SEVERAL Sabah MPs have been approached – directly or indirectly – to cross over, Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong said.
Admitting that he had been approached by PKR, the second-term MP said democracy allowed the “freedom of affiliation”.
“It is a pressure cooker. We are listening to feedback from the ground and we are in the middle of the people and the Federal (Government).
“We are all adults and it is nothing wrong for other people to come and talk to you,” he said, adding that he knew of a few other Sabah MPs who had also been approached by the Opposition.
Asked if he was considering the offer, he said he had not seen PKR’s manifesto but said he was interested in knowing the Opposition's position regarding Sabah folk.
“I stood against an independent candidate and not PKR so I have not seen their manifesto. I am more concerned about what they can offer the people of Sabah,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/13/nation/21230151&sec=nation]
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
PKR came a-courting, say Sabah MPs - The Star
Monday, May 12, 2008
Anwar defends morality of crossovers - Malaysiakini.tv
Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim has defended the morality of inviting Barisan Nasional representatives to form the next federal government.
At a press conference in Petaling Jaya today, thetone and atmosphere changed when questions were thrown at him about themorality and ethics of crossovers.
At the start of the press conference, Anwar delivered a brief statement, saying he welcomed the submission of the report of the Royal Commission on the Lingam video clip to the King yesterday.
Federal Govt To Continue Projects In Opposition-controlled States - PM - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the federal government would maintain its relations with five states controlled by Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition coalition, for continuity in the country's socio-economic development.
The prime minister said projects involving basic amenities, including in opposition-held Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor, such as water and electricity supply, poverty eradication and public security would be continued.
"Projects of national interest and which will help stimulate economic growth such as tourism, higher learning institutions, ports and airports will also be continued," he said in a written reply to Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong) in the Dewan Rakyat here Monday.
Abdullah said the relations would ensure that the projects earmarked for the states would be implemented on schedule.
"The federal government will continue to shoulder its responsibility to all states as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," he said.
Likewise, Abdullah called on all state governments to cooperate with the federal government, especially in identifying suitable land for projects and to speed up the approval for land acquisition and planning, to enable the projects to be implemented smoothly.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332477]
Azilah, Sirul Lodge Police Report Against Raja Petra - Bernama
SHAH ALAM, May 12 (Bernama) -- C/Insp Azilah Hadri and Cpl Sirul Azhar Umar Monday lodged a police report against blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin over an allegation he made in his weblog.
This followed a discussion between the two policemen from the Special Action Unit charged with murdering Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu and their lawyers at the end of Monday's court proceedings here at 5pm.
Azilah's counsel, Datuk Hazman Ahmad, told the court earlier that Raja Petra's allegation of his client shouting and threatening him while at the Sungai Buloh prison was not true.
"Raja Petra said Azilah and Sirul had threatened him and the prison authorities were unable to ensure his safety. I have obtained statements from the two accused and they said that this had never happened.
"They also have never met Raja Petra and did not know when he was placed. His statement was prejudicial to the accused and this trial. It should not have been made without facts," he said.
Sirul's lawyer, Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, said Raja Petra's report in an article entitled "Thank you so much and sorry for letting you down" in the Malaysia Today weblog gave a bad picture to his client's character the handling of the trial.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332448]
Anwar: BN MPs to announce their defections - The Sun
By Tim Leonard
PETALING JAYA (May 12, 2008): Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that several Members of Parliament from Barisan Nasional (BN) and its component parties will be crossing over soon, fuelling speculations that the ruling coalition may lose its grip on power.
In a packed press conference in his Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Section 16 office today, Anwar disclosed that the respective MPs will make announcements by themselves soon.
"I don't necessarily need to make it. They might do it themselves," said Anwar.
"We have the numbers and we will determine the timing (to announce the crossovers) after observing necessary rules and procedures under the constitution," said Anwar.
"BN and and Umno are not at ease now as they are panicking," claimed the former deputy prime minister.
"They are bringing up issues of racial sentiments and survivals of Malays, and we sense that this might not go down well if we make the announcements now," he added.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22278]
Over 30 Barisan MPs have decided to cross over, says PKR Sabah chief - The Star
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat is in “real” discussions with Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament (MPs) to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.
“The discussions are on. They are very real. Over 30 Barisan MPs have decided to join the opposition coalition. The opposition only need 30 more MPs from Barisan to form the federal government. It is only a matter of time,” said PKR Sabah liasion chief Ansari Abdullah.
He dismissed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s claim that PKR was only playing politics with their statements about Barisan MPs ready to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat.
“At this very moment, there are Barisan MPs in discussion with our leaders in Kuala Lumpur and some have also talked to me,” Ansari told reporters here yesterday.
He said that Najib’s claims that PKR statements was just a political gimmick was his own reading, unlike former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who had a better understanding of the political situation in the country.
On the issue of DAP chairman Karpal Singh questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan, Ansari said it was impolite to raise the matter.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/12/nation/21222524&sec=nation]
Ibrahim questions silence of Opposition MPs - The Star
PASIR MAS: Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali questions why Malay members of Parliament from opposition parties are silent over the issue of Malay supremacy and the statement by Karpal Singh allegedly questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan.
However, DAP life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin sprang to Karpal Singh's defence, saying he was right in making his statement.
“The Malay MPs from PKR and DAP are silent when these issues are raised in Parliament,” claimed Ibrahim.
“Are they afraid to deal with it? Are they in cahoots since they are part of the Pakatan Rakyat alliance?” asked the independent MP from Pasir Mas.
He said the pin-drop silence from PKR and DAP had created suspicions.
“At least to a certain degree, senior leaders in PAS, such as Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, have presented their views,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/12/nation/21221220&sec=nation]
Muhyiddin: Too early to announce polls plan - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says it is still too early for him to announce plans for the party polls in December despite persistent press queries wanting confirmation of any intention to run for any of the top two posts.
“It is still too early; the branches have not even had their meetings yet. It has not reached that stage yet,” he told reporters who swarmed him after the Umno 62nd anniversary gathering at the PWTC yesterday.
Sunday Star yesterday quoted Muhyiddin as saying that he had received a lot of feedback from “grassroots, advisers and proposers” who told him it was time to move up the party hierarchy.
Muhyiddin said yesterday that there was nothing yet to announce.
“The time (for branch and division meetings) is still far away. No parties have made any proposals. It will have to depend on current situation, which has not reached there yet,” he said.
Asked if he had decided which post he wanted to contest, he said he had not said anything on this matter.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/12/nation/21221913&sec=nation]
Nazri: No one is above the law - NST
By : Jaspal Singh
KUALA KANGSAR: The government does not practise double standards when it comes to taking action against anyone who makes seditious remarks against the Malay rulers.
Therefore, as in the case of Karpal Singh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said, swift action must also be taken against Terengganu Umno secretary Datuk Rosol Wahid and 22 assemblymen, if they had behaved in a way which may be interpreted as seditious against the Sultan of Terengganu.
Rosol and the assemblymen had protested against the appointment of the menteri besar in March.
"I believe police reports have been made against Rosol and action must be taken.
"I do not care whether the person is an elected representative from the Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat.
"The law is the law. If you do something which is against the law, then action must be taken."
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2237936/Article/index_html]
'No such thing as social contract' - NST
SHAH ALAM: There is no such thing as a social contract between the ethnic communities in the country, Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz said.
At a forum organised by the Alumni Look East Policy Society here yesterday, he said the so-called social contract was created by politicians and interpreted according to their interests.
Instead, Ungku Aziz said the arrangement between the races should be called an "economic contract" to justify affirmative action in areas of education and health for groups that needed it.
He said many Bumiputeras were embarrassed to talk about affirmative action.
"It's good in Selangor, Putrajaya and also Johor but when we go to Kelantan or Kedah, what kind of houses do they live in?" he asked.
