The Sun Front Page (7/4)

Read this doc on Scribd: The Sun Malaysia Cover (7 April 2008)
The nation’s FREE newspaper 30 sen for delivery to your doorstep MEMBER AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS (MALAYSIA) 275,000 COPIES DAILY Award winning newspaper for public service reporting and opinion writing. No. 4486 PP 2644/12/2008 (020369) Monday TELLING IT AS IT IS April 7, 2008 www.sun2surf.com » PAS on Islamic state idea pg9 » Top marks for child wellbeing pg8 news without borders Carey away pg19 PM TAKES AIM AT CRITICS, SAVING HIS BEST SHOTS FOR MAHATHIR Abdullah fires back! mbattled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi responded with guns blazing yesterday, taking aim at those who blamed him for Barisan Nasional and Umno’s poor performance in the recent general election. The Umno president, who faced a barrage of stinging and personal attacks in the wake of the punishing polls, returned fire at detractors, saving the best shots for his predecessor and On Tun Dr Mahathir’s criticisms He is misusing his strength. When we won in 2004, he said BN was kuat sangat; tak elok (too strong, it was not appropriate) and there must be opposition. But when the Opposition rose, I thought he would celebrate but he hentam pulak (attack instead). So attaining great success was a mistake, and to secure a slim win is also a mistake. What is it that can be accepted?” People say I’m lembik (weak) and talk as if the ministers and the cabinet are made up of stupid people and that Khairy (Jamaluddin, his son-in-law) is the only smart one. These allegations seem to have no limits! On Tengku Razaleigh It’s just blindly accusing (the leadership). Didn’t we have limitations before? I know. Reporters He should be were called in with Tun Mahathir when he more responsible took over as prime minister and were told not and look at Kelantan. to write about Tun Hussein (Onn). Who was Instead of working together responsible for Ops Lallang? Some people can and helping us wrest be given coverage while some others were not Kelantan, it is because to be given coverage. These were instructions of him, we lost support issued from time to time.” there”. E chief critic Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Also in the firing line were Umno veteran and presidentwannabe Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and self-proclaimed “prime minister-in-waiting” Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking after addressing 1,000 Umno grassroots leaders at the PWTC, Abdullah also disclosed that BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament and control of five states because of “sabotage by Umno members”. On Anwar Ibrahim (Najib) sees himself as my successor, not as an alternative leader – like Anwar is saying he is the alternative leader to Mahathir … He (Anwar) can wait. I am the leader today.” » Full report Page 2 SHARIL AMIN/THESUN

We were sabotaged, says PM - The Sun

By Llew-Ann Phang

KUALA LUMPUR (April 7, 2008) Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Sunday Barisan Nasional (BN) would not have lost control of Kedah and Perak if not for sabotage by Umno members in several parliament and state seats.

“We would not have lost if not for problems created within the areas. We should have won 14 more parliamentary seats and 22 more state seats (in these two states), based on analysis and information we received,” he said, expressing disappointment over the sabotage, which led to the BN’s shortfall of eight seats to retain its two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“The issue of sabotage will be referred to the Umno disciplinary committee,” Abdullah said. He declined to reveal the possible reasons, saying the matter should come before the committee first.

He was speaking to reporters after a briefing for Umno division information bureau members, which was also attended by Umno Supreme Council members, including party deputy president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, and Umno veterans, at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

At the press conference, Abdullah also hit back at his detractors, mainly his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had been taking pot shots at him to the point of openly calling for his resignation as the prime minister and Umno president.

On Dr Mahathir
“People say I’m lembik (weak) and talk as if the ministers and the cabinet are made up of stupid people and that Khairy (Jamaluddin, his son-in-law) is the only smart one. These allegations seem to have no limits. It’s just blind accusations (hurled at the leadership).

“Didn’t we have limitations before? I know. Reporters were called in with Tun Mahathir when he took over as the prime minister and were told not to write about Tun Hussein (Onn). Who was responsible for Ops Lallang? I know. It’s not that I don’t know.

“Some people can be given coverage while some others were not to be given coverage. These were instructions issued from time to time. I know.

“Looks like many Umno people are now being brave and coming out to speak about things that happened at the time.

“He (Dr Mahathir) is misusing his strength. When we won in 2004, he said it was kuat sangat, tak elok (too strong, it was not appropriate) and there must be opposition.

“But when the Oopposition rose, I thought he would celebrate but hentam pulak (he hit out instead). So attaining great success was a mistake and to secure a slim win is also a mistake. What is it that can be accepted?”

“Give us a chance to do what’s best for the party, the government and for the country.”
Asked if he would “open a file” on Mahathir, Abdullah said: “It is not my business to open files on anybody. It’s a matter for any agency ... if they think it is reasonable to open files on accusations they have evidence against.”

On Anwar and Tengku Razaleigh
“He (Tengku Razaleigh) should be more responsible and look at Kelantan himself. Instead of working together and helping us wrest Kelantan, it is because of him, we lost support there.”

He also compared Anwar to Najib, saying: “He (Najib) sees himself as my successor, not as an alternative leader – like Anwar is saying he is the alternative leader to Mahathir. He can wait. I am the leader today.”

Asked if he was going to “fight it out” with his detractors, Abdullah said: “I need to say what’s reasonable for me to say. I say what I need to, if I don’t need to, I won’t say, but I know the people want me to talk (against these issues) and I do.

“I only talk to strengthen the confidence of the Umno members to the party and to ensure that the leadership has the continued support of its members.”

On reform of the public administration, the judiciary and the party
“There is a need for reform in various systems of the public administration, including the judiciary system which now has a tainted image, due to issues that happened not in my time.

“Our people, especially the business community, think lowly of our judiciary. The evidence is that they don’t want any disputes of contracts to be referred to the Malaysian courts.

“They would rather take disputes of any contracts out of the country to Singapore or other countries like Australia, Hongkong. They have no confidence. This is bad. We have to do something about it.”

Abdullah said reform will be carried out under the New Economic Policy in incentives through the economic corridors; in the policing system and at the public administration level where the efforts to increase the efficiency and productivity of the public delivery system must be continued.

In the party, a mechanism needs to be formulated to make it obligatory for the top leadership to provide regular briefings to the grassroots.

“Once a year is not good enough, so making this an obligation will better strengthen the relationship from the branches right to the leadership,” he said.

On politics and the election
Abdullah said he told the division information bureau members at the closed-door briefing that there was a need to prioritise the efforts to strengthen Umno because it plays an important role in BN.

“We lost four states, and we have to understand that the election was one that gave us a signal that we must accept and admit and we need to prepare to carry out these efforts,” he said, acknowledging the much-eroded support to the BN in the March 8 polls, compared to the large mandate it won in 2004.

“I understand that the support then was because of the promises we made in our manifesto, which included issues that needed to be overcome due to the weakness of the administration before mine.

“There was high expectation and hope that we could do something about it.
“I admit that in the four years, our government – under my leadership – could not carry through the promises made fully.

“Thank God, our economy is doing well and we hope this position will continue to improve and we hope that it is strong enough to face global challenges that we may find difficulties with.”

Asked to comment on reports of PKR buying over some 30 Umno assemblymen, Abdullah, who described the act as disgusting, said: “Never mind lah. (let them) do whatever they want. They are looking for people in Sarawak who want to leave Umno. They do not care about the people’s choice.”

“They only want power and they want their leader to be the PM, so there will be all these approaches which are not good."

[From http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21330]

Najib will take over 'when time comes' - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the natural successor to the Umno presidency, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

Speaking at a closed-door briefing for Umno grassroots leaders here yesterday, the prime minister and Umno president said there had never been any problems between them.

"I assure you there are no problems between us, and he is the one who will be succeeding me."

While not saying when this is likely to happen, Abdullah made it clear he would hand over to Najib when the time is right.

He reiterated that he would not be stepping down.

"I will know when to go, but give me a chance to implement what I have promised," he said.

At a press conference later, Abdullah said unlike former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim then, Najib saw himself as a successor and not an alternative choice for prime minister.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/Frontpage/2206365/Article/index_html]

I have no regrets, says Sufiah - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Maths prodigy Sufiah Yusof, who is now working as a prostitute, claims she is living the life she wants without any regrets.

She does not think being an escort is sleazy and terrible and says her clients treat her like a princess in an interview with British tabloid News of the World.

“People think escorting is sleazy and terrible but I don’t see it like that,” she said in a no-holds-barred interview that was published with pictures of her in skimpy attire and sexy poses.

Sufiah claimed that she wanted to be in control of her life.

