KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said other component parties in the Barisan Nasional (BN) should take into account Umno's struggle to safeguard the Malay interests.
"Our struggle to safeguard the Malay interest will continue, but not to an extent that it will create fear among our friends in the BN," he told reporters at the parliament lobby here Monday.
In reaction to a statement by MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat that MCA should change its image and to adopt a more multi-racial approach so as not to be erased from the landscape of national politics, Hishammuddin described it as a brave statement with a vision.
Hishammuddin, who is also Education Minister, said the Umno Youth would also adopt a similar approach.
"For example, if we want to discuss the New Economic Policy or the Malay interests in Umno's context, it should be tailored to suit the young generation who truly understand the meaning of the struggle.
"We want to convince the public that the basis of our struggle will not change, but the method on how we want to explain to the grassroots, I think only the BN has the network to do so," he added.
[From http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330950]
Monday, May 5, 2008
BN Component Parties Should Assent To Umno's Struggle For The Malays - Bernama
Malaysia drops idea of travel restriction for women - Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia rejected on Monday a proposal to impose restrictions on women travelling overseas on their own following an outcry from women's groups.
Home (Interior) Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his ministry could not impose conditions requiring women to get written consent from their family before they can travel abroad alone.
"There cannot be (such) a rule," the national Bernama news agency quoted him as telling reporters.
"When a person applies for a passport, we don't ask them where they are going. A person who wants to travel, makes his or her own decision to travel and how they are going to do it is up to them."
Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said on Saturday both the foreign and home ministries mooted the idea in response to a string of cases where women travelling alone were used by international drug syndicates to smuggle drugs across borders.
The Foreign Ministry clarified on Monday that Rais's proposal only related to children and women below 21 years of age.
[More at http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKKLR14376420080505]
Kit Siang: Time to relook social contract - The Sun
By Kong See Hoh
PETALING JAYA (May 5, 2008): DAP central policy and strategic planning commission chairman Lim Kit Siang feels the time is ripe for all parties to relook the social contract upon which the nation was founded.
"We have not discussed the social contract since Merdeka" he said.
Speaking to Sin Chew Daily in an interview published today, the DAP veteran and Ipoh Timur MP said in the wake of the March 8 general election, parties from both sides of the political divide and the people should ponder where the country is headed.
He suggested the various political parties organise an all-Malaysian summit to examine the country's achievements for the last 50 years and determine the direction the country should take to forge ahead.
On the possibility that Pakatan Rakyat might lose the support of some Malays for proposing to replace Malay supremacy (Ketuanan Melayu) with people's supremacy (Ketuanan Rakyat), Lim felt that if the country is to head for the development of a Bangsa Malaysia, the emphasis should be on people's supremacy, and to rise above race, religion and party.
"And there should be no more distinction between bumiputras and non-bumiputras," he added.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22003]
Parliament sitting starts with Speaker’s ‘lecture’ - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Monday's Dewan Rakyat sitting started off with a 10-minute lecture by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia reminding the MPs not to highlight trivial and technical matters during proceedings.
He said he would not allow MPs to call for point of order unnecessarily unless it was about a substantial issue and was in public interest.
MPs, he said, had wasted too much time during the first sitting last Wednesday when they kept interrupting proceedings on point of order.
Later, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shahziman Abu Mansor said the Government would conduct a research to come up with an Energy Efficiency Master Plan.
He said this would ensure there is energy efficiency in the industries, commercial and domestic adding that the Government would also regulate a law to ensure energy efficiency.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/5/nation/20080505114309&sec=nation]
Lim and Ooi ‘have no courage for open debate’ - The Star
PENANG: The 48-hour deadline has passed and former Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung (PBT) members are saying Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his chief of staff Jeff Ooi have no courage to debate the matter pertaining to the association for the wives of state assemblymen and MPs.
“Lim has no courage to debate openly with PBT members,” PBT past president Puan Sri Chui Kah Peng said in a press statement.
“We are very disappointed Lim has refused to accept our challenge to defend ourselves and to let him justify his allegations,” she said.
Chui said in view of the rejection and failure by both DAP politicians to respond, “we will continue to take appropriate measures to defend our integrity and dignity.”
However, Lim’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik said PBT members should seriously consider the challenge as it involved some legality and question of ethics on how the funds were transferred and the association dissolved.
In a letter to Chui, he said one of the pertinent questions involved was that all PBT members had lost their rights to run and manage the association after the election results were announced and they did not have the mandate to make any decision on the association and its funds.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/5/nation/21151262&sec=nation]
Don’t believe Anwar, urges Liow - The Star
PENANG: The Chinese community has been advised not to be hoodwinked by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s promises.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Anwar had caused “severe” damage to the community through his many unfair policies when he was Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister.
“He was responsible for putting non-Chinese educated administrators in Chinese schools and he was also against relocating Chinese schools or increasing the number of Chinese schools,” he said at a luncheon with state MCA committee members yesterday.
“But now he is portraying a totally different image. He can promise you the world since he is no longer in power and even the DAP and PAS are placing high hopes on him to bring changes.”
He also criticised PAS for trying to implement the hudud law and hit out at DAP for forming a collaboration with the Islamist party in the five Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments.
“Their collaboration with PAS has raised concerns among non-Muslims who have always been fearful of PAS’ plans to set up an Islamic state,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/5/nation/21152199&sec=nation]
MCA needs to stay relevant - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA, the second largest Barisan Nasional component party which has all along been known as a Chinese-based party since its formation, needs to change by adopting a more multiracial outlook and approach or face the risk of extinction in the national political landscape, says vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
Such a strategic change, he said, might not be drastically apparent at the moment but it was something that the party needed to do to stay relevant in the country’s new political scenario.
“We need to project a multiracial outlook and approach to handle the people’s concerns,” he told Bernama in an interview.
“Of course, I do not rule out the possibility that my agenda will raise eyebrows among the conservative (members) in the party.
“I am also mindful of the possibility that this may be used by my detractors in the coming party elections and put me at risk of losing support within the party.
“(But) I am adamant in my stand. I am strongly convinced that this is the way out for the party if you really want to keep the party relevant.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/5/nation/21151577&sec=nation]
Nasimuddin 'kept illness a secret' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: The late Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin's ailment was not common knowledge, even to his immediate family. At least, not until about two months ago.
At the mosque, family members and even a few of his closest friends admitted that they had no clue of his illness as he had always been active and showed no signs of deteriorating health, aside from his coughing.
His eldest son, S.M. Faisal S.M. Nasimuddin, said: "That was his style. He would put his family and staff first. He had been coughing, but everyone had bronchitis then and we thought he had it, too.
"I hope my father will be remembered for the way he lived and his contributions to the country. We have to ensure that his Naza legacy is continuously nurtured."
Daughter Nur Diana, who looked calm and composed, said news of her father's illness took the family by surprise.
"Everything happened so fast. When he was diagnosed, he was already in stage four."
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2231733/Article]
'If they're of legal age, they've right to travel' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: "If a wife was leaving the country to get away from her husband, should she get a letter from him before leaving?"
This question was posed by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong to the proposal that all women travelling out of the country alone be required to have a letter from parents or employers.
"I am sure Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim meant well with his proposal, but it is flawed and inappropriate. People have varying reasons for travelling alone."
Chong said in cases where parents asked him for help to stop their daughters from going overseas, he told them it was not right to hold their daughters against their will.
"If they are of legal age, then they have the right to travel as they please."
Chong said 97 Malaysians were serving jail terms in Taiwan for drug-related offences since 2000. "Of the 97, five are women in their 20s. Does this mean that every time a Malaysian man travels abroad alone, he should also produce a letter from his parents or employers?"
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2231709/Article/index_html]
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Pemimpin UMNO kesal Karpal, Koo Ham cabar titah Sultan Perak - Utusan
IPOH 4 Mei - Pemimpin UMNO di Perak hari ini kesal dengan perbuatan Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh dan Pengerusi DAP negeri, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham yang mencabar titah Sultan Perak dengan mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa sultan tidak berhak melantik semula pegawai kerajaan termasuk di Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP).
Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri kawasan Manong, Datuk Ramly Zahary berkata, pandangan itu tidak benar kerana telah wujud konvensyen antara kerajaan negeri dan istana membabitkan pentadbiran agama Islam di Perak.
''Pihak istana berhak menentukan arah tuju peraturan agama Islam negeri berlandaskan konvensyen itu," katanya di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas laporan akhbar berbahasa Inggeris yang memetik Karpal Singh sebagai berkata, sebarang kenyataan yang dibuat oleh Sultan Perak perlu mendapat nasihat daripada pegawai undang-undang dan sultan tidak berhak untuk memecat atau menukar mana-mana pegawai kerajaan termasuk di JAIP.
Kelmarin, Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan menitahkan pertukaran serta-merta yang diarahkan oleh Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin terhadap Pengarah JAIP, Datuk Jamry Sury ditarik balik.
Istana Perak menyifatkan perbuatan Mohammad Nizar menukar Jamry Selasa lalu telah membelakangkan kedudukan Sultan Perak sebagai ketua agama Islam dan Raja Muda Perak selaku Yang Dipertua Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP).
Sementara itu Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mendesak anugerah Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) yang diterima oleh Koo Ham ditarik balik memandangkan sikap kurang ajar pemimpin DAP itu mencabar titah Tuanku Sultan Azlan Shah.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0505&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Politik&pg=po_02.htm]
Perak DAP Chairman Shows True Colour Of DAP, Says Ahmad Zahid - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- The statement made by the Perak State Executive Councillor, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, who is also Perak DAP chairman, Saturday showed the true colour of the DAP, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Ngeh's statement that the state government would take action against any senior state government officers who tried to sabotage the policies of the state government under Pakatan Rakyat implied as though Ngeh was protesting the order of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, which reinstated Datuk Jamry Suri as Director of the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIP).
"It's as though he is protesting the order of His Royal Highness who reinstated Datuk Jamry as JAIP Director," he told Bernama Sunday night.
He was commenting on press reports which quoted Ngeh as saying that the Perak state government would issue `show cause' letters to senior officers of the state government who were alleged to have tried to sabotage the policies of the state government under Pakatan Rakyat.
The media Saturday reported that Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak to apologise for the sudden transfer of Jamry as the JAIP Director.
Jamry, who assumed the post of JAIP Director since 2004, was ordered transferred to the State Secretariat as a Special Functions Officer by Mohammad Nizar on April 29 as he was alleged to be uncooperative.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330725]
Bunga Tanjong's Dissolution, Donation To Bakti Deemed Ultra Vires - Bernama
PENANG, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Penang government regards the action of the Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjong (PBT) office-bearers to dissolve the association and to donate its funds to Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) as ultra vires to its constitution and against the law.
Political secretary of the Chief Minister, Ng Wei Aik, said it was unethical for the PBT (Association of Wives of Penang Elected Representatives) management to dissolve the association or make decisions on it as they no longer qualified to lead it or be its ordinary members.
In his letter to PBT president, Puan Sri Chui Kah Peng, and faxed to the press here, he demanded that Chui clarify whether three-fifths of its 45 members had, on March 9, the right to make the decision to dissolve PBT and to hand over RM350,000 of its funds amounting to RM590,665, to Bakti as they had lost the right to be PBT members under its constitution.
According to the PBT constitution, membership is restricted to the wives of Penang assemblymen and parliamentarians, except from the opposition.
"There is no mention of wives of BN assemblymen and MPs and the association's registered address is the Chief Minister's Office, 28th Floor, Komtar," Ng pointed out.
"Therefore, accordingly, PBT should be led by and comprise the wives of the elected representatives of the new state government."
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330720]
Malaysia angers women with travel-restriction idea - Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian women's groups reacted with outrage on Sunday to a government proposal to impose restrictions on women planning to travel overseas on their own.
The mainly Muslim country is considering requiring women to obtain the written consent of their families or employers before being allowed to travel alone outside the country, state news agency Bernama said on Saturday, quoting the foreign minister.
"It is totally ridiculous and it's a totally regressive proposal with regards to women's right to movement," said Norhayati Kaprawi, spokeswoman for Sisters in Islam.
The National Council for Women's Organisations called it unfair. "This is an infringement of our rights," council deputy president Faridah Khalid told the New Sunday Times.
The foreign and home ministries came up with the idea in response to a string of cases where women traveling alone were used by international drug syndicates to smuggle drugs across borders, Bernama said, quoting Foreign Minister Rais Yatim.
Bernama portrayed the proposal as an anti-crime measure rather than a religiously inspired idea and said it aimed to ensure that a woman's family would "monitor her departure and serve as a preventive measure against being duped".
[More at http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSKLR16054520080504]
Nazri: Be mindful of status, stature of Rulers - The Star
KUALA KANGSAR: Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin should exercise greater care in carrying out his duties as the Perak menteri besar, especially in matters pertaining to Islam and Malay customs.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz reminded Mohammad Nizar and top officials in all state governments, that they should be mindful of the status of the Malay Rulers.
"Many people think the Malay Rulers are merely ceremonial figures and have no say in the administration of the state. The truth is, the Rulers have a special position in the power-sharing equation in the states.
"Even the British had exercised their power on all administrative matters except those touching on Islam and Malay customs. These two areas come directly under the purview of the Malay Rulers," he said after closing a village health camp at Kampung Sauk here yesterday.
"We have continued the practice after we attained independence. In matters relating to Islam and Malay customs, the state governments, under the leadership of the menteris besar, must obtain approval from the Rulers," said Nazri.
Therefore, he said, when a menteri besar failed to consult the Ruler, the Ruler had the right to point out the wrong and issue direction to correct the situation.
He said Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah acted rightly by instructing Nizar to withdraw the transfer order and reinstate Jamry as the director of the Perak state Religious Department. Jamry is also secretary of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/National/2230998/Article/index_html]
Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class - The Star
PENANG: Some things have not changed with Lim Guan Eng, although he is now the Penang Chief Minister.
And among that is his penchant for economy class air travel.
As the chief executive of Penang, Lim is entitled to a business class seat but he is having none of it.
As travellers queued to get into the airplane, many are surprised to see Lim standing in line with them, just like in the days before the DAP wrested Penang from the Barisan Nasional in the March general election.
Among those who were surprised to see the Penang CM in economy class were songbird Ning Baizura and her manager Vernon Kedit Jolly, who were at KL International Airport last Wednesday.
Jolly was so moved that he wrote about it on his blog, which spurned off reactions among other bloggers.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/4/nation/21148152&sec=nation]
Opposition: Free media vital for democracy to flourish - The Star
PETALING JAYA: The enactment of a Freedom of Information Act and the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) is necessary for democracy to flourish in Malaysia, Opposition leaders said.
In marking World Press Freedom Day yesterday, Opposition parties called on the Government to establish a free media environment.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said having a free media was important and that it was the Government’s muzzling of the mainstream media during the last general election that led to the flourishing of cyber warriors.
“The Prime Minster himself admitted the effect the cyber-warriors had but unfortunately did not take note of it.
“Investigations by the authorities on a blogger and a columnist of The Sun on the eve of World Press Freedom Day also shows that the Government failed to understand what the masses want,” Dr Wan Azizah said.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng, said the PPPA requirement for publishers and printers to apply for fresh permits annually had prevented free and independent journalism.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/4/nation/21148194&sec=nation]
Rice bowl state runs out of grain - The Star
ALOR STAR: Subsidised local rice is said to be no longer available in the state and the Government has directed an investigation into the matter.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad, who called on the Control of Padi and Rice Division to do so, said he wanted to know why such rice was no longer available.
“I have asked the division (which comes under the Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Ministry) to check.
“On matters concerning rice, the Consumer Affairs Ministry's enforcement unit can only assist the division,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He said this when responding to complaints from Kedah consumers and traders that they could no longer get the local (ST) super grade rice.
ST, which contains 15% broken grains, is the cheapest rice available. The controlled price of the ST grade rice is between RM16.50 and RM17.50 for a 10kg packet.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/4/nation/21147824&sec=nation]
Non-bumi quota in residential schools won’t be increased - The Star
KUALA PILAH: There is no need to increase the enrolment of non-bumiputra students in government residential schools, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said it was difficult to produce a formula that could please everyone and that the present arrangement would remain.
