Student apologises over Karpal death threat - NST

JOHOR BARU: An 18-year-old college student yesterday apologised to DAP national chairman Karpal Singh for posting a death threat against him on a website hosted by Pas Johor Baru.

The student, accompanied by his father and Johor Baru Pas representative, turned up at the Johor Baru (South) district police headquarters yesterday afternoon and admitted that he was responsible for posting the death threat.

Police recorded a statement from the student and released him.

The death threat had been part of the brickbats hurled at Karpal following allegations that he was a bigot for continuously opposing the formation of an Islamic state.

The student also went to the Johor Baru DAP office and met DAP Johor deputy chairman Norman Fernandez.

He handed over a letter of apology for Karpal to Fernandez.

Fernandez said in the student's handwritten letter, he claimed that he was not aware of the implication of posting the death threat.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2226628/Article/index_html]

Youth chief's apology 'a bold step' - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has taken a bold step by apologising for raising the kris, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"He made the apology knowing that there would be many Malays who would be upset," he said after chairing the supreme council meeting at Umno headquarters here yesterday.

"His aim was to clear any misunderstanding among the non-Malays. Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) and I did not advise him on the matter.

"There should not be any accusations about Hishammuddin having a hidden motive. The kris has always been there. I don't want this issue to be politicised further," he said.

Hishammuddin, who is also a supreme council member, said he would take sole responsibility for the consequences of the apology.

"If the Kris Panca Warisan, not the kris Melayu, is still haunted by the perception that it is feared by certain quarters, I will bear the responsibility.

"I am realistic and, if it affects the party, I will ensure that the party is given greater consideration than personal interests," he said.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2226624/Article/index_html]

PM briefs BN reps on how to perform - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional MPs have been told to be more constructive in their criticism, questions and debates in the Dewan Rakyat.

This was the advice of BN chief Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a 45-minute BN pre-council meeting at Parliament House yesterday.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the advice was also for senators who attended the meeting.

"He advised us on how to raise and handle issues... and be better prepared in facing the opposition," he said.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Johari Baharum said the prime minister told MPs to be more proactive in their approach.

"He also advised MPs to take care of all their constituents."

Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Kohilan Pillay said Abdullah advised MPs and senators to be on their best behaviour when taking part in proceedings.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2226658/Article/index_html]

Balkis accounts 'not audited or finalised' - NST

SHAH ALAM: External auditors for the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) yesterday said the charity's accounts for 2007 were never audited or finalised, contrary to claims by Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

The former menteri besar on Sunday said the accounts of the charity for the previous year were finalised, before RM9.9 million was transferred to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

Yee Choon Kong & Co, in a faxed statement, said the financial statement of Balkis was unaudited and the accounts not finalised before the funds were transferred.

Company principal Yee Choon Kong said he never issued a duly signed audit report in respect of the conduct and financial affairs of Balkis for the financial year ending Dec 31 last year.

He said the firm was appointed as external auditors for Balkis at the last annual general meeting on June 30 last year.

Yee said his firm, on a number of occasions, had called the treasurer of Balkis, Datin Suraimi Sapuan, to send financial records for auditing.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2226627/Article/index_html]

Wakil rakyat BN Sabah tolak pembangkang - Utusan

SANDAKAN 28 April - Wakil rakyat Barisan Nasional (BN) di Sabah tidak pernah terfikir untuk menyertai pihak pembangkang seperti yang diuar-uarkan oleh Penasihat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Timbalan Ketua UMNO Bahagian Libaran, Datuk Juslie Ajirol berkata, kenyataan Anwar itu cuma strategi baru politiknya untuk melemahkan BN di Semenanjung yang dilanda masalah selepas prestasi buruk pada pilihan raya umum lalu.

"Semua wakil rakyat BN Sabah tidak berhasrat untuk melompat ke PKR atau parti pembangkang lain yang ada di negeri ini. Di Sabah, kita menolak sepenuhnya parti pembangkang terutamanya PKR Sabah.

"Perkara ini telah dibuktikan pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 lalu," katanya semasa berucap pada majlis penutup Sukan Tahunan Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Tiram Batu 19 dekat sini semalam.

Ahli Parlimen Libaran itu berkata, Anwar hanya berangan-angan kosong dan perbuatannya jelas sedang mengelirukan rakyat terutamanya di negeri ini.

Beliau berkata, Anwar sememangnya sedia maklum, senario politik di Sabah amat berbeza dengan Semenanjung dan menyedari tidak ada wakil rakyat BN yang akan menyertai pembangkang.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0429&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_06.htm]

Pertahan ketuanan Melayu - Utusan

KUALA LUMPUR 28 April - UMNO akan terus berperanan memperjuangkan ketuanan Melayu supaya kaum itu tidak dipandang rendah dalam negara sendiri, kata Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Presiden UMNO berkata, orang Melayu tidak boleh hidup sebagai 'kuli', sebaliknya mereka perlu dilihat berada pada satu kedudukan yang sama dengan kaum- kaum lain.

Justeru, katanya, usaha untuk memajukan dan memperkasakan orang Melayu akan diteruskan tetapi dalam masa yang sama hak-hak kaum lain tetap terpelihara.

Ujarnya, masih terdapat orang Melayu yang perlu diperkasakan dan diperkuatkan meskipun ada dalam kalangan mereka ketika ini telah menempa beberapa kejayaan.

''Orang Melayu merupakan penduduk asal di negara ini dan tidak boleh hidup sebagai kuli. Oleh itu untuk menjadi 'tuan' kita perlu berjaya kerana kita mahu orang Melayu berperanan dalam pembangunan negara.

''Inilah yang dikatakan ketuanan Melayu dan bukannya hendak perintah orang lain atau memaksa kuasa terhadap orang lain,'' kata Abdullah kepada pemberita selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi (MT) UMNO di Menara Datuk Onn, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini hari ini.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0429&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_04.htm]

MPs looking forward to the 12th parliament - Malaysiakini.tv

Newly elected lawmakers took oath of office in parliament today after March 8 general elections which changed the political landscape.

MP Bloggers - TheStarOnline.tv

New MPs Jeff Ooi and Tony Pua are famous for their blogs and both are committed to blogging while they are seated in the Dewan Rakyat.

Altantuya's father comes to parliament - Malaysiakini.tv

The plight of the family of murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu was
taken to Parliament today, while the 222 newly-elected members gathered
for their oath-taking ceremony.

Altantuya's father, Dr Shaariibuu Setev (photo), was in the building
this morning with a one-page letter appealing for the help of the MPs
in relation to the case.

Shaariibuu had hoped to personally deliver the letter to both Prime
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul
Razak.

People's Needs, Priorities Come First Than Party's, Says Abdullah - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The government will always give importance to the people's problems and interests, particularly to meet the needs of the low-income earners, by initiating programmes to ease their burden, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday night.

The prime minister said though the Barisan Nasional (BN) was facing various setbacks, the coalition would ensure the people's agenda was accorded priority over everything else.

"Serious attention will be given to the masses' woes. The BN is still the federal government and is governing the nation from the mandate given by the people. Issues concerning the people will be given prompt attention," he told a press conference after chairing a meeting of the supreme council, Umno's powerful decision-making body.

Abdullah said the government viewed the fuel price hike issue seriously as it could lead to an increase in prices of consumer goods and other problems that might surface due to global food shortage.

In this regard, he said, the government would expedite measures to set up a food stockpile and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry had drawn up a proposal paper to implement the national food security plan.

Abdullah said the proposal paper would be tabled in the Cabinet soon for perusal.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329587]

Malaysia's new lawmakers take oath - Channel NewsAsia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's new parliament session got off to an exciting start on Monday with the highest number of opposition lawmakers being sworn-in in history. Of the 222 MPs sworn in, half were fresh faces.

Hogging the spotlight in parliament were the first mother and daughter MP team dressed in turquoise, the party colour of Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Opposition Parliamentary Chief, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has made it into the history books as the first woman to lead the opposition.

Despite the noticeable absence of her husband, de facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, she has other reasons to celebrate.

She said: "I am proud that my daughter has actually made it to the parliament together with me. Both of us are committed to work for the people. We are grateful that the people have confidence in us."

Despite being a political rookie, MP for Lembah Pantai, 27-year-old Nurul Izzah Anwar, is eager to take on the government MPs and has vowed not to let the people down.

She said: "Peoples’ aspirations rest on our shoulders. I feel this is a huge responsibility. But (at) the end of the day, if you are sincere to your country (and) constituency, you will do your best."

