KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Tuesday expressed regret over the remark made by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff that doctors were "licensed to kill", when replying to a question in parliament Monday.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said MMA did not condone the notion that doctors were licensed to kill.
"It is unfortunate that the Deputy Health Minister blurted out such a remark. The MMA wishes to impress to the public that doctors are only licensed to heal or alleviate the sufferings of patients from their illness.
"Any death which occurs during the course of treatment is due to the severity of the disease," he said in a statement.
Dr Abdul Latiff caused a stir in parliament Monday when he used the expression "licence to kill" when replying to a question on why the government decided to extend the housemanship period for trainee doctors from one to two years.
The remark caused Dr Abdul Latiff to cross swords with a few opposition lawmakers, prompting Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to order him to retract his remark.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=335691]
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
MMA Regrets "Licensed To Kill" Remark - Bernama
Zero-death target for NS - The Sun
By Tim Leonard
KUALA LUMPUR (May 27, 2008): The Government is now pushing for zero deaths in National Service camps nationwide, ordering camp commandants to rush trainees to hospital even for a mild fever.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Defence Minister, said the top most priority for camp commandants is to ensure no trainees die in camp during national service training.
"I have instructed the commandants to rush any trainee to hospital even though it is just a mild fever. We want to have zero percentage of deaths in the national service. The Government has been entrusted with a huge responsibility by parents and we can’t take this matter lightly."
Najib told reporters this after a meeting with camp commandants in a hotel here today.
A total of 16 deaths have been recorded since National Service started more than four years ago. These deaths took place while the trainees were directly undergoing training. There were also instances where deaths occurred a month or two after the trainee had left the training camp.
The last case was 18-year-old Too Hui Min from Taman Bayu in Selangor, who was undergoing training at the Geo Kosmo NS training camp in Kuala Kubu Baru.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22702]
Dewan Rakyat: Motion to debate Batu Putih rejected - The Star
By Zulkifli Abd Rahman
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MPs stood in support of a motion moved by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday to debate the loss of Batu Putih to Singapore.
Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) had sought permission for the House to discuss the weaknesses of the Malaysian legal team in handling the case and the consequences to other overlapping claims by Malaysia and other outstanding issues with Singapore.
His motion was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, saying that Malaysia had accepted the results on the island brought on by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
However, Salahuddin, who used Rule 18 (3) (b) of the Standing Orders, protested against the ruling and all Opposition MPs stood up to support his call on Pandikar Amin to change his stand.
Pandikar Amin told Salahuddin that he had thought hard about the motion before reaching his decision.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/27/nation/20080527141802&sec=nation]
Opposition: Boycott Malay papers for fanning racial hatred - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakatan Rakyat alliance has called for an immediate boycott of Malay newspapers Utusan Malaysia and Mingguan Malaysia for what it said was unfair reporting and for allegedly fanning racial sentiments.
In a joint statement issued at a press conference in the lobby of Parliament, Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the mainstream media had shown signs of opening up since the results of the March 8 polls.
However, many publications still gave wider coverage to Barisan Nasional and its component parties, while stories on Pakatan Rakyat tended to be full of distortion and misinformation to discredit the alliance parties and their leaders, she claimed.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat president was accompanied by alliance members DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa in reading out the joint statement.
Dr Wan Azizah said the worst were the two aforementioned newspapers, which she claimed unfairly criticised and demonised Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
She also alleged these publications were always trying to provoke narrow ethnic sentiments, "clearly with the intention of creating anger among Malays against Pakatan Rakyat component parties."
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/27/nation/20080527112802&sec=nation]
Malaysia takes steps to claim 100 isles, reefs - NST
By : Minderjeet Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: Government agencies are working feverishly to gather information on islands and marine features which could be eyed by neighbouring countries.
This comes in the wake of the International Court of Justice's decision to award Pedra Branca to Singapore.
The court, however, handed ownership of Middle Rocks to Malaysia, while the status of South Ledge will be decided based on whose territorial waters it is in.
As the claim of ownership extends beyond islands to marine features such as reefs and even rock formations visible only during low tides, the number could exceed thousands.
A maritime expert, however, said the most urgent were about 100 islands, reefs, rocks and other marine features lying in the South China Sea, Straits of Malacca and off Sabah.
Among the claimants are China, Vietnam and Indonesia, a source said.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/2251261/Article/index_html]
All ministries except three to move to Putrajaya - The Star
PUTRAJAYA: All ministries, with the exception of the International Trade and Industry, Works and Defence, are expected to move to the federal administrative capital by 2010.
Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said the construction of buildings to house several ministries was already ongoing while others were in planning stages, adding that the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage, and Tourism Ministries were among those that would be moving here soon.
“The three ministries have decided not to move as they consider their location strategic. They will continue to remain at their present location while other ministries operating in Kuala Lumpur are preparing to move to Putrajaya in the next two years or so,” he told reporters yesterday.
Samsudin said there would be more commercial buildings in the federal administrative capital to meet demands for such outlets, adding that currently, the only commercial buildings were the Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PjH) building and the soon-to-be opened 26 Boulevard at Precinct 3.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/27/nation/21366502&sec=nation]
Border towns: No petrol sales to foreign cars - The Star
By Sim Leoi Leoi and Meera Vijayan
KUALA LUMPUR: Petrol stations located in border states like Johor and Perlis will be barred from selling petrol and diesel to foreign-registered cars starting Friday.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said the move, aimed at plugging loopholes in the current subsidy system, was decided during an anti-inflation committee meeting yesterday.
The ban will involve between 200 and 300 petrol stations in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Perak and the Johor Baru and Kulai areas in Johor.
Currently, petrol stations are not allowed to sell more then 20 litres of petrol to foreign vehicles.
“This move is temporary until we come up with better management of our subsidy system,” he told reporters.
At present, Shahrir said too many foreign-registered cars, particularly those from neighbouring countries, had been crossing into Malaysia to take advantage of the lower fuel and diesel prices.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/27/nation/21370395&sec=nation]
Company sold for RM50,000 - The Star
Brisdale Holdings Berhad, a subsidiary of state-owned company Kumpula Hartanah Sdn Bhd has been sold for just RM50,000 and this this was enough for the Selangor state government to conduct an investigation.
In a research carried out by assemblyman Hannah Yeoh (Pakatan - Subang Jaya), Brisdale Holdings Berhad was sold to GMB Construction Sdn Bhd in a sales agreement that was concluded on August 10, 2007.
Yeoh said the sale was a public knowledge as it was announced at the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) and was also published in Kumpulan Hartanah's 2006 report.
“Kumpulan Hartanah had sold its subsidiary Brisdale through SAP Holdings Berhad (which is also part of Kumpulan Hartanah) to GMB Construction,” said Yeoh.
“Usually the shareholders' agreement is needed for a sale like this, but because the company was sold for less than RM250,000, no such agreement was needed.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/5/27/central/21366948&sec=central]
Monday, May 26, 2008
SPM top scorers complain to MPs - The Sun
By Giam Say Khoon and Humayun Kabir
KUALA LUMPUR (May 26, 2008): Four students from Selangor and Johor, who scored 11 or 12 As in the SPM, today brought their grouse to Parliament about not getting the Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship, joining an annual list who bring up the same complaint.
The students were accompanied by Pulau Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin to Parliament and were received by Yusmadi Yusof (PKR-Balik Pulau).
They were Chew Kin Cheng, who got eight A1s and four A2s; Tan Kian Hin with nine A1s and two A2s; Tiow Zyn Ann with eight A1s and three A2s; and Lim Soon Seng with 10 A1s and two A2s.
In a press conference in Parliament lobby, Yusmadi said: "Our brightest students often do not get the opportunity to go for higher education to bring out the best in them. Eventually we would only encourage mediocrity and our nation would lose competitiveness in the process."