Speaking to the press later, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was also a panelist at the forum, said a social contract did exist but not in written form.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2237966/Article/index_html]
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Umno Celebration Shows Party Is Relevant, Says Najib - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- This year's Umno anniversary celebration carries more meaning because it reflects that the party remains relevant, deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said Umno would continue to struggle for the interests and future of the Malays, while pursuing the cause to ensure harmonious living for Malaysians, regardless of their race and religion.
"We should not forget that everything that we enjoy today is made possible through the efforts made by Umno.
"We believe Umno will be able to continue with its excellent struggle as a an important instrument for the future of the Malays, the other races as well as the country," he told reporters after the 62nd anniversary celebration of the party at the Putra World Trade Centre, here today.
Asked on tomorrow's meeting of the Committee to Tackle Inflation, Najib, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said steps would be taken to check inflation, but it would depend on the government's financial capacity.
"However, we have the intention and desire to do everything within our means to help the people," he added.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Umno's perception and image depended not only on its wings, but the party as a whole.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332239]
Muhyiddin Denies He Will Contest Umno President Or Deputy President's Post - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied that he will be contesting the party president or deputy president's post.
"No. I have not mentioned it (contesting the post)," he told reporters after a function to celebrate Umno's 62nd anniversary at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here today.
Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, made the denial in response to a front-page report in 'The Star' which said that he might go for one of the top two posts in the December party elections if he receives grassroot support.
In the report, he was quoted as saying that he had received a lot of feedback from the grassroots, advisers and proposers who told him that it was time for him to move up the party hierarchy.
Muhyiddin who had tried to avoid the reporters waiting for him at the PWTC but was cornered, said he had not made any decision with regards to his position in the party.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332251]
Mukhriz: Make Commission report public - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Commission report on the Lingam videoclip should be made public as the people deserved to know the findings, said Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
The Jerlun MP and Umno Youth exco member said it was necessary to be open because that what was people expected from the Government.
"I think it's the right of the people to understand what actually was in the report and I don't see any problem in making it public.
"The most important thing is transparency ... we should be open with the rakyat, particularly at this point in time," he told reporters on Sunday after attending the Umno 62nd anniversary celebrations at the Putra World Trade centre here.
To a question whether he had any reservations about the Lingam videoclip report being made public because the alleged wrong-doings occurred during his father's tenure as Prime Minister, Mukhriz said: "He (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) has got nothing to hide."
Mukhriz said Dr Mahathir had spoken about the matter many times and had testified as a witness during the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/11/nation/20080511171327&sec=nation]
Malaysia to spend more on subsidies than development: PM - AFP
Malaysia says it will spend more money subsidising oil and gas this year than on developing the country with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi calling for a review of all major projects.
Abdullah said the government would spend 45 billion ringgit (14 billion dollars) on fuel subsidies this year, state news agency Bernama reported late Saturday.
This will exceed its annual 40 billion ringgit budget for major development and infrastructure projects under the country's ninth development plan.
"It is five billion ringgit more, we need to look for more money," Abdullah told the agency.
"As the government, we will try our best to ease this burden. We will not allow this problem to grow. We cannot wait and see any more. We have the political will to act to ease the burden on the people," he added.
Abdullah said with global oil prices hitting 124 dollars a barrel, the impact on Malaysians would be huge, Bernama reported.
[More at http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1393787]
Muhyiddin says he’s ready to move up, slams quota system - The Star
By Paul Gabriel
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has come out with the strongest indication yet that he would be contesting one of the top two positions in the December party polls.
He said he had received a lot of feedback from “grassroots, advisers and proposers” who told him that it was time to move up the party hierarchy. As vice-president, “a move up” would mean a challenge for the deputy presidency or presidency.
The International Trade and Industry Minister, who hit out at the party's restrictive quota system which prevented members from contesting for posts without a specific number of nominations, said he would consider many things, including having to face “incumbents and the powers-that-be”, before making a decision.
”It is not an easy decision to make. But people say (to me): 'You have been vice-president for three terms. Now you have to look at something else'.
“I think I will make the right decision, hopefully, when the time comes,’’ he told The Star in an interview at his ministry office.
The 61-year-old Muhyiddin, who was first elected vice-president in 1993, described himself as an innovator and “someone who would not take things lying down.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/11/nation/21218890&sec=nation]
Umno does not need to reinvent itself, says Razaleigh - The Star
By M. Veera Pandiyan
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is confident that the party will regain its support if leaders behave and govern the country fairly and justly.
Stressing that the party need not reengineer or reinvent itself, he said it was the excesses and arrogance of the leaders which caused anger and disgust among the people, leading them to vote any party except Umno.
In an interview with The Star, he said that if Umno was facing a crisis, it was one of “monumental significance”, not just to members and to Malays, but to the country.
“I cannot foresee the country without Umno. The Malays only know Umno and its allies. I cannot imagine how the Malays will behave or react without Umno on the scene,” he said.
Tengku Razaleigh said though some Malaysians greeted the results of the March 8 election results with euphoria in that it showed maturity in the thinking of the people, he took a different interpretation.
“It would have been different if Umno didn’t behave like that. Even if people had opted to go the multi racial make up of the PKR, for instance, they might have won some seats, but not to the extent of what they are enjoying now.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/11/nation/21219858&sec=nation]
Raja Petra hopes to channel funds for bloggers’ defence - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin will propose that the donation collected for his bail be put into a Bloggers Defence Fund.
Raja Petra, 58, wrote in his blog yesterday that this was to ensure bloggers who were prosecuted would have financial support.
But he said this would be finalised only if the donors agreed to his proposal.
More than RM37,000, including US$4,330.10 (RM13,859.78) paid through Paypal, was collected following a call for donations on his website.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/11/nation/21220057&sec=nation]
'Remember what Umno has done for you' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Don't forget what Umno has done for you in the last 62 years.
And grassroots leaders should get realistic and stop lying about what is really happening on the ground.
That was the advice Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor gave at the Outstanding Malay Awards ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.
Forty-one Malays in the fields of education, agriculture, entreprenuership, non-governmental organisations, religion, arts and culture were given recognition for their contribution to the country in conjunction with Umno's 62nd anniversary.
Tengku Adnan said since the general election, some quarters had been calling for the prime minister to take responsibility and step down.
"They fail to realise that the prime minister is advised by the supreme council and we get feedback from branch chairmen and other grassroots leaders."
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Sunday/National/2237210/Article/index_html]
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Printing Presses And Publications Act Should Be Repealed, Says Khairy - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The Printing Presses and Publications Act should be repealed, said Rembau Member of Parliament and Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said in the last four years, there had been a certain degree of openness in publishing news but it had not been followed up by institutional reforms or in bureaucratic and legislation matters.
"I think if the government is ready to give that space, then we might as well cement it in an independent regulation, give better training to journalists and do away with bureaucratic restrictions," he said when speaking at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Freedom Forum entitled "General Election 2008: Press Freedom" held in conjunction with the World Press Freedom Day, here, Saturday. Khairy said an independent regulatory body such as a press council could be set up instead to self-regulate the industry.
"I hope that the media can take the lead in setting up some form of independent regulatory body, perhaps in the form of a Press Complaints Commission.
"At a time when reform is the buzzword, what I really wish to suggest today is for the media to move towards being independently regulated," Khairy said, admitting that this was his personal opinion and not that of his party or the ruling government.
He said the mainstream media must also take the path of reform to remain credible but need to watch out for racial and religious sensitivities.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332144]
Issue Can Be Resolved With Karpal Singh Having An Audience With Sultan, Says Umno Info Chief - Bernama
SHAH ALAM, May 10 (Bernama) -- DAP chairman Karpal Singh can resolve his issue over the Sultan of Perak's jurisdiction in matters of the state administration by seeking an audience with the Ruler, Umno Information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said today.
However, it looks like Karpal Singh does not prefer that course because he has called another news conference to insist that he was right.
