No-confidence motion rejected, Opposition MPs walk out - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia rejected an emergency motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Cabinet, which prompted a walkout by Opposition MPs.

The motion was filed by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail last Thursday.

It was filed as a non-voting motion under Standing Orders 18 (1) and (2).

The motion was rejected in the Speaker's chambers under Standing Order 18 (7). Dr Wan Azizah was informed via a letter.

The matter was not brought up in Dewan.

The motion was rejected by the Speaker due to the "wrong choice of words."

The Opposition MPs walked out after their appeal for him to review his decision was rejected.

Pakatan Rakyat leaders said they were disappointed with Pandikar Amin's rejection of their emergency motion.

They also condemned the police roadblocks across the city, saying the action was "unjustifiable."

[More at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/14/nation/20080714122501&sec=nation]

No Change Of Government On September 16, Says Shahrir - Bernama

JOHOR BAHARU, July 13 (Bernama)-- Umno members should not be hoodwinked into believing Pakatan Rakyat's claim that it would take over the federal government on Sept 16.

Johor Baharu Umno division chief Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the change of government would not be realised as the opposition pact had yet to form a shadow cabinet.

"The only decision they have at the moment is to make (Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the prime minister," he said when opening the delegates meetings of the Johor Baharu division's Wanita Umno branches at Kampung Melayu Majidee here Sunday.

Shahrir, who is also domestic trade and consumer affairs minister, said to enable a shadow cabinet to be formed, the country needed a two-party system but this would not happen in the country as the opposition parties were divided.

"As such, don't give too much attention to them," he said, adding that whatever happened in other countries, would not occur here.

This, Shahrir said, was because of the differences in the civilisations and environment while the country's administration was in order.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=345874]

PM: Malaysia's economy is stable - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's economy is stable even though the country is faced with global crises such as the increase in fuel and food prices, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"It's stable overall. There is nothing to worry about. We continue to attract foreign investment and we are still a preferred investment destination," the prime minister said.

Malaysia's economy also received positive feedback from other countries, most recently during the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D8) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, last week, he told Bernama and RTM Radio in an interview at Sri Perdana, the prime minister's official residence, Sunday.

The D8 comprises Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Turkey and Malaysia.

Abdullah said the country's image was also intact, saying, "Those who view Malaysia objectively, it is still good. But those connected to (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim), they would see things differently."

Asked what would be among his priorities from now until the handing over of power to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June 2010, Abdullah said he wanted to see the development of the five economic corridors speeded up.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/13/nation/20080713154501&sec=nation]

Repeat of 2004 election results possible, says PM - The Star

By V.P. Sujata

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has confidence that Malaysians can help Barisan Nasional win big in the next general election similar to the 2004 historical victory.

He also stated that the disastrous results of the March election was a blessing in disguise, adding that there was a lesson to be learnt from it all.

He suggested that if Malaysians could change their attitude and refuse to be beaten, repeating the historical 2004 general elections results was possible.

"I'm used to making history that leaders before me had not achieved.

"The 2004 general election was the best but the 2008 result was the worst which no leader before me had achieved," he said.

Together with positive thinking, he said, the implementation of objectives should also be in order to succeed.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/12/nation/20080712202446&sec=nation]

Anwar: BN will fall before Najib takes over - NST

SEREMBAN: Parti Keadilan de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Barisan Nasional government would fall before Datuk Seri Najib Razak can take over in 2010.

"Let me assure you, in two months' time, people won't be able to handle the current economic situation and many will revolt," he told a ceramah crowd last night.

Switching from his usual promise of imminent defections, Anwar said the government would be brought down by unrest resulting from the sharp increase in fuel prices.

Since the June 4 hike, small protests have taken place sporadically, culminating in a Pakatan Rakyat bash at the Kelana Jaya stadium last Sunday which failed to attract a large crowd.

In George Town, DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Abdullah had been forced to step down because of his weakened position.

In Kota Baru, Pas spiritual leader and Kelantan menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said it made no difference to him that Najib would take over as prime minister.