Yusmadi added that there was a rot in the selection system as no one seemed to know the details of the selection.
"The selection has failed us year after year. Often, the officials explained the system in general terms. However, we demand to know more. It should be transparent and fair," he said, adding that the social background of an applicant should also be taken into account as those in need should be given the priority.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22662]
RM2mil worth of stolen microchips, components recovered - The Star
By Looi Sue-Chern
GEORGE TOWN: Police have busted a microchips theft gang here and recovered RM2mil worth of microchips and electronic components.
Balik Pulau OCPD Deputy Supt Lai Fah Hin said six men, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested in Bayan Lepas, Sungai Nibong, Taman Bagan in Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam and other locations last week.
"We believe the microchips and electronic components were sold to regular buyers," he said, adding that those arrested were buyers and factory staff, including a factory security supervisor and guard.
He added that police investigations since a month ago had led to the recovery of most of the stolen goods at locations in Bayan Lepas and Bukit Mertajam.
"The police recovered the stolen microchips in Permatang Damar Laut in Bayan Lepas; one box of electronic components in Sungai Nibong; two boxes and a sack of components in Bukit Tengah, and 10 sacks in Taman Limau Manis in Bukit Mertajam.
"This is the largest bust by the Balik Pulau police this year," he told a press conference Monday at the Balik Pulau police headquarters.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/26/nation/20080526183958&sec=nation]
‘No snoop squad in MCA’ - The Star
By Hah Foong Lian
IPOH: Allegations of a snoop squad set up to spy on rivals of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting are baseless, said party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.
“It is totally baseless and has nothing to do with the party,” said Ong when asked about on-going investigations being conducted by a three-man panel of inquiry into the matter.
“I am the secretary-general of the party and as far as I’m concerned, it does not exist,” he said yesterday after closing the Ipoh branch Malaysian Red Crescent Society youth training camp.
The three-man panel of inquiry headed by Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum and assisted by party veteran Tan Sri Michael Chen and senior lawyer Roger Tan has been set up to investigate allegations on the existence of such a squad.
Ong pointed out that the party leaders had been very open-minded by forming a panel to investigate the allegations.
“By right, it is something we can just ignore but we formed a committee so that people’s doubts can be cleared,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/26/nation/21361631&sec=nation]
Nothing sexy about girls’ school uniform - The Star
PALOH: There is nothing sexy about the school uniform now worn by girls in government schools, says Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said he personally felt it was unfair to blame the students or their uniform for sexual crimes.
“From what I have seen, clothing is not the main consideration of those who commit despicable acts. Usually, there is an underlying problem, such as a disease, that makes them behave that way,” he said.
The National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia recently condemned the uniform as being too sexy and encouraging rape and pre-marital sex.
Hishammuddin said although he believed that changing the school uniform would not reduce sex crimes committed against schoolgirls, he would refer the matter to experts within his ministry to listen to various ideas before making a decision.
He also said that the uniform, which has been there for so many years, would not change very much in the next few years.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/26/nation/21361461&sec=nation]
Be prepared for snap polls, officers told - The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has informed its officers to be prepared for a snap election, said chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.
Stressing that he was not one to speculate, Abdul Rashid said the EC was prepared “for anything” and was capable of handling a snap election as it had all necessary infrastructure in place.
In an interview with mStar Online yesterday, he revealed that after the post-mortem of the 12th General Election, he had instructed all returning officers (RO) to be prepared for any eventuality.
Similarly, the 140,000 people involved in the general election have also been advised to not refuse when called upon again for duty in the event of a snap election.
“But I don’t want to speculate, and it is not for us to speculate, but we are prepared for anything. In the past two months of meeting with the ROs, I’ve already told them to be prepared as it may be called anytime,” he said.
Abdul Rashid was responding to talk on recent events that have led to speculations of Umno members defecting from the party en masse and even party hopping following Barisan Nasional's dismal showing in the elections.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/26/nation/21359051&sec=nation]
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Gerakan Rebrands Itself to gain more support! - TheStarOnline.tv
Gerakan Acting President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon launched a rebranding exercise in conjunction with the party's 40th anniversary on Sunday.
Najib Tells People To Make Unity Main National Agenda - Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Sunday launched National Unity Month with a call to the people to make unity the main national agenda, saying it was an important basis for a nation's success.
The deputy prime minister said the people were not prohibited from having differences of opinion but they should express them with consideration.
"They must be aware of the racial sensitivities. They must not hurt the feelings of other communities. They must ensure that their demands are reasonable," he said at the launch at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here.
Najib said every community would not necessarily get to fulfill all its demands, and must continue to maintain a give-and-take attitude.
The very existence of the Federal Constitution reflected the spirit of compromise and placed unity as the main basis of the nation, he said.
Najib said the spirit of consensus among the people was clearly evident, for example, in the presence of vernacular schools which did not exist in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
Speaking to reporters later, Najib said unity among the people was getting more resolute.
He said the concept of "bangsa Malaysia" (Malaysian race) was in the minds of the people regardless of race because the people regarded an individual based on his or her nobility of character rather than racial background.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=335290]
Stay Away From Middle Rocks For A While - Najib - Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Sunday advised Malaysians to stay away from Middle Rocks for a while until further advice from the government.
He said the country's technical committee was still preparing the recommendations, following the International Court of Justice ruling on Friday that Malaysia had sovereignty over Middle Rocks and the recommendations were expected to be ready in two weeks' time.
"The best thing is, wait for the technical committee to come up with its recommendations and then we will advise accordingly.
"Otherwise, there will be some confusion on the ground," he told reporters after launching the national-level Unity Month Celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.
Najib was asked to comment on conflicting news reports that local fishermen could now operate freely in the waters off Middle Rocks while another news report advised them to stay away from Middle Rocks for the time being.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=335280]
‘Sexy’ school uniforms to stay - The Star
By Meera Vijayan
PALOH: The Education Minister dismissed talk that the current uniform worn by girls in government schools, which has been in use for decades, was too “sexy” and that it contributed to rape and other immoral acts.
Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said the uniform would probably not change much in the next few years.
He said that he personally felt it was unfair to blame the students or their uniforms for sexual crimes committed against them.
“It is unfair to punish women and children for the clothes they wear for the act of the rapist,” he said, adding that he could not allow such stereotyping to continue.
“Clothing is not the main consideration for those who commit despicable acts like these,” he said, in reference to the National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia’s condemnation of the uniform for being too sexy.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/25/nation/20080525133437&sec=nation]
Government to review fuel subsidy - The Star
PEKAN: The Government will review its fuel subsidy as the global crude oil prices had pushed subsidy costs beyond its budget for development programmes.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday the Government was looking for appropriate measures to ensure the increase of fuel prices will not burden the lower and middle-income groups as well as not cause the price of other goods to increase.
He added that the Cabinet Committee on Inflation would meet on Tuesday to find ways on what would be the best measures to solve the problem.
Najib said it was hoped the outcome from the meeting would be the new model for government subsidies.
In principle, it will be appropriately applied to the lower-income group while the higher-income group or those who used more fuel would have to pay more, he said.
“Currently there is no indication that fuel prices will go down and once the price is down, the Government will review again,” he said after witnessing the ceremony of the “berkhatan”, “berkhatam al-Quran” and “bertindik” for students in SK Sri Maulana, Kampong Pulau Jawa.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/25/nation/21359168&sec=nation]
Dr Mahathir on loyalty to party and Umno chief - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Criticising or pressuring the Umno president to step down does not mean one is disloyal to the party, said former party president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir went on to question the rationale of some claims that those who were not loyal to current president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi were not loyal to Umno.
“Is Umno Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and is Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Umno?