[More at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/344241/1/.html]

Anwar's Claim Of Defection By BN Reps Proven Untrue - Mohd Ali - Bernama

MELAKA, April 28 (Bernama) -- The claim by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that a number of Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians would be party hopping to join Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition coalition, has proven to be untrue.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the smooth swearing-in of the MPs with no defections from the BN, for the first sitting of parliament's 12th session, which began Monday, proved that the BN representatives had the integrity that they could be proud of.

"I congratulate all the BN MPs who took their oath as they have upheld the people's trust and proved that Anwar's instigation and boast about defections from BN were nothing more than empty talk," he told reporters here Monday.

Also sworn in Monday was former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, as the Dewan Rakyat Speaker. He is from Kota Belud, Sabah.

As expected, Mohd Ali said, Anwar's claim was mere political gimmick which got himself trapped.

Last week in Kota Kinabalu, Anwar was reported to have said that several BN MPs had decided to join Pakatan Rakyat and what was withholding them was only the time factor as they had not been sworn in.

Mohd Ali, who is an Umno vice-president, believes that the Pakatan Rakyat itself would face problems as the opposition coalition parties -- PKR, PAS and DAP -- have different policies and ideologies.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329544]

Guan Eng: It’s a new form of colonialism - The Star

By Carolyn Ooi

PENANG: Re-routing the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry funds via a different body such as Mara is a new form of colonialism, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

Lim hoped Minister Datuk Noh Omar would reconsider the decision as such a move would give a wrong impression to the public.

For years, it has been the practice by the Ministry to channel funds worth RM100 mil a year to the respective State Economic Development Corporations.

The money was used for purposes such as upgrading facilities and financing programmes for the benefit of the people.

However, on Saturday Noh announced that the funds would be channelled via Mara, to prevent the rakyat from being "victimised". He did not explain what he meant by the word "victimised".

Such a move was tantamount to forming a parallel government, Lim told reporters during the Mount Miriam Hospital "Ho Chiak" Charity Food and Fun Fair on Sunday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/20080428095226&sec=nation]

Kadar Shah: Hisham should resign - The Star

MUAR: The Muar division wants Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to resign over the keris issue.

Datuk Kadar Shah Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah, claiming to speak for several branch leaders, made the call yesterday after Hishammuddin admitted that the keris issue was among the causes of Barisan’s poor performance in the March general election.

To admit the mistake is not good enough if the Youth chief does not take the responsibility and resign from all party and government posts, he said.

Hishammuddin had agreed that the keris issue was one factor which had caused Barisan to lose the people’s support, Kadar Shah said here yesterday.

Kadar Shah said besides resigning, Hishammuddin should also seek forgiveness from all Umno and Barisan members as the DAP had manipulated the keris issue to woo supporters.

He said that as a Cabinet minister for several terms, the Youth chief should be mature enough to know what a leader could do, and brandishing the keris could hurt the feelings of other races.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/21083289&sec=nation]

Nizar, Guan Eng call for end to preventive laws - The Star

IPOH: Two Pakatan Rakyat state leaders have called for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

While Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said certain provisions Act at least needed to be reviewed if not repealed, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng went step further, asking for the Official Secrets Acts (OSA) to be done away with as well.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had on Saturday said that preventive laws, including the ISA, would not be abolished.

Commenting on a claim by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat would abolish preventive laws should it rule the country, Syed Hamid had said that such laws serve the purpose of maintaining public order.

Lim said he regretted Syed Hamid's decision.

“The fact that you have the ISA and OSA (shows that) you want to frighten the people,” he told a press conference at the Mount Miriam Hospital “Ho Chiak” Charity Food and Fun Fair in Penang yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/21083406&sec=nation]

Mat Taib to do ‘sleepovers’ - The Star

By V. Chandrasekaran

BALING: Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said he would visit villages nationwide once every three weeks in a move to address urgent problems there.

He said he would sleep overnight in the respective village to find out more about the pressing needs of the people.

The new approach, which got the nod from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, kicked off with his first visit to Kampung Kuala Kerik in Sik, Kedah, on Sunday.

He spent a night at the village and took part in a gotong royong the following morning before leaving for a special meeting with 1,938 Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen at Dewan Rakan Muda here.

“It is sad to note that some villagers are still living in a deplorable state. They don’t even have proper road and basic amenities while those in the urban areas enjoy good facilities.

“Something must be wrong somewhere. It is high time we help improve their living standards and other facilities urgently,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/21083934&sec=nation]

Khir: Balkis didn't need approval - NST

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has challenged the state government to take legal action over the dissolution of Balkis (Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation) and the transfer of RM9.9 million funds.

In response to criticisms of the transfer the former menteri besar said: "Please don't talk rubbish and refer to our lawyer."

Dr Khir was defending his wife, Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, the past president of Balkis, who has come under fire for calling an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on March 11 to dissolve the charity.

He said the dissolution of Balkis and transfer of funds to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) was done in accordance with the charity's constitution.

An EGM was convened after one-fifth of Balkis members requested for it, while the dissolution and transfer of funds to Bakti received approval from two-thirds of members, he said.

He said there was no need for auditors of Balkis to be informed or consulted before the charity was dissolved and the funds transferred.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2225390/Article/index_html]

Kampar Umno Sends Petition Asking Tajol Rosli To Resign - Bernama

KAMPAR, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Kampar Umno division has sent a petition to party state liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali asking him to resign as he has failed to carry out his duty as a leader.

The petition was signed by 111 representatives of the division and its Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, as well as the branch heads at a special meeting recently.

Division secretary Abdul Rahman Md. Som said a copy of the petition was sent to Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

This followed a call from the division head Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan on April 14 for Tajol Rosli, the former Perak Menteri Besar, to step down to make way for a more energetic leader.

Speaking to reporters after meeting about 500 members from the division at Changkat Tin, near here, today, Abdul Rahman said the petition also conveyed the division's disappointment over Tajol Rosli's lack of initiative to revive the spirit of Perak Umno members following Barisan Nasional's dismal showing in the March 8 general election.

He said the members were under stress as Perak Umno had lost its direction and there was no specific plan of action for its strength to be restored as soon as possible.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329385]

Mara will handle money, not Pakatan governments - The Star

IPOH: The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry has rerouted its funds meant for the five Pakatan Rakyat states, claiming that the move would prevent the rakyat from being “victimised”.

Its minister Datuk Noh Omar said the funds would be channelled through Mara in those states. He however did not explain what he meant by the word “victimised”.

“Previously, the funds were channelled through the respective State Economic Development Corporation,” he told reporters after opening the Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting here yesterday.

Noh also criticised the Selangor and Perak state governments for their decision to charge rental on the land occupied by the ministry’s training centres in the two states.

“The centres provide training for everybody regardless of their political beliefs.

“But the state governments are more interested in profit and failed to see the services provided by the ministry to the people,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/21080789&sec=nation]

'MIC president was not making a threat' - NST

By : Suganthi Suparmaniam

KUALA LUMPUR: There was mixed reaction to MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu's statement that he would seek support from other countries if the government continues to ignore the Indian community.

MIC Puteri chief J. Usha Nandhini said the statement must not be taken negatively as Samy Vellu had spoken as a guardian of Indians in the country.

"I don't think it's a threat. Previously, he spoke as a cabinet minister, now he is speaking at a different platform. He has to speak for the 600,000 MIC members and the 1.7 million Indians in the country," she said.

"As the party president and former senior cabinet minister, for him to say this shows that the government has to be fast in implementing whatever policies that it has promised."

She said gone were the days when people were satisfied with mere promises. They now wanted to see how soon a promise could be delivered.

Usha said Barisan Nasional had always looked after the Indians, but sometimes it failed to look at some of the issues affecting them.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/National/2224856/Article/index_html]

Karpal: I'm no bigot - NST

By : Sharanjit Singh and Syed Umar Ariff

GEORGE TOWN: DAP national chairman Karpal Singh yesterday dismissed allegations that he was a bigot for continuously making a stand against the formation of an Islamic state.

Karpal, who has come under fire in blogs and also received death threats, said he had never insulted Islam and that Muslims should not turn him into another Salman Rushdie.

"I cannot understand why some people are saying that I have insulted Islam.

"What I have been against and will continue to be against is attempts by Pas to turn this country into an Islamic state," he said, adding he was just standing up for what was stated in the country's Constitution, that Malaysia was a secular state.

He said anyone who opposed his stand could be deemed to be challenging the constitution.