Abdullah had made the announcement at a special Umno meeting on Thursday.

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2291775/Article/index_html]

Immigration chief and six others arrested for alleged graft - The Star

By Lourdes Charles

PUTRAJAYA: Immigration Department director-general Datuk Wahid Md Don and six others, including two businessmen, have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Agency for alleged graft.

It is learnt that ACA officers from the agency’s headquarters here seized about RM500,000 from all of them including more than RM100,000 found in Wahid’s Jalan Duta house.

The seven, aged between 35 and 64, were arrested at various locations in the Klang Valley during a major operation which started on Tuesday and ended on Thursday.

Sources said the ACA officers arrested Wahid at 10.30pm on Thursday, shortly after he was alleged to have received some RM60,000 from a runner purportedly for a deal involving the issuance of work permits and extensions.

ACA director of investigations Datuk Shukri Abdul said seven people had been arrested including a director-general of a government department.

“We are investigating them for alleged involvement in the issuance of work permits to foreign workers,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/12/nation/21804916&sec=nation]

A Month-long Celebration To Mark Melaka's Listing In World Heritage List - Bernama

MELAKA, July 11 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government is organising a month-long celebration next month to commemorate Melaka's listing in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said several events were being planned for the purpose, including construction of an arch as a landmark.

He welcomed suggestions from the public on the location for the building of the arch.

"Tentatively, we choose August for the celebration in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration," he told reporters here Friday.

He said details on the programmes to be held would be discussed at the next state executive council meeting.

The inclusion of Melaka and Georgetown in Penang as world heritage sites was made on Monday in Quebec, Canada.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=345550]

Sapp MPs to back Pakatan's motion against PM - Malaysiakini

Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) parliamentarians Eric Enchin Majimbun and Chua Soon Bui have pledged their vote for an opposition motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In a short joint statement today, the duo said that are finally able to carry out their party's intention as announced by Sapp president Yong Teck Lee on June 18.

"This expression of support reiterates Sapp's loss of confidence in the prime minister and the need for urgent government measures to address issues on Sabah rights and current concerns (inflation) plaguing the state," read the statement issued late this evening.

Last month, Sapp rebelled against BN when its supreme council endorsed party president Yong Teck Lee's call for a no-confidence vote against Abdullah.

Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Chua (Tawau) have however not filed for any motions against the PM since Dewan Rakyat resumed late last month.

Instead, opposition leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) filed for an urgent motion of no-confidence against Abdullah on Thursday.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/85999]

Anti-Corruption Agency gets prosecution powers - Malaysiakini

The Anti-Corruption Agency has been granted full prosecution powers which will allow the agency to open a case and proceed with it until the matter is brought before the court.

At present, the agency has to refer its completed investigations to the Attorney-General's Chambers to decide on whether the case could be taken to court.

This dramatic change - which will give the agency more bite and do away with the long-held complaints of its lack of independence - was announced today in a brief statement by the ACA in Putrajaya.

The agency said that this new move would allow it to efficiently and effectively investigate corruption cases.

This will also remove the negative perception that it was the AG's Chambers that was delaying the prosecution of high-profile cases involving politically connected individuals.

The new powers will also boost the government's image in fighting corruption.

"Indirectly this will increase the people's trust in the ACA," said the statement.

[More at http://malaysiakini.com/news/85944]

Najib: It's not easy to willingly give up power - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday urged all Umno members to support the transition plan and continue to support his "boss" Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as president of Umno and prime minister.

For the first time, deputy president Najib addressed the 1,000-odd delegates at a special party meeting after Abdullah had spoken to them.

"It is strange for me to speak after the president. I hope this is the last time ever that I have to speak after the president," said Najib, who was visibly touched by Abdullah's announcement of the transition plan.

He said he was asked to speak after Abdullah "so that I could hear what he had to say and then frame my response".

"I am touched by the prime minister's willingness to fix a date for handing over power and I hope all Umno members will support this," he said to loud applause.

