By Charles Ramendran and Maria J.Dass
PETALING JAYA (May 7, 2008): Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, the webmaster of malaysia-today.net who was charged with sedition yesterday for news content in his website has refused bail.
In an act of defiance against the charges, Raja Petra has gone on a hunger strike in the Sungai Buloh prison where he is being held and has refused to meet anyone, including his wife Marina Lee Abdullah.
"He won't listen to anyone of us and I am so worried for his health. Except for a drink of water just before being charged in court on Tuesday, he has not eaten or drank anything since. He has kidney problems and I don't think he can take this hunger strike if he goes on for days like this," said Marina when contacted by theSun today.
She said Raja Petra developed kidney ailments when he went on a five-day hunger strike during his detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 2000.
"My husband's lawyers and I had tried to post bail early today (yesterday) to free Raja Petra but he had not just refused bail but also declined to see any of them.
"I believe my husband is doing this as he feels he has been unfairly judged and persecuted. He is angry, just as how everyone else is with what has happened and I know he will only stop this strike when they release him. I can only pray for his health for now, I hope everyone will do so too," said Marina.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22096]
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Raja Petra refuses bail, stages hunger strike - The Sun
Raja Petra still declines visitors, gets specs - The Star
By M. Mageswari
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin remains adamant in his refusal to meet anyone, even his wife who twice tried to see him at Sungai Buloh prison on Wednesday.
After having failed to meet him at 10.30am, Marina Lee Abdullah, who was accompanied by their youngest daughter, Sarah, and lawyer Matthias Chang attempted again at noon.
Marina, 54, said she had insisted that she wanted to meet her spouse but Raja Petra refused to have any visitors.
However, she managed to deliver the spectacles he had requested earlier via a prison warden.
The housewife said she also believed that Raja Petra is declining meals in prison as he had also done so when he was detained under the Internal Security Act for three months in 2001.
"I will try again to see him Thursday. I already asked the prison official to convey a message to him that I will not stop visiting him daily until he sees me. This has only caused the official to smile at me," Marina said when contacted.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/7/nation/20080507122531&sec=nation]
Malaysia's Economy Strong And Flexible Enough To Face Global Slowdown - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic standing is strong and flexible enough to face an uncertain growth in the world economy following the subprime loan crisis in the US, a weakening dollar as well as inflationary pressure and increasing crude oil price, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.
"Although the prospects of a slowdown in world economic growth will pose a risk to Malaysia's economic growth, its strong foundation is expected to contribute to its resilience and reduce the risks posed by the global challenges," he said during the Question and Answer session at the Parliament on Wednesday.
The minister was replying to a question from Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) who had asked on Malaysia's economic situation against the current world economy where the US dollar has depreciated, the price of crude oil has gone up and the Euro currency has appreciated.
Malaysia has projected a six percent economic growth for this year. Last year, the country's Gross Domestic Product grew by 6.3 percent.
Nor Mohamed said Malaysia's economic strength was in its flexibility.
"The manufacturing sector continued to show progress in increasing its value added chain, while the services sector has become an important contributor to the economic growth," he said, adding that the services sector had also expanded at a higher rate compared with the overall economic growth.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=331270]
Government to review film censorship guidelines - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Film censorship guidelines drawn up 15 years ago will be reviewed before a decision is made whether they need to be changed with the times.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the Government wanted to strike a balance between liberal and conservative thinking.
It would seek the views of the Film Censorship Board members and the public, he said.
“There are already guidelines which were seen to be applicable during that period of time but may not be applicable now,” he told reporters yesterday after meeting members of the Film Censorship Board and Film Appeals Committee.
Asked whether the board was now too lenient or strict, he said while the majority of the board members were “old timers,” there were those who were seen to be too rigid while others were too lenient.
He said that in the era of globalisation there was no way to prevent films from being made and not being shown as there were alternative channels for viewing them.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/7/nation/21170885&sec=nation]
'What makes you think I don't have proof?' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin was a celebrity at the Jalan Duta court complex here yesterday.