“Only those with individualistic interest will spread and support the concept that Umno is Datuk Seri Abdullah and not being loyal to Abdullah meant that members were not being loyal to Umno,” he said in his latest blog posting at www.chedet.com on Friday.
Dr Mahathir also cited past incidences where Umno leaders disagreed with the party presidency due to their loyalty to the party.
“Tun Razak and several Umno leaders disagreed with Yang di-Pertua Umno Datuk Onn Jaafar’s suggestion to open to all races which eventually caused Datuk Onn to back down.
“In 1969-1971, they also disagreed with Tunku Abdul Rahman’s leadership in the party and he stepped down. But does this mean that they did not love the party or were disloyal to it?” he asked.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/25/nation/21347400&sec=nation]
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Police Report Lodged Against Tun Dr Mahathir Over Lingam Video Clip - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- A police report was lodged by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and five others alleged by the Commission investigating the V.K.Lingam video clip to be involved in lobbying for the appointment of judges.
The five other individuals are lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam, business tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, former chief justices Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Eusoff Chin, and Putrajaya member of parliament Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
The police report was made by PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohamad Akindi at the Dang Wangi Police Station, here Saturday afternoon.
"The police report is to enable the PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) to initiate investigation on the individuals concerned and submit the report to the Attorney-General for further action.
"This is important to regain the confidence of the people and the world in the country's judicial system which had been declining of late," he said when met by reporters after lodging the police report.
"The report by the Commission suggested that the Sedition Act 1948, Legal Profession Act 1976, Official Secrets Act 1972, the Penal Code and others be enforced on the individuals concerned for obstructing justice," he said.
[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=335237]
Malaysia Loses Pulau Batu Puteh Not Due To Weak Arguments, Says Rais - Bernama
From Nor Faridah A. Rashid
THE HAGUE, May 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's failure to get sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh was not due to the weakness of its arguments presented before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said Friday.
"The fact that we have lost Pulau Batu Puteh is not due to the weakness of our arguments but to the lack of exercise by the authorities (on that island) for some 100 years," he told Malaysian journalists at the Malaysian embassy here.
He said that what was important to note was that the explanation given by the ICJ in its decision to award sovereignty was based on the fact that beginning from 1850 until 1953, Malaysia did not, in terms of evidence, effect any action or grounds which could be accepted as proof of sovereignty, be it in terms of occupation, conducting checks or supervision activities on Pulau Batu Puteh.
The Court had also emphasised that the map drawn up and produced by Malaysia in 1962, 1965, 1974 and 1975 had actually reflected on Singapore's claim, he said.
Rais said that another reason was the letter written by the Johor Acting State Secretary dated Sept 21, 1953 which the Court regarded as proof that there was a handover of power and sovereignty over the island.
The letter stated that "Johore Government (did) not claim ownership" of the island. Singapore had argued that the letter had expressed disclaimer of title of Pulau Batu Puteh.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=335064]
Mukhriz refuses to back down - NST
ALOR STAR: Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has refused to heed calls to stop exerting pressure on Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign as prime minister and Umno president.
He insisted that he had not contravened the Umno constitution and was merely expressing his views on ways to strengthen the party.
Mukhriz was commenting on calls made by the Jerlun Umno division at a special gathering organised by division chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin on Thursday night.
"I respect the division's views but I would never budge (from asking Abdullah to resign as prime minister and Umno president)."
About 200 people, including the division's committee members and its 156 branch chairmen were present at the meeting
Mukhriz said while he accepted the views of others, he did not expect them to always share his views.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2248975/Article/index_html]
Karpal : Probe Dr Mahathir’s allegation - The Star
GEORGE TOWN: DAP chairman Karpal Singh has lodged a police report against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over his remark that certain judges had approached the former Prime Minister to lobby for promotion.
He said any judge seeking promotion, or anyone who had lobbied Dr Mahathir to be appointed a judge, had committed an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.
“Dr Mahathir himself may have fallen foul of Section 17 of the Act for not having lodged a police report on the overtures of the judges or persons concerned.
“I raised this matter in Parliament on Thursday and even Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nazri Aziz agreed that such acts could amount to corruption,” he told reporters before lodging the police report at the state police contingent headquarters in Penang Road yesterday.
On May 17, Dr Mahathir was reported as saying that he was prepared to be charged in court so that he could reveal many things about the judiciary, including lobbying.
He also said that he wanted to reveal about judges who had come to him to lobby, adding that if lobbying were wrong, then these judges should be investigated.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/24/nation/21351070&sec=nation]
A sad Abdullah accepts ICJ ruling - The Star
TOKYO: Malaysia accepts the decision of the International Court of Justice on Pulau Batu Puteh, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Expressing sadness over the court's verdict in handing over sovereignty of the island to Singapore, the Prime Minister said what was significant was that the decision was made at the international level.
“There will be people who will be emotional, especially in Johor. I can understand this. But, the important thing is we have done this through the available legal channel,” he told Malaysian journalists accompanying him on his working visit to Japan.
He said Malaysia was grateful that the ICJ had awarded Middle Rocks to the nation, adding that the next step was for officials from both sides to meet to decide on the maritime demarcation line as soon as possible.
“Any discussion to be held or action to be taken with Singapore must be done in a peaceful manner and with understanding from both sides. We do not want any conflict to arise,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister also said that action must also be taken to determine the location of South Ledge.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/24/nation/21356063&sec=nation]
Decision resolves 28-year-old dispute - The Star
PETALING JAYA: The 28-year dispute over the ownership Pulau Batu Puteh is over with the International Court of Justice awarding it to Singapore.
However, the court in The Hague awarded Malaysia the ownership of Middle Rocks, a group of rocks located 0.6 nautical miles (1.1km) south of Pulau Batu Puteh, or Pedra Branca as it is known in Singapore.
The ICJ did not determine the ownership of South Ledge, a smaller group of rocks 2.1 nautical miles (3.8km) south of Pulau Batu Puteh, stating that its sovereignty would depend on whose territorial waters it was located in.
Case acting president and ICJ vice-president Judge Awn Shawkat AlKhasawneh delivered the decision, which is binding and not subject to appeal.
The 300-page judgment took about two hours to be read. The judgment was telecast live by RTM1.
Twelve of the courts 16 judges ruled in favour of Singapore on the question of the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/24/nation/21353526&sec=nation]
Three reasons why island went to Singapore - The Star
PETALING JAYA: Failure to show ownership over Pulau Batu Puteh, maps that indicated Singapore's sovereignty over the island, and a reply from a Johor state official saying that the state did not have sovereignty over the island were some of the reasons why Malaysia lost its case.
International Court of Justice case acting president Judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh, when delivering the court's decision in The Hague yesterday, said Johor initially had sovereignty over the island.
However, Johor and subsequently Malaysia lost its ownership to Singapore because of those reasons.
“The Court recalls their (United Kingdom and Singapore) investigation of marine accidents, their control over visits, Singapore’s installation of naval communication equipment and its reclamation plans, all of which include acts à titre de souverain (acts consistent with sovereignty), the bulk of them after 1953,” said Awn Shawkat.
He said Malaysia did not respond to Singapore’s conduct on the island, including the flying of its ensign, except for the republic’s installation of naval communication equipment.
“Further, the Johor authorities and their successors took no action at all on Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh from June 1850 for the whole of the following century or more,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/24/nation/21354853&sec=nation]
Friday, May 23, 2008
School uniform not sexy: Pas - NST
By : Arman Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR, Fri:
KUALA LUMPUR: The baju kurung worn by schoolgirls to government schools is not that sexy, Pas said today. Pas Youth chief Salahudin Ayub said there was no problem with the school uniforms from an Islamic perspective.
“As long as the baju kurung is tailored according to the traditional Malay interpretations of the garment and not too tightly, I don’t see any problem,” he said.
On Wednesday, National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia vice-president Munirah Bahari was reported as saying that the school uniform worn by schoolgirls was sexy.
