Mukhriz questions timing of judge's allegations against dad - NST

By : Hamidah Atan

PUTRAJAYA, Thurs:

MP for Jerlun Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has questioned the timing of allegations of extra-judicial interference against his father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by a High Court judge.

Mukhriz, who is also Umno Youth exco member, said Datuk Ian Chin should have brought up the matter when his father was still the prime minister.

“Why only now he (Chin) decided to raise the issue when my father is no longer the prime minister and Barisan Nasional losing several states (to the opposition)? To me, he certainly has an agenda,” he said after a budget consultation session for BN backbenchers by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Finance Ministry today.

Mukhriz said he was very sure that his father would come up with his own defence.

Chin had claimed that Dr Mahathir threatened to punish the judiciary for decisions he did not like in 1997. The Borneo Post reported that Chin made the stunning allegation at the start of proceedings on Monday when hearing an election petition filed by Wong Hus She, the defeated DAP candidate for the Sarikei parliamentary seat.

Anticipating a motion for him to be recused, Chin took the “step to disclose what the parties and counsel may not be aware of but which they may later complain that I should have disclosed”. Wong lost the Sariket seat to Barisan Nasional’s Ding Kuong Hing by 51 votes.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/20080612173654/Article/index_html]

Exclusive interview with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - TheStarOnline.tv

Mahathir explain his chances and achievement three weeks after quiting Umno.

Dr M: Arrest me if you have proof - The Star

LANGKAWI: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the police can arrest him if they had evidence on allegations that he had threatened judges.

“I have no power now. If they want to investigate, okay, fine. I can face it.

“If I am wrong, okay, they can arrest me,” he said upon his arrival at the Langkawi Airport here Thursday.

“They can investigate me. I want to know the truth,” he said.

Dr Mahathir was responding to a police report lodged against him by DAP chairman Karpal Singh following High Court Judge Justice Ian Chin’s claim that the former premier had threatened to remove judges by referring them to a tribunal.

Justice Chin had alleged that Dr Mahathir had issued a thinly-veiled threat to judges during a Judges Conference on April 24, 1997.

Dr Mahathir said those in power now could do what they like.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/12/nation/20080612211520&sec=nation]

Karpal files police report against Dr M - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyer Karpal Singh lodged a police report against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed yesterday over allegations that the former prime minister had interfered with the judiciary during his tenure.

Karpal who is also Bukit Gelugor MP, lodged the report at the Tun H. S. Lee police station here yesterday evening.

In the report, Karpal said if the allegations made by the High Court judge was true, then it amounted to an offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code, amounting to obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties.

Karpal also called for an emergency session of parliament to debate on the allegations made by Chin.

"The session must be called to regain public confidence in the judiciary," he said.

Karpal also questioned why it took Chin 11 years before coming out with this allegation.

He also hit out at the other judges who attended the same conference on April 24, 1997, for remaining silent.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/2265191/Article/index_html]

Mahathir: I will respond in due time - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will refrain from commenting on the revelations made by High Court judge Justice Datuk Ian Chin for now.

He said in his blog that he would do so “in due time”.

“However, I am quite curious about what Ian Chin considers as veiled threats. Perhaps he could be more specific, as his allegations are very serious,” Dr Mahathir said.

Meanwhile, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam said judges should emulate Justice Chin’s recent action should the situation demand.

He said Justice Chin’s actions demonstrated the integrity of the judiciary system.

“Let us hope that this is the start of a more transparent, independent and impartial Malaysian Judiciary,” Vijayaratnam said in a statement.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/12/nation/21524142&sec=nation]

Judges boot camp shocker: No Royal Commission, says PM - The Star

By Mazwin Nik Anis & Sim Leoi Leoi

PUTRAJAYA: There is no need to set up another Royal Commission of Inquiry on the latest allegation levelled by a high court judge against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this was because the Government had already decided to reform the judiciary.

“We are going to implement the reforms. Tak habis-habis dengan cerita ini (The matter seems to be dragging on). I don’t see a reason for another commission,” he told reporters at his office here on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister was asked to comment on a statement by High Court Judge Justice Ian Chin who claimed that Dr Mahathir had threatened to remove judges by referring them to a tribunal during a Judges Conference in on April 24, 1997.

He alleged that fellow judge Muhammad Kamil Awang had told him of receiving a call from the then Chief Justice asking him to dismiss an election petition that he was to preside over in Kota Kinabalu.

Justice Chin, who is currently the Sibu High Court Judge, had twice unsuccessfully stood for a parliamentary and later for a state seat in Sabah in the 1980s under the Barisan Nasional banner.


[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/11/nation/20080611205005&sec=nation]

No More Fuel Price Hike This Year, Says PM - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 11 (Bernama) -- The prices of petrol and diesel will not be raised any more this year so as to ease the burden on the people, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Wednesday.

The prime minister said this decision was made though the global oil price was expected to soar in the coming months.

The current prices of fuel would be maintained even if the global oil price reaches US$200 a barrel this year, he told a news conference at his office here.