Karpal Singh, the MP for Bukit Gelugor, had stated yesterday that he would stand by his remark that the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, did not have the jurisdiction to direct the state government to reinstate Perak Islamic Religious Affairs Department director Datuk Jamry Sury who was transferred out by the menteri besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
He had said that what he had raised was purely a legal issue and stressed that he did not at all question the prerogative of the sultan.
Jamry was transferred out by the Pakatan Rakyat state government as it was claimed that he was uncooperative.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin later apologised to Sultan Azlan Shah over the transfer which had not been referred to the sultan as the head of the Islamic religion and Malay customs in the state.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=332138]
Karpal Singh in fear of safety following PM’s statement - The Star
By K. Kasturi Dewi
PENANG: Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh fears for his safety now after the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call the Attorney-General (AG) to decide whether to charge him for questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan.
Karpal Singh, DAP national chairman, said what the Prime Minister had said carried a lot of weight and had serious implications and consequences, which made him worried about his safety.
“I will holding Abdullah Ahmad responsible for any adverse consequences arising from his statement.”
“His (PM’s) statement urging the AG to act quickly because a lot of people were interested to know what would be the appropriate punishment, clearly amounted him to direct the AG to punish me even before I have been charged in court,” he told a press conference at his office in Green Hall Sunday.
“The statement gave the public a pre-conceived idea that I had committed an offence and should be punished. The Prime Minister should mind his language when addressing the issue.”
He said the AG must not be influenced by Abdullah Ahmad’s call and act without fear and favour.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/10/nation/20080510191304&sec=nation]
Public Sector Retirement Age Raised To 58 - Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, May 10 (Bernama) -- The mandatory retirement age of public sector employees has been raised from 56 to 58 effective July 1 this year as part of several incentives announced Saturday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
One of the other incentives is the calculation of the pension based on a maximum of 30 years of service, up from the current 25 years, for all public employees effective 1 January 2009.
The derivative pension would be maintained at 100 per cent, also effective 1 January 2009, he said at the public sector Workers' Day gathering at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here.
Abdullah also said that the contentious Efficiency Level Assessment (PTK) would not be abolished but the method of implementation would be improved from time to time.
The prime minister said that after considering the lifespan of Malaysians, the government decided to raise the public sector retirement age.
"Based on a government study, raising the retirement age will not jeopardise the employment opportunities of fresh graduates.
"This is important as the new generation of public employees should not feel that their opportunities for career development are diminishing but rather increasing," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331974]
Raja Petra: I was threatened - The Star
By M. Mageswari
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin who was released on bail claimed he was threatened by two policemen, who are the accused in the Altantuya murder case, while he was detained at the Sungai Buloh prison.
Raja Petra, 58, said C/Insp Azilah Hadri, 32, and Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar, 37, shouted at him when he entered the prison after being charged for sedition.
He was released on a RM5,000 bail at the court premises yesterday.
Unit Tindakan Khas (Special Action Squad) operatives C/Insp Azilah and Kpl Sirul are accused of murdering 28-year-old Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.
“Azilah and Sirul shouted at me and threatened that something was going to happen to me. So, the prison (authorities) were very worried.
“They assigned two UTK officers to look after me full-time,” he said, adding that he was in the same block as the two accused in the Altantuya case.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/10/nation/21208532&sec=nation]
Panel finds Lingam video clip authentic - The Star
Reports by Shaila Koshy, Shahanaaz Habib, M. Mageswari, Audrey Edwards, Loh Foon Fong and Manjit Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip has found that it was former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim who was talking to prominent lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam on the telephone.
Sources said the five-man panel also found that the video clip was authentic and that the conversation was true in substance.
They said the commission also found that it was lawyer Loh Mui Fah who Lingam was speaking to after his telephone conversation with Fairuz.
Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor presented a two-volume report on the findings to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Istana Negara here yesterday.
The commission commenced its enquiry on Jan 14.
The sources said the commission also found that there was sufficient evidence of misbehaviour by certain persons mentioned or identified in the clip.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/10/nation/21213763&sec=nation]
Findings ‘should be made public’ - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The findings of the Royal Commission on the controversial Datuk V. K. Lingam tape should be made public, said commission chairman retired Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor.
However, he said this was his personal view and the decision whether to make the reports public was with the Prime Minister.
Haidar handed the Royal Commission of Inquiry report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Istana Negara at 9.30am yesterday.
Four recommendations were made in four volumes of report running up to 186 pages, he said in a telephone interview yesterday.
The commission secretary will also submit the report to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who will set a date for it to be discussed in the Cabinet, Haider added.
Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said it was important that the findings be made public immediately. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at a press conference after the Umno supreme council meeting yesterday that he had yet to read the report.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/10/nation/21207082&sec=nation]
It's a purely legal issue, says defiant DAP chairman - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: DAP chairman Karpal Singh maintained yesterday that he had not questioned the prerogative of the Sultan of Perak.
He said his statements concerning the Sultan's power to revoke the transfer of a state civil servant was purely a legal issue.
Karpal said he was not perturbed over the numerous police reports lodged against him.
"I have committed no offence and those making reports against me should be prepared to face the consequences of lodging false reports," he said at a press conference here yesterday.
"I will not be intimidated by anyone or any quarter.
"I stand by what I have said because the truth must prevail at all times" the Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament said.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/Frontpage/2236661/Article/index_html]
Friday, May 9, 2008
Sedition reports: Defiant Karpal says PM seeks to divert attention - Malaysiakini.tv
DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh warned Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak of legal action shouldthe pair continue to make 'defamatory remarks' against him.
Raja Petra released on bail - TheStarOnline.tv
Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin was released on bail Friday. He was greeted by his wife and supporters at the Petaling Jaya session court.
Malaysian opposition leader faces sedition probe for allegedly insulting sultan - AP
By Julia Zappei, AP
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - A Malaysian opposition figure faced a police probe for alleged sedition Friday after he was accused of insulting a state sultan.
Karpal Singh, chairman of the Democratic Action Party, sparked an uproar when he claimed earlier this week that Sultan Azlan Shah, the titular head of northern Perak state, acted beyond his authority by interfering with the firing of a religious official.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said late Thursday that police must investigate Karpal for making comments that upset many people and were "seditious and insulting" to the sultan.
Karpal, a prominent lawyer and member of Parliament, denied being disrespectful to Azlan and insisted he would not retract his remarks.
"I stand by what I have said," Karpal told The Associated Press. "What I've said is purely a legal matter."
Karpal claims Azlan had no right to recently reinstate a state religious department chief who was fired by an opposition alliance that wrested control of Perak and four other states in March general elections.
[More at http://news.aol.com/story/_a/malaysian-opposition-leader-faces/n20080509003909990007]
Abdullah Outlines Measures To Ensure Umno Continues To Get Support - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday outlined several measures to ensure its supporters continued to support the party and those not supportive returned to its fold.
He stressed among them were for Umno to remain strong and united.
The 62-year-old party should not been seen as divided with internal squabbles going on, he said.
According to him, all the agenda of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the government helmed by Umno should also be implemented well as promised to the people.
In this matter, he said current issues and hot matters like inflation should be tackled wisely.
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told this to reporters after chairing a special meeting of Umno's Superme Council, which lasted more than four hours, at Menara Dato' Onn here.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331929]
PM Yet To Look At Commission's Report On Lingam's Video Clip - Bernama
Kuala Lumpur, May 9 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday he will study the report by the Royal Commission on the V.K.Lingam video clip before deciding whether it will be made public or otherwise.
"I haven't seen it yet. Let me look at what is being said. Before looking at it, you (the media) have asked me to make a decision.
"I want to see the contents, what is being said, then we will decide," he told reporters after chairing a special meeting of the Umno Supreme Council at Menara Datuk Onn, here Friday.
The Royal Commission on the V.K. Lingam video clip had submitted its report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Friday.
When asked whether he had received a copy of the report, Abdullah said he had not seen the report.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331921]
Raja Petra released on bail - The Star
VIDEO: Raja Petra released on bail
By M. Mageswari
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin who was released on bail Friday said that he did not go on “hunger strike” in prison.
