadium because they were oversupplied by the council’s headquarters.

In addition, archery equipment worth RM30,859 was supplied too late to be used for training for the 11th Malaysia Games in 2006 and was not distributed to other training centres which needed them.

The report said the council did not maintain an asset register to record its purchases or appoint store officials to acknowledge the receipt of equipment.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/21/agreport2006/18923402&sec=AGReport2006]

Malaysia: Elections without representation - Asia Times Online

By Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR - Political tension is rising in the run-up to Malaysia's next general election as demands for free and fair polls made by a coalition of opposition political parties and civil-society groups are increasingly being met with violence by the ruling 13-party Barisan Nasional (BN, or National Front) coalition.

This month, police fired tear gas and shot at protesters, injuring two opposition supporters in the chest, while breaking up a massive opposition rally in Terengganu state, one of the few areas of Malaysia where the opposition and government are matched roughly equally in electoral strength.

The rally, organized on September 8 by BERSIH, an acronym for a coalition of five opposition political parties and 26 civil-society groups that means "clean" in the Malay language, was the biggest gathering held so far to demand reforms to the electoral system. The United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Malaysia's largest political party and the leader of the BN coalition, has won all 11 general elections held since the country achieved independence in 1957.

BERSIH has been touring the country mobilizing public support for its reform cause ahead of next polls, which are widely expected to be called in November. Police responded with what demonstrators contend is excessive use of force, adding a new and violent dimension to Malaysia's electoral politics.

"The use of such hard force and firing weapons, injuring opposition supporters, is unprecedented in recent history," said parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang.

Police said the assembly did not have a proper permit and was therefore illegal, but opposition leaders have insisted on their right to peaceful assembly.

[More at http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/II20Ae02.html]

Pak Lah: ACA must probe those named in A-G’s report - The Star

By Shahanaaz Habib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) should step in and investigate any suspicion of corruption in ministries and government agencies implicated in the Auditor- General’s (A-G) Report 2006 for mismanagement of funds, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister said the report was open to be read and scrutinised by all, including the ACA.

“And where the information causes suspicion, then of course the ACA should go in and investigate. We will not hinder the ACA from carrying out investigations,” he said yesterday after the seventh National Small and Medium Enterprise Council meeting at Bank Negara here.

It was reported that the ACA was scrutinising the AG's report to see if any of the transactions or projects involved corruption.

Since Budget Day on Sept 7, when the A-G's report was released, newspapers have been highlighting the detailed findings of financial irregularities.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/14/agreport2006/18884646&sec=AGReport2006]

Paying through the nose for tools - The Star

By Royce Cheah, Elizabeth Looi and Manjit Kaur

PETALING JAYA: Would you pay RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers?

Probably not, but that was what the Government paid to supply tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country, according to the Auditor-General’s (AG) report.

The AG said the screwdrivers had a market price of RM40 and according to pictures in the report, resembled the average Philips screwdrivers you could buy in any hardware shop.

And it does not stop there – the AG went a step further by examining the prices paid for 12 other tools and equipment bought for the IKBN project, comparing it with market prices when the procurement was done in late 2002.

Among these were technical books consisting 10 titles that had a price tag of RM10,700 and a 3.1 megapixel digital camera that was bought for RM8,254.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/9/agreport2006/18832193&sec=AGReport2006]

Malaysia considers switch to Islamic law - The Daily Telegraph

By Thomas Bell in Kuala Lumpur

Hardline Islamic law could be introduced across Malaysia under reforms proposed by the country's chief justice.

As the nation in south-east Asia celebrated 50 years of independence from Britain yesterday, its government was preparing to discuss a plan that would revolutionise the legal system put in place by its former colonial administrators.

As Kuala Lumpur witnessed celebrations that included parades, fireworks and a fighter-jet fly-by attended by the Duke of York, the proposal pointed to the deep differences which locals say are poisoning social relations beyond the glitter and skyscrapers of Malaysia's modern capital city.