“If we talk about residential schools, then people will start talking about the exclusivity of the religious schools and the SJKC and SJKT schools.
“I, for one, am happy with the diversity as this is our strength ... we should celebrate this diversity,” he said after visiting SM Sains Tuanku Ja’afar near here.
Hishammuddin was asked if more non-bumiputras should be allowed to study in residential schools which normally did better that normal schools in the academic field.
Of the country’s 54 residential schools, only the Mara Junior Colleges reserved 10% of its seats for non-bumiputra students.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/4/nation/21148269&sec=nation]
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Jangan kompromi - UMNO digesa tidak terus tunduk pada tuntutan jejas kuasa, hak Melayu - Utusan
Oleh Luqman Haziq dan Arshad Khan
JOHOR BAHRU 3 Mei – Apa jua usaha memulihkan kembali Barisan Nasional (BN) yang ditunjangi UMNO hendaklah dilakukan tanpa kompromi terhadap kuasa dan hak Melayu.
Beberapa peserta Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu yang ditemui berpendapat UMNO tidak perlu terus tunduk kepada permintaan rakan komponen BN yang lain kerana tuntutan-tuntutan itu tidak akan berakhir.
Setiausaha Satu, Gabungan Penulis Nasional (Gapena), Prof. Madya Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan berkata, situasi selepas Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 sedang menyaksikan politik toleransi mengambil tempat dalam BN.
“UMNO dalam BN akan tawar-menawar (dengan komponen lain). Semasa UMNO kuat, ia mampu pertahan semua milik Melayu, tetapi banyak perkara berlaku dalam masa UMNO tidak kuat.
“MIC dan MCA secara terbuka meminta pelbagai perkara dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) bukan Melayu pun cuba mengambil kesempatan,” katanya kepada Mingguan Malaysia ketika ditemui di Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu, di sini hari ini.
Menurut beliau lagi, sesetengah orang melihat usaha memulihkan kembali BN pada masa ini mungkin boleh dilakukan dengan mendengar tuntutan kaum Cina dan India.
Bagaimanapun katanya, sebahagian besar tuntutan itu mungkin bertentangan dengan hak dan keistimewaan orang Melayu.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0504&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm]
Perkukuh kembali kuasa raja - Utusan
JOHOR BAHRU 3 Mei – Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu diminta menggerakkan usaha ke arah memperkukuhkan kembali kuasa raja-raja Melayu supaya kedaulatan dan kekuasaan orang Melayu sentiasa terjamin.
Para peserta kongres tidak mahu raja-raja Melayu hanya sekadar menjadi simbol sebaliknya mereka mahu institusi raja berada dalam kedudukan untuk menjadi penjaga kelangsungan politik Melayu.
Ada yang berpendapat kuasa raja-raja yang pernah dikurangkan pada suatu ketika dahulu perlu dikembalikan.
Naib Presiden Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), Rosdi Amir berkata, kuasa raja-raja Melayu perlu diperkukuhkan kembali memandangkan kekuasaan mereka kini semakin lemah.
Beliau yakin jika kuasa raja-raja Melayu dikembalikan dan diperkuatkan, institusi itu tidak akan mencampuri urusan kerajaan sebaliknya mereka berada di satu kedudukan yang mampu memantau kelangsungan hak-hak Melayu dengan lebih baik dan berkesan.
Sebagai contoh katanya, pada masa ini, sebarang perubahan Perlembagaan negara umpamanya, jika tidak dipersetujui raja-raja Melayu masih boleh dikuatkuasakan selepas 60 hari ia diluluskan.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0504&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_03.htm]
PM: No minimum wage yet - TheStarOnline.tv
In response to the Malaysian Trades Union Congress' demand for minimum wage, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says it may cause inflation.
Immediate Action Needed To Prevent Split Among Malays - Bernama
KOTA BAHARU, May 3 (Bernama) -- Firm action is needed to prevent the possibility of a split between the Malays which may affect their economy, said the president of the Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (Perdasama), Datuk Moehamad Izat Emir.
He said immediate action on the matter would not only guarantee the future of the Malays but also strengthen their economy.
"As we know, the economic strength of the Malays depends on the political strength of the community," he told Bernama, when met here Saturday.
He said the government could no longer delay in resolving the crisis which could result in the Malays facing a greater burden following the increasing prices of essential goods in the market.
As such, he suggested that Malay unity be made as the thrust in rebuilding the Malay political and economic strength so that they would not face hardship in their own country.
On the differing political stands of the Malays such as Umno and PAS, he said they should not be made as a stumbling block to rebuilding the political strength of the Malays in this country.
"If the Malays have not made any progress after 50 years of independence, then the differing political stands should be removed and cooperation be made the main thrust," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330557]
Perak MB To Seek Audience With Sultan To Apologise - Bernama
IPOH, May 3 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin will seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah soon to apologise over his action in ordering the transfer of the state Religious Department (JAIP) director.
"I fully respect and will always humbly abide by whatever decisions by the Sultan of Perak. I will seek an audience with His Royal Highness to hand over my letter of apology as soon as possible," he said in a statement issued to Bernama here today.
Yesterday, the Sultan directed Mohammad Nizar to withdraw the transfer order issued to Datuk Jamry Sury on Tuesday and to reinstate him as the state Religious Department director.
A statement on the matter was issued by the Sultan's private secretary Datuk Abd Rahim Mohamad Nor, which also directed Mohammad Nizar to have an audience with the Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah to explain the transfer.
It also stated that in the event that Jamry had breached any rules or committed any offence as regards the administration, the state government is required to submit the matter formally to the Sultan for him to make a decision on the necessary legal process before any final decision is made.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330562]
Malaysia delays public projects to use money for food stockpiles, says prime minister - AP
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The Malaysian government will delay nonessential public projects and use the money instead to build up food stockpiles amid a global food crisis, the prime minister said Saturday.
If measures are not taken now "it will be difficult later," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.
He said a 4 billion ringgit (US$1.3 billion; euro1 billion) plan announced recently to guarantee food supplies can be funded adequately only if money is diverted from non-urgent public projects.
"We cannot wait for it (shortages) to happen first. Then there will be chaos," Abdullah said. "As such, the government has restructured the allocations for less urgent projects which can be delayed."
Widespread discontentment among Malaysians will occur if the government does not make plans to guarantee a supply of food with prices steadily rising over the last year, Abdullah said.
"The government has also decided to create a buffer stock not only for rice but also other essential goods needed by the people regardless of whether they are poor, rich, from the urban or rural areas," he said.
[More at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24437869/]
PSD To Sponsor All Students Obtaining 9As In 2007 SPM - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The Public Service Department (PSD) will sponsor all students who obtained 9As or better in the 2007 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
This is in addition to the 2,000 students under the Overseas Degree Programme and 10,000 under the Local Degree Programme, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan says in a statement.
The sponsorship will be given to students undergoing Form Six at government schools and matriculation centres under the Education Ministry, Universiti Malaya's Pre-Science Centre and International Islamic University Malaysia's Matriculation.
It will continue up to the first degree-level at local universities and extended to those who have obtained seats at Ivy League universities overseas and foreign university campuses in Malaysia like Monash University, Nottingham University, Curtin University of Technology and Swinburne University.
[From http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330454]
Penang to meet King over religious council presidency - The Star
PENANG: The state government will seek an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to discuss the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) presidency.
Met after the state assembly swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin said the state had its own candidate in mind to take over the presidency from Umno assemblyman Shabudin Yahaya.
“We have sent a request to the palace in the hope of meeting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Hopefully, we can have an audience with the King sometime this month,” he said.
On May 1, a Malay daily reported that Permatang Berangan assemblyman Shabudin Yahaya would remain MAIPP president despite the state government wanting him to vacate the position.
The King, as the state’s head of Islam, has reportedly asked Shabudin to continue holding the position until his term of appointment expires in December next year.