Her comments generated a furore of responses from teachers, students as well as various women groups, who said that her claims were baseless.
Munirah was reported as saying: “The white blouse is too transparent for girls and it becomes a source of attraction”, and that it could encourage “rape, sexual harassment and even premarital sex”.
Salahudin said, however, said it was unlikely that the school uniform contributed to such social ills.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20080523161103/Article/index_html]
S'pore takes Pulau Batu Puteh, M'sia gets Middle Rocks - The Star
THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice has ruled that Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks.
As for the South Ledge, the ICJ ruled that it belongs to the state in whose territorial waters it is located.
ICJ vice-president, Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh read out the judgment, which was carried live over RTM1 Friday.
Pulau Batu Putih, which Singapore calls Pedra Branca, an isle no larger than half a football field, is about 14.3km from Tanjung Penyusop in Johor and 46.3km from Singapore.
Middle Rocks is about half a nautical mile from Pulau Batu Putih and 1.7 nautical miles from South Ledge.
The 17-member bench heard oral arguments from Malaysia and Singapore between Nov 16 and 23 last year.
The judgment ends the 28-year old territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore and both countries had earlier pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ that is final and not subject to appeal.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/23/nation/20080523184425&sec=nation]
Khalid: Previous government undertook 62 risky projects - The Star
By Wani Muthiah and Edward Rajendra
SHAH ALAM: The previous state government had embarked on 62 joint venture projects worth RM36bil with private companies which the current government deems very risky.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim told the State Legislative Assembly Thursday that the joint ventures could result in the loss of close to 5,000ha of state land.
He said the previous government had provided the land for joint venture projects with private developers through state-owned corporation Permodalan Negri Selangor Bhd (PNSB).
He said the companies held a 70% stake in the joint ventures while the state only held 30%.
At a press conference later, he explained that the state was not protected as far as the issue of completion of the projects was concerned.
What made matters worse, he added, was that the deciding factor was not based on the companies’ capabilities and track records but on the “individuals behind them.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/23/nation/21341220&sec=nation]
Dr M: I’m offering alternative for Barisan - The Star
By Mergawati Zulfakar
TOKYO: Umno is preparing its own demise and that of Barisan Nasional if it continues to have Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the helm, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Thursday.
He also said that his son Datuk Mukhriz, who decided against following his move to quit Umno, might face “difficulties” staying on should Abdullah continue to be the president.
“Yes, Umno can consider me irrelevant. It is their funeral and not mine. Today the Barisan has been destabilised by Abdullah not being able to lead it to victory in the general election.
“Barisan, in some cases, has become irrelevant. Gerakan has become irrelevant, MIC could not win. All this was due to him. He not only destabilised Umno, he destabilised component parties and he destabilised Barisan,” Dr Mahathir told The Star Thursday in an interview here.
Dr Mahathir, who is here for a dialogue session at the Nikkei conference, said he predicted Barisan would be finished in the next elections if Abdullah continued to serve as Prime Minister.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/23/nation/21341076&sec=nation]
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Indelible ink 'conspiracy': Report lodged - Malaysiakini.tv
Two polls watchdog groups today lodged a police report against Election Commission chief Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the last-minute cancellation of the indelible ink in the March 8 general elections.
Also named in the police report are two other key individuals who were allegedly responsible for the abrupt reversal in the use of the ink - inspector general of police Musa Hassan and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail.
Indelible ink fiasco: Poice report against PM, 3 others - The Malaysian Insider
By Debra Chong
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 – Looks like Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has another headache to add to his expanding cluster.
At 11.30am today, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) and National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI) lodged a report at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters against the government over the cancellation of the indelible ink at the March general elections.
Faisal Mustaffa and Amin Iskandar, from Bersih and NIEI respectively, in their joint report named the prime minister, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Ab Rashid Ab Rahman and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan as the parties responsible for causing the cancellation of the indelible ink, bought at a cost of RM2.4 million from India.
The two non-profit organisations, which have been keeping a close watch on the proceedings of the electoral process and maintain that the last general elections were conducted unfairly, want the named individuals investigated for what they allege was a conspiracy to tamper with the electoral process.
[More at http://www.malaysianinsider.com/mni/indelible-ink-fiasco-poice-report-against-pm-3-others.html]
Dewan Rakyat: ISA being reviewed - The Star
By Lee Yuk Peng
KUALA LUMPUR: Internal Security Act (ISA) and the deferred Special Complaints Commission Bill, are being reviewed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said.
He said the review of certain sections of the ISA was being re-looked into by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and himself.
Zaid said the Cabinet had tasked them with review in its meeting on May 2.
"There is no plan to abolish ISA as we still need this preventive measure in this country but we are open minded and sensitive toward peoples' demands,'' he said while replying to points raised during the motion of thanks to the Royal Address.
As for the Special Complaints Bill, which originated from the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) bill, he said it was was tabled for first reading in Dewan Rakyat last year.
The bill, scheduled for its second reading on Dec 18, was deferred to this year.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/22/nation/20080522190511&sec=nation]
Mahathir fires back at Musa and Shahrir - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has shot back at two Umno veterans who criticised him and said their comments "has really tickled my heart."
He took a pot shot at his former deputy Tun Musa Hitam who had described him as 'thorn in the flesh' and chastised Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad whom he said had forgotten how he was allowed to return to Umno after being out of the party.
"Tun Musa Hitam claimed that I was a thorn in the flesh that has now been removed. Has Tun (Musa Hitam) forgotten that he was a thorn in the flesh in Umno back in 1986-1987 when he was the deputy prime minister appointed by me?"
"He resigned as deputy prime minister and Umno deputy president because he wanted me to step down as the Prime Minister and be replaced by him. Following an appeal by Supreme Council members, he returned as Umno deputy president as he still had intentions to bring me down.
"That is why he instigated his worst enemy, Tengku Razaleigh (Hamzah), to fight against me," Dr Mahathir claimed in his blog www.chedet.com Thursday.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/22/nation/20080522165639&sec=nation]
It's for real: Anwar - TODAY
I will get the numbers to grab power, he tells sceptical journalist
By Nazry Bahrawi
A CONFIDENT Anwar Ibrahim met foreign correspondents based in Singapore yesterday and opened the door a wee bit more on his plans to grab power.
Once the former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and now torch-bearer for the Opposition has the numbers to make up a simple majority in Parliament, Mr Anwar said he will call for a vote of non-confidence in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government.
The numbers game is a simple one.
Twenty-nine more seats — that is what his grand coalition called Pakatan Rakyat needs to send an embattled Mr Abdullah and his ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) packing.
But his audience did not seem totally convinced. A sense of expectation mixed with scepticism was evident among the foreign journalists, some of whom have followed his sensational roller coaster political career with professional zeal.
Do you really have the numbers, or is it just good psychological warfare, asked veteran journalist Barry Wain, who is now writing a book on former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Mr Anwar smiled somewhat coyly, then replied: "I've said it on April 14. Yes, we have the numbers." Where does this confidence come from? Not wanting to give too much away, he said it came from reading the mood among the BN backbenchers. As though anticipating the follow-up question, the man who believes he is within kissing distance of becoming prime minister gave an example: Only three or four of Mr Abdullah's diehards — and not 30 or 40 parliamentarians — rush to his defence every time Umno's top leadership comes under attack.
Want more evidence? Well, look no further than what the grand old man of Malaysian politics, Dr Mahathir, said recently.
Said Mr Anwar: "Even Mahathir has conceded: Yes, there is a possibility of Anwar taking over. He didn't say it is going to be a turmoil, or a disaster or politically disastrous for the country."