Najib told Umno members he had never asked Abdullah to set a date for handing over power.

"I left it to the prime minister. All I asked for was adequate time to make preparations."

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/2290960/Article/index_html]

Prime Minister to hand over power to Deputy Prime Minister in 2010 - TheStarOnline.tv

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to hand over power to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2010.

Abdullah to hand over power to Najib in 2010 - The Star

VIDEO: Prime Minister to hand over power to Deputy Prime Minister in 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Thursday that he will hand over the reigns of the government's leadership to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in mid 2010.

He said he would also hand over his chairmanship of Barisan Nasional to the Deputy Prime Minister and confirmed that he would not lead the coalition and Umno in the next general election.

However, Abdullah said he would defend his party president's post in the coming party elections in December and that he wanted Najib to remain his number two.

"I took the opportunity to inform the supreme council that I have reached an agreement with Datuk Seri Najib that I will not be leading the BN in the 13th general election.

"This means that we have to set in motion the process of transferring the power. The process would begin with this announcement that I plan to hand over the (Umno) president's post to Datuk Seri Najib by middle of 2010," he said after a special Umno briefing attended by divisional leaders and leaders of the party's Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/10/nation/20080710190351&sec=nation]

Pakatan files no-confidence motion - Malaysiakini

By Rahmah Ghazali

The opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition has today moved an urgent motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) filed the motion at the Dewan Rakyat speaker's office at 3.45pm.

Among others, the motion stated that the 12^th general election witnessed a 'political tsunami' which saw five states and the Federal Territories falling into the hands of the Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional being denied a two-thirds majority.

"BN achieved its slim victory by manipulating the Election Commission and through lies.

"The price of fuel was suddenly raised after the elections although the deputy premier - while launching the election manifesto - promised this would not happen.

"BN parliamentarians who rejected this irresponsible action of their leaders are threatened and forced not to speak out.

"This development has caused a crisis of confidence with the prime minister and his cabinet. The people are facing several crises such as an increase in the prices of fuel and foodstuff.

"In addition, the people's confidence in the police, attorney-general and judiciary is also on the decline. Crime and corruption is on the rise."

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/85871]

Disappearance of P. Balasubramaniam: Najib: We’re not responsible - NST

By : Ridzwan Abdullah and R. Sittamparam

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday denied charges that the authorities were behind the "disappearance" of private investigator P. Balasubramaniam and his family.

The deputy prime minister shrugged off the claims as baseless.

He was speaking to reporters at the launch of Ibrahim Pahlawan Melayu (Ibrahim, the Malay Warrior), a memoir narrating the life and experiences of former armed forces chief Gen (Rtd) Tun Ibrahim Ismail.

Najib, who is also defence minister, was asked on an ultimatum made by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for the government to "release" Balasubramaniam.

Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas, at a candlelight vigil held in Brickfields on Tuesday night, said Hindraf would organise a massive rally in three days' time if Balasubramaniam and his family were not released by then.

Responding to this, Najib replied: "Then I guess you have to ask them (Hindraf)."

Balasubramaniam made headlines last week with a statutory declaration linking Najib with the murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, but retracted it the next day.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/2290120/Article/index_html]

Govt to study increase of non-bumi PSD scholarship quota - The Star

By Izatun Shari

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will study the move by the Public Services Department to increase the scholarship quota for non-bumiputras to 45%.

"We will look at it first," Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told reporters Wednesday after launching a book titled Ibrahim Pahlawan Melayu written by former Armed Forces Chief Jen (Rtd) Tun Ibrahim Ismail at the Defence Ministry here.

Najib was asked to comment on the move by PSD to increase the scholarship quota for non-bumiputra from 10% to 45%, which had created dissatisfaction among certain quarters including the Federation of Peninsula Malay Students (GPMS).

GPMS president Datuk Reezal Naina Merican called for the Government to review the move saying that it should be re-evaluated and scrutinised thoroughly.

Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin who is MP for Rembau questioned the move saying that the quota was determined at the discretion of Yang di-Pertuan Agong who had the absolute power over the matter according to Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) vice chancellor Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Arshad, who is former education director also questioned the basis of the department's calculation when raising the quota and whether it considered the racial composition.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/9/nation/20080709140447&sec=nation]

Sodomy: Anwar turns to Syariah Court - Malaysiakini

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today turned to the Syariah court to clear his name over the sodomy allegation against him by his former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Anwar, who was accompanied by his wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, filed a complaint against Saiful with the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department.

His lawyers Kamar Ainiah Kamaruzaman and Ahmad Shabrimi Mohamed submitted the complaint this morning to Mohd Ajib, director of the syariah enforcement department.
“On the advice of ulama (Islamic scholars) and my lawyers, I have filed a complaint with the enforcement department of the Syariah Court to have them clear me and my family’s name of the malicious allegation,” Anwar told reporters.

"This slander is a major issue because it involves a sexual crime and the attempt is of course to mislead the Muslim population, to attack me and my character."

The complaint, referred to as qazaf in Islamic law, is to request a probe into ‘false allegations’ pertaining to adultery or sexual misconduct.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/85810]

Cops: Bala in Asean country - The Star

By Lourdes Charles and Andrew Sagayam

KUALA LUMPUR: Private investigator P. Balasubramaniam, who disappeared with his wife and three children last Friday, has been located.

Sources said police here with the help of Interpol traced his whereabouts to an Asean country but declined to name it or say when he would be brought back.

CID Director Comm Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin confirmed this but declined to reveal details.

It is learnt that the private investigator is fine and left the country on his own accord, contrary to reports and rumours that police were behind his sudden disappearance.

Last Thursday, Balasubramaniam rocked the nation with a statutory declaration alleging that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had an affair with murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu. He was then represented by lawyer Americk Singh Sidhu.

However, in a press conference called less than 24 hours later, he made a second statutory declaration retracting all those allegations. He even appeared with a new lawyer.

Immediately after the press conference, he left with that lawyer and was never seen or heard by anyone.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/9/nation/21777168&sec=nation]

Najib on clearing the air over Altantuya allegations - NSTP e-Media

Missing PI makes contact with nephew - Malaysiakini

By Andrew Ong

Private investigator P Balasubramaniam has finally broken his silence and made contact with his nephew R Kumaresan late last night via a short telephone call.

"He said he was okay, but could not talk freely," Kumaresan, who stressed this point several times.

Balasubramaniam, his wife and three children vanished without a trace last Friday following his retraction of a stunning statutory declaration which implicated Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Kumaresan, who is said to be very close to Balasubramaniam's family, said that he also managed to talk to the private eye's wife during the brief exchange, who also said that she was "okay".

However, Kumaresan said that he was still unaware of the whereabouts of his uncle and was coy when asked about further details of the conversation.

[More at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/85800]

翁诗杰：多元化思维未普及‧马华暂不宜开放门户 - Sin Chew Daily

（吉隆坡）马华副总会长拿督翁诗杰表示，马华还不是时候成为多元种族政党，它必须等待多元思维在党內普及化后，才有条件考虑是否开放门户给其他种族加入。

他表示，若马华在党內未进行转型前，就先开放门户，招徠其他种族，马华极大可能成为和民政党一样的政党。

恐步上民政党后尘

他指出，虽然民政党属於多元种族政党，但仍认为偏向华裔，而马华在此时开放门户，不给於党员调適的时间，无疑是步上民政党的后尘。

“马华必须在思维上开拓多元路线，在时机成熟时，不排除未来可能转型为多元种族政党。”

他週一（7日）晚上在“全民辩翻天”系列二，针对单元种族政党是否能走多元种族路线的议题指出，现在的马华必须维持单一种族格式，以全民的利益为依归，开拓更广的多元种族路线。

他说，不一定只有多元种族政党才能符合多元种族路线，一个政党是否能以全民的利益为依归，必须胥视该党是否能超越“零和心態”的政治格局。

[More at http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/73365]