“I hate this stereotype society has of escorts as being exploited. It is so far from the truth. My clients treat me like a princess. One guy took me shopping on Bond Street. He bought me a beautiful black Gucci dress for £300 (RM1,920) and then took me to Selfridges, where I could pick a handbag I liked.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20870201&sec=nation]

Dr M: I will stop if leadership stops doing wrong things - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he would stop criticising the Umno leadership “if they stop doing what is wrong which caused the bad election results”.

“I will continue to talk as long as I am invited. I have no intention of becoming the Umno president or the Prime Minister. But as an Umno member and a citizen, I have the right to voice out,” he said at a press conference after speaking at a forum “Bersatu Mermartabatkan Ketuanan Melayu” organised by Umno Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka branch.

Earlier in Langkawi, Dr Mahathir said his criticism would make the party stronger.

“My criticisms will not wreck the party. If I tell lies, Umno will reject me. If they (supporters of current Umno leadership) tell the truth, people will accept them,” he said when responding to allegations that his statements were providing “ammunition” for the Opposition.

Dr Mahathir said he has no favourite choice for Umno president.

“We can’t be hasty in choosing a person. We have to wait and see if they are brave or whether they can perform well.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20871388&sec=nation]

Experts: Switching to higher RON petrol not viable - The Star

PETALING JAYA: The proposal to replace the existing octane ratings of petrol – research octane number (RON) 92 and 97 – with RON 95 and 99 may not be viable, said industry experts.

According to a senior manager of an oil company, who declined to be named, the new plan will not be a positive move as it will make no difference to the current classes of petrol.

“Most cars now run on RON 97 and it doesn’t make sense for luxury car owners to fill up with RON 95 or pay more for RON 99, which may be less subsidised or even not,” he said.

“Just to work out the math and make sure I do not pay a lot more, I could easily fill my tank with 70% of RON 95 and 30% RON 99 and get the same quality as that of the existing RON 97,” he added.

At present, RON 92 (sold at RM1.88 per litre) is used mainly by motorcycles while other vehicles run on RON 97 (RM1.92 per litre).

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad had said on Saturday that the proposed system was to have the petrol subsidy targeted at those who need it.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/7/nation/20870666&sec=nation]

Abdullah: Discplinary action will be taken against saboteurs - TheStarOnline.tv

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says sabotage within Umno caused Barisan Nasional to lose Perak and Kedah in the March general election. He told reporters this after a closed-door briefing session with Umno members at Putra World Trade Centre Sunday.

Up To Relevant Agencies To Investigate Dr M, Says PM - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sunday it was up to the relevant agency or department to take appropriate action on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for alleged interference in the administration of justice when he was prime minister, if the allegations were true.

He said any allegation or accusation backed by proof would be considered by the agency or department concerned for investigation and action. "If proven...we must not close eyes (and) say cannot (take action). If proven that it is (known), the matter must be considered by the government, important departments and agencies and if investigative action is needed, severe action must be taken.

"That is the approach we take for everyone," he said.

Abdullah said this to reporters after being asked about DAP chairman Karpal Singh calling on Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to direct investigations into reports lodged against Dr Mahathir for alleged interference in the administration of justice.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=325032]

Mahathir Says He's Not Making Comeback - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Sunday that he had no intention of making a comeback as Umno president or prime minister.

"As an Umno member and an ordinary citizen, I have the right to express my views," he told reporters after giving a talk at a function entitled "Fikir-Fikir Bersama Mahathir" (Let's Think with Mahathir) hosted by Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka branch of the Pandan Umno division here.

Asked how long he would continue to criticise Umno and the government, he said he would only give his opinions when invited to speak and would not wage a campaign on his own.

On whether he and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah should speak in a congenial manner on Umno issues, he said:

"I will stop, I will stop. Honestly, I will stop if they will stop doing what is wrong which has caused Umno to lose in the (recent general) election." Dr Mahathir said during his premiership, he had never stopped anybody from voicing his opinions.

He said even when he was challenged by Tengku Razaleigh for the post of Umno president in 1987, he had given the freedom to the latter as well as Tun Musa Hitam who had contested against his deputy then, Tun Ghafar Baba, to express themselves.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=325025]

Abdullah Answers Dr Mahathir And Tengku Razaleigh's Criticisms - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, while acknowledging that his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has strengths and influence, Sunday pointedly stated that the latter had misused these to the extent of undermining Umno.

The Umno president and prime minister who had before said that he would not bow to pressure for him to step down, also answered the criticisms levelled against him by Dr Mahathir.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing for the Umno information machinery on the outcome of the recent general election, the usually reticent Abdullah showed a different side of him.

"Tun Dr Mahathir said he was strong, but he has misused that strength. When Barisan Nasional (BN) won big in the 2004 general election, he said (BN was) too strong, not good, needed to have opposition."

"In the recent elections when the opposition did well (winning 82 of the 222 parliamentary seats), we thought he would be celebrating, but he hit out at us instead. Why? "You shouldn't win too many (seats) then, and now you shouldn't win a few?," said Abdullah.

Asked whether he would fight head on with Dr Mahathir based on the tone of his statement, Abdullah said: I say what I only need to say, and don't say what I don't need to."

Abdullah said he was aware that the people wanted him to start addressing issues that were important to them so that Umno would remain strong and have the people's confidence.

He also refuted the claim by some quarters that he was a softy and left all the decisions to his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.

"Under my leadership, they say there is no freedom, but at the same say that I am 'lembik' (soft). Scared of the 'si lembik' (the softy)?

"The rest are all stupid, only Khairy is clever," he said, referring to Dr Mahathir's accusation that Abdullah allowed himself to be influenced by his son- in-law in running the country and in making decisions.

"This accusation is baseless," he said, adding that when Dr Mahathir was prime minister, the government imposed certain restrictions like asking the press not to use the pictures of former prime minister, the late Tun Hussein Onn.

On the offer by Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to contest the Umno president's post in the party elections in December, with the aim of restoring Umno, Abdullah said the Kelantan Umno leader needed to look at himself first and why BN failed to wrest the state from PAS.

"Ku Li (Tengku Razaleigh) should look at himself, as he was the cause of Kelantan falling into the hands of PAS. While PAS ruled Kelantan, he did once tried to win back the state for BN but he failed." Kelantan fell to PAS in 1990 by cooperating with Semangat 46 led by Tengku Razaleigh then. In the 2004 general election, BN almost wrest back the state when it won 21 of the 45 state seats and one more seat when it won the Pengkalan Pasir by-election in 2005. Abdullah said he had also been informed that Tengku Razaleigh did not assist BN in the March 8 general election.

He also said that he had no problems with his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak and that he would be his successor "when the time comes".

On efforts to restore the party, he said besides him and Najib going to the ground to meet the party grassroots, relations between the party branches and the top leadership would be strengthened by meeting regularly.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=325011]

拒承认国阵大选惨败 敦马抨首相不知羞愧 - Nanyang Siang Pau

（吉隆坡6日讯）前首相敦马哈迪医生今日强烈抨击首相拿督斯里阿都拉“不知羞愧”，不但拒绝承认巫统及国阵在本届大选惨败，而且还企图告诉巫统党员，指只差8 席就可达到国会三分二多数议席的目标。

“若日本人面对挫败，早就已经切腹自杀或跳楼自尽。”

马哈迪今日出席由巫统班丹区部Cempaka 花园支部举办的“与马哈迪共同思考”讲座会上，这么说。

在场者包括该支部主席赛夫丁、马哈迪夫人敦西蒂哈丝玛、巫统前副主席丹斯里沙努西等人。约有500 名公众出席这场讲座，现场气氛沸腾。

马哈迪指出，国阵除了面对大选惨败，阿都拉日前所推荐的州务大臣人选，也首次遭王室拒绝的情况，其实应让人觉得羞耻。

“在这样的紧绷情况下，你（阿都拉）应该感到羞耻，可是呢？……这就是导致国阵惨败的原因，因为国阵不接受事实，领袖只喜欢听他们想听的话。”

[More at http://www.nanyang.com/index.php?ch=7&pg=10&ac=830994]

巫统不应视为极端 慕尤丁: 马华捍卫华社没错 - Nanyang Siang Pau

（吉隆坡6 日讯）巫统副主席丹斯里慕尤丁认为，若巫统将马华捍卫华社权益的举动，视为一种极端或不合理的要求，马华在华社眼中就变成了没有效率的政党，华社也不会对它有信心。

他说，巫统及国阵其他成员党的合作关系，须以新方式作出调整。

“我们必须理解马华是捍卫华社，而这个角色是必须受到承认的。”

他接受《每日新闻星期刊》专访时说，当要谈重振巫统的士气，就必须先深入探讨它与其他国阵成员党、社会及选民的关系。

他强调，若少了国阵其他成员党，巫统是不可能强大及稳固的。

“有人说，华社对马华及民政没有信心，并以为这两个政党是在巫统之下，说马华及民政（在国阵）不能发言及反映意见，甚至是说巫统经常认为它们的意见是无关紧要的。

[More at http://www.nanyang.com/index.php?ch=7&pg=10&ac=830960]

Nik Aziz Slams Karpal's Criticism On PAS Becoming Backbone Of Pakatan Rakyat - Bernama

KOTA BAHARU, April 6 (Bernama) -- PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has criticised DAP chairman Karpal Singh for saying that PAS should not dream about becoming the backbone of the proposed "Pakatan Rakyat" and establishing an Islamic state in the country as belittling the Kelantan state government's efforts to promote Islam.