Earlier this month, Dr Mahathir warned Umno members to take Mr Anwar's threat seriously. In that conference at Putrajaya on May 7, Dr Mahathir said: "I first wanted to dismiss this possibility but on studying the situation I feel that there is a great danger."
With the opposition now controlling 82 out of 222 parliamentary seats, Mr Anwar said he needs just 30 BN lawmakers to cross over for the new opposition government to run the country with a simple majority.
[More at http://www.todayonline.com/articles/255191.asp]
MPs refuse to be dictated by Dr M's personal agenda - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: After failing to get even a single Umno MP, including his own son, to walk out of the party with him, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad unabashedly appealed to MPs from Barisan Nasional component parties to do so -- with the same result: zero.
The MPs were wise to the fact that if they did so, they would destabilise the government and help the opposition achieve its cherished goal of forming the government.
But as Dr Mahathir walks alone, lurking in his shadow for an opportunity to pounce is his former deputy-turned-nemesis Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I do intend to topple the government; we have the numbers," Anwar told reporters in Singapore. "I'm looking forward to early elections," he said, adding that he hoped these would take place before September.
"The moment we are sure we can contest, we move. If you have a one to two majority, the government will be too fragile ... You don't need a two-thirds majority."
He wanted a majority of five or six and saw a vote of no-confidence in Parliament as the best course of action.
Barisan MPs were obviously wiser. They said as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had led the coalition to victory, he should only be disposed of through a ballot -- not by asking BN MPs to become independents.
Opposition stalwarts also dismissed Dr Mahathir's call as wishful, gleefully pointing out that even his son, Datuk Mukhriz, was not taking his call seriously.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/2246879/Article/index_html]
Mukhriz faces action over call for Abdullah to quit - The Star
By Loong Meng Yee and Teh Eng Hock
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth will refer Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir to the party’s management committee for action to be taken for asking Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down as party president.
Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein hit out at the Jerlun MP, who is also an executive council member of the movement, saying: “Mukhriz pressuring the president to step down is nothing new, but what I am sad and disappointed over and cannot accept is that he set conditions by saying that if the president did not resign by July, he would not hesitate to leave the party.”
In an immediate response, Mukhriz said he was prepared to face any possible action but hoped “we are not told to shut our mouths”.
“I am prepared. Had I not been, I would not have made public statements. As for my position, I have made it known I will remain in Umno. I will also not leave Barisan Nasional. That will be my very last option,” said Mukhriz at the Parliament lobby Wednesday.
He said Hishammuddin had misunderstood his remarks, adding that he had not issued an ultimatum for Abdullah to resign by July because “the cause and effect is not as direct as that”.
“I said the branch meetings would start in July and hoped changes would occur before the meetings start,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/22/nation/21324579&sec=nation]
Ezam to rejoin Umno - The Star
By Joceline Tan
PETALING JAYA: Former PKR Youth leader Ezam Mohd Nor will be rejoining Umno after receiving the green light from the top Umno leadership.
He will also cease to head the anti-corruption NGO, Gerak, from June 1 in preparation for his return to Umno. Mohd Nazree Yunus has been named to take over as chairman of Gerak.
Sources said he has met both the Umno president as well as deputy president for discussions in connection with his move.
His return to Umno is expected to be announced soon and will be seen as a blow to PKR.
Ezam, 40, was a rising star in Umno when he chose to follow Datuk Seri Anwar Irahim out of Umno after the latter’s sacking in 1998.
He was then Anwar’s political secretary and had also gone to jail under the ISA and OSA.
He resigned from PKR last year after an internal power struggle with PKR vice-president Azmin Ali. At the time of his resignation, he criticised Anwar for his “dictatorial politics” and accused Azmin of being “a schemer who dominates Anwar.”
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/22/nation/21321829&sec=nation]
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Umno Supreme Council special meeting - TheStarOnline.tv
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak spoke to reporters at a press conference after the Umno Supreme Council held a special meeting to discuss Dr Mahathir’s resignation at the party’s headquarters Wednesday night.
Now it is Mokhzani who follows dad out of Umno - NST
KUALA LUMPUR, Wed:
Two days after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced his shock resignation from Umno, his second son, Datuk Mokhzani, followed suit today. The 46-year-old businessman also made the same demand as his father that the Prime Minister and Umno president steps down.
Dr Mahathir's third son, Datuk Mukhriz, is, however, not following into his father's footsteps, preferring to remain as a member and Jerlun MP, rationalising that it would be better for him to fight the PM from within the party.
Dr Mahathir's wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, had also resigned together with her husband.
The ex-Prime Minister's resignation triggered a party wide condemnation and shock, with many Umno leaders either criticising Dr Mahathir or appealing that he re-consider his decision.
Umno's 70-odd MPs had yesterday pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to continue leading the party and Government during a meeting at Parliament House.
[From http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/20080521115515/Article/index_html]
Muhkriz Denies Having Said He'll Quit Umno In July - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth Executive Council member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir Wednesday denied he had stated he would quit Umno in July should Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi not step down as Umno president and prime minister by then.
He said he had only said that he had the right to change his stand at any time according to developments and had also not stated that there was only one way out, and which was to quit the party, when there were many other options.
"I did not say that by July if the prime minister does not step down, then I will quit the party," he told reporters at the lobby of Parliament House, here.
Mukhriz, who is the Member of Parliament for Jerlun, said the reference to July was because of the Umno branch meetings scheduled to begin then and he hoped that a drastic change would take place before the branch meetings begin, and not that he would quit the party.
He had said Tuesday that he would not quit Umno as his father, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, did two days ago because there was much work to be done and his struggle was not for the party alone but for his parliamentary constituency as well.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had expressed regret over Mukhriz's statement and said he would refer the matter to the party's management committee.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334497]
ACA ordered to reinvestigate Eusoff - The Star
By Lourdes Charles
PUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has been ordered to reinvestigate former Chief Justice Tun Mohd Eusoff Chin and lawyer V.K. Lingam.
The directive came from Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail who wants investigations to be centred on the New Zealand vacation in 1994 when the former top judge and his family were photographed holidaying with Lingam’s family.
It is learnt that Abdul Gani issued the directive to the ACA yesterday morning.
The investigations will focus on certain issues raised by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the V.K. Lingam video clip.
The ACA had in 1998 investigated the case following information from the public but it was ordered closed by the then Attorney-General due to lack of evidence.
It is learnt that the ACA has set up a team to study the commission’s findings and to see if it can unearth new evidence.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/21/nation/21311687&sec=nation]
Mat Taib: History not on Dr Mahathir’s side - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: All former Umno presidents except for Tun Abdul Razak ended up outside the party, yet support from the grassroots continued to be strong, said Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.
“(Founder) Datuk Onn (Jaafar) left to start Parti Negara but the Malays stayed (with Umno). Tunku Abdul Rahman, (and) Tun Hussein (Onn) were not in Umno when they died.
“The irony is that Umno members remained (each time a former leader quit the party) and continued to support the leadership at that time,” he said.
Tun Abdul Razak was Umno president and Prime Minister when he died.
However, Muhammad said it was unprecedented for a former party leader to ask for the removal of the present leader.
Muhammad urged party members to stay in the party and make it stronger.
“We hope they will remain calm and not resort to actions that will weaken the party. What is important is for the party to remain intact,” he said.
[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/21/nation/21317503&sec=nation]
Expert: Dr Mahathir’s decision will hasten rise of Anwar - The Star
THE decision by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno will catalyse the rise of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reported China Press.
Current affairs commentator Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian was quoted by the daily as saying that the current political scenario could pave the way for Anwar to become the next prime minister.
He believed the current “battle” between Dr Mahathir and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would certainly cause dissatisfaction among Umno leaders and members.
As such, he foresees some of them jumping ship and collaborating with Anwar, which would ultimately lead to Anwar regaining political power.
