CJ, Ahmad Sarji, Keng Yaik made ‘Tun’ - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 ─ Chief Justice Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Mohamad, former Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik have been conferred the "Tun" title in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today.

Abdul Hamid, 66, and Ahmad Sarji and Dr Lim, both 69, who were bestowed the Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia (SSM), top the list of 1,862 people who receive federal awards, decorations and medals.

Squash queen and world No. 1 Nicol David, 24, has been honoured with the Order of Merit and becomes the first recipient of the award given to Malaysians who are renowned at national and international levels.

Established on June 26, 1975, the award is limited to 10 recipients who have made significant contributions in the arts, science and humanity.

Wanita Umno chief and former International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, 64, receives the Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN), which carries the "Tan Sri" title.

Thirty people have been bestowed the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which also carries the "Tan Sri" title.

[More at http://malaysianinsider.com/mni/cj-ahmad-sarji-keng-yaik-made-%E2%80%98tun%E2%80%99.html]

Birthday parade for King - TheStarOnline.tv

Malaysia's King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin celebrates his birthday with his Queen, ministers and his people at Dataran Merdeka Saturday.

Electricity Tariffs In Sarawak To Stay Despite Fuel Price Increase - Bernama

LIMBANG, June 7 (Bernama) -- Electricity tariffs in Sarawak will stay despite the increase in fuel price since Wednesday, State Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management, Datuk Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said here Saturday.

He said there had been no proposal yet from state-owned electricity company, Sesco Sdn Bhd, for a review of the current tariffs implemented since April last year.

"All this while, Sesco has had no subsidy (to purchase fuel for its electricity generation plant). We always procure the fuel based on the market price," he added when met after closing a three-day "Pesta Babulang," a festival organised by the Bisaya community in Batu Danau, here.

He admitted that Sesco could not depend entirely on fossil fuel to generate electricity following the unstable world price for oil, and had been actively exploring the potential of hydroelectric power in the state.

"We will continue to develop hydroelectric power in Sarawak as we have a lot of potential for it. We are also trying to develop a hybrid system (for power generation)," he said.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=338002]

Malay Unity At Its Lowest - Zahid - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- Malay unity is presently at its lowest level, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Unlike previously, the Malays do not have a common direction and because of this, some groups have raised issues which are no longer relevant like Malay supremacy," Zahid told reporters at the graduation of silat trainees under the Silat Cekak Association of Malaysia held at the International Islamic University, near here, Saturday.

He said the Malays were not asking more than what had been stated in the Federal Constitution nor did they want to deny other races of their rights.

"We just want to defend our rights," said Zahid.

He added that the Malays had also lost their political power, based on their representation in parliament and recent incidents in Selangor and Perak.

He urged the silat members to play their role in uniting the Malays, saying that the art of self-defence like silat should be used to show their love for the country.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=337996]

PM: Get true picture of global oil price hikes - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he hoped the people would obtain the correct information on the global fuel price increase phenomenon so they could understand what the country was facing.

Each and every one of us has a role and responsibility in facing these trying times. “As such, let’s face this challenge together with resilience for the greater good of the nation and our future generations,” he said.

The Prime Minister said this in his speech Saturday at an investiture held in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday at Istana Negara.

“The Government has held out for as long as possible to protect the people from fuel price increases but the price of oil has risen steeply and rapidly in the world market,” he said.

Abdullah said that in January 2007, the price of crude oil in the world market was only around US$50 (RM164.50) a barrel.

Now, 18 months later, it had risen to almost US$130 (RM427.70) a barrel and analysts were predicting it would continue to rise up to US$200 (RM658) a barrel, he said. The Prime Minister also said the Government was aware the fuel price increases had caused uneasiness and worry among the population.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/7/nation/20080607171312&sec=nation]

Ipoh cabbies impose RM1 surcharge - The Star

By Sylvia Looi

IPOH: In an act of defiance, the city’s 1,200 taxi drivers will impose a RM1 surcharge on top of the RM4 minimum fare here.

Ipoh City Taxi Operators Association secretary Leong Yew said that the cabbies from 15 associations had unanimously agreed to the surcharge from Saturday.