Ahmad Fairuz, the chief justice, told an Islamic conference in Kuala Lumpur that 50 years of independence had failed to free Malaysia from the "clutches of colonialism". Sharia law should be "infused" into the gaps created by abolishing common law, he said.

Malaysia's non-Muslim Chinese and Indian communities, who form 40 per cent of the population, are alarmed at creeping Islamisation.

[More at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1561896/Malaysia-considers-switch-to-Islamic-law.html]

PKFZ, Johor Crimes Among Issues Raised At Dialogue With Rafidah - Bernama

SINGAPORE, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The annual seminar on business opportunities in Malaysia took place in Singapore today, attended by some 1,000 members of the Singapore business community as well as representatives of state governments and agencies in Malaysia.

As was the case in the past, the participants took full advantage of the opportunity to shoot questions at International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz in a no-holds barred style.

A participant, for instance, spoke of the backlog of pending cases in courts which he said could affect confidence among investors who want speedy settlement in the event of commercial disputes, citing his bad experience in Penang involving a piece of land for development.

Rafidah said the government is equally concerned of matters that could affect investor confidence, hence the decision to set up Pemudah, a special task force to find ways to facilitate business in Malaysia.

"But this is not the norm, but if you are the aggrieved party, you don't care whether this is a norm or not, you just want your problem settled," she said, adding that she would raise the matter with the Cabinet.

She also pointed out that land matters are under the jurisdiction of state governments but assured the business community that they too are committed to ensuring that bureaucratic processes are minimised.

Another participant questioned Malaysia's concern over pollution since the matter was not mentioned in Rafidah's keynote address earlier, but she assured that Malaysia is indeed concerned about the environment, saying:

"Environment is very important to Malaysia. We want to make sure that we have enough forest cover to make sure the environment is not spoilt, but cultural habits also contribute to pollution."

There was also a question about "problems" relating to Port Klang but Rafidah said she was not aware of it.

"I don't think you are talking about Port Klang but about the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ)," she said.

"The problem is not with the port. It's the development of a free zone. These are all commercial ventures and the government is now looking at it ... there was some financial escalation."

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=281788]

I’m not with the Opposition, says Dr M - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refuted claims that he is on the “Opposition’s side”, stressing his love and loyalty remained strongly with Umno, the country, and his religion and race.

“I have never taken sides with the Opposition. I love my party dearly but this does not mean that I support the party leadership,” he said at a dialogue session with the Malaysian Concerned Citizens Council ad-hoc committee (Prihatin) at the Perdana Leadership Foundation yesterday.

The former prime minister said that when he quarrelled with the late first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, it was because he loved the party and wanted to save Umno.

He said that while loyalty to the party should remain steadfast, members must be brave enough to point out leaders' mistakes so they would not be repeated and “bring about destruction and downfall, and weaken the party”.

“Leaders on the other hand, must not have this misconception that support for Umno means support for them too. When there is victory, leaders think it is because the people support them when the support may just have been for the party.”

Unlike other races, particularly the Chinese, who would use their votes to send a message or make a point, the Malays, he claimed, would blindly support political parties, whether Umno or PAS.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/16/nation/18604951&sec=nation]

Cabinet rejects apology from Negaraku rapper - The Star

By Loh Foon Fong

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has not accepted student Wee Meng Chee’s apology for the furore caused by his Negaraku rap videoclip on video-sharing web portal YouTube.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the Cabinet had decided yesterday that they were not in the position to forgive him and that “the law would have to take its course”.

“The offence was not against the Prime Minister or ministers concerned but against the nation,” Nazri told reporters after the launch of the International Conference on Media and Information Warfare: A Global Challenge of the 21st Century here.

“If he had committed an offence, which I think was an offence, then we must allow the Attorney General to investigate and decide whether to take him to court,” he said.

Wee had on Tuesday apologised for the parody and agreed to remove the videoclip from his blog.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/16/nation/20070816152355&sec=nation]

Student rapper apologises - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Student Wee Meng Chee, 24, who caused a furore here with his Negaraku rap video clip on YouTube, has apologised for the parody and will remove the video clip from his blog.