The 58-year-old arrived at 9.06am, accompanied by his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, a battery of lawyers and a throng of supporters.
His well-wishers read like a who's who of Pakatan Rakyat notables, including Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Abbas, Batu MP Tian Chua, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, PAS Youth chief Salahudin Ayub and Pandamaran state assemblyman Ronnie Liu.
Defiant as ever, Raja Petra challenged the government to repeal the Official Secrets Act (OSA) so that he could reveal what he claimed was evidence against his charge of sedition.
"What makes you think I don't have proof? What makes you think I don't have documents?
"If I do submit the proof behind my writing, they will arrest me under the OSA. You think I'm stupid?" he asked the assembled journalists.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2233653/Article]
DEWAN RAKYAT: Unhappy with PM's reply on money politics - NST
SEVERAL MPs are unhappy with the written reply by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on money politics on Monday.
Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) and R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) were upset that Abdullah said the Anti-Corruption Agency did not receive any official complaint on money being given by Barisan Nasional to Kelantanese residing in Kuala Lumpur to return to their hometown and cast their ballots for the BN in the March 8 election.
"I'm surprised by his answer. I have pictorial evidence to show that Kelantanese voters residing in the city were given RM200 each at Bukit Jalil to go back and vote," said Kok while showing two photos of voters queuing up and receiving the payments on her laptop.
Sivarasa said Bersih, a coalition which campaigned for a free and fair election, had a Press conference on March 17 on the matter and the statement and pictures were not only reported in the mass media, but also uploaded on blogs as well.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2233635/Article/index_html]
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Isu Karpal pertikai hak sultan - Persoal titah Agong pula - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Mei – Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh yang dibidas pelbagai pihak ekoran tindakannya mempertikaikan kuasa Sultan Perak dalam isu arahan pertukaran Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP), Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini turut dikritik oleh ahli-ahli Parlimen kerana mempersoalkan titah ucapan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin pula.
Tindakan Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor itu menimbulkan persoalan tentang siapa yang menyediakan titah ucapan diraja dan adakah ia ‘titah kerajaan’ pada perasmian persidangan Parlimen Ke-12 dilihat sebagai perbuatan yang menghina institusi raja.
‘‘Tuanku merupakan Ketua Negara dan rakyat kena akur dan taat kepada Seri Paduka. Memang Tuanku bertindak atas nasihat Perdana Menteri tetapi tidak perlulah bertanya titah ini titah siapa...titah kerajaan atau titah menterikah.
‘‘Apabila perkara itu dilafazkan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong maka ia adalah titah Seri Paduka,” kata Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) ketika membahaskan usul terima kasih atas titah Yang di-Pertuan Agong di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.
Pada hari pertama persidangan Rabu lepas, Karpal berkeras ingin tahu siapa yang bertanggungjawab menyediakan teks titah Seri Paduka.
‘‘Terlalu banyak soal berkaitan sultan ini, negara ini ditubuh, sebab wujudnya Kesultanan Raja-Raja Melayu. Ini bukan soal perkauman tetapi kedaulatan. Bukit Gelugor semasa (Parlimen) rasmi dulu juga bangkit soalan yang sama,” kata Razali.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0507&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_05.htm]
DEWAN DISPATCHES: Parliament’s great white shark - NST
DEWAN RAKYAT, Tues:
For as long as the political savvy can remember, Lim Kit Siang has been an authoritative presence in the Dewan Rakyat, an orator of sublime presentation on compelling issues of the day he wishes to hound on political rivals, or a predatory great white shark smelling blood dripping from a “wounded” Minister or MP desperately trying to cover shenanigans only the Ipoh Timur MP can sniff out.
The 67-year-old seasoned Parliamentary player of seven terms can appear to be humbled by a lucid riposte by a cool Minister or MP and smile bewitchingly (menacingly if you suddenly realise that you are the target of his sniping), or he can suddenly snarl like an attack dog, pouncing ferociously on the lapses the MP may have unwittingly exposed. Except for a brief four-year period (1999-2004) when he was “exiled” out of Parliament after losing in the 1999 general election in Tanjung, Kit, as he is fondly called by colleagues and friends, has been a paradoxical character who had injected impact and colour into the debates of august hall.