“We have no choice but to impose the surcharge as the petrol price has increase by 40%,” he told a press conference at the association's premises here.

The association's members, he added, had also agreed that they would charge an additional 20% for trips exceeding 10km.

Leong said besides the increase in fuel prices, taxi drivers also had to put up with the spiralling prices of batteries, tyres and spare parts.

The drivers’ decision came despite a warning from Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar that recalcitrant taxi drivers would have their permits revoked if they raised fares.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/7/nation/20080607161407&sec=nation]

Tuanku Mizan cautions against rising food prices, urges lifestyle change - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Be patient and prudent in facing the possible rise in food prices resulting from the recent fuel price hike.

And if necessary, Malaysians should change their lifestyle to help reduce the impact of the price increases on them.

This was the advice given by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in his address telecast by Radio Television Malaysia in conjunction with his birthday today.

“I acknowledge that a rise in prices puts great pressure on the livelihood of the people.

“Nevertheless, I hope that the people will exercise patience and prudence in facing the situation,” he said.

Tuanku Mizan hoped that the Government would monitor the situation and take every measure to ensure that the problem could be controlled and overcome.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/7/nation/21487841&sec=nation]

Salleh Abas’ two letters ‘insulting’ King were basis for his sacking: Dr M - NST

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri:

Two letters Tun Salleh Abas wrote to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Iskandar “complaining about noise during some repair work” at the King’s palace near the former Lord President’s house and complaining against the Prime Minister were the basis for his sacking, according to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his blog today.

“This (the letters) alone can be considered as very improper,” Dr Mahathir wrote in his very popular blog www.chedet.com. “A man as senior as he was could have asked to see the Agong and verbally informed him about the noise. But to compound the act of les majesté he sent copies of his letter to the other rulers. This implied that he did not have faith in the Agong and wanted the other Rulers to apply pressure on him.”

Dr Mahathir cited a second letter that Salleh wrote to the King, who at that time was Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor, that, among others, stated: “All of us (the judges) are disappointed with the various comments and accusations made by the Prime Minister against the judiciary not only outside but inside Parliament.”

Dr Mahathir quoted Salleh as writing in his letter: “The accusations and comments have brought shame to all of us and left us mentally disturbed to the extent of being unable to discharge our functions orderly and properly.”

Copies of the second letter complaining about the behaviour of the Prime Minister were also sent to the other Rulers. Sultan Iskandar was the yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1984 to 1989. Salleh wrote the letters in 1988.

The two letters from Tun Salleh were regarded by the Agong as being “highly improper and insulting particularly the copies sent to the other Rulers”, Dr Mahathir wrote.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20080606165007/Article/index_html]

Malaysia's Anwar says 'multi-racial' opposition emerging - AFP

Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that a "multi-racial, multi-religious" opposition was emerging in his country for the first time to challenge the ruling party.

The 60-year-old former deputy prime minister said many Malaysians of all races and religions were "sick and tired of corruption, of the destruction of the judiciary."

There is a "multi-racial, multi-religious cohesion of emerging forces in Malaysia which is clamouring for change," Anwar told an academic forum in the Philippines.

Recently there have been growing fears over "Islamisation" of Malaysia and the increasing polarisation of the three main ethnic communities.

About 60 percent of Malaysia's 27 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims. The country's minority Chinese and Indians are mostly Buddhists, Hindus or Christians.

Anwar, once heir-apparent to long-time former premier Mahathir Mohamad, spent six years in jail on sex and corruption charges, but now leads a resurgent opposition.

[From http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1437940]

Demo Against Fuel Price Hike At Komtar - Bernama

PENANG, June 6 (Bernama) -- About 50 supporters of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and the DAP and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) staged a peaceful demonstration against the fuel price hike for about 45 minutes at the compound of the Komtar building here Friday.

The demonstrators, who carried posters protesting what they claimed was the federal government's drastic move to raise the fuel prices which burdened the lower income group, gathered at 2.30 pm and dispersed at 3.15 pm.

State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim and several other government leaders were seen joining the demonstration, which the police kept under close watch.

PKR Youth Executive Committee Member Aminudin Ahmad, who acted as spokesman for the demonstrators, said the people had now to be prepared to face the possibility of higher prices for goods.