Dr Cheah said Dr Mahathir was keen to see a “reshuffle” within Umno.
He added that Dr Mahathir was hopeful that his “preferences” would move up the ranks.
Dr Cheah believed that Dr Mahathir would not like to see his nemesis Anwar rise and gain control, but at the same time, he also did not like Abdullah to be at the helm.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/21/nation/21310281&sec=nation]
Crisis in Umno getting worse, says Anwar - The Star
PETALING JAYA: The resignation of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed indicates a worsening of the crisis in Umno and Barisan Nasional, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The internal problem of the party was deteriorating beyond any hope of recovery, and the welfare of Malaysians was being neglected, he said in a statement.
He added that Malaysians must avoid being trapped by personal agendas to replace leaders.
PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the whole issue was just about Umno’s internal politics and it showed that Umno had no direction.
“We, however, welcome it if it makes our party stronger and they (Umno members) are also welcome to join us,” she said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/21/nation/21317658&sec=nation]
Rafidah: Dr Mahathir is disloyal - The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation was an act of disloyalty to the party, said Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
She said she was shocked to hear about Dr Mahathir’s departure, considering that he was someone who always talked about being loyal to Umno.
“We understand that the issues raised by Tun was about leadership but this is a process that must take place graciously and it should not come to (the level of) bringing people down.”
Rafidah said that Umno’s position as the backbone of the Government also had to be taken into consideration.
“What he did was to be disloyal but I think most members are still loyal and that everyone will remain calm,” she added.
In Malacca, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam called on Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/21/nation/21317681&sec=nation]
I'm no hero, says man who dared Dr M - NST
By : Noor Adzman Baharuddin
ALOR STAR: Ismail Wan Teh is regarded by some, especially Pas supporters, as a hero of sorts.
The reason, they say, is that he dared to challenge former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to take the lead in quitting Umno after he had goaded party members to leave the party temporarily as a sign of protest against the leadership of his successor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
But the 42-year-old Ismail, who is Jerlun Pas division deputy chairman, resented the hero tag.
"No. I never intended to challenge or dare him to make the first move," Ismail said here yesterday.
"I have been following his statements in the newspapers and I think many people would have expected him to make such a move and that it was just a matter of timing, and I am no hero.
"Honestly, I wasn't challenging him although he had responded by saying that he thought I was issuing him a challenge.
"I also did not ask him as a politician because the organisers had reminded us that it was an event to discuss the future of the Malays, regardless of their political affiliation."
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2245855/Article/index_html]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mahathir using dirty tactics - Malaysiakini.tv
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz briefs the press on the prime minister's meeting with the Umno members of Parliament.
Mukhriz defies dad's call to quit, will fight PM within Umno - NST
By June Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Tues:
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is not following his father former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad out of Umno. But the first-term MP for Jerlun said he was not backing Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Umno president.
“My friends and I are of the opinion that the prime minister should relinquish all three positions held by him which are the post of prime minister, Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman immediately,” he told a packed press conference at a hotel here today. “This is the decision that I have made for now. I will not hesitate to change this decision if things do not change for the better in due time,” he said.
Mukhriz reiterated that his father’s decision to resign from the party was because he loved Umno.
“I also believe that there are many ways to skin a cat, hence I am announcing that I will stay on in Umno, as the parliamentarian for Jerlun and an Umno member. I will be loyal to the party as a member but I will be a strong voice that will criticise the deficiency of the party’s leadership,” he said, reading from a press statement in Bahasa Malaysia.
He claimed several other members have given Abdullah an ultimatum, that is to quit all three positions before the branch elections start in July.
On whether his father Dr Mahathir welcomed his decision to stay on in the party, Mukhriz replied: “My father is unaware of my decision. I have yet to speak with him and tell him about this.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080520211413/Article/index_html]
Live bullet sent to Karpal - Malaysiakini.tv
DAP leader and member of Parliament Karpal Singh received a live bullet in an envelope at his law firm in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
The live bullet was accompanied with a note warning him against speaking out on the controversial issues of Malay rights and the constitutional powers of the sultans.
Federal Territories Ministry Will Not Be Abolished - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat was Tuesday told that the Federal Territories (FT) Ministry will not be abolished because its establishment was under an act of Parliament.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said the call for its dissolution by Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) because there was an overlap of functions with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, was not accurate.
"On the question of the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur being elected, it is a matter for the Housing and Local Government Ministry to consider. The FT Ministry has no say in this. It has to be brought up to the Cabinet for decision," he said when winding up debate for his ministry on the motion of thanks for the royal address.
His explanation was supported by Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) who interrupted and said : "If you (Wee) want to abolish the FT Ministry, wait until you become prime minister."
[From http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334299]
Umno MPs back Abdullah - The Sun
By Giam Say Khoon
KUALA LUMPUR (May 20, 2008): Members of Parliament (MPs) from Umno today threw their support behind an embattled Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as party president and gave their assurance that they would not leave Umno.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz said the statement of support was made in a special one-hour meeting with Abdullah when the Parliament session broke for lunch, following the dramatic announcement yesterday by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno, and his urging members who share his views on the leadership to do the same.
During the meeting, Sri Gading MP Mohamed Aziz represented all Umno MPs present in assuring Abdullah that they would remain with the party.
Said Mohd Nazri: "The departure of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will only make Umno stronger. This is not new and no one in Umno will want to see the party collapse."
He said 95% of the 78 MPs from Umno attended the meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Umno vice-president, were abroad on official duty.
Mahathir's son, Datuk Mukhriz, who is Jerlun MP, was absent at the meeting. Nazri said the party did not want him to feel bad over his father's decision. Mukhriz held a press conference in the evening to announce that he would stay put in Umno.
[More at http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22493]
Opposition Wants Azalina Be Referred To Rights And Privileges Committee - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was not only bombarded with questions by angry opposition lawmakers, but some even demanded that she be referred to the parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for giving confusing answers in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.
The lawkers claimed that Azalina had discriminated against the five Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states with regards to tourism programmes.
The atmosphere became heated up when Azalina denied that her ministry had dropped tourism programmes in the five states after the March 8 general election, while actually, she said, the programmes had and would be carried out with active promotion by her ministry and Tourism Malaysia.
"In Kedah, the Visit Malaysia Year Go Green drive will be held from Aug 21 to 24, while in Kelantan, the Pesta Nasi 100 will run from July 9 to 11. This shows that the ministry still includes such events in the tourism calendar," she said in winding-up the debate for her ministry on the royal address.
However, some opposition lawmakers were unhappy with her answers and stood up several times to seek clarification but Azalina gave no way and continued with her winding-up speech.
The situation became even more heated up when Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) suggested that Azalina be immediately referred to the parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee under Section 36 (12) of the Standing Order for giving confusing answers.
His motion was supported by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who said: "The minister came to confuse this august House. This should not be allowed. That is why Section 36(12) needs to be amended for the first time as presently a minister can abuse the parliamentary privileges."
However, Mohamed Azmin's motion was rejected by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee as he said, the minister had replied to the issues and queries and any disagreement did not require Azalina to be referred to the committee.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334247]
Ku Li: I’ll stay to fight Abdullah - The Star
By Nik Khusairy Ibrahim
ALOR STAR: Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah will remain in Umno to challenge Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the party presidency and also to clean up the party.
The Gua Musang MP also said he would never form a pact with the Opposition to set up a new government even if Umno was battered by internal conflict.
“I have my own party. Why must I quit the party? I will remain in the party to challenge the president (Abdullah) and will fight to clean up the party,” he said yesterday after opening a gathering organised by the Kedah Malay Unity Organisation.
He said he had no plan to work out a pact with Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I am not in contact with Anwar. There is no reason for me to form a pact with the Opposition,” he added.