Kit’s parliamentary performances, many seasons as Opposition leader, but now deferring to PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, had been in his vintage style – articulate and authoritative when raising and stressing points but insistent, cynical, outlandish and brazen when deflecting broadsides from Barisan backbenchers, a slew of them with many axes to grind.
If there ever was a Top 10 list of best Dewan Rakyat debates, you can be sure that Kit has a couple of greatest hits in there somewhere, such is his searing influence in the business of formulating national laws and polices in the Dewan Rakyat.
Today was Kit’s turn to hold the floor in the debate on the royal address and he took a good two hours to deliver his package though a bulk of it meandered on endless interjections, clarifications, demands for rebuttals and, in the spirit of the Dewan Rakyat, a good old-fashion shouting match, all of it with BN backbenchers. Kit, who has the skill to rile up a Member of Parliament for no other reason than to rile up the person, would not have it any other way. All in all, another Lim Kit Siang vintage performance.
It was expected: the moment he stood up to begin his debate, Kit accelerated from zero to 120 in a matter of seconds, thundering on the authorities’ motive of charging blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin under the Sedition Act in connection with a recent posting on Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case when the resolute blogger should have been cited for contempt of court.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080506193341/Article]
Najib: Sultan of Perak’s action cannot be questioned - TheStarOnline.tv
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Sultan Perak’s decision to ask for the immediate reinstatement of the state’s Islamic Department is in line with the law.
Raja Petra charged, chooses jail over bail - Malaysiakini.tv
Clasped in handcuffs like a common criminal, photographers followed Raja Petra Kamaruddin's every step as he was led in and out of the court after he refused to post bail.
Raja Petra charged with sedition - Malaysiakini.tv
Malaysia Today news portal webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin was today charged with sedition at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over an article which he wrote in his website.
The article allegedly implied that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife were involved in the killing of a young Mongolian woman.
Raja Petra claimed trial to the charge. He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing seditious article on April 25 on Malaysia Today.
Hearing has been fixed from Oct 6 to 10 and Raja Petra was granted a bail of RM5,000, which he refused to post, deciding instead to remain in custody until the hearing date.
If found guilty, Raja Petra could be jailed for a maximum of three years and/or face a fine of up to RM5,000.
The chargesheet also highlighted nine paragraphs of the article which was titled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" as seditious.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordin Hassan is prosecuting while Raja Petra was represented by a team of six lawyers led by Karpal Singh.
Najib: No commission paid on Scorpene, Sukhoi deals - The Sun
By Tim Leonard
KUALA LUMPUR (May 6, 2008): No commission was paid by the Government to any parties for the purchase of the RM4.5 billion Scorpene submarines and the RM3.2 billion Sukhoi jets, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said today.
Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said allegations of corruption and cronyism were baseless as all these transactions were made in keeping with proper procurement procedures.
He was responding to calls by opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday for the Prime Minister to set up an independent commission to probe these purchases as she claimed that large amounts of commission were paid.
Speaking to reporters after presenting excellent service awards to Defence Ministry personnel in conjunction with Workers Day in the Mindef headquarters here, Najib advised those who make such allegations to check their facts first.
His ministry also issued a statement that allegations that the ministry had paid RM540 million to Abdul Razak Baginda (an accused in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial) as commission to secure the Scorpene deal were without basis.
It said that a local company, Perimekar Sdn Bhd, was awarded a contract worth 114.96 million Euros to provide support and coordination services for a period of six years. This was the amount that was miscontrued as "commissions".
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22059]
Karpal langgar ketertiban pembentukan negara - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Mei - Tindakan Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh yang secara berterusan mempersoalkan hak dan kuasa Raja-Raja Melayu melanggar ketertiban pembentukan negara ini yang diamal dan dipertahankan sejak sekian lama.
Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, Malaysia adalah negara raja berperlembagaan yang perlu dihormati oleh semua.
“Raja-Raja Melayu ialah lambang Ketua Agama Persekutuan dan juga kepada negeri-negeri Melayu yang lain. Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan Raja-Raja Melayu adalah payung yang menaungi seluruh rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dan agama.
``Kita tidak boleh pisahkan urusan kenegaraan di antara institusi raja dengan Perlembagaan Negara. Ia sangat berkait rapat di antara satu sama lain. Kemakmuran dan kerukunan bermasyarakat terbentuk selagi kita menghormati latar belakang ini,'' katanya dalam satu kenyataan yang diedarkan di lobi Parlimen di sini.
[From http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0506&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_09.htm]
No evidence indelible ink was brought in - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have not found any evidence that indelible ink was brought into the country from Thailand in the run-up to the recent general election.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said in a written reply to Fong Po Kuan (DAP - Batu Gajah) in Dewan Rakyat Tuesday that after studying the report that it had received and interviewing all the witnesses and complainant involved, the police found no such evidence.
“This is because not one witness has ever seen the ink. From their testimony, no individual, syndicate or certain parties have been identified to be involved in such activities.
“The statement made by the complainant and the witnesses were thus rumours and no individual has been positively identified or known to be involved.
“The investigation papers have been refered to the deputy prosecutor’s office on March 14. On March 31, the case has been classified as ‘no further action’,”he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/20080506155918&sec=nation]
Raja Petra claims trial for sedition - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the editor of news portal Malaysia Today, claimed trial at the PJ Sessions Court to publishing a seditious article on April 25.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Nine paragraphs in his article titled "Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell" were found to be seditious.
The article was posted on his website on April 25.
The court set his bail at RM5,000.
Raja Petra did not post bail. His wife Marina Lee Abdullah said he is hoping to raise the money through his news portal.
As of 2.30pm Tuesday, he was still in lockup at the PJ sessions court.
Earlier Tuesday, Raja Petra arrived at the magistrates’ court in the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex in Jalan Duta at 9.06am.
He was later instructed to go to the PJ Sessions Court to be charged.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/20080506094749&sec=nation]
Productivity up by 4.2% - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded 4.2% productivity growth last year, the highest since 2001, and marginally higher than that two years ago.
Malaysia’s productivity growth surpassed that of selected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and Asian countries, including Britain, Japan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Malaysia ranked third behind China and India.
International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attributed the achievement to vibrant domestic business activities aided by the Government’s pro-business policies and productivity initiatives by industries.
The public sector grew by 3.6% in 2007, up from 3.4% in the previous year.
“The commitment of the civil service to serve the public more efficiently through implementation of various productivity and quality initiatives has resulted in progressive growth in service productivity,” Muhyiddin said yesterday in launching the Malaysia Productivity Corporation Report 2007.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/21159039&sec=nation]
Non-Malays need not fear congress, says Muhyiddin - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Malays need not feel their rights are being infringed by the recent resolution adopted during a congress consisting of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) calling for Malay privileges to be upheld.
Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu, which concluded in Johor Baru over the weekend, was an expression of the perception held by the NGOs that their rights had been eroded.
He added that the Government and Umno needed to take note of the situation and not take things lightly.
“They feel that their rights are being less fought for by the Government and they want attention to be given.
“But non-Malays should not feel threatened. There is no taking away the rights of any race,” he told reporters yesterday, after inspecting preparations for the Fifth Malaysia International Halal Showcase exhibition which will be opened on Thursday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“Maybe, they feel the current Umno leadership is not being seen as giving the due attention. We accept their resolution with an open heart,” he added.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/21156308&sec=nation]
Full telecast will cost govt RM100,000 a day - NST
FULL telecasts of Parliament sittings will cost the government RM100,000 a day, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabeery Cheek said yesterday.
He said this in a written reply to questions by Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) and Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai).
Shabeery said the move to telecast the proceedings of the Dewan Rakyat starting from April 30 without any vetting was proof of the openness and transparency of the government in line with the country's democratic practice.