The Kelantan Menteri Besar asked Karpal to prove the weaknesses of the PAS administration in Kelantan under Islamic principles over the past 18 years.

"I want to know (from him) what is wrong with Islam and where does he (Karpal) disagree with Islam. The non-Muslim communities are happy under us (PAS)," he told reporters after meeting the Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, Masahiko Horie, at his office here Sunday.

Last week, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Ahmad Yaakob had said that PAS should be the backbone of "Pakatan Rakyat", a yet to be formed coalition of Opposition parties if it wanted to realise its dream of establishing an Islamic state.

Ahmad said the dream would only become a reality if all parties understood and accepted the real Islamic concept because Islam was a religion for all.

Karpal responded by saying that there was no question of any one party -- PAS, DAP or PKR -- becoming the backbone in the Pakatan Rakyat as all were equal in the alliance.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324991]

Disciplinary Action Against Umno Members Who Sabotaged BN In Election - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Disciplinary action will be taken against Umno members who sabotaged the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in 14 parliamentary constituencies and denied the BN from winning the two-third majority in the last general election, said Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Abdullah, who is also the Prime Minister, said based on the party's analysis, several of the seats concerned were `white' or safe areas which should have been won and thus allowing the BN to win with the two-third majority.

He said the BN would also not have lost Kedah and Perak if there had been no acts of sabotage against the coalition in the 22 state constituencies concerned.

He said if there had been no acts of sabotage which had robbed BN of victory in the 14 parliamentary constituencies, the BN would have won the general election with a more than two-third majority, he said at a press conference after attending a briefing session with the Umno president which was attended by the party's information machinery at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here Sunday.

Asked why there were members who had sabotaged candidates from their own party, he declined comment.

Abdullah said that at the moment, there was no need for him to state the reasons why the members had acted in such a manner but he would give the information needed to the Umno Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action to be taken.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324984]

Rich to pay more - NST

By : Sheridan Mahavera

JOHOR BARU: The subsidy on petrol may be revised with the bulk going to the regular type so that prices will be kept down for the average motorists.

Under the plan, the existing classes of petrol at the pump — Octane 92 and Octane 97, commonly referred to as RON 92 and RON 97 — will be abolished and replaced by Octane 95 and Octane 99.

Octane 92 is used mainly by motorcycles while other vehicles normally use Octane 97.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad, who disclosed this yesterday, said Octane 95 could be used in most vehicles and would be the fuel of choice for low- and middle-income earners.

The government would also introduce Octane 99, a premium fuel that costs more than Octane 95 or 97, that is usually used in performance luxury cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

Under the proposed system, Shahrir said, subsidies would be mainly used to keep the price of Octane 95 low.

The price of Octane 99 will still be subsidised but to a lower extent.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/2205500/Article/index_html]

Ahmad Zahid: Dr Mahathir wrecking Umno - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he still remembers the warning Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave him about “not throwing a stone at a glasshouse.”

He said he was then the Umno Youth chief and the glasshouse depicted Umno while Dr Mahathir had referred to the stone as criticisms he (Ahmad Zahid) had made against the party.

“But now Dr Mahathir is the one using a bigger stone to throw at the glasshouse not only to destroy the ‘walls’ but to totally destroy the whole glasshouse.

“Will it not be better if a leader like Dr Mahathir use a better method to criticise the leadership and not the way of the Opposition?

“The Opposition will use his criticisms to destroy Umno, as Dr Mahathir is wrecking Umno from the inside while the Opposition is trying to destroy it from the outside,” he said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/6/nation/20868410&sec=nation]

Muhyiddin: BN should change - The Star

MUAR: The Barisan Nasional Government should initiate a major shift in the way it manages the country, as the people now can see what the Pakatan Rakyat can provide in the five states it rules.

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that things had changed now and the people could compare what the Pakatan states and Barisan states could provide.

He said that Barisan leaders, including Umno, should undergo a drastic change and allow others to speak up.

“We must listen to what others say and if what they said is the truth, we should accept it or say they are right,” he said.

“We cannot stop or prevent any party leader from speaking up and I say this because I am very concerned with the present situation,” he told newsmen at the Pagoh Barisan Nasional thanksgiving get-together yesterday.

Muhyiddin also said that there was a need for Umno Johor to form a think-tank to look into the people’s needs, to better understand their aspirations and feelings towards Barisan and also Umno.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/6/nation/20867897&sec=nation]

Be Truthful, Muhyiddin Tells Umno Members - Bernama

MUAR, April 5 (Bernama) -- Umno vice president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called on party members to be brave in stating the truth and not to tell lies to make the leaders feel good.

He also said that if a weakness existed in the party, they should accept it with an open heart and be prepared to overcome it, instead of just listening without doing anything.

"It is a lie to say everything is good when we know a weakness exists. It is better to tell the truth and nothing but the truth though it may be bitter to swallow," he told reporters here Saturday.

Earlier, he attended a thanksgiving function for the victory of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the Pagoh parliamentary constituency in the March 8 general election. About 3,000 BN supporters attended the event.

Muhyiddin who is International Trade and Industry Minister, also said Umno had to be bold to effect changes to suit the present situation without sacrificing the principle of its original struggle if it wanted to remain relevant. He said Johor Umno had agreed in a meeting this morning to set up a special institute to study and understand the feelings of voters.

The institute should comprise experts and be mobilised quickly to draw up a blueprint that would help Umno regain its strength including in other states, he said.

He said the initiative should start now so that the BN would not lose its existing power the next general election.

"I fear if something is not done, we continue to be complacent, still unaware of the political tsunami out there, we will lose power," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324941]

Khalid Quashes Rumours Of Making Way For Anwar In Bandar Tun Razak - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 (Bernama) -- Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim Saturday quashed rumours that he will vacate his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat to make way for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resurrect his political career through a by-election.

He said it was still premature to even speculate on the matter as the de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat had ample time to think about it and should he decides to return to active politics, he could contest in any of the 31 parliamentary seats won by the party in last month's general election.

The former deputy prime minister could return to active politics on April 15 after the expiry of a five-year ban following a corruption conviction.

The election rules, however, stipulate that a by-election could only be held six months after an election.

"It is his prerogative to decide when and where to contest. As far as (Parti) Keadilan (Rakyat) is concerned, we have 31 seats available.

"But I don't want to speculate on anything now as we do not want to put anyone, including our opponent into unnecessary preparation," Khalid, who is also Ijok state assemblyman, told reporters when asked to comment on the speculations after a get-together with his Bandar Tun Razak constituents.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324898]

哈迪阿旺：始终坚持回教国理想‧回教刑法搁一旁 - Sin Chew Daily

（登嘉楼‧瓜拉登嘉楼）回教党全国主席拿督斯里哈迪阿旺指出，回教党过去倡导的回教国理想，始终还是回教党的政治斗爭；但是，一些引起爭议的回教教义，將会暂时搁置一旁。

他强调，可以落实的回教国內容，將会继续落实，至於有爭议部份，如回教刑事法，就会搁置一旁。

与行动党有共同点

他坦承，回教党仍无法落实真正的回教国，因为在政治现实里，回教党根本不能组织强势及单一执政的政府，所以非回教徒根本不必担心回教国的课题。

哈迪阿旺在接受星洲日报专访时说：“实际上回教国的內容与行动党的社会主义理想並非南辕北辙；在某些课题上，如公正、反贪、扑灭贫穷的立场是一致的。”

他指出，人民联盟合作的大原则，是先落实一致、可行、適宜的目標。

“你（指记者）告诉我，挨饿的华人与回教徒所受的苦，有分別吗？行动党要公平施政，与回教所强调的，也是一致的。最大的分別是甚么？大家祈祷及信仰不一样而已。”

哈迪阿旺表示，那些彼此有分歧的课题，就先摆在一边，直到需要实行时，再来商討。

[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/60600]

Umno weak because it is lacking in democracy, says Razaleigh - The Star

GUA MUSANG: Describing Umno as being in a crisis, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the lack of democracy was the main cause of the party’s weakness.