Mohammad Fairus, who is also the state Religious Affairs, Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development Committee chairman, said the King had yet to hear the state’s side of the story.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/3/nation/21138025&sec=nation]
Sultan orders reinstatement of JAIP director - The Star
By Clara Chooi
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has ordered Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to reinstate Datuk Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department (JAIP) director with immediate effect.
The Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, acting on orders from the Sultan and in his capacity as Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council chairman, summoned Nizar to his palace here at 11am yesterday to convey the order to him.
Nizar, who was at that time chairing the Perak Water Board meeting, gave waiting reporters the slip as he rushed off to the palace to meet Raja Nazrin.
In a statement issued by the palace later, Raja Nazrin told Nizar that all Islamic matters, including those involving religious bodies and agencies, came under the jurisdiction of the Sultan.
“As such, the Mentri Besar is responsible to seek the consent of the Sultan or the Regent pertaining to issues of appointment, placement and transfer of officers and staff who manage Islamic affairs, what more a person who holds such an important post,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/3/nation/21140214&sec=nation]
MCA lauds ministry’s move towards greater press freedom - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA supports the Home Minister's suggestion to waive the provision for newspapers to renew their printing permits annually as the first step towards greater press freedom.
“There are enough laws governing the print media. Waiving the annual renewal will certainly show the government’s commitment to the press in this country,” said president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting in a press statement in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day today.
Thanking the media for their role in nation-building, Ong said that continuing reforms in laws were necessary for the print media to remain relevant and competitive in the Internet age.
Noting that no permit was required to start a blog or website, he said: “The pertinent question is, why (is there) still a need for a printing permit in Malaysia?”
Recently, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said he had told his officers to relook the annual licensing requirement for newspapers under the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
Wanting to explore other ways of managing the media, Syed Hamid's personal view was that licences should be issued only once – upon application.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/3/nation/21140841&sec=nation]
Friday, May 2, 2008
Transport Minister: Independent audit for PKFZ - TheStarOnline.tv
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat says an independent accounting firm will be appointed to conduct an overall audit of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
BNBBC bantah siaran langsung - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 2 Mei - Kelab Penyokong Kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BNBBC) mahu kerajaan menghentikan siaran langsung sidang Dewan Rakyat.
Pengerusinya, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing berkata, tindakan segelintir ahli Parlimen pembangkang yang menjerit-jerit pada sidang itu kelmarin sungguh tidak wajar.
Tambahnya, beliau kecewa dengan tingkah laku pembangkang kerana langsung tidak mencerminkan sebagai seorang wakil rakyat.
''Kelmarin segelintir mereka kerap bangun sambil memegang buku Peraturan Mesyuarat Parlimen selain suka menjerit-jerit. Ia hanya mengganggu persidangan sahaja.
''Kita sungguh kecewa dengan tindakan mereka ini semua. Kita merasakan lebih baik kerajaan menghentikan sahaja siaran langsung selama setengah jam itu,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0503&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Politik&pg=po_01.htm]
PKR Lodges ACA Report Over Balkis Fund Transfer - Bernama
SHAH ALAM, May 2 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) lodged a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over the transfer of funds by the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis).
Selangor PKR information chief Mohd Nasharudin Abdul Aziz alleged that the transfer of RM9.9 million to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) was against Balkis constitution.
He said the 15-page report was made to Selangor ACA officer Mohd Anuar Ismail.
"We were told this was the first report on the wife of former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo (Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, who was then Balkis president)," he said.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330450]
Govt Approves RM2.4 Bln To Maintain Food Supply This Year - Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, May 2 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet, which met today, has approved RM2.49 billion under the Food Security Policy to maintain food supply in the country this year, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed announced Friday.
He said it was part of the RM4 billion announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently to tackle the problem of food supply and escalating prices of food items in the country.
"The situation (food supply) in the country remains stable. However, following developments in the world market, the Cabinet adopted the Food Security Policy three weeks ago," he told a press conference at his office here.
He said his ministry had identified seven steps to be taken to utilise the allocation.
They are
(i)increase rice production,
(ii) have buffer stocks for the commodity,
(iii) provide incentives to food producers,
(iv) implement productivity programmes for the farming, livestock and fisheries sectors,
(v) strengthen FAMA (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority) to ensure efficient distribution of agricultural produce,
(vi) implement a "Green Earth" programnme and
(vii) manage idle lands for the purposes of food production.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330446]
Cops investigating Raja Petra under Multimedia Act - The Star
By Lourdes Charles and Kuldeep Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 4C of the Seditious Act for an article he wrote recently titled Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell.
It is learnt that eight police officers from the Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) visited Raja Petra’s house in Sungai Buloh here at about 9am on Friday.
They seized a laptop and a CPU (central processing unit) before leaving at about 11am.
Raja Petra was summoned to the Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) department at 4pm Friday after initially being told to report there at 11am Saturday.
He was allowed to leave at about 6pm after he refused to give a statement on the article he wrote and posted on the Malaysia Today online news portal on April 25.
His lawyer William Leong, who is also the Selayang MP, accompanied him.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/20080502153022&sec=nation]
Penang Misses RM1 Billion Investment Due To Lack Of Gas Supply - Bernama
PENANG, May 2 (Bernama) -- The Penang state government claimed today that it had missed a new investment worth RM1 billion in the high-technology industry as the gas pipe built across the Seberang Perai district was not functioning.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said although the gas pipe erected by Petronas from Kuala Lumpur across Seberang Perai Selatan, Tengah and Utara had been completed, no gas was supplied.
He said this had affected the state government's efforts in wooing investment from a German company in the use of solar technology to generate power.
About two weeks ago, the company had expressed interest to invest in the state if there was adequate gas supply, he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony for the State Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker and 40 State Assemblymen, here.
"I don't understand why the gas pipe which had been erected could not supply the gas until now whereas Malaysia is one of the gas exporting countries. This is something that we can't accept.
"This hinders our efforts to attract investment in the high-tech industry and as such, we lost a potential investment of almost RM1 billion," Lim said.
As it was a federal project, he wanted clarification to be given on the matter, especially by Petronas itself.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330436]
Lim Wants Melaka Tengah OCPD Suspended For Manhandling DAP Assemblyman - Bernama
PENANG, May 2 (Bernama) -- DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng wants Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hasssan to investigate the allegation that a DAP state assemblyman had been manhandled by the Melaka Tengah OCPD Thursday.
He suggested that Musa suspended the officer to enable an investigation to be carried out against the officer and appropriate action be taken if he was proven to be guilty.
Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in of the Deputy Speaker of the Penang State Assembly and 40 Assemblymen, here today, Lim, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said a Melaka state assemblyman who was detained by police for allegedly destroying government property yesterday had lodged a police report claiming that he had been attacked and kicked by the officer concerned.
"I believe that the assemblyman would not have lodged a report if there was no basis for it," he said when asked to comment on the detention of three DAP assemblymen in Melaka Tengah yesterday for allegedly cutting 10 metal rods which were left jutting out from the ground in an area at Taman Kesidang, Kampung Lapan, Melaka.
According to press reports, all the metal rods were left jutting out at the site after the project to erect a lamp post and telecommunication transmitter was abandoned six months ago.
However, all the three assemblymen were released at 5.15pm on a police bail of RM2,000 each.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330397]
Guan Eng turns down PBT debate - The Sun
By Himanshu Bhatt
PENANG (May 02, 2008): Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has turned down the challenge for an open public debate on the contentious issues surrounding the Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung (PBT), saying that the matter demands legal and technical understanding.
He however welcomed members of the PBT, the organisation for wives of BN elected representatives in Penang, who had invited him to publicly debate the matter, to meet him for discussion.
“This is a question of law. There are implications… Did they act properly? Were they qualified to dissolve the body on March 9?”
Lim reiterated that he wants Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, as adviser of the organisation and husband of PBT head Puan Sri Chui Kah Peng, to explain how they could decide on dissolving the body at its AGM on March 9.
He reasoned that the members’ husbands had then become part of the opposition following the general election the day before, and asked if the wives were still eligible to be PBT members then.