Abdullah said the government had not set a ceiling for the global oil price in the future in deciding to keep to its assurance on retaining the current fuel prices for this year.

He said the government was aware that the people were striving to adjust to the current situation of high fuel prices.

Last Wednesday, the government announced an increase of 78 sen or 41 per cent in the price of petrol, from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre, and an increase of RM1 or 63 per cent in the price of diesel, from RM1.58 to RM2.58 per litre. The prices took effect on Thursday.

These are pump prices, and the government is still subsidising petrol at 30 sen per litre, otherwise the market price of petrol in the country will be RM3.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=338819]

Justice Ian Chin tells of threats and indoctrination attempt - The Star

PETALING JAYA: A High Court judge here revealed that a former prime minister had threatened judges. Justice Datuk Ian H. C. Chin also said he and selected judges were sent to a boot camp to ensure they got the message.

Justice Chin said this before hearing an election petition challenging the results of the Sarikei parliamentary seat which was won by a Barisan Nasional candidate by just 51 votes.

In a report in the Borneo Post yesterday, that comes hot on the heels of the findings of the Royal Commission on the V.K. Lingam video clip, Justice Chin said the threat from the former prime minister came after he handed down two judgments in 1997.

One was a judgment on a libel case involving MGG Pillai and Tan Sri Vincent Tan where he refused to give what he considered to be an astronomical award.

Justice Chin said the other judgment was in an election petition on Bukit Bangunan in the Sri Aman Division that he ruled in favour of Independent candidate Donald Lawan against Barisan Nasional candidate Mong Dagang.

“Shortly after the two judgments, the Judges Conference was held from April 24, 1997 where the then prime minister issued a thinly veiled threat to remove judges by referring them to a tribunal and stating that, though it may be difficult to do so, it was still done.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/11/nation/21512634&sec=nation]

Muhyiddin: APs to be retained - Malaysiakini.tv

Minister of International Trade and Industry Muhyiddin Yassin today surprised everyone when he said that the government was retaining the Approved Permits (AP) policy for the next ten to eleven years.

PM: More funds to develop infrastructures in Sarawak - TheStarOnline.tv

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced that an additional RM1 billion to fund basic infrastructure projects in Sarawak. He said this during a visit to Kuching, Sarawak Tuesday.

Panel: No evidence of MCA 'snoop squad' - The Star

By Ng Si Hooi & Ng Cheng Yee

KUALA LUMPUR: The panel set up to investigate allegations of a snoop squad to purge dissidents in the MCA has found no basis to the allegations.

The panel comprising party veterans Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum and Tan Sri Michael Chen and senior lawyer Roger Tan also concluded that party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and other leaders were not involved in the setting up of the alleged three-man snoop squad.

The allegation by Petaling Jaya Utara MCA division adviser Wong Leong that RM10,000 a month was paid to Tee Ann Chuan, the man in the centre of the snoop squad, was found to be unproven.

The investigating panel presented their findings to the presidential council at MCA headquarters here on Tuesday. The summary has been posted on the MCA website (www.mca.org.my).

MCA deputy president Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy read out a statement, on behalf of the presidential council later, expressing “its disapproval, in the strongest terms, over the allegations and unfair accusations that had been made against the party and its leaders.”

"The council warns members against making further statements pertaining to the case as the inquiry has proven there has been no basis to such claims.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/10/nation/20080610203208&sec=nation]

Sanusi Junid sacked as IIU president - The Star

By Karen Chapman

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Sanusi Junid has been "relieved of his duties" as International Islamic University Malaysia president with immediate effect.

In his second term now and with two more years to serve, he said he received the letter, dated June 2, on Monday.

The letter was from the Sultan of Pahang, the constitutional head of the university, Sanusi said.

He had previously said he would not step down from the post, which he considered part of his “duty to God and service to the people.”

The former Kedah Mentri Besar said there had been speculation over his post after he had resigned from Umno, following former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation on May 19.

On June 1, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khalid Nordin that there was no reason for Sanusi’s services to be terminated unless he “played politics” at campus.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/10/nation/20080610183357&sec=nation]

Rebates for vehicle owners from Saturday - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Those who renewed their road tax in April and May and are eligible for cash rebates can get the payment from all post offices beginning Saturday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said although the Government had announced that cash rebates could only be collected beginning July 1, it had decided to bring forward the date.

“This is because we want to ease the burden of the rakyat. Detailed information on the actual procedure will be announced soon,” he told reporters after chairing the first National Inflation Council meeting at his office here yesterday.

On June 4, Abdullah had announced the new fuel price of RM2.70 a litre for petrol and RM2.58 a litre for diesel.

In line with this, private vehicles of engine capacity of 2,000cc and below will enjoy a RM625 rebate, which will be paid to them upon renewal of their road tax.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/10/nation/21504252&sec=nation]

PM announces government cost cutting measures - TheStarOnline.tv

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced cost cutting measures to save the government two billion ringgit this year. Other measures include freezing the creation of new posts, cutting down on functions at hotels, and curbing purchases of assets like cars, furniture and computers.