He also vowed to continue updating his Malaysia Today news portal in a day or two.
Raja Petra, 58, said he had refused to eat because "prison food is paid by the rakyat."
“I do not think the rakyat's money is well spent, so I refused to eat any food,” he said after his release on a RM5,000 bail at the court premises here.
The father of five said he had not eaten any food since he was charged in the Sessions Court here on Tuesday for sedition.
“Since I could not have food from outside, I did not eat at all. I want to go back and have breakfast now. I am dehydrated,” said Raja Petra who smiled and immediately drank a bottle of mineral water supplied by his wife Marina Lee Abdullah.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/9/nation/20080509095825&sec=nation]
Nizar won’t comment on what DAP leader said - The Star
IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is keeping mum on comments that he wilted and buckled under royal pressure.
Asked about the statement by DAP chairman Karpal Singh that he had bowed down by apologising to Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah over the reinstatement of Perak Religious Department (JAIP) director Datuk Jamry Sury, Nizar said: “No. No. No. No statement from me.”
Speaking to reporters yesterday after a meeting with non-governmental organisations at the state secretariat, Nizar also said that no date had been fixed for the meeting with Sultan Azlan Shah to extend his apology.
Nizar had on April 29 transferred Jamry out of JAIP, supposedly for the latter’s refusal to cooperate with the new state government.
Three days later, Sultan Azlan Shah, through his son Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, ordered Nizar to retract the transfer order immediately.
The Regent of Perak, who is also Perak Malay Custom and Religious Council chairman, told Nizar that matters pertaining to the appointment, placement and transfer of officers and staff who managed Islamic affairs came under the jurisdiction of the Sultan, as the head of Islam in the state.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/9/nation/21195343&sec=nation]
Tee Keat: Drop the ‘ketuanan’ - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The phrase, ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy), should not be brought up any more as it creates the impression that one race is the master while the others are slaves, MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said.
Ong said the phrase had nothing to do with the Federal Constitution and was not something that needed to be said any more considering the special position the Malays already have.
“For other races, ketuanan (superiority) implies the word kehambaan (slavery). The root word of ketuanan is tuan (master), and that does not give it a good meaning.
“In Malaysia, we have lived together for so long and the relationship is not the same as between a master and a slave,” he said, after launching the 6th Golden Bull Award 2008 for Malaysia’s 100 outstanding small-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Ong said Malaysians had to move forward with more respect for each other and deal with more important issues.
When asked if he was afraid of any backlash, Ong said:
“What backlash? I’m speaking the truth.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/9/nation/21194900&sec=nation]
Reports lodged against Karpal - The Star
By Kuldeep S. Jessy and Steven Daniel
KUALA LUMPUR: Three police reports have been lodged against Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh for his statements against the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, who directed the Perak Government to reinstate state Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Malay Unity Action Front chairman Osman Abu Bakar lodged the reports separately yesterday.
Tengku Adnan said the comments made by Karpal Singh were seditious and were an insult to the royalty.
“He had made a strong comment that the Sultan and royalty were subject to the law just like a normal citizen following the amendments to the Federal Constitution in 1993.
“The comments were like a warning to the Sultan of Perak and other Malay Rulers that they should not interfere in state administrative matters,” he said after lodging the report at 5.15pm at the Sentul police station here.
Tengku Adnan said Karpal Singh’s comments could incite anti-King and anti-Rulers sentiments among the people and expected more police reports to be lodged.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/9/nation/21201401&sec=nation]
Anwar threat 'sheer speculation' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: The purported threat by Parti Keadilan Rakyat's de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to form the next federal government should be regarded as mere speculation, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin said.
"It is sheer speculation. It is probably part of a psy-war, an initiative on Anwar's part," he said after launching Metaltech Malaysia 2008 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
He was commenting on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remark not to take Anwar's threat lightly.
Muhyiddin said Barisan Nasional component parties in the recent supreme council meeting gave their commitment that their elected representatives would not cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.
[From http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2235468/Article/index_html]
Pas, Pakatan MPs join fray - NST
THE Barisan Nasional has found unlikely allies in some Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat MPs who are uncomfortable over DAP chairman Karpal Singh's recent comments about the royalty.
They are understood to have indicated this to DAP MPs, including party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, at a lunch meeting yesterday.
Playing down unhappiness among Pakatan Rakyat members over the Bukit Gelugor MP's statements, the Penang chief minister and Bagan MP said no decision had been taken on the matter.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar said the party found Karpal's statements "discomforting".
"But we are not going after him for making the statements," he said in the Parliament lobby.
Kamaruddin said the party's stand was clear that it accepted the system of a constitutional monarchy where rulers had a greater role than royalty in other countries.
'Many Malaysians upset with Karpal' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that he had instructed Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to lodge a police report against DAP chairman Karpal Singh for making allegedly seditious remarks about the Sultan of Perak.
The prime minister and Umno president said Karpal's questioning of Sultan Azlan Shah's prerogative as the state's head of religion had angered many, including non-Malays.
"It was seditious and insulting to the Sultan, that is how it is seen in the eyes of the rakyat," he said after opening the Fifth Malaysian International Halal Showcase here.
Abdullah said it was as if the Bukit Gelugor MP was ignorant of the Sultan's scope of duties.
"Many Malaysians, including those from Umno and also the non-Malays are upset with his statement.
"I have been informed that many others will also be filing complaints with the police."
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/Frontpage/2235570/Article/index_html]
Thursday, May 8, 2008
PM tells Umno sec-gen to make police report - Malaysiakini.tv
Abdullah said that he has instructed Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor to lodge a police report against DAP chairperson Karpal Singh over his allegedly seditious remarks against the Sultan of Perak.
"The statements that he (Karpal) has made gives the impression that the sultan does not know the law," he said.
"As such, many (including Umno) are upset."
"I'm also told that others - Malays and non-Malays - who respect the constitution, also feel slighted by what has happened. They may also complain to the relevant authorities," said Abdullah at the sidelines of the 5th Malaysia International Halal Showcase at Matrade.
Melayu marah - PM. UMNO, lima ahli Parlimen, NGO buat laporan polis terhadap Karpal - Utusan
Oleh Arshad Khan
KUALA LUMPUR 8 Mei –Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hari ini mengarahkan UMNO membuat laporan polis terhadap Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh ekoran kenyataannya yang mempersoal bidang kuasa Sultan Perak.
Laporan itu telah dibuat oleh Setiausaha Agung UMNO, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor di Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Sentul, di sini.
Presiden UMNO ketika bercakap kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Pameran Perdagangan Halal Antarabangsa Malaysia Kelima (MIHAS) di Pusat Pameran dan Konvensyen Matrade (MECC) di sini menegaskan, laporan polis dibuat kerana tindakan Karpal mempunyai kecenderungan menghasut dan menimbulkan kemarahan orang Melayu.
Menurut beliau kenyataan Pengerusi DAP itu dalam isu berkenaan antara lain boleh dilihat sebagai menggambarkan bahawa sultan tidak tahu tentang tugas dan bidang kuasa mereka.
Katanya, justeru kenyataan itu jelas adalah satu bentuk hasutan dan dengan adanya laporan polis maka perkara itu akan dibawa kepada Jabatan Peguam Negara dan mahkamah untuk tindakan seterusnya.
“Setiausaha Agung UMNO diminta membuat laporan polis supaya kes ini dapat dibawa kepada Jabatan Peguam Negara dan mahkamah,” katanya.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0509&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm]
BN Component Parties Need Not Merge - Ong - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties representing the non-Malays need not merge to be loudly heard as the individual parties can handle issues and challenges that come their way.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said such a merger would be unhealthy as the BN believed in dialogues and an honest relationship.
He was commenting a statement by former MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek that non-Malay BN parties should merge to become a strong to rival to Umno.
Ong, who is also Perak MCA chief, said the BN was aware of the political reality and was taking steps to improve its image and breathe new life in the coalition.