Razaleigh said he was shocked by Dr Mahathir quitting the “new Umno” that he formed 21 years ago.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/20/nation/21301499&sec=nation]
Nik Aziz happy with Dr M’s move - The Star
By Ian McIntyre
KOTA BARU: Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was the “happiest politician alive” after he was told that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had decided to leave Umno.
Nik Aziz, who is also PAS spiritual adviser, however opened the door for Dr Mahathir to join the Islamist party because he was a strong leader with principles and a sharp mind, which would be beneficial to PAS.
However, he said it was not a formal invitation but Dr Mahathir should join PAS of his own accord.
He said the news would rejuvenate PAS members and “inspire” Umno members to leave, as the party was no longer relevant.
He said Dr Mahathir should have left Umno a long time ago and chosen Islam as the platform for his political struggle.
He said he admired Dr Mahathir for his intelligence and comforting speeches but the problem was that he followed secularism governance.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/20/nation/21298608&sec=nation]
PAS man lit the ‘resignation’ fuse - The Star
ALOR STAR: The man who challenged Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno is actually PAS member Ismail Wan Teh.
Ismail was wearing a non-governmental organisation’s hat when he asked Dr Mahathir if he would be willing to quit Umno as a sign of protest against Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership.
Ismail, the Kedah Citizens’ Action Group deputy chairman, asked the question based on Dr Mahathir’s call to Umno members to resign en masse as a show of no-confidence in Abdullah.
Ismail asked if Dr Mahathir were willing to quit, as it would have a major impact on Umno.
Dr Mahathir who was probably not aware that Ismail was a PAS member, said it sounded like a challenge.
“I will leave Umno until Abdullah’s leadership is ended,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/20/nation/21301873&sec=nation]
'Quitting may well reflect his guilt' - NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed is ruining the party which kept him in power for 22 years, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said.
The Bukit Gelugor member of parliament said Dr Mahathir was "unabashedly" showing his true colours.
"He has brought upon himself the ominous act of resigning from Umno with a view, obviously, to destabilise the government of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"Dr Mahathir has shown that he is incapable of becoming a statesman. He has been and remains a gutter politician."
Karpal said Dr Mahathir, identified by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip as one of six personalities to be investigated, was the Barisan Nasional chairman and prime minister at the time the alleged offences were committed.
"He should be brave enough to remain an Umno member until he clears his name. Dr Mahathir should not panic and desert his party now.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/2244863/Article/index_html]
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mahathir quits Umno - TheStarOnline.tv
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad quits Umno. He made the announcement in Alor Star during a talk Monday.
PM shocked by Dr M's decision - Malaysiakini.tv
Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was shocked by his predecessor's decision to quit the party but will not meet him personally to ask him to reconsider the decision.
Dr M quits Umno after accepting ‘dare’ to be first to resign - NST
By : Noor Adzman Baharuddin & Adib Povera
ALOR STAR, Mon:
After goading Umno members today to temporarily resign from Umno as a sign of protest against the party president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took up a “dare” to take the lead by resigning from the party he had been a founding member of since 1946. However, he implored Umno members taking up his challenge not to join any other party and remain independent, at least until the Umno leadership was determined (after the December party elections). He indicated that he will only rejoin the party when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down as Umno president.
Dr Mahathir, an Umno life member, was answering questions from the floor after giving a talk at a forum entitled 'Future of the Malays after the 12th General Election' at the Star City Hotel in Alor Star, organised by the Kedah Malay Assembly Hall, when a member of the audience asked him if he would take the lead in quitting Umno.
Identifying himself as Ismail Jaziz, he asked Dr Mahathir if he would take the lead since he had mooted the idea. To this, Dr Mahathir, in a serious tone said: “Waa, saya di cabar ni…(looks like I have been dared). Yes, I will leave Umno...until the party leadership is determined. Other Umno members should follow me.”
Loud cheers erupted from the 1,500 attendees, which included assembly chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad, Jerlun Umno division chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Ariffin, State Assemblyman for Kuala Nerang Datuk Syed Sobri Syed Hashim, State Assemblywoman for Sungai Tiang Suraya Yaacob and former Kedah Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.
"Malays, Umno members and many other people have sent Abdullah messages to express dissatisfaction with his leadership, especially after the March 8 general election but he remains unaffected. We have to be radical and brave and this is the only way to bring him down," he said.
It is not immediately clear if his son, Datuk Mukhriz, also the MP for Jerlun and an Umno Youth Exco member, would follow suit. Another of Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Mokhzani, was reported as saying that his father's decision was a “sign of no confidence” in Abdullah’s leadership.
[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/20080519144540/Article/index_html]
I Will Continue To Discuss Umno Leadership Transition With Party President - Najib - Bernama
From Abdul Muin Abdul Majid
SHARM-EL-SHEIKH (Egypt), May 19 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he would continue to discuss with Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on efforts to strengthen the party and the issue of Umno's leadership transition, which had been touched on by Abdullah himself.
The Umno deputy president said he hoped all Umno members would remain calm following former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's sudden decision to quit Umno on Monday and urged them to have faith in the current leadership to reform the party.
Najib, who is also the chairman of Umno's management committe, said he had contacted Abdullah himself and several other leaders over the matter.
Speaking to Malaysian journalists covering his attendance at the World Economic Forum for the Middle East here, he said he was shocked and saddened by the decision by Dr Mahathir.
"Tun Dr Mahathir's contributions to Umno and the country are immeasurable," he said.
Dr Mahathir, who joined Umno in 1946, announced the quit decision at a political function in Alor Star.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334033]
Opposition Stunned By Dr M's Sudden Decision To Quit Umno - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Leaders of opposition parties were startled by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's sudden decision to resign from Umno today but welcomed it.
In KOTA BAHARU, PAS spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said although it caught him by surprise, he was the most happy by the decision as it would give PAS greater impetus to widen its political influence.
The Kelantan Menteri Besar said he respected Dr Mahathir as a statesman who was respected worldwide and a great leader who brought much progress for the nation.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Pulau Melaka, Kota Baharu, Nik Abdul Aziz said he held Dr Mahathir in high esteem for standing up to the West over the issue of Palestine and Israel for the problems in the Middle East.
He added that PAS would welcome him if he were to join the party as his knowledge and experience could help bring it to even greater heights.
In PENANG, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Dr Mahathir's decision to quit Umno would be a gigantic political earthquake besetting the party after the political tsunami of March 8.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334030]
BN Component Leaders' Reaction To Dr Mahathir's Announcement - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Several Barisan Nasional (BN) component leaders gave different reactions to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's announcement on Monday that he is quitting Umno.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said Dr Mahathir's decision would not help Umno and the BN. He hoped Dr Mahathir would reconsider the decision quit because the BN was facing various challenges, he said.
Ong who is Housing and Local Government Minister said he was sad over Dr Mahathir's surprise move. "We do not want more problems or to cause problems," he said.
"Our country needs stability and not uncertainties. His decision will trigger adverse pressures on the people and foreign investors," he told reporters in Ipoh.
MCA vice president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he hoped UMNO would able to resolve and handle the current situation following Dr Mahathir announcement.
Gerakan vice-president Datuk Chang Ko Youn said he felt Dr Mahathir's decision to quit Umno was "a bit too hasty".
"In my opinion, it is not good for the BN. Any unhappiness, he should settle it within Umno," he told Bernama.
MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, meanwhile, refused to comment on Dr Mahathir's move because, he said, it was Umno's internal problem.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334027]
No Intention To Quit Umno, Says Tengku Razaleigh - Bernama
ALOR STAR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said he would not follow Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision of quitting Umno although he opined that it might be a good decision to make Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi realise.
The Gua Musang Member of Parliament said he had no intention of leaving Umno and would contest the party president's post in December.
"If I quit the party, I can't contest the post," he told reporters after attending a gathering organised by the Kedah Malays Unity Organisation, here Monday.