He pointed to Clause 5.1 of the PBT’s constitution which states that the ordinary membership of the group includes wives of state assemblymen and members of Parliament in Penang, except those from opposition parties.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21957]
Cabinet Wants Live Telecast On Parliament Sitting To Go On - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet decided today that Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) continues the trial run on the 30-minute live telecast of the question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, said Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
The direct telecast on RTM1 which begins at 10am on Parliament sitting days, however, was still subject to review by the Information Ministry, he said.
He said the review, including the cancellation of the live telecast if the commotion that occurred during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Wednesday was repeated, was to ensure that there was no erosion of public confidence in the august House and that the image of the country was not tarnished.
"The Cabinet is of the opinion that it is too early to come to a conclusion on the cancellation of the live telecast merely based on the incident," he told reporters after the Information Ministry's post-cabinet meeting at Angkasapuri, here Friday.
Ahmad Shabery said the decision on the live telecast was made at the cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today.
"However, the Cabinet deeply regrets the commotion that occurred on Wednesday, where the image of the Parliament and country was greatly tarnished due to the misdemeanour of the Members of Parliament, especially from the opposition who raised petty issues to the extent that during the 30-minute live telecast only one question could be raised and answered.
"Meanwhile, the whole 90-minute question and answer session, which usually has time for between 10 and 15 questions, could only answer three questions," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330378]
Naza Group founder Nasimuddin dies - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Naza Group, passed away of lung cancer in California at 1.15am (Malaysian time). He was 54 years old.
The low-profile businessman founded the Naza Group in 1974, starting his automobile business with an allocation of Approved Permits (APs) to import foreign cars.
He made his first million in about a year.
The Group now has 14 business divisions covering industries such as cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, engineering, hotels, insurance, machine tools and parts, manufacturing, motorcycles, property, transport services, plantations and water craft.
Last month it ventured into the food business by launching the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market, but still remains most known for its automotive business, holding the local franchise for South Korea's Kia and France's Peugeot, as well as import permits for Mercedes Benz and Mazda.
Nasimuddin was implicated in the AP controversy of 2005, when he was dubbed the "AP King."
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/20080502094328&sec=nation]
Press sec: DPM has never met Altantuya - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will not hesitate to seek legal redress over unfounded and unfair allegations made against him in the case involving murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu.
In a letter sent to Malaysia Today website, the Deputy Prime Minister’s press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad said Najib did not know and has never met Altantuya, and that it was unfair that the allegations had been made against Najib in the case.
Tengku Sariffuddin was referring to an article titled “Let’s Send the Altantuya Murderers to Hell” published in Malaysia Today website on Friday, which was written by Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Tengku Sariffuddin said Najib shared the sentiment with the writer that the matter was not about politics and that this case should seek out the truth and justice should be served.
However, he said it was clear that there were those who were not interested in finding justice for Altantuya, but rather the politics connected to the case.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/21131175&sec=nation]
MPs don’t want end to broadcasts - The Star
PETALING JAYA: The telecasts must continue – that is the consensus of many MPs, be they from the Barisan Nasional or the Opposition, or minister or backbencher.
They said Wednesday’s “circus” in the august House should not result in live telecasts of proceedings being scrapped.
Even Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the Government must be flexible on the issue as it was too early to make a judgement on the telecast.
“I feel the Government should determine if this is a first day phenomenon or if it will continue,” he said at a news conference in Kuching yesterday.
Wan Junaidi, who does not agree that the live telecast be reviewed, said the parliament session had just began and there was a possibility that the attitudes of the members would change in the coming sittings.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said live telecasts should continue as currently it is only a trial period. He said he was, however, disappointed with the Opposition for playing to the gallery.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/21133630&sec=nation]
Tsu Koon’s wife seeks open public debate with Lim and Ooi - The Star
PENANG: Former members of the dissolved Persatuan Bunga Tanjung (PBT) have challenged Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his chief of staff Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi for an open public debate on the handling of the association’s funds.
Former PBT president Puan Sri Chui Kah Peng has given the DAP politicians a 48-hour ultimatum to respond to the invitation.
“The venue, date and methodology of debate will be discussed between representatives upon the acceptance for a debate,” said Chui, wife of the former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
She said they had faxed a letter of invitation to them at the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar.
“We have sought a public debate on the handling of the association’s funds and the manner in which the body was dissolved as baseless allegations were made against us by the two,” said Chui during a press conference in Autocity Juru.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/21132952&sec=nation]
Nik Aziz: MPs could have put Q&A to better use - NST
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is ashamed of MPs who behaved badly when the new parliamentary session opened on Wednesday.
Nik Aziz said those involved were wasting time which could have been put to good use and were not qualified to represent the people.
"What happened in the house was really embarrassing. The MPs should be bringing up the problems of the people they are representing in Parliament and not show bad behaviour," he said yesterday.
Nik Aziz was speaking outside the Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium here yesterday after flagging off a car expedition from here to Malacca.
He was commenting on the session which opened with MPs shouting, bickering and calling each other names on live television.
He, however, hoped the Information Ministry would continue to have live telecast of the question-and-answer session despite the ruckus.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2229356/Article/index_html]
Kah Choon rules out switch to Pakatan Rakyat - NST
GEORGE TOWN: Former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon has ruled out the possibility of crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat.
Instead, Lee, who was appointed chairman of the executive committee for investPenang and director of Penang Development Corp last month, said his focus was to attract more investments to the state.
He said he would disseminate information about Penang to businesses.
"I am just a businessman. I will not join any Pakatan Rakyat parties. My political career is over now," he said yesterday.
He was asked to comment on rumours that he would join the DAP or even Parti Keadilan Rakyat after resigning from Gerakan last month.
Lee resigned from all party posts following Gerakan's poor performance in the March 8 general election.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2229164/Article/index_html]
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam: Reduce Foreign Workers - TheStarOnline.tv
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam told reporters that Malaysia needs to reduce its dependency on foreign workers.
Malay leaders urged to sit down and talk - Malaysiakini.tv
Malay leaders in the country have been urged to sit down together and discuss the future of the Malays in the country.
Making the call today, Bandar Tun Razak Umno division acting head Rahim Baba said Malay leaders from the ruling and opposition coalitions should sit together and listen to "the pleas and cries of the young Malays."
Do Not Stop Live Telecast Of Parliament Session - Bernama
KUCHING, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Information Ministry should continue the live telecast of the parliament session over RTM1 to enable the people to see for themselves the actions of their representatives in the House.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the government must be flexible on the issue as it was too early to make a judgement on the telecast.
"I feel the government should determine if this is a first-day phenomenon or if it will continue," he said at a news conference today.
Wan Junaidi, who does not agree that the live telecast be reviewed, said the parliament session just began yesterday and there was a possibility that the attitudes of the members would change in the coming sittings.
He said after the wide publicity on the behaviour of the members, disrupting the question-and-answer session, there might be a positive change among the members to show respect during the session.
Last night, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the live telecast of the oral question-and-answer session might be reviewed as yesterday's proceeding was interrupted by the parliamentarians.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330246]
Abdullah For Dewan Rakyat Live Telecasts To Be Stopped - Bernama
From Abdul Muin Abdul Majid
KUWAIT CITY, May 1 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described the chaos that happened on the Dewan Rakyat's first day of sitting yesterday as "too much" and prefers that the 30-minute daily live telecasts of its proceedings by the RTM1 television channel be stopped.
The Prime Minister who was in Parliament when it descended into chaos yesterday, said he was ashamed by what happened and more so it was seen by all and sundry.
"I think it was because of the live telecast, everyone wanted to be seen to be in action when the broadcast was done," he told Malaysian reporters shortly before leaving for Saudi Arabia to perform the umrah after attending the closing-session of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) here Thursday.
Following what happened, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the broadcasts might be reviewed and that it would brought before the Cabinet at its meeting tommorow for a decision.
Asked if a reversal could lead to people questioning the government's transparency, said it was not the case as journalists were free to report the proceeding and besides the public could also go to witness the debates for themselves.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330247]
Koh Confident Wife Can Resolve Bunga Tanjung Issue - Bernama
PENANG, May 1 (Bernama) -- Former Penang chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon is confident his wife Puan Seri Chui Kah Peng will be able to resolve the crisis that has hit the Bunga Tanjung association, the club for wives of Penang elected representatives.