"We are having very active discussions at committees level to enhance the cooperation between component parties," Ong said after opening the Architect's Centre here Thursday.
He added that the components parties would be meeting more frequently to strengthen ties and to avoid difference of opinion.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331711]
Bunga Tanjong Dissolution Null And Void, Says Betty Chew - Bernama
PENANG, May 8 (Bernama) -- The wife of Chief Minister, Betty Chew Gek Cheng, said the dissolution of Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjong (PBT) is null and void as its former management had failed to comply with legal requirements.
She said Bunga Tanjong's constitution had clearly spelt out that an application for dissolution had to be made within 14 days of the decision to dissolve the organisation whose members comprise wives of former and serving Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblymen in Penang.
Failure to do so meant the dissolution was null and void, she said in a statement Thursday.
Betty said Penang Registrar of Societies (ROS) director Mohd Jamil Mohd Noor had admitted that the application for dissolution was made only on April 4 which was more than 14 days after their decision on March 9 to dissolve Bunga Tanjong.
Therefore, she said, the former President of PBT, Puan Sri Chui Kah Peng, the wife of former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, should withdraw her application to dissolve the organisation on legal and ethical grounds.
"Should she still refuse to do so, the ROS should reject the application on grounds that both are ultra vires and failing to comply with the requirement to submit the application within 14 days," she said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331699]
Abdullah Asks Police Report Be Lodged Against Karpal - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has asked Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to lodge a police report against DAP chairman Karpal Singh over his statement on the powers of the Perak Sultan.
Abdullah said this was to enable the matter to be referred to the Attorney-General and then brought to court.
He said Karpal's statement had incurred the ire of the public, including non-Malays.
"It is seditious and seen by the people as ridiculing the Sultan as though the ruler did not know his duty," he told reporters when asked about Karpal's controversial statement.
Earlier, Abdullah had opened the 5th Halal Industry International Exhibition hosted by Malaysia, here Thursday.
Abdullah said the Malays and other races felt aggrieved and offended by Karpal's statement, and he was made to understand that more people would be making police reports against the lawyer.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331684]
Ibrahim apologises to disabled, but not to Karpal Singh - The Star
By Paul Choo
KUALA LUMPUR: A commotion broke out in the Parliament lobby Thursday when Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent - Pasir Mas) stormed out of a meeting with a group of disabled people demanding for his apology to Karpal Singh at the Parliament lobby at noon.
The group, known as Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD), urged Ibrahim to retract insulting statements he made against Karpal recently when he asked the latter to stand when speaking in Dewan Rakyat.
Ibrahim had apologised to the group initially for hurting their feelings over the remarks he made in the Dewan Rakyat to Karpal.
However, he refused to say sorry to Karpal.
"My problem was with Karpal Singh and never with all of you. I have never offended you and I love disabled people from the bottom of my heart.
"But if you all have misinterpreted my meaning, I extend my sincerest apologies.
"I hope you don't misunderstand this because there are groups trying to take advantage of you," he said, referring to several Pakatan Rakyat leaders, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Lim Lip Eng, Loh Gwo Burne, Gobind Singh Deo and others, who had escorted the group into Parliament.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/8/nation/20080508153335&sec=nation]
Raja Petra agrees to post bail - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Raja Petra Kamaruddin is expected to be released on Friday morning after his wife posted bail Thursday.
The necessary documentation will be delivered to Sg Buloh prison by tomorrow at the latest, after which he will be released.
Earlier today, Raja Petra agreed to post bail after his wife Marina Lee Abdullah met him in prison.
Marina finally got to see her husband for about 10 minutes this morning, after he twice refused to meet her on Wednesday.
She said Raja Petra was fine, except for a slight back ache after spending two nights in jail.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/8/nation/20080508115959&sec=nation]
Malaysian Islamic court allows convert to renounce faith - AFP
PENANG, Malaysia : A Malaysian Islamic court Thursday allowed a Chinese convert to renounce Islam in a rare decision for this conservative Muslim-led nation.
Apostasy, or renouncing the faith, is one of the gravest sins in Islam and a very sensitive issue in Malaysia where Islamic sharia courts have rarely allowed such renunciations and have also jailed apostates.
Penang Sharia Court judge Othman Ibrahim said he had no choice but to allow an application by cook Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah to renounce her faith and return to Buddhism.
"The court has no choice but to declare that Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah is no longer a Muslim as she has never practised the teachings of Islam," Othman told a packed courtroom.
"I order the conversion certificate to be nullified," he added.
Siti Fatimah or Tan Ean Huang, 38, said she had never practised Islamic teachings since she converted in 1998 and only did so to enable her to marry Iranian Ferdoun Ashanian.
[More at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/346369/1/.html]
Mahathir: Danger of defections is real - The Star
By V. P. Sujata
PUTRAJAYA: There is great danger in Pakatan Rakyat taking over the Federal Government, as there are signs of component parties in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak crossing over, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said when the Barisan Nasional had two-thirds majority in Parliament, it was not worth for any component party to crossover unlike now they had nothing to lose as crossing over meant still being in the Government.
Stating that Pakatan Rakyat was a force to be reckoned with, he added that PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s threat had to be taken seriously.
“I, at first, wanted to dismiss this possibility, but on studying the situation I feel there is great danger,” he said, adding that members lacked inherent loyalty to the party and are only interested in personal gains.
Dr Mahathir said people in Sabah were used to being under Opposition rule while state Barisan leaders like Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan had great support when he was in the Opposition.
“So, can you say they will stay loyal to Umno, I don’t think so. Even here in the peninsula, I see quite a number of the people who will crossover when there is something to gain.
“If this Government loses its power, it is no longer the Government, and it will not be in a position to dole out all kinds of cookies; the clout is gone,” he told reporters after presenting the keynote address on National Sovereignty during the Perdana Leadership Foundation’s Discourse Series yesterday.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/8/nation/21182478&sec=nation]
Bloggers not immune to the law, says Najib - The Star
MERSING: The Government has always been liberal towards bloggers and has no plans to clamp down on them, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
However, he reminded bloggers and Internet users that there were laws pertaining to sedition, defamation and libel.
“Just because you operate in cyberspace does not mean that you are absolved from having to comply with the nation’s laws,” he said when asked to comment on the recent case involving Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin.
Asked about the timing of the arrest and charging, which made the Government look unpopular, he said: “I do not think so. We have to draw the line of what is right or wrong”.
“This is not politically motivated,” he said to reporters after accompanying Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during a one-day working visit to the Special Forces base yesterday.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/8/nation/21183139&sec=nation]
Dewan Rakyat: Furore over word 'treason' - NST
By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph Sipalan
A BACKBENCHER'S use of the word "treason" in reference to comments by Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) on the King's speech in the Dewan Rakyat created a furore among the opposition.
Fong Poh Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said there should be no dispute over the question of loyalty to king and country and called on the chair to get Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) to withdraw the word.
"Because all the MPs had taken their oath of loyalty and expressed their allegiance every time they sang the national anthem Negaraku, it is not right to question our loyalty to the king."
Datuk Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis) said taking the oath of loyalty and singing the national anthem were not enough in demonstrating one's allegiance to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"It must be reflected in our conduct. At times, our friends on the opposition bench speak with such vigour, to the extent that some feel they are not being loyal. Words must also justify our claims of loyalty."
Deputy speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar ruled that Razali did not intend to question Karpal's loyalty.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2234625/Article/index_html]
Jamry episode takes another twist - NST
By : M. Husairy Othman
IPOH: Datuk Jamry Sury officially resumed his duties as the state Religious Department director after clocking-in at 7.30am at Kompleks Islam here yesterday.
It is believed that he had finally received his "appointment" letter signed by State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim a day earlier.
However, it looks like the whole episode of him being transferred out immediately and subsequently being reinstated a week later is not quite over just yet.
Jamry's ability in carrying out his duties in a fair manner because of his status as an Umno member has now been questioned by a group of Pas members from the party's Ipoh Timur division.