Tengku Razaleigh said he sympathised with Dr Mahathir who had to quit the party in what he regarded was a sad situation.
"Dr Mahathair should not have made that decision, but what to do? He must have felt that there was no better way than to quit the party."
Tengku Razaleigh said he believed that Dr Mahathir made that decision because he was very angry with Abdullah for refusing to step down after repeatedly being told to do so.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334026]
Majority Of Umno Members Will Remain Loyal To My Leadership, Says Abdullah - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says he will not give in to pressure by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign as prime minister and Umno president.
The prime minister said he was confident the majority of Umno members would continue to remain loyal with the present leadership.
Abdullah, in his reaction to the former prime minister's sudden announcement Monday that he was quitting Umno with immediate effect, however admitted that his predecessor's decision would have some impact on Umno, with some members following Dr Mahathir's move to leave the party.
"I hope the majority of Umno members will continue to remain loyal to Umno as it had contributed immensely to the Malays, the country and all the races," he told reporters after launching MSC Malaysia Sarawak Initiative at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Abdullah, who was shocked over the sudden announcement by Dr Mahathir, who has been an Umno member since its formative year in 1946, hoped party members would remain calm in facing the latest development in Umno, the backbone of the Barisan Nasional (BN).
"I was shocked when I heard Tun's decision...I think when Tun has made a decision, he doesn't care anymore," he said.
[More at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=334019]
Dr M, Sanusi quit Umno - The Star
ALOR STAR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and veteran party man Tan Sri Sanusi Junid announced Monday that they are quitting Umno.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced this on Monday at 12.35pm, citing a lack of confidence in the current leadership.
"I am quitting Umno today," he told about 1,000 people, mostly Kedah Umno members, at a talk here on Monday.
"I will write a letter to Umno headquarters to inform that I have quit the party," he said.
He has been critical of his appointed successor Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, blaming the current Umno president for the party's disappointing performance in the 12th general election.
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, of which Umno is the largest component party, won the March 8 election with a simple majority, and saw four more states join Kelantan under Opposition rule.
Dr Mahathir urged other party members to quit too, as a way of pressuring Abdullah into vacating his post.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/19/nation/20080519125538&sec=nation]
Duri dalam daging sudah terkeluar - Musa Hitam - Utusan
KUALA LUMPUR 19 Mei – Bekas Timbalan Presiden UMNO, Tun Musa Hitam menyifatkan tindakan Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad meninggalkan UMNO bererti ‘duri dalam daging sudah terkeluar’.
Walaupun mengakui sedih dan berdukacita dengan tindakan Dr. Mahathir itu, tetapi katanya, ia memberikan peluang kepada pucuk pimpinan memperkukuhkan kembali parti.
“Saya berasa sedih dan dukacita mendengar berita Dr. Mahathir keluar daripada UMNO, lebih lagi dalam waktu UMNO menghadapi keadaan yang sangat-sangat mencabar sekarang.
“Bagaimanapun, ahli-ahli UMNO harus menerimanya dengan hati terbuka dan tenang, tentu ada hikmahnya di sini, duri dalam daging sudah terkeluar,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian melalui satu sistem pesanan ringkas (SMS) kepada Utusan Malaysia, di sini hari ini.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0519&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_12.htm]
Dr M's Quit Decision Draws Varied Reaction - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The sudden decision by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno today has received all kinds of reaction with many saying it would not help resolve the problems the party is currently facing.
Tourism Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said said apart from not helping improve the situation in Umno it would give the opposition "more ammunition".
"The prolems in Umno should be seen as a "family matter" and resolved in the family spirit," she said in a statement here.
Dr Mahathir announced his quit decision at a lunchtime gathering with about 1,000 Kedah Umno members in Alor Star and said that he would only return to Umno if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badwai steps down as the prime minister and Umno president.
In KANGAR, the Perlis Umno liaison committee urged Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
Its information head Datuk Hashim Suboh said if there were weaknesses in the party, these were leadership problems and not the fault of the party, which Dr Mahathir had built to be strong and respected.
"The grassroots gave the party leadership and the government a clear message in the March 8 general-election and efforts to rehabilitate Umno has started.
"As such Tun (Dr Mahathir) should not run away but continue with his fight to put Umno back on the right footing," said Hashim, who is also Kangar Umno deputy chief.
He added that if Abdullah was the problem, it was better to let the party's processes to take their course.
[From http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=333969]
Jaminan kerajaan pertahan Raja - Utusan
KAHERAH 19 Mei – Kerajaan memberi jaminan akan terus mempertahankan kedudukan Raja-Raja, orang Melayu, agama Islam dan bahasa Malaysia seperti yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak menegaskan, tiada sesiapa termasuk pemimpin politik berhak mempermain-mainkan keistimewaan itu.
Sambil menyifatkan keempat-empat perkara itu sebagai `sendi' dan `tiang seri' kepada Malaysia, beliau berkata, peruntukan seperti itu tidak seharusnya dipersoal atau dipolitikkan.
Beliau menarik perhatian ini kerana ada kecenderungan akhir-akhir ini di kalangan sesetengah pihak mempersoalkan perkara yang sepatutnya tidak boleh dan tidak patut dipertikaikan oleh sesiapa sekalipun.
``Janganlah sesiapa cuba mempermainkan perkara seperti ini kerana ia boleh mencetuskan sesuatu yang tidak diingini dalam negara kita.
``Kerajaan yang ada hari ini akan tetap mempertahankan peruntukan yang sudahpun termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Malaysia," katanya.
[More at http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=0519&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_04.htm]
Malaysia ex-PM quits ruling party - Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday he had quit the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), media reported, a move that could weaken the ruling coalition.
The Star newspaper, which reported the announcement in its text service, gave no details.
Mahathir, a staunch critic of his hand-picked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, announced the resignation three days after the government ordered the attorney-general to investigate him and five others over the appointment of judges while he was in power.
Analysts said Mahathir, who ruled the country for 22 years until 2003, was apparently upset over the allegations.
"His departure can bring harm to UMNO and weaken PM's leadership," said political analyst Yahya Ismail.
Mahathir said at the weekend he was willing to be investigated and taken to court over the allegations.
[From http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKKLR14546620080519]
Malays are not losing political power, says Mat Taib - The Star
SELAMA: The issue of Malays losing political power in the country should not arise as the people have given the mandate to Barisan Nasional to lead the country, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said.
The Umno information chief said the people had picked Barisan, which comprises Umno, MCA and MIC and other parties.
“As long as the power is given by the people, we will carry it out. The matter of disintegrating Malay leadership should not arise at all because the people have given the (leadership) power to the ruling party,” he said Sunday in Bagan Bharu, Selama, in Perak.
Muhammad Taib was commenting on a statement made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who said that the Malays' grip on political power had been loosened to a point where non-Malays no longer respected them and their institutions.
“Even though Barisan Nasional has lost in a few states, it does not mean the people no longer supported Barisan to lead the country,” said Muhammad Taib.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/19/nation/21294264&sec=nation]
Govt ‘not muzzling media’ - The Star
By Hah Foong Lian
LUMUT: Police probes into several newspapers for publishing the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on the V.K. Lingam video clip before it was made public is not aimed at curbing press freedom, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.
“The Government has the right to protect certain classified information before making a public disclosure,” he said Sunday after closing a Lumut Umno convention here, about 90km from Ipoh.
He said the commission was set up by the Government and that its findings would eventually be made public.
However, he said it would be proper for the findings to go to the Cabinet first before being made public.
He cautioned that there could be other government secrets such as matters pertaining to security and military that could have been leaked to the public.
“We don’t know where the leak is. It could be from the journalists who used their investigative intuition or the printers or the officers involved,” he said.
[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/19/nation/21294909&sec=nation]