“It has taught me a lesson about the spirit of nationalism and race relations. As a Malaysian, I did not intend to shame the country or ridicule any religion.

“To end the controversy, I will remove the video clip from my blog and I hope other bloggers will stop distributing the video clip,” said the mass communications student at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan.

Meng Chee said he also did not have any intention of creating anti-government sentiments or fan racism by writing the song as he was loyal to the King and the country where he was raised, gained knowledge and given the freedom to develop his talent.

He said he wanted to return and contribute to the country.

“I am proud to be a Malaysian and my loyalty to my country has not wavered even though I’m now studying in Taiwan,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/15/nation/18592215&sec=nation]

Thousands gather in Putrajaya demanding end to marginalisation of Indians - Malaysiakini.tv

The overcast and gloomy weather in Putrajaya reflected the mood of the thousands of Indian Malaysians who had gathered at the administrative capital this morning.

There was a reason for this crowd to be in Putrajaya on a wet Sunday. They wanted to tell Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that they should not be further marginalised as Malaysians.

University student comes under fire for video clip - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian student Wee Meng Chee has frequently courted controversy with his numerous postings on video search engine YouTube, but his latest parody of the national anthem has been severely criticised by politicians.

Wee has come under fire for mocking the national anthem and making statements many found offensive because they contained racial slurs.

His six-minute video clip, which used Negaraku in a Mandarin rap, has been viewed more than 400,000 times since the middle of last month.

Wee, a 24-year-old mass communications student at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, has insisted that he is patriotic.

“I wrote the song in conjunction with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence and it is my gift to the country,” the Johorean said.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said police would investigate the rap video while MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Wee had insulted the national anthem.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/9/nation/18538504&sec=nation]

Malaysian official allays minorities' religious concerns - AP

AP, KUALA LUMPUR

Muslim-dominated Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic state, the prime minister said in an apparent bid to make amends after his deputy upset minorities by describing the country as Islamic.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said late on Saturday the country can be best described as a multiracial nation that practices parliamentary democracy with freedom of religion for all.

"We are not a secular state. We are also not a theocratic state like Iran and Pakistan ... but we are a government that is based on parliamentary democracy," Abdullah told reporters after making a speech in the northern state of Penang.

Abdullah's aides could not be immediately reached to confirm the comments.

The prime minister's attempt to take the middle ground comes amid rising concerns among Malaysia's Chinese and Indian minorities that their rights are becoming subordinate to Islam.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak added fuel to fire last month when he said Malaysia is not secular but is an Islamic state that protects the religious rights of minority groups.

[More at http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/08/06/2003372922]

Umno is not racist, says Khairy - The Star

KLANG: Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaludin has refuted allegations by the Opposition that the movement practises racism.

“I don’t understand how the accusation come about – calling us racist. In fact, Umno always emphasises on the power-sharing concept and history has proven it.

“Ijok is a good example, where an Indian candidate was nominated despite a Malay majority in the constituency. This had been repeated in many other constituencies.

“How can we be racist, when we are defending equality?” he asked after opening the Kapar Umno division youth delegates meeting here yesterday.

Khairy also said that Selangor did not need a comprehensive development blueprint from the Federal Government as it was already a well-developed state.

He said such development plans should be channelled to the less developed states such Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/6/nation/18511477&sec=nation]

Anwar a traitor to Malay cause, says Khairy - The Star

KUALA KANGSAR: Umno Youth has labelled Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – who was once head of the movement – a traitor to the Malay cause.

In making the declaration, Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaludin said: “The (coming) general elections is not about politics but the future of the Malays.”

“Anwar is a puppet of the United States and the Jews, thus he must be hounded until there is no more place for him to run to,” he told a state Umno Youth gathering on Wednesday night.
Among the 5,000 people present were the wing’s former chief Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Deputy Information Minister, and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

Khairy said the movement was angered by Anwar’s persistence in wanting to do away with the New Economic Policy, a cause close to the hearts of the Malays.

“He wanted to abolish it simply because he wanted to win the support of the non-Malays,” he said.

In Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Khairy said there should be no more statements from any Barisan Nasional component party leaders concerning demands for extra seats for the parties.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/3/nation/18486221&sec=nation]

Bloggers Who Slander Must Be Brought To Book, Says Khairy - Bernama

KIMANIS (Sabah), July 28 (Bernama) -- Umno wants bloggers who resort to slander to be brought to book, said Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said these bloggers did not think about the sensitivities of others and the repercussions their writings can cause.

"There are no laws in the cyberworld except for the law of the jungle. As such, action must be taken so that the "monkeys" behave," he told reporters after opening the Papar, Kimanis and Sipitang Umno Youth annual delegates conference here today.

Khairy said there were some bloggers who thought they were above the law.

He said this when asked about Malaysia-Today webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin being called by the police for alleged seditious comments posted on it.

Khairy added that he too had been slandered on websites but had yet to take legal action because the case might take a long time to be settled.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=276105]

Police Quiz Malaysia Today's Blogger - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- Police today interviewed Malaysia Today's blogger, Raja Petra Kamaruddin following a report lodged on Monday by Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib who claimed that the blog had churned out sensitive remarks.

Accompanied by his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, 51, and Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Tian Chua and several supporters, Raja Petra, 57, showed up at Dang Wangi Police District headquarters at about 11am.

Raja Petra who was led into the police headquarters by a policeman gave his statement at 12.15pm and until 6pm he had yet to leave the station.

According to Marina, Raja Petra received a call from a police officer with the rank of an ASP at 8am asking him to give a statement at the police station.

Dang Wangi District Police Chief ACP Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman confirmed that Raja Petra was summoned to give his statement over his article in Malaysia Today's blog on July 11 which was said to delve on religious and racial sentiments.

This is the second time Raja Petra was summoned by police to give a statement over his article posted in the blog which started in August 2004. He had given a police statement last year.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=275482]

Umno Youth Hails Action Against Errant Bloggers - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Umno Youth movement said it fully supports the government's move to act against webmasters and bloggers who flouted the law and belittled the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Its Economic Bureau chief Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican said although they were free to voice their opinions, they should do so responsibly.

"Those found guilty of insulting the king must be brought to justice," he said in a statement here today.

Reezal Merican, who is also Federation of Peninsular Malay Students Association president, said nowadays bloggers were abusing freedom of speech to the extent that they dared to insult the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and disseminate slander and lies against the administration, the prime minister and his deputy.

Concerned about errant bloggers, he said, the movement lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on July 10.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth Public Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Subahan Kamal described groups who write on sensitive issues which include insulting the king and Islam as irresponsible and having little respect for the dignity of the people or the country.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=275477]

Mat Taib Lodges Police Report Against Malaysia Today - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Umno information chief Senator Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib today lodged a police report against blogsite Malaysia Today for carrying articles deemed to have insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Statements and comments posted in the blogsite dated July 11 were deemed to have contravened the Penal Code, Sedition Act and the Communication and Multimedia Act, he told reporters after lodging the report at the Tun H.S. Lee police station here.

"It was over a report which had insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the monarchy. It had also insulted and poked fun at Islam as the official religion of the federation."

Muhammad said comments posted on the blogsite also incited hate betweem the various races and could affect unity and national security.

The Kelana Jaya Umno division leader said he had been advised against divulging the statements and comments to the media as they were too sensitive.

"As responsible citizens, we cannot allow such articles to be posted on blogsites and urged the authorities to act in accordance with the law," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today the government is not on a witch hunt for bloggers.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=275035]

Malaysia Not Secular State, Says Najib - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Tuesday Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic nation with its own interpretation.

He said the country had never been affiliated to secularism but was always driven by the fundamentals of Islam as it is clearly stated in the constitution that Islam is the official religion.

"Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state. But as an Islamic state, it does not mean that we don't respect the non-Muslims. The Muslims and the non-Muslims have their own rights (in this country)," he told reporters after officiating the "International Conference on the Role of Islamic States in a Globalised World" on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a hotel here.