"We are suspicious (curiga) after learning that he is a Parit Buntar Umno member. He might be biased against the present Pakatan Rakyat-led state government," division chief Salman Saleh told reporters outside Jamry's office here yesterday.
Reading from a memorandum which was earlier handed over to the department's deputy director Mohd Yusop Husin, he called upon Jamry to work with the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government in a professional manner.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2234325/Article/index_html]
Najib: Case against blogger not politically motivated - NST
By : Sheridan Mahavera
MERSING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the case against blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin was not politically motivated.
Dismissing talk to the contrary especially on the Internet, he said the case against the 58-year-old webmaster, who was charged under the Sedition Act 1948, should not be construed as a move to clamp down on bloggers or freedom of speech.
"The government has always taken a very liberal stand with bloggers and the Internet and we will continue to do so. But there are laws in this country related to sedition and defamation.
"Just because you operate from cyberspace, it does not absolve you from having those laws applied to you.
"Whatever the case, the Attorney-General will decide if there is a case," Najib said at Camp Iskandar here, when asked about Raja Petra being charged under the Sedition Act 1948 on Tuesday.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2234681%20/Article/index_html]
Dewan Rakyat: Highway concession, tolls to be reviewed - NST
By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini and Ili Liyana Mokhtar
TOLL rates and highway concession agreements which burden the people are being reviewed in view of the rising cost of living.
Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said a toll review mechanism to gauge traffic volume and toll collected at the 22 highways nationwide could result in lower toll and re-negotiations of the agreements.
If the traffic volume is high, there should not be a need to increase toll rates at any particular route, he said at a press conference at Parliament Lobby yesterday.
Among matters being looked into is the Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS) highway concession, where the toll rate hike scheduled for last January has been delayed for a year.
Mohd Zin said parts of the PLUS highway would also be re-designated as "urban link" such as the stretch between Rawang and Nilai and "inter-urban exchange" such as stretches of highways passing within the areas of Ipoh, Seremban and Johor Baru.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/Frontpage/2234622/Article/index_html]
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
MTUC hands memorandum to government - TheStarOnline.tv
Around 200 union leaders from the Malaysian Trade Union Congress gathered outside Parliament to hand over a memorandum demanding for minimum wage and cost of living allowance on Wednesday.
Police Begin Investigations Into Football Bribery - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Police have begun their own investigations into alleged fixing of match results in the local football league after statements were taken by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) from the players said to be involved.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said the probe was necessary as allegations of graft in the game could affect football development as well as the quality of matches.
"Those involved will not escape police action. We do not want a repeat of what happened 10 years ago because it is not healthy for football development," he told reporters here Wednesday.
It is learnt that seven Sarawak players and five players from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have been called by the ACA in the probe over alleged match fixing in local football.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=331427]
卡巴星：单纯法律课题‧勿將“王室”课题种族化 - Sin Chew Daily
（吉隆坡）行动党主席兼武吉牛汝莪区国会议员卡巴星促请巫统勿將他非议王室或统治者干预政治的课题种族化，因为这单纯只是一个法律课题。
他说，巫统不应把行动党视为“反王室”的政党，更不应將这项课题种族化。
卡巴星今日（週三，7日）在国会走廊召开新闻发表会，针对副首相拿督斯里纳吉指其举动是质疑联邦宪法赋予王室的权利，势將挑起捍卫王权者的不满情绪一事发表谈话说，他不解巫统为何要把课题种族化。
他强调，行动党不是“反王室”的政党，并重申他所质疑的是苏丹是否有司法权，指示霹雳州务大臣撤销调走霹州宗教局局长拿督占利。
州政府有权调派公务员
他说，占利是州政府的公务员，而州政府绝对有权调派任何一名政府公务员，他也引用1982年联邦直辖区教育局总监对抗陆丁宜（译音）的案例，支持他所说的论据。
他指出，虽然联邦宪法条文阐明王室在回教课题方面拥有绝对权利，而霹雳苏丹也是该州回教事务的最高负责人；但占利是由州政府聘请和支薪，所以州政府绝对有权调派占利。
[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64984]
Raja Petra refuses bail, stages hunger strike - The Sun
By Charles Ramendran and Maria J.Dass
PETALING JAYA (May 7, 2008): Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, the webmaster of malaysia-today.net who was charged with sedition yesterday for news content in his website has refused bail.
In an act of defiance against the charges, Raja Petra has gone on a hunger strike in the Sungai Buloh prison where he is being held and has refused to meet anyone, including his wife Marina Lee Abdullah.
"He won't listen to anyone of us and I am so worried for his health. Except for a drink of water just before being charged in court on Tuesday, he has not eaten or drank anything since. He has kidney problems and I don't think he can take this hunger strike if he goes on for days like this," said Marina when contacted by theSun today.
She said Raja Petra developed kidney ailments when he went on a five-day hunger strike during his detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 2000.
"My husband's lawyers and I had tried to post bail early today (yesterday) to free Raja Petra but he had not just refused bail but also declined to see any of them.
"I believe my husband is doing this as he feels he has been unfairly judged and persecuted. He is angry, just as how everyone else is with what has happened and I know he will only stop this strike when they release him. I can only pray for his health for now, I hope everyone will do so too," said Marina.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22096]
Raja Petra still declines visitors, gets specs - The Star
By M. Mageswari
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin remains adamant in his refusal to meet anyone, even his wife who twice tried to see him at Sungai Buloh prison on Wednesday.
After having failed to meet him at 10.30am, Marina Lee Abdullah, who was accompanied by their youngest daughter, Sarah, and lawyer Matthias Chang attempted again at noon.
Marina, 54, said she had insisted that she wanted to meet her spouse but Raja Petra refused to have any visitors.
However, she managed to deliver the spectacles he had requested earlier via a prison warden.
The housewife said she also believed that Raja Petra is declining meals in prison as he had also done so when he was detained under the Internal Security Act for three months in 2001.
"I will try again to see him Thursday. I already asked the prison official to convey a message to him that I will not stop visiting him daily until he sees me. This has only caused the official to smile at me," Marina said when contacted.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/7/nation/20080507122531&sec=nation]
Malaysia's Economy Strong And Flexible Enough To Face Global Slowdown - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic standing is strong and flexible enough to face an uncertain growth in the world economy following the subprime loan crisis in the US, a weakening dollar as well as inflationary pressure and increasing crude oil price, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.
"Although the prospects of a slowdown in world economic growth will pose a risk to Malaysia's economic growth, its strong foundation is expected to contribute to its resilience and reduce the risks posed by the global challenges," he said during the Question and Answer session at the Parliament on Wednesday.
The minister was replying to a question from Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) who had asked on Malaysia's economic situation against the current world economy where the US dollar has depreciated, the price of crude oil has gone up and the Euro currency has appreciated.
Malaysia has projected a six percent economic growth for this year. Last year, the country's Gross Domestic Product grew by 6.3 percent.
Nor Mohamed said Malaysia's economic strength was in its flexibility.
"The manufacturing sector continued to show progress in increasing its value added chain, while the services sector has become an important contributor to the economic growth," he said, adding that the services sector had also expanded at a higher rate compared with the overall economic growth.
[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=331270]
Government to review film censorship guidelines - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Film censorship guidelines drawn up 15 years ago will be reviewed before a decision is made whether they need to be changed with the times.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the Government wanted to strike a balance between liberal and conservative thinking.
It would seek the views of the Film Censorship Board members and the public, he said.
“There are already guidelines which were seen to be applicable during that period of time but may not be applicable now,” he told reporters yesterday after meeting members of the Film Censorship Board and Film Appeals Committee.
Asked whether the board was now too lenient or strict, he said while the majority of the board members were “old timers,” there were those who were seen to be too rigid while others were too lenient.
He said that in the era of globalisation there was no way to prevent films from being made and not being shown as there were alternative channels for viewing them.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/7/nation/21170885&sec=nation]
'What makes you think I don't have proof?' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin was a celebrity at the Jalan Duta court complex here yesterday.