The Gua Musang Umno division chief said the quota system where nominations from 30% of the divisions were needed before a candidate could contest the president post was an example of Umno lacking in democracy.

He said the requirement meant that candidates would need nominations from at least 58 divisions in order to contest.

“The rationale is to curtail members from contesting for posts but I don’t think there are Umno members who will simply challenge the party president without any strong reason,” he told reporters after opening the division’s extraordinary general meeting yesterday.

He said the quota system created a situation where members were more loyal to leaders instead of the party and incidences of money politics.

He said the recent general election had eroded the people’s support and confidence in Umno and immediate steps must be taken to stop the situation from worsening.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/5/nation/20859386&sec=nation]

PM to fill three vacancies with candidates from Umno - The Star

KUCHING: The three vacancies for federal deputy ministers will be filled next week, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister did not name the new deputy ministers, but would only that they were from the same party (Umno), which the three former deputy ministers represented.

The former deputy ministers were Sabahans Datuk Ghapur Salleh and Datuk Anifah Aman, and Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Abu Bakar.

Abdullah said he had identified the candidates for the posts of Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Deputy Speakers, and that among them were one Sarawakian and one Sabahan.

There was talk that Santubong MP Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is the Sarawak MP who has been identified.

“We are in the process of getting in touch with them (identified candidates) and asking them how they feel about it,” he told reporters when asked at Kuching Hilton yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/5/nation/20860274&sec=nation]

Khairy in no rush to helm Umno Youth - NST

REMBAU: Umno Youth deputy leader Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday said he would not rush into making a bid for the Youth chief's post to be vacated by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein at the party elections in December.

The Rembau Member of Parliament instead said he would get the views of members from the branch and division levels first.

"As the deputy chief, I represent the Umno Youth institution and I cannot make any personal, hasty decisions.

"I believe my personal interests are not important as what needs to be given priority is our institution which we must take care of. As a representative of this institution, I must listen to the views of the grassroots," he said here.

After leading Umno Youth for 10 years, Hishammuddin, 47, who is the education minister, announced on Thursday that he would not be defending the post and that it was time to make way for someone else.

Khairy said he respected anyone's decision to contest the post and was confident that through the democratic process, the best leader would be chosen to lead Umno Youth.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/National/2205072/Article/index_html]

Nazri: Dr M cause of rift - The Star

PARIT BUNTAR: Former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is responsible for causing a rift in the party, supreme council member Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said.

Nazri, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said: ”He is the one doing harm to Umno. If he loves Umno, he should stop all this when, at this time, even opposition parties with different ideologies can work together.”

Nazri said if it had been him or anyone else who did what Dr Mahathir was doing, they would have been sacked from the party a long time ago.

“But I am only an ordinary member, not like him an extraordinary member,” Nazri, who is also Padang Rengas MP, told reporters after presenting aid to 124 storm victims in his constituency here yesterday.

Nazri was commenting on calls by Dr Mahathir for reforms in the party and for Abdullah to step down to assume responsibility for the poor showing of the Barisan Nasional in the general election.

Like Abdullah, he said, Dr Mahathir had also suffered defeats in the 1990 and 1999 elections and yet Umno members had supported him throughout the nine years.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/5/nation/20859890&sec=nation]

Samy going for his ‘last term’ - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu will defend his presidency for the “last term” in the MIC party polls scheduled for March next year.

“I will retire in 2012 (after the end of the three-year presidency). I have already said it before,” the 72-year-old told reporters after presenting UPSR revision books to headmasters and students of Tamil schools here yesterday.

He said he would also stick to his decision not to contest for any parliamentary seat in the next general election.

(In March, Samy Vellu said that the general election would be his last, and that he would concentrate on party work and return to his architectural work when he retires).

Samy Vellu said that since he was not a minister, he had all the time to do party work.

To a question, he said he would be happy if anyone contested for the top post.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/5/nation/20860568&sec=nation]

Karpal: No one party is boss - The Star

PETALING JAYA: There is no question of any of the three political parties being the backbone of the proposed Pakatan Rakyat, DAP chairman Karpal Singh said.

He said it had already been made clear that no one party would have greater standing, as the three component parties were equal in the alliance.

“Out of 82 parliamentary seats, PAS won 23 seats, with DAP securing 28 seats and PKR 31.

“PAS won the lowest number of seats, so how can it claim to be the backbone of Pakatan Rakyat?” he asked when contacted yesterday.

He was commenting on an Utusan Malaysia article yesterday where Kelantan PAS Youth chief Mohamad Zaki Ibrahim agreed with Kelantan’s deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yaakub that PAS ought to be the backbone of Pakatan Rakyat to ensure the hopes of setting up an Islamic country were realised.

This was backed yesterday by the Kedah and Terengganu PAS Youth movements, Bernama reported from Alor Star yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/5/nation/20859725&sec=nation]

Mukhriz confirms Umno Youth chief candidacy, welcomes challenges - NST

JERLUN, Fri:

Confirming his candidacy, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said he did not want an easy passage in his quest to become Umno Youth chief. “I welcome challenges. We should allow as many Umno Youth members to offer themselves to lead the movement and to contest for other posts,” he said.

“I hope the party elections in December will give members room to offer themselves for any posts to help Umno,” he told reporters yesterday after giving away donation to 50 villagers in Kampung Manggol Bongor near here whose houses were damaged by a storm on Thursday.

Mukhriz, the MP for Jerlun and an Umno Youth exco member, was asked if he would compromise with former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo, who is also contesting for the movement’s top post following Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein announcement not to seek re-election in December.

Mukhriz said there was no dearth of capable candidates for the posts in the movement.

He was also confident that contests in the coming elections would not split the party as long as the campaigning was carried out properly.

“In the past, we had a six-cornered fight for the Umno Youth chief’s post but it did not cause any problems to the movement, although I have heard from some members that contests at the higher levels in the party would cause a split.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20080404180812/Article/index_html]

丹回青：回教党应主导民盟‧以实现回教国梦想 - Sin Chew Daily

（吉兰丹‧哥打峇鲁）吉兰丹回教党青年团支持丹州副州务大臣拿督阿末耶谷的言论，即回教党理应成为人民联盟的主导，以实现他们要建立回教国的梦想。

吉兰丹州回青团团长莫哈末查基依布拉欣说，从人民给予的支持，以致在野党夺下5个州的政权，以及在联邦直辖区贏得大多数国会议席的受欢迎程度来看，人民日渐接受回教党的理念。

“我们相信只要让社会广泛瞭解丹州回教党政府的公平与福利理念，人们没有理由排斥。”

他发表文告说，一些人在行为和態度上推介所谓中庸的回教之道，加上不断对回教党做出负面报导，才会造成一部份人抗拒回教党政府。

[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/60536]

Samy Vellu Will Seek Re-election For His Last Term - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu will defend his post for the last time in the presidential election in March next year.

The former Works Minister reiterated that it would be his last term leading the party and that he would not contest in the next general election.

"I will definitely contest for the president's post. I've already said I will retire after 2012.

"But I will not contest anymore in the general election. It's enough," the veteran MIC leader told reporters after presenting UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) revision books to Tamil school pupils.

Samy Vellu, who lost in the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in last month's general election, said he welcomed contest from anyone who wanted to challenge him for the top post which he had held for 27 years.

"Let anyone contest, I don't want to say who will contest or what. Anybody can contest and I will be very happy because I want to see what is my strength (in the party)," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324728]

First crack appears in Malaysia's ruling party - Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Dissidents in Malaysia's main ruling party formally opened hostilities with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday, demanding an urgent party meeting to discuss its poor performance in elections last month.

Abdullah's United Malays National Organisation, which has led the government since independence in 1957, suffered its worst-ever reverse at the March 8 poll, winning just over a third of seats in the federal parliament, less than the opposition.

The National Front ruling coalition, in which UMNO is the dominant partner, lost its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time in four decades but retained a simple majority, enabling Abdullah to remain in power.

But an UMNO division led by party dissident Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah voted unanimously on Friday to call for a special general assembly to discuss "the direction of the party", state news agency Bernama said. It was the first UMNO division to do so.

"We need to discuss the problems in our own house and find the true and right path to make ourselves better and prevent a situation that may become worse in the next general election," Tengku Razaleigh said in a speech to about 400 party delegates at the division meeting in the northeastern state of Kelantan.