"The current 30-minute live telecast during the question and answer session was also broadcast by Radio Klasik and is streamed live through the ministry's web portal," Ahmad Shabeery said.
He added that his ministry was prepared to extend the live telecast to cover the debates provided there was positive feedback from the people.
Ahmad Shabeery said he was pleased with the way the Members of Parliament had conducted themselves yesterday during Question Time compared to the much maligned session last Wednesday.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2232780/Article/index_html]
Dewan Rakyat:State govts can transfer any civil servant, says Karpal - NST
Reports by V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph Sipalan
IT is the prerogative of the state governments to move any of their civil servants without consulting the head of a particular state, Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) said yesterday.
Speaking at the parliament lobby, he said state governments should not feel intimidated by royal administrations as they were not answerable in matters concerning civil administration.
Referring to the events involving the reinstatement of Datuk Jamry Suri to the position of Perak Islamic Religious Department director after being directed to do so by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, Karpal said the Perak state government should not have changed its decision to transfer Jamri.
Karpal said the situation reflected badly on the current administration and it would be seen as weak.
"The Perak Menteri Besar has buckled and wilted under the intimidation by the royalty and this sets a very bad precedence if the royalty interferes in the state administration."
He added that this was not the first time for such interventions by the royalty, citing the appointment of the menteri besar in Terengganu and Perlis.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2232669/Article/index_html]
Monday, May 5, 2008
Minister: I am happy with today's session - Malaysiakini.tv
Ahmad Shabery, when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby today, said his ministry would consider extending the live telecast to a much longer period after a rather smooth session this morning.
Ngeh: Ahmad Zahid is 'unscrupulous' - Malaysiakini.tv
Perak senior state exco Ngeh Koo Ham has described Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's call for Ngeh to be stripped of his datukship as "unscrupulous" and an attempt to "rope in the palace to fight Pakatan Rakyat".
TNB, SESB Slammed Over "Poor" Power Supply In Sabah - Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, May 5 (Bernama) -- A state assemblyman Monday slammed Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and its subsidiary Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for allegedly failing to improve electricity supply in Sabah.
Datuk Liew Teck Chan (BN-Likas) alleged that TNB had worsened the power supply situation instead.
Speaking during the debate on the address of Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah opening the 13th State Assembly, he said a 2005 report of the Energy Commission of Malaysia stated that the frequency of power failure in Sabah was much higher than in the other states of the country.
The System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia had dropped from 167.6 minutes in 2003 to 129 minutes in 2004 but for Sabah it rose from 2,279 minutes in 2003 to 2,594 minutes in 2004, he said.
Liew alleged that every time TNB faced a problem, the state government was put under pressure.
"Now, they want to build a coal-powered electricity generating plant in Lahad Datu and again they are putting pressure on the state government to give in to their demands," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330974]
Perak Umno Youth Lodges Police Report Over Karpal's Statement - Bernama
IPOH, May 5 (Bernama) -- Perak Umno Youth has lodged a police report over a statement by Bukit Gelugor member of Parliament Karpal Singh which it deems seditious.
The movement's head, Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, said: "We are asking the police to investigate Karpal Singh under the Sedition Act 1948 because the statement has created uneasiness among the people of Perak particularly with regard to the powers of the Sultan."
Newspapers Monday reported Karpal as saying that Sultan Azlan Shah has no jurisdiction over the transfer of Datuk Jamry Sury from the Perak Religious Department.
"Sultan Azlan Shah did not have any say, as the Ruler of Perak, in the decision made by the state government and, by law, the palace cannot order the state government to reinstate Jamry," the newspapers quoted Karpal Singh as saying.
Last week, Sultan Azlan Shah ordered Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to immediately retract a 24-hour transfer order issued on Jamry who was Perak Islamic Religious Department Director because the transfer order was made without seeking prior consent from the Sultan as the head of Islam and the Raja Muda of Perak as president of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330961]
BN Component Parties Should Assent To Umno's Struggle For The Malays - Bernama
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]
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."