The 58-year-old arrived at 9.06am, accompanied by his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, a battery of lawyers and a throng of supporters.
His well-wishers read like a who's who of Pakatan Rakyat notables, including Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Abbas, Batu MP Tian Chua, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, PAS Youth chief Salahudin Ayub and Pandamaran state assemblyman Ronnie Liu.
Defiant as ever, Raja Petra challenged the government to repeal the Official Secrets Act (OSA) so that he could reveal what he claimed was evidence against his charge of sedition.
"What makes you think I don't have proof? What makes you think I don't have documents?
"If I do submit the proof behind my writing, they will arrest me under the OSA. You think I'm stupid?" he asked the assembled journalists.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2233653/Article]
DEWAN RAKYAT: Unhappy with PM's reply on money politics - NST
SEVERAL MPs are unhappy with the written reply by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on money politics on Monday.
Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) and R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) were upset that Abdullah said the Anti-Corruption Agency did not receive any official complaint on money being given by Barisan Nasional to Kelantanese residing in Kuala Lumpur to return to their hometown and cast their ballots for the BN in the March 8 election.
"I'm surprised by his answer. I have pictorial evidence to show that Kelantanese voters residing in the city were given RM200 each at Bukit Jalil to go back and vote," said Kok while showing two photos of voters queuing up and receiving the payments on her laptop.
Sivarasa said Bersih, a coalition which campaigned for a free and fair election, had a Press conference on March 17 on the matter and the statement and pictures were not only reported in the mass media, but also uploaded on blogs as well.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2233635/Article/index_html]
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Isu Karpal pertikai hak sultan - Persoal titah Agong pula - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Mei – Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh yang dibidas pelbagai pihak ekoran tindakannya mempertikaikan kuasa Sultan Perak dalam isu arahan pertukaran Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP), Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini turut dikritik oleh ahli-ahli Parlimen kerana mempersoalkan titah ucapan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin pula.
Tindakan Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor itu menimbulkan persoalan tentang siapa yang menyediakan titah ucapan diraja dan adakah ia ‘titah kerajaan’ pada perasmian persidangan Parlimen Ke-12 dilihat sebagai perbuatan yang menghina institusi raja.
‘‘Tuanku merupakan Ketua Negara dan rakyat kena akur dan taat kepada Seri Paduka. Memang Tuanku bertindak atas nasihat Perdana Menteri tetapi tidak perlulah bertanya titah ini titah siapa...titah kerajaan atau titah menterikah.
‘‘Apabila perkara itu dilafazkan oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong maka ia adalah titah Seri Paduka,” kata Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) ketika membahaskan usul terima kasih atas titah Yang di-Pertuan Agong di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.
Pada hari pertama persidangan Rabu lepas, Karpal berkeras ingin tahu siapa yang bertanggungjawab menyediakan teks titah Seri Paduka.
‘‘Terlalu banyak soal berkaitan sultan ini, negara ini ditubuh, sebab wujudnya Kesultanan Raja-Raja Melayu. Ini bukan soal perkauman tetapi kedaulatan. Bukit Gelugor semasa (Parlimen) rasmi dulu juga bangkit soalan yang sama,” kata Razali.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0507&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka%5FHadapan&pg=mh_05.htm]
DEWAN DISPATCHES: Parliament’s great white shark - NST
DEWAN RAKYAT, Tues:
For as long as the political savvy can remember, Lim Kit Siang has been an authoritative presence in the Dewan Rakyat, an orator of sublime presentation on compelling issues of the day he wishes to hound on political rivals, or a predatory great white shark smelling blood dripping from a “wounded” Minister or MP desperately trying to cover shenanigans only the Ipoh Timur MP can sniff out.
The 67-year-old seasoned Parliamentary player of seven terms can appear to be humbled by a lucid riposte by a cool Minister or MP and smile bewitchingly (menacingly if you suddenly realise that you are the target of his sniping), or he can suddenly snarl like an attack dog, pouncing ferociously on the lapses the MP may have unwittingly exposed. Except for a brief four-year period (1999-2004) when he was “exiled” out of Parliament after losing in the 1999 general election in Tanjung, Kit, as he is fondly called by colleagues and friends, has been a paradoxical character who had injected impact and colour into the debates of august hall.
Kit’s parliamentary performances, many seasons as Opposition leader, but now deferring to PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, had been in his vintage style – articulate and authoritative when raising and stressing points but insistent, cynical, outlandish and brazen when deflecting broadsides from Barisan backbenchers, a slew of them with many axes to grind.
If there ever was a Top 10 list of best Dewan Rakyat debates, you can be sure that Kit has a couple of greatest hits in there somewhere, such is his searing influence in the business of formulating national laws and polices in the Dewan Rakyat.
Today was Kit’s turn to hold the floor in the debate on the royal address and he took a good two hours to deliver his package though a bulk of it meandered on endless interjections, clarifications, demands for rebuttals and, in the spirit of the Dewan Rakyat, a good old-fashion shouting match, all of it with BN backbenchers. Kit, who has the skill to rile up a Member of Parliament for no other reason than to rile up the person, would not have it any other way. All in all, another Lim Kit Siang vintage performance.
It was expected: the moment he stood up to begin his debate, Kit accelerated from zero to 120 in a matter of seconds, thundering on the authorities’ motive of charging blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin under the Sedition Act in connection with a recent posting on Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case when the resolute blogger should have been cited for contempt of court.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080506193341/Article]
Najib: Sultan of Perak’s action cannot be questioned - TheStarOnline.tv
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Sultan Perak’s decision to ask for the immediate reinstatement of the state’s Islamic Department is in line with the law.
Raja Petra charged, chooses jail over bail - Malaysiakini.tv
Clasped in handcuffs like a common criminal, photographers followed Raja Petra Kamaruddin's every step as he was led in and out of the court after he refused to post bail.
Raja Petra charged with sedition - Malaysiakini.tv
Malaysia Today news portal webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin was today charged with sedition at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over an article which he wrote in his website.
The article allegedly implied that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife were involved in the killing of a young Mongolian woman.
Raja Petra claimed trial to the charge. He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing seditious article on April 25 on Malaysia Today.
Hearing has been fixed from Oct 6 to 10 and Raja Petra was granted a bail of RM5,000, which he refused to post, deciding instead to remain in custody until the hearing date.
If found guilty, Raja Petra could be jailed for a maximum of three years and/or face a fine of up to RM5,000.
The chargesheet also highlighted nine paragraphs of the article which was titled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" as seditious.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordin Hassan is prosecuting while Raja Petra was represented by a team of six lawyers led by Karpal Singh.
Najib: No commission paid on Scorpene, Sukhoi deals - The Sun
By Tim Leonard
KUALA LUMPUR (May 6, 2008): No commission was paid by the Government to any parties for the purchase of the RM4.5 billion Scorpene submarines and the RM3.2 billion Sukhoi jets, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said today.
Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said allegations of corruption and cronyism were baseless as all these transactions were made in keeping with proper procurement procedures.
He was responding to calls by opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday for the Prime Minister to set up an independent commission to probe these purchases as she claimed that large amounts of commission were paid.
Speaking to reporters after presenting excellent service awards to Defence Ministry personnel in conjunction with Workers Day in the Mindef headquarters here, Najib advised those who make such allegations to check their facts first.
His ministry also issued a statement that allegations that the ministry had paid RM540 million to Abdul Razak Baginda (an accused in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial) as commission to secure the Scorpene deal were without basis.
It said that a local company, Perimekar Sdn Bhd, was awarded a contract worth 114.96 million Euros to provide support and coordination services for a period of six years. This was the amount that was miscontrued as "commissions".
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22059]
Karpal langgar ketertiban pembentukan negara - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Mei - Tindakan Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh yang secara berterusan mempersoalkan hak dan kuasa Raja-Raja Melayu melanggar ketertiban pembentukan negara ini yang diamal dan dipertahankan sejak sekian lama.
Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, Malaysia adalah negara raja berperlembagaan yang perlu dihormati oleh semua.
“Raja-Raja Melayu ialah lambang Ketua Agama Persekutuan dan juga kepada negeri-negeri Melayu yang lain. Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan Raja-Raja Melayu adalah payung yang menaungi seluruh rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dan agama.
``Kita tidak boleh pisahkan urusan kenegaraan di antara institusi raja dengan Perlembagaan Negara. Ia sangat berkait rapat di antara satu sama lain. Kemakmuran dan kerukunan bermasyarakat terbentuk selagi kita menghormati latar belakang ini,'' katanya dalam satu kenyataan yang diedarkan di lobi Parlimen di sini.
[From http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0506&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_09.htm]
No evidence indelible ink was brought in - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have not found any evidence that indelible ink was brought into the country from Thailand in the run-up to the recent general election.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said in a written reply to Fong Po Kuan (DAP - Batu Gajah) in Dewan Rakyat Tuesday that after studying the report that it had received and interviewing all the witnesses and complainant involved, the police found no such evidence.
“This is because not one witness has ever seen the ink. From their testimony, no individual, syndicate or certain parties have been identified to be involved in such activities.
“The statement made by the complainant and the witnesses were thus rumours and no individual has been positively identified or known to be involved.
“The investigation papers have been refered to the deputy prosecutor’s office on March 14. On March 31, the case has been classified as ‘no further action’,”he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/20080506155918&sec=nation]
Raja Petra claims trial for sedition - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the editor of news portal Malaysia Today, claimed trial at the PJ Sessions Court to publishing a seditious article on April 25.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Nine paragraphs in his article titled "Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell" were found to be seditious.
The article was posted on his website on April 25.
The court set his bail at RM5,000.
Raja Petra did not post bail. His wife Marina Lee Abdullah said he is hoping to raise the money through his news portal.
As of 2.30pm Tuesday, he was still in lockup at the PJ sessions court.
Earlier Tuesday, Raja Petra arrived at the magistrates’ court in the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex in Jalan Duta at 9.06am.
He was later instructed to go to the PJ Sessions Court to be charged.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/20080506094749&sec=nation]
Productivity up by 4.2% - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded 4.2% productivity growth last year, the highest since 2001, and marginally higher than that two years ago.
Malaysia’s productivity growth surpassed that of selected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and Asian countries, including Britain, Japan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Malaysia ranked third behind China and India.
International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attributed the achievement to vibrant domestic business activities aided by the Government’s pro-business policies and productivity initiatives by industries.
The public sector grew by 3.6% in 2007, up from 3.4% in the previous year.
“The commitment of the civil service to serve the public more efficiently through implementation of various productivity and quality initiatives has resulted in progressive growth in service productivity,” Muhyiddin said yesterday in launching the Malaysia Productivity Corporation Report 2007.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/21159039&sec=nation]
Non-Malays need not fear congress, says Muhyiddin - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Malays need not feel their rights are being infringed by the recent resolution adopted during a congress consisting of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) calling for Malay privileges to be upheld.
Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu, which concluded in Johor Baru over the weekend, was an expression of the perception held by the NGOs that their rights had been eroded.
He added that the Government and Umno needed to take note of the situation and not take things lightly.
“They feel that their rights are being less fought for by the Government and they want attention to be given.
“But non-Malays should not feel threatened. There is no taking away the rights of any race,” he told reporters yesterday, after inspecting preparations for the Fifth Malaysia International Halal Showcase exhibition which will be opened on Thursday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“Maybe, they feel the current Umno leadership is not being seen as giving the due attention. We accept their resolution with an open heart,” he added.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/21156308&sec=nation]
Full telecast will cost govt RM100,000 a day - NST
FULL telecasts of Parliament sittings will cost the government RM100,000 a day, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabeery Cheek said yesterday.
He said this in a written reply to questions by Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) and Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai).
Shabeery said the move to telecast the proceedings of the Dewan Rakyat starting from April 30 without any vetting was proof of the openness and transparency of the government in line with the country's democratic practice.
"The current 30-minute live telecast during the question and answer session was also broadcast by Radio Klasik and is streamed live through the ministry's web portal," Ahmad Shabeery said.
He added that his ministry was prepared to extend the live telecast to cover the debates provided there was positive feedback from the people.
Ahmad Shabeery said he was pleased with the way the Members of Parliament had conducted themselves yesterday during Question Time compared to the much maligned session last Wednesday.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2232780/Article/index_html]
Dewan Rakyat:State govts can transfer any civil servant, says Karpal - NST
Reports by V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph Sipalan
IT is the prerogative of the state governments to move any of their civil servants without consulting the head of a particular state, Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) said yesterday.
Speaking at the parliament lobby, he said state governments should not feel intimidated by royal administrations as they were not answerable in matters concerning civil administration.
Referring to the events involving the reinstatement of Datuk Jamry Suri to the position of Perak Islamic Religious Department director after being directed to do so by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, Karpal said the Perak state government should not have changed its decision to transfer Jamri.
Karpal said the situation reflected badly on the current administration and it would be seen as weak.
"The Perak Menteri Besar has buckled and wilted under the intimidation by the royalty and this sets a very bad precedence if the royalty interferes in the state administration."
He added that this was not the first time for such interventions by the royalty, citing the appointment of the menteri besar in Terengganu and Perlis.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2232669/Article/index_html]
Monday, May 5, 2008
Minister: I am happy with today's session - Malaysiakini.tv
Ahmad Shabery, when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby today, said his ministry would consider extending the live telecast to a much longer period after a rather smooth session this morning.
Ngeh: Ahmad Zahid is 'unscrupulous' - Malaysiakini.tv
Perak senior state exco Ngeh Koo Ham has described Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's call for Ngeh to be stripped of his datukship as "unscrupulous" and an attempt to "rope in the palace to fight Pakatan Rakyat".
TNB, SESB Slammed Over "Poor" Power Supply In Sabah - Bernama
KOTA KINABALU, May 5 (Bernama) -- A state assemblyman Monday slammed Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and its subsidiary Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for allegedly failing to improve electricity supply in Sabah.
Datuk Liew Teck Chan (BN-Likas) alleged that TNB had worsened the power supply situation instead.
Speaking during the debate on the address of Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah opening the 13th State Assembly, he said a 2005 report of the Energy Commission of Malaysia stated that the frequency of power failure in Sabah was much higher than in the other states of the country.
The System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia had dropped from 167.6 minutes in 2003 to 129 minutes in 2004 but for Sabah it rose from 2,279 minutes in 2003 to 2,594 minutes in 2004, he said.
Liew alleged that every time TNB faced a problem, the state government was put under pressure.
"Now, they want to build a coal-powered electricity generating plant in Lahad Datu and again they are putting pressure on the state government to give in to their demands," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330974]
Perak Umno Youth Lodges Police Report Over Karpal's Statement - Bernama
IPOH, May 5 (Bernama) -- Perak Umno Youth has lodged a police report over a statement by Bukit Gelugor member of Parliament Karpal Singh which it deems seditious.
The movement's head, Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, said: "We are asking the police to investigate Karpal Singh under the Sedition Act 1948 because the statement has created uneasiness among the people of Perak particularly with regard to the powers of the Sultan."
Newspapers Monday reported Karpal as saying that Sultan Azlan Shah has no jurisdiction over the transfer of Datuk Jamry Sury from the Perak Religious Department.
"Sultan Azlan Shah did not have any say, as the Ruler of Perak, in the decision made by the state government and, by law, the palace cannot order the state government to reinstate Jamry," the newspapers quoted Karpal Singh as saying.
Last week, Sultan Azlan Shah ordered Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to immediately retract a 24-hour transfer order issued on Jamry who was Perak Islamic Religious Department Director because the transfer order was made without seeking prior consent from the Sultan as the head of Islam and the Raja Muda of Perak as president of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=330961]