The conference is organised by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim). Ikim chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and director-general Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas were present.

Najib was asked whether Malaysia was seemingly moving towards being a secular state.

"I have to correct you. We have never been secular because being secular by Western definition means separation of the Islamic principles in the way we govern a country.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=273699]

Apologise or face action, BN leaders tell Tian Chua - The Star

TANGKAK: Say sorry! That is what several Umno and MCA leaders want Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief Tian Chua to do to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak over a doctored picture depicting Najib with Abdul Razak Baginda and a woman alleged to be Altantuya Shaaribu that was posted on the Internet.

While Najib said yesterday that he would not make any comment at the moment over the doctored photo, his colleagues gave Tian Chua an ultimatum to apologise or face legal action.

Najib said he would, for the time being, let the people vent their anger at Tian Chua.

“There is no need for me to comment on the matter at present,” he said.

Tian Chua had said the photograph, which he had created personally, was merely a fantasy and a work of art.

However, Tian Chua insisted that he would not retract the photograph or apologise to anyone.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/8/nation/18246748&sec=nation]

Debate takes ugly turn - The Star

At the Dewan Rakyat
Reports by Elizabeth Looi, Zulkifli Abd Rahman and Florence A. Samy

STRONG words were exchanged between Barisan Nasional MPs and their colleagues in the Opposition when the issue of corruption came up during question time.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz was speaking about Malaysia's poor ratings on the Transparency International corruption index when Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang stood up and accused the Government of not doing anything about corruption.

Lim brought up the case involving Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharum who is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency.

Johari had earlier denied allegations made in the Internet of a politician receiving money to ensure the freedom of suspects detained under the Emergency Ordinance.

Lim questioned why Nazri, who was in charge of legal affairs, could not say anything about the investigations.

Nazri said he could not reply on behalf of the Attorney-General because that would be seen as trying to usurp his powers.

“Malaysia cannot become a successful and developed country if such people (Lim) are in the House.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/22/parliament/18101571&sec=parliament]

Malaysia In The `Premier League' Of CPI - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said although the preception on corruption in this country is considered to be unfavourable, Malaysia is still included in the `premier league' comprising 50 countries with the least corruption.

"When we have reached (the group of) 50, how can we go up further? We are already in the premier league, it is not easy to improve," he said in the Dewan Rakyat when responding to a question from Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Keadilan-Permatang Pauh) who wanted to know the measures taken by the government in view of the decline in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for Malaysia prepared by Transparency International compared to countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Malaysia's position dropped five rungs to 33 last year from the 39th spot in 2005.

Nazri said although the CPI was a study based on foreign perception or opinion, which did not reflect the real situation in the country, the negative perception must be accepted as a reminder to all strata of society to work harder to eliminate corruption.

He said the government would redouble efforts to check corruption through various approaches perticularly in terms of the legal aspects, counselling and social education and thus improve Malaysia's position from the CPI perspective.

"Efforts will also be made to improve the government's delivery system for services particularly those involving the economic sector, forging closer cooperation with the GLCs (government-linked companies) and the private sector in the context of the prevention of corrupt practices and strengthening integrity, and to seek the cooperation of the various sectors within and outside the country to assist in changing the preception," said Mohamed Nazri.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=268750]

Doctored photos of Perak DAP leaders in sex acts - The Star

IPOH: Doctored photographs showing several Perak DAP leaders supposedly performing sexual acts have been circulated to the Chinese press.

The pictures, sent to the e-mail addresses of the Chinese newspapers here, have caused an uproar among the leaders, whose faces were superimposed on those of the “participants” of the sex acts.

The doctored photographs targeted Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan, Sitiawan assemblyman Ngeh Koo Ham, Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming and Menglembu assemblyman Keong Meng Sing.

The four told reporters yesterday that the first e-mail containing the faces of Ngeh and Fong reached the China Press office on June 5.

Ngeh, who acted as spokesman, said that over the next two days photographs of other leaders in similar acts were also e-mailed to other Chinese newspapers.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/10/nation/17985354&sec=nation]