Koh, who is Gerakan acting president, said that although he was the association's advisor, it did mean he must interfere to resolve the matter.
"I am confident that my wife and her colleagues can solve it. My wife is a highly principled person," he told reporters after attending a Workers Day function at the Penang International Sports Arena here today.
Koh added that he was also advisor to hundreds of other associations and that advisors seldom stepped in to solve problems afflicting them unless absolutely necessary.
He was responding to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng saying he was the best person to resolve the crisis.
The crisis arose when Bunga Tanjung was dissolved and its funds (RM590,000) transferred to Balkis, its federal equivalent, shortly after the state fell to the opposition. The present state government wants it to return the money and hand over the management of the association to the wives of the newly elected representatives.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330242]
Cabinet To Decide On Dewan Rakyat Telecast Tomorrow - Bernama
BIDOR, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet will make a decision tomorrow on whether to continue with live telecasts of Dewan Rakyat proceedings, said Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Chik.
"I will raise the matter at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. Hopefully it can be resolved then," he told reporters after attending an "An Evening With The Minister" programme organised by Bidor Umno here today.
"The government's decision to have the telecasts was because we sincerely want to serve the people...the Cabinet meetings were also moved to Fridays to enable ministers to be present to provide answers but it has not been appreciated," he said.
Asked if by continuing (the telecasts) it would show the true colors of the MPs, Ahmad Shabery said:" Maybe for Umno people they will feel it is something good as it will show the quality of the opposition representatives the people have elected.
"But for me as the Information Minister, I am not only responsible for Umno but all Malaysians and must do what is in the best interests of the country," he said, adding that to continue with the telecasts might lead to more negative repercussions especially if the image of the august house continued to be smeared.
"I know what happened is good for the media as "bad news is good news" but is this what we want of our Parliament. People like to watch a circus and they do not mind seeing our Parliament acting like one, but being a responsible government, we must stay away from such things," he added.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330229]
蒙古女郎案无关购潜水艇‧纳吉否认认识阿旦都雅 - Sin Chew Daily
（雪兰莪‧八打灵再也）副首相拿督斯里纳吉郑重否认，网络文章指他与夫人拿汀斯里罗斯玛涉及蒙古女郎命案。指他支持阿旦都雅来马的签证申请、阿旦都雅的入境记录被刪除及他曾与阿旦都雅拍了一些照片等，都是道听途说的谣言。
他说，传言指阿旦都雅的死与政府购买潜水艇有关的指控也是毫无根据的，编造这样的传言只是为了让故事听起来可信度较高。
纳吉是週三（4月30日）破天荒以网上发表声明的方式，反驳著名部落客拉惹柏特拉所作出的各项指控。
《今日大马》（Malaysia Today）网站主编拉惹柏特拉於4月25日在网站上，发表一篇题为“让我们將杀死阿旦都雅的凶手送进地狱”的文章，副首相的声明全文週三刊登在网站上。
自蒙古女郎命案於2006年杪发生后，坊间就有各种传言，並將拿汀斯里罗斯玛牵涉在內。针对拉惹柏特拉所发表的文章，纳吉表示，由於指控严重及具破坏性，所以他將毫不犹豫咨询法律意见。
纳吉说，为了读者的利益，他选择在网上直接公开回应，因为该篇文章对他和夫人含有影射成份，一些毫无根据的指控也指责他与罗斯玛涉及这起谋杀案。
[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64237]
Dr M starts his own blog - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad joined the swelling ranks of politicians going online with his own blog simply named “Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” at www.chedet.com.
“This site is dedicated to publishing my writings as and when I am able to pen my thoughts and opinion,” he says.
In his first posting The Appointment of Judges on Thursday, he tackles the issue of judicial reform, noting that there have been no details on how the recently announced Judicial Appointments Commission will work.
He also notes that the Constitution would have to be amended to validate any changes in how judges are currently appointed.
Any such Constitutional amendment would require a two-third’s majority ruling in Parliament, and Dr Mahathir also questions if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s government would be able to gather support from the Opposition to make this a reality.
Dr Mahathir, 82, was Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/1/nation/20080501130315&sec=nation]
Dewan turns into a ‘zoo’ over seating position, name-calling - The Star
THE Dewan turned into a “zoo” after the seating position of Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind – Pasir Mas) became a bone of contention between the Speaker and the Opposition.
Razali Ibrahim (BN – Muar) was trying to ask the first question of the sitting when Karpal Singh intervened on a point of order, prompting Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN – Kinabatangan) to stand up and interject.
When Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia allowed the latter to intervene, Karpal Singh said he hoped that the “bigfoot from Kinabatangan won’t disturb me”.
“You-lah, big monkey,” Bung Mokhtar retorted loudly.
Pandikar Amin then ticked off both MPs, telling them to stop this line of argument.
The DAP leader later pointed out that although Ibrahim had contested and won in the last general election on a PAS ticket, he was in the Dewan as an “independent candidate”.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/1/nation/21116600&sec=nation]
First session a total waste of time, says Hishammuddin - The Star
EDUCATION Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that as a minister he wanted to reply to questions posed that affected the public, but found the first session in Parliament a total waste of time.
“I am very disappointed with the behaviour of the Opposition MPs, who have no respect. Once there are elected MPs, they must learn how to be respectful.
“We want to show a new Parliament, and this is what we see today. It is a very bad sign.
“It was better for me to be at the ministry to do some work. I think I will be outside drinking more coffee,” he added.
The Sembrong MP said that if the situation persisted, the public would describe the Dewan Rakyat as a circus.
“There were only three questions in 90 minutes; such a thing has never happened before in the history of Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/1/parliament/21120789&sec=parliament]
Rosmah: Stories about me on Internet are not true - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Deputy Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has slammed those who posted slanderous allegations about her on the Internet, stating they were not true and those who needed clarifications should ask her directly.
“Whatever you read on the Internet, don’t telan bulat-bulat (take it as it is).
“I guarantee that all the stories on the Internet about me are not true,” she said in her speech last night at a charity dinner organised by the Kuala Lumpur Utara Perkim Women’s group.
The group’s chairman Puan Sri Minuira Sabki said they planned to set up a halfway house for senior citizens who were abandoned by their children and appealed to Rosmah for help in getting a government property.
Rosmah was responding to certain allegations about her published recently on the Internet and expressed disappointment that some resorted to deceit.
“When I am patient and quiet, people resort to slander. I kept quiet previously thinking that people can decide for themselves but now even ridiculous stories are being believed.
“Fitnah (Slander) is not a small sin that can be easily forgiven especially when it involves trying to bring disrepute to others,” she said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/1/nation/21123682&sec=nation]
Dewan Rakyat: Disappointed with proceedings - NST
PATIENCE was the biggest factor that kept Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia in check yesterday.
Speaking to the media after a long day, Pandikar Amin said he would not use his powers to suspend or order any members to leave the House unless he is pushed to the extreme.
The sitting of the first day of Parliament after the 12th general election was a raucous affair, with name-calling.
"Anyone in my place would have felt tested. Half a day was wasted by MPs arguing on technicalities of oath-taking and order of questions raised.
"Taking the oath in the right manner is not a national issue. How are we supposed to debate on current issues if MPs waste the time of Parliament to argue trivial matters?" said Pandikar Amin.
On his ruling to skip supplementary questions after the prime minister had delivered his answer to the first question, Pandikar Amin said there were hard and fast rules on asking supplementary questions.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/Frontpage/2228624/Article/index_html]
Dewan Rakyat: It looks like nothing has changed between two foes - NST
POLITICAL maverick Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) renewed their mutual dislike of each other.
While Karpal chose to be political in his salvo, Ibrahim got personal and left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
The two took swipes at each other, when Karpal demanded to know the status of the former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
"He contested under the Pas ticket in the recent elections. How come he sits here as an Independent?" he asked.
Ibrahim shot back and asked Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia why the wheelchair-bound Karpal was allowed to ask questions sitting instead of standing.