[More at http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-32850220080404]

The Sun Front Page (4/4)

Read this doc on Scribd: The Sun Malaysia Cover (4 April 2008)
The nation’s FREE newspaper 30 sen for delivery to your doorstep MEMBER AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS (MALAYSIA) 275,000 COPIES DAILY Award winning newspaper for public service reporting and opinion writing. No. 4485 PP 2644/12/2008 (020369) Friday April 4, 2008 TELLING IT AS IT IS www.sun2surf.com » Mugabe’s biggest battle yet pg18 » Dancing to different tune pg38 Entertainment Hisham makes way UMNO YOUTH CHIEF NOT DEFENDING TOP POST by Husna Yusop newsdesk@thesundaily.com PUTRAJAYA: Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein declared yesterday he will not defend his post in the party elections in December, refusing to openly endorse a possible successor. “We have to look forward. We have to do changes and reforms, re-build the party and the wing. And if the Youth is still in a situation where they don’t know what my plans are come December, that becomes a barrier for us to move forward. “I feel today might be the right time for me to tell them about my plans after 10 years of building the Youth from the time when it was split to where it is now,” he said when asked about the timing of the announcement. Hishammuddin, who is also education minister, was speaking after announcing the ministry’s second report card for the Education Development Master Plan (2006-2010). His announcement fuels speculation that he is going for a higher post. But when asked if he was going for the deputy president or vice-president post in Umno, he said it was something for the delegates to decide. Umno has three vice-presidential seats, one of which became vacant after Tan Sri Isa Samad was suspended for dabbling in money politics. The other elected vice-presidents are Datuk Seri Ali Rustam and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. On whether Youth members are courageous and mature enough to choose a new leader, he said yes and he welcomed a contest. “Previously, what had hindered the two who had offered themselves was my own position. So now I am making it clear. Let there be no hindrance and those who feel they are qualified, they should offer themselves according to the normal process and let the delegates decide,” he said. It was reported on Wednesday that Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo had said they would offer themselves as candidates for the Youth chief post if Hishammuddin declined to defend it. Asked whether his deputy Khairy Jamaluddin agreed with his decision not to contest, Hishammuddin said it was his right to do so. “When I make a decision, it is usually in the interest of the party. Not for the posts, material or money,” he said, adding that he was not pressured to let go of the post. Asked if he wants Khairy to contest for the Youth chief post, Hishammuddin said: “It is not for me to decide. I can only answer what is within my control.” Asked if he had a personal preference of a successor, he said he had his own favourite but he would rather keep it to himself. When suggested that it is a tradition for the deputy to move up the ladder once the seat is vacated, he said it was not necessarily so, as “(listening to) the voices from the ground, clearly they are in power.” On whether he would accept any nomination for the top two posts in Umno, he said he would not respond to that as it did not matter at this point of time. “Our duty now is to rebuild the party, look at how we have fared (in the elections) and listen to the grassroots. We have no time to think of certain posts or chase after this or that. Our task is to rebuild the spirit of our members in certain states,” he said. Hishammuddin, the son of third prime minister Tun Hussein Onn, also said he did not expect a tough fight for the Youth chief post, “unless people are not sincere and honest in offering themselves”. When contacted for a response, Khairy said he did not have any comments for the time being while Mukhriz could not be reached on his mobile phone. New kids in the House ... B ATU MP Tian Chua (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and Khairy Jamaluddin (Barisan Nasional), no strangers to speaking their minds and taking their causes to the streets, have another thing in common. They are newly-elected people’s representatives and will be making their Dewan Rakyat debut later this month. They joined other MPs for orientation at Parliament House yesterday. » Full report Page 2 PM meets Penang CM... New initiatives to contain inflation KUALA LUMPUR: The government is working on new initiatives to curb inflation and is expected to announce some of them soon, International Trade & Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday. “Some of these matters (pertaining to the inflation issue) were highlighted by the prime minister during the meeting,” he said when asked to comment on the outcome of his meeting in Putrajaya last Tuesday with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other ministers on efforts to curb inflation. “He (PM) also highlighted certain things that must be looked at more closely and what certain ministries and agencies need to do. “Once (Second Finance Minister) Tan Sri Nor (Mohamed Yakcop) comes back to the cabinet with his full report on studies (on the country’s current state of inflation and economy), then the government will decide on the new initiatives to curb inflation and (at the same time) put more income into the pockets of consumers,” he said after an official visit to the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd. Muhyiddin declined to elaborate on the new initiatives other than to say that it will be a package to be announced by Abdullah soon, with some of them expected to be implemented before Budget 2009 is tabled. When announcing his new cabinet line-up recently, Abdullah had said his priority was to support lower income groups suffering from higher prices of consumer goods. Bank Negara Malaysia in its 2007 Annual Report released recently noted that Malaysia was expected to post a higher average headline inflation of 2.5-3.0% this year compared to 2% last year as a result of the pass-through effect of global inflation as well as the continued strength of domestic demand. The central bank said the period of high uncertainty surrounding global growth and inflation prospects was evident from the second half of last year and was expected to continue this year. – Bernama ATUK Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi welcomes Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at Putrajaya. Lim received an assurance that federal projects planned for the state will be fulfilled. Abdullah in return advised Lim to be careful with his words as he was now a government leader. D » Full report Page 4 SHARIL AMIN/THE SUN

Billions spent on Chinese, Tamil schools - NST

PUTRAJAYA: Contrary to popular belief, the Education Ministry has spent huge sums of money on both Chinese and Tamil schools in the past.

The National Education Blueprint 2006-2010 second report card states that since 2006 and up to last year, RM2.27 billion had been given to Chinese schools while RM923 million were for Tamil schools in 2007.

The blueprint also states that nine Chinese schools have been relocated to densely populated Chinese areas for the sake of the community's convenience.

Three schools were also being built, which includes two Chinese schools in Selangor and Kulai, Johor, and a Tamil school in Paya Lunas, Kedah.

Despite the billions of ringgit allocated in 2006, Chinese and Tamil schools received an additional RM174.3 million and RM64.8 million respectively.

For this year alone, the ministry had approved an additional six Chinese schools in various areas while 13 Chinese schools will be relocated to new areas.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2203819/Article/index_html]

Quotas for Umno nominations stay - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Quotas for nominations in Umno elections are set to stay, party deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

He said yesterday the December party elections must comply with current party rules.

Commenting on the 30 per cent divisional nominations needed to contest for the Umno presidency, Najib said that unless an extraordinary general meeting was called to do away with the quotas, the elections would have to abide by them. Party rules state that only the Umno supreme council can call for an EGM.

Najib reminded Umno members that while they had the right to contest the party polls, it was also their duty to restore public confidence in the party. "The elections must be conducted in a respectful and orderly manner."

Najib also announced that he would be leading a management committee of senior Umno leaders to go to the four newly captured opposition states and speak to the party rank and file.

Kedah and Penang will be Najib's first two stops on April 10, followed by Perak on April 12 and subsequently Selangor.

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2203762/Article/index_html]

‘Rulers just exercising their rights’ - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent show of power by the palace in Perak and Terengganu should not be seen as an intervention, as long as the provisions in the constitution are observed, panellists in a forum said.

The forum entitled Interventionist Monarchs: A Complement or A Challenge to Democracy? saw five speakers citing the incident of the appointments of Mentris Besar in the two states as examples to debate the role of the monarch.

PAS think-tank head Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad said in the recent incidents in the two states, the rulers were merely exercising their rights and using their prerogatives.

He said it was not wrong for the monarch to intervene if the role was provided for by the constitution.

“The significance of the (March 8) general election is the empowerment of the monarch. They have realised that they too had been marginalised. Now they are out to assume their role,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20841468&sec=nation]

Muhyiddin: Stop speculating - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Stop speculating that the Prime Minister is stepping down because it creates political uncertainty, said Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said whatever speculation involving the country’s leader was not good and it might be a deliberate ploy by certain parties with ill intent.

“Such talk may affect the country’s image and create worries among local and foreign investors,” said the International Trade and Industry Minister after his official visit to the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) here yesterday.

“Political uncertainties caused by such speculation in any country, will not benefit the country. It will lead to great losses because the people worry what will happen and whether there will be changes in terms of leadership and government. That is what we don’t want.”

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had on Wednesday denied the speculation following calls by some leaders, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, that he should step down to assume responsibility for the Barisan Nasional’s poor showing in the March general election.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20842208&sec=nation]

Gerakan: Free Hindraf five - The Star

IPOH: Gerakan wants the Government to release the five Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders detained in Kamunting under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Gerakan National Legal Bureau chief Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the detention of the five leaders had created unnecessary tension and unhappiness, especially among advocates of democracy and human rights.

“We are seriously against any Act that prescribes detention without trial, such as the ISA and Emergency Ordinance as they are against the cardinal principles and law, that is, each person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard,” he said yesterday.

When the five were detained last December, he said, the party had voiced its concern over the repercussions.