Karpal said he would continue to fight against the Islamic state issue despite being criticised in blogs, including a call to kill him on the Johor Pas website.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/National/2224838/Article/index_html]

Return cash, Khir's wife told - The Star

SHAH ALAM: Give back the RM9.9mil, withdraw the application to dissolve the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) and the matter is settled.

This is Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim's offer to Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik who was the organisation's head when she and the other members decided to transfer the RM9.9mil from its coffers after Barisan Nasional lost the state during the March general election.

The group also decided to dissolve the organisation.

Khalid said his offer was the best solution to resolve the controversy.

“If not, the state will pursue the matter because the people want us to be correct. If there has been misconduct, then justice will take its course,” he told reporters yesterday.

The issue blew up when it was revealed that Balkis, lead by Zahrah, who is the wife of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, transferred RM9.9mil to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) three days after the state fell to Pakatan Rakyat.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/20080427072727&sec=nation]

Najib: Let’s put keris issue to rest - The Star

PEKAN: Umno hopes the issue of party Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein wielding the keris will now be put to rest after his apology.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Hishammuddin's apology was something great and noble.

Najib was speaking to reporters after launching Al Taqwa Mosque's new water distillation tank and dispensers in Peramu Jaya near here yesterday.

On Friday, Hishammuddin admitted that the raising of the keris during the wing's annual assemblies was among the causes of the Barisan Nasional’s poor performance in the general election and apologised to the non-Malays over the incidents.

He also apologised to the Malays for failing to uphold a symbol of their heritage.

Najib reiterated that the unsheathing of the keris did not signal an intention to declare war or bear any racial overtones.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/20080427080121&sec=nation]

No need to be fearful, Malays told - The Star

VIDEO: Anwar admits Pakatan governments have fewer Malays

SHAH ALAM: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has admitted that Malay representation in Pakatan Rakyat state governments was lower than in previous governments.

However, he said the agenda and policies of Pakatan Rakyat was to affirm the Supremacy of the People.

“This means we will champion the cause of all people,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of a book by the late Rustam A. Sani entitled Failed Nation? – Concerns of a Malaysian Nationalist and Social Roots of the Malay Left here yesterday.

Anwar said given that Malays made up the majority in Kedah, Perak and Selangor, their welfare would definitely be taken care of.

He said that since the Chinese made up the majority in Penang, they should be made to feel that their rights were well protected.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/20080427080345&sec=nation]

Hamid: ISA will remain in place - The Star

By Farik Zolkepli

KOTA TINGGI: Preventive laws, including the Internal Security Act (ISA), will not be abolished, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Such laws serve the purpose of maintaining public order, he said when commenting on a claim by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat would abolish preventive laws should they rule the country.

“The measure, which was introduced before the country’s independence, has been continued and improved.

“The ISA is not for the purpose of carrying out injustice but to protect the public’s right to live in comfort without fearing for their lives,” he said, adding that the Government could not wait for anything bad to happen before taking action.

He added that Anwar never did anything when he was deputy prime minister and it was easy for the Opposition to promise things than actually implement them.

On the five Hindraf members held under the ISA, Syed Hamid said people should look at what they had done in the first place.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/21080581&sec=nation]

Ku Li: Democratic and fair election the only way to end internal strife - The Star

By Ian McIntyre

KOTA BARU: Gua Musang Umno division head Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah does not believe that contests for the top posts can cause a split similar to the 1987 episode, which resulted in Umno breaking into two groups.

There would not be a lingering split as the party now has the maturity and conviction to overcome differences of opinions, he said, adding that Umno members should treat each other as “brothers-in-arms”.

Tengku Razaleigh, 71, said only a democratic and fair contest during the party elections can put to rest issues about leadership capabilities.

Such a contest would also mark a process to elevate Umno back onto its rightful position, he said.

“The president's post in Umno is not decided by a handful of leaders. It must be decided by grassroots members,” he said.

He was addressing a gathering of some 2,000 people at Balai Islam here on Friday evening.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/21081086&sec=nation]

Ku Li on the possibility of Sabah crossover - Malaysiakini.tv

Another leader within the Barisan Nasional fold warned today at a forum in Subang Jaya that Sabah MPs may yet abandon ship.

Speaking to a gathering of Umno members this afternoon, Gua Musang parliamentarian and Umno stalwart Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, also known as Ku Li, explained that the opposition's repeated boasts to the media about taking over is not far-fetched at all.

Anwar admits Pakatan governments have fewer Malays - TheStarOnline.tv

PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledges that Malay representation in Pakatan Rakyat state governments is lower than in previous governments. He spoke to reporters after launching two books by the late Rustam A. Sani in Shah Alam on Saturday.

林冠英：无惧国阵压力‧檳不取消新格局政策 - Sin Chew Daily

（檳城‧北海）檳州首席部长林冠英强调，檳州政府绝对不会受到来自国阵及各方面的压力，而取消州政府致力推动的新格局政策。

他说，在经过了三十多年，人民才有机会选出一个他们所要的人民政府，所以政府推行更具动力与魄力的人民政府计划，绝对不能失败。

他说，州政府决定还政予民，所以决定不分种族、宗教信仰及政治背景，唯才是用，目標就是要如何將檳城的经济搞得更好及使人民受惠。

他说，新格局的政府除了要廉节外，也要有公信力及更能干的交货给人民。

林冠英今日（週六，4月26日）在北海林氏宗祠，为世界林氏宗亲总会壮青年团主办及马来西亚林氏宗亲总会青年总团承办林氏太始祖诞辰3100週年纪念跨国万里汽车远征祭祖行主持挥旗礼时，这么说。

他希望檳州人民在大选过后，大家都应该重新团结一致的归队，共同为檳州的发展作出贡献。

[From http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/63523]

Government May Scrap Penang Monorail Project For Lack Of State Cooperation - Bernama

PENANG, April 26 (Bernama) -- The federal government will not proceed with the monorail project in Penang if the state authority does not give its cooperation, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said Saturday.

"So far, we have not received any approvals from the state government. If the state government has other plans with regard to the monorail, we are not doing it. The project is scrapped," he told reporters here.

The 51.2 kilometre monorail project costing RM1.2 billion is among mega projects proposed for implementation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to complement the present public transport system network in Penang.

Nor Mohamed said it required full cooperation and approval from the state government because it involved the development of land and under the constitution, land matters were under state jurisdiction.

"If there is no cooperation, how are we to proceed," he told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the Federal Action Council of Penang. The council comprises government department heads, senior government officers and Barisan Nasional assemblymen. Nor Mohamed who is Member of Parliament for Tasek Gelugor, said the DAP-led Penang government had not given its approval because several issues relating to land acquisition and tender had not been finalised.

Other mega projects under the 9MP would also be shelved if the state government disagreed with them or if there was lack of understanding, he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329228]

Opposition Playing 'Psy-war' To Gain In Politics, Says Rafidah - Bernama

KOTA KINABALU, April 26 (Bernama) -- The opposition party is playing a psychological war in order to gain in politics, but their threats should not be taken lightly, Wanita Umno Chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Saturday.

She said the game the opposition were playing in the political arena was to give the impression that they were gaining grounds.

"No doubt the opposition have won in five states which had come as a surprise even to them.

"Maybe it's our weaknesses that have allowed them to win. But we will not take their threats lightly," she told reporters after a meeting with the Sabah Wanita Umno leaders here.

She said having won in those states have given the opposition extra motivation and strength to take over the other states too.

Nevertheless, Rafidah said the rakyat and the BN members of parliament would not be influenced and stay strong in not succumbing to the promises made and the various strategies used by the opposition.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329221]

Apology Over Kris Won't Derogate Malay Dignity, Says Najib - Bernama

PEKAN, April 26 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein's apology over the "kris issue" will not derogate from the Malays' dignity because kris is a mere symbol, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Saturday.

The dignity of the Malays would only remain redeemed if they were successful in strategic fields to continue to compete with other races, said the deputy prime minister who is also Umno deputy president.

"I hope the issue will not crop up again. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin has done a very solicitious and noble act, meaning he is ready to seek apology though some people say it was not his intention to declare war or has a conviction in any racist move," he told reporters here today.

He was commenting on the Umno Youth head's apology for drawing and kissing a kris at the last Umno Youth assembly which was said to be among the factors to Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in last month's general election.

Najib said: "Kris is a weapon in the context of our culture, not more than that. But because there are people playing up the issue, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's move, I hope, will be accepted as something positive, sincere and noble so that the issue will not crop up again."