Ibrahim Ali's remarks did not go down well with Pakatan Rakyat MPs.
Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) called on the chair to make Ibrahim retract his unparliamentary language.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/Frontpage/2228618/Article/index_html]
'Give due respect to Wan Azizah' - NST
THE government is not showing respect to opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, said Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak).
Dr Wan Azizah should have been given the honour of asking the first question during question time yesterday, he said.
"You have just proclaimed her the opposition leader. You should reflect this honour by allowing her the first question in the new Parliament," Azmin said as Pakatan Rakyat members nodded with approval.
He took offence to the proportion of questions allotted to Pakatan Rakyat MPs.
In yesterday's order paper, seven of the first 10 questions were allotted to backbenchers.
[From http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2228622/Article/index_html]
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Fiery start in Parliament - TheStarOnline.tv
The first session of the 12th Parliament saw MPs wage a war of words. For the first time, the public got to view a 30-minute live telecast of the session.
Spreading the anti-ISA message in parliament - Malaysiakini.tv
Her husband has been held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) at the Kamunting detention camp for the last six years, as a suspected member of regional terrorism group Jemaah Islamiah.
Live telecast Cause Of Parliament Descending Into Chaos? - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Was the 30-minute live telecast of parliamentary proceedings by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) the cause of the Dewan Rakyat descending into chaos Wednesday?
Backbenchers accused opposition MPs of using the broadcast media in trying to be "heroes" and looking for cheap publicity whereas the opposition members wanted it to cover the entire day's proceedings.
After what happened, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the trial live telecast of 30 minutes of the question-and-answer (Q & A)session may be reviewed because he felt several Opposition MPs attempted to seek cheap publicity by raising trivial issues during the maiden broadcast.
The (Q & A) session in the Dewan Rakyat, which began its sitting Wednesday, was disrupted for almost an hour when several members of parliament, particularly from the opposition, raised questions on the meeting procedures, causing only three questions to be able to be answered when normally it is about 10.
Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal said: "I believe the telecasts are for the good and it will give the opportunity for the people to know the true nature of their elected representatives whom they deem heroes and have placed high hopes on."
"Some of them have been there for two or three terms but are still unable to behave," Shafie, who is the MP for Semporna, told reporters at Parliament's lobby.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330085]
Achievement Of National Mission Calls For Commitment - PM - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister has called on workers to be strongly committed to acquire more knowledge and to sharpen their skills so that they can be innovative and creative in efforts to develop the country.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the success of the National Mission called for commitment and collective efforts from Malaysian workers to ensure that racial harmony and national development were achieved.
"The national aspiration to emerge as a developed country requires commitment from every strata of society, including the workers, to always work hard and to equip themselves with the traits and attitude of a society with a first class mind," he said in his message in conjunction with Workers' Day 2008, which is celebrated Thursday.
The Prime Minister said the country would only achieve this objective if the people continued to strive with great determination and commitment to develop the country collectively to turn Malaysia into a prosperous, progressive, fair, resilient and competitive nation.
Abdullah also remined the people that the manpower sector today needed workers who were not only trained and skilled, but also innovative and creative in various fields.
He said that in the knowledge-based economy or K-Economy, the capacity to generate, disseminate and apply knowledge had become an important factor in determining the country's productivity and competitiveness.
He pointed out that the theme of the Workers' Day this year, `Innovative Workers, Competitive Nation', suited the important role played by every worker in joining the government's efforts to develop the country.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330063]
New Malaysia parliament opens with rowdy name-calling - AFP
The opening session of Malaysia's new parliament descended into noisy name-calling Wednesday as a newly emboldened opposition took on the government.
"Monkey" and "Bigfoot" were two of the epithets hurled in a rowdy session during which lawmakers shouted and gesticulated in heated exchanges across the floor of the chamber.
The scenes, broadcast live on television, were an indicator of the new shape of Malaysian politics after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's coalition suffered its worst ever election results last month.
The March 8 polls saw his Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled the country for the last half century, lose its two-thirds majority in parliament as well as control of five states.
In response to the chaos, Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek threatened to pull the plug on the telecast, which was being trialled for the first time.
"Maybe there are people who love to watch circus, but parliament is not a circus," he said, adding that he would obtain feedback before deciding whether to continue with broadcasting.
[More at http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1365683]
Ka Ting: Non-Muslims are not to be subjected to any form of Syariah law - The Sun
BY Husna Yusop
KUALA LUMPUR (April 30, 3008): Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-Kulai) suggested in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today several measures to deal with the various messages sent out by the voters in the recent general election.
On the religious rights of non-Muslims, he said the last three years witnessed an unprecedented number of religious matters involving the constitutional rights of non-Muslims with controversial cases like the late M. Moorthy and Gan Eng Gor, Lina Joy, detention of Revathi and the custody battle for the children of S. Shamala and R. Subashini.
“In situations involving non-Muslims who became a Muslim due to marriage, they should be allowed to renounce Islam when the marriage has ended.
“Similarly, if a child who was unilaterally converted to Islam by one parent without the consent of the other parent, the child should be allowed to maintain his or her own religion.
“This is until he or she attains the age of majority by which he or she is free to enter into a religion of his of her choice,” the MCA president said in his speech when debating the Royal Address.
He also brought up incidences whereby statements were made that the proposed legal amendments will affect and protect both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Urging the government to be transparent to avoid a repeat of the cases above, Ong said non-Muslims are not to be subjected to any form of Syariah law.
“And, for any disputes or overlapping areas between the jurisdiction of the civil and Syariah courts, civil laws must prevail,” he added.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21925]
Siaran langsung Parlimen dikaji - Menteri Penerangan - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 30 April — Kementerian Penerangan mungkin mengkaji semula siaran langsung persidangan Dewan Rakyat berikutan sesi soal jawab lisan hari ini yang sering terganggu apabila beberapa Anggota Parlimen sentiasa mempersoalkan peraturan mesyuarat.
Menteri Penerangan Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata siaran langsung selama setengah jam menerusi saluran RTM1 itu adalah percubaan sahaja dan beliau akan mendapatkan maklumat balas daripada semua pihak termasuk orang ramai sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan.
“Saya akan bincang sama ada kita masih memberi peluang kepada Anggota Parlimen untuk menggunakan sebaik-baiknya Parlimen dan siaran langsung yang diberikan,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di lobi Parlimen di sini hari ini.
Beliau mengulas demikian setelah beberapa anggota pembangkang sering mempersoalkan peraturan mesyuarat menyebabkan sesi soal jawab lisan selama satu setengah jam hanya sempat mendengar tiga soalan berbanding 12 hingga 15 soalan pada kebiasaannya. aAhmad Shabery berkata kementerian tidak akan menambah masa siaran langsung persidangan Dewan Rakyat.
“Saya sedar di negara-negara lain yang mengadakan siaran langsung secara penuh terutama sekali dalam negara dunia ketiga, inilah masalahnya. Anggota Parlimen tidak menumpukan perbincangan pada perkara yang penting kepada rakyat dan negara.
“Masing-masing hanya ingin menunjukkan kepentingan diri mereka, tentang peribadi mereka dan untuk tunjuk orang di luar sana tentang diri mereka, bukan negara,” katanya.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0430&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_08.htm]
“阿拉”字眼是否回教专有‧《先锋报》案下週裁决 - Sin Chew Daily
（吉隆坡）高级联邦律师阿兹莎纳华威週二（29日）在高庭说，马来西亚天主教吉隆坡总教区不能以通过司法检討方式，要求高庭宣判其週报《先锋报》（Herald）有权利使用“Allah”（阿拉）字眼及“阿拉”字眼不是回教专有的。
她说，“阿拉”字眼的詮释以及申请人使用此字眼的权利是否组成基督教不可或缺的部份，须通过传召专家证人来作出鑑定。
她强调，申请人马来西亚天主教吉隆坡总教区所要求的上述两项宣判是涉及个人权利，只有通过民事诉讼让法庭聆听专家证人的证据后作出决定。
阿兹莎说，申请人已在另一高庭入稟民事诉讼，要求宣判它有权在刊物中使用“阿拉”字眼及“阿拉”字眼非伊斯兰宗教专有，因此申请人並非没有其它补救方法。
阿兹莎是在申请人针对其《先锋报》被禁止使用“阿拉”字眼，要求高庭允准它提出司法检討的申请中作出上述陈词。
內政部是於今年2月12日禁止申请人的《先锋报》使用“Allah”字眼；但申请人指出，自该週报成立13年以来，它在提及“上帝”（God）时皆使用“Allah”字眼。
[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64055]
Stop it, Samy Vellu and Khir told - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo have been told to stop their war of words.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said a directive would be issued to ensure all component parties and members stop pointing fingers at each other and warned them of disciplinary action.