“True enough, it was an issue during the March general election and voters turned against us partly because of the use of the ISA against the five Hindraf leaders,” he said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20843660&sec=nation]

New Malacca tower to open on Monday - The Star

MALACCA: The state’s next tourist attraction, Menara Taming Sari, is expected to be open to the public on Monday.

Several setbacks in the past had caused a delay in the construction and operations of the 110m tower.

With its peak shaped like a keris, it stands tall in the middle of the busy tourist hub surrounded by heritage museums, shopping centres, and the Malacca River.

The tower was built at a total cost of RM23mil funded by Kumpulan Melaka Berhad and will be run by its subsidiary Melaka Taming Sari Berhad (MTSB).

The air-conditioned viewing cabin, which can accommodate up to 80 people at a time, revolves as it rises from ground level to the top of the tower. It also revolves on its downward journey.

Among the extra services offered are kiosks, a restaurant and limousine services.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20843516&sec=nation]

‘Punishing non-Muslims for khalwat against Constitution’ - The Star

PETALING JAYA: It is unconstitutional to punish non-Muslims for committing khalwat (close proximity) as there is no provision in law for it.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said yesterday that Article 121(A) of the Constitution allowed for separation between the Civil and Syariah courts.

“Khalwat is not recognised (as an offence) under civil law.

“It is not wrong for non-Muslims. Syariah law is only applicable to Muslims,” he said yesterday.

He was commenting on a proposal made during a seminar on Syariah Law review for non-Muslims who commit khalwat with Muslims to also be held liable.

Syariah Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Asri Abdullah said the seminar had proposed that non-Muslims committing khalwat with Muslims be likewise sentenced, but in the civil courts.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20843977&sec=nation]

Dr M: Vote Abdullah out in upcoming Umno polls - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno members should vote Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi out in the upcoming party elections if they are concerned about the situation in the party and country, said former party president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said party members should “find a better leader” who was conscious and concerned of the people’s feelings.

The Opposition won many votes in the general election because Umno members voiced their unhappiness against the leadership and made a massive vote switch, he said after launching the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2008 organised by the Melawati Rotary Club yesterday.

To a question that an extraordinary general meeting was unlikely to be held to abolish the nomination quota for members to contest Umno’s top posts, and that Abdullah had reiterated that he would not step down as Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir said: “The only way for members, if they really feel strongly about it, is to ensure that Pak Lah gets defeated in the election. Unfortunately, this will result in Umno also being defeated.”

“They say we will split the party if there is a contest. Which is better – to split the party with the possibility of the party coming back, as in the case of Tengku Razaleigh (Hamzah who challenged him in 1987) or lose the (general) election completely and people regard Umno as irrelevant?” he said.

He said that if Abdullah was not going to step down, he should give the people the “chance to make their choice” and convene an Umno EGM.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20846983&sec=nation]

PM: No Petronas funds for 2nd bridge - Malaysiakini.tv

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today rejected a proposal by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to use Petronas money to construct the second bridge across the Penang channel.

PM meets Guan Eng: 30 mins, 2 statements, no feelings hurt - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi met for 30 minutes in Putrajaya today and both of them came away with something — no loss of face.

The island’s newly-minted chief executive was able to raise all the issues on his agenda, including the need for Petronas to fund the construction of the second Penang bridge, and said so at an impromptu press conference outside the PM’s office.

Careful not to be outflanked, Abdullah issued a statement through Bernama and said that he had advised Guan Eng to be careful with his statements as he was now a chief minister. Their different take on what was the news point of their discussion shows how important posturing is to politicians.

Guan Eng said he received the assurance that major infrastructure projects in the state will continue to be funded and driven by the Federal government.

He also made the case for Petronas to fund the Penang Second Bridge, a point he has repeatedly pushed since Election 2008 vaulted him and other members of the People’s Pact into the state assembly.

It was always going to be a tough sell but Guan Eng showed that he was not awed by the setting.

[More at http://www.malaysianinsider.net/mni/pm-meets-guan-eng-30-mins-2-statements-no-feelings-hurt.html]

Lim Guan Eng's first official visit to PM - TheStarOnline.tv

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya on Thursday. He said the federal government has agreed to co-operate with the state government to complete the second Penang Bridge project.

Samy Vellu To Seek Release Of Hindraf Leaders Under ISA Detention - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Though he is no longer in government, MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu says he will continue to pressure the government to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders detained under the Internal Security Act.

Since the general election was over and everything had been settled, the five ISA detainees should be given due consideration to be released, the former Works Minister said.

"I will continuously pressure the government to seek their release," he told reporters after chairing the party's central working committee meeting.

Samy Vellu had come under fire after announcing on Sunday that he would seek the release of the five Hindraf leaders being held at the Kamunting detention centre in Taiping.

The MIC supremo had said he would help to seek their release after family members of two of the five leaders had contacted him for his help. The detainees are R. Kenghadaran, 40, M. Manoharan, 46, V. Ganabatirau, 34, K. Vasantha Kumar, 34 and P. Uthayakumar, 47.

Samy Vellu said he would meet Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar in Putrajaya Thursday on the matter.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324488]

Malaysia's top politician admits ruling party has slipped into deep crisis after polls - AP

By Eileen Ng, AP

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's ruling party has slipped into a deep crisis after its recent election debacle and needs strong leadership to carry out reforms, a top party official said Thursday.

"There are concerns that it might lead to a full blown crisis if it is not managed well," International Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters.

Muhyiddin is one of the three vice presidents of the ruling United Malays National Organization, and his candid warning indicates growing dissatisfaction with the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the party's president.

"In any political party, you need a strong leadership to be able to move things through, to improve things and regain lost confidence," he said.

Muhyiddin, however, dodged a question on whether Abdullah could provide the leadership needed or whether he should step down, a demand that has become increasingly vocal in recent weeks. Leading the call is former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Muhyiddin would only say that party members have the right to call for a leadership change, adding that the party has slipped into a "very dangerous zone."

"It's a call which we will leave entirely to members. I can't forecast how it will be but we need to deal with the situation at hand. Members are in a daze ... they feel that they are lost," he added.

But Muhyiddin also said speculation over Abdullah's leadership could be detrimental to the economy.

[More at http://news.aol.com/story/_a/malaysias-top-politician-admits-ruling/n20080403045309990004]

Abdullah Tells Guan Eng To Be Careful In Making Statements - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday advised Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to be careful in making statements as he is now a leader of a state government.

He should not be a populist, Abdullah told Bernama after he had a 30-minute meeting with Guan Eng, who is also DAP secretary-general, at his office here.

Abdullah said: "I told him that we have been observing closely what is happening in Penang. I advised him that he is now the leader of the government there and that he should be careful in making statements."

Referring to Guan Eng's recent comments on the New Economic Policy (NEP), the prime minister said he should not be making sweeping statements that equated the NEP with corruption.

Abdullah said he could not accept such a sweeping statement as it would cause anger and misunderstanding which would be hard to undo.

The prime minister asked Guan Eng to eradicate poverty and ensure that there was growth with equity in Penang.

Abdullah said he also told Lim that the federal government would honour all its commitments, including several big projects, as planned in Penang.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324410]

Hishammuddin tidak pertahan jawatan Ketua Pemuda UMNO - Utusan

PUTRAJAYA 3 April – Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein tidak akan mempertahankan jawatan Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO pada pemilihan parti itu Disember ini.

Bagaimanapun beliau tidak menyatakan jawatan yang akan ditandingi dan menyerahkan kepada perwakilan untuk menentukan kedudukannya dalam parti pada pemilihan itu.

[From http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0403&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_04.htm]

Najib Reiterates Unwavering Support For Abdullah - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today reiterated his unwavering support to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the leader of the government and Umno despite calls to the prime minister pressuring him to step down.

He said Abdullah still commanded the support and respect of the Cabinet and Umno members for his leadership.

"The prime minister has expressed his intention to continue leading the nation as he still enjoys the support and respect in the Cabinet and among party members.

"He (Abdullah) has decided to continue with his leadership and has the right to do so," he told reporters after meeting the new Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar at the Defence Ministry.

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, was asked to comment on Abdullah's denial to speculations that he would step down as prime minister.

Abdullah reiterated his stand yesterday that he would not run away from his responsibilities as the prime minister.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324375]

Azalina: Tourism MoUs with Opposition-ruled states to be terminated - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism memorandums of understanding with Opposition-ruled state governments will be terminated given the change in leadership, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said this was in line with the termination of Tourism Action Councils in the states which were previously chaired by Barisan Nasional’s state executive councillors in charge of tourism in each state.

“Normally, the council works together with the state executive council and local authorities.

“But now that the leadership in the state governments have changed, we have to terminate the MoUs and the councils,” she told a post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday.

Perak, Penang, Selangor and Kedah fell to the Opposition in last month's general election.