"Every time the price of fuel rises, the prices of goods are bound to go up as well. This is definitely a cause for worry," he said.

Aminudin said the near 40 per cent increase in fuel prices could cause the people to get angry with the government.

[More at http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=337873]

Public Warned Not To Join Demo Against Fuel Price Hike - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Police today warned members of the public not to be involved in any demonstration against the fuel price hike.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said in a statement that based on police intelligence reports, there were several groups who were planning to hold a series of demonstrations in several locations in the country.

"The purpose of the demonstrations is to protest against the rise in the price of petrol and diesel. I wish to stress here that any assembly must obtain the permit of the district police chief," he said.

He asked the public to cooperate in ensuring that public order continued to be maintained.

He said police also received information that several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and certain political parties would hold a night vigil in front of the Kamunting Detention Camp, Perak tomorrow night to demand for the release of all those detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as well as the abolition of the ISA.

Meanwhile, police and members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) were maintaining security at several locations in the federal capital which were said to be the venues for demonstrations against the petrol price hike.

[More at http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=337832]

Gerakan suspends FT's Dr Tan - The Star

By Priscilla Dielenberg

GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has suspended the membership of its Federal Territory chief Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong, a former Deputy Land and Cooperative Development Minister who has taken up a post with the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor Government.

Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, in a press release Friday, said the party's central working committee (CWC) decided at its meeting on Wednesday night to suspend Dr Tan's membership and to institute disciplinary action against him in view of his negative attitude and approach.

Chia said that according to Article 17 of the Party Constitution, Dr Tan was also asked to show cause why he should not be expelled from Gerakan.

"He has been given a week to reply," said Chia, adding that the CWC carefully deliberated on several factors before arriving at this decision.

He said that Dr Tan, as a central committee member, should know the party's position not to condone the act of any leader or member accepting appointments to hold official positions in agencies or committees in any of the Pakatan Rakyat state governments.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/6/nation/20080606170744&sec=nation]

MCA going multiracial route - The Star

GEORGE TOWN: MCA is working towards a multiracial direction to ensure a stable and harmonious country for all.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said although “MCA is a Chinese party, it has never played the racial card and is always extending its services to all the different races in the country”.

“Our party plays an important role in the country. Other than protecting the rights of the Chinese, we are also playing a liaison role to ensure harmony among all races,” he told a press conference last night after attending a closed-door dialogue between central leaders and members here at the Penang Chinese Town Hall.

Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat.

Describing the over four hours session as a “fruitful dialogue”, Liow, who is also Penang MCA chairman, said they had conveyed to the members the party’s plans to reform after the general election defeat.

Liow said Penangites had sent a clear message on their disagreement with MCA’s role in the Barisan Nasional in recent years.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/6/nation/21478014&sec=nation]

Shahrir: Why now and not in August - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to expedite the announcement of the increase in petrol and diesel prices was not an “afterthought”, but rather a need, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Admitting that the ministry had assured consumers recently that there would be no increase in fuel prices at least until August, Shahrir explained that the Government could no longer delay the decision.

“After much discussion with the Cabinet and the Anti-Inflation Committee we decided that it was best to make the announcement on Wednesday in light of the rapid global increase in oil prices.

“If we had waited longer, there would have been a possibility of a different price increase,” he said during a special live programme on RTM which was also attended by Bernama general manager Datuk Azman Ujang and Agenda Daily editor Hanafiah Man.

In the 40-minute programme, Malaysians could call in or text in their messages and queries.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/6/nation/21476477&sec=nation]

Fuel hike protest in KL - Malaysiakini.tv

Some 50 people gathered in Jalan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur, this morning to protest the sharp hike in fuel prices which came into effect at the stroke of midnight.

The peaceful protest attracted a huge crowd of onlookers who cheered from the sidelines and many gave the thumbs up in approval.

Amirul Qualifies For Beijing Olympics - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Weightlifter Amirul Hamizam Ibrahim has qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August.

This was decided by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) which allows those ranked in the top 15 in the world to compete at the Olympiad.