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329177]

Several SNAP leaders waiting for the right time to join PKR - The Star

KUCHING: Several leaders in Sarawak National Party (SNAP) are ready to defect to PKR, said party secretary Edmund Stanley Jugol.

Confirming his intention to join PKR, Jugo said it was a matter of timing for the leaders to move.

“There is so much more prospect in the Pakatan Rakyat. I will prefer to be part of this bigger group than to remain in SNAP,” he said yesterday.

Jugol, a former political secretary to the Chief Minister, indicated that his son, Darrel Walter Entrie, who is also SNAP youth leader, would also join PKR.

He said two other SNAP central executive committee (CEC) members Frankie Bedindan and Sylvester Belayong were also interested in joining PKR.

Jugol, Entrie, Bedindan and Belayong were among the SNAP members and several other Dayak leaders who met up with PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit here on Thursday.

None of them are elected representatives.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21069741&sec=nation]

ACA blames translation - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency has cleared the air on allegations that the Women's Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFMM) spent RM1.4 million on entertainment at a sports event last year.

In a statement, it said WSFFM's auditor had wrongly translated the word persembahan, which means performance, as entertainment in the annual report.

The agency also clarified that former youth and sports minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was only a patron of the foundation and was not involved in financial management .

The statement said the word persembahan was related to the opening and closing ceremonies for the National Women's Games last year attended by participants nationwide.

The event was opened by the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/National/2224167/Article/index_html]

Penang CM to continue picking competent people to serve state - The Star

By Nik Khusairy Ibrahim

PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has given a personal guarantee on his policies of appointing Barisan Nasional members to positions in the state in an effort to placate his own party members.

He said he would continue with the policy to give opportunity to anyone with good credentials and capability to serve the state, in line with his competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) approach.

“I will not run away from taking responsibility over the decisions that I have made.

“I am confident the party (DAP) will support my decision. We want to implement the CAT approach, and we must start somewhere,” said Lim who is also DAP secretary-general.

Lim said this in response to mixed reaction from DAP leaders over the appointment of former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon as InvestPenang executive chairman and director of the Penang Development Corporation.

Among those who opposed the move was DAP chairman Karpal Singh.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21073409&sec=nation]

MCA pledges to fight for everyone, work on mutual respect - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will stand firm on what the Federal Constitution has provided for all races and will not let its spirit and definition be misinterpreted, said party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

As part of efforts to transform the party, he said MCA would break away from racial politics to fight for the rights of all races in religion, education, economy, politics and culture as stated in the Constitution.

“We are still a Chinese-based political party but our ways, direction and approach are for all races.

“We will give equal attention to what the multiracial community is concerned about and the MCA will speak, work and fight for them,” he said.

He added that the party would help build multiracial relationships on the basis of respecting and understanding each other as well as correct people’s perception that it was Umno’s running dog.

“It is only fair that we have genuine partnerships. There will be no more (perception of) who is on top or who is the follower,” he said, adding that the party wants mutual respect.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21075952&sec=nation]

‘RM9.9mil belongs to Balkis’ - The Star

PETALING JAYA: The RM9.9mil in the bank account of the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) belonged to it. And Balkis was within its rights to hand the money over to another organisation.

This is the stand of the president of the organisation at that time, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik.

“We have sought legal advice and our lawyers advised us on the options available – either to put the money with any organisation or give it to the state.

“After some deliberations, we decided to give the money to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti),” Zahrah said yesterday.

The money was moved after a March 11 emergency meeting of Balkis, just days after the state government fell to the Pakatan Rakyat.

The current Selangor government is questioning the legality of the transfer of the funds.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21076243&sec=nation]

Did Balkis have the right to move out the RM9.9m? - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Questions are being asked whether it was correct for the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) to transfer out the RM9.9mil it had in its coffers a few days after the state fell to the Opposition.

Defending the money transfer, then president Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik said she had the legal right because her husband Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was still the caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar at that time.

Dr Mohd Khir said the money was “temporarily transferred” to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) to ensure the money would be spent according to Balkis' purpose, namely for the welfare of children.

The state government, however, is questioning the transfer of the money and seeking legal advice. It has also asked the Registrar of Societies to put on hold the dissolution of Balkis, which the committee, led by Zahrah, also unanimously decided to do.

The Bar Council is of the opinion that Balkis' action could be tantamount to criminal breach of trust.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21076831&sec=nation]

MCA to transform itself - The Star

MCA is set to transform itself and change the negative perception that it is subservient to Umno.

Party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, in an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, said some people have such a perception of the relationship between Umno and MCA when in fact the two parties are partners that respect each other.

“MCA hopes to see its transformation take shape in the next six months. This will enable the people to see the changes in MCA in three years or sooner,” he said.

Ong also said that the six-month time frame had nothing to do with the party election.

“We want to let people see the changes in MCA in terms of style, strategy and action within a short period of time.

“Such changes will not be window-dressing tactics which cannot withstand the test of time,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21071051&sec=nation]

Hishammuddin: I take responsibility for the keris waving - TheStarOnline.tv

Barisan Nasional Youth chairman Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has acknowledged that the Keris waving incidents were one of the causes of BN's loss in the March general election. He said this after chairing the Barisan Nasional Youth meeting Friday.

Memo to King seeking release - Malaysiakini.tv

About 30 supporters of Hindu Rights Action Force gathered at Istana Negara this morning to submit a memorandum seeking a royal intervention to release five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA.

Hishammuddin Says Sorry For Wielding The Keris - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Friday apologised to the Malays and non-Malays for wielding keris two years ago.

Hishammuddin said as a responsible party leader, he should apologise if his action in wielding the "Panca Warisan" keris at the Umno Youth general assembly, contributed to the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s losses in five states in the March 8 general election.

He said the keris issue was among those being brought up openly at the Barisan Nasional (BN) youth committee meeting to look at the reasons for the BN's dismal performance in the election.

"I told them that I'm responsible for what I've done. If it had affected the performance (of the BN), we cannot run away from the reality.

"If the issue had affected anyone, I apologise to the non-Malays and the Malays," he told reporters after chairing the three-hour meeting from 3.30pm at the Menara Dato Onn here Friday.

Hishammuddin, who is also Education Minister, said the reality of why the keris was wielded had been manipulated by certain quarters.

"(I apologise) to the non-Malays for making them feel apprehensive about (the keris) symbol, and to the Malays for not being able to defend our symbol of heritage. (The wielding of the keris) is not what it was made out to be," he said.

[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=329116]

Tiada Ahli Parlimen Sabah sertai pembangkang – Musa - Utusan

KOTA KINABALU 25 April – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) diminta tidak lagi memutar belit fakta mengenai kedudukan Ahli Parlimen Barisan Nasional (BN) negeri ini yang kononnya telah menyokong pakatan pembangkang.

Ketua Menteri Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Aman berkata, tindakan itu bukan sahaja mengelirukan rakyat malah menjejaskan tumpuan kerajaan negeri dalam usaha membawa lebih banyak pembangunan ke negeri ini.

Beliau berkata, PKR sengaja menyebarkan khabar angin negatif itu kerana mereka tidak mempunyai gerak kerja untuk membela nasib rakyat selepas gagal menguasai Parlimen pada pilihan raya lalu.

[From http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0425&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_10.htm]

We Are Taking The Rumour Seriously, Says Najib - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 25 (Bernama) -- The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government is taking seriously the "threat" that there would be a crossover of 30 or more BN Members of Parliament (MP) to the opposition to enable Pakatan Rakyat to form the government, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said here, Friday.

"There are reports (of the crossover) but we cannot just dismiss the reports. Of course, there is an element of political gamesmanship, nonetheless, we cannot take things for granted," he told a press conference at his office.

He said this when asked on a statement by former deputy prime minister and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Anwar Ibrahim that the opposition had 30 or more MPs who were willing to leave the BN for Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition pact made up of PAS, DAP and PKR.

Following the just concluded general election, the opposition has 82 seats in Parliament while BN has 140 seats. If 30 or more BN MPs were to cross over to the opposition, the country would witness the BN losing the federal government for the first time since the independence 50 years ago.

Asked if BN would take measures to ensure all BN MPs remained with the ruling coliation, Najib said:"We will do something but I won't tell you exactly what we will do, but we will do something."