Ministers' Entertainment Allowance Reduced By 10 Per Cent - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 9 (Bernama) -- The entertainment allowance for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers will be reduced by 10 percent effective July 1, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday.

The move is part of the austerity measures to save public spending amounting to RM2 billion anually which include the freezing of paid leave for members of the Cabinet, aspects on travels for ministers, deputy ministers, government officers abroad, prohibiting renovation works on offices, the postponement in asset purchases and the holding of official functions.

"The government too feels the hardship faced by the people and felt that the leadership must show a good example in facing this challenge," he told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the Council on Tackling Inflation, here.

Abdullah said the savings of RM2 billion would be utilised to assist the lower-income groups.

Currently, the monthly entertainment allowance for the Prime Minister is RM18,865, Deputy Prime Minister (RM15,015), Federal Ministers (RM12,320) and Deputy Ministers (RM6,000).

Abdullah said the austerity drive in government spending was being carried out following the rise in prices for fuel and food.


[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=338320]

Malaysia cuts ministers' allowances, delays projects - Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, trying to assuage public anger over a steep hike in fuel prices, said on Monday government ministers would take a 10 percent cut in allowances.
Abdullah also said that ministers' overseas holidays would be reduced and mega projects delayed to save costs.

Together the measures will result in a saving of 2 billion ringgit, ($613 million), he told reporters after a meeting on ways to cushion the impact of high fuel prices.

"The government also feels the people's pain and the top leadership should lead by example in facing this challenge. As such, the entertainment allowance for the prime minister, deputy prime minister and ministers and deputy ministers will be reduced by 10 percent," he said.

Spiralling crude oil prices have driven up the cost of some states' fuel subsidies to near crippling levels.

Malaysia followed India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Sri Lanka last week, raising pump prices and provoking a public outcry and protests by opposition groups. On Monday, Nepal's government said it had sanctioned a rise in fuel prices, and truckers in South Korea vowed to stop work over the high cost of diesel.

Abdullah said the decision to increase the price of fuel was a difficult one, but there had been no choice.

[More at http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080609/3/3kkrj.html]

Private universities, colleges to be audited - The Star

By Muguntan Vanar

KOTA KINABALU: A grading system for private universities and colleges will be in place soon once all of the establishments are audited, Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said.

He said the ministry since May this year had begun an "establishment audit" on 200 private institutions of higher education including 37 private universities in the country in efforts to ensure that their courses are of quality and followed various regulations.

Dr Hou said the establishment audit would see 120 of such institutions undergoing a full scope audit where officers would go on the ground to check various facilities while the remaining 80 institutions would have to submit their details to the ministry.

"We will be looking at their staff, their courses, student intake, examination process, management and financial capability among others," he told reporters Monday after a meeting with senior executives of private colleges and universities here.

Private audit firm Ernst & Young has been appointed to work with the ministry for the establishment audit programme.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/9/nation/20080609152123&sec=nation]

Anwar: Defections to proceed as planned - Malaysiakini.tv

PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim today said that the Sept 16 deadline for a high number of BN MPs to defect to Pakatan Rakyat remained on target.

Rais: More should rap quota for Umno polls - The Star

By Sarban Singh

KUALA KLAWANG: Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Rais Yatim is upset that party members have not come out to openly express unhappiness with the quota system for those wishing to contest posts in the party's top decision-making body.

Rais, who had indicated interest in contesting the vice presidency in the November party polls, said members should be brave and let the leadership know if they were unhappy with the system.

“Since not many are coming out to oppose the system, there are no signs that it would be abolished,” he said.

"The only other leader who has spoken about abolishing the quota is (International Trade and Industry Minister and party vice president Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin). I must say that I am quite unhappy about this."

Under the quota system, a candidate wishing to contest the presidency must obtain nominations from 30% of the 191 divisions, while those vying for the deputy president’s post should bag at least 20%. Those going for the vice presidency must get 10% and for a supreme council seat, 5%.

Rais, who is also Foreign Minister, said the need to retain or abolish the quota syetem was also discussed during the two-day retreat in Shah Alam for supreme council members last week.

The Jelebu MP however conceded that the decision to abolish or retain the quota system should be decided by party members.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/8/nation/20080608203418&sec=nation]

Rising fuel prices: Mega projects to be reviewed - The Star

By Yeng Ai Chun

BUTTERWORTH: The government will review some of the mega projects to reduce the country’s economic burden arising from the impact of the escalating global fuel price.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the review was one of the measures the government had to seriously look into to mitigate the rising fuel price.

“Projects planned by the government were based on the previous costs before the price increase. These projects might cost more now and we need to look over them again.

“But the government would still go ahead with people-friendly (mesra rakyat) projects that bring benefits to the people.

“We would look into everything before making a decision,” he said after launching the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary constituency service centre on Sunday.

On whether the second Penang bridge project would be affected, he said he did not know, adding that no decision had been made (as of Sunday) to cut any mega projects in Penang.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/8/nation/20080608201401&sec=nation]