Azalina said that a committee would instead be set up, with members appointed by the Federal Government similar to the format implemented in PAS-held Kelantan.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20833921&sec=nation]

Muhyiddin keeps them guessing - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is keeping his cards close to his chest as to which position he will contest in the party election.

He said he would be contesting for a post, but refused to say what he was aiming for.

During a candid press conference after closing a seminar on government financial assistance for Malaysian companies at the Matrade building here yesterday, he also denied sending an SMS that he and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah had formed a political partnership.

He said that party leaders would go down to the ground to gather feedback from the grassroots on how to rejuvenate the party and make it relevant.

He said the members were free to express their views on the nomination quota system or anything pertinent to the party.

Muhyiddin said deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who heads the Umno management committee, will lead the initiative. The leaders will visit Kedah and Penang on April 10, followed by Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur on April 14.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20836425&sec=nation]

Proposal to prosecute non-Muslims for khalwat - The Star

By Izatun Shari

KUALA LUMPUR: A seminar on Syariah Law review wants non-Muslims found committing khalwat (close proximity) with Muslims to also be held liable.

This was among the proposals made at the two-day seminar organised by the Islamic Institute of Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) and the Syariah Judiciary Department Malaysia.

Syariah Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Asri Abdullah said the seminar had proposed that non-Muslims committing khalwat with Muslims should also be sentenced accordingly, but in the civil courts.

“We don’t have the jurisdiction to sentence non-Muslims committing khalwat with Muslims,” he told reporters after closing the seminar on behalf of department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Lembut at Ikim here today.

“The Muslims can be sentenced in Syariah courts, and the non-Muslim partners can probably be sentenced in the civil courts, to be fair to both parties.”

He said the proposal, contained in a draft resolution at the seminar, would be forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20830111&sec=nation]

Lim: Another scam uncovered - The Star

NIBONG TEBAL: A special panel set up by the state government to investigate “land improprieties” in Penang has stumbled upon yet another scam.

This time it involves an RM13mil land deal.

“This is a fresh case. We just uncovered this when the special panel was investigating the other cases,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said on Tuesday night.

“We will get to the bottom of the case and find out how it occurred,” he said but declined to reveal details of the case.

Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddi, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy and state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh form the special three-member panel.

Lim said that the three were expected to meet tomorrow to discuss further on this matter as well as the other land impropriety cases.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20823274&sec=nation]

No Outside Influence In Selecting Election Candidates, Says Hishammuddin - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth head Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the nomination of candidates from the movement to stand in the March 8 general election was according to the normal procedure.

It was not in any way influenced by a middleman as alleged by former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday, he said in a statement Wednesday.

He said Umno Youth did not have a specific list containing the names candidates to stand in the election because the vetting process and selection of candidates were made jointly by leaders at the division and state levels.

"So, the issue of Youth candidates being nominated not according to the existing channel as far as I know, including Youth candidates from component parties, does not arise.

"This is the process we have practised all this while in selecting candidates in each general election," he said.

Hishammuddin said the process of selecting Youth candidates was discussed between the state Umno Youth head and state liaison chief before the whole list which included other candidates was submitted to party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for approval.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324321]

Ahmad Said Meets Abdullah Over Executive Council Line-up - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is satisfied with the Terengganu state executive council list submitted to him by Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said here Wednesday.

Ahmad held a 45-minute meeting with Abdullah at Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister's Office, to discuss the 10-member state executive council line-up.

"During the discussion, we ensured that all the districts in Terengganu are represented in the line-up. That is important," Abdullah told Bernama after the meeting.

He, however, declined to give details of the line-up as it has not received the consent of the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council.

"I can't release the names yet. I have looked at the list and I am satisfied with it. It is a good list," he said.

Abdullah said the list of names would be submitted by Ahmad to the head of the Regency Advisory Council soon.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324293]

Muslim official visits church, temples - AP

By Sean Yoong

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- A lawmaker from Malaysia's Islamic opposition party said Wednesday he made rare visits to a church and temples to help assure non-Muslim minorities about their religious rights.

Khalid Abdul Samad, a Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party lawmaker, said he wanted to ease suspicions among non-Muslims that his party seeks to curb their religious freedoms.

"It's time to set the record straight," Khalid told The Associated Press. "We respect the rights of non-Muslims. There's no plan to stifle other religions or create problems for them."

Non-Muslims have been upset in recent years about how the government has handled religious issues, including the demolition of Hindu temples, a ban on the word Allah from Malay-language Christian literature, and court judgments favoring Muslims in disputes with non-Muslims.

Khalid's visit to the Christian church and two Hindu temples last week was a rare move by a Muslim politician. Many of Malaysia's Muslim public figures have been wary of appearing in places of worship other than mosques, fearing criticism by conservative Muslims. A few politicians have made such visits discreetly.

Khalid's party has long alienated minorities with its call for a hard-line theocratic state. But it toned down its religious rhetoric and allied itself with two secular, multiethnic opposition groups for elections last month.

[More at http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MALAYSIA_RELIGIOUS_MINORITIES?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT]

'People's Alliance' Merely A Political Ambition, Says Mahdzir - Bernama

ALOR STAR, April 2 (Bernama) -- The use of the term "Pakatan Rakyat" or "People's Alliance" to portray the agreement reached upon by Parti KeAdilan Rakyat (PKR), the DAP and PAS is nothing more than a political ambition to mislead the people, said Kedah Umno Liaison chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said the alliance lacked clarity and sincerity because each political party in the coalition had their respective principles and direction which differed from one another.

"PAS and the DAP are clearly extreme in their stand right from the beginning which differed from the Barisan Nasional (BN)," said Mahdzir, who was the former Kedah Menteri Besar.

Commenting on the agreement reached by the three political parties to use the term "Pakatan Rakyat" which was announced by PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, he said it was not as easy as it was pictured to be.

"The BN coalition started with the Alliance even before the independence and had taken such a long time, and furthermore, there are now many more parties especially in Sabah and Sarawak," said Mahdzir, who is also the Kedah BN chairman.

He said the coalition concept based on mutual understanding and power-sharing was the equitable reality proven by the BN all this while.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324187]

Guan Eng Not Spared In NEP Probe, Says CPO - Bernama

PENANG, April 2 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is not spared from being summoned by the police in connection with investigations into his statement that the open tender system will replace the New Economic policy (NEP).

Acting state police chief Datuk Salleh Mat Rasid said recording a statement was a normal procedure in police investigations.

"Anybody can be hauled up to give a statement to assist in investigations, including the chief minister.

"This is normal in the course of investigations," he told reporters after launching a blood donation drive in conjunction with the 201st Police Day at the northern region marine police base in Batu Uban.

Police are investigating the matter following a police report lodged by lawyer Abu Backer Sidek Mohamad Zain on March 14 that Guan Eng had made a "very sensitive statement" to the Malays.

Asked when police would call Guan Eng to give a statement, Salleh said it depends on the progress of investigations.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324172]

Dr M drops support for Najib - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has withdrawn his support for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to be Prime Minister.

In the past, the former Prime Minister had, countless times, openly said he wanted Najib to take over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister.

“I feel we should not pick who the replacement should be. We should give the opportunity to a number of people so that we can evaluate them whether it is Pak Lah, Najib or (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin).

"For now, I can’t say who (should replace Abdullah). Although I have said before it should be Najib, I don’t know why for ‘some reason’ I have now changed my mind,” he said at a packed “Umno Post 12th General Election: An Assessment” forum organised by mykmu.net.

Dr Mahathir said the Cabinet and Umno supreme council were not relevant anymore because they were all just “yes” men to Abdullah.

He said those who tried to speak up were chastised for supposedly being disrespectful.

“They are then invited by the Prime Minister and given an explanation why they should agree with him,” he said, adding that their mouths were kept shut because they were afraid of losing their position and power.

He said Abdullah preferred to seek advice on government and party matters from “outsiders” such as family members including his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin rather than his own Cabinet and Umno supreme council members.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/2/nation/20818840&sec=nation]

Plenty of drama at forum to assess polls performance - The Star

PETALING JAYA: There were hot speeches and plenty of drama at a forum held to assess Umno’s poor performance in the recently concluded general election.

From calling on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take full responsibility and resign, there were accusations at the “Umno Post 12th General Election: An Assessment” forum that the party's top brass comprised of “yes men”.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad provided the keynote address while his son Datuk Mukhriz, who is the newly-elected Jerlun MP, and Batu Pahat MP Dr Puad Zarkashi were among the speakers.

Mukhriz came out and made his stand known, saying there was “something really wrong” with Abdullah’s leadership for his inability to check the rising cost of living, increasing crime, corruption and nepotism.