"We hear rumours (off the crossover) but no one has come and said we are saying goodbye to BN," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=328958]

Subsidy on diesel to go first, says Shahrir - The Star

By Teh Eng Hock

KUALA LUMPUR: The restructured fuel subsidy scheme will see the removal of subsidy on diesel first.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said diesel would soon be sold at the market rate at the pumps when a mechanism to deliver subsidies directly to those entitled has been decided upon.

“We are looking at diesel first, and how to ensure that subsidised diesel gets to the right groups, especially to the transport sector and (those involved in) certain economic activities which require diesel subsidy so that we can cut out leakages.

“Schoolbuses for example. We have to have a mechanism on how to deliver the diesel (subsidy) to the schoolbus drivers so that the cost of transport will not go up,” he said.

Without the subsidy, diesel will cost more than RM2 a litre. The price of diesel at the pump now is RM1.581 a litre.

Shahrir said the move to restructure the fuel subsidy was necessary to ensure the money was not wasted through various ways such as diesel smuggling.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21060846&sec=nation]

Shaariibuu’s statement shocks consul - The Star

VIDEO: Altantuya's father speaks to media at PKR HQ

PETALING JAYA: The Mongolian honorary consul-general to Malaysia Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi was shocked when he heard that Mongolia would sever political ties with Malaysia if the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case was deemed to be unfair.

He said the Mongolian government had not officially made such a decision.

“I was shocked when I heard that statement on television just now,” he said.

Syed Abdul Rahman said the Mongolians were monitoring the trial very closely.

“The Mongolian prime minister has written to the Malaysian Prime Minister three times but there is still no reply. Mongolia should not be taken for granted,” he said.

Altantuya's father Dr Shaariibuu Setev had earlier told reporters at the PKR headquarters here yesterday that Mongolia would sever political ties with Malaysia if the judgment in the high-profile Altantuya murder case was deemed “irresponsible and unfair.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21058037&sec=nation]

Shabery: PKR MPs more likely to defect to Barisan - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Keadilan Rakyat should not be shocked if its MPs defect to Barisan Nasional instead of the other way round, said Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said Barisan was not worried about its MPs crossing over to the Opposition coalition but it was Pakatan Rakyat that should be afraid.

Asked whether Barisan was worried about PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that many Sabah Barisan MPs were ready to defect to the Opposition given that the state has a history of MPs party hopping, Shabery said: “We are not worried especially with what is being done by PKR. He should realise that the Malays are very angry.

“It's not that I want to play up racial sentiments with regards to pig-farming issues. But is this the priority of the government led by PKR? Does it mean that PKR's efforts to have a clean government and transparency start with a pig-farming project?” he asked.

Shabery, who spoke to reporters after inspecting preparations for the live telecast of the Parliament session, said Pakatan Rakyat component parties shouldn’t be surprised if this will cause their MPs to defect.

He said Anwar had been dreaming for a long time of becoming the Prime Minister, adding it would also be just a dream for him to win over Barisan MPs.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21057118&sec=nation]

MP: Anwar is power crazy - The Star

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is power crazy, the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BBC) claims.

BBC deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said the Opposition figure head was trying his best to undermine the strength of the ruling coalition.

Bung Mokhtar said claims by Anwar that Barisan MPs were ready to crossover was a political gimmick that showed that he was suffering from a craze for power.

He said Anwar must accept the fact that Barisan holds the majority in Parliament and his Pakatan Rakyat coalition had lost the general election.

“The people have made it clear that they support the Barisan government,” he said when dismissing Anwar’s claims that the Pakatan Rakyat government had enough Barisan MPs to form the Federal government and it would be done by Malaysia Day (Sept 16).

The Kinabatangan MP said Anwar was using unethical methods to woo Barisan MPs so that he can take over the Government.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21058891&sec=nation]

CM: We’ll keep offering posts - The Star

By Shahanaaz Habib

PETALING JAYA: The Penang Government will continue to offer posts to people who are “competent, accountable and transparent” regardless of which political party they belong to.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was serious about wanting to forge a new paradigm that cuts across the political divide and brings people together, including those “who did not vote for us” to contribute to the betterment of the state.

He said while this was “something new and ground-breaking” he certainly did not expect the move to be “criticised and condemned in such strong terms by top national (Barisan Nasional) leaders.”

“Are we going to grow up and grow out of the outdated mindset? The time has come to look at the content of character rather than colour of skin or the gods you pray to or the respective political beliefs that you hold,” he told a press conference yesterday.

He stressed that the DAP-led Penang government would have no second thoughts about offering other clean and competent Barisan leaders in the state a post.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21060382&sec=nation]

Penang Government under fire - The Star

By Christina Chin

PENANG: The state government has come under fire for appointing more political representatives than non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the local councils.

Commenting on the appointment of 48 new Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) councillors, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president K. Koris said the state was the “birthplace” of NGOs.

“We have hundreds of NGOs to represent the people yet political representatives were chosen instead,” said Koris.

A total of 19 councillors are from the DAP, 15 from PKR and two from PAS. For the first time in over 40 years, six NGO representatives are among the state's local council appointees. The remaining six are civil servants.

He also chided the state for placing “financial gain” above public interest by appointing four representatives from the business community as councillors.

“The new administration has shown itself to be too money-minded by giving four of the six NGO places to representatives from the business sector.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/nation/21056143&sec=nation]

Najib regrets Lee chose job over party - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday described the resignation of Gerakan's Datuk Lee Kah Choon from the party as "unfortunate".

"It is unfortunate that he has chosen to accept the positions," he said, referring to Lee's appointment as director of the Penang Development Corporation and investPenang from the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Gerakan had issued a show-cause letter to Lee on Tuesday.

The next day, the former Health Ministry parliamentary secretary and Gerakan deputy secretary-general, who had quit all party positions two weeks ago, announced that he was leaving the party.

Najib, the deputy prime minister, said Lee's acceptance of the two positions made his membership of a BN component party untenable.

"That is a clearly stated policy of BN," Najib said on the last day of the Defence Services Asia 2008 exhibition and conference here yesterday.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2223028/Article/index_html]

MIC man: Explain Hindraf 5 detention - NST

GEORGE TOWN: The MIC has called on the government to explain how the five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), now being detained under the Internal Security Act, pose a threat to national security.

Party Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran said the five should be released if the authorities could not come up with an answer.

"If their detention is simply because of their involvement in street demonstrations, then the government should release them immediately.

"Otherwise, the people should be told what kind of threat the five pose to national security."

The five, M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kengadharan, and K. Vasantha Kumar have been slapped with a two-year detention order by the Home Ministry for their involvement in a street demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25.

Vigneswaran said the call for the release of the five did not mean the MIC condoned street demonstrations.

He said the MIC initially supported action against the Hindraf group to defuse the situation then.

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2223311/Article/index_html]

Altantuya's father speaks to media at PKR HQ - TheStarOnline.tv

Altantuya's father Dr Shaariibuu Setev spoke to reporters at PKR headquarters Thursday after the court notified him that proceedings on his daughter's case have been posponed for the third time.

Lim Guan Eng on Kah Choon's appointment - TheStarOnline.tv

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng responds to furor over Datuk Lee Kah Choon's appointment.

Hishammuddin Sees Anwar's Prediction As Political Game - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 24 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has described the statement by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the Pakatan Rakyat would be able to form the federal government no later than Sept 16 as a political game.

"Three weeks ago he said there would be changes in the country's leadership in two weeks. Now two weeks have gone and he said it would happen in September.

"He can do a lot of prediction, and if its does not come true, then it will only damage his own credibility," said the education minister here Thursday.

Hishammuddin said the public had started to see the political game the former deputy prime minister was playing when one by one of his statements and accusations proved to be baseless.

He was met after presenting a donation of RM21,800 from the teachers training institutes for Sharlinie Mohd Nashar's parents, here today. Sharlinie, five, has been missing since Jan 9.

On Umno Youth exco member Datuk Idris Haron's view expressed yesterday that the post of Umno Youth chief should be filled by someone well groomed for the post rather than through a contest, Hishammuddin said it was up to the movement.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=328916]

Makkal Osai's Publication Permit Renewed - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry has approved the application by Tamil daily, Makkal Osai, for renewal of its publication permit.

The daily's general manager S.M. Periasamy said the letter of approval from the office of the Home Minister was received at 9.30am Thursday.

"After getting the letter, we went to Putrajaya and paid for the renewal of the permit," he told a news conference at his office here.

He said the newspaper company would resume operations tomorrow.

Periasamy said the Home Ministry did not give any reason or condition in renewing the newspaper's publication permit.