When asked whether the warning would restrict freedom among the component parties, Abdullah said: “We have discipline in the party. Which party does not have discipline? It will be a problem if the party does not have discipline.”
The war of words between Samy Vellu and Dr Khir took place after the latter said in an interview with Malaysiakini that the MIC president had asked him on Nov 15 to demolish the Kampung Rimba Jaya Hindu temple near Shah Alam.
Samy Vellu defended himself by saying that the temple had been “demolished” in October when devotees removed deities from the temple and that what remained was just a structure and Dr Khir was to be blamed for the demolition.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/21109455&sec=nation]
It was Samy’s idea, says Khir - The Star
SHAH ALAM: Enough is enough. It is time to set the record straight on the demolition of the Hindu temple in Padang Jawa, said Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
The former Selangor Mentri Besar claimed it was MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu who asked for it to be torn down.
“I have been silent on the issue long enough. Datuk Seri (Samy Vellu) met me two days before Deepavali at the Grand Bluewave Hotel in Shah Alam where the Prime Minister was attending a function.
“The Prime Minister was there when Samy Vellu asked me to put off the demolition of the temple in Padang Jawa in the interest of the Indian community and we stopped the exercise despite having a court order to go ahead,” Dr Khir said yesterday.
However, several days after Deepavali, he said, Samy Vellu called him at 11pm and told him that the temple had been infiltrated by Hindraf supporters who planned to carry out a 40-day fast and prayers there to rile up nearby residents.
“It was during this conversation that he told me that we (the state government) should move in and demolish the temple to deter Hindraf supporters from capitalising on the temple issue,” Dr Khir said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/21101265&sec=nation]
Don’t take Kah Choon’s move lightly, says Dr M - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The decision by former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon to accept a job under the Penang DAP Government should not be taken lightly by Barisan Nasional if it wishes to survive and regain the people’s support, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The former prime minister said in a letter that Lee might be motivated by a genuine desire to work for the good of Penang and Malaysia but, “it may also be because loyalty to Barisan is now based on personal gains or fear of punishment of some kind.”
He said this was especially so among the leaders and there was no genuine love for the objectives said to be the raison d’etre for the coalition’s existence.
Dr Mahathir added that if the Opposition were able to provide a good government, look after the interests of ordinary people, and lead a Spartan lifestyle, those who voted for them out of anger against Barisan would transfer their loyalty permanently to them.
When that happens, he said Umno and the other component parties could forget about recapturing the states they lost to the Opposition and their turncoat members would remain turncoats who would actively work against Barisan in the next elections.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/21104867&sec=nation]
Dewan Rakyat: Uphold people's trust, King tells Parliament
By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini and Arman Ahmad
LAWMAKERS must demonstrate good character and conduct, and protect social peace at all times, the King said as he opened a Parliament with the largest opposition ever.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin said Members of Parliament should not fail the trust placed in them by the people.
"Carry out the trust that the people have placed in you by participating actively and responsibly in the spirit of parliamentary democracy," he said in his Royal Address at the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament.
Tuanku Mizan called on the members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to execute their duties and responsibilities with sincerity, honesty, trustworthiness, credibility and integrity for the good of the country.
He reminded MPs that they must place the country's interests above individual political gain.
"Let this august House be a platform for conveying constructive criticisms and sound opinions. Honourable members should have the national interest as their primary objective, and not make this august House a forum for the furtherance of individual political interests.
"The people's respect for and confidence in Parliament as the country's supreme legislative body is contingent upon the role of the honourable members," he said.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/Frontpage/2227473/Article/index_html]
Keng Yaik ‘should quit as adviser’ - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik has been told to stop interfering in party affairs.
He was also criticised over his remarks on the Datuk Lee Kah Choon affair.
Kuala Lumpur-Federal Territory Gerakan leaders yesterday said Lim should quit as adviser as he had done a lot of damage to the party's image over his remarks on Lee, the former Gerakan deputy secretary-general.
"He should not have labelled Lee an opportunist and political 'katak' (frog) because when Lee accepted the posts, he was only an ordinary Gerakan member," said KL-FT chairman Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong at a press conference yesterday.
He said there should be no question of "crossing over" as Lee quit all his posts two weeks prior to his appointment as director of the Penang Development Corporation and investPenang by the Pakatan Rakyat-led State Government.
He added that Lee's acceptance would not jeopardise the party's interest as it was just a job that would benefit the people of Penang.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2227457/Article/index_html]
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Opening of 12th Parliament - TheStarOnline.tv
Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin attends the opening of the 12th Parliament.
Bungle in deputy speaker voting forces review of PR pact - NST
By : V. Vasudevan, Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng and S. Kamini
KUALA LUMPUR, Tues:
THE de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat has called on its members to ensure better cooperation, after Monday’s embarrassment when an opposition MP refused to cast a vote for the pact’s candidate for a deputy speaker’s post. Even worse for the pact, 17 of its 82 MPs cast their vote for one of the rival candidates, Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong).
Blaming the bungle on the pact’s failure to make a stand on the matter, Anwar said he had a discussion with leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat on Monday. “In future, we have to reach a consensus early,” he said after attending the Royal Address.
In Monday’s voting, all the 140 Barisan Nasional MPs voted for the coalition’s candidates. Wan Junaidi picked up 157 votes while his counterpart Datuk Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran) received 140 votes. However, Pakatan Rakyat’s candidate Dr Tan Seng Giaw received 81 votes instead of the expected 82.
Many opposition deputies felt Dr Tan could have been denied the one vote by Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who won his Pasir Mas seat as a Pas candidate but sits in the House as an Independent.
Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang played down the opposition vote bungle. “It shows that there is democracy in Pakatan Rakyat on matters where members could exercise their will. It also shows that we do not force Pakatan members to vote. It is also not a policy matter,” he said.
DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said it was clear that the three parties — PKR, DAP and Pas — rooted for Dr Tan.
On the 17 votes to Wan Junaidi, Lim said it showed that opposition members voted only for the first deputy speaker and the votes did not go to the second deputy speaker.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080429174916/Article]
Royal address: What the MPs say - Malaysiakini.tv
The King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today expressed his regret over the abuse of subsidies by certain quarters in his opening address at the 12th Parliament.
Anwar 'back' in parliament - Malaysiakini.tv
Opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim today said "there is no turning back" in his political career after returning to Parliament after a 10-year absence.
Family To Be Informed After Conversion To Islam - Zahid - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Non-Muslims who are converting to Islam may only have to inform their family after their conversion and not before, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said although he respected the decision of the 18th Syarak (Islamic)/Civil Law Coordination Conference Monday, the government was still studying the issue before making a decision.
"The proposal (by the prime minister that a non-Muslim must inform his/her family before converting to Islam) was acceptable and not rejected by the conference. But the announcement on conversion requires a suitable formula," he explained after the presentation of certificates to trainees of the Baitulmal Skills Training Institute at the International Youth Centre in Cheras, here Tuesday.
Zahid said this was important to avoid suspicions among non-Muslims, and therefore required careful study so that the conversion would not affect the convert's relations with his or her family.
Monday, the conference participants unanimously agreed that a non-Muslim does not need to inform the family first of his/her wish to convert to Islam.
The conference, attended by state legal advisers, muftis, state chief syarie judges and heads of state Islamic religious departments and Islamic religious councils, was held to discuss the proposal to make it mandatory for non-Muslim intending to convert to Islam to inform their family first.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329812]