Malaysian Weightlifting Association secretary Lt Com Suhaimi Khamis said the decision was based on Amirul's performance when he finished 6th among the top 15 finishers at the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Japan last April.

Amirul came in fourth in the 56kg category with a lift of 121kg in the Snatch and 141kg in the Clean & Jerk.

"I received the IWF decision by e-mail today. I am proud of Amirul and hope he can give his best in Beijing," he told Bernama here Thursday.

Amirul would have to undergo intensive training, he said, adding that the venue for the training would depend on the discussions with the National Sports Council (NSC).

When contacted, Amirul said he was happy to be chosen to represent the country to the Olympic Games.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=337676]

Free Water Issue Resolved - Selangor MB - Bernama

SHAH ALAM, June 5 (Bernama) -- Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the stalemate over the free water concession for the state's people had been resolved.

"We have resolved it. By tomorrow, we will settle it and I think Syabas (Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd) will implement the move," he told reporters after attending the presentation of sponsorships for the Sultan of Selangor Cup 2008 football tournament, here Thursday.

On Syabas' claim that it had not receive any written instruction on the matter from the state government, Abdul Khalid said: "This is because of the question of who issues the letter of instruction to Syabas. It is because we have been pursuing the matter through Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB)."

It is learned that KDEB, the financial arm of the state government, which has been entrusted to restructure water industry management in Selangor would issue the letter to Syabas Friday.

Meanwhile, former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has asked the state government to honour its election promise by resolving the stalemate with Syabas over the free water.

"I hope the squabbles between Syabas and the state government will not affect the people," he told reporters after the Umno Supreme Council retreat at a hotel here Thursday.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=337661]

Sanusi not quitting as IIU head - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Sanusi Junid will not step down as president of the International Islamic University, a post he considers as part of his “duty to God and service to the people.”

In his second term now and with two more years to serve, the former Kedah Mentri Besar said he also had no intention of using the position to pursue a personal political agenda.

Sanusi said there was speculation over his post after he resigned from Umno together with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on May 19.

He was commenting on a June 1 statement by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khalid Nordin that there was no reason for his services to be terminated unless he played politics at the campus.

He also said he regretted Anti-Corruption Agency's investigating IIUM Holdings Sdn Bhd a day after he campaigned for Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, the Umno candidate for the Jerlun parliamentary constituency during the last general election.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/5/nation/20080605210509&sec=nation]

Reconsider decision, urges Wan Azizah - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Calling the fuel price hike "disappointing and unacceptable", Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the effects of the increase would be seen in the increase of consumer goods.

In a statement issued Thursday, she urged the Government to reconsider its decision to increase the price of petrol as people spend 25% of their income on transportation.

" After paying quite high tax for cars and toll fees, we are now burdened with the high price of petrol, " she said.

She added that the statements on the petrol subsidy issued by several ministers were conflicting.

According to Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad, the subsidy from petrol is RM56bil while Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop said that it was RM28bil and it was RM12bil from the Government Financial report 2007. " Therefore, we estimate that the petrol subsidy could be between RM8bil and RM10bil, " she said.

She said the cost of exploration by the oil companies is US$30 a barrel compared to US$130 of the price of oil.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/5/nation/20080605143735&sec=nation]

Fuel price hike: Subsidy still in force

By : Deborah Loh

PUTRAJAYA: The pump price for petrol is now RM2.70 per litre and diesel RM2.58 a litre following a cut in the fuel subsidy.
The increase of 78 sen per litre for petrol and RM1 a litre for diesel still leaves their prices 30 sen below the market rate.

Announcing the hike, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said a 30-sen subsidy per litre will prevail on pump prices, and will be used as an “automatic adjuster” in tandem with fluctuations in the world oil price.

The government will make the adjustments monthly.

To cushion the price increase, cash rebates will be given to owners of cars and motorcycles, based on engine capacity, through post offices from July 1.
These rebates will be given to owners of vehicles with road tax renewed between April 1 this year and March 31 next year.

Those who have already paid their road tax should produce their vehicle registration details at a post office and Pos Malaysia will issue them a money order.

Vehicles with large engine capacities will be levied a lower road tax from June 1.

The rebates will cost the government about RM5 million this year.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/20080605082202/Article/index_html]