"But we will be more cautious in our writing from now and will not publish articles which touch on racial sensitivities," he added.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=328864]

林敬益怒轰李家全‧眷恋权位没原则 - Guang Ming Daily

（吉隆坡）民政党顾问拿督斯里林敬益今日（週四，24日）形容该党前副总秘书李家全是一名眷恋权位的投机份子。

对李家全在宣佈退党后，依然接受檳城州民联政府的委任而担任两个州政府机构董事职位，林敬益这名前民政党主席毫不掩饰其愤怒，並对李家全左右开弓。

林敬益为第九个马来西亚计划中期检討研討会主持开幕后说，李家全根本没有所谓的政治斗爭和原则，这让他深感失望及愤怒。

党有危机就离营

他说，在党出现困境或危机时，为了权位而投向另一方，这种人就是机会主义者，是投机份子。

他说，当李家全接受檳州政府委任时，他便已要求民政党员不需发表情绪化的言论。

这是因为他已经预见李家全一定会退党；他声称，即使檳城民主行动党內部不施压，檳州首长林冠英也一定会施压迫李家全退党。

[More at http://www.guangming.com.my/node/25687]

Anwar: We have the numbers, however, we’re in no rush to replace Barisan - The Star

By Muguntan Vanar

KOTA KINABALU: The Opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat is in a position to form the federal government and it will be done no later than Malaysia Day which falls on Sept 16, claimed Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Repeating that they have the numbers and were in no rush to replace Barisan Nasional, the former deputy prime minister said yesterday that it would all be in the timing of the announcement.

“God willing, we will be there. If not next month, the following month, then if not June or July, (it will be) on Merdeka (Aug 31) or Malaysia Day. I think we should not go beyond that,” he told reporters on arrival in Sabah.

As to when exactly the announcement will be made, Anwar said discussions with the Pakatan parties were needed because Umno and Barisan were known to be rough on those intending to move.

“They are using threats and intimidation. I am for example being monitored more closely now,” said Anwar, adding that he would not be discussing with the Barisan MPs interested to move while he was in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said he has his way of discussing with Barisan MPs who have given their commitment to team up with Pakatan.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/24/nation/21048169&sec=nation]

Teng explains why DAP changed position on headgear - The Star

By Loong Meng Yee

PETALING JAYA: For years, he refused to wear the songkok, even turning down invitations which required him to wear the traditional Malay headgear.

But now that lawyer Teng Chang Khim from the DAP is the new Selangor Assembly Speaker, he understood the need to conform.

“Much attention was on whether I would wear the songkok and the ceremonial robe after taking the oath of office. Well, I did.

“I have already explained why we have to change our position before the swearing-in of the state executive council members last month. It should not be an issue anymore,” wrote Teng in the latest posting at tengchangkhim.blogspot.com

He even put up a picture of himself in full Speaker outfit and smiling outside the State Assembly after the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.

In the posting, Teng explained that when DAP was in the Opposition before the March 8 polls, leaders had the option not to attend any official function which required the songkok to be worn as part of the dress code.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/24/nation/21042019&sec=nation]

'He wants to move up the ladder' - NST

IPOH: It's a ploy aimed at climbing the political ladder.

This is what Gerakan vice-president Datuk Chang Ko Youn thinks of former party deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon's acceptance of the offer of two senior posts by the Penang Pakatan Rakyat administration.

He alleged that Lee accepted the posts of director of the Penang Development Corporation and investPenang as he did not get what he wanted from Gerakan.

"His accepting a post from the Penang state government is a political gimmick and not in the interests of the people," said the Perak Gerakan chairman.

"Lee has played into the DAP's political game. I know what he wants."

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2222039/Article/index_html]

DAP 'graftbusters' to fight corruption - Malaysiakini.tv

There is a new team in town whose raison detre is fighting corruption - meet the DAP's 'graftbuster' squad.

At a press conference today, several DAP politicians announced that the team will complement the work of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) inaccepting complaints from the public.

Karpal Appeals To PM For Hindraf Leaders' Release - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- DAP Chairman Karpal Singh today appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to instruct Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to revoke the detention order on the five Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Karpal said that despite the detention orders by the King, Syed Hamid could at any time under the law revoke the orders on the five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

The King had on March 26 ordered for the leaders two-year detention, effective Dec 13 last year, be continued until completion.

"I would have thought, in line with the reconciliatory stance of the government in bringing about reforms, including setting up of a judicial commission for the appointment and promotion of judges, the five leaders would have been set free to rejoin their families.

"In fact, the Government should, in line with this approach, repeal the ISA," said Karpal, who is also Bukit Gelugor MP, in a statement tonight.

On Dec 13 last year, the authorities detained M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan and K. Vasanthakumar for organising a mass rally in the federal capital and making demands for the rights of Indians in the country.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=328672]

Lee Right To Quit, Says Political Analyst - Bernama

PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) -- Former Gerakan deputy secretary- general Datuk Lee Kah Choon's decision to quit his party was a wise move as it would prevent the quarrel between Gerakan and DAP from continuing, a political analyst said today.

"A delay in the matter would only cause DAP and Gerakan to be in a state of confusion and their quarrel will continue,” Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian, the principal of Han Jiang College, told Bernama here Wednesday.

He said the controversy of Lee accepting the posts in the two agencies under the DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) state government would end with Lee's departure from Gerakan.

Cheah was responding to Lee's announcement to quit Gerakan as his appointment to the two agencies could not be accepted by his former party's leadership.

Last Sunday, Lee accepted Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's offer to be a director of the Penang Development Corporation and to be chairman of the executive committee of InvestPenang.

On Lee's statement that his appointments and his political career were unrelated, Cheah said people found that position hard to accept.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=328673]

Anwar: 'I'll be PM in three years' - AFP

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's opposition leader, has said he will be prime minister within three years, sketching out a dramatic political comeback.

"I don't think we have established a definite, clear timeframe when I will take over [as prime minister] but it certainly wouldn't reach three years ... much earlier than that," he said.

"[But] I am not in a rush," he told AFP news agency.

Anwar has emerged as a serious threat to the ruling coalition after the opposition's strong showing in March parliamentary polls.

Once the heir-apparent to long-time former premier, Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar was sacked from his post of deputy prime minister in 1998 and jailed for six years.

He became free to run for office again last week, when a five-year ban stemming from his corruption conviction expired. He now says he has the support of enough defectors to topple the government.

[More at http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DB09BE45-6EE5-42D7-8799-C4ED06ADDB95.htm]

卡巴星：引来不满声音‧委李家全是错误的 - Guang Ming Daily

（檳城）民主行动党全国主席卡巴星说，李家全接受州政府的委任是错误的，林冠英也不应该献议他出任有关职位。此外，檳州第二副首长拉玛沙米也说，李家全受委出任州政府的3个高职，在行动党內已引起一些不满的声音。

他说，李家全接受委任时还是民政党员，这是不对的，因为他不能同时处在两个不同的位置上，即以民政党员身份出任民联政府的要职。

“檳州发展机构是檳州政府的投资臂膀。以行动党为主导的州政府，是檳州人民投选出来的，因此已被人民拒绝的国阵党员受委出任有关职位，这是不公平的。”

“李家全和我们是对立的，但现在他却要加入我们，这不是当初投选行动党的人民所乐於见到的。”

尽管如此，卡巴星说，拥有不同政治理念和政党背景的人士，还是可以在政府部门工作。

[More at http://www.guangming.com.my/node/25655]

Kah Choon quits Gerakan - The Sun

By Opalyn Mok

GEORGE TOWN (April 23, 2008): Datuk Lee Kah Choon has quit Gerakan in reaction to the party's decision to issue him a show-cause letter for accepting Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government's appointment as InvestPenang executive chairman and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) director.

Lee, who had quit as Gerkan deputy secretary-general and other posts last month to take responsibility for the party's poor showing in the March 8 polls, termed his decision to withdraw his membership as "exorcising the political ghost".

The former Jelutong MP and health parliamentary secretary had lost in his bid for the Machang Bubok state seat. If he had won and the Barisan Nasional (BN) took Penang, he was among three people considered for the chief minister's post.

"This way, I hope we can put the matter to rest and move forward with some serious tasks at hand," Lee said in a press statement.

He also reiterated his stand of withdrawing from active politics to focus on serving the society as a citizen.

"My objective is clear and it has remained consistent throughout my political career, which is to serve the people. This is the reason I accepted the positions in both state investment agencies.