Dr Puad, who is also the Johor Umno information chief, wanted Abdullah to step down as Prime Minister.

He said people had lost faith in the present leadership.

“Umno has lost its soul,” he said, adding that the party needed huge reform to win back support of the people.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/2/nation/20821309&sec=nation]

Guan Eng keeps mum on Siva’s retraction - The Star

PENANG: Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam retracted his resignation from DAP after a private conversation with party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Lim, who confirmed this yesterday, however refused to disclose if he had made any counter offer to persuade Sivasubramaniam to stay on in the party.

Sivasubramaniam tendered his resignation on Monday only to retract it six hours later.

His resignation would have put the DAP-PAS-PKR coalition government in a precarious position, as it would only have a one-seat majority in the house.

Barisan Nasional currently holds 28 out of the 59 state seats.

Asked if Sivasubramaniam’s dissatisfaction was due to the allocation of state exco seats which did not include any Indians from the party, Lim said the matter had been settled.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/2/nation/20816681&sec=nation]

It's not the system but the people that's bad: Mahathir - Malaysiakini.tv

At the MYKMU.net forum, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed that it's not the system that's bad, but it's the people (referring to Umno's current top leadership).

No previous PM have come from an enemy state: Mahathir - Malaysiakini.tv

Former PM Mahathir Mohamad said that no prime minister has come from an 'enemy' state before, referring to Pak Lah's home state now under opposition rule.

Dr M withdraws support for Najib as Prime Minister - TheStarOnline.tv

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has withdrawn his support for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister. He was speaking during a press conference at a packed Umno Post 12th General Election: An Assessment forum on Tuesday.

PKR, DAP And PAS Plan To Formalise Cooperation - Bernama

PETALING JAYA, April 1 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP and PAS Tuesday agreed to consolidate the cooperation between the three parties and proposed their alliance be called the "Pakatan Rakyat" (People's Pact).

PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had all agreed that the move to formalise the alliance be brought back to their respective parties for approval.

"The name will be adopted once all the three parties give the green light," he told reporters after holding a meeting for the purpose with the heads of the three opposition parties at the PKR's headquarters here.

He said down the road a leadership council would be formed for the pact to give it "teeth".

Anwar said once the pact was formalised, he would only chair its meetings but would not lead it.

He also said that the three parties would be holding a national convention on April 27 to help increase understanding and cooperation among their members of parliament and state assemblymen.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=324045]

Mahathir Demands Meeting to Oust Malaysia's Abdullah - Bloomberg

By Manirajan Ramasamy

April 1 (Bloomberg) -- Former Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad called for an emergency meeting of the nation's biggest political party to oust Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi following the government's worst ever election showing.

``Only when we reject this leadership can we reform the party,'' Mahathir, 82, told a 2,000-strong gathering of mainly party members outside Kuala Lumpur today. ``It's OK if once in a while you betray or challenge the leadership. Don't be afraid.'' Abdullah has no comment, said a spokesman at his office who declined to be identified.

Mahathir, calling Abdullah ``shameless'' for not resigning, needs the party's support to oust the man he picked to succeed him. Public demands for change are mounting in Malaysia as an opposition alliance, buoyed by unprecedented election gains, woos government lawmakers in a bid to topple the coalition.

The United Malays National Organisation, Abdullah's party and the main component of the National Front coalition, should change its constitution at a special gathering to make it easier for leadership challenges, Mahathir said today. UMNO, as the party is called, needs a new leader by December, he said.

Abdullah, 68, is under ``intense and localized pressure from within,'' said Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, a political analyst at Universiti Malaya. ``He won't go down without a fight.''

Abdullah has said he has the government's support and will remain in power. UMNO will hold leadership elections as scheduled by the end of this year, Muhyiddin Yassin, a party vice president, said on March 27.

[More at http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aNGrX8vLWU4s&refer=asia]

Mukhriz sedia tanding Ketua Pemuda - Utusan

PETALING JAYA 1 April — Anggota Parlimen Jerlun, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir berkata, beliau sedia bertanding jawatan Ketua Pemuda Umno pada pemilihan parti Disember ini sekiranya mendapat sokongan akar umbi. Bagaimanapun, Mukhriz yang juga Exco Pemuda Umno, berkata beliau tidak akan bertanding jika ketua pergerakan itu Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein memutuskan untuk kekal memegang jawatan itu.

“Saya belum buat keputusan. Saya kena tunggu dahulu bos saya, Datuk Hisham, untuk menyatakan jawatan apa yang beliau akan bertanding,” katanya kepada pemberita pada Forum “Umno Pasca Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12: Satu Penilaian” anjuran portal internet MYKMU.Net di Hotel Singgahsana di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas sokongan mereka yang menghadiri forum itu yang mahukannya bertanding jawatan Ketua Pemuda yang dipegang Hishammuddin sejak 2000. Sebelum ini, bekas Menteri Besar Selangor Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo juga menyuarakan hasrat untuk merebut jawatan itu.

Forum yang dihadiri lebih 1,200 peserta itu turut menyaksikan bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menyampaikan ucap utama. Forum yang dikendalikan moderator Datuk Ahmad A.Talib itu juga menampilkan Ketua Penerangan Umno Johor Dr Puad Zarkashi, selain Mukhriz dan Mohamad Khir, sebagai ahli panel.

Mohamad Khir pula ketika ditanya sama ada beliau akan memberi laluan kepada Mukhriz, berkata, perkara itu tidak menjadi masalah asalkan Mukhriz mendapat 20 peratus pencalonan daripada Bahagian Umno seperti ditetapkan perlembagaan parti.

“Kita akan bincang dan tengok macam mana,” kata Mohamad Khir, satu-satunya pemimpin Umno yang meletak jawatan sebagai Pengerusi Barisan Nasional (BN) dan Umno negeri ekoran kekalahan BN dalam pilihan raya umum lalu menyaksikan lima negeri termasuk Selangor jatuh ke tangan pembangkang.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0401&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_09.htm]

Malaysia opposition forms alliance, PM faces revolt - Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's opposition parties agreed on Tuesday to form a coalition in an effort to present themselves as a credible alternative for government, while the main ruling party sank deeper into dissent.

The three main opposition parties won a record number of seats in parliament at elections on March 8, dealing the ruling National Front coalition the biggest setback in its 50-year reign and spelling trouble for the prime minister's future leadership.

"In today's meeting, it was proposed to consolidate the cooperation among the three parties under the name Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact)," de facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim told reporters after a meeting with fellow party leaders.

Malaysia's opposition has been weak and ideologically divided for many years, comprising two parties that appeal mainly to urban, liberal voters and an Islamist outfit that attracts mainly rural votes and wants to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state.

The three parties tried once before to form a coalition with a single policy platform, during an election campaign in 1999. But the pact fell apart two years later over the issue of Parti se-Malaysia's (PAS's) call for the creation of an Islamic state.

Anwar, a former deputy premier, said the parties were still working on a common policy platform on Tuesday.

[More at http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-32785920080401]

Koh names line-up for Penang - The Star

PENANG: The Penang Barisan Nasional shadow government will not only be made up of the coalition's state assemblymen but also component party leaders.

State Barisan chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who said this in a statement, added that the leaders would head the current Penang state government exco portfolios.

He also said the 11 Barisan assemblyman in Penang would be known as Barisan Nasional spokespersons and not shadow exco members as announced earlier.

Dr Koh said that a committee that he chairs and consisting of leaders from all Barisan component parties has been formed to give feedback to the assemblymen.

He said the portfolios of the said Barisan spokespersons are Industrial Development and International Trade, Land Affairs and Land Development (Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya), Religious Affairs, Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development and Information (Shabudin Yahaya), Economic Planning, Education and Human Resources, and Science, Technology and Innovation (Datuk Jahara Hamid) and Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment (Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah).

The others are Town and Country Planning and Housing (Syed Ameruddin Syed Ahmad), Public Works, Utilities and Transportation (Datuk Jasmin Mohamad), Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation (Datuk Azhar Ibrahim), Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development (Zabariah Wahab), Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (Datuk Roslan Saidin), Health, Welfare and Caring Society (Datuk Mahmud Zakaria) and Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage (Farid Md Saad).

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/1/nation/20808045&sec=nation]

Proton to recall Savvy cars - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Proton is recalling 34,000 Proton Savvy cars following a possible wheel bearing problem.

It said in a statement that the problem was brought to its attention during a regular random check, which found the possibility of water entering the rear wheel bearing.

This could lead to a malfunction of the affected components, with loosening of the wheel as the worst-case scenario.

The national carmaker has advised all Savvy owners to immediately take their vehicles to the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for inspection.

Checks will be conducted and replacement parts installed (if required) free of charge.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/1/nation/20808045&sec=nation]