[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21706]

Show-cause letter for Lee - The Star

PENANG: Datuk Lee Kah Choon, the former Gerakan deputy secretary-general who was appointed to posts in two Penang state government agencies, will be served with a show-cause letter.

He will have to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for accepting the posts of director in Penang Development Corporation and InvestPenang as well as executive chairman of InvestPenang.

“The party had directed party members to relinquish all appointments as municipal and district councillors as well as Village Security and Development Committee members in states now ruled by Pakatan Rakyat,” former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said in a press statement yesterday.

“This directive is based on the premise that Gerakan now has to play the role as an effective opposition in Penang. We cannot do this objectively if our own members hold key positions in the state and local administrations,” Dr Koh said.

Dr Koh also questioned Chief Minster Lim Guan Eng’s political motives in appointing Lee as he has no direct experience in promoting investment in the industrial sector.

“Lee has experience as a lawyer and was a parliamentary secretary of the Health Ministry, which is unrelated to the manufacturing industry,” Dr Koh said. “As the industrial sector is Penang’s most important economic sector, it is not proper for Lim to play politics in a way that may jeopardise Penang’s efforts and ability to effectively attract investment.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/nation/21038738&sec=nation]

Lee’s action ‘against BN spirit’ - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Lee Kah Choon's decision to accept the posts of director of Penang Development Corporation and chairman of the executive committee of Invest-Penang is against the Barisan Nasional spirit, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday.

The Prime Minister, who is also Barisan chairman, said Lee should not have accepted the two posts offered by the Penang state government before conferring with the Gerakan leadership.

He said the former Gerakan deputy secretary-general should have first sought the views and decision of the party leadership on the offer.

“I want to hear the views of the Gerakan acting president (Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon) on this matter.

“Any subsequent action on Lee will be left to the Gerakan and Penang Barisan Nasional,” he said after opening the opening the Asem (Asia-Europe Meeting) Culture Ministers meeting.

“It is for the party to decide. It is up to Penang Barisan to do what they want as long as there is no clash in policy.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/nation/21031463&sec=nation]

Faiz: Continue space programme - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Angkasawan programme should continue, with the funding shared among the relevant ministries that will benefit from the aerospace industry, suggested Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed.

The second Angkasawan said the space mission should no longer be about sending a Malaysian to space but for Malaysia to embark on the aerospace industry.

He said the industry that included manned space flight missions benefited many fields including communication, research, medical, defence and education.

“As the industry benefits many fields under many ministries, these ministries can share in the funding,” he said in response to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili’s statement that the ministry presently had no money to embark on the second phase of the programme.

Dr Faiz said people must be clear that it was now about research and development.

“If you just want to send people to space, RM100mil is expensive. We must look at it as moving on to developing our aerospace industry.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/nation/21033327&sec=nation]

Kah Choon: Let me focus on my job - NST

GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Lee Kah Choon has thumbed his nose at the Gerakan leadership by shrugging off party adviser Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik's terse comments about him.

Lee said his decision to accept the offer by the DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)-led state government to helm two top agencies in Penang had nothing to do with politics.

Stressing that he was still a loyal Gerakan member and had no intentions of leaving the party, Lee said: "My political background and my appointments are two totally different things.

"I hope Gerakan will not link them," he said at his new office in investPenang yesterday.

Lee said as far as he was concerned, there were many things which needed to be done and he needed to focus on his new job. "I want to concentrate on another phase of my life.

"This is something new, something I like and, at the same time, something which still enables me to help others."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2220946/Article/index_html]

Respect cultural diversity, says Najib - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Cultural difference is "an accident of birth" and should never be the source of hatred or conflict.

Quoting Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the answer to the difference was to respect the different cultures in order to attain peace.

"It is very disheartening to see that the misunderstanding of ideology and culture has led to tension among people and countries, which end in riots or unrest.

"This threatens and undermines peace and stability."

Najib added that diversity was the hardest thing for a society to live with.

"Culture, arts and heritage are the intertwining anchors of a civilisation that underscores every facet of a nation's existence.

"It is the foundation of a nation and shapes the character of its people," he said in his speech at the third Asem Culture Ministers Meeting dinner at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, last night.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2221295/Article/index_html]

PKR tabloid to hit streets next week - NST

PUTRAJAYA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) tabloid Suara Keadilan is expected to hit the streets next week.

PKR information head Tian Chua said the Home Ministry had approved the publishing permit and the newspaper would be published weekly and distributed widely.

The newspaper has been in existence for the past three-years, although it was only circulated among party members.

He said the party is confident of doubling its circulation from about 100,000 to 200,000 copies in less than a year.

Speaking at the Home Ministry yesterday after submitting RM500 as annual fees to the ministry's publishing unit, Tian Chua, who is also Batu member of parliament, said the 32-page publication would be sold at RM2 a copy and would feature news not covered by mainstream media.

"We will retain the kind of contents we carry but we will also move with the demands of time," he said.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2221287/Article/index_html]

Rusia sedia bantu bina pusat pelancaran roket - Utusan

KUALA LUMPUR 22 April - Agensi pengeksport peralatan pertahanan Rusia, Rosoboronexport bersedia membantu Malaysia mewujudkan pusat pelancaran roket ke angkasa lepas dan melaksanakan misi menghantar angkasawan kedua negara.

Timbalan Pengarah Perkhidmatan Persekutuan Tentera-Teknikal Rusia, Mikhail Petukhov berkata, kedua-dua misi itu boleh dibuat melalui program timbal balas jika pihaknya memperoleh kontrak penjualan peralatan pertahanan dengan Malaysia pada masa hadapan.

''Ini boleh dibuat jika Rosoboronexport dan Rusia secara amnya, memperolehi kontrak penjualan persenjataan dengan Malaysia.

''Ia bakal menjadi kenyataan sekiranya terdapat pula tanggungjawab pihak kami untuk melaksanakan program timbal balas seperti pembelian pesawat Sukhoi dengan penghantaran angkasawan pertama Malaysia dahulu," katanya.

Beliau menyatakan demikian pada sidang akhbar sempena Pameran dan Persidangan Perkhidmatan Pertahanan Asia (DSA) 2008 di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama Duta Rusia ke Malaysia, Alexander Karchava, Ketua Pengarah Rosoboronexport, Anatoly Isaikin dan Pengarah Projek Khas Rosoboronexport, Nikolai Dimiduk.

[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0423&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_09.htm]

PM: Up to Gerakan to decide on Lee - Malaysiakini.tv

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would leave it to Gerakan to act against its former deputy secretary-general Lee Kah Choon, who has accepted a director's post in the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang.

Gerakan, a component party in Barisan Nasional (BN), had been leading the Penang government up to the March 8 general election, when it fell into Pakatan Rakyat hands.

Malaysia to delay projects amid rising costs: PM - AFP

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday said infrastructure projects under its multi-billion-dollar five-year development plan may be delayed due to escalating costs.

Abdullah, who is also finance minister, said high on the casualty list was the construction of a vital second bridge linking the northern island of Penang to peninsular Malaysia.

"Several matters have delayed its construction. Firstly in getting the land for building the bridge," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency. "Secondly, there is a need to ensure that the given design is the most suitable and also the issue of (rising) cost."

Abdullah also said that several other projects under the 200 billion ringgit (65 billion dollars) development plan from 2006 to 2010 would be reviewed.

Lim Guan Eng, chief minister of opposition-led Penang, said he was "shocked" by the premier's announcement.

"Two weeks ago when I met the prime minister, he assured me that the second Penang bridge will continue," said Lim, who is also secretary-general of the Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party.

[More at http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1353645]

Govt Drops Plan For High Speed Bullet Train Project, Says EPU Chief - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) -- The cost factor was the main reason the government decided not to go ahead with the high-speed bullet train link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore proposed by YTL Corp Bhd.

"The letters on the decision were sent to parties such as YTL and the relevant agencies in early April," said Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director-general, Datuk Seri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob, told Bernama here Tuesday.

He said the government would have to bear a significant cost based on the financial model that was submitted by YTL.

"Based on the financial model submitted by YTL, the government has decided not to go ahead with the bullet train (project)," he said, without elaborating on the amount the government has to bear.

YTL has proposed the RM8 billion project which would take 90 minutes to travel between the two capitals from about seven-and-a-half hours now.

It was earlier reported that the government has allowed YTL to do a feasibility study and it (YTL) came back to say the project was feasible.

The plan for a high-speed train between the two cities, spanning about 300km, was proposed in late 1990s, but garnered strong interest last year after the government invited companies to come up with ideas for privately-funded projects.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=328446]

哈迪阿旺：支持反贪努力‧回教模式更胜港廉署 - Sin Chew Daily

（吉隆坡）回教党全力支持政府加强反贪污局的努力，通过改组使该局成为更独立的反贪委员会。

回教党主席拿督斯里哈迪阿旺发表文告说，超过1400年歷史的回教是反贪的最佳模范，而且回教模式更胜於其它现有模式包括香港的模式。

“回教已奠定维护社会及培育清廉领袖的基础。他们不只是推崇法律，也开始奠下上苍会监视及知道所做的一切的信仰。

反贪从廉洁领导开始

“回教也让社会及领袖知道，如果犯下贪污罪刑，將让世界走向末日，而做错的人將在永恆世界日（Hari Akhirat）里被审判。”

他表示，任何一项反贪努力都必须从廉洁领导开始；如果执政党有贪污病症的负担，並通过贪污方式获选，那么人民难以相信他们能够对抗贪污。

[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/63004]

PAS: Islamic state agenda is still on - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Although PAS is focusing on Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda of establishing a welfare state and reinstating democracy and good governance, it is not discarding its agenda to set up an Islamic state.

PAS MP for Kuala Selangor Dr Dzulkifly Ahmad said the party did not want to harp on the issue of Islamic state because it was not part of the Pakatan Rakyat agenda.

“We are not pulling it (setting up of an Islamic state) back. It is still an issue that matters to us but we are allowing more time for the electorate to understand us better.

“The more important agenda now is reinstating democracy and good governance,” said the PAS reserach centre director after taking part in an intellectual discourse on a book entitled Who Needs an Islamic State? written by Dr Abdelwahab El-Effendi.

The discussion on the book was organised by the Muslim Professionals Forum here yesterday.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21013579&sec=nation]

Dr Mahathir: I’m ready to be probed - The Star

By Izatun Shari

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is prepared to be investigated by a full and formal public inquiry if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were to become the Prime Minister.

However, the former premier said he hoped that those who sit on the board of inquiry would be neutral, impartial and probably foreigners.

“He’s (Anwar’s) welcome to do that if he becomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia, but if he wins members of the ruling party to his side it is the present leader who should be blamed because he can’t even get the loyalty of his own members,” he said during a 30-minute interview on the BBC World News HARDtalk programme with Stephen Sackur.

He was asked to respond to Anwar’s statement that he would call for a full and public inquiry into Dr Mahathir’s misdeeds if Anwar were to become the Prime Minister.

Asked whether he was ready to express regret over what he did to Anwar now that he has retired for several years, Dr Mahathir said: “Why should I regret? He was arrested under the laws of the country. He was tried in the courts of the country. Sentenced by court. If he was not wrong, no matter what you think about our judiciary, I don’t think he would have been sent to prison.”

On Anwar saying that he would push politics that were not racially defined, Dr Mahathir said that it was opportunism for Anwar, who was now out of the government but never did anything when he was in the government.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21018171&sec=nation]

The Star Front Page (22/4)

Read this doc on Scribd: The Star Malaysia Cover (22 April 2008)
Tuesday 22 APRIL 2008 No. 17804 (PPI64I/3/2009) Peninsula RMI.20 Sabah RMI.80 Sarawak RMI.80 SELAMAT FLED VIA WINDOW people's paper Militant left trousers above toilet cubicle before escaping, parliament is told >W38 thestar.com.my KNM sees growth potential in Borsig >STARBIZ NATION No fuel for space project >N8 A free ACA PM outlines plans for independent anti-corruption body By SHAHANAAZ HABIB & LOURDES CHARLES newsdesk@thestar.com.my KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) will be given more independence and bite under wide-ranging reforms announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The reforms are to be put in place before the year's end. "It is my fervent hope that the ACA's effectiveness, transparency and accountability will be raised considerably, while public trust in its integrity and independence will be quickly renewed," Abdullah said in his keynote address at the Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008 at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity. Illegals riot at camp >N20 WORLD The revamp includes: > Turning the Anti-Corruption Agency into a "full-fledged" Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC); > Setting up an independent advisory board which will ensure that the Commission is effective, transparent and accountable; > Setting up a Parliamentary Page 10 committee on anti-corruption; > Hiring 5,000 professionals for the new MCAC; > Putting in place a comprehensive protection programme for whistleblowers and witnesses; and, > Requiring the MCAC to submit an annual report to the Parliamentary committee. Page 26 • See Pages 4&6 I'm ready to be investigated, Dr M tells BBC Blogger 'Mike Tyson' enters cyber ring French apology for torch bearer >W39 Pope heals wounds in visit >W42 SPORT Mourinho eyes Chelsea duo >S64 Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tuanku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar, the first torchbearer in the Malaysian leg of the Olympic torch relay, running with the torch surrounded by security personnel at Dataran Merdeka yesterday. There were few incidents in the relay that ended at KLCC - See Pages 3 and 37 Flame on in Malaysia: Reduce plastic bags. Use J U S C O Reusable Shopping Bag to shop and help to save Mother Nature! Take Me Shopping with You Today! Treasure Mother Nature

Second space trip runs into funds snag - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's fledgling space programme has run out of money and the country cannot afford to send a second angkasawan into space.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, who revealed this, said that based on the ministry's mid-term review, there was no budget to fund phase two of the angkasawan programme.

"There's zero money. The ministry will have to look for money if it wants to continue with the programme," said Ongkili, who added that he was still waiting for the cost-benefit analysis report.

He said that in principle, the government wanted to pursue the angkasawan programme, but subject to funds being available.

He added that the programme's successful first phase was facilitated by the fact that 70 per cent of the cost of training and sending the first angkasawan to space was offset by the purchase of the Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia.

"Also, the space programme is not just about sending Malaysians into space. It involves a broad spectrum of research in other sciences besides astronomy.

"So there are competing priorities and other social development needs. We have to ensure that the money spent is worth it."

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2220405/Article/index_html]

'Chin Peng's right based on 1989 pact' - NST

PUTRAJAYA: Chin Peng's right to return and live in Malaysia is based on the 1989 peace agreement signed by the government and the Communist Party of Malaya, the Court of Appeal was told yesterday.

Counsel Raja Aziz Addruse said Chin Peng's right to come back was also based on the fact that he was a Malaysian.

He said his client had also satisfied the terms of the agreement to live in Malaysia.

"It is wrong to compel Chin Peng to produce his birth and citizenship certificates just because he is a Malaysian."

Raja Aziz said Chin Peng was born in Sitiawan, Perak, in 1923 and his citizenship was never revoked.

He said Chin Peng had stated in his autobiography that the Special Branch in the then Malaya had seized his birth certificate during a raid.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2220329/Article/index_html]

Rafidah slams opposition over petrol promise - NST

IPOH: Umno Wanita chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz took a swipe at Pakatan Rakyat for remaining silent over its promise to reduce the price of petrol.

"There is not even a blip. The prices of things have gone up, how can they not say anything?" she asked, claiming that Pakatan Rakyat did nothing to fight inflation, despite heaping blame on the Barisan Nasional during the general election.

The opposition did not explain to the public that inflation was not up to political parties to tackle and that it was caused by market forces.

Speaking to Umno Wanita members during a visit here yesterday, Rafidah said the BN's role in Pakatan Rakyat-held states was not about screaming one's head off at the government of the day, but to keep it on its toes and ensuring that it fulfil all promises.

She shot down Puteri Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad's idea of establishing a Puteri BN, proposing instead that the various wings set up by BN component parties organise joint activities and work together at the grassroots level.

"There is no need (for Puteri BN). Puteri Umno, Beliawanis MCA and Puteri MIC must work harder to cater to the needs and interests of the young," she said.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2220404/Article/index_html]

Pitfalls await Kah Choon - NST

By : Marc Lourdes

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Lee Kah Choon has his feet on two boats that are going in opposite directions. Eventually, he is going to fall and hurt himself.

This is the opinion of Gerakan national adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

He was commenting on the recent appointment of Lee, the former Gerakan deputy secretary-general, as director of Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and investPenang by the DAP-led state government.

"I pity Lee Kah Choon because he has to take on a huge and ominous task.

"He is going to be suspected by the DAP because he is a Gerakan member.

"At the same time, he is going to be suspected by Gerakan for promoting a DAP-led agenda in Penang. How is he going to work?

"But, if he thinks he is Superman and can overcome all this suspicion, best of luck to him."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2220239/Article